Farming and reading lady

Tong Mingyan knew that he could not and should not interfere in the affairs of the examination hall. As it concerned his beloved disciple, he had no intention of just passing by. However, before he could make any move, the emperor informed him that the matter had been resolved and he could just go back to work in peace.

He didn't feel any small disappointment. He was just relieved that someone helped him. He didn't need any special care. He just needed to ensure the safety of his little apprentice's exam and not do anything unnecessary. He was not a pushover.

Because of a small accident in the first exam, this time Gu Xihao's exam box had a large square foldable leather cover. It was designed by Gu Xixian imitating the storage box of his previous life. It would not be stained by ink and blur the words, and it could perfectly cover the test paper. Looking at his brother's thin face, Gu Xixian slapped his forehead and fried a simple version of instant noodles for him overnight. The oven in the store that had not been used and was prepared to be used to bake sweet potatoes after the store opened was also requisitioned to bake a few bags of dried vegetables. This also made Gu Xihao a little famous in the second and third exam halls. Who let others eat dry biscuits and dry buns, only he could drink hot soup noodles. Not to mention the candidates in the examination room, even the invigilators who were patrolling back and forth were shouting in their hearts: You are here to take the exam, not to go on vacation, how can you bring such delicious food in?

Fortunately, the second and third rounds were not smooth sailing, but they were just some small waves that were not worth watching. Before he even realized it, they were strangled in the cradle by the examiners patrolling the room.

After the three exams, Gu Xihao was just a little shaky when he left the exam room. Compared with those candidates who were carried out without taking the exam or fainted after the exam, he looked much better. This was also thanks to his caring sister who arranged a schedule for him early on and urged him to exercise every day. After being taken home, he greeted him hastily, then went back to his room with weak steps and lay down on the bed, without taking off his shoes, and fell asleep.

Gu Xixian clicked his tongue and shook his head. The imperial examinations of the ancients were really too exhausting. Look at his brother, a young man who should have been full of energy, but he has become like this, not to mention those white-haired old men. It's so pitiful. It is said that all things are inferior except for reading. But how many stubborn people have been ruined by this, not only themselves but also their families.

After giving a few instructions to Gu Xihao's personal servant Mo Bai, she returned to her courtyard. In the past few days around the examination hall, she also collected a lot of useful information for herself. For example, a certain candidate brought a kind of food that was convenient and delicious. Everyone was asking around, saying that this food was not only suitable for candidates, but also for people traveling long distances. Some people even discussed quietly that it was actually suitable for the military. This made her secretly happy. Although it was a sudden idea to make instant noodles for her brother, it did not rule out the idea of ​​bringing this kind of food that was popular in the previous life into this era. She always had to keep some thoughts about her previous life, right? She was afraid that after a long time, she would no longer remember it.

When the examiners were working overnight to mark the papers, the candidates were basically in one state, that is, sleeping. But when the results were announced, there was a lot of excitement again. Whether it was a poor scholar or a rich juren, after studying hard for many years, who wouldn't want to get something in return?

There was no need to think about the place where the list was posted. There were so many people and there was no one at home who could fly over the eaves and walls. Although Gu Xihao was nervous, he was still confident that he could handle all three questions easily. There was no problem in passing the exam. It was just a matter of ranking. In the end, under Tong Mingyan's decision, everyone stayed at home and waited for the news. Only Mo Bai was really anxious and ran out to see.

Soon, the first gong sounded, which was the good news of the top spot. Tong Mingyan sat steadily. His son Haoer was not that picky, so he was definitely not the first. The second gong sounded, and he glanced at the apprentice next to him. Although he was a little nervous, he was still steady. The gong sound gradually became louder and farther away, and it was not his. When the third gong sounded, the little apprentice clenched his hands on his side, as if there was a possibility. He pricked up his ears to listen, and the gong sound seemed to be closer. He hurriedly asked his wife: "Madam, is the reward money ready?"

Yin Xueruo rolled her eyes at him and said, "I prepared it long ago. By the time you remembered, the daylily would have gone cold."

Tong Mingyan rubbed his hands: "Yes, Madam is right."

The mood when he takes an exam is completely different from the mood when his children take an exam. He feels more nervous than when he took the exam himself. Otherwise, why would he keep drinking tea? It was to ease his mood.

Hearing the gong sound getting closer, Gu Xixian couldn't help but run to the door to look. After a while, he saw Mo Bai running in breathlessly, with his hands on his knees, saying intermittently: "Here...here, Master is, is the third place."

When he finally finished speaking, he realized that there was no one in the hall. He turned around and saw that everyone had gone to the gate. He hurried over and stood beside him, feeling proud. This was his young master. Hehehe, he, Mo Bai, had also risen in stature. He felt that he had grown a lot taller.

Looking at his master again, he no longer had his usual serious demeanor. His mouth was almost split open with laughter, his eyes narrowed into slits, and he was bowing to the neighbors standing by the gate, saying, "Congratulations, I'm lucky to have won third place... I don't deserve it!"

After hearing words like these, everyone knew that Lord Tong had a little apprentice who was very good at studying. He got third place in the autumn examination at a young age and was very impressive.

Tong Mingyan, who had successfully shown off his skills, retired and celebrated behind closed doors with his family. The servants in the house received an extra month's salary, and all of them were very happy. Then they opened the door and waited for relatives and friends to come and congratulate them.

On the first day, they entertained a family. That was Mrs. Tong's family, the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion. The old lady of the mansion brought all the old and young people with her. Yin Xueruo had brought the two of them to the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion before, so everyone was very familiar with each other. The elder sisters walked hand in hand, and the brothers greeted each other. The atmosphere was very harmonious.

The old lady of the Zhenguogong patted her daughter's hand and said, "I never thought you would be so lucky. These two children are both good. Treat them well. It shouldn't be a problem for them to serve you for a hundred years."

"Mom, don't worry. Hao'er and Xian'er are both filial. We are fine." Yin Xueruo said in a soft voice. Even if her son is a hundred years old, he is still a little kid in front of his mother.

"Mother, don't worry. My sister is blessed. If things don't work out, don't we still have her?" The eldest lady of the Zhenguo Mansion, Yin Xueruo's sister-in-law, also smiled and comforted her. The old lady didn't worry about her sister-in-law, and now she can finally feel at ease.

The other children and grandchildren also came over to have fun, and the old lady was very pleased.