Chapter 61 Top of the List
For Jiang Li, the examinations in classics, mathematics, and rites were effortless tasks.
Though the school in Tongxiang wasn't as splendid as Mingyi Hall, it was far from shabby. On the contrary, Jiang Li believed that while wealthy families had their noble ways of learning, common folk had their own practical approaches. Even without tutors from the palace, under Xue Huaiyuan's careful guidance, she never considered herself inferior. Moreover, Xue Huaiyuan never hesitated to expose her to broader horizons and freedom, allowing her vision to surpass even that of many men.
Otherwise, back in Yanjing City, besides being known as the top beauty, she wouldn't have also earned the title of top talented lady.
Thinking, writing, and completing the paper seemed to flow seamlessly. Given a second chance, freed from the shackles of being the "Top Scholar's Wife," perhaps because death had made her more open-minded, Jiang Li handled the exam with even greater ease. The proctor, patrolling the room, was momentarily stunned to see her writing with divine inspiration, without the slightest pause.
Time passed quickly. After the three exams concluded, the proctor collected the final papers, gave some important reminders, and departed. All that remained was to wait five days for the results to be posted.
As Jiang Li stepped out of Mingyi Hall's courtyard, Jiang Youyao caught up to her from afar, calling out, "Second Sister, how did it go?"
"Quite well," Jiang Li replied with a smile.
"Second Sister, no need to force yourself," Jiang Yu'e seized the chance to mock Jiang Li. "Today's exam must have drained all your mental energy and exhausted you utterly. You should rest well at home these next few days. When the results are posted, we'll help you check them."
"Thank you for your concern," Jiang Li nodded.
Seeing that Jiang Li showed neither anger nor panic, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu'e felt somewhat displeased. But then it occurred to them that Jiang Li was likely putting on a brave face, and they cheered up again.
Meng Hongjin stood at the entrance. Having felt she performed well in the exam, she looked at Jiang Li with a provocative smile and said, "Second Miss Jiang, don't forget our bet. On the day the results are posted, we must both come to Mingyi Hall's entrance. Don't try to make excuses and not show up—that would be breaking your word and surely invite ridicule."
"Likewise," Jiang Li remained unruffled.
Meng Hongjin snorted coldly and turned away. Liu Xu looked at Jiang Li with concern and asked, "Just now... was it difficult for you?"
"If I said it wasn't hard, you wouldn't believe me," Jiang Li patted her hand. "Don't worry. Just relax and rest these next few days. We'll see each other again in five days."
She walked away smiling, accompanied by Tong'er and Bai Xue.
As she approached the carriage, Jiang Li even spotted Ye Shijie standing at the Imperial College entrance from a distance. Ye Shijie was talking to someone beside him, and judging by his relaxed expression, he must have performed well. Bai Xue asked, "Miss, would you like to go greet Young Master Ye?"
"No need," Jiang Li smiled faintly. "There are too many eyes around. We'll surely meet on the day the results are posted."
When Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence, Jiang Jingrui came to Fragrant Garden Courtyard to cause trouble again, pestering her about how she did in the exam. After finally sending him away, Ji Shuran sent someone with some fruits, saying they were to help Jiang Li relieve her fatigue.The following days in the Jiang residence were unusually tranquil. Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai did not inquire about Jiang Li’s examination results, likely deliberately avoiding the topic. Jiang Jingrui was anxious all day, fearing Jiang Li would suffer public humiliation at the gates of Mingyi Hall, yet Jiang Li herself remained unperturbed, leisurely going about her days as if the wager with Meng Hongjin were of no concern to her.
One day, two days, three days, four days, five days. By the fifth morning, gambling houses large and small across the streets and alleys had opened their doors to customers unusually early. Gamblers streamed in continuously, crowding the entrances until they were nearly impassable. Teahouses and taverns were also exceptionally lively that day, filled to capacity with patrons. Even the usually deserted, shabby little wine shops were packed with customers.
The topic on everyone’s lips was the announcement of the examination results that day.
“The Imperial College is releasing the results today. I wonder how many talented young men will gain fame throughout Yanjing this year.”
“Mingyi Hall is also announcing its results now. Most of the young ladies from noble families are both talented and beautiful—who will earn the highest reputation this year?”
Yet the names most frequently discussed were “Meng Hongjin” and “Jiang Li.”
“If you ask me, the most interesting list today is the one from Mingyi Hall. Don’t forget, before the examination, the daughter of the Vice Metropolitan Inspector-General and the daughter of the Grand Secretary made a wager: whoever loses must kneel at the gates of Mingyi Hall and apologize publicly. Forget the talented scholars of the Imperial College or the gifted ladies of Mingyi Hall—this wager is the real excitement. Don’t you agree, everyone?”
The crowd raised their cups in agreement, while someone else shook his head and remarked, “What a pity for the Grand Secretary. Such a distinguished family of scholars, now to be ridiculed because of this malicious legitimate daughter.”
“A tragedy, a tragedy,” another sighed in agreement.
“Doesn’t the Grand Secretary’s family also have a Third Miss? She is a true lady of refinement. At least Minister Jiang won’t be completely shamed.”
“To me, this shows the difference. Third Miss Jiang’s mother is the daughter of the Vice Metropolitan Inspector-General’s Ji family, cultured and reasonable, while Second Miss Jiang’s mother was a mere merchant. This proves the importance of marrying a virtuous wife. You see, the daughter of a merchant family has raised a child equally unfit for polite society…”
At that moment, Ye Shijie sat among the guests on the ground floor of Yanjing City’s largest tavern, Gazing Immortal Pavilion, his ears filled with such discussions. Upon hearing “a mere merchant,” Ye Shijie clenched his fists.
A friend beside him asked, “By this hour, the results should have been announced. Why is there still no news?”
No sooner had he spoken than the crowd near the window erupted into commotion, someone shouting, “They’re here! They’re here!”
The officials posting the red lists had arrived.
The waiting crowd surged forward in an instant. Guards held them back as the red name lists were posted on prominent stone walls. Once the posters left, the impatient crowd immediately swarmed around the lists.
Those who couldn’t squeeze through hopped anxiously on the outskirts, trying to catch a glimpse, repeatedly asking those inside, “Have you seen? Who is at the top?”
Those inside struggled as well. A shorter person, taking advantage of his agility, quickly pushed his way to the front and loudly announced, “The Imperial College’s top scorer is Ye Shijie.”
A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd outside—the name Ye Shijie was entirely unfamiliar, seemingly belonging to no known official family in the capital."And what about Mingyi Hall?" Amid the chaos, some were more concerned with other matters and asked, "Who is the top scorer in Mingyi Hall?"
The short fellow had practically become the messenger, drawing out his words as he said, "The top scorer in Mingyi Hall is, is—" His voice abruptly cut off, replaced by the sound of a sharp, drawn-in breath.
The people around grew increasingly anxious, their curiosity piqued even more, and they urged him impatiently, "Hurry up! Stop keeping us in suspense—who is it?"
After being shoved a few times, the short fellow snapped back to reality and, with an annoyed glance back, spat out a name.
"Jiang Li!"
Jiang Li?!
The crowd erupted.
Top scorer in the imperial exams, Ali ╮(╯▽╰)╭
(End of chapter)
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