Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 265 My Nephew is Jia Rong
……

A group of young and old aunts came to congratulate him. Jia Rong quickly got up, washed, and went outside.

As expected, Sichun and Baochai were all there. What surprised Jia Rong was that Shi Xiangyun also came early.

It has been a long time since I last saw this girl. It is said that she is very happy. Jia Rong also heard a few words about it. The man is a little nephew of the Prince of Nan'an. He is said to be both literary and martial, and a handsome man.

"Rong'er, the people outside are here to announce the good news, but you are still sleeping soundly at home. Haha." Shi Xiangyun is still the same as before. When she laughs, she looks particularly free and easy, without any of the reserved look of a girl waiting to be married.

Baochai looked at Jia Rong and smiled, saying, "This is called having a plan in mind. Brother Rong already knew that he would win. What's rare is that he won the first place."

Jia Rong smiled modestly and said, "It was just luck. I thought I wouldn't win, so I just went to sleep at home."

Everyone laughed and said, "Brother Rong is so modest. He is lucky to have won the first place in the imperial examination. If he works harder, he will be the first in the imperial examination to win the third place. That would be perfect. The aunts will give him gifts."

As they spoke, they took out the gifts they had prepared. In fact, they had all been made a long time ago. Everyone had started preparing them when Jia Rong went to take the examination, and they just happened to take them out today.

Jia Rong accepted them all and thanked them.

Over the years, he received quite a few gifts from his aunts, including various needlework, purses, sachets, fan pendants and other things. Of course, Jia Rong also gave away quite a few, including gold hairpins, bracelets and so on.

In any case, we must not let the aunts suffer any loss.

"I'll go out and check the list. Aunts, please stay here and have a drink." Jia Rong couldn't wait to see his name top the list again.

Everyone understood Jia Rong's feelings and said with a smile, "Go ahead, and remember to come back early."

How can I not be proud to have such a great nephew?

Even if I get married in the future, as long as I mention that my nephew is Jia Rong, won’t my in-laws be respectful and obedient, right?
……

Jia Jing's study.

There was no morning court today, and he did not go to the cabinet either. He just stayed at home waiting for the announcement of the examination results.

While drinking tea, he looked seriously at the notebook in his hand.

Although he seemed calm and composed, he was actually feeling very nervous, just like when he was taking the imperial examination.

Suddenly, someone outside came running over here in a hurry and started shouting before entering the house.

"Grandpa, Grandpa!"

"The eldest son won the first place!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the man walked into the house.

The person who came to report this time was not Xiao Zhuzi, but the butler Lai Er.

Xiao Zhuzi was stopped outside by him.

After hearing this, Jia Jing's eyes lit up and he stood up from his chair.

He turned out to be the first place winner. Rong Ge'er is indeed better than his teacher and has surpassed him by a lot!

Who dares to look down on Ningguo Mansion from now on? Even Prime Minister Ye will have to stand aside. Ningguo Mansion will be the number one family in Daxia in the future.

"There's a reward!"

Jia Jing waved his hand.

Lai Er happily took the red envelope and went outside.

Xiao Zhuzi made a bitter face and said, "Butler Lai, my..."

"Give, give."

Lai Er handed the red envelope to Xiao Zhuzi.

He didn't just want to show off in front of the master. As for a few taels of silver, the Lai family didn't really care about it.

The little pillar got a red seal and felt heavy inside.

Overjoyed.

"Thank you, Butler Lai."

"Go." Butler Lai waved his hand.

There will definitely be a lot of guests coming today, so he will be busy.

But he also enjoyed it.

His brother Lai Da wanted to be busy but couldn't. Those who went to Rongguo Mansion were all from lower-class families, or insignificant officials who were not worthy of being in the spotlight, or some ladies with imperial titles.

……

As expected, many ladies with imperial titles came to Rongguo Mansion.

The Dowager Concubine Nan'an, the Princess Beijing, the old lady of the Duke Shanguo's family, the lady of the Duke Liguo's family, the wife of the Marquis Jingtian's family, and some wives of officials from the six ministries all came to congratulate.

Of course, they all came for Jia Rong, and all they talked about was how great Jia Rong was, and how it would be no problem for him to be made a marquis or a prime minister in the future.

Although Jia Rong is already engaged, he can still take a concubine. The Ningguo Mansion is currently at its peak, and it would be a wise move to bring the concubine's daughter or niece out to build closer ties with the Ningguo Mansion.

While talking to people with a smile on her face, Grandmother Jia began to promote her eldest granddaughter Yuanchun and her eldest granddaughter Baoyu.

At this time, Concubine Nan'an suddenly smiled and said, "I like the look of your eldest daughter. Come quickly and let me take a good look."

Grandmother Jia was very happy.

The second child of the Nan'an County Prince's family has reached the age of twenty, and there are recent rumors that he is preparing for marriage. If Yuanchun can marry into the prince's mansion, although she is a second wife, it will be respectable enough.

"Yuan girl, go and pour a cup of tea for the imperial concubine." Grandmother Jia instructed Yuanchun with a smile.

Although Yuanchun disliked the royal family very much, she was an obedient girl and served tea to Concubine Nan'an as she was told.

The Nan'an Concubine took the teacup and smiled, "Okay, okay, you are indeed a good girl. I don't have any gifts here at the moment, but this string of jade and agate bracelets is just right for you. If you don't mind, take it."

Grandmother Jia was very happy.

"Yuan girl, why don't you thank the Concubine quickly?"

Yuanchun had been in the palace for many years, so her etiquette was naturally impeccable. After paying her respects to Concubine Nan'an, she stepped back respectfully and stood in front of her sisters in silence.

Behind them, Yingchun, Baochai, and Xiangyun all looked at Yuanchun with a smile and whispered, "Congratulations, big sister."

Yuanchun glared back shyly.

Only then did they shut up.

On this side, Jia's mother was very happy to see that the eldest girl's marriage was somewhat settled, and then she smiled and said, "Don't stare at our family members one by one. Princess, I heard that your niece is beautiful and virtuous. Bring her to me someday."

Princess Beijing smiled and said, "She happens to be feeling unwell today, otherwise I would have brought her here."

Her niece was indeed outstanding and well-known for her talent throughout the capital. Some people even compared her to Jia Rong.

One is the most talented person in Kyoto.

One is the most talented woman in Kyoto.

It’s a pity that Jia Rong is already engaged, otherwise it would have been a beautiful story.

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she knew there was no hope for Baoyu.

Of course, this is also expected.

She also knew that Baoyu had no fame and status, so he was not worthy of her. She said this to let people know that her elder Baoyu had reached the age, and they could bring a suitable girl to her.

However, everyone looked uninterested, as if they were not interested in her eldest Baoyu, and continued to talk about Jia Rong.

"Brother Rong is only eighteen this year, right? He actually won two prizes in a row. I think he will win the palace examination!"

"The God of Literature has come down to your house. You are so lucky, old lady."

Grandmother Jia smiled awkwardly.

If Da Baoyu is Wenquxing, she would naturally be very lucky.

Rong Ge'er...hehe.

No one even comes to greet her!
……

"Girl, girl, great joy!"

Zijuan, Xueyan and Amber came running in, jumping and skipping.

Lin Daiyu naturally heard the sound of firecrackers outside and knew that Jia Rong had won, so she was in a good mood and joked, "What's the big news? Could it be that someone has taken a fancy to the three of you and is proposing marriage to you?"

The three of them blushed immediately.

"What did the girl say?"

"Girl, you have no shame."

"We're not getting married."

"Yes, we will serve the girl for the rest of our lives."

Lin Daiyu snorted and said, "It's still a lifetime. If you want to serve your Master Rong, just say so."

Zijuan smiled and said, "It is our duty to serve our uncle. By the way, young lady, our uncle won the first prize."

"Yes, everyone outside who came to announce the good news has come. There are so many people!"

"Uncle Rong is really amazing."

"It's our girl who is blessed."

"Yes, our girls bring good luck to their husbands."

The three maids started talking at once. Lin Daiyu gritted her teeth and said shyly, "If anyone disobeys me or talks nonsense, I will marry you off."

The three of them begged for mercy: "Girl, please don't, we will obey you."

Lin Daiyu said, "Since you are obedient, why don't you go and do something? You are making so much noise here and causing trouble for others."

Zijuan smiled and said, "Yes, yes, let's go and make needlework for the trousseau, okay."

Amber nodded: "Yes, this is the real thing."

……

In the east wing of the Rongguo Mansion, Jia Zheng was drinking tea alone, listening to the sound of firecrackers and congratulations outside. Somehow he suddenly thought of Da Baoyu.

That evil creature, if he had one finger of Rong Ge'er's ability, he would be able to die with a smile on his face.

"Somebody come!"

Jia Zheng gave the order in a calm voice.

The servant at the door immediately ran in and said respectfully, "Master, what do you want?"

Jia Zheng said, "Where is Baoyu? Call him over here. I want to ask him about his homework!"

The servants did not dare to delay and hurried to invite Baoyu.

At this time, Da Baoyu was sleeping soundly. He had played with Qin Zhong, Qi Guan and Zhineng'er for a whole day yesterday and was a little tired.

"Is Master Bao here? The master asks him to come over." The servant shouted in the yard.

Da Baoyu, who was sleeping, jumped up with a start and asked in fear, "Who's outside?"

Mrs. Zhou Rui hurriedly hugged Baoyu and said with a smile, "Don't be afraid, Second Master. It is the master who asked you to do so. I will help you put on your clothes right away."

"Where is Xiren? I want Xiren to serve me!" Da Baoyu said loudly.

Zhou Ruijia smiled and said, "Xiren's mother died, and she went home to attend the funeral. She can't come recently."

Da Baoyu was surprised and asked, "Her mother died? How did she die?"

Zhou Ruijia smiled and said, "Who knows? Second Master, don't think about it. Hurry up and put on your clothes and go to the master to receive your reward. I will serve you again after you come back with the reward."

Baoyu: "..."

……

Lin Ruhai bought a two-story house on Xinglong Street, not far from the Jia Mansion. As for the official residence, it has not been allocated yet.

As the future father-in-law, Lin Ruhai was naturally very concerned about Jia Rong's performance, and sent a servant out to check the list early in the morning.

"Master, master!"

"My son-in-law won the first prize!"

The servant ran breathlessly.

"Haha, indeed!"

Lin Ruhai smiled faintly and threw the book in his hand aside.

He had long known that his son-in-law was a dragon among men, and today he really made the leap from a carp to a dragon!

Jieyuan, Huiyuan...it is not impossible that the results in the palace examination next month will surpass his!

I have to go and congratulate Lord Jia.

Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai ordered his men to prepare the carriages and horses and head all the way to Ningguo Mansion.

The court's appointment has not yet come down, so he is now completely free.

……

As the chief minister of the cabinet, Ye Xiang was naturally very concerned about the results of this imperial examination, especially since the grandson of his old rival Jia Jing participated in the examination.

So he sent people to guard the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall all night.

Ye Xiang’s two sons were more concerned. They stayed up all night last night and stayed in the Buddhist temple chanting until dawn.

"Amitabha, please bless Jia Shunzhi to fail the exam, to fail the exam..."

"Second Young Master, Third Young Master, the master wants you to go to the study." The butler suddenly appeared at the door and said in a light voice.

The two of them were startled and asked cautiously, "Butler Liu, what's wrong?"

Butler Liu shook his head slightly and said, "You two young masters will know when you go there."

When the two saw the look on Butler Liu's face, they had a bad feeling.

Is it...

"Beast!"

In the study, Ye Xiang looked at his two sons and gritted his teeth and said, "Good-for-nothings, come here, tie them up, take them out and beat them to death!"

Ye Lao Er: "..."

Ye Lao San: "..."

Jia Shunzhi, we two brothers have no grudge against you!
Why do you always come to harm us!
We brothers cannot coexist with you!

……

It was after noon when Jia Rong changed his clothes and went out. He felt particularly happy when he thought that he could finally put aside the boring classics and articles he had been reading for ten years.

All the way to the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall, the place was still bustling with people. Some were laughing and talking nonsense, some were lying on the ground crying in pain, and some were crazy, shouting, "Impossible, absolutely impossible..."

The various aspects of life can be seen in front of the examination room.

"Look, Jia Shunzhi is here to look at the list."

"Amazing! He is worthy of being the most talented scholar in Kyoto. He beat the talented scholar from Jiangnan and won the first place."

"Jieyuan, Huiyuan, judging from this momentum, I might even get Sanyuan."

Everyone was talking about it, and all looked at Jia Rong with envy and awe.

Jia Rong couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Nowadays, when talking about the Ningguo Mansion, no one would only remember the two big stone lions at the door, right?

The first place in the Yi Si imperial examination was Jia Rong.

As expected, you are the first place winner.

Looking further down, the second person turned out to be Zhou Yanru, whom I met in Jiangnan.

He must have studied very hard in the past few years to achieve this result.

Jia Rong doesn’t know the other top five, and there aren’t many familiar ones among the others. What about the talents of the Jiangnan Yingshe?
not even one.

Xie Jiwen wasn't there either.

It was not until the 110th place that Jia Rong finally found Xie Jiwen's name.

Fortunately, as long as you pass the imperial examination, the ranking is not important. The palace examination that follows is when the real ranking is determined.

After that, Jia Rong did not see Song Yu again. He dreamed about Song Yu's name at night, which probably meant that he failed the imperial examination.

Suddenly, Jia Rong looked at the last person.

Shuntian Mansion, Night Dream Book!
"Haha, you must be stunned!"

Suddenly someone patted Jia Rong on the shoulder, and it was the voice of Ye Mengshu.

"I didn't expect that the article I wrote was just average."

Jia Rong nodded, and later wrote out the article from his dream, which was indeed mediocre.

I can only say that luck comes first.

During the provincial examination, this guy also climbed up by following others.

Jia Rong even suspected that this guy had been hiding his true abilities all along.

It is certainly difficult to get first place in the exam.

But it seems more difficult to always be the last one and not fall off the list.

"Where is Xie Jiwen? Where is Song Yu?" Jia Rong asked.

Ye Mengshu said: "Xie Jiwen went to the building to meet his lover. Song Yu shut himself in and told us not to disturb him."

Jia Rong: “…”

It's very sad indeed.

Three of his good friends passed the exam, but he was the only one who failed. He must have felt bad.

Ye Mengshu laughed and said, "Song Yu will figure it out himself. Xie Jiwen probably won't be able to take care of us anymore. Why don't we go find a place to have a drink?"

"Okay." Jia Rong nodded: "I know a place that is very quiet and suitable for drinking."

"where?"

"Just follow me."

……

(End of this chapter)