Chapter 112: Ranked First
At this moment, Bai Yibo’s expression was absolutely priceless as he stood there frozen, because he knew that the calling of "Bai Xian" was definitely not for him, as he was much older than Sir Lee.
The others behaved almost exactly like Bai Yibo, suddenly falling silent and watching Bai Zepei with wide eyes, wondering what kind of good news would prompt a high official from the government office to personally come and deliver his congratulations.
"The student pays respect to Sir Lee." Bai Zepei courteously saluted Sir Lee, who quickly stepped forward to support him, laughing heartily, "I knew you were a talented person. Today’s results did not disappoint me. You have not only succeeded in the Child Student Exam but also topped it! What a marvelous and extraordinary feat!"
Most of the onlookers did not understand the meaning of topping the exam. It was the Village Chief, who had seen much of the world, shouted in excitement, "Bai Zepei has topped the Child Student Exam and has not only been designated as a Scholar but is also the first in all the surrounding villages. He’s brought great honour to our Mountain Village!"
It was then that people realized that topping the exam meant securing first place. This was extraordinary! The selection of a Scholar was itself an onerous task. Otherwise, why would it have taken decades for Bai Yibo, the eldest of the Bai Family, to succeed? Achieving the top rank was even more difficult, a mark of absolute distinction among scholars.
Moreover, Bai Zepei was only 18 years old; he was still so young!
Looking at Bai Zepei again, he managed to maintain his composure even under such high honour. His face wore a modest and polite smile, his eyes were sparkling, clearly showing his good mood. However, he didn’t show any triumph like Bai Yibo.
Bai Yibo was triumphant? Quite a few people stifled laughter. Bai Yibo’s face had fallen as if someone owed him several chunks of silver. His earlier air of triumph had long since vanished.
"I said that Zepei’s knowledge is profound. It’s not just for show. Who was it just now who advised him to stay calm, not to be anxious?" Wan Qilao laughed loudly. One could tell from his loud voice that his mood was incredibly good.
Indeed, his granddaughter was about to marry the eldest son of the Bai Family’s Second House. This was also a matter of prestige for him.
Zhou Deshun, who had long been disgusted with Bai Yibo’s behaviour, echoed, "Exactly. Our Er Lang is very composed. Even after topping the exam, he didn’t jump for joy. Unlike some people, who didn’t amount to much, yet started preaching."
The onlookers were all there for the spectacle. Hearing this, they looked at Bai Yibo even more gleefully, driving Bai Yibo’s face to redden from embarrassment and he wished he could hide away in a hole.
How unlucky he was. After decades of working hard, he had finally held his head high with pride, but before he even had the chance to let out a sigh of relief, Er Lang then stole the limelight. Though he was reluctant to admit it, could a regular Scholar compare to the top Scholar?
Lin Ping’er didn’t possess the level-headedness of Bai Zepei. She exerted herself to hear clearly and confirm what was happening. Holding Bai Zehao’s arm, she asked excitedly, "Eldest Son, did you hear clearly? Your younger brother have topped the exam?"
Seeing his mother in this state, Bai Zehao couldn’t help but tear up. He supported Lin Ping’er and said, "Mother, you heard right, second brother has topped the exam and is also a Scholar now!"
Only then did Lin Ping’er completely believe it. With tears streaming down her face, she brought her hands together in prayer to give thanks.
Bai Zepei thanked Sir Lee and said, "Sir, allow me to first thank my parents."
Sir Lee gave a nod of approval, highly satisfied with Bai Zepei’s composure at this time. He didn’t regret recognising Bai Zepei as his talented junior. Wasn’t it all because of his own good judgment? Thinking of this, Sir Lee couldn’t help but feel content.
Bai Zepei walked over to Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er, and before they knew it, he knelt down, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "The success I enjoy today is all thanks to Father and Mother. I thank you for nurturing me over the years and for your faith and support."
Without waiting for a response, he bowed deeply three times, the sound of which made the spectators wince. Sure enough, by the time Lin Ping’er and Bai Yihong reacted and hurried to help him up, his forehead was already bruised.
"Good boy, your mother and I understand your filial piety. Get up quickly," Bai Yihong said, tears streaming down his face. He was a plain farmer, the kind who shed sweat and blood, not tears. But today, he couldn’t resist crying in front of his fellow villagers.
These were tears of nostalgia, excitement, and consolation.
After Bai Zepei was helped up, he turned towards Bai Zehao, bowing deeply, "I also want to thank Big Brother for taking care of things all these years. Without Big Brother working hard to keep things running at home, I could not have persisted until today."
His success today owed half to his elder brother, a sentiment he had always held deep in his heart but never spoken aloud. Saying it was for others to hear, but being able to do it was the true repayment of his brother’s help.
Bai Zehao, too, was choked up as he quickly went to help Bai Zepei, his voice breaking, "Second Brother, why are we, as brothers, saying all these things?"
Bai Zepei nodded, right, they understood each other’s intentions, so there was no need for words.
The villagers exclaimed in wonder as some of them started murmuring, "Look at Bai Zepei. As soon as he topped the exam, the first thing he did was kowtow to his parents and then thank his big brother. Bai Yibo, on the other hand, didn’t even kowtow or thank his father after passing his Scholar exam. He was simply too busy enjoying his triumph."
A glance was enough to tell who was filial. At a time like this, when one is "triumpant like a swift horse", one’s true thoughts are most easily revealed.
Bai Zepei once again turned towards the old patriarch, walking over to him, also kneeling down, kowtowing, and saying, "Zepei must thank Grandfather for his guidance, which has been immensely beneficial to me."
This time, though, he only kowtowed once and not with all his might. It was clear to everyone who he considered more important. Yet, Bai Zepei had fulfilled all his filial duties and obligations, what could the old patriarch say to that?
The villagers couldn’t help but recall the incident from a few days ago when the old patriarch had slapped Bai Zepei in the face outside the Bai Family’s second house for the sake of his eldest son. They shook their heads, sighing at the old patriarch’s senility.
Only now was Bai Fu able to recover from his shock. He glanced at his eldest son and then at his younger grandson. He was truly proud of the Bai Family for producing the top Scholar, but he also felt sorry for his eldest son. The latter had finally had his breakthrough after a long wait, only to have the limelight stolen by his nephew.
As he helped Bai Zepei up, he had a loving smile on his face and said, "Good, good. This indeed is a joyous occasion. Both Procuring Scholars from the Bai family is quite a story. You and your eldest uncle will be attending the Rural Examination together."
It was only then that Sir Lee noticed Bai Yibo and chuckled, "It turns out there is another Scholar from the Bai family. I didn’t know he was your uncle. It’s indeed a double blessing."
Seeing Sir Lee’s attention on him, Bai Yibo immediately perked up and came forward to pay his respects, saying, "The student Bai Yibo pays his respects to Sir Lee."
Some of the onlookers couldn’t help but laugh. Bai Zepei was young, so it was acceptable for him to call himself a student. But Bai Yibo was almost as old as Sir Lee’s father. Calling himself a student seemed rather absurd.
Sir Lee gave a nonchalant ’hmmm,’ then pulled Bai Zepei towards him and said, "Bai Xian, don’t you want to invite me to your house for a cup of tea? This reward should also be delivered to your house."
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After indulging in a little torment towards Bai Yibo, how pleased are you, dear readers?