Chapter 92: A Glorious Occasion

After reviewing the exam results, Zhou Qing and Zhou Huaishan stayed the night at the Qingfeng Inn and left for home the next morning.

For some, the exams brought joy, while for others, sorrow.

Those who passed were naturally full of pride and joy.

But for those who didn't, beyond the disappointment, they couldn't help but start calculating:

Splits - 1st rank.

On the path to glory - 21st.

Secured top spot - 23rd.

Secured second place - 30th.

Secured third place - 45th.

So, aside from needing to work hard for exams, do we also need to pay attention to a sense of ritual?

The sense of ritual became a hot topic in the provincial capital, discussed for several days.

Of course, Zhou Qing and Zhou Huaishan were unaware of this.

When they returned to Qingyang Village, they were greeted with shocking news.

The Jinshi (advanced scholar) Hu Yue, whom Zhou Qing had invited from Qingquan Temple, received an imperial decree reinstating him on the day they set off for the exam.

That very day, he was immediately appointed as the prefect of Xuanfu.

Sitting on the heated brick bed, after hearing Zhou Huailin recount the entire story of how Hu Yue was really Hu Wei Yue, Zhou Huaishan’s lips twitched.

"No wonder the prefect was worried I might choke while eating my eggs. Turns out, it was him."

"Eating eggs?"

"Mhm, one fried dough stick, two eggs, guaranteed to pass!"

Zhou Huaishan proudly explained, then waved his hand and laughed, "I knew it. He was bound to be reinstated, just didn’t expect it to happen so soon."

Zhou Qing nodded in agreement and then recounted the incident involving Zhou Huaihai and Sun Zenian during the exam.

"Luckily, Master Hu became the prefect. Otherwise, who knows what trouble my father might’ve been in."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Huailin's face darkened.

"He’s truly ungrateful. For years, we supported his studies and Yuan’s too. Now…"

Recalling the incident at Qingquan Temple, Zhou Huailin clenched his fists in anger.

Zhao tugged at his arm.

"Second Brother has passed the entrance exam. This is such a happy occasion! Why bring that up? What would you like to eat tonight? I’ll make it."

Zhou Huailin sighed and smiled at Zhou Huaishan, "Right, let’s not talk about them. Let’s just enjoy the good news."

Zhou Ping, blinking his eyes, had been trying to get a word in and finally saw his chance, "Where’s my Senior Brother?"

"He had some family matters and went to the capital. He won’t be back for a while."

The mere mention of Shen Li being away made Zhou Huaishan feel instantly rejuvenated and relaxed.

Zhou Ping, on the other hand, scrunched up his face and cried out, "What? He’s not coming back? My Senior Brother! I miss you!"

Meanwhile, someone riding swiftly towards the capital sneezed hard.

It must be Qing thinking of me.

After chatting a bit longer, Zhao took Zhou Qing and Zhou Yao to prepare a hotpot, while Zhou Huailin took Zhou Ping to the clan leader’s house to discuss holding a celebratory banquet for Zhou Huaishan.

Originally, Zhou Huailin and Zhou Huaishan should’ve both gone, but Huaishan claimed he was too exhausted from the exams to go.

Once they left, Zhou Huaishan leaned back on the heated bed, crossing his legs.

What should I do tomorrow?

The village’s winter was far too cold. If he were in the capital, there would be so many fun things to do at this time of year.

Hunting at the estate, soaking in the hot springs with the emperor at the imperial retreat, horseback riding at the racetrack, playing cuju, watching the family’s private theater in the courtyard, seeing the boys get disciplined...

The celebratory banquet for Zhou Huaishan was held on a clear, sunny day.

Everyone in Qingyang Village who had the time attended.

Not only did the villagers show up, but even the county prefect came.

After all, the prefect had taught at Huaishan Academy for a month!

The presence of the county prefect instantly elevated the status of the banquet, and the clan leader was so nervous and excited that he broke into a sweat, wishing he could personally feed the prefect.

Halfway through the banquet, Hu Wei Yue sent a congratulatory gift and also informed them that he would arrange for a new teacher for Huaishan Academy, who would start after the New Year.

This news pushed the celebratory atmosphere to a new height.

As an esteemed guest, the county prefect soon took his leave after Hu Wei Yue’s envoy departed.

Before leaving, he shook Zhou Huaishan’s hand warmly, offering kind advice.

The county prefect’s presence certainly made the banquet more prestigious, but it was only after he left that everyone truly relaxed, and the celebration became much more lively.

Some were envious, others jealous, but no one dared to cause trouble, respecting Zhou Huaishan’s status as a newly passed scholar and the fact that the prefect had personally come to see him.

After three cups of wine, Cheng Wu, from across the room, couldn’t take his eyes off Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing was chatting with Zhou Ping about something, and the two were laughing heartily.

Her dimples were so cute when she laughed.

Next to Cheng Wu, a friend whispered, "Brother Cheng, why’s that young boss not here?"

Cheng Wu froze, looking around. Indeed, Shen Li was nowhere to be found.

Given how devoted Shen Li had been to Zhou Qing, it seemed impossible that he wouldn't show up for such an important occasion.

Where was he?

Unable to spot Shen Li, Cheng Wu had a sudden thought.

Previously, after Shen Li kissed Zhou Qing in public, he assumed that Zhou Qing was destined to marry him.

He had considered making another attempt to win her, but his mother wouldn’t allow it.

She couldn’t accept the fact that Zhou Qing had been kissed by another man in public.

Neither could he, but he still couldn’t let go of his feelings for her.

Now that Shen Li was out of the picture...

Could this be his chance?

After a moment’s hesitation, Cheng Wu set down his wine cup and made his way toward Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing was still laughing with Zhou Ping when she noticed Cheng Wu approaching and smiled, "Haven’t seen you in a while."

Cheng Wu’s heart sank.

Yes, ever since that young boss appeared, it’s been a while indeed.

Taking a deep breath, Cheng Wu smiled and said, "Sister Qing, I need to talk to you."

"What’s up?"

"It’s too noisy here. Let’s talk outside."

Zhou Qing glanced at him, dusted off her hands, and stood up from the bench.

"Alright."

At the gate of Shen Li’s courtyard, Zhou Qing smiled, "Are you here to talk about selling Spring Festival couplets? Once my father rests for a couple of days, we’ll get to work on that."

Cheng Wu was momentarily taken aback.

He had completely forgotten about that.

Back when the young boss had just arrived, he had approached Zhou Qing, and she had agreed to let him join the couplet-selling business before the New Year.

Sister Qing remembered.

Feeling a surge of warmth, Cheng Wu scratched the back of his head and laughed, "Yes, that’s what I wanted to talk about. As long as you remember."

Swallowing the words he had originally intended to say, Cheng Wu played along with Zhou Qing’s topic.

But then, with a clenched fist and newfound courage, Cheng Wu asked, "So, where’s that young boss?"

"He went back to the capital."

"The capital?" Cheng Wu looked surprised, "I thought his family was in the county."

Zhou Qing laughed, "Well, apparently they have businesses in the capital too. I don’t know all the details."

Seeing the look on Zhou Qing’s face, Cheng Wu’s previously anxious heart suddenly felt more at ease.

She doesn’t know? So that means she’s not that close to him.

Not being close means she doesn’t care.

And if the young boss has businesses in the capital, he’s probably not interested in Sister Qing anymore either.

Thinking this way, Cheng Wu’s confidence grew.

Not far away, Cheng Wu’s mother, noticing her son walking out of the courtyard with Zhou Qing, frowned, put down her bowl, and hurried over.

"Wu, come here!"