Chapter 671 - 246: Exams Over
Chapter 671: Chapter 246: Exams Over
The Imperial Examination was somewhat stricter than the prefectural exams and the Provincial Examination. Firstly, the difficulty lay in the larger volume and higher complexity of the questions, testing the candidates much more comprehensively and deeply. The psychological pressure it placed on them was unprecedented. Secondly, although the Imperial Examination consisted of three sessions, there was no time allowed to go outside and rest in between. This meant the candidates had to stay in the examination hall for nine consecutive days.
Even though there was a brief break after each session where candidates could walk around the examination hall to stretch their limbs, most wouldn’t venture too far from their assigned cells for too long. For one, they feared their belongings might be tampered with; for another, they worried about absorbing negative energy or getting into conflicts with others. Since the time allowed to get some fresh air was limited, candidates spent the vast majority of their time in the examination hall confined to those tiny cells. The cells were low, cramped, and oppressive; to many candidates, they felt just like prison cages. Staying inside for extended periods was a massive test of one’s physical and psychological endurance.
Fortunately, Zhao Jing possessed extraordinary focus, top-tier patience, and a physical constitution that stood out remarkably among scholars. Thus, as long as the exam questions weren’t overly difficult, staying in the examination hall for nine days shouldn’t be too unbearable for him.
During those days of missing Zhao Jing, Sheng Saya brought Sheng Kaolin to the Capital City. The Xu family had dispatched De’an and Xu Yanlin early in the morning to receive them. Fearing her future daughter-in-law might feel slighted if no elders went to greet her, Xu Su Ying personally made a trip out of the city as well. She absolutely refused to admit that she was just feeling a bit stifled from staying in the manor for too long, and that riding a horse out of the city was good for her physical and mental health. She merely praised her daughter-in-law to the heavens, reasoning that such an excellent daughter-in-law warranted a personal reception from her mother-in-law to show proper respect.
Reuniting after many days apart, Sheng Saya’s eyes brimmed with excitement upon seeing everyone. She was somewhat unfamiliar with the Xu Family, having only met them a few times before. However, with Xu Su Ying, De’an, and his siblings present, their playful banter quickly helped Sheng Saya become well-acquainted with the Xu Family.
While dining together that evening, Sheng Saya said, "Actually, we were supposed to arrive in the Capital City in February, but Lian’er caught a fever on the way, so we had to stop and rest for a few days."
Hearing this, everyone was filled with deep concern. Lian’er was Sheng Mingchuan’s only son. If anything untoward were to happen to him, they could never compensate for it even if they sold themselves.
The old madam looked at Lian’er’s small silhouette through the folding screen and said pityingly, "No wonder I thought the child looked so listless. I assumed he was just feeling unwell from being separated from his parents. It turns out he suffered greatly on the road. The poor thing."
The old madam quickly gave orders to have an Imperial Physician brought in tomorrow to specifically check the siblings’ pulses and prescribe a gentle, nourishing remedy.
Not wanting to cause a fuss, Sheng Saya comforted the old madam, "There’s no need for such trouble. Before we headed to the Capital City, my father specifically hired a renowned physician to accompany us. The old doctor only went back after my brother and I arrived in the Capital City. Lian’er’s lack of energy is indeed partly due to the exhausting journey, but his overall health is fine. With good food, drink, and a few days of rest, he will surely recover..."
Sheng Saya and Lian’er’s courtyard had been arranged well in advance. Given that the siblings had just arrived in the Capital City, the family worried that Sheng Kaolin might feel frightened and panicked arriving at such a young age in an unfamiliar place. Therefore, they let him stay in the same courtyard as Sheng Saya for the time being. They planned to have him move to his own courtyard once they had spent more time at the Xu family’s home and everyone was more familiar with each other.
Despite his young age, Sheng Kaolin understood the principle that boys and girls should not sit at the same table upon reaching the age of seven. He was exactly seven this year. Having left his hometown, he naturally wanted to stay with his sister, but it was clearly against the rules.
Perhaps having been taught by his family, Sheng Kaolin said, "My sister lives in the inner courtyard. I’m already a grown boy, so it would be highly inconvenient for me to still live with her. If it’s no trouble, it might be better to let me stay with Yao’an for a while. Once I’m used to things, I’ll move out on my own..."
The little boy looked timidly at Yao’an, terrified that he would refuse.
Yao’an agreed a thousand and one times over. During his time in Xinghuai Prefecture, he had seen Kailing quite often. Although they were a few years apart in age, they both loved Zhaocai and Jinbao, so they got along famously. Yao’an immediately grabbed Sheng Kaolin’s hand. "Alright, you’ll live with me from now on. And there’s no need to move out later. My courtyard is large; if we live together, we’ll have each other for company."
Since Yao’an was happy with the idea, the matter was settled. Coincidentally, his courtyard was situated right between De’an’s and Yanhe’s courtyards. With those two looking out for them, nothing bad could happen to the children. Furthermore, with Kailing living in the outer courtyard, he would be able to interact more with De’an and cultivate a deeper bond with him, which would be beneficial for both of them.