Chapter 490: Returning to the maternal home and posting the results [Thanks

Autumn Festival,

married daughters return to their maiden homes.

The last quarter of the Chen hour (after 9:00 AM).

Xingguo Lane,

Ningyuan Hou Fu Gu family second gate,

Gu Yankai stood beside Bai Shi,

and handed his little granddaughter Yan-jie'er, whom he was holding, to Bai Shi with reluctance.

Bai Shi handed Yan-jie'er to Pingmei again and said: "Pingmei, Yan-jie'er didn't eat much this morning. When you arrive at the Xu family, let the maid watch her and let her eat a little more."

Pingmei said with a smile: "I know, Mother."

Gu Shixing in the carriage lifted the curtain and waved: "Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt, goodbye."

Gu Yankai withdrew his gaze from Yan-jie'er and nodded with a smile.

Gu Tingye, who didn't go to school today, was also full of smiles.

"Father, Mother, then I'm going." Pingmei held Yan-jie'er.

"Go slowly on the road."

Pingmei responded and entered the carriage.

The personal maids Qingxia and Qingzhi also followed.

At this time, the hair on Qingxia's forehead and behind her neck had already been combed up, becoming a married woman's hairstyle.

Qingzhi was not yet old, still having a young girl's hairstyle.

Behind them followed another carriage, on which sat several well-dressed and sturdy servant women.

When watching the carriage leave the gate,

Pingmei's carriage happened to cross paths with a carriage entering the gate.

Looking at the two carriages that stopped at the main gate to talk, Gu Tingyi stood beside his elder brother and said: "Brother, it's that aunt of ours who has come."

Gu Tingye nodded. This aunt was the one who married into the Yang family of a noble family.

Soon,

the Yang family carriage arrived at the second gate.

"Eldest Brother."

A well-dressed woman got off the carriage with a smile,

and Gu Yankai nodded with a smile.

The woman glanced at Bai Shi, who was accompanied by her children and had a grand air, and shouted "Eldest Sister-in-law" with a slightly reduced smile.

Gu Tingye and his sister looked at each other and said in unison: "Aunt."

The woman nodded with a smile: "Ye-ge'er, how did you feel about this exam?"

Gu Tingye: "..."

Great Zhou Imperial Palace,

Inner Court,

Imperial Prince Zhao Fang's sleeping palace,

Zhao Fang had already gone to class.

Inside the palace,

eunuchs and female officials were standing by, and the Empress was standing in front of Zhao Fang's desk tidying things up.

It wasn't that Zhao Fang's personal attendants were lazy, but the Empress had specifically ordered that she would come over to tidy up for Zhao Fang.

After the Empress put the books away and stacked the draft paper Zhao Fang had finished practicing, she looked at the cute elephant pattern drawn on a certain piece of paper, shook her head with a smile, and said: "He really learns everything..."

She handed the draft paper and drawings to the great eunuch who was following, and said: "Find a good box for these and keep them safe!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Withdrawing her hand, the Empress looked down at the paperweight on the desk, which was shaped like an elephant, implying peace and prosperity.

She looked up again at the paper kites, painted lanterns with colorful elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes in her son's room, and said softly: "It's been a while since I came, and there are quite a few more things in this room."

Before the eunuchs and palace maids could answer,

"Let's go."

The Empress said, walked out from behind the desk, and walked out on the carpet embroidered with auspicious patterns like colorful elephants and camels.

The Empress walked in the veranda of the main hall,

turned her head slightly and said to the great eunuch who was following: "Xu family's Fifth Young Master is leading a group of West Army captains to rehearse, saying they want to offer a gift for His Majesty. How was the effect of the joint training the day before yesterday?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, the effect was very good. The officials who listened said the music was majestic and stirring, and the style of the performance was something rarely seen."

The Empress nodded: "A group of rough men in the army are good at killing enemies, but I hope this performance doesn't become a joke when the time comes."

The great eunuch who was following bowed: "Your Majesty is right! I will send someone to remind them again later."

The Empress waved her hand: "Forget it."

As they were talking,

the Empress soon returned to her own palace.

At noon,

the Emperor walked in with his hands behind his back, looking unhappy.

"Hmph!"

The Emperor snorted angrily, glanced at the Empress who was leisurely embroidering something, sat down at the table, and slapped a folded piece of paper on the table.

The Empress put down the embroidery hoop, took the teacup from the female official, and served the Emperor a cup of tea with a smile: "Your Majesty, why didn't Fang'er come with you?"

The Emperor didn't speak, just looked toward the door.

The Empress followed his gaze and happened to see Zhao Fang poking his head out from the door. Seeing his mother looking over, Zhao Fang walked to the middle of the door sheepishly and walked in.

Beckoning to Zhao Fang, after Zhao Fang walked to her side, the Empress hugged Zhao Fang's little face, turned her head to look at the Emperor with a light smile, and said: "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

"Let him say it himself."

The Emperor pointed his index finger at Zhao Fang with hatred.

"Fang'er?"

The Empress looked down at Zhao Fang.

Zhao Fang exchanged a look with the Empress, then lowered his head sheepishly: "Mother, this child... this child... sent someone to inquire about the results of this provincial examination."

"Slap!"

Zhao Fang received a slap on the shoulder from the Empress.

"Fang'er, this examination is a major event for selecting talent, how can you inquire about it lightly!"

Zhao Fang lowered his head and didn't speak.

The Emperor said with a huff: "Hmph, it's all for that Xu family kid! I think that Xu family kid does nothing but fight and brawl. Be careful that he teaches our Fang'er..."

The Empress slowly glanced over, and the Emperor pursed his lips and didn't continue, picking up the teacup and drinking.

"Fang'er, Xu family's Fifth Young Master has been reading diligently ever since he returned to the capital. You have the same schedule as him, so you should feel it more clearly! And Fifth Young Master has a famous teacher like Scholar Zhuang, why do you need to worry?"

Listening to the Empress's words, Zhao Fang nodded and raised his head: "Mother, this child won't be so reckless to ask again in the future. By the way, Mother, this child heard that our Bianjing polo team won another match two days ago..."

The Emperor put down the teacup and nodded with a smile: "Yes, it's the elder brother from the Zhang family of Beizhou that Father told you about."

The Empress took a deep breath with her head lowered, a curious smile on her face, and said softly: "Your Majesty, is it the guy who was almost scared into turning his horse and running away by a shout from Rong Xian?"

Zhao Fang's eyes rolled: "Father, there's such a thing?"

"I..."

When the Emperor was speechless, the Empress had already walked to the Emperor's side, picked up the paper on the table, looked at it, and folded it again.

Looking at Zhao Fang standing on tiptoe wanting to see, the Empress held the paper and asked suspiciously: "Fang'er, you haven't seen this yet?"

"This child... didn't have time, and was stopped by Father."

The Empress looked at the Emperor inquiringly.

Seeing the Emperor turn his head and not speak.

The Empress put the paper back on the table, smiled at Zhao Fang, and said: "Fang'er, the results will be posted the day after tomorrow! Before your father's birthday banquet, how about I take you to the polo field to watch a match?"

Zhao Fang blinked, a flash of surprise in his eyes, and then hurriedly bowed: "Thank you, Mother!"

Turning his body slightly, Zhao Fang bowed to the Emperor again: "Thank you, Father."

Quyuan Street,

Marquis Yongyi's Mansion,

Xie Shi had returned to the Xie family a day early and was staying at home today to entertain her two sisters-in-law.

In the open space outside the main courtyard,

Xu Xingdai and Gu Shixing, two little boys, were holding light wooden swords and shields,

and were also wearing thin armor and helmets.

Their opponent was Xu Zaijing, who stood before them, as tall as a giant.

"Charge!"

The two boys shouted like milk-fed children, holding their shields and charging at Xu Zaijing in a decent manner.

Xu Zaijing held a wooden stick wrapped in cotton and shouted softly: "Xu Xingdai, you charged too far forward, how can you cover Shixing's side!"

"Ah? Oh!"

Xu Xingdai hurriedly slowed down.

"Hey!"

"Ha!"

"Slap!"

Pingmei held her daughter,

and Anmei held her son and eldest niece, watching the three people playing in the courtyard with a smile.

Suddenly,

Xu Zaijing used a move to lightly knock away Gu Shixing's small wooden sword, blocked Xu Xingdai's small shield, and then wrapped his long arm around to hug Gu Shixing.

"Hehe, Little Uncle..." Gu Shixing shouted with a smile.

"Good nephew!"

Before anyone could react.

"Swish"

Gu Shixing's pants were pulled down by Xu Zaijing, revealing his white buttocks.

Xu Xingdai had clearly suffered before. Seeing this scene, he threw away his sword and shield, grabbed his own waistband, and turned to run.

Just as he took a step, he felt his feet go empty.

"Swish"

Two white buttocks.

"Wah"

Looking at the nephew and niece crying loudly, and the younger brother who was laughing and wanting to run away on the side,

Pingmei and Anmei held their children and walked quickly toward Xu Zaijing in anger: "Xu Zaijing, stop! You've really grown capable, pulling down my son's and nephew's pants, stop!"

"You two stop crying, Mother will let your grandmother beat him! Stop crying!"

"Aunt, I won't play with Little Uncle anymore! Wuwuwu..."

Crouching down, looking at the nephew and niece who were crying with snot and tears, Anmei shook her head helplessly: "Then if your Little Uncle lets you fly, will you play with him again?"

Gu Shixing nodded with tears on his face: "Aunt, what did you say? Hmm... play."

Anmei pursed her lips and shook her head helplessly.

At this time, Pingmei held Yan-jie'er in one hand and pulled Xu Zaijing's ear with the other as she walked over.

"Sister, be gentle! Hiss~"

Looking at Xu Zaijing's embarrassed appearance, the two boys laughed again with snot and tears.

Before long,

the two children, who had put on their pants, each held one of Xu Zaijing's straightened fingers and played happily.

Sun Shi and Xie Shi, who heard the movement, also walked out, and Sun Shi said with a smile: "Don't stay outside, come in and eat."

Sheng family,

Weirui Pavilion,

At the door of the inner room, Wang Ruofu held her grandson Zhong-ge'er and looked toward the outer room.

In the outer hall,

the table was full of good dishes and delicacies,

Sheng Hong's face was slightly flushed, and he sat in the main seat with a smile, holding a wine glass. Beside him sat Zaizhang, on the other side was Changbai, and Changfeng was sitting in the lower seat.

Withdrawing her gaze, Wang Ruofu pressed her face against Zhong-ge'er's, looked at Hualan beside her, and said: "Your father is also like this, your husband came to your maiden home, he let this little rabbit Changfeng come over for what!"

Beside the table in the inner room,

Rulan, who was using chopsticks to pick up a piece of mutton, nodded in agreement.

"Mother, Feng-ge'er is a disciple of the Sheng family, you are his legal mother, why can't he come?"

Hualan said with a frown on the side.

"Who wants to be his legal mother!"

As she spoke,

Wang Ruofu held Xu Xingzhong and sat down at the table, looked at Rulan who was full of oil, and tapped Rulan's head with hatred: "How did you learn your etiquette? All forgotten?"

Rulan pouted, took the handkerchief handed over by Magpie, and wiped her lips.

"At home, why do you demand Rulan like this?" Hualan also sat down, picked up chopsticks, and ate a few bites.

"By the way, Hua'er, how is Shulan's matter?" Wang Ruofu held her grandson and handed a small piece of tender chicken meat to his mouth.

"Mother, there are quite a few young captains in the army, and they are busy with the Emperor's birthday recently! It will take some time for Father-in-law to find out clearly!" Hualan scooped soup for Rulan.

Wang Ruofu nodded.

"Father-in-law, son-in-law will toast you again."

Listening to the sound from the outer room,

Wang Ruofu looked at it, held her grandson, and whispered to Hualan: "Hua'er, you have some nobility married into the Marquis's mansion! Later, you and I will go to kowtow to the immortals and help your brother Changbai pray."

Hualan nodded with a smile: "I know, Mother."

The sun set in the west,

and the Xu family carriage turned out of Jiying Lane.

At the entrance of the lane, a woman in a carriage that crossed paths with the Xu family carriage lifted the curtain and glanced at the Xu family carriage.

Zaizhang, who had drunk wine, and Hualan sat in the carriage,

listening to the various lively sounds of hawking and talking on the street outside the carriage, Zaizhang looked at his son sleeping in Hualan's arms and said: "Why is there still the smell of incense on you?"

Hualan smiled: "Before leaving the backyard, Mother and I burned incense in front of the immortals together."

Zaizhang touched his son's little hand and said: "What did you pray for?"

Hualan shook her head with a smile: "If I say it, it won't be effective!"

Zaizhang nodded and stuffed the small gourd and dates he had dug out of his son's pocket back in.

The carriage sounded rumbling,

and when Zaizhang felt dizzy from drinking,

Hualan said: "Official, how about we return to the Sheng family a day early next year? We can't always let sister-in-law be busy."

"Hmm! Zhong'er can also get familiar with his cousins."

The carriage gradually moved away and disappeared into the busy street.

At the entrance of the Sheng family,

a woman got off the carriage,

and followed the gatekeeper into the courtyard.

Inner courtyard, Shou'an Hall,

"Old Madam, Ming-young lady's aunt is here!"

Fang Mama announced with a smile.

Hearing this, Minglan's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but look at Xiaotao with a smile.

The Old Madam put down the turtle shell she was using for divination and smiled: "Please come in! Go to Jin'an Study and tell Minglan Xiaoniang! Just say Minglan's aunt will go over later."

"Yes, Old Madam."

A moment later,

Wei Yuyi, dressed in decent clothes, walked in holding a beautiful bamboo basket, curtsied and said: "Greetings, Old Madam!"

"Sit down!"

"Thank you, Old Madam."

Wei Yima nodded, sat on the chair, smiled at Cui Mama who was serving tea, and said: "On this good day, I went to Li He's shop to pick some new gourds and dates, hoping that Minglan and Zhen-ge'er will be safe and healthy!"

"Ming-er's aunt has a heart! Please drink tea!"

The Old Madam gestured with a smile.

After Wei Yima finished the tea, the Old Madam continued to smile: "Whether in Quanzhou or Yang Zhou, relatives always live far away, and it's inconvenient for Ming-er Xiaoniang to return home! Now that they all live in Bianjing, it would be good for Ming-er Xiaoniang to return to her maiden home to visit relatives at this time next year."

Wei Yima, sitting on the chair, had a flash of surprise in her eyes, hurriedly stood up and curtsied: "That... that's really great, thank you, Old Madam!"

After chatting for a few words,

Wei Yima stood up and said goodbye to go to Jin'an Study.

Entering the courtyard and the room,

Wei Yima looked at the basket of gourds and dates on the table.

"Sister, this is?"

Wei Yima asked suspiciously.

Wei Shuyi said with a smile: "Xiaodie sent someone to deliver them."

Two days later,

Mid-Autumn Festival,

Early in the morning,

the outside of the Kaifeng Prefecture government office was crowded with people.

Li Mubai, who was holding the waist sword with one hand, stood at the gate of the government office looking at the crowd.

"I say Constable Li, when will the results be posted!"

An idler asked with a smile and cupped hands.

Glancing at the idler, Li Mubai said loudly: "It will be posted when the time comes, what's the rush!"

As soon as the words fell,

there was movement behind the government office's gate, which was usually closed.

Soon,

officials came out holding several sheets of paper.

After the list was posted,

the onlookers swarmed under the list.

Buwei took the servants of the Xiao Xiao Gongye of Qi's mansion and squeezed to the front.

"Find it quickly!"

Saying this, Buwei looked at the list paper by the dim morning light.

At first glance, there was a look of surprise in Buwei's eyes.

"Buwei-ge, is the first place Jing-ge'er?"

The servant of the Xiao Xiao Gongye's mansion on the side asked in surprise.

A smile appeared on Buwei's face: "Yes! See if anyone from the Marquis's mansion has come, go and shout to notify them!"

As soon as the servant turned his head, he shouted:

"Buwei-ge, Qingyun-ge is behind."

Buwei turned his head and saw the sturdy Qingyun bringing Alan and Xunshu squeezing in.

"Qingyun-ge, Jing-ge'er is first place! First!"

Buwei pointed at the list and shouted.

"Really?" Qingyun walked forward a few steps, and after seeing it clearly, he high-fived Buwei and continued to look at the list.

"Second place is Sheng family's Bai-ge'er!" Buwei continued.

"Eleventh, eleventh is Ye-ge'er!" Qingyun said with a smile.

"Fiftieth, is Zhang-ge'er!"

After searching for a while, more than half of the list had been read,

and Qingyun had already left, rushing to the Marquis's mansion to report the good news.

The smile on Buwei's face gradually disappeared.

"Buwei-ge, did you see the Young Xiao Xiao Gongye's name?" The servant of the Xiao Xiao Gongye's mansion asked hesitantly.

"Not yet, let's finish reading first!"

When seeing the last sheet,

a smile appeared on Buwei's face, and he shouted loudly: "The Young Xiao Xiao Gongye's name is there! The one below is Feng-ge'er!"

When the sky was bright,

the sound of firecrackers could be heard in Xingguo Lane.

Starting in the morning,

there were also big promotions in stationery shops on Pan Lou Main Street, tea houses, drink shops outside Donghua Gate, etc.

Everything was sold at a 90% discount.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 491 =====