How could the top position in the academy examination be so easily obtained?
If Feng Jin possessed such brilliance, he would have emerged as a rising star long ago, wouldn’t he?
While it was true that by the provincial and metropolitan examinations there would be no room for favoritism—from entering the examination hall to grading papers, everything followed fixed procedures, and even the chief examiner couldn’t easily manipulate things—academy examinations at this lower level were different. The top position largely depended on the likes and dislikes of the chief examiner and educational commissioner.
Of course, whether these so-called preferences included personal connections was something no one could say for certain… However, over the years, the scholars who achieved top position in the academy examinations mostly had some connection, however slight, with the chief examiner. Even if there was no connection before the exam, there would likely be one after.
Having lived in the Yang family for so long, Seventh Miss understood these matters.
Take Shaanxi, for example—for so many years, they had never allowed anyone outside certain families to take the top position. Every year, the top position went to either the Yang or Gui families… Could anyone believe there was nothing suspicious about this?
No matter how brilliantly talented Feng Jin might be, he couldn’t transcend these unwritten rules.
So who had pulled strings behind the scenes?
Seventh Miss found herself burdened with yet another worry.
However, Feng Jin achieving the top position was ultimately a good thing.
She smiled and entered the west inner chamber.
Fifth Miss was discussing Quan Zhongbai with Sixth Miss and Ninth Young Master.
“…I encountered ladies and madams from the Quan family while in the capital.” Fifth Miss had gained quite a bit of experience from her trip to the capital. “Worthy of being imperial relatives indeed—their bearing from head to toe cannot be compared to the official wives we usually associate with.”
“How do they compare to our family?” Sixth Miss’s eyes began to sparkle.
Women, from old to young, none could resist gossip.
Fifth Miss smiled. “That depends on who you’re comparing them to.” She couldn’t help revealing a hint of superiority. “Capital families put on grand airs, but when it comes to actual foundations, how could they match the provinces?”
Everyone understood this principle—in the capital, positions were prestigious but profits meager; in the provinces, far from the Emperor, profits were abundant. With the Great Master’s starting assets when he first entered office, if he had built his career in the capital, the Yang family would probably still be poor and destitute.
Ninth Young Master praised Quan Zhongbai: “His conduct is elegant and free-spirited, with the lingering charm of the Wei and Jin dynasties.”
“The Quan family is different from ordinary noble houses after all! Second Young Master Quan’s maternal grandmother is the Grand Princess Yining… He’s been raised in luxury and privilege since childhood.” Fifth Miss recounted what she’d seen and heard in the capital. “I heard the Emperor is very fond of Second Young Master Quan, often summoning him to the palace for company, and has personally praised him saying, ‘Among all our countless children, none compare to Quan residence’s Zhongbai.'”
To receive the Emperor’s personal commendation was an enormous honor.
“I heard Second Young Master Quan has already secured an excellent match!” Sixth Miss also said. “When I was with Mother, I heard Lady Li mention to her that it’s Third Miss of the Da family.”
The Da family was Noble Consort Hui’s natal family. They had been quite prominent in recent years, so a marriage alliance with the Quan family wasn’t surprising.
The two families were already closely connected…
“I’m not clear about that.” Fifth Miss apparently wasn’t very familiar with the Quan family’s private affairs. “The Quan family rarely goes out socially. In all my time in the capital, I only saw Lady Quan once. However, with his reputation as the young divine physician, I’m afraid only families of considerable standing would be worthy of his talent.”
Having gained imperial favor, whatever Quan Zhongbai did in the future would have exceptional support. Even if he couldn’t inherit the Quan family’s noble title, obtaining a hereditary position through grace wouldn’t be difficult. He was also a man of outstanding appearance—how could there not be families wanting to form marriage alliances with him?
Seventh Miss felt a slight melancholy in her heart.
She suddenly recalled Quan Zhongbai’s instructions.
“I hope Miss Yang will take good care of herself, smile more when you have leisure, and think of happy things!”
Although he had no special relationship with the Yang family, and even less connection with herself, a concubine-born daughter.
Yet the concern and sympathy when he spoke were so genuine!
As if he could understand all her grievances and helplessness without a single word being spoken.
Seventh Miss became somewhat lost in thought.
Ninth Young Master noticed and subtly changed the subject.
“He’s already twenty-four or twenty-five, and we still haven’t met brother-in-law! Could it be we’ll only see him on the wedding day?”
Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss both giggled.
“You probably won’t see him this time. Second Brother-in-law will only come to fetch the bride that day, and we can steal a few glances through the window.”
Fifth Miss and the younger girls could watch the excitement through the window and recognize what their brother-in-law looked like.
Sixth Miss sighed again. “Our family has few brothers, so even the wedding celebration will be rather quiet. With Ninth Young Master unable to get out of bed, we can only have Cousin serve the door-blocking wine!”
“If even Cousin weren’t here, we wouldn’t have anyone to serve the door-blocking wine.” Fifth Miss also said. “Having few people just isn’t lively. Last time when the Li family married off their daughter, Mother took me to the wedding feast. Over twenty brothers and sisters gathered together to serve the door-blocking wine, frightening the groom until his face turned deathly pale and he drank himself into a stupor.”
According to Jiangnan customs, regardless of status, when marrying, door-blocking wine must be served to the new groom. This wine service also had its intricacies—some mischievous brothers-in-law arranged the bowls with variety, this one sweet, that one sour, this one strong, that one mild. The groom had to drain several bowls with an unchanging expression to prove his sincerity in taking a bride. Some refined families would have the groom compose poetry while drinking to display his talents—the variations were endless.
“When Eldest Sister married, was it also Ninth Young Master who blocked the door?” Seventh Miss was somewhat surprised.
When First Miss married, Ninth Young Master was only five years old and probably couldn’t handle door-blocking duties.
“At that time, we borrowed the Li family’s Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Brothers to accompany Ninth Young Master!” Fifth Miss giggled. “Who knew those little rascals, seeing the wine, all had their eyes light up. When no one was paying attention, the four of them drank seven or eight bowls, each with red faces and thick tongues. Who knows who was blocking whose door!”
Sixth Miss laughingly made a shaming gesture at Ninth Young Master.
Ninth Young Master’s face flushed red. “This time I definitely won’t steal any wine!”
“You have a scar on your face. Even if you can withstand the wind now, you may not be able to serve wine.” Seventh Miss gently persuaded Ninth Young Master. “Better rest well!”
Ninth Young Master’s wound had mostly closed, leaving a deep red scar. According to the diagnosis of several young masters from the Ouyang family, in about three or four months it would no longer be visible. Both the Great Madam and Seventh Miss felt quite fortunate.
Ninth Young Master touched his face. “Hmph, if I can’t do it this time, there will be several more times!”
Everyone exchanged glances and couldn’t help laughing. “This time isn’t even over yet, and you’re already thinking about next time?”
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