Chapter 1034: The Palace Examination

Yangzhou, Sheng Mansion.

The servant who returned to deliver the letter came in shouting.

"The son-in-law has taken first place in the provincial examination! The son-in-law has taken first place in the provincial examination!"

With this shout, the Sheng Mansion became lively, and a whole crowd of people came out from the back courtyard.

Wang Shi walked with hurried steps and asked eagerly, "Is it true that he took first place?"

"Madam, for such a big matter, how would this lowly one dare to speak falsely? The son-in-law is truly impressive in Bianjing. He lived in the Sheng family residence with Fan Chunren and Feng Jing, and as a result, the son-in-law took first place, Feng Jing second, and Fan Chunren third. When I took the letter and left the capital, the area outside the residence was filled with dignitaries from the capital who had come to invite the son-in-law and the others to banquets. In the end, the son-in-law and his family didn't go to any of them; they declined them all."

This servant had accompanied Sheng Changbai there and had lived very comfortably in the capital following the son-in-law, so whenever he mentioned it, he felt a sense of reflected glory, as if he were the one who had done the refusing.

Wang Shi immediately asked, "What did the son-in-law say?"

"That, this lowly one does not know. However, I returned specifically to deliver letters; the son-in-law must have explained it clearly in them. This is for the Master, this is for the eldest young lady. This is the letter written by the young master, but the young master wrote one for you, Madam."

The servant took a stack of letters out of his pocket. Before Wang Shi could take them, Hualan reached out and took them first. She quickly flipped through them, found the letters Wang Yan and Changbai had written to her, then placed the remaining letters into Wang Shi's hands, gave her mother a silly grin, and turned to leave, appearing very composed.

No one mocked her for this; after all, they were already used to it. Hualan was usually very composed, but as long as it involved Wang Yan, she would have the youthful joy and excitement of a young woman.

Giving her eldest daughter a look of exasperation, Wang Shi turned back and instructed the maid beside her, "Prepare wine and dishes for the evening; the Master will surely want to have some when he returns from the office."

"Yes, Madam." The maid replied, gave a look to the young girl beside her, and the latter ran off happily...

At the same time, the people Wang Yan had sent back to deliver letters also found people to help, and began delivering letters to the various scholars' families in the city. Following their actions, the entire city of Yangzhou became lively.

The scholars informed each other of the news, and of course, they also told the elders in their families. As they walked about outside, the news naturally spread to the common people. Thus, in just half a day, the common people in Yangzhou city all knew the news that Wang Yan had taken first place in the metropolitan examination and was about to become an official.

Wang Yan's reputation in Yangzhou was quite high, and it wasn't just because of his literary talent, or the many impressive things he had done before, and other such deeds.

After all, no matter how impressive he was, his influence was mainly among the ruling class. For the common people struggling to survive, there was only that one story, and the name of a genius, that let them know who he was.

But it was different in Yangzhou. The people of Yangzhou held Wang Yan in very high regard. This was because Wang Yan had carried out many actions that benefited the people; he was truly righteous and generous with his wealth.

After a year, the people of Wang Family Village had completely changed. Every household had built new, large houses, with complete furniture, well-organized courtyards, clean toilets, pigsties, chicken coops, and so on. Employment was also in the village; those who performed well could go out to work in merchant caravans or go to other cities to manage industries as shopkeepers. Every family had become well-off.

They didn't even farm their own land anymore; they all found tenant farmers outside to move into the village. Of course, the tenant farmers were all people who had been vetted by Wang Fuli, and their entire families had registered as residents in Wang Family Village.

Counting this, and because people's conditions had improved, making it easier to find wives, plus the newly born population, over the past year, Wang Family Village had expanded from 242 people to over 500. The original villagers worked in the village factories or handled matters for Wang Yan outside. The newcomers were responsible for farming, but they were also issued pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, and the like.

Moreover, to eliminate hidden dangers and avoid being criticized by others in the future, there were now no unregistered households in Wang Family Village; they all paid their taxes in full, and they could afford to pay them. The villagers had no complaints; after all, Wang Yan took the lead in paying taxes, and their good life was also driven by Wang Yan. If it weren't for Wang Yan, they would have had to mortgage some of their land to Wang Yan every year to pay taxes. It wasn't like now, where they were so prosperous.

The tremendous changes in Wang Family Village were seen by the people in Yangzhou city and the surrounding villages, and it had become an object of envy for the vast majority of people. This was also the reason for the increase in population in Wang Family Village; after all, with money, girls from other families were willing to marry in. No one wanted to suffer if they could live a good life. The new brides coming to Wang Family Village belonged to the top tier of girls in the surrounding areas.

Of course, this wasn't the reason for Wang Yan's explosive reputation. If it were just that Wang Family Village was wealthy, it had nothing to do with them, and it wouldn't be considered much of an influence.

It was mainly because in the new year, Wang Yan sent the piglets raised in Wang Family Village to the surrounding villages, and the same went for the hatched chickens, ducks, and geese. It was just like before in Wang Family Village; these seedlings were provided for free, people were responsible for raising them, and a portion of the final proceeds was shared with them; for chickens, ducks, and geese, they only needed to pay for some of the seedlings.

Wang Yan even hired people to become veterinarians, researching how to farm scientifically, solving problems with these animals, and helping to guide farming in the surrounding ten miles and eight villages, with Wang Yan paying for it all.

This was a move that won people's hearts because it gave people hope. Since the neighboring villages had received tangible benefits, in the coming year, could other villages also receive this help?

More importantly, Wang Yan funded the construction of several schools in the surrounding areas, hired teachers, and subsidized the children's early education, giving them a chance to progress. This was, of course, very popular. Not to mention becoming an official, just being able to read and write made one's work better than others. If one could write and calculate, one would almost become a person above others, decent and earning more. Not to mention there was the path of the imperial examination to advance oneself.

In addition, Wang Yan's recruitment for his industries also began to select from the young men in the surrounding areas, further binding the two sides together.

And the herbal medicine shops in Yangzhou city also began to expand. Wang Yan recruited many physicians to hold clinics, began some professional research, and began to consciously train midwives for childbirth. Moreover, he would also do some good deeds, such as when he encountered a child or a strong laborer in a family who could be cured but it was relatively expensive, he would also extend a helping hand.

Over the past period of time, he had also saved quite a few people; these were genuine good deeds. Even though many people were refused, people always couldn't help but have some hope.

Combining all these, Wang Yan was a complete success in Yangzhou, with powerful influence.

Therefore, the news of his taking first place in the provincial examination spread like the wind.

Sheng Hong left the office amidst the sounds of compliments and returned home.

"Madam, quickly prepare wine and dishes for me. Ziyan has taken first place in the provincial examination; his future is already boundless. It is a cause for celebration, a cause for celebration." As soon as he entered Wang Shi's courtyard, Sheng Hong spoke loudly.

Wang Shi gave a look to the maid beside her, then stepped forward to help him take off his coat, smiling, "I knew the Master would want to drink, so I had it prepared for you long ago."

"Madam knows me." Sheng Hong patted Wang Shi's hand and said with a look of gratification, "Ziyan is truly impressive; Hualan really found a good husband."

"What good husband? Doesn't he also go to the brothels?"

"How can that be the same? With Ziyan's talent, I'm afraid those famous courtesans would be willing to follow him even if they had to pay him. Moreover, Ziyan hasn't been there many times; it was all because he was invited by others and couldn't refuse. These are minor details, no harm done. In the future, Hualan can just find him two concubines. Hey, don't glare at me; it's already good that Hualan can manage it. Do you know how many noble ladies from high-ranking families are dying to marry him, given Ziyan's current reputation?"

"Ziyan has such a great reputation; a single piece of his calligraphy can sell for 100,000 strings of cash, and he has even founded his own school; he is truly a hero. He took first place in both the prefectural and provincial examinations, and with such a reputation, if my guess is correct, as long as Ziyan performs normally, the top scholar of this imperial examination will definitely be him. I have been in the officialdom for ten years and am only a prefectural judge. When the time comes, Ziyan will start his official career from this position of prefectural judge. Within three years, his position will be higher than mine. At that time, Ziyan will only be twenty-two years old."

Sheng Hong couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, and within the sigh, there was also a lot of self-satisfaction.

That was his son-in-law, and his background was extremely clean; he had no parents or relatives, so when it came to closeness, Wang Yan was truly the closest to their Sheng family. He had great ability in making money; his incense shop could be described as making a fortune every day, and in just one year, its strength had multiplied several times over. As for his ability to be an official, his precious son-in-law had been standing on his own since he was a teenager, and even dared to lead people out to wield blades; such a person was a ruthless man who could do great things as an official. He, Sheng Hong, felt inferior.

Moreover, Wang Yan's teacher was Ouyang Xiu, he was close to Bao Zheng in the capital, and even had a close friendship with Fan Chunren, the son of Fan Zhongyan. With just these three people, there was a huge crowd of people behind them, and his political resources were extremely rich.

Furthermore, Wang Yan had founded his own school, which was truly too impressive; in the future, he would definitely have countless disciples and followers, and his old acquaintances would be all over the world. He was definitely a future big shot.

Wang Shi shook her head; she also admitted that Wang Yan was indeed impressive, and she had misjudged him at the beginning.

She said, "Changbai and your good son-in-law both sent letters. Changbai said in his letter to me that not half an hour after the list was posted, people came with invitations for them to attend banquets, all of which were declined. He said he saw that other families wanted to marry into his family and also wanted to plot for the recipes of his family's incense shop."

"Ziyan is the most sensible; it was not in vain that I valued him so much." Sheng Hong nodded with satisfaction.

At this time, Hualan ran in happily, and without saying a word, she diligently poured tea for her father.

Sheng Hong shook his head helplessly, sat down at the table, and opened the letter to read.

"Ziyan said that after the palace examination, he will get married when he returns, and asked us to arrange it. It's also true; he has no parents or relatives, and comes from a small family, so he doesn't understand many rules, which is exactly why we need to help him more. Madam, will you help manage it?"

Wang Shi glanced at Hualan and nodded with a smile, "Actually, there's nothing to be busy with, just notifying relatives and friends is enough. His family's wedding wine will definitely not be bad; the main thing is our side. He is someone who does things properly, otherwise, why would he need to ask us?"

"As long as Madam understands, you arrange it, I won't interfere."

"Alright, then I'll go check the date tomorrow. I estimate he can return by the end of next month. The sooner it's done, the sooner we can be at ease, right, Hua'er?"

"Mother~"

"Look at your useless appearance. Let me tell you, if you suffer any grievances from Wang Yan in the future, don't come home crying to me."

"He is not that kind of person." Hualan said firmly.

"Alright, alright, I've heard your firm words, you should be at ease now. Don't hover in front of me; I get annoyed seeing you." Wang Shi waved her hand with a look of disdain.

Hualan didn't mind, poured another cup of tea for Sheng Hong, and then ran out with light steps.

In the blink of an eye, a year had passed, and seeing that they were finally going to become a married couple, she felt that the days were becoming increasingly difficult to endure, always moving slowly...

Zhao Yunrang belonged to an accidental meeting, a small episode in life. That was a bit too high-end for the current Wang Yan, and had nothing to do with him. The two talked very well, and Wang Yan received high praise from Zhao Yunrang, who kept saying he was shameless and could accomplish things, which Wang Yan accepted happily.

This old guy was also truly unceremonious; hearing that the stir-fried dishes here at Wang Yan's were even better than Fanlou, he had the chefs from Fanlou come to the Sheng residence to learn that very day. After learning for five days, Fanlou raised its prices. If one were to talk about being black-hearted, Zhao Yunrang was not one bit behind.

However, Fanlou's main business was actually prostitution, which was the bulk of its revenue. But with such a great reputation, it wouldn't do if the food wasn't good. Therefore, Fanlou's dishes were indeed better than other high-end clubs in Bianjing, and they had always been carefully managing their wine and food, belonging to an all-around elevation, a genuine benchmark for Song Dynasty clubs.

After that, Wang Yan's life had no waves, and he could be considered to be living in seclusion. He declined all outside invitations. However, it is worth mentioning that the Wang family and the Kang family in the capital also sent him invitations, inviting him to dinner.

These were the ones from the original drama, Wang Ruofu's maternal family, and the husband's family of her sister, Aunt Kang. However, Wang Yan declined them all and did not attend the banquets.

Come to think of it, it was interesting; he had been in the capital for half a year and had caused quite a stir. Before this, neither of these two families had contacted him, not even bothering to be perfunctory. Now that he had taken first place in the provincial examination, they were suddenly getting close...

Just like this, it went on until the palace examination.

It wasn't Wang Yan's first time entering the imperial city of the Northern Song Dynasty, and there was nothing strange about it. It was sufficiently gorgeous, but not sufficiently grand, not sufficiently mighty. In fact, even if it were strange, he wouldn't have any special feelings.

After all, when he was emperor, the imperial city was truly mighty and grand; from the time he ascended the throne until he left, the imperial city never stopped construction; that was truly called an imperial architectural complex.

On the contrary, the other two hundred or so prospective scholars who had passed the provincial examination were all looking at it as something fresh. This included Fan Chunren and Feng Jing as well; although they didn't say a word, their eyes were looking all around.

Without a doubt, they were all here to participate in the final stage of the imperial examination, the palace examination.

Compared to the prefectural and provincial examinations, the palace examination was very decent. The palace examination, as the name suggests, was held in the palace, not like the previous two levels of examinations where one had to be cooped up in a small room.

The location for the palace examination was the Chongzheng Hall, which was the main hall of the imperial palace. It used to be called the Lecture Hall, but was later renamed by the "Car God" to this. It was a place for holding major activities, such as grand ceremonies, or grand court meetings, and so on.

The space here was large, and there was shelter, the floor heating was burning very brightly, and people felt very warm. The floor was shiny and bright, and it felt just right to the touch.

Wang Yan's seat was at the very front, with a low table, a straw cushion, and he sat down quietly cross-legged, silently tidying up the things he had brought.

The palace examination only lasted one day, and there were few subjects, only three: poetry, fu (rhapsody), and essays. So this time he didn't bring many messy things, only stationery and some small snacks.

And the difference in the palace examination was that there were people to pour tea. Thanks to the stir-fried tea he had brought out in advance, brewing tea was much more convenient. So there were little eunuchs in the hall, carrying large teapots and walking around, seeing who beckoned, and then going over to pour tea; the service was very thorough.

No one spoke in the main hall, but it wasn't truly quiet either; everyone was rustling about, or making small sounds of exclamation while looking at the main hall. They were all country bumpkins entering the city, coming to the center of the Song Dynasty for the first time, truly having their eyes opened.

Suddenly, a little eunuch walked into the main hall with hurried steps. Following his arrival, the old eunuch who had been standing not far in front of Wang Yan spoke loudly: "Silence! Rise!"

Before the examination, someone had taught them the etiquette.

So as soon as the old eunuch's voice fell, the room full of scholars stood up.

Not two minutes later, a crowd of old men and middle-aged men walked in... ===== CHAPTER 1035 =====