flstandardbreds Chapter 178 At 7 years old, it would still be considered early dating even in modern times.
Chapter 178 At 7 years old, it would still be considered early dating even in modern times.
Yu Ziheng won first place in the provincial examination.
The Yu family did not hold a grand celebration; they simply kept a low profile and invited only a few families they were on good terms with.
After all, they were the ones who spearheaded the impeachment of the Duke of Xingguo and He Yunjin for interfering in the imperial examinations some time ago.
To date, the Emperor has not yet bestowed any reward upon Yu Kangjing.
Unable to fathom his intentions, the Yu family decided to proceed with caution.
Yu Ziheng entered the examination hall again the following year when the imperial examination began.
This time, he didn't get first place, but he still ranked high.
Upon learning of this, Cui Ruixin sneered, "I knew he was just lucky last time. I'd like to see how long he can keep up this act in the palace examination."
Inside the main hall of the Yu residence.
Yu Ziheng was somewhat discouraged.
But Yu Kangjing chuckled and said, "After all, you're only seventeen this year. You couldn't find many people your age who could enter the palace examination, not even after searching the entire Xiang Kingdom for hundreds of years."
"That's right, that's right, Big Brother is amazing!" Yu Ningyao nodded frantically.
Her eldest brother passed the provincial examination at the age of sixteen and ranked high in the metropolitan examination at the age of seventeen.
In modern times, it would be like a seventeen-year-old boy making it onto the Forbes elite list, his entire family would rise to prominence, and the whole village would celebrate with gongs and drums and banners—a true "chosen one," a feat a thousand times harder than winning the lottery.
After all, the provincial examination was the ultimate test for the top scholars in the country.
The acceptance rate is extremely low.
Even if you rank at the very bottom, let alone at the top of the class, that's still very impressive.
The others nodded in agreement, praising Yu Ziheng for his skill.
Yu Ziheng was initially unhappy, but gradually lost himself in the praise from his family.
Yes, in the beginning he just wanted to pass the imperial examination, and now it's much, much better than expected, so what is there for him to be unhappy about?
The palace examination was held shortly after the provincial examination.
On the day of the imperial examination, Yu Ziheng completely calmed down.
We can always try again in three years.
The atmosphere inside the Golden Palace was solemn and dignified.
After the imperial examination questions, written in vermilion ink, were read aloud, everyone picked up their pens and began to write.
Some people had their brows furrowed, deep in thought.
Some people are confident and their writing flows smoothly.
Some people were so nervous that beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads and their hands trembled slightly, but they still gritted their teeth and persevered.
Time ticked by, and the guards outside the hall stood silently until Yu Ziheng finally finished answering.
He put down his pen and waited for the papers to be collected.
……
After the palace examination.
Yu Ziheng returned home, and before he could even speak to his family, a servant rushed in to announce, "Master and Madam, an imperial decree has arrived from the palace."
The Yu family was very surprised.
The results of the palace examination were not expected to be released for several days, so why was someone sent to read out the imperial edict so soon?
Despite being filled with doubts, Yu Kangjing still led his whole family out to receive the imperial decree.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered that it was none other than the chief eunuch, Wei Ran.
Judging from their posture, they're coming for him?
Seeing Yu Kangjing's nervous expression, Wei Ran held the bright yellow imperial edict in his hands, smiling as he looked at it and said:
"Lord Yu is loyal to the country, upright and incorruptible, exposes treacherous officials and upholds justice. He is a model for the court and the people, and an example for all officials. Therefore, His Majesty has specially promoted you to the position of Left Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
The Yu family members understood; the reward had finally arrived.
The family quickly listened to the imperial decree and then knelt down to express their gratitude.
Then came a flood of rewards.
After seeing Wei Ran off, the Yu family members couldn't hide their joy.
"That's great, the Emperor didn't blame us." Yu Kangjing breathed a long sigh of relief.
He reported and exposed this heinous crime.
He was afraid that the emperor would become dissatisfied with him since the emperor had not yet given him a reward.
After all, it caused so much trouble afterwards.
"We received good news today, who knows, there might be more good news in a few days," Shen Jinzhu said cheerfully.
“That’s right, that’s right.” Yu Ningyao nodded in agreement.
After being promoted several ranks in one go, Father finally gained a foothold in the Dali Temple.
Everyone was hoping for good news when the results were released.
But before that, the matchmaker came to visit.
"Xie Yuntan, the eldest daughter of the Right Councilor of the Court of State Affairs; Cui Xueji, the cousin of the Marquis of Wujing; Qian Zhaoning, the only daughter of the Ambassador of the Baoquan Bureau; Li Wanning, the niece of the Director of Studies of the Imperial Academy..." Shen Jinzhu listed the families who had visited her in the past few days.
To my utter surprise, my husband got a promotion and my son's ranking in the imperial examination was still pending, yet so many people wanted to form a marriage alliance between our families.
"Mother, and Master Zheng's granddaughter, Sister Muhe," Yu Ningyao added weakly.
"Huh?" Shen Jinzhu's eyes widened.
“Yesterday when I went to Professor Zheng’s class, his wife secretly asked me about my eldest brother. She specifically mentioned Sister Muhe and asked me to ask you what kind of daughter-in-law you like when I got back. I think the meaning is quite obvious.” Yu Ningyao said with a hint of helplessness.
Seventeen.
Even by modern standards, this would be considered puppy love.
But the older brother is about to start going on blind dates.
And suddenly it became so popular.
Shen Jinzhu burst out laughing.
"Your older brother is quite likable."
"Of course! A young talent indeed. He's inherited your and Father's good looks; he's incredibly handsome. What girl wouldn't want to marry him? I'll look for a husband who meets the same standards as my elder brother in the future." Yu Ningyao praised her brother without any reservations.
"Little girl, you're only seven years old and you're already thinking about finding a husband." Shen Jinzhu affectionately pinched the tip of her nose.
[It doesn't start from age seven.]
I knew who I was going to marry when I was one year old.
Yu Ningyao cursed secretly.
The system urgently reminded her:
Don't even think about marrying someone else, okay? What are our goals?
You absolutely mustn't forget.
Yu Ningyao: ...
Don't worry, I won't forget.
I will definitely work hard to become a favored concubine.
I don't want to repeat the life experience you showed me.
Hearing her say that, the system was finally relieved.
Just as Shen Jinzhu was struggling to choose which daughter-in-law to choose, her elder brother Shen Youqian arrived.
"Big brother, what brings you here?" Shen Jinzhu was very happy to see her older brother.
"Our caravan brought over a batch of fine goods. I'm personally overseeing it and also came to visit you," Shen Youqian said with a smile, ordering his men to bring up the gifts he had prepared.
"Hello, Uncle." Yu Ningyao greeted him with a smile.
"Oh my, our little Yaoyao is here too! Look, your uncle bought you a beautiful dress. It's made of fabric from the Western Regions; none of your older cousins have it." Shen Youqian waved to her, urging her to come over quickly.
"Just spoil her then," Shen Jinzhu said with a helpless smile.
Shen Youqian: "Yaoyao is my own niece, who else would I spoil if not her? Besides, if it weren't for Yaoyao back then, I would have lost my life. It's only right that I favor her."
"Uncle, you're so good to me!" Yu Ningyao's smile became even brighter.
Who doesn't love a pretty dress?
"I have some fabric here that my master, the general, gave me. It's probably not available in Hangzhou. The colors are absolutely gorgeous. Why don't you take it back and make new clothes for your older cousins, your aunt, and your grandmother?"
The Lu family has no daughters.
The old general then gave her all the brightly colored fabrics so she could make new clothes.
Shen Youqian's heart almost melted when he heard this.
He looked at his younger sister: "Look how sensible our Yaoyao is. She even knows how to reciprocate. Tell me, don't I love her?"
“Yes, yes, yes. Big brother is absolutely right.” Shen Jinzhu couldn’t help but laugh as well.
She was naturally happy to see her daughter get along well with her family.
After chatting for a while, Shen Youqian suddenly said, "By the way, there's something else I want to tell you today."