Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 760 My sworn brother, my loyalty is unquestionable! [Thank you! Bow again! 27k words owed]

In the evening, the lanterns are lit.

If you stand on a high point in the city, you can see fireworks rising into the night sky from time to time, exploding in the night sky, both inside and outside Bianjing.

The sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time.

Some of these fireworks and firecrackers were set off by families in the capital to celebrate their members passing the imperial examinations; others were set off by restaurants and inns in the capital to celebrate the successful candidates staying at their establishments.

Quyuan Street, the backyard of the Marquis of Yongyi's residence.

Xu Xingdai and several other children stood in the middle of the courtyard, looking at Lu Zezong who was squatting not far away.

Suddenly, Lu Zezong quickly retreated, before he could return to the children.

"Chirp—" Fireworks soared into the night sky.

"Boom!" The fireworks exploded, creating a dazzling display of light.

"Wow!" the children exclaimed.

The fireworks were fleeting. Standing to the side, Qingjie turned to Xu Zaijing and asked, "Uncle, will you and your third uncle be able to pass the exam again next year?"

"Hmm? Why?" Xu Zaijing asked with a smile.

Qingjie said, "If you and Third Uncle win again, we can watch fireworks again before the New Year next year!"

Zhongge'er laughed and said, "Silly sister! My father and uncle took the imperial examination, which only happens once in a lifetime!"

"Alright!" Qingjie said with some regret.

Lu Zezong, who had just returned, listened to their conversation and said with a smile, "Qing'er, since you like watching fireworks so much, I'll have my family send over more fireworks! Whether it's the Mid-Autumn Festival or your birthday, you'll have fireworks to watch."

"Really?"

“Of course it’s true!” Lu Zezong said with a smile.

"That's wonderful!" Qingjie exclaimed excitedly.

As Xu Zaijing smiled at the group, Qingcao, who was standing to the side, turned around and whispered, "Young Master, Mama Dan is waving at us!"

"Okay!" Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "The meal is ready, stop playing around and let's go eat!"

"Oh ho! Time to eat something delicious!" Xu Xingdai laughed and ran into the house, with Xu Xingzhong and Qingjie following closely behind.

Xu Zaijing and his sworn brother Lu Zezong walked at the very back.

Watching the three children's retreating figures, Xu Zaijing laughed and said, "Zong-ge'er, you're quite something! You've only been engaged for a short time, yet you can still go out with the Cao family's daughter."

Lu Zezong smiled sheepishly: "Brother, it was just a coincidence! It was just a coincidence! With such a big commotion over the release of the imperial examination results, it's normal for her to go and take a look. Look, she went home as soon as she finished reading the results!"

As they spoke, Lu Zezong and Xu Zaijing exchanged a glance: "I'm not going to say anything more! Brother, you said how lively it would be in front of our gate in a couple of days?!"

The imperial examinations are over, and the matchmakers in the capital are about to get busy.

Seeing Xu Zaijing's helpless expression, Lu Zezong continued to ask, "Brother, there are many noble families in the capital. Do you have a favorite noble lady in mind?"

"Brother Zong, why are you asking this?"

"Hehe, if you have someone you like, brother, and someone asks to speak to Grandmother, she can then decide whether to agree or refuse!"

Xu Zaijing patted Lu Zezong's head: "You're such a little devil!"

He then quickened his pace and took a few steps.

Lu Zezong hurriedly caught up: "Brother, can't we even talk about this among ourselves?"

"Hmm! No comment," Xu Zaijing said with a smile.

"Ah?" Lu Zezong sighed, "Brother, please tell me! Just tell me that you're from a civil or military family! I promise I won't ask any more questions!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zaijing stopped and looked Lu Zezong up and down.

"Brother, why are you looking at me like that?" Lu Zezong's eyes darted around.

Xu Zaijing scoffed, "You've really forgotten your brother now that you have a wife!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zezong was stunned.

Xu Zaijing then put his hands behind his back, shook his head, and walked into the house.

A moment later, Lu Zezong hurriedly caught up: "Brother, I...I didn't, you're lying! Your brother is absolutely loyal to you!"

"Hmph—" Xu Zaijing chuckled and went inside.

The bright moon hangs in the west, and countless stars twinkle.

The inner city, the residence of the Marquis of Tuoxi.

In the boudoir of a noblewoman in the backyard, a single candle was still burning.

inside the house.

Ah—oh—

The girl, who was sitting at the table feeling a little sleepy, yawned.

"Miss, you look so tired, why don't you go to bed?" a maid said softly.

"Nonsense! I'm not sleepy at all! Ah—oh—" the noblewoman said, yawning again.

The maid beside him sighed helplessly: "Perhaps the young master got drunk at the Marquis's residence! You should get some sleep, and maybe the news will arrive tomorrow morning!"

"Noisy," the noblewoman at the table said softly.

The personal maid covered her mouth, seemingly unconcerned: "Then this servant will not say anything more."

"Miss, how about I help you remove your hairpins and change your clothes? That way you can continue waiting without any further delay."

"Hmm—come on."

"Yes."

As a result, the room became much quieter, with only the soft rustling of the maids working.

Silently, the candle burned down to only one-third of its original size.

Seeing the noblewoman lying on the table, the two personal maids carefully moved her to the bed.

"Hmm? Still no news?" Sister Zhi asked groggily as she moved around.

"Nope!"

"Oh," Sister Zhi shifted on the comfortable pillow, closed her eyes, and said, "Then I'll wait a little longer."

"Good girl."

After the maid finished speaking, she took a few breaths.

"Hoo—" Hearing their young lady snoring on the couch, the two maids of the Cao family exchanged a smile.

One of the maids sighed softly, "Oh! This young lady really knows how to endure hardship just to hear some news!"

Another maid said, "Isn't it because the young master of the Lu family is inquiring? If this lady can really get a word out of the fifth son of the Xu family, how long do you think our young lady can keep quiet?!"

"Ten days? What do you think?"

"That depends on how well that person treats our young lady! If they're on good terms, they might find out today and tell that person tomorrow! Maybe that family will go to the Xu family to propose marriage this afternoon!"

"Sister is right. Now that you mention it, I'm even looking forward to news of Young Master Lu!"

As time passed and the sun rose, the room became brightly lit.

"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" A rooster crowed somewhere.

"Hmm!" Sister Zhi opened her eyes and looked into the bright tent, feeling somewhat dazed for a moment.

"Somebody come!"

"The girl is awake!" The bed curtains were lifted, and the light became brighter.

"Why didn't you call me?" Sister Zhi asked.

"The lady knows you didn't sleep well last night, so she specifically told you to get some more sleep."

Sister Zhi smiled and nodded: "Yes! You guys are very sensible! We'll have a good lunch!"

"Has any news been sent in?" Sister Zhi asked.

“Yes, there are some girls! They were delivered to the second gate late last night.” The Cao family maid said, turning to walk towards a table and picking up a book.

"Give it to me quickly!" Sister Zhi said anxiously.

Taking the book, Zhi'er quickly flipped through it a few times. Soon, a note fell onto the bed.

"Have you seen it?" Sister Zhi asked, holding up the note.

The maid from the Cao family shook her head: "Reporting to Miss, I know you want to be the first to know. The books have been on the table ever since they were brought in."

"Hmm!" said Zhijie, lowering her head to take a closer look.

Two personal maids also curiously peeked out.

Seeing Zhi'er's expression, her personal maid asked, "Miss, how is it? Has the young master gotten any information out of her?"

Zhi'er shook her head: "Sigh! The note said that he only asked two questions last night before Fifth Brother Xu saw through his intentions!"

"Ah?" The Cao family maid looked quite disappointed.

"And he said that..."

The two maids pretended to listen: "Miss, what else did you say about the young master?"

Sister Zhi took a deep breath, looked away, and said, "It's nothing! Help me get up."

"Oh"

Two days later, outside the city of Bianjing.

The streets were bustling with people.

The various shops, stalls, and peddlers on both sides were calling out to attract customers, creating a lively atmosphere.

Patrolling officials and mounted soldiers passed by on the street from time to time, and passersby made way for them.

At this time,

The soldiers on patrol saw a magnificent carriage approaching, followed by servants and attendants.

After only a glance at the carriage, the leading cavalryman quickly pulled on the reins and led his men to move aside.

As the carriage passed by, the leading cavalryman bowed slightly to it from his horse.

After the carriage passed, the cavalry continued on their way.

Upon reaching a street corner, the luxurious carriage turned onto another wide and clean road.

After traveling for a while, the carriage stopped in front of a house.

Above the main gate hangs a plaque that reads "Pang Mansion".

Upon seeing the carriage, the gatekeeper of the Pang residence sent someone into the courtyard to report while quickly stepping forward to greet it.

After the carriage benches were placed, the Duke of Qi and Princess Pingning stepped out of the carriage.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Duke, greetings, Your Highness Princess. My master is waiting for you two distinguished guests in the courtyard."

"Hehe, thank you for your trouble, steward," the Duke of Qi said with a smile.

"You're too kind, Your Excellency! Please come in, distinguished guests!"

As he spoke, the gatekeeper bowed and led the Duke of Qi and his wife toward the main gate.

Before they even reached the second gate, the head of the Pang family quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "The Duke and the Princess's presence today truly brings honor to our humble abode!"

"I dare not accept such praise!" Duke Qi said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting. Princess Pingning smiled and nodded.

"Please come in! Let's talk inside."

With that, everyone entered the main hall in the front yard where guests were to be received.

Looking around, the Duke of Qi praised the arrangement of the hall.

After they were seated, tea was served. Princess Pingning took a few sips, nodded slightly, and then smiled: "Good tea!"

"That's right!" Duke Qi echoed.

"I'm glad you two like it!" the giant man said with a smile.

Princess Pingning put down her teacup and asked in confusion, "Lord Pang, where are the children?"

“They are currently studying at their home school. If Your Highness wishes to see them,” said the powerful man, beckoning to the maid standing to the side.

"My lord, please stop! The children are still studying hard, so let's not disturb them!" Princess Pingning said with a smile.

The Duke of Qi nodded in agreement.

“Lord Pang, you know what happened! My son Qi Heng, he…” Princess Pingning shook her head as she spoke, “He is a diligent student, but he didn’t make the list this time.”

"His path in the imperial examinations had been too smooth before. This result is something he can't accept right now."

"We, as parents, are ignorant, so we can only come to your esteemed home to trouble you and ask you for clarification, to see if there is anything that is lacking!"

The powerful man nodded repeatedly: "The hearts of parents are all the same under heaven. I understand what Your Highness means!"

With that, the giant sighed, "Alas! How can I put it!"

“Please speak frankly! We can both handle whatever happens!” Princess Pingning said.

Seeing the expressions on the faces of the Duke and Princess of Qi, Pang Daren composed himself and said, "I imagine the Duke and Princess will know in a couple of days. Actually, initially, only four hundred candidates were to be selected for this imperial examination!"

The Duke of Qi and his wife nodded.

The powerful official continued, "But for some reason, three days before the results were announced, His Majesty discussed the matter with the Grand Chancellors and then personally issued an edict to increase the number of tribute scholars to four hundred and sixty."

"After receiving the Duke's invitation, I went to the examination hall and reviewed the students' answers with my colleagues."

Then, the powerful man slapped his thigh and said, "According to the ranking, the 462nd one is the young master's answer sheet."

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingning stood up abruptly: "What? Four hundred and sixty-two?"

The powerful man nodded regretfully: "Alas! That's right! It's 462nd place! Just two places short of making the list for Young Master Qi!"

"What a pity! My colleagues and I have read Young Master Qi's article. Although it is very well written, his ideas in answering the question are somewhat naive."

"If the young master can settle down and gain experience for a few years, he will surely pass the imperial examination with flying colors next time!"

The Duke of Qi closed his eyes in discomfort, while Princess Pingning sat back down in disbelief.

The powerful man picked up his teacup and slowly sipped his tea, allowing the Duke and Duchess of Qi to process the news.

After five or six breaths, Princess Pingning stood up and curtsied, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

The examiner quickly stood up and said sincerely, "Your Highness is too kind! It is the duty of an examiner to answer the questions of the candidates so that they can improve in the future."

As he spoke, the powerful man bowed to the Duke of Qi, who had just stood up.

“Then we won’t bother you any longer!” Princess Pingning said with a forced smile.

Afterwards, the Duke of Qi and his wife, along with the powerful official Pang, walked outside.

They boarded the Qi family's carriage at the gate.

When the Duke of Qi lifted the curtain of his carriage and waved goodbye to the powerful man, Princess Pingning's face had already turned very ugly.

"Let's go."

"That's what the Duke of Qi said."

"drive!"

The Qi family's carriage began to move.

Hearing Princess Pingning breathing rapidly beside him, the Duke of Qi said softly, "My wife, don't be angry!"

"Snapped!"

Princess Pingning slammed her hand heavily on the chair!

Princess Pingning, who was already seething with anger and had nowhere to vent it, glared at Duke Qi and said, "How can you make me stop being angry? Hmm?"

"Just two places short! Two! If Qi Heng hadn't acted recklessly before, and had listened to Gu Dalang even a few words, how could he be missing from the list today?!"

"Getting angry is useless! It will only harm your health!" Duke Qi advised, "If Yuan Ruo is not on the list, then he can take the imperial examination."

Princess Pingning pinched the bridge of her nose uncomfortably: "Then he'll be inferior to others in officialdom!"

"Don't be sad!" Duke Qi patted Princess Pingning on the back and said, "Yuanruo is not young anymore! The ancients said that one should cultivate oneself and manage one's family. Finding a good wife for Yuanruo will require your help!"

Princess Pingning composed herself and said, "My lord is right! People like Zai Zhang and the second son of the Gu family both passed the imperial examinations after they got married! In a while, perhaps after the palace examination, the Chai family will also go to the Xu family."

"Yes, my wife! Don't be angry! Let's go home and have a good talk with Yuanruo."

(End of this chapter)