Ling Muzhu said with lingering fear, this was simply crazier than snatching gold and jewels. If there had been more soldiers to stop them, it would have descended into utter chaos, impossible to resolve.
“You now see the horror of it. Had you shouted louder just now, we too would have been swarmed and snatched, and found it equally hard to escape.”
Fortunately, she quickly covered Ling Muzhu’s mouth to prevent him from shouting, otherwise they would have been among the throng.
“I was just too excited. Who could have imagined they would be so wild…”
“Young madam, young master, are you also here to see the list?”
Hearing the voice, Feng Jin and Ling Muzhu turned their heads in unison and saw Sheng Xubai standing behind them, clad in elegant white robes.
“Congratulations, Young Master Sheng, on taking the top spot. Your future career is bound to soar.”
While searching for Ling Muzhu’s name earlier, she had also chanced upon Sheng Xubai’s name at the very top of the list. This was, in her expectation.
After all, with Sheng Xubai’s scholarship, he was the only one qualified to be the top scholar in this imperial examination.
“You flatter me, young madam. Rather, Second Young Master Ling has risen to prominence later, achieving the second rank, which is truly enviable.”
Although Sheng Xubai’s words were praising Ling Muzhu, his gaze kept drifting towards Feng Jin.
Ling Muzhu, standing to the side, seemed to sense something amiss with Sheng Xubai. He stepped forward, blocking Feng Jin: “It was merely by chance. Who in the capital doesn’t know of the famed Third Young Master Sheng? Young Master Sheng’s scholarship is indeed rare in the world, so there’s no need for such modesty.”
Sheng Xubai gently fanned himself with his paper fan, concealing his true emotions, and coughed softly, saying, “Second Young Master Ling is indeed greatly different from before.”
“Young Master Sheng, we have matters to attend to at our estate and will not be accompanying you for further conversation. We shall take our leave. You should also depart soon, lest you be targeted by another young lady. Otherwise, it will inevitably lead to more trouble.”
With a kind warning, Feng Jin turned and left directly, without even a glance at Sheng Xubai. In her eyes, Sheng Xubai was merely a passerby.
After cupping his hands in a respectful bow, Ling Muzhu also hurried to follow Feng Jin. He was eager to share this good news with his grandfather and father.
…
“You, quickly hang the red sashes. You, go to the streets and buy some firecrackers. Decorate the mansion with lanterns and streamers. I must inform our ancestors of this momentous happy occasion in the ancestral hall…”
Old Master Ling instructed excitedly. Among his grandsons, Ling Muzhu had always been the most worrisome. Ling Muzhu’s success in achieving such a high rank was a momentous occasion, a cause for great honor for the Ling family.
Such a grand occasion demanded that everyone know, and especially that the ancestors be informed of the Ling family’s prosperity.
“Old Master, please rest assured. These matters have all been arranged long ago and there will be no oversight. You can simply wait for the young madam and second young master to return.”
As the steward’s words fell, Ling Muzhu’s excited and thrilled voice echoed from outside the door.
“Grandfather… Grandfather… Your grandson greets Grandfather!”
“Good child, rise quickly… rise quickly!”
Old Master Ling shuffled his feet and personally helped Ling Muzhu up: “You are truly a credit to us, bringing honor to our Ling family! Following your elder brother, our Ling manor has gained another scholar. Truly, you have brought honor to our ancestors!”
“Grandfather, how did you know so early? Your grandson hadn’t even had the chance to tell you yet.”
Ling Muzhu’s brow furrowed in confusion. He hadn’t reported the good news yet, so how did his grandfather know?
“Second Young Master, you may not know, but news of your achieving the second rank arrived early via imperial eunuch. The Old Master was so delighted that he directly rewarded the eunuch with a hundred taels of gold. Second Young Master, look at the mansion decorated with lanterns and streamers; it was all prepared for your success.”
The steward explained the situation with great perceptiveness, his eyes also filled with joy.
Ling Muzhu then understood that an imperial eunuch had come to deliver the news. Had he known earlier, he wouldn’t have waited at the imperial examination hall entrance in the cold, his hands frozen purple.
“Muzhu, your success this time is a matter of immense joy. Quickly go and burn incense, bathe, and change your clothes. We must inform the ancestors in the ancestral hall so they too can rejoice.”
“Grandfather, I can also open the ancestral hall to inform the ancestors?” Ling Muzhu’s tone was filled with shock and disbelief.
He knew that the family ancestral hall was only opened on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, and during festivals. Only the eldest brother had the right to perform sacrifices to the ancestors alone. He used to envy it, even boldly proclaiming that one day he would be as glorious as his elder brother and inform the ancestors.
He never expected this day to arrive so soon. His arrogant declaration from back then had now come true.
Even now, he felt as if he were living in a dream, that nothing was real. He was even being cautious with every blink, fearing that the dream would end and everything before him would vanish.
“Of course! You are so accomplished, you are a fine son of our Ling family!”
Every wrinkle on Old Master Ling’s face was etched with pride and excitement. He who had previously looked down on Ling Muzhu the most was now filled with immense pride because of him.
Ling Muzhu did not feel joy. Instead, he fell silent for a moment before lowering his head. When he looked up again, his eyes were dimmed. He hesitated before standing up.
With a loud thud, he knelt heavily before Old Master Ling.
“Muzhu, what are you doing? Get up quickly!”
Old Master Ling was startled by his sudden action and immediately reached out to help Ling Muzhu up.
However, Ling Muzhu dodged his hand. After a moment’s pause, Ling Muzhu summoned his courage and said, “Your grandson has a request for Grandfather, and hopes Grandfather will grant it!”
“Muzhu, whatever you have to say, speak slowly after you get up. The ground is bitterly cold; do not catch a chill!”
“What your grandson seeks may anger Grandfather. To seek Grandfather’s forgiveness, please allow your grandson to speak while kneeling.”
Old Master Ling’s outstretched hand froze mid-air. He hesitated for a moment before silently withdrawing it. He seemed to have understood what Ling Muzhu sought, and with a sigh of resignation, he said gently, “Muzhu, Grandfather knows what you wish to ask. You are no longer young and should understand why I insisted on imprisoning your father.”