After being away for a month, Changbai returned with a pale face and unsteady steps. After paying respects to his grandmother and parents, he stumbled straight into his room and fell into a deep sleep. This time, Sheng Hong didn't put on airs or lecture him, as he himself had taken the imperial examinations and knew that the provincial-level exam was entirely different from the county, prefectural, and academy exams for the xiucai degree—it was truly an experience that stripped one to the bone.
The provincial exam was held in Jinan, the provincial capital. The results were announced just a few days after the exam, so the good news had already reached Dengzhou before Changbai returned home. Changbai had ranked in the top twenty, an excellent result. To appear worldly and experienced, Sheng Hong refrained from extravagant celebrations and only invited some colleagues, close friends, and Zhuang Xiansheng to a modest Qionglin Feast at home to mark the occasion.
At the banquet, as everyone praised his son, Sheng Hong felt immensely proud. Glancing at the prefect on his left, he recalled the man’s prodigal son who wasted his time on cockfighting and dog racing. Then, looking at the assistant prefect on his right, he thought of the latter’s dissolute son who frequented brothels. His heart swelled with satisfaction. In the women’s banquet inside, Madam Wang also basked in the glory. The wives of officials showered her with flattery, and some with marriageable daughters hinted at matchmaking. Madam Wang pretended not to understand, only discussing the matter with Sheng Hong that evening, her pride and joy overflowing—much like a farmer’s wife whose years of hard work cultivating a prized cabbage had finally been recognized, all thanks to the fertile soil.
Sheng Hong firmly rejected the idea: "Don’t be hasty, madam. Changbai is our eldest son, and his marriage must be handled with great care. There’s no need to rush into matchmaking now. When the spring metropolitan exam comes next year, if his name appears on the list, we can then find him a well-reputed and well-connected match. That’s the proper way."
Madam Wang hesitated, "But what if he doesn’t pass? We can’t wait until he becomes the top scholar to marry him off, or we might miss the right age for him."
Sheng Hong replied, "We’ll wait just until next year. If he doesn’t pass, I won’t insist on waiting another three years. But think of Changbai’s future, madam. I have no hope of entering the grand secretariat or the central government in my lifetime. At best, I’ll retire with the honor of a third-rank official. Even if Changbai receives support from his mentors and fellow candidates in the court, having a solid and influential family behind him through marriage would be far better. Those esteemed scholarly families, when choosing a son-in-law, would at least expect a jinshi degree."
These words echoed what Old Mrs. Sheng had told Sheng Hong twenty years earlier. Back then, as soon as he passed the provincial exam, matchmakers came knocking, but Old Mrs. Sheng turned them all away. She explained that his father had died early, and the Sheng family had risen through commerce. With no one in the court to support him except a few of his late father’s colleagues who remembered old ties, it was crucial to wait. Only after Sheng Hong placed high in the jinshi exams the following year did he marry the second daughter of the Wang family. Although Sheng Hong’s own diligence played a role, his wife’s family provided significant assistance.
Reflecting on it now, Sheng Hong realized how smoothly his official career had progressed—never bullied or harassed by superiors, always treated with respect in official circles. Wasn’t this due to the influence of his mentor, Grand Secretary Yang, and the Wang family? Old Mrs. Sheng had truly been wise and far-sighted.Qi Heng's results placed around the hundredth position on the provincial exam rankings, yet for a scion of an aristocratic family like the Qis, he was practically an anomaly. It was said that since the founding emperor's era, fewer than forty descendants of ennobled families across the Great Zhou Dynasty had passed the imperial examinations. Though many held official positions, most obtained them through hereditary privilege or purchased titles, often feeling somewhat inferior before colleagues who had advanced through the proper examination path. When Qi Heng passed the provincial exam, Lord Qi and Princess Pingning were overjoyed, immediately sending word to the Marquis of Qi Manor and the Marquis of Xiangyang's residence in the capital. Overnight, Qi Heng became one of the exemplary representatives of noble scions nationwide.
Compared to the Sheng family who merely hosted a few banquet tables, the Qi family held a buffet banquet spanning half the city. Firecrackers at their gate alone cost hundreds of taels of silver, and they distributed multiple baskets of steamed buns to the poor. The next day, Lord Qi and Princess Pingning brought their freshly minted provincial graduate son Qi Heng to the Sheng residence to strengthen ties.
Minglan had just woken up early in the morning and was yawning before her dressing mirror when she learned the young ladies were also to receive Lord Qi and his wife. She immediately had Danju undo her previously styled reverse-coiled hanging hair and redo it into double-loop hanging curls, adorned with a pair of small tasseled hairpins of intertwined gold thread and agate flowers. She changed into a pale rose-red satin jacket with tender yellow jade magnolia branches embroidered on the collar, waist, and back, paired with a moon-white plain satin long skirt with fine pleats. Around her neck hung the same gleaming golden necklace and Jade Lock. After dressing, she presented herself to Old Mrs. Sheng, who deemed it too simple and fetched a pair of gold thread bracelets inlaid with pink Hibiscus Jade for her. Discovering Minglan's small wrists made them difficult to wear, the old lady sighed and replaced them with two pairs of intertwined gold wire shrimp-whisker bracelets set with southern pearls.
Raising her arms to look, Minglan saw the clattering bracelets hanging on her plump, fair arms and immediately felt weighed down.
Lord Qi lacked Sheng Hong's scholarly elegance and dignified bearing but compensated with an air of nobility, appearing more approachable than Princess Pingning. He inquired after each of the Sheng children in turn before having the princess distribute heavily embroidered silk pouches to them. After receiving their respects, Old Mrs. Sheng retired to rest, leaving the two couples and children to converse. Since the Qi and Wang families shared distant relatives, making them nominal cousins, they observed fewer formalities.
"...Thanks to Zhuang Xiansheng's diligent instruction, my son achieved this today. We intended to properly thank him, but he recently took leave to visit relatives and friends. We'll have to wait until next time to express our gratitude in person," said Lord Qi, stroking his slight beard cheerfully.
Sheng Hong smiled. "During that period, Zhuang Xiansheng taught them daily without rest and was truly exhausted. The moment they left for Jinan, he took to his bed. After recovering, he said he must travel while they were away for exams, or he'd have no time once classes resumed. When Zhuang Xiansheng returns, we'll host a banquet and share a proper drink."
Lord Qi clapped enthusiastically in agreement, then sighed. "Zhuang Xiansheng truly embodies the ancient sages' passion and rigor in teaching!"
The princess smiled. "...Commissioner Sheng's invitation to bring Zhuang Xiansheng to Dengzhou greatly benefited our Heng'er. During this period, Heng'er has imposed on your household repeatedly, and your wife has taken great pains to care for him. I feel quite apologetic, fearing it might have disrupted your sons' studies."Madam Wang also replied with a smile, "It's better for the young masters to study together than alone. Besides, Brother Heng is such a sensible and well-mannered child, so there's no question of him being a bother. Your Ladyship need not worry."
The Marchioness adjusted the pearl hairpin at her temple and glanced at Changbai with evident satisfaction. "Indeed. With Heng'er studying alongside him, your eldest son will surely benefit greatly." Though her words were polite, her expression betrayed a hint of pride, as if Qi Heng studying at the Sheng residence was a favor bestowed upon them. Madam Wang lowered her gaze and remained silent.
It was in such moments that Sheng Hong's skill truly shone. Minglan was witnessing for the first time how her father comported himself in the presence of superiors—neither servile nor overbearing, effortlessly graceful, speaking with propriety and showing due respect. He declared clearly, "Success in studies depends largely on one's own diligence. Those scholars from humble backgrounds never had such luxuries and conveniences. Think of Chancellors Liu and Li from Emperor Taizu's reign, or the Three Yangs during the Late Emperor's time—how brilliantly they strategized and maneuvered! And all of them came from impoverished families. Truly admirable!"
Chancellor Liu, the founding chancellor, happened to be Lord Qi's maternal grandfather, whom Lord Qi revered deeply. Hearing this, his expression brightened, and he praised, "Exactly! Though our families are better off, you must not slack off and tarnish your ancestors' reputations."
This was directed at the boys. The three Sheng boys and Qi Heng stood up together, bowing their heads in acknowledgment. Noting that all three of Sheng Hong's sons were handsome and refined, Lord Qi remarked, "Brother Sheng, you are truly blessed. All three young masters are outstanding." He then glanced at the girls and added, "A house full of children is a family's greatest fortune."
The Marchioness immediately looked somewhat uncomfortable, though her displeasure vanished as quickly as it appeared. Aware of the underlying context, Madam Wang smiled and said, "While many sons bring many blessings, we are not farming families in urgent need of male labor to work the fields or compete for inheritance. As the saying goes, 'One good son is better than many.' If a child is promising, one is enough; if not, the more you have, the more headaches they bring."
The Marchioness's expression softened, and she smiled. "You are quite right, sister."
As she spoke, she casually drew Rulan closer, examining her carefully and showering her with praise for her dignified and graceful demeanor, expressing great fondness. She then took a jade bracelet from her wrist and slipped it onto Rulan's arm. Rulan blushed deeply, her face glowing with pride, and she deliberately glanced at Molan and Minglan as if to flaunt her favor. Molan's face was pale; since entering the room, she had only spoken when receiving her gift and had no further opportunity to talk. Her slender, pale hands clenched her handkerchief tightly. Minglan, meanwhile, was intently examining the embroidered pouch, trying to guess what was inside, and completely missed Rulan's pointed look.
While the Marchioness and Madam Wang chatted with Rulan, Sheng Hong and Lord Qi were quizzing the four boys on their studies. Lord Qi had been an ambitious youth in his early years, but before he could sit for the imperial examinations, he received an official title through inheritance. Though he later attained a high position, he always felt somewhat inadequate around those who had risen through the scholarly path. Thus, he held a special appreciation for studious young men. After asking a few questions, he found Changfeng articulate and eloquent, while Changbai was reserved and modest, embodying profound humility. Lord Qi couldn't help but remark to Sheng Hong, "Your eldest son truly resembles the late Elder Wang in character."
The Elder Wang he referred to was Madam Wang's deceased father, Changbai's maternal grandfather.This maternal grandfather of the Wang family was one of the few capable officials who enjoyed a peaceful end, having served three reigns without falling from grace. Low-key and steady, he remained unperturbed by honor or disgrace through highs and lows. No matter which emperor he served, even if initial reservations existed, each ultimately came to appreciate and reuse him, making him a truly exceptional figure of his generation. Unfortunately, his sons—Minglan’s maternal uncles—though not outstanding in talent or scholarship, still held official posts steadily thanks to ancestral influence and imperial favor, which Sheng Hong greatly envied.
In truth, Changbai closely resembled Sheng Hong in appearance, but his temperament oddly diverged, inheriting a quarter of his maternal grandfather’s traits. Though Sheng Hong did not particularly like Madam Wang, he was quite satisfied with the excellent genes she brought. Yet, when facing his second son Changfeng, who resembled him in both form and spirit, his feelings grew somewhat complicated. Sheng Hong remarked, "It would be fine if he truly took after his maternal grandfather, but I fear it might be a case of ‘painting a tiger poorly.’" No matter how pleased a father might be, praise for his son rarely flows easily from his lips.
As Sheng Hong and Lord Qi reminisced about Old Master Wang’s demeanor and voice with Changbai, Madam Wang and Princess Pingning chatted with Rulan. Madam Wang, never straying far from her usual themes, couldn’t resist praising her daughter’s virtues left and right. When she lauded Rulan’s needlework, Princess Pingning’s eyes flickered, catching sight of the young, innocent Minglan sitting nearby. A thought struck her, and she suddenly said, "I was just about to mention this—I must thank your Liu Guniang."
Madam Wang was taken aback. Princess Pingning smiled and summoned Qi Heng over. Seeing Minglan sitting there with a bewildered expression, Qi Heng found it amusing and carefully explained the situation. After Old Madam Sheng instructed Minglan to make some items for Changbai, Minglan promptly carried out the task. She learned that all clothing in the examination hall could not be layered and, considering the deepening autumn chill, retrieved a large piece of thick fleece from the storeroom. She meticulously cut and sewed it into a pair of knee pads that stretched from the toes all the way to the thighs (similar to long socks). By chance, Qi Heng, who had come for a meal that day, saw them and found them intriguing, so he requested a pair as well. After offering a rare copy of "The Mirror Flower Mistake Embroidery Manual," Minglan reluctantly agreed.
"The first two days in Jinan were fine, but who knew the weather would turn cold and gloomy the day before the exam? Sitting in those stone-built examination cells, a chill crept up from my feet. Thanks to Sixth Sister’s knee pads, I didn’t feel the cold at all," Changbai added, having approached to stand beside Madam Wang, his tone gentle.
Princess Pingning laughed, "Heng’er, why not thank Liu Guniang? For one so young to be so clever is truly rare."
Qi Heng raised an eyebrow and said, "Thanks are due, but accounts must also be settled."
"What accounts?" Rulan asked, glancing uncertainly at Minglan.
Qi Heng walked up to Minglan and snorted, "What did you embroider on my knee pads?"
Minglan spread her small hands innocently, "Nothing much! Since characters aren’t allowed in the exam hall, I just embroidered a mark on the knee pads so they wouldn’t get lost."
Qi Heng flashed a handsome smile, "I knew you’d try to deny it, you little rascal!" He then turned to instruct a maid before continuing, "On Brother Zhicheng’s knee pads, she embroidered a small pine tree on each side, robust and upright. But on mine, she embroidered... hmph!"At that moment, the young maid returned. Qi Heng took the fluffy object from her hands and brought it before the crowd. Neatly folded velvet cloth revealed a small embroidered piece—a perfectly round, plump little golden ingot, charmingly naive and utterly delightful.
Madam Wang chuckled in disbelief, "What does this mean?"The Princess Consort understood immediately, 'Oh, Heng'er's courtesy name is Yuanruo, with the character Yuan meaning 'origin'—the same Yuan as in 'gold ingot' (gold ingot)." So you embroidered this?"
Minglan nodded with flushed cheeks, gradually shrinking behind Changbai's back in small movements. Changbai loyally shielded her.
Everyone glanced between the elegant Qi Heng and the chubby golden ingot, bursting into laughter. Even Rulan and Molan covered their mouths with handkerchiefs while giggling, and little Changdong muffled continuous giggles behind his small hand.
Qi Heng deliberately pinched Minglan's little ear, saying, "Even if I don't compare to your elder brother, I'm hardly like a golden ingot! You little girl, your favoritism knows no bounds! See if I bring you any more fun toys!"
Having her ear publicly pinched, Minglan's round face flushed crimson with embarrassment. She forcefully pulled away Qi Heng's hand and argued vehemently, "The 'Yuan' in your name and the 'Yuan' in 'Yuanbao' are the same character!" That golden ingot is so big and fat—it cost me plenty of gold thread! If you don't like golden ingots, I'll embroider yuanxiao (sweet rice balls) for you next time!"
The company nearly collapsed with laughter. Magistrate Qi and Sheng Hong overheard from across the room, and Sheng Hong pointed at Minglan, chuckling, "You little girl, you're almost as plump as a yuanxiao yourself!"
While covering her ears and playing innocent, Minglan stole glances at Madam Wang. Seeing she didn't appear displeased brought some relief. But when she looked at Rulan and Molan, their slightly stiff expressions made her heart sink. She knew clearly—her days of playing the ignorant child were numbered.
OpenNovel