Chapter 672 - 246: Exams Finished
Chapter 672: Chapter 246: Exams Finished
A few days after Sheng Saya and her brother moved into the Xu family’s home, the Imperial Examination concluded. When the candidates were let out that day, a massive crowd gathered at the entrance of the examination hall.
De’an and the Xu family’s butler had gone early to pick them up. They rode in a carriage adorned with the Xu family crest, but what use was that? Commoners didn’t recognize such things, and merchants knew little about them. The servants of the wealthy families in the Capital City recognized the crest, but they were hopelessly stuck in the crowd themselves, unable to budge an inch. They could only watch helplessly as the Xu family’s carriage became trapped in the traffic.
Fortunately, the Capital Governor’s constables soon arrived to direct traffic. Before the gates of the examination hall opened, the carriages of various families were lined up neatly on both sides of the road, clearing a path for people to walk.
Zhao Jing was among the first batch of candidates to hand in his paper. By the time he reached the Dragon Gate, there were fewer than ten people there. After waiting a little longer, more students gradually handed in their exams. Once they finally gathered fifty people, the Dragon Gate opened wide, and the group walked out of the examination hall.
In the crowd, De’an spotted Zhao Jing at a glance. It wasn’t for any other reason than the fact that he truly stood head and shoulders above the rest. Among a group of dispirited students who looked as though they had nearly been roasted alive, this tall, straight-backed, and energetic student suddenly appeared, strolling as if taking a leisurely walk in a courtyard. How could he not stand out?
Upon receiving Zhao Jing, De’an looked him up and down. "How was it? Are you alright?"
Zhao Jing nodded, looking as though he didn’t want to speak much. However, since there were outsiders present, he eventually spoke up. "Passable."
As soon as that word left his lips, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. His voice was hoarse and weary, giving off a deep sense of suppression, as if he hadn’t spoken for days due to an exhausting journey. Looking closely, there were heavy dark circles under his eyes, and even the muscles on his cheeks were somewhat tense. Although his condition was countless times better than that of the ordinary students, it didn’t mean he wasn’t tired.
The Imperial Examination was never easy to pass; otherwise, it wouldn’t be the most difficult stage of the civil service exams. Out of the six to eight thousand people who participated in the exam, fewer than three hundred would ultimately be accepted. The acceptance rate was as low as three to five percent. Thus, it was no wonder his mother referred to it as "a massive army crossing a single-log bridge."
De’an had the butler take Zhao Jing to settle into the carriage first, while he remained where he was to wait for Yanhe.
Zhao Jing glanced inside the Dragon Gate and happened to see Yanhe. "There’s no need," he said. "Yanhe is coming."
However, Yanhe’s mental state was not very good. He was supported by two classmates from the Imperial College as he came out. It was unclear whether he was simply too exhausted or physically unwell. His face was sallow, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. His condition was worrying. The butler and De’an also saw this scene, and the three of them quickly hurried over to meet him.
Xu Yanhe’s classmates from the Imperial College naturally recognized De’an and Zhao Jing. They handed Xu Yanhe over, saying, "Yanhe started having abdominal pain in the late afternoon and has been gritting his teeth to push through it until now."
Seeing the worried expressions on their faces, Xu Yanhe panted and said, "I took some painkillers, and I feel much better now. I’m just still a bit dizzy. It’s probably because I’ve been too tired these past few days. I’ll be fine after a good rest at home."
Although Xu Yanhe said this, De’an and Zhao Jing didn’t quite believe him. The two had no mood to chat with the others. After cupping their hands in farewell, they took Xu Yanhe and headed back.
When they arrived at the house and got out of the carriage, as soon as they entered the manor, Zhao Jing saw Chen Wanqing taking a walk in the courtyard, supported by a maid. She was clearly there to receive him. Her gaze kept sweeping toward the main gate, and upon seeing him return, a relieved expression appeared on her face.
But soon, Chen Wanqing also noticed the feeble Xu Yanhe. Without having time to ask too many questions, she instructed the butler to take him to the inner courtyard.
"Grandmother invited an Imperial Physician. You came back at just the right time to have him take a look at you."
That Imperial Physician had actually been specially invited for her. She was now nearly five months pregnant. Most women would have long been showing by this month, but for some unknown reason, her lower abdomen was only slightly rounded, not very noticeable. The old madam was worried and had invited the Imperial Physician to check her pulse.
However, the old madam was also worried about her grandson and grandson-in-law, so she deliberately scheduled the Imperial Physician’s visit for the late afternoon today. This way, with a slight delay, her grandson and grandson-in-law would have returned, and they could take the opportunity to have the Imperial Physician examine them as well.
While the butler and De’an supported Yanhe toward the backyard, Zhao Jing walked over to Chen Wanqing’s side and wrapped his right arm around her waist.
"Has the baby been good these past few days while I was away?" he asked in a hoarse voice.
Chen Wanqing smiled and said, "Very good. It’s just a pity you left at the wrong time and missed the baby’s kicks."