The beautiful woman introduced herself: "I am the head steward at Earl Yong'an's Mansion. I wonder if Young Master Zhang is married?"
Zhang Lu stared wide-eyed, ready to speak, when he noticed several other eager women approaching from nearby.
"Little sir, I am the stewardess of Zhenbei Earl's Mansion..."
"This little sir, we are family members of Imperial Censor He..."
...
At this moment, many women were chattering and pulling Zhang Lu aside, each with a smile on their face.
They had observed from the crowd for quite a while; when it comes to appearance, this little sir from the Zhang Family was one of the most outstanding, not to mention they had already inquired clearly. This young Master Zhang, at the age of a weak crown, had passed the rural examination and was a renowned young scholar in Fengyang County.
Young scholars are promising indeed, with boundless prospects.
Zhang Lu found himself being pulled by a group of women, sweating profusely. Looking at this group of bold and open women, both his arms were held by several of them, he really didn't know how to break free. With much effort, he finally broke away and swiftly fled.
This scene wasn't only happening to Zhang Lu; many family members of scholars in the crowd were being queried by women and matchmakers from noble mansions.
The hunt for sons-in-law had already begun ahead of time.
Especially for those scholars with a hope of becoming Advanced Scholars.
...
Meanwhile, in the Imperial College Examination Hall, four Chief Examiners had solemn expressions. Leading them was Imperial Censor Zhuang Ying.
The Imperial Censor is one of the Three Ministers, a position of high rank and authority.
He stands alongside the Grand Commandant and Prime Minister.
He is tall, humorless, and the three Vice Chief Examiners beside him come from various departments or deputy departments.
But they share a common identity: all bear the title of Grand Scholar, having written articles for the Court in the Sports and Arts College, and lectured the Emperor at banquet discussions.
At this moment, the four Chief Examiners were also inspecting various examination rooms.
Among the three examination rounds, the first is usually the most crucial.
The first round tests one's knowledge of interpretations and meanings of classic texts, essentially the principles of classics. The second is a discourse on rites and music, and the third is a strategy on current affairs.
Of course, each scholar focuses on different classic texts, and examination rooms are partitioned according to their expertise in the six classics.
Though the articles are written based on the wisdom of saints, the emphasis still lies in their intent and grasp of contemporary issues.
In essence, when crafting these essays, one must somewhat align with the political views of the Chief Examiner; otherwise, even if successful, the ranking might not be high.
A low ranking affects one's position in the Palace Examination.
The Emperor, during the Palace Examination, often uses the ranking from the Ministry of Rites Examination for comparison, unless exceptionally lucky and selected personally by the Emperor from hundreds of papers, though such chances are rare.
Indeed, it's possible, but rare.
...
Inside the examination hall, Zhang Jian was writing like a divine hand, with traces of interpretations and meanings of classic texts etched in his mind. He wrote calmly, capturing each character with proper calligraphy.
He completed the interpretation essay of about five hundred words, and the following meanings weren't difficult for him either.
Yet, he didn't strive for excessive brilliance.
His writing stayed just within the standards.
He also refrained from showcasing extravagance in calligraphy.
Among thousands of scholars, the majority have practiced calligraphy for over a decade; to stand out is indeed challenging.
He actually could excel.
Embodying Vast Righteous Qi, infusing it would easily catch the Chief Examiner's eye, creating a striking impression.
But for simple interpretations and meanings of classic texts, it's unnecessary.
Instead, in the second round's discourse on rites and music and the third round's strategy on current affairs, he could infuse a portion of Vast Righteous Qi.
It would naturally attract the eyes of several Chief Examiners then.
...
Fengyang County, Qi Mansion
With the onset of the Spring Examinations, many sisters within Qi Mansion were discussing the matter. As a military family, the Qi Mansion was typically indifferent to the Spring Examinations.
Even if interested, it was mentioned casually, just like ordinary families learning about talented scholars participating in the exams from within and beyond the county.
Which scholar might pass as an Advanced Scholar.
If unmarried, it might matter; if married, the topic was briefly touched upon before being forgotten.
But this year was different; the future brother-in-law and cousin's husband were now attending the exams at the Imperial College Examination Hall. Sisters in the Qi Family showed some concern.
In the second house, Qi Yuhua was unconcerned, sitting by the window embroidering her cloak, while Qi Yuzhu paced restlessly around the room.
"Second sister, do you think our brother-in-law will pass this time? I've heard there aren't many fifteen-year-old Advanced Scholars in our Daqian, let alone the previous dynasty!"
"If he ranks as the top Advanced Scholar, there's hope for him in the Three Ministers and Nine Ministers! As the future first wife, you could earn honorable titles, bringing glory to our ancestors!"
Qi Yuzhu counted on her fingers, eyes brimming with excitement.
Qi Yuhua shook her head, saying, "The Ministry of Rites Spring Examination is like a single-log bridge with thousands competing; although our Brother Zhang is talented, there's no guarantee he'll make it this time. Many young prodigies passed only after two or three attempts!"
Each session of the Ministry of Rites Examination in the Daqian Court attracts a multitude of talented individuals, with several thousand competing for just two to three hundred places.
With good fortune, sometimes reaching close to four hundred.
Almost one in ten.
Among the many scholars, throwing a stone would likely hit those who excel at ranking first in local exams or winning in classic texts debates.
Who can assure emerging victorious?
Though she spoke this way, Qi Yuhua's eyes revealed a calm confidence in Zhang Jian.
Though from military roots, she wasn't unaware of classical texts. On the contrary, she studied with her brothers, gathering insights from poem societies and academies in various counties. Zhang Jian's talent was also widely praised in Fengyang County, with many academy teachers extolling him, predicting he would pass this Spring Examination.
Though confident, Qi Yuhua maintained extreme humility and caution.
Likewise, this could avoid making enemies for Zhang Jian.
Seeing this scene, Qi Yuzhu found it utterly boring and pouted.
"Second sister, even mother says our brother-in-law has a great chance of passing, yet you're so cautious, aren't you afraid of being too dull to win Brother Zhang's affection?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Yuhua cast a glance at her outspoken sister and huffed lightly.
"Mother said wives should be virtuous; the key is to grasp the overall situation. The first wife's every word and action shapes the patriarch's image outside, unlike concubines who can be wanton, capricious, and frivolous every day!"
At this point, she sighed.
If possible, who would choose such caution? It's this world that taught her to be prudent and careful in conduct.
Too many tragic precedents surround her.
Unbeknownst to Qi Yuhua, deep within the Well Dragon Palace of Qi Mansion, Bai Liying heard Qi Yuhua's various remarks with surprised eyes.
At this moment, she gently caressed her belly, her gaze now a little more relaxed.