Chapter 260 - 240: Palace Examination (Part 2)
Chapter 260: Chapter 240: Palace Examination (Part 2)
Cui Rong felt even more stifled.
He rummaged through a box and took out a chest. Upon opening it and confirming that it was filled with silver notes, he handed it over to Su Yaoguang: "Here, the dividends."
"Thank you, Young Master Cui, Young Boss Cui." Su Yaoguang took the chest and asked, "Are you planning to stay in the Capital City for a long time or just a short visit?"
"I initially planned for a long stay, but now that you don’t look up to me, why would I stay? I only just arrived, I’m not in a rush to leave. I’ll head back once I’ve had my fill of fun!"
"Since it’s a temporary stop, settle in here comfortably. Decide when you want to leave." Su Yaoguang said, "But you have too many servants."
"Don’t worry, the Cui Mansion has an old residence in the Capital City, although it’s quite old and needs some repairs. I’ll have some staff go fix it up while I stay here and catch up with you all."
Su Yaoguang urged him to rest well, and she went out to attend to her business.
"I’ve been here so long, why haven’t I seen your newly appointed husband?" Cui Rong said, "With his personality, shouldn’t he be showing off in front of me?"
"He’s gone to the palace." Su Yaoguang replied.
"Castrated and entered the palace? Does he really bear to do that?"
"Hmph, what nonsense are you spouting?" Su Yaoguang retorted irritably, "You really are petty, badmouthing him at every chance. He’s gone to the palace for the final imperial exam."
Cui Rong was shocked.
This was unexpected for him.
However, Zhou Wangshu had performed well before, so it wasn’t surprising that he advanced to the final examination.
"He was the Hui Yuan in the provincial exam, and he’s quite distinguished now in the Capital City; many know his name." Su Yaoguang said, "Back in our hometown, everyone knew my name, and when they mentioned Zhou Wangshu, they’d say he’s my little husband. Now it’s the other way around; everyone knows the wife of the new Hui Yuan is the owner of Taoyao Square."
Cui Rong saw Su Yaoguang’s happy and proud expression and was completely disheartened.
He knew he had no chance.
Zhou Wangshu became the Hui Yuan, and regardless of the final exam results, he had already surpassed him in many ways.
Su Yaoguang told Cui Rong to rest well inside; she heard some commotion outside and needed to go check it out. Perhaps the results of Zhou Wangshu’s final exam were out.
Although normally, the final exam wouldn’t end so quickly.
"What’s happening? Why are you all arguing?" Su Yaoguang rushed to the front hall.
"Yaoguang, Wangshu is the Champion Scholar." Zhang Zhaodi said excitedly, "General Su was in the palace at the time and immediately sent someone to inform us of the exam results."
"Mom, the results of the top three haven’t been officially announced yet, and nobody knows for sure. We shouldn’t be premature in spreading the news. If we’re wrong, that would be embarrassing."
"Yes, yes, even though General Su is in the palace and can get first-hand information, you never know if there might be any changes." Zhang Zhaodi said, "Let’s wait for the top three to ride by on horseback."
Zhang Zhaodi could receive Zhou Wangshu’s exam results first-hand, but it would take another hour and a half for the formalities to complete and the top three to parade through the streets.
By this time, crowds had gathered along both sides of the street, eager to witness the spectacle of the new Advanced Scholars parading with garlands on horseback.
Su Yaoguang stood by the street, watching the approaching crowd. Leading at the front was the new Champion Scholar, dressed in the ceremonial robe granted by the emperor, adorned with flowers, and riding a tall steed with a vibrant demeanor and exceptional handsomeness. Some women threw bouquets and sachets at him, but he remained unfazed, treating it as if he hadn’t noticed.
Upon seeing Su Yaoguang, his eyes lit up, and he waved at her.
"My lady, I have not failed you; I am the top scorer." Zhou Wangshu waved to Su Yaoguang.
All eyes turned to Su Yaoguang.
Some were envious, some were jealous, and some were regretful...
Zhou Wangshu, at such a young age, had become the top scorer in the imperial exam, handsome and with boundless prospects.
Zhang Zhaodi pointed to Zhou Wangshu and said to the nearby neighbors, "That’s my son-in-law, did you see?"
"We saw, congratulations, Boss Zhang."
"You’re amazing, to recognize such talent."
"That’s my brother-in-law, and over there, that’s my godson..." Zhang Zhaodi continued to exclaim more excitedly as she recognized familiar faces among the scholars.
However, upon spotting another familiar face, her smile disappeared.
"What’s he doing here too?"
The ’he’ Zhang Zhaodi referred to was none other than Xiao Yanci.
Xiao Yanci was parading as the Third Scholar.