Chapter 616: When the Imperial List is Posted

Ningrong Street, Count's Mansion.

Early morning, the sky was dim and indistinct, the east only just beginning to brighten.

Beside the north side of Doufeng Pavilion in the inner courtyard, there was a stretch of open, sloping land facing water on three sides. It was rarely passed by, and the environment was secluded and quiet.

In the cool, clear morning light, a figure moved and swayed on the slope. A silvery blade flashed in and out, and the sound of wind whistled and trembled.

In the Count's Mansion, this place was the quietest and most spacious. People rarely walked here, and with no one to disturb him, it had become the place where Jia Cong practiced his blade techniques daily.

He had been training his muscles and bones and honing his blade techniques with Qu Hongxiu since he was ten. Apart from a few personal maids, he had never mentioned this to outsiders; even the people in the Jia Mansion were unaware of it.

Years ago, when he faced the provocation of Wang Ziteng's son, he had once scared Wang Yi into incontinence with a single strike of his blade in the blink of an eye.

Jia Mu and the others only thought it was a scuffle between two juniors and that Wang Yi was simply too useless.

It was not until he achieved the first merit at the great victory at Yafu Pass in Liaodong, personally beheading Fan Ercha, the leader of the Jurchen Right Guard, on the battlefield,

that the world learned he possessed not only astonishing literary talent but also superb martial arts skills for victory.

As for how he had mastered these skills for killing enemies on the battlefield, even Jia Mu, Jia Zheng, and the others were completely in the dark.

While reading and the imperial examinations could earn him a future, the blade techniques and martial arts he had refined since childhood were the foundation of his standing and his skill for saving his life. For many years, he had practiced diligently without pause, never daring to slacken.

On the slope, Jia Cong's footwork was strange and agile, the blade's light dancing around his body—slow as a spring breeze brushing against willows, round and harmonious; fast as a crashing thunderbolt, treacherous and ruthless.

Gradually, the blade's light combined speed and slowness, connecting densely in one continuous breath, never breaking. The silvery blade light obscured Jia Cong's figure, making it appear and disappear, full of momentum and extraordinary.

Suddenly, he leaped into the air and slashed down with his blade, his momentum fierce and powerful.

When his feet touched the ground, he drew power from the earth. His left hand pushed the hilt, both hands held the blade, and his wrists turned, changing the downward slash into a diagonal upward strike.

This strike changed strangely, guiding force and borrowing momentum. A giant force erupted from his shoulders, and the Qi energy throughout his body seemed to vent out in an instant, the blade's momentum twice as strong as usual.

The cold blade edge drew a sharp sonic boom in the air, and the surrounding air swelled and spat with it.

Five or six paces away from Jia Cong, a Chinese toon tree had its branches, laden with green leaves, stirred by the powerful Qi energy from the blade. Impacted and squeezed in mid-air, they swayed rapidly and uncontrollably.

The pale purple tender leaves on the branches could not withstand the intense disturbance of the Qi energy. They emitted faint popping sounds, were shaken from the tips of the branches, and fell in a flurry, scattering all over the ground.

Jia Cong reined in his blade's momentum. A layer of hot sweat seeped from his back, his arms were slightly flushed, his Qi channels were surging and full, and his whole body felt a strange, transparent, and profound sensation.

A wild joy welled up in his heart, and he muttered to himself: "Blade Qi shakes objects!"

He had been carefully taught by Qu Hongxiu since childhood. Qu Hongxiu had told him that the Qu family's blade techniques were different from ordinary external blade arts in the Jianghu; they required the use of a secret method of guiding Qi to be practiced and mastered.

He only started practicing the blade at ten. By ordinary standards, his age was already a bit old, but he had first-class talent for martial arts and was extremely diligent in his practice.

As long as one reached the realm of "Blade Qi shaking objects," it meant the foundation of essence and blood had solidified, and the blade technique had reached the realm of entering the hall and the room.

Qu Hongxiu had once told him that to reach this realm, by ordinary standards, it would take six or seven years at the shortest, and ten years or more at the longest. Those with mediocre talent would find it difficult to break through the realm in their entire lives.

The things Qu Hongxiu said before were not meant to deceive him, but were truly for the sake of his achieving the skill.

Yet Jia Cong had only used five years. Perhaps he was born extraordinary, his spirit and mental strength different from ordinary people...

Just as Jia Cong was joyful in his heart, leaning on his blade and catching his breath, he heard footsteps coming from nearby.

He turned his head to look and saw Zhi Shao coming over with a long gown in her hand, walking with a graceful gait. The pearl-inlaid emerald gold hairpin on her head flashed with bright brilliance in the morning light.

She wore a pink-purple collared satin vest and a snow-white cross-collared gauze shirt. Her delicate face and figure were elegant, clear, and beautiful, charming and moving.

The morning breeze blew, making her slender waist appear even more graceful. Her white palace-embroidered long skirt fluttered slightly, as if she were about to fly into the air.

Seeing Jia Cong steaming with heat, she smiled and said: "Cong Sanye, although it is late spring, the sky has not yet fully brightened, and the chill has not gone. I have brought you an outer garment; be careful not to catch a cold from sweating after practicing."

As she spoke, she draped the outer garment over Jia Cong and tilted her head to look at him.

She laughed: "Cong Sanye seems especially spirited. Is it because the Ministry of Rites is posting the list today, and Cong Sanye is certain to become a Jinshi, so you are in an especially proud mood?"

Jia Cong smiled slightly, reached out to hold Zhi Shao's slender, soft palm, and said: "The posting of the list is naturally worth looking forward to. I think it should be fine to pass as a Jinshi.

Back then, when we lived in the East Road Courtyard, it was difficult. Every day, only you accompanied me in reading and writing. At that time, I never thought there would be today. From now on, life will surely get better and better."

Hearing this, Zhi Shao's bright eyes seemed to reflect a trace of confusion, but the corners of her brows and eyes were full of smiles. Under the bright morning light, it made Jia Cong unable to hide his heart-pounding excitement.

Zhi Shao smiled: "Cong Sanye is so capable; life will surely get better and better. That is naturally correct.

After the Ministry of Rites posts the list today, Cong Sanye's happy event will be settled. Tomorrow, Xiu Yan and I will go to Mouni Nunnery to visit the Master and the Senior Sister.

Last time, the Senior Sister asked Xiu Yan to bring a message, saying that thanks to Cong Sanye inviting a famous physician to diagnose and treat the Master, the Master's health has stabilized much more.

The Senior Sister wants to set up a prayer tablet for Cong Sanye, which requires Cong Sanye's birth date and time. She asked me to bring it to her when I have time."

Jia Cong laughed: "It is rare that Master Miao Yu has such a heart. Tomorrow, I will have the steward arrange a carriage and manpower to send you over early in the morning."

The two talked and laughed all the way, passing Doufeng Pavilion and passing by the place near Conglü Hall. They saw the servants of the inner courtyard moving items, walking back and forth, very lively.

Jia Cong saw Yingchun's head maid, Xiu Ju, running back and forth, directing the maids and old women to hang vermilion gauze lanterns on the veranda and red silk color balls on the door eaves, her little face flushed with the busyness.

Yingchun stood to one side, examining and occasionally saying a few words, a beautiful and quiet smile on her face, her expression happy and festive, becoming even more charming and moving.

Jia Cong saw that Yingchun's makeup was meticulous. She wore a newly made embroidered-trimmed cross-collared jacket, with exquisite broken-branch spring flowers embroidered on the emerald green satin, set off by a beige pleated long skirt, appearing exceptionally luxurious and beautiful.

On her dark hair bun was inserted that pearl-clustered gold phoenix. Under the morning's faint light, the treasure's light flickered, adding a bit more grace and beauty.

Back when they were still in the West Mansion, Yingchun's original pearl-clustered gold phoenix was often stolen by her wet nurse to pawn as gambling capital.

Jia Cong then bought Yingchun this top-grade pearl-clustered gold phoenix again.

Yingchun received the gold hairpin sent by her brother and had loved it like a treasure ever since. Only on holidays or when Jia Cong encountered happy events like passing the imperial examination or inheriting a title would she take it out to wear.

As for the wet nurse Wang, who stole Yingchun's jewelry to pawn, and her son Wang Zhu'er and daughter-in-law, because they were greedy and cunning, they had always been disliked by Jia Cong.

After Yingchun moved to the East Mansion, these people were all left by Jia Cong in the West Mansion.

Wang Xifeng knew that Jia Cong cherished his eldest sister. Taking advantage of the significant increase in the summer tax of the Rongguo Mansion, which required reducing the number of house slaves,

she took the opportunity to drive Yingchun's wet nurse and her son and daughter-in-law out of the mansion to work on the fields outside the city, fulfilling Jia Cong's wishes and also venting Yingchun's anger.

Jia Cong laughed: "Second Sister, you got up so early today. The sky hasn't even fully brightened, yet you are already managing things like this."

Yingchun turned her head to see Jia Cong and Zhi Shao and smiled: "Today is the happy day of Brother Cong's posting and passing the examination. How can I not get up early to manage things?"

Jia Cong laughed: "The list hasn't been posted yet. Second Sister, you are not the chief examiner, yet you are certain I can make the list. If I fail, and the house is still decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, wouldn't that make your brother embarrassed?"

Yingchun scolded with a smile: "Today is the day the list is opened. Why are you talking nonsense? You don't even say some auspicious words.

I have inquired very clearly about your metropolitan examination. You don't need to talk to coax me.

My Brother Cong is the Jieyuan of Yongzhou, and Yongzhou is the place where the imperial capital is located. The provincial examination of the previous year's grace examination and this year's metropolitan examination, the chief examiners were all proper high-ranking officials of the capital.

Even out of respect and decency for their colleagues in the capital, you, the Jieyuan of Yongzhou, are bound to pass. Besides, Brother Cong's learning has always been outstanding, so naturally, there is no problem.

You have always been valued by the Emperor. If even you, the Jieyuan of Yongzhou, cannot pass the metropolitan examination, I am afraid the decency in the palace will not look good.

I don't care whether you pass or not; I just think that Brother Cong should get a top-tier ranking. That would be truly proud, and this life's achievement would be complete."

Jia Cong laughed: "Second Sister, passing the Jinshi examination is already very good. Aren't you overestimating me?"

The two siblings were talking when they heard laughter from behind: "In Second Sister's eyes, naturally, her brother is the best in the world. Getting a Zhuangyuan is also a matter of course."

Jia Cong turned his head to look and saw Seeing Tan Chun and Daiyu coming over together. It was Seeing Tan Chun who spoke, her heroic and beautiful face also full of joy.

Daiyu smiled: "Look at Second Sister, in this new outfit, even wearing her most precious pearl-clustered gold phoenix. She looks so atmospheric and beautiful.

I think today is not Third Brother's happy event, but rather Second Sister's happy event. Tee-hee."

Yingchun, who had always been quiet in nature, perhaps because she was in a good mood today, rarely made a joke and laughed: "This is natural. My brother's happy event is my happy event."

Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun were both amused by Yingchun, their light and pleasant laughter echoing in the morning courtyard.

Not long after, Xing Xiuyan and Shi Xiangyun also came over. Xiangyun was still a bit sleepy; she had always loved to sleep in late, looking as if she had been dragged out of her quilt.

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Early this morning, Jia Zheng's face was gentle, his expression revealing joy. He passed through the inner courtyard's hanging flower gate and went straight to Rongqing Hall.

Behind him followed not only Lady Wang but also the dejected Baoyu, the slick and strange-looking Jia Huan, and Jia Lan, who was led by the maid Su Yun.

Jia Zheng knew that today was the day the metropolitan examination list was opened. He knew that with Jia Cong's status and talent, he would surely be able to obtain the status of a Jinshi. What he needed to care about was just what ranking he would make the list.

The Ningrong Jia family had established the mansion for more than eighty years. Except for Jia Jing passing the Jinshi examination thirty years ago, this time for Jia Cong was a rare second time. In Jia Zheng's eyes, this was a major event for the Jia family.

Moreover, compared to Jia Jing, Jia Cong's official career, reputation, talent, and learning were not to be mentioned in the same breath. In addition, Jia Cong was still so young, and his future was even more limitless.

Although Jia Jing had glory back then, he had become a monk and practiced Daoism more than ten years ago, having long since become decadent and useless, like a withered object.

Back then, because of Jia Zhen's incident, the Ningguo Mansion had its title removed by the imperial court. Although Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had an edict that if the Ningguo descendants achieved military merit within three years, the Ningguo lineage could restore the title and reopen.

However, Jia Rong of the Ningguo lineage had been exiled to Qiongzhou, and his life or death was currently unknown. Even if he returned, he would be a commoner. The other Ningguo descendants had long since become decadent.

The so-called restoration of the title through military merit was nothing but a pipe dream. Now, leaving the three-year period mentioned by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao, there was very little time left, and the Ningguo title was gone forever and could not be saved.

Although Jia Zheng's official career was mediocre, he had studied poetry and books diligently in his early years and regarded family glory as extremely important. It was just that his own talent was ordinary, and he had no ability to carry the burden for the country or the family.

Now, the Jia family's Ning and Rong lineages only had the Rongguo lineage left. The family's prosperity and continuation all rested on Jia Cong alone.

In addition, Jia Zheng was a person obsessed with the imperial examination and merit. His eldest son, Jia Zhu, had died early, and none of his other descendants had become successful, making him pin all his unfulfilled hopes on Jia Cong.

Therefore, on the day Jia Cong passed the Jinshi examination, Jia Zheng felt genuinely happy in his heart. Early this morning, he came to the West Mansion to wait for the good news of the metropolitan examination list.

To show the caution of a family of poetry and books, he naturally had to bring his wife along. As for bringing descendants like Baoyu, it was naturally to use today's great event of the Jia family's imperial examination as an example to inspire the descendants. As for whether it would be useful, that was another matter...

Baoyu, who followed Jia Zheng, had recovered more than half of his forehead injury after this period of recuperation, leaving a blood scab.

Although he tied a relatively wide forehead band, he still couldn't cover it completely, and his appearance looked a bit strange.

During this period, because Lady Wang felt sorry for her son's injury, the nourishing soups and tonics were rich every day, and Baoyu's face became even rounder and more radiant, increasingly like the mid-autumn moon.

Ever since Jia Zheng told him that he was going to the West Mansion early in the morning to wait for the good news of Jia Cong's list, Baoyu's body and mind had been in a state of suppression.

Although he dared not have half a word of disobedience on the surface, he was crying and howling in his heart. Since Heaven had sent him into the world, why torture and ravage him every day with such filthy things as "career moths"? How unfair...

Jia Huan, who was to the side, was more relaxed than Baoyu because he was only a concubine-born son. Jia Zheng's expectations for him were naturally not as high as for the legitimate son, Baoyu.

In addition, Jia Huan's talent was far inferior to Baoyu's. Jia Zheng himself was a person who had been through it and knew that no matter how hard Jia Huan studied, his achievements would be very limited, so he was even more dispensable.

Therefore, Jia Huan had no pressure in his heart to come and observe Jia Cong's glory, completely holding the mood of watching the fun and rarity.

He would occasionally look at the scar on Baoyu's forehead and Baoyu's stinky expression, feeling refreshed in his heart, and a gloating smirk often appeared on the corners of his mouth.

!

Lady Wang, who was to the side, couldn't help but complain a little: "Brother Cong is great at reading, which is naturally a good thing. However, I heard that there are more than three hundred people on the list for this metropolitan examination.

Even if Brother Cong passes as a Jinshi, it is considered an ordinary matter, not the first-place Zhuangyuan. For the Master to be so cautious, don't spoil the junior and make him not know north from south.

Besides, Baoyu's body hasn't fully recovered yet. It would be better for him to rest more. It would be fine to let Huan'er and Lan'er come over. Why must you drag Baoyu along?"

Jia Zheng's face sank slightly when he heard this, and he said: "You speak lightly. Do you know that these three hundred people on the list come from the ten thousand miles of the Great Zhou territory? They are the imperial examination talents within the whole country.

This time in the Love Shenjing, ten people made the list, which is considered the gathering of literary talent in the imperial capital. I have read books, so I naturally know that the metropolitan examination is difficult and extraordinary.

Brother Cong needs how much outstanding talent and endowment, plus years of diligent study, to have today's achievement. If you don't understand, don't speak recklessly.

You also don't think about what Baoyu has done. His injury is considered light. I just want him to come and see Brother Cong's literary event so that he understands the truth that Heaven rewards diligence.

Save him from not knowing how to wake up and still messing around all day like this..."

Lady Wang was speechless after being snapped at by Jia Zheng. If it came to reasoning, ten Lady Wangs would not be Jia Zheng's opponent, so she had to shut her mouth full of depression.

Jia Zheng entered the inner courtyard all the way and saw the maids and old women of the inner courtyard cleaning everywhere, hanging lanterns and colored streamers, appearing exceptionally busy.

On the way, he met Lin Zhixiao's wife, who said that she had received instructions from Ping'er and Wu'er. Today, Cong Sanye was opening the metropolitan examination list, and the mansion needed more festive atmosphere inside and out.

Jia Zheng felt that it made great sense. Such a happy event for the Jia family naturally needed to be celebrated and should not be too sloppy or low-key.

Lady Wang was angry in her heart, feeling that the Rongguo Mansion was becoming more and more unruly. Everyone's eyes were so shallow, and they were so frivolous and ostentatious about a small matter, which was not decent.

Baoyu heard Lin Zhixiao's wife's words and was just about to criticize these career-flattering things in his heart when he suddenly heard the words Ping'er and Wu'er. His eyes lit up, and he immediately found the fun of coming to the mansion today.

It was just that all the way, he looked around with his round face, but he didn't see the figures of Ping'er and Wu'er.

When he passed Rongxi Hall, he saw Xiao Hong directing the maids to clean inside and outside Rongxi Hall, and she even climbed the ladder herself to hang the red silk on the door eaves.

Baoyu saw that Xiao Hong's figure was slender, her face beautiful, and her face still carried an unhideable joy. He thought she must be feeling beautiful in her heart because Jia Cong passed the Jinshi examination.

Baoyu thought of the day in Rongxi Hall when Xiao Hong taught him the truth of career and economy, and suddenly felt a bit nauseous. He followed Jia Zheng and walked past Rongxi Hall quickly, looking quite like he was avoiding it.

When the group entered Rongqing Hall, they saw Wang Xifeng already accompanying Jia Mu in conversation.

Lady Wang saw that Wang Xifeng was also in a new outfit, radiant inside and out, and her words and expressions were full of joy, and she felt another burst of discomfort in her heart.

The first branch was about to produce a Jinshi, and her niece's backing was becoming more and more solid. How could she not be proud in her heart?

Jia Zheng asked: "Has anyone been asked on the East Mansion side? Has Brother Cong gone out? Send more servants to follow him out, so there is support inside and out, and it will be easier to report back if there is good news."

Wang Xifeng laughed: "Second Master, rest assured. Wu'er and Ping'er went over early to manage things. They just sent word that Third Brother has already gone out, and the steward has arranged manpower and carriages."

Love Shenjing, Ministry of Rites, South Courtyard East Wall.

Jia Cong rushed to the Ministry of Rites and saw that in front of the South Courtyard's east wall, it was already a sea of people, the sound of voices was boiling, and the waving of sleeves formed a wind. The scene was spectacular.

Because in front of this long wall facing east in the South Courtyard, there was a wide, flat, and neat open space that could accommodate thousands of people.

Usually, the Ministry of Rites received foreign envoys and held grand ceremonies of ritual and education, and related ceremonial rituals were often held here.

Because the place here was spacious and the wall was high and flat, it had always been the place for posting the metropolitan examination list.

There were more than three thousand candidates for this metropolitan examination, but according to Jia Cong's estimation, the number of people gathered at this time might exceed three thousand.

Among the crowd, one could see the old, the weak, women, and children. It seemed that many candidates had brought relatives and friends to watch the list.

Such a huge number of people gathered, whether in modern or ancient times, was a matter with hidden risks. Once pushing and trampling occurred, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In front of the South Courtyard's east wall, the Qinian Mansion and the Zhen'an Mansion deployed hundreds of yamen runners, like facing a great enemy, holding water and fire sticks, pulling up ropes and wooden fences to maintain order at the scene.

Early this morning, a battalion of elite cavalry was deployed to guard, surrounding the Ministry of Rites office tightly. After all, there was a gathering of thousands of people. Once a riot occurred, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Yesterday, Jia Cong had agreed with Cai Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaoping to watch the list together, but when he arrived at the place, there were heads moving everywhere, and he couldn't find the figures of the two at all.

Jia Cong got off the carriage, followed by two servants, and tried to walk a few steps forward in the crowded crowd.

Determining that he couldn't squeeze under the east wall, he wisely gave up hope and retreated to the side of the carriage again.

He felt quite good about taking this metropolitan examination, and the words Yingchun said were indeed all reasonable, so he would not belittle himself about whether he would make the list.

Since he was certain in his heart, he wouldn't be anxious and angry, and he didn't have to squeeze under the east wall in a sweat.

At this time, the "Dengke Drum" of the Ministry of Rites South Courtyard sounded with a rumble!

The sound of the drum was like ripples suddenly rising on a calm lake, spreading rapidly, shaking the mind and spirit of every candidate watching the list. A silent suppression and solemnity arose spontaneously in the dense crowd.

Even though Jia Cong stood on the outskirts of the crowd, he could still feel the suffocating atmosphere.

The sound of the examination drums struck three times in succession, and the atmosphere at the scene grew increasingly solemn; the noise and clamor of the previously dense crowd seemed to vanish all at once.

At this time, four Ministry of Rites officials and six or seven yamen runners, under the guard of a team of elite imperial guards, came out of the South Courtyard's main gate and walked under the South Courtyard's east wall.

Two of the yamen runners set up ladders separately and carefully brushed rice paste on the wall. The four Ministry of Rites officials opened the wax seals of the imperial list and took out three list books of the same format.

Because there were three hundred candidates on the list for this metropolitan examination, they were divided into three list books according to their ranking, from low to high, and posted.

As soon as the bright yellow list appeared, the crowd watching the list, which had just been silent, immediately raised a clamor. The crowd surged forward like surging waves, unable to be restrained.

Facing the surging crowd, many of the hundreds of yamen runners had pale faces. They waved their water and fire sticks, shouting and persuading with all their might, blocking the surging flow of people.

The elite cavalry guarding the Ministry of Rites office were temporarily drawn from a hundred people to join the ranks of maintaining order, gradually controlling the situation.

At this time, the tail list of the fifteenth year of Emperor Jia Zhao's metropolitan examination was posted under the South Courtyard's east wall by two Ministry of Rites yamen runners.

The bright yellow background on the list book and the neat, dense black font seemed to be able to take away the soul of all candidates in an instant.

These candidates who entered the spring examination were all the best among the scholars.

They had studied hard for many years and had gone through many rounds of imperial examination selections such as the prefecture examination, the academy examination, and the provincial examination before they could obtain the glory of being selected for the spring examination.

Studying hard from childhood, studying hard as a teenager, not giving up even with white hair, years of effort, just for today!

Who didn't have ambition, who didn't expect the path to the blue clouds, even if it meant life or death, they would not hesitate!

Countless eyes gathered on the first list book, searching for their own names while praying to all the gods and Buddhas to bless them with a name on the list.

Sounds of ecstasy began to spread in the crowd, disturbing the minds of countless people.

Someone cried bitterly, shouting hoarsely: "I made it, I made it!"

Someone was high-spirited, relieved, and shouted: "Passed the metropolitan examination, ancestors bless!"

Some just laughed wildly, without another word, looking like madness...

But there were only a hundred names on the list, just a few lucky ones among more than three thousand candidates. Most people unexpectedly fell into the abyss of disappointment, huge self-doubt...

Immediately after, the second list was posted, and surging waves rose again in the crowd.

People often let out cheers of ecstasy, which would always be met with extremely envious gazes from the surrounding people, as well as the increasingly heavy disappointment in their own hearts.

There were even a very small number of candidates who could not bear the disappointment of the two lists and fainted in the suppression of despair, causing a riot among the people around them and being carried out of the crowd by the yamen runners in a hurry.

At this time, Jia Cong stood on the outskirts of the crowd and really couldn't see the handwriting on the list, and he couldn't help but feel a bit anxious in his heart.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd laughed wildly, the sound distorted and harsh, appearing a bit ridiculous: "Sure enough, someone did worse and worse, I also made the list, haha!"

This sound was so strange that it was difficult not to notice...

As soon as Jia Cong heard this sound, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. He didn't need to look to know who it was.

He jumped onto the carriage shaft to look into the distance and sure enough saw Cai Xiaoyu jumping up and down in the crowd. The strange words in his mouth made the surrounding people envious and really a bit disgusted.

Liu Xiaoping, who was standing next to Cai Xiaoyu, covered his face in embarrassment and subconsciously stepped back a few steps from his classmate, appearing a bit unbearable and ashamed, fearing that his appearance would be remembered.

Jia Cong couldn't stop laughing in his heart. Making the list in such a situation as Cai Xiaoyu was considered a rare oddity, and it would surely be a handle for mocking him for the rest of his life.

However, the glory of making the metropolitan examination list made Cai Xiaoyu a bit carried away, still immersed in ecstasy.

He was still sighing high-spiritedly in his mouth: "Yuzhang is truly a wonderful person. As long as someone does worse and worse, there is hope of making the list. A famous saying indeed..."

Among the candidates around who had not yet made the list, some already showed fierce light, angrily asking: "Who is Yuzhang? A true madman!"

Although Jia Cong was outside the crowd, he heard Cai Xiaoyu's stupid words from afar and couldn't help but darken his face... (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 617 =====