deltrittennovels Chapter 74: The Imperial Examination Ends
Chapter 74: The Imperial Examination Ends
In the end, Pei Rujing could not refuse Princess Changning, and after lunch, she went to Fengyi Palace with her.
"Anhe pays his respects to his aunt."
Inside the main hall, Pei Rujing greeted the Empress.
The Empress pulled her to sit down beside her: "It's been a while. How have you been at the Marquis's residence?"
Pei Rujing nodded: "My mother-in-law is kind, my sisters-in-law are harmonious, everything is fine."
The Empress smiled and said, "That's good. Time flies. It feels like just yesterday that Changning was born, and you were holding her little hand and asking me if she was your cousin. Now, in the blink of an eye, she's already married."
Pei Rujing glanced at Princess Changning. Because she disliked her half-sister Pei Ruyan, she had high expectations for her cousin, Princess Changning.
Who knew she would turn out to be such a clingy person!
Princess Changning asked excitedly, "Cousin, are you the first person to see me born?"
Pei Rujing said disdainfully, "Idiot! When my aunt was giving birth, there were plenty of midwives and palace maids around. How could I be the first one to see you?"
Princess Changning said, "Outsiders don't count."
The Empress looked at her and said, "Then I'll be the first."
Princess Changning added a restriction: "Even the Empress Dowager doesn't count."
The Empress teased her deliberately, "And then there's..."
"Mother Empress!"
Seeing Princess Changning pouting in dissatisfaction, the Empress went along with her, saying, "After you were born, your eldest sister was the first to enter the palace, bringing Anhe to see you."
Princess Changning was satisfied: "No wonder I'm so close to my cousin, so that's the reason."
Pei Rujing raised an eyebrow: "Isn't it because I'm beautiful?"
The Empress laughed: "Beauty with self-awareness, that must be what Anhe is all about."
Changning nestled in Pei Rujing's arms, looking up at her: "Cousin is so beautiful. There are so many beauties in the palace, but none of them can compare to you."
The Empress chimed in, "My elder sister was already a beauty that could topple cities, and Anhe has surpassed her; naturally, no one can match her."
Princess Anhe was a beauty that could topple kingdoms and possessed unparalleled charm; this was the consensus of everyone who had seen Pei Rujing.
Of course, it's common knowledge that he has a bad temper.
The Empress manages the harem and has many things to deal with every day. After talking with Pei Rujing for a while, she let them go and have fun on their own.
Princess Changning led Pei Rujing to her bedchamber, looking at her expectantly: "Cousin, what shall we play?"
Pei Rujing sighed, knowing that if she didn't keep Princess Changning entertained, she would definitely make a scene.
"Let's play Gomoku."
What is Gomoku (Five in a Row)?
Pei Rujing explained: "Another way to play Go."
Princess Changning immediately shook her head: "Don't play Go."
"Unlike Go, it's very simple."
After saying that, he sent someone to fetch the Go set.
Pei Rujing was more willing to play Gomoku (Five in a Row) than to play childish games with Princess Changning.
……
Inside the examination hall
All the gates were tightly closed, and soldiers guarded both inside and outside the examination cells. Soldiers also patrolled in front of each cell, their sharp eyes scanning every examinee to ensure that no one cheated.
It was the final round, and everyone in the examination hall was eager to avoid any mishaps.
Wen Zongji sat in his cell, ignoring the soldiers passing by outside, his attention entirely focused on the exam paper.
The final exam consisted of five policy essay questions, primarily testing candidates' views and suggestions on current affairs, people's livelihood, and the Grand Canal.
To put it bluntly, it's about seeing if the candidates have the practical ability to govern a country.
The essay questions are actually quite simple, because the content of each exam is pretty much the same.
This time is no exception.
Wen Zongji had done too many past exam questions and knew the typical actions of officials in dealing with these issues. With his own insights, he was able to answer a question.
This answer is neither out of line nor lacking in originality; it's just right.
Although Wen Zongji had a lot of governing philosophies and miscellaneous knowledge from later generations in his mind.
However, Wen Zongji always believed that practice makes perfect and rejected theoretical discussions.
Specific problems require specific analysis; empty talk and grandstanding are unacceptable!
Wen Zongji answered the questions in a very proper manner until the signal for the end of the exam sounded. All the candidates stood up, tidied their answer sheets, and came out of their cells one by one according to their cell numbers.
A long table was placed at the entrance of each cell, with two examiners sitting behind it.
Candidates who have been assigned numbers hand their answer sheets to the examiners one by one. Once the examiners have confirmed that there are no errors, the candidates can pack up and leave.
As the exams ended, the gates of the examination hall opened, and the last rays of the setting sun fell upon each candidate who emerged.
Pei Rujing was still waiting for Wen Zongji in the carriage. She lifted the curtain and watched the candidates leave one after another, thinking that it was finally over.
Guided by Chang Dong and the other man, Wen Zongji boarded the carriage, leaned back comfortably, and let out a long sigh.
Pei Rujing asked him, "How did the exam go?"
Although I no longer insist that Wen Zongji go to high school, I am still curious.
Wen Zongji said, "I've done my best! Whether I pass the exam or not depends on whether my answers satisfy the examiners."
Pei Rujing didn't ask any further questions: "Let's go back to the manor."
The carriage turned around and returned to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence.
……
Back to Yunguangyuan
Wen Zongji took a bath as usual. He was also having a hard time thinking today, perhaps because the provincial examination was over and he wasn't as tired as after the second one.
Wearing only her undergarments, she returned to the inner room and saw Pei Rujing sitting on the couch. She went over and embraced Pei Rujing, asking softly, "What have you been doing these past few days, Princess?"
Pei Rujing shifted her body to make herself more comfortable: "I went back to talk to my mother, then went to the palace to see my uncle, and played Go with Changning for an hour. It was so boring."
"The county princess has done so much?" Wen Zongji looked at her with a smile. "I thought that while I was away, the county princess didn't want to do anything and was only thinking about me."
Pei Rujing immediately rolled her eyes at him with disdain: "I feel much more at ease when you're not here. I don't have to worry about anyone taking the blanket from me."
This is a lie!
Pei Rujing wasn't used to Wen Zongji's absence and would often wake up in the middle of the night.
Wen Zongji lifted Pei Rujing's chin: "Let me taste the county princess's lips, and see if they're as hard as her words."
After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed her.
The moment their lips touched, Pei Rujing opened her mouth to welcome Wen Zongji's arrival.
Clearly, her body language is much more honest than her words.
The maids, being experienced, immediately lowered their heads and quietly retreated.
Even the maid who reminded them to have dinner was stopped.
After thoroughly venting his regret at not being intimate for several days, Wen Zongji released Pei Rujing, a hint of flirtatiousness creeping into his eyes: "The county princess has made great progress."
Pei Rujing looked at him and found him increasingly alluring. She pushed him down onto the couch and lay on top of him.
"This princess is exceptionally intelligent; let's try again, I'm sure I'll beat you!"
This time, Pei Rujing initiated the challenge.
Wen Zongji readily accepted the challenge.