Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 766 Qi Lang, you've been rude! [Thank you! Bows again! 25k words owed]

"Wulang, I think I saw Yuan Ruo just now."

Changbai, riding a horse, bowed to the surroundings while speaking to Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded to the people on the side of Changbai Mountain: "Yes!" A moment later, Xu Zaijing added: "I saw it too."

Hearing their conversation, the second-place scholar whispered, "You two are from the same year, are you talking about Young Master Qi?"

Changbai, who was walking beside him, nodded and said, "Yes."

Upon hearing Xu Zaijing's first "hmm," Changbai understood what Xu Zaijing meant.

There were too many people around, including a classmate they weren't very familiar with, so the two of them couldn't really say much.

They just saw Qi Heng; that's enough for the two of them.

As for why Qi Heng didn't choose the more bustling Tianhan Bridge where the "Zhouqiao Mingyue" was located, but instead came to the vicinity of Longjin Bridge, the reasons are really hard to say.

From Xuande Gate all the way to Longjin Bridge, Xu Zaijing and his entourage walked straight south.

After crossing another street, neither Xu Zaijing nor the other Jinshi behind him bowed and greeted each other. Instead, they all looked meaningfully at the buildings to the west.

The reason is simple: the cluster of buildings to the west of the group is the examination hall where they stayed for three days and three nights last month when they took the imperial examination.

Thinking back to when they were still candidates for the imperial examinations, anxiously awaiting their future in the examination hall, and then looking at themselves now parading through the streets on horseback, many people feel as if they have lived through another world.

After passing the examination hall, Xu Zaijing and his entourage turned west.

at the same time,

The area around Longjin Bridge is gradually returning to its former bustling and lively state, with many vendors setting up their stalls, causing considerable congestion.

Because people came to watch the excitement, there were many more people coming and going on and under the bridge than usual.

Many ordinary people and wealthy households were still standing on the street and downstairs, discussing the successful candidates of this year's imperial examination who had just passed by.

"No wonder he was chosen by the Emperor himself as the top scholar! Not only is his writing excellent, but he is also handsome, dashing, and full of heroic spirit!"

"You're right, brother!"

"Gentlemen, do you see the fine steed beneath the top scholar? Its physique and bearing are truly magnificent! Especially its eyes, so lively and expressive!"

"That's a royal horse from the palace, how could it not be magnificent!"

"laugh--"

Listening to the conversation of the people around him, Qi Jia's coachman, Wang Huzi, who was leaning against the carriage by the street, couldn't help but sneer.

The commotion drew the attention of the people who had been discussing it, and they all turned to look.

One of the wealthy men, dressed in brocade, glanced at the expensive carriage behind Wang Huzi and bowed, saying, "Please, sir. Judging from your manner, you seem to have some disdain for what we say?"

Wang Huzi glanced at the wealthy man who was bowing with his hands clasped in greeting. Not wanting to be impolite, he straightened up, no longer leaning against the carriage, and returned the bow, saying, "We don't know each other, so it's not fair to say I'm being disrespectful. It's just what you just mentioned..."

"The horse that top scholar was riding was not the imperial horse, but his own mount! He also has a chestnut horse in his mansion, which is just as handsome as the one he is today."

The people around nodded repeatedly, and some even bowed to express their gratitude.

Not far from them, Qi Heng, accompanied by two servants, looked expectantly at the teahouse across the street.

Although Qi Heng did not pass the imperial examination, he was the only son of the Duke's family. He was handsome and had grown up in luxury since childhood, so his temperament was naturally different from that of ordinary people.

So women and girls passing by would often cast their gazes at the three men, master and servant, standing on the side of the street.

But the young nobleman did not respond to any of the gazes.

Even so, many people around still focused their attention on Qi Heng.

Suddenly, Qi Heng strode forward, only to find Chang Feng leading his younger siblings down from the teahouse.

Seeing Qi Heng approaching, Chang Feng, who had also failed the imperial examination, bowed with some emotion and said, "Young Master."

“Changfeng.” Qi Heng nodded.

Then, looking at Changfeng's back, at Changmaki, who was young but whose eyes were full of scrutiny, Qi Heng felt a little pressure: "Seventh Brother."

"Brother Yuanruo," Nagamaki greeted, bowing.

"It's been a while since we last met," Qi Heng said, looking at the three Lan women wearing veils who were about to board the carriage behind Chang Feng and Chang Zhen.

"Yes," Changfeng chimed in, "We're having a thank-you banquet for our teachers in a couple of days. Will you be coming, young master?"

As Changfeng spoke, Molan, standing not far behind him beside the carriage, lifted the veil of her hat and looked at Qi Heng.

When Qi Heng saw Mo Lan, he nodded habitually and then continued to look at Ming Lan beside Mo Lan, hoping that Ming Lan would lift the cotton curtain so that he could catch a glimpse of her. Since taking a vacation last year, Qi Heng had not seen Ming Lan for three to five months.

But Minglan, in Qi Heng's view, was still wearing her veil, showing no sign of lifting it.

Noticing Qi Heng's gaze, Chang Feng turned around and glanced at his three younger sisters.

Seeing Mo Lan's unwavering gaze and the look of impending tears, and noticing the occasional glances from passersby, Chang Feng quickly frowned and waved his hand, saying, "Hurry up and get in the car! There are too many people watching outside."

Upon seeing this, the people around immediately became interested.

"Oh dear! Look, that girl is almost crying."

"Tsk tsk! She's so pitiful, her eyes are so expressive!"

"You haven't... secretly gotten engaged, have you?"

Whose carriage is this?

"Is the character '盛' (prosperous) hanging on the carriage?"

"Who is this handsome young man?"

Hearing the voices around them, Buwei and Li Chong behind Qi Heng hurriedly reminded him, "Young Master! We should go."

As they spoke, the two of them reached out and grabbed Qi Heng's hands.

Qi Heng turned around and glared at the servant, but he and Li Chong could only reluctantly let go of his hands.

Seeing this, the young Nagamaki stared at Qi Heng and took a deep breath.

Then, without saying a word, Nagamaki turned around and walked straight to his horse.

"Qilang, what are you doing! How rude of you!" Changfeng scolded.

Nagamaki turned to look at Qi Heng, curled her lip, and flicked her sleeve: "Hmph!"

Upon seeing this, Changfeng quickly turned around and smiled, "Young Master, please forgive me! I don't know what's wrong with Qilang either."

"Young Master!" Buwei continued to urge from behind, "We should go!"

Despite the stares of those around him, Changfeng forced a smile and said, "Young Master, what you said makes some sense!"

Qi Heng only managed to utter half a sentence before watching Chang Feng leave. He then cupped his hands and said, "Well then, Chang Feng, we'll meet again someday."

"Young Master, please take care." After saying this, Changfeng looked at Qi Heng who had turned around and walked towards his mount.

As they passed the carriage, Changfeng glared at Molan, who was lifting the carriage curtain, and scolded her in a low voice, "What are you looking at! Put the carriage curtain down!"

Mo Lan pouted and said, "Third brother, you! I'm your own sister!"

"Put it down!" Changfeng said, frowning deeply.

Inside the carriage, Minglan had already removed her veil and looked at the patterns on the carriage, pursing her lips in annoyance.

After walking west for four or five blocks, Xu Zaijing and his party turned and headed north along the main street of the outer city.

Both sides of every street were still packed with people, and cheers and congratulations could be heard all the time.

After passing through the Xinzhengmen Inner Street leading to Jinming Pond, and walking for quite a while, Xu Zaijing and the other Jinshi graduates of this year arrived at the Wanshengmen Inner Street.

Xu Zaijing and his entourage were to turn right onto this main street, head east, pass through the Changhe Gate, re-enter the inner city, and return to the vicinity of the Xuande Gate of the palace.

"when!"

Another gong sounded ahead.

The golden-armored imperial guards led the way, followed by imperial guards carrying plaques of merit, and then the musicians playing music. The procession proceeded in an orderly fashion, turning right.

When it was Xu Zaijing's turn to turn right, a very different kind of cheer erupted from the street.

"what--"

"People are coming!"

First came a chorus of children jumping up and down, screaming and shouting.

Then came a cacophony of shouts:

"Fifth Uncle! Fifth Uncle! We're here!"

"My uncle was the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

"Fifth Uncle! The top scholar!" "Grand Uncle! You're so handsome!"

"Uncle-in-law—"

Those were the children from Xu Zaijing's maternal grandparents' family cheering.

Lady Sun, the wife of Marquis Xu, had many brothers from her maternal family. For example, her eldest nephew was only a few years younger than her.

Most of the Sun family's children get married as soon as they reach the age of seventeen or eighteen.

Therefore, although Xu Zaijing was not very old, many children in the Sun family had to call him their great-uncle.

Looking at the large group of boys and girls, ranging from teenagers to a few years old, from the Sun family on the street, Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Upon approaching, Xu Zaijing hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Cousin."

"Cousin!"

"Little aunt."

"Niece-in-law!"

The Sun family wives all smiled, nodded, and waved.

After Xu Zaijing rode away, the Sun family wives standing beside the child humbly told the surrounding people, "That's my nephew," "That's my great-aunt's child," and so on.

People living in nearby buildings and apartments, upon seeing this scene, discussed it among themselves:

"Oh! The Sun family is related to the top scholar's family!"

"Looking around today, it seems that the Sun family relatives aren't just filled with brutes!"

"Being associated with the top scholar in the imperial examinations gives one a certain scholarly air."

As they spoke,
The successful candidates from this year's imperial examinations continued their procession.

When it was Zai Zhang's turn, the Sun family children cheered and greeted him.

How many more happy marriages the Sun family children will form today is another story.

Northwest of Bianjing

Thousands of miles away,

The army's garrison,

In the central command tent,
Marquis Yongyi, Xu Minghua, sat in his chair, a smile on his face, looking at the eldest son of the Cao family not far away, and said:

"Brother, I'm not making this up! When Jing'er was born, I was still messing around in the capital! There was no such celestial phenomenon as you described, with the star of literature shining brightly!"

Cao Chen, the heir of the Marquis of Tuoxi, who was older than Xu Minghua, looked around at the generals of the Great Zhou army in the tent, who, like Xu Zaidan, came from military families, pointed at Xu Minghua and said with a smirk, "I say, eldest son, that's right!"

Inside the main tent, the generals all looked puzzled.

Xu Minghua also looked bewildered and said, "Brother, how come this is correct again!"

Looking at the puzzled crowd inside the tent, Cao Chen slapped his thigh and laughed, "Oh dear! Back in the day, you were always out gallivanting around in the capital! Every night you'd be inside, cuddling with your wife and crawling into bed. You never had time to look at the night sky!"

"right!"

“I think Duan-ge can testify to this!” Cao Chen shouted to Xu Zaiduan.

Xu Zaidan waved his hands repeatedly: "Uncle, I don't know!"

Looking at Xu Minghua's stunned expression and Xu Zaidan's pleading for mercy.

"Pfft!"

"Hahahaha!"

"Your Highness is right!"

The tent erupted in laughter instantly.

"Unlike us poor folks! Back then, we had to patrol the camps at night in the freezing cold of the Northwest military camps, only able to catch a glimpse of the stars from time to time."

"I... elder brother, you..." Looking at the imposing and valiant Marquis Yongyi in the army, he stammered, his face as red as a monkey's bottom, and everyone in the tent laughed again.

As a powerful nobleman of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Xu Minghua was only able to say a few words with a smile today thanks to Cao Chen.

After all, when Xu Minghua joined the Western Army, he was under Cao Chen's command, and Cao Chen was the best man at the wedding of Xu Zaidan, the eldest son of Xu Minghua.

"Back then, I thought your son-in-law was impressive enough, but I never expected Jing-ge to be even more amazing," Cao Chen exclaimed.

The leading sons of military families nodded and smiled.

At this time,

Zhu Qinghu lifted the tent flap and walked in. After bowing to everyone in the tent, he said, "My lord, lunch is ready."

Xu Minghua stood up and nodded: "Brother, shall we go eat?"

"Let's go!" Cao Chen stood up and led everyone out of the tent.

After everyone left the main tent, the young Chu Zhan, who had been standing to the side, walked to the huge map hanging in the tent.

After glancing at the densely marked locations on the map, Chu Zhan smiled and then lowered the curtains on both sides of the map to cover it up.

On the second day,
Xu Zaijing and other Jinshi graduates from this year's imperial examinations gathered again outside Xuande Gate.

The route is different from yesterday's route, which was in the west. Today's parade area is mainly the western part of Beijing.

After passing through the most bustling old Caomen Inner Street, the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) returned to the inner city and then arrived near Panlou Main Street.

Xu Zaijing and the others then enjoyed another shower of handkerchiefs, purses, and flower petals.

On the second floor of Panlou, Rong Xian pointed at Xu Zaijing, who was greeting him, with a smug look on his face and laughed to the people around him, "See that, the top scholar? That's my good brother! That scholar Gu Erlang often plays polo with me!"

Hearing the praises around him, Rong Xian smiled and nodded, his desire to send his son to school growing stronger.

suddenly,

Shouts came from outside: "Brother Jing, Brother Jing! Throw something for the brothers!"

Upon hearing this, Rong Xian quickly looked outside and exclaimed, "Tsk! It's Liang Liulang! That kid is really clever!"

Then, in Rong Xian's view, Xu Zaijing touched himself and threw the jade pendant at his waist toward Liang Han.

"Bang!" Rong Xian slapped the railing in front of him: "Why did I even think of asking for something!"

Rong Xian turned around and said, "Go, quickly go and invite Liu Lang here!"

"Yes, son!"

quickly,

With a smug look on his face, Liang Han walked towards the second floor of Panlou, surrounded by a crowd.

As Liang Han went up the stairs, he kept bowing to the surroundings and said, "I'm sorry, everyone, this item is not for sale today. If you want to get it, please go to Wu Lou outside the city in a few days to participate in the bidding."

"Sorry!"

With that, Liang Han happily stuffed the jade pendant into her bosom and went upstairs with a smile.

"Hey! Brother Xian, why did you call your younger brother up here?" Liang Han said with a smile.

Rong Xian shook his head helplessly: "It's all for the jade pendant in your hand, Liu Lang."

“Brother Xian, I’ve already told everyone what I’ve said,” Liang Han said, spreading his hands.

"I won't make things difficult for you. I'll go to Wu Lou in a couple of days! But what happened to the injury on your face, Liu Lang?" Rong Xian asked.

Liang Han touched the corner of his mouth and said, "It's nothing! I just went to Jinming Pond yesterday afternoon and ran into some nasty scoundrel I didn't like."

Rong Xian asked doubtfully, "Sixth Brother, there aren't many people in Bianjing who dare to fight you! Who is it? If you don't like it, your brother will help you get revenge."

Liang Han curled her lip: "That Gao Jing! He keeps saying he has some official business to do!"

"Pah! After that fellow entered the garden, he started talking to all the pretty girls and women!"

“If he hadn’t been accompanied by several members of the Tan and Tian families yesterday, and had more servants than me, I wouldn’t have been hit like this.”

Rong Xian asked, "Knowing that the other side outnumbered you, Liu Lang, you still made a move?"

"Gao Jing has a foul mouth, he actually brought it to me." Liang Han waved his hand before he could finish speaking: "Forget it, Gao Jing also got punched by me, I'm not at a disadvantage!"

Day three.

Xu Zaijing and others gathered at Xuande Gate as usual. After they were ready, they followed the imperial carriage and officials toward Jinming Pond.

The emperor and his entourage went to Jinming Pond, while Xu Zaijing and other graduates of the current imperial examination went to Qionglin Garden, which is located south of Jinming Pond.

(End of this chapter)