Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 60: Engagement
Once that aura dissipated, only the sound of the wind remained outside the courtyard.

The leaves rustled, as if sensing the silence of the crowd.

The boys felt a void in their hearts; the confusion from before was still etched on their faces, and they hadn't had time to shake it off.

Hongdu led his people back, walking slowly, as if he had deliberately slowed down.

His speech was no longer as harsh as before, and his tone became more patient:
Do you know what the difference is between the top three, the second-best, and the best?

Some shook their heads, some pondered in hushed tones, but in the end, no one dared to reply.

Hong Du didn't urge him on; his footsteps echoed a few times on the bluestone slabs before he spoke to himself:
"Both the third-class and second-class students will enter the Military Equipment Department to learn skills, but their future career paths will be different, and the content they learn will also vary in importance."

Everyone present had made it into the second round, so he spoke more frankly.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded slightly.

But the sentence that followed made many people's ears twitch slightly:
"But this one is different. Although it is also in the Military Equipment Department, it can receive personal guidance from the Captain."

Upon hearing this, most of the confusion on the boys' faces dissipated, and a sense of understanding appeared in their eyes.

These young men came from wealthy families in the county or prefecture, or from prominent families, and they knew a little about the intricacies of officialdom.

The title "Jia" was ostensibly for selecting officials from the prefecture, but in reality, it was a military selection personally conducted by the captain.

After they were granted a noble status, they would all naturally come under his command.

No wonder he was the only one who nodded in approval, and there were no more tests or competitions.

With just a flick of his chopsticks, he subdued his three trusted confidants.

Thinking about this, everyone's gaze towards the three people became even more subtle.

There was admiration and envy in his eyes, as well as a hint of unspeakable emotion.

Especially the scions of prominent families who only made it to the second tier.

At this moment, looking at Jiang Liang, who was unknown and even appeared somewhat abruptly, his gaze deepened.

Upon returning to the courtyard, the air was filled with the fragrance of ink. Tables and desks were set out, with paper and brushes already prepared.

On one side, they were writing names and affixing their fingerprints, busy registering names and making records;

Before the notice with gold background and red characters had even dried completely, a messenger carrying glue was already running to post it in front of the Military Equipment Department.

After listing all the names, the Hongdu Sect leader flicked his sleeve and said:

"Dismissed. Go back and celebrate. Remember to come back in three days to report for duty, lest you miss important business."

The boys poured out of the government office like a tide, searching for their relatives and friends among the bustling crowd.

Whether they raised their arms and shouted or reported quietly, they were all beaming with joy.

Jiang Liang walked at a leisurely pace, letting the flow of people push him forward.

Just as I was about to step out the door, a figure rushed up to me in a flurry.

It was that old county magistrate from Longshan County.

Before she arrived, her voice preceded her, and an incredulous joy was already overflowing from her wrinkles.

He grabbed Jiang Liang, his mouth stretching almost to the back of his ears, like an old locust tree in bloom, his smile trembling, his words trembling as well:

"Jiang Liang! You, you... a top-ranking scholar! A top-ranking scholar!"

His voice cracked slightly, and he could barely contain his joy, even his sleeves trembled a few times.

For him, an old clerk in a remote county, the ranking in the state election was even more important than the year-end account book.

After ten years of hard work in Longshan County, only a handful of people who had been sent there managed to get into the top three a few times.

The second-best are to be admired, the best are legends.

Now, he has actually encountered it.

That's a position that even the sons of prominent families in the prefecture would fight tooth and nail for.

If one of them is brought back, not only the county magistrate, but even the bookkeeper in the back of the yamen will get an extra share of the reward.

The old county magistrate kept saying, "It wasn't all for nothing, it wasn't all for nothing."

His hand had already patted Jiang Liang's shoulder, once or twice, as if he had unearthed a treasure:
"Good lad! You've brought honor to our Longshan County, a great honor!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liang chuckled and nodded, responding with a soft "Mm."

Several other teenagers, also from Longshan County, were standing in the corner of the courtyard, their faces looking rather grim.

Being left out of the list is already a big blow, but to make matters worse, the sun is shining brightly today, making even the heat a bit irritating.

Everyone stepped across the threshold together.

The area in front of the Military Equipment Office was already bustling with noise—crying, laughing, and sighing all at once, as lively as a market stall opening.

Jiang Liang took two steps, and a crowd rushed towards him.

Some looked like镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) or 管家 (masters/managers), while others were dressed in silk and looked like stewards. Each of them held something in their hands, their faces beaming with smiles, and they all crowded around, chattering away.

"Is this young man Jiang Liang from Longshan County? He looks so familiar!"

"My master owns a long-established salt merchant family in Liangzhou City. We have long admired your talents in both literature and martial arts, and wish to offer you a small gift. Please come to my humble abode for a chat..."

"Young man, are you still unmarried? My young lady is twenty-seven years old, exceptionally beautiful, and skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She wishes to marry you..."

People were talking, handing things over, and greeting each other, their spittle flying everywhere.

Liangzhou Prefecture is home to many powerful and influential families, and naturally, it is not lacking in well-informed individuals.

As soon as the state election results were announced, these people had already sensed an opportunity, looking for the "hot commodity" that was easy to climb up, easy to get, and had not yet been claimed by anyone.

Jiang Liang's name was chosen from the top rank, but he had no powerful backers and a clean background.

It can both attract sons-in-law and win over people, making it the most sought-after commodity right now.

In an instant, all sorts of noise and well-intentioned words could not conceal the eagerness for quick success and instant benefits, and a barrage of opinions came crashing down.

Jiang Liang showed no outward expression, but his steps slowed slightly by half a step, and a hint of difficulty flashed in his eyes.

Just then, a figure suddenly squeezed into the crowd.

While waving to calm the crowd, he winked at Jiang Liang.

It was Li Wenxuan.

Having some skill, he steadied himself as soon as he stepped forward, and before his clothes had even settled, he had already raised his voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen... wait a moment, please hear me out!"

His clear voice, with its varied intonation, actually suppressed the noisy commotion by a significant amount.

Everyone was taken aback, then saw a troubled expression on his face, yet he still maintained a semblance of politeness, cupping his hands in a circle and saying:
"Brother Jiang appreciates everyone's kindness, but..."

He glanced around, paused briefly, and seeing the crowd's curiosity, gently shook his head, a hint of a sigh in his voice:
"But I'm afraid it's all for nothing."

Before he finished speaking, everyone around him was stunned.

Seeing that the situation was favorable, Li Wenxuan pointed backward, his voice not loud, but every word clear:

"Brother Jiang and my sister are already engaged."

After these words were spoken, the room fell silent for a short while.

The crowd glanced in that direction and saw a carved carriage parked outside the crowd.

The girl in front of the car stood upright, with a slender figure and simple clothes. A white rose swayed slightly by her temple, which perfectly complemented the blush on her cheeks.

At this moment, she neither avoided nor dodged, but simply looked over quietly with gentle eyes and a shy expression, which really made her seem like the real deal.

While everyone was looking at him, Li Wenxuan secretly gave Jiang Liang a wink.

Jiang Liang didn't say much at the moment, only nodding slightly, which was considered an admission that this was a fake play.

Her feet remained still as he moved outwards.

Although those around them felt it was a pity, they ultimately decided not to pursue the matter any further.

Those who had been holding up calling cards, carrying gift boxes, and handing over portraits had no choice but to sheepishly put them away.

The crowd eventually dispersed somewhat, and Jiang Liang and Li Wenxuan finally managed to squeeze through the throng and board the carriage.

The curtain was lifted, and Jiang Liang entered the room. He let out a long breath, patted his chest, and whispered:

"Brother Li was quick-witted and escaped in a clever way; he truly saved my life."

Upon hearing his praise, Li Wenxuan's face immediately lit up with pride.

Just as he was about to speak, an embroidered shoe fell mercilessly from the side, landing squarely on the instep of his foot.

With a soft exclamation, she turned around and stared at the person.

But Li Wenya's face was flushed, her head was lowered, and even the roots of her ears were tinged with rosy hue.

Li Wenxuan immediately shut up after being glared at by her, rubbing his foot sheepishly, no longer daring to be presumptuous.

The carriage fell silent for a moment.

Only the rolling of wheels outside the curtain and the indistinct shadows beneath the window remain.

Li Wenya sat to the side, her blush still fresh, but she didn't speak. She just lowered her eyes and sat down, her fingers gently gathering the hem of her clothes.

Li Wenxuan pretended to be deaf and dumb, only looking out the window, not daring to utter a sound.

Jiang Liang remained calm, thinking that three days wouldn't be enough to return home, and he should at least send a message to his parents.

The carriage bumped and jolted along, carrying a load of unspoken thoughts, slowly making its way forward.

(End of this chapter)