Chapter 677 - 248: Planning for the Matter of the Champion Scholar

Chapter 677: Chapter 248: Planning for the Matter of the Champion Scholar

The young couple was sharing a tender moment when the rest of the manservants dispatched by the estate finally returned.

But before they could announce the good news, the heralds arranged by the court arrived just in time.

Because of their arrival, the butler responsible for distributing the reward money paused. The commoners who had come to scramble for the celebratory coins also stepped aside, not daring to delay the official business.

This announcement was far grander than the previous one for Xu Yanhe.

The heralds cleared the way with gongs. Everyone was dressed in festive attire, striking their instruments while shouting, "Good news!" The massive commotion attracted all the neighbors and pedestrians on the road.

When they reached the front gate of the Xu family, the heralds shouted at the top of their lungs, "Victory report! The esteemed master of your household, Zhao Huijing, has secured first place as the Metropolitan Examination Champion in the Yisi Year Imperial Examination..."

The herald’s enunciation was crisp and clear. When he shouted the words "first place" and "Metropolitan Examination Champion," he deliberately emphasized and drew out the syllables.

That resounding voice pierced the air, carrying far into the distance, reaching the ears of the old madam, Xu Su Ying, and the others.

No one could clearly hear whatever auspicious words the heralds said afterward.

The crowd surrounded Zhao Jing, their faces flushed red with excitement.

"It’s actually the Metropolitan Examination Champion!"

"Jing, you really became the Metropolitan Examination Champion!"

"Incredible! Our family is blessed with double happiness today! Distribute the rewards! All maids and servants will receive an additional three months of their monthly wages in silver. Where are those silver coins I prepared? Carry them all out and distribute them together so everyone can share in the joy!"

The bustling scene at the front gate of the Xu family felt just like the New Year.

Waves of people came one after another. Some commoners came specifically to ask for celebratory money, while others simply came to share in the good fortune. No matter who it was, as long as they offered a couple of auspicious words, the Xu family joyfully handed them a large handful of copper coins.

The old madam was truly foolish with joy to act as such a generous benefactor. When she finally sobered up and thought about the over a thousand taels of silver squandered in a single day, her heart would likely ache so much she would lose sleep.

The festivities lasted from morning until afternoon, and from the afternoon well into the evening.

All friends, relatives, and old acquaintances who heard the good news had their butlers deliver congratulatory gifts. Those from particularly close households, such as the old madam’s maiden family and Mrs. Guo’s maiden family, visited in person. Their joy was beyond words, and they praised Zhao Jing and Xu Yanhe endlessly.

A little later, Old Sir Xu, Xu Shiniang, and Xu Yanlin successively returned from the government office. After dinner, they called Zhao Jing and Xu Yanhe into the study.

Old Sir Xu had always been a man of few words, but looking at the two outstanding young men standing before him, even he couldn’t help but offer a rare compliment. "Not bad."

Not daring to be arrogant, Zhao Jing and Xu Yanhe hastily bowed and cupped their hands. "We will definitely continue to work hard."

Old Sir Xu nodded slightly, picked up his teacup, and slowly began to sip his tea.

After him, Xu Shiniang spoke up. First, he mentioned that the current blooming glory was only temporary. There was still the Palace Examination ahead; only by successfully passing it would their official careers truly begin. Then, he added that it was a great fortune for Jing to become the Metropolitan Examination Champion this time, and he shouldn’t be disappointed if his ranking in the upcoming Palace Examination didn’t meet expectations...

Upon stepping out of the study, a blast of cold wind hit Zhao Jing, and he couldn’t help but shudder slightly.

Xu Yanhe looked at him with some concern. "Jing..."

He hesitated, wanting to offer comfort but not knowing how to begin.

In contrast, Zhao Jing’s expression was as cold and clear as tonight’s moonlight. Not a trace of emotion showed on his handsome face. However, when he turned his head to look at Xu Yanhe, his deep eyes were overwhelmingly intimidating.

"There’s no need to worry about me. What is meant to be mine cannot be taken away by anyone, and what isn’t meant for me cannot be seized by force."

It was the latter half of the month, and the moon was but a tiny curved crescent. It hid within the ink-blue canopy of the sky, flickering in and out of sight. Though the moonlight was dim, the sky was completely filled with stars.

The two chatted about the starlight and moonlight as they exited the study’s courtyard and parted ways at the fork in the path.

When Zhao Jing returned to his courtyard, he saw the indoor lamp glowing like a small bean. Chen Wanqing was sitting in the dim candlelight, quietly writing a letter.

The room was exceptionally quiet, and the scene was incredibly still. From a distance, it looked like a silent painting of a beautiful maiden. But this wasn’t some rigid painting; this was his earthly warmth, his slice of worldly happiness.

Zhao Jing made his footsteps slightly heavier, and Chen Wanqing immediately raised her head. Seeing that he had returned, she waved him over.

By now, the letter was mostly finished. She held it out and handed it to him.

"I’m writing to share the good news with Mother and Xiang’er. Why don’t you add a few words at the bottom?"

Zhao Jing swept a glance over the contents of the letter. "You wrote it very well. I won’t add anything."