Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 215: Champion!

……

At Rongguo Mansion, everyone knew that Jia Rong from the East Mansion was going to take part in this year's autumn examination. Jia She, Jia Zheng, Mrs. Xing, Jia Lian, and Feng Ji all came to congratulate him.

Jia She suggested, "I've heard outside that our Rong'er is the most talented scholar in the capital. He will definitely pass the autumn examination. I think we should take this opportunity to invite all the old relatives and friends to come and have some fun. By the way, we can also show off that our Jia family is full of talents and scholars."

Jia Jing shook his head slightly after hearing this and said, "The Autumn Examination is different from other examinations. No one can predict the outcome until the last moment. Please wait until the results are announced before discussing your request with your parents."

"Okay, okay." Jia She nodded hurriedly, and then said to Jia Lian who was standing beside him: "Why don't you go and prepare in advance, so that you won't be in a hurry when the time comes."

"Yes, sir."

Jia Lian bowed respectfully and went outside.

Jia Jing continued, "Recently, I seem to have heard that a few of your servants are not very honest. They are talking nonsense and bullying others. Go back and investigate this matter. If it is just a rumor, it's fine. If it is true, punish them severely!"

Jia She was shocked.

"There is such a thing!"

He has been going out frequently for drinking and socializing recently, so he has been somewhat negligent about matters at home.

"Don't worry, brother. I will investigate thoroughly when I get back!" Jia She promised.

"I will also check the maids and servants below, and sell out any dishonest ones." Mrs. Xing also said hurriedly.

"Ok!"

Jia Jing nodded, then looked at Jia Zheng and said calmly, "What has the second brother been busy with recently?"

Jia Zheng was drinking tea. Upon hearing this, he quickly put down his teacup and said carefully, "I'm just teaching Lan Ge'er at home. It's nothing else."

"Nothing?" Jia Jing suddenly sneered, "I heard that you have close contact with a eunuch in the palace. What do you want to do? You might as well tell me."

Jia Zheng's face changed and he stammered, "I, I..."

I hesitated for a long time, but couldn't make out the reason.

Jia Jing's face had turned gloomy, and he said in a cold voice: "How dare you interfere in the affairs of the imperial palace? Who gave you the courage?"

Jia Zheng trembled with fear, but he didn't dare to say that it was Grandmother Jia's idea. Beads of sweat rolled down his cheeks and said, "I, I, I..."

"That's unreasonable!"

Jia She slammed the table in anger and shouted, "Second Brother, I think you are becoming more and more ignorant of your own limitations! Who are you? How dare you get involved in that without telling me? Do you want to make our whole family restless?"

"Brother, I know I was wrong and I won't dare to do it again." Jia Zheng admitted his mistake with his head lowered.

"Is it all over if you admit your mistake?" Jia She gritted his teeth and said, "It seems that you don't understand how serious your actions are. From now on, except to pay respects to your mother, I will not allow you to leave the yard! Otherwise... I will break your legs!"

Jia Zheng: "..."

……

Fengjie didn't dare to say much inside. After listening to a few words, she followed Jia Lian out and walked forward and said with a smile: "Master is right. I also feel that Rong'er will definitely win this time. Let's go to Rong'er in advance to congratulate him."

Jia Lian took out his folding fan, smiled and shook it, saying, "Of course I know that. Our Jia family is blessed with talented people. I wouldn't be surprised if Rong'er passed the imperial examination."

Sister Feng waved her hand and chuckled, "Don't flatter yourself. It's the Ningguo Mansion that has the best people and beautiful scenery. What's going on in your place? Second Master knows it."

Master Bao, Master Lian, Master Huan...

"Haha."

Jia Lian smiled awkwardly: "The East and West Mansions are all one family. How can Rong Ge'er not recognize me as his uncle? Besides, he has to support my sister Qiao."

Speaking of Qiaojie, Fengjie is not so funny, only because Jia Lian has a concubine outside, and she is said to be pregnant.

She is now powerless, her family members are useless, and she has Wang Ziteng whose life and death is unknown, and a wife who has entered a Buddhist temple. Therefore, she dare not make a big fuss or say much. She is planning how to bring someone into the house and then think of ways to win favor.

As for dominating Jia Lian, she no longer had such thoughts. As long as she could maintain her current position, it would be fine. When Madam Xing died in the future, perhaps the position of the mistress of the Rongguo Mansion would be…

It must be hers!

"Brother Rong."

"Uncle Lian, Aunt Lian."

Jia Rong has been very free in recent days. He gets up early every day with the help of the maid, practices martial arts with Xiao Xiao for a while, then waters the flowers and feeds the auspicious rabbit in the yard. When he has time, he goes to talk to Lin Daiyu or Baochai sisters. He lives a carefree life, even more comfortable than Jia Baoyu in the original text.

Today, Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng came together, and Jia Rong happened to be standing at the door watering the flowers with a kettle.

"Hey, where are the maids in Rong'er's yard? Why are they watering the flowers by themselves? Do you want me to pick two for you?" Fengjie said with a smile.

Jia Rong waved his hand, put down the kettle and said, "I was just playing with it. How come Uncle and Auntie are free today?"

Jia Lian waved his fan and smiled, "Whether you have time or not, I have to come and congratulate you. You should be able to pass the imperial examination this time. I often hear people say that you are the most talented scholar in the capital! Passing the imperial examination should be as easy as taking something out of your purse."

"It's just a rumor!" Jia Rong waved his hand and said, "This is my first time to take the Autumn Examination this year. I just want to give it a try. My chances of passing are slim."

"what!"

Jia Lian was stunned for a moment.

"Pfft." Sister Feng smiled and said, "Brother Rong is really modest. If you are not sure, how many people in Kyoto are sure?"

"Haha."

Jia Lian suddenly realized what was going on and said to Jia Rong, "You are indeed very modest."

Jia Rong shook his head repeatedly: "I'm really not being modest. I'm not sure."

"We don't care whether the chances are high or not. I just heard that you are going to get engaged this year, and to your own aunt? You are really amazing, Rong'er!" Fengjie said with a smile.

Jia Lian also looked at Jia Rong with a smile.

He actually married his own aunt. Even though she is only an aunt in name and they don't have the same surname, it's still... really exciting!
What a great skill!
Apart from anything else, he really got a great deal in this generation. Why didn't he think of it at the beginning?

"Cough cough."

Jia Rong coughed awkwardly and said, "Grandpa and Uncle Lin are the ones who make the decisions. We, the younger generation, can only listen to them."

"Haha, what a great wish from your parents. Your auntie congratulates you. You will pass the imperial examination this year and you will also have your wedding night. It is really a double happiness." Sister Feng said jokingly.

"It's just an engagement, it's still too early for the wedding night..." Jia Rong said hurriedly.

"Haha."

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Look, he's getting anxious."

Jia Lian also laughed and said, "Don't worry, Rong'er. When Master gives the order, I will go to Yangzhou to propose marriage for you."

Jia Rong: “…”

"I'm really not in a hurry..."

"Yes, yes, you are not in a hurry." Jia Lian said with a jealous smile: "It seems that you still have to go to two families. You are really good, you are so lucky to have two wives!"

Sister Feng glanced at Jia Lian and said with a smile, "You want it too?"

Jia Lian said seriously: "I didn't think about it. I don't deserve it."

Sister Feng smiled sweetly and said, "Why not? I'll find you one someday."

Jia Lian couldn't hold back any longer after hearing her sweet laugh. He chuckled and asked, "Really?"

"of course it's true."

Sister Feng said seriously and virtuously.

"Feng'er, you are so nice."

Jia Lian looked at Sister Feng with affection in his eyes.

Fengjie lowered her head shyly.

"Hehe, why are you two acting like this in front of me, an unmarried man? Can't you go home and continue your affectionate behavior?" Jia Rong interrupted the two of them at an inopportune time.

"Haha, I just want to make you jealous."

Jia Lian was very happy with Feng Ji's surrender and felt that happy days were coming.

"Feng'er, let's go home."

Jia Lian hurriedly pulled Fengjie back.

"Hey, don't you want a cup of tea?"

Jia Rong said from behind.

"Some other day..."

Jia Lian said without even turning his head.

Sister Feng pinched Jia Lian and said angrily, "What a nuisance! Why are you in such a hurry to go back?"

"hey-hey."

Jia Lian smiled and said nothing.

The two gradually walked away.

Jia Rong smiled slightly and went back to the room to wash his hands. He happened to see Ping'er who was calculating the accounts seriously and attentively. She was wearing a light-colored, half-worn floral skirt, a green silk ribbon around her waist, and an ordinary silver hairpin on her head. Although she was not as luxurious as Fengjie, she was dignified and charming with a unique charm.

Jia Rong stepped forward and asked with a smile, "Where are they?"

Ping Erh put down her writing brush and said, "Xiang Ling went to see Miss Lin and said she had written a poem the latest. Qing Wen went to get flowers and said she wanted to save more petals so she could make her own rouge."

Xiaoxiao doesn't mention it, and feels free.

Jia Rong chuckled and walked forward to hold Ping'er's hand.

Ping'er was stunned for a moment, then lowered her head shyly.

"Master, what are you...doing?"

"Nothing, I just want to see..."

"During the day... there are people!" "Aren't they all out?"

"don't want……"

"Um……"

After a while.

Ping'er was sitting in front of the mirror, putting on her makeup, with a slight blush on her face. She glanced in the mirror at Jia Rong, who was leaning comfortably on the bed.

"Come here for a moment, sir."

"what happened?"

Jia Rong didn't want to move now, he just wanted to close his eyes and take a rest.

"Come here, sir."

Ping'er's voice became more delicate.

"Hey!"

Jia Rong walked over.

Ping Erh handed the comb to Jia Rong and said with a smile, "Master, it's alright, just comb my hair."

"This……"

Jia Rong held the comb and felt at a loss: "I really don't know how to do it."

Ping Erh said shyly, "Just comb your hair casually."

"so?"

Jia Rong combed Ping'er's loose black hair.

"All right."

Ping'er took the comb and said, "Thank you, sir. You can go back and have a rest."

Jia Rong asked, "Shall I help you comb your hair again?"

Ping Er said, "No, no, I'll be fine in a moment."

As she spoke, she quickly tied her hair into a ponytail and chose a pearl hairpin from the box and inserted it into her bun.

Just as I finished, Qingwen came.

She looked at the two of them strangely and asked, "Why are you wearing makeup in broad daylight?"

Ping'er pretended to be calm.

Jia Rong waved his fan and smiled faintly, "If you don't comb your hair during the day, do you comb it at night?"

"Hehehehe."

Qingwen laughed strangely.

It must be me who is bullying people again!
"Ignore you."

"I'm going to get down to business!"

……

The ten days of leisure time passed in a flash, and tomorrow is the day when the results will be announced.

To be honest, although Jia Rong was full of confidence, he was still a little nervous.

As the saying goes, the higher you stand, the harder you fall.

Everything has two sides. In the past few years, he has attended various literary gatherings in Kyoto, and his reputation has long spread outside, which has played a great role in the reputation of Ningguo Mansion as a scholarly family.

but!
What if I fail the exam...

It is estimated that unpleasant words such as "not worthy of the reputation", "in name only", and "relying on the influence of grandfather" will spread... and even have some impact on Ningguo Mansion.

"Master, what are you thinking about?"

Ping'er brought a bowl of tea and spoke gently.

Ever since the two of them secretly tried it out that day, Ping'er has served him even more gently and considerately.

Jia Rong put down the book and said, "Nothing, just reading."

Ping Er tilted her head and smiled, "Sir, don't lie to me. You don't usually read like this. Is it because the results will be announced tomorrow?"

The careful Ping'er of course discovered that although Jia Rong seemed to be relaxed these days, he was actually worried.

"Alas, I can't hide it from you." Jia Rong sighed: "My state of mind is still not good enough. When will I be able to remain calm in the face of praise or criticism?"

Ping'er smiled and said, "Master, you are already the most powerful one. It is normal to feel a little nervous on the day of the announcement of the results of the Autumn Examination. Being indifferent to praise or criticism is... a state of mind that only old men can reach. You can't have that."

"Haha, yes."

Jia Rong reached out to embrace Ping'er, but she nimbly dodged him by twisting her body.

"Stop messing around, and take a good rest."

……

Gongyuan.

Because all the examiners were working overtime to mark the test papers, the results were not announced two days later as expected. By the evening of August 25, all the test papers had been marked on time and the only thing left was to open the papers and call out the names.

"Thank you all for your hard work. I will ask the emperor for your commendation." Ma Hanlin said solemnly to everyone.

Everyone hurriedly said, "This is what we should do. It's not hard to share the emperor's worries. If we have to talk about hard work, then President Ma has been really hard-working these days!"

Everyone was humble and complimented each other.

The scrolls are opened and the roll call officially begins.

According to the regulations, starting from the sixth person, one official will be responsible for proofreading the numbers, one official will be responsible for opening the papers, and one official will be responsible for proofreading the names, native places, resumes, etc. on the red and black papers again. After they match one by one, the next person's name will be called out, and the last official will be responsible for writing the list.

"The sixth place in the Northern Zhili provincial examination: Xie Jiwen, a student from Shuntian Prefecture, who read the Book of Songs."

Yaqui appears.

Everyone congratulated the official in charge of the "Book of Songs" room.

"congratulations."

"As expected, he is Xie Hanlin's son."

"Thank you, Hanlin, for your good parenting skills."

Guo Qingsheng, the official in charge of the Book of Songs, was very happy.

It is said that a monster appeared in the "Book of Rites" room this year, and they have basically no chance of winning the top prize. The appearance of Yakui in their "Book of Songs" room can be regarded as a small suppression of the other rooms.

Ma Hanlin also smiled and nodded.

My old friend's son ranked sixth in this year's provincial examination, which is cause for celebration.

We should go have a drink some other day.

The roll call continues.

"Song Yu, a student from Hejian Prefecture, ranked 61st in the Northern Zhili provincial examination. This is the Book of Songs."

"..."

Soon, the last person was called:
"The 191st place in the Northern Zhili provincial examination, a student from Shuntian Prefecture, dreamed of a book at night, which was the Spring and Autumn Annals."

It was already late at night, and the candles were replaced one after another. Everyone was feeling drowsy.

Now, the most important moment has finally arrived!
Everyone perked up!
The official in charge of calling out the names also raised his voice unconsciously.

"The fifth place in the Northern Zhili provincial examination, Bai Tongfu, a student from Baoding Prefecture, is a classic of the Book of Songs."

"congratulations."

When the top scorer of the Five Classics was announced, everyone congratulated the "Book of Songs" department. This time the smile on the official's face was a little forced, as he did not expect that the "Book of Songs" department would be at the bottom among the Five Classics.

If I had recommended Xie Jiwen's test paper earlier, maybe the ranking would have been slightly higher...

"The second place in Shuntian Prefecture's provincial examination was Shi Pengxiang from Zhending Prefecture, who was studying the Book of Shangshu."

"Wow, it's Shi Pengxiang!"

"Is it the sixty-year-old Shi Pengxiang?"

"From Zhending Prefecture, is there any fake one?"

"incredible!"

Amidst amazement, the first place winner of the Northern Zhili provincial examination finally revealed his true identity.

he is the one……

The official who called out the names excitedly said, "The first place winner of the Northern Zhili provincial examination is Jia Rong from Shuntian Prefecture, who is studying the Book of Rites!"

Everyone's spirits were lifted!
"It's him!"

"Jia Shunzhi, the leader of the Qing Society!"

"Grandson of Lord Jia!"

"He is indeed the most talented person in Kyoto, and he deserves the title!"

"Amazing talent and stunning beauty!"

……

(End of this chapter)