novelaction Chapter 970 Examination Results
Chapter 970 Examination Results
Seeing her cousin pouring out his grievances, Xiaoyuer raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Oh, I didn't expect you to be having such a hard time, cousin?"
Pengpeng nodded, looking a little dazed, and then pretended to be deep in thought: "Yeah, you wouldn't understand until you've been there!"
Little Fish: …………
"Although I come from a good family, I am not a spoiled young master who doesn't know the hardships of life. On the contrary, it is you, cousin. I think you have had too many good days in Lin'an and have been blinded by the wealth and glory of the capital. You are already so obsequious before you have even entered the officialdom. Who knows what will happen when you actually become an official!"
As the saying goes, "A small temple has many demons, a shallow pond has many turtles," meaning that a lower-ranking official isn't necessarily easier to manage. Building connections is good, but you must first demonstrate your value to others, rather than simply trying to curry favor.
After saying that, Xiaoyuer raised his chin and pointed to the servants and attendants nearby: "If you want to please these people, that's enough. Do you think they don't know how to say nice things? When it comes to flattery, they're much more professional than you!"
Pengpeng then realized that Xiaoyuer had been speaking ironically.
He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the child to move. Little Fish lost interest and patience, and said, "Figure it out yourself!"
He then went to play Cuju (ancient Chinese football) with the other young masters from prominent families.
Pengpeng was left standing there with mixed feelings, and also felt quite wronged.
Leaving aside the verbal squabbles between the cousins, in front of outsiders, Xiaoyuer always defended his cousin, reminding others not to go too far with their words amidst half-joking banter.
Pengpeng has good hearing; he heard it from afar and was very moved.
Li Chengye also came to the spring outing today. He noticed this scene from the side and couldn't help but find it a little funny. They are all still young. In this peaceful and prosperous era, even if there are troubles, they are limited, unlike later on.
Before we knew it, it was early March, the day when the results of the imperial examinations would be announced.
Zhang Lao Er's injuries have almost healed, and he can walk slowly with crutches. His eye disease has also been effectively controlled, and he can see things without much difficulty, which has greatly relieved his family.
This is the second time my family has gotten up early to check on the results of the imperial examination, also known as the "Apricot List".
"Pengpeng, Heming, you two go over there after you've eaten your fill. I feel at ease with him by your side. Also, transfer a few skilled guards from the inner courtyard to accompany you. There are many people posting the results, so I'm afraid something might happen. As for me, I won't go. My current identity isn't suitable. If it's good news, I need to stay home and greet the guests," Zhang Ping'an gently instructed.
Xiaoyuer waved his hand, laughed heartily, and said confidently, "Dad, I already booked a window seat at a teahouse near the examination hall with my cousin and a few other good friends. Don't worry, I won't squeeze in if it's crowded. Anyway, we're not in a hurry. We'll know the results sooner or later. You and Grandpa can just wait at home for my good news!"
"Oh, my dear grandson, if you really make the list, I'll truly... truly... have a fulfilling life! I'll have lived up to the expectations of our ancestors, my life will have been worthwhile, it'll be so glorious!"
Zhang Lao Er was equally excited; his hands were even trembling slightly while he ate breakfast.
Zhang Ping'an was shocked. He hadn't forgotten when his father fainted when the messenger came to bring good news. Back then, Zhang Lao Er wasn't as old as he is now, but he really couldn't withstand this!
"Dad, calm down! Take a deep breath! Whether it's a success or a failure, there will be a result eventually. Please don't get agitated. Xiaoyuer is still young and has a bright future ahead of him!"
"Huff...huff...I'm not excited, I'm not excited, I'm going to eat! I still need to see my grandson make the list and see the messengers come to our house to announce the good news!"
As he spoke, Zhang Lao Er, as if to convince everyone, slowly drank a few spoonfuls of millet porridge, took a few deep breaths, and then gradually calmed down.
Little Fish and Pengpeng watched from the sidelines, looking very worried.
Zhang Ping'an knew this was a psychological issue, so he waved for the two of them to leave quickly, saying, "Once you two leave, your grandfather won't be so anxious anymore."
Xiaoyuer and Pengpeng exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. After saying goodbye to their families, they boarded the prepared carriage and headed straight for the examination hall.
Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi eagerly awaited their arrival, as if they couldn't sit still even though it was still dark.
After enduring for a quarter of an hour, Zhang Lao Er finally got up with his cane and directed his servants to prepare the wedding money, as well as tea, fruit and snacks for the guests.
The original saying was: "We must not neglect our guests. On special occasions like these, we must be generous and magnanimous, otherwise it will not sound good if word gets out!"
Ms. Xu wholeheartedly agreed with this statement; on such a special day, she didn't mind spending any amount of money.
Seeing the two elderly people bustling around, Zhang Ping'an seemed less tense and let them be.
As dawn broke, an unexpected guest arrived at the mansion.
Xu was delighted to see him and quickly welcomed him in. “Oh, my dear husband, it’s Zhuzhu! This child, it’s not even fully light yet, and the air is still chilly. Don’t catch a cold coming here so early. Come, come, have a seat, come into the main room.”
Zhang Ping'an was somewhat surprised. While instructing the servants to serve tea, he said gently, "If there's anything, just have the servants come and report it. Why do you have to come in person? The child is still young and can't be left alone!"
Zhu Zhu took off her cloak and handed it to a servant before sitting down. She was never reserved in the Zhang family.
Hearing her uncle's question, Zhuzhu replied with a mix of amusement and helplessness, "Well, I was just doing someone a favor, and I couldn't sit still at home anyway, so I decided to come over early and mooch a couple of meals from you, Uncle, hehe!"
Although she has been married for many years and has several children, she is content with her life and has no shortage of money. So apart from being a little plump, there are not many signs of aging on her face. Her eyes are still bright and clear, and she occasionally reveals a girlish charm and playfulness in her words and actions. This is something that only someone who is deeply loved can have.
Mrs. Xu loved hearing Zhuzhu say that, and it made her feel very comfortable. "As long as you're happy, you can eat here as many meals as you want!"
Zhuzhu chatted with the elderly couple for a while, and as the sky gradually brightened, she asked her uncle, "The results should have been released by now, right? I wonder how Xiaoyuer and Cousin Pengpeng did? It's making me really anxious!"
“Who says otherwise!” Madam Xu couldn’t help but peek outside.
Zhang Ping'an knew exactly when the results of the imperial examination would be announced. After estimating, he replied, "If you really passed, those who are quick on their feet should have already had someone come back to report the good news by now. Let's be patient and wait. Those who are slower on their feet will have people coming to our door by noon."
After saying that, he picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and calmed the restlessness in his heart.
The group lost their appetite for conversation and didn't even know what they were saying.
He glanced towards the doorway every now and then.
Finally, a servant's voice came from afar, "Master...Master, it's...it's...it's good!"
They had clearly rushed in at lightning speed, panting heavily.