Read Novel Full Chapter 1824: 1824: Grand Gifts
Chapter 1824: Chapter 1824: Grand Gifts
As soon as the list was posted, the Fourth Prince immediately saw Chang Xhong’s name, which stood out prominently. The Fourth Prince blinked several times and then burst into laughter, saying to the guards beside him, “See that? Go quickly.”
With so many people around, they didn’t mention exchanging silver, and the guards understood and ran off excitedly.
The young servants of Wu Shangheng and the others quickly followed suit.
Chang Xhong clenched his fist, not disappointing his father’s expectations. He was now the top scorer, yet he was still uneasy!
Who said the Zhou Residence couldn’t produce a top scorer? He was the top scorer, scoring top marks in all six examinations, a name to be remembered throughout history!
As the list was posted, the official who had posted the list came to congratulate him, saying, “Congratulations, congratulations.”
Chang Xhong returned the gesture, “Thank you, you must come and drink at the Hou Residence someday.”
“Definitely, definitely.”
The Fourth Prince said, “Great, well done, very impressive.”
Chang Xhong was surrounded by friends he was on good terms with, smiling broadly as he was congratulated by them.
After the celebration, Chang Xhong looked at the second-place and third-rank scholars; the second-place came from a southern noble family, the third-rank scholar was familiar to Chang Xhong.
Chang Xhong confirmed he hadn’t been mistaken, saying, “A young third-rank scholar indeed.”
The Fourth Prince didn’t know Yang Xiu, “Do you know him?”
Chang Xhong explained the connection while admiring, “At such a young age, he has great insight, I am impressed too.”
Yang Xiu was not merely a bookworm, he fulfilled the expectations of the Fourth Prince!
Chang Xhong had to admit that today’s results were attributed to his family’s nurturing!
The Fourth Prince and others were not interested in Yang Xiu; being a young genius was of no consequence, since Yang Xiu hadn’t grown enough to catch their attention.
The Fourth Prince now had ample wealth from a bet; a bet turned him into a wealthy prince, “Let’s go, we must celebrate well today, it’s my treat.”
Chang Xhong said, “You go ahead, all the bills are on me, my family is waiting for me.”
The Fourth Prince said, “Alright, we won’t be polite.”
Chang Xhong smiled, “Since when have you been polite, Your Highness?”
Wu Shangheng and his companions laughed heartily; they were all rich today, especially Wu Shangheng who profited tens of thousands, a very large sum of silver coins.
The list spread throughout the capital, and betting places were in uproar. Although many bet on Chang Xhong, the bookmakers still profited significantly; many had placed bets on Chang Xhong to be the second-place scholar!
In the Palace, the Emperor knew how much the bookmaker had earned, saying to Zhou Shuren who was laughing foolishly, “I bet too little.”
Zhou Shuren said, “…I bet too little, Your Majesty.”
Even ten thousand taels were considered little? His one thousand taels were not even worth mentioning!
The Emperor compared and felt satisfied, “Indeed, you bet only a thousand taels, I made tens of thousands.”
The Crown Prince also chuckled, “I’ve already sent someone to collect the silver.”
The Emperor and Crown Prince exchanged glances, father and son both in high spirits.
Zhou Shuren cleared his throat, “May I take my leave?”
He wanted to return and show off as well; many in the Ministry of Revenue were talking behind his back about Chang Xhong being the second-place scholar!
The Emperor understood Zhou Shuren’s feelings, “I won’t hold you back.”
Zhou Shuren went out first to receive congratulations from Eunuch Zhang, accepting congratulations all the way from guards, feeling as light as being a few pounds lighter, almost floating.
When he returned to the Ministry of Revenue, Qiu Yan had dispatched someone to guard the government office door for him, coming over first to say, “Congratulations, congratulations.”
Zhou Shuren raised his chin slightly, his lips curled up, “Thank you.”
Qiu Yan was envious, “Mr. Hou, please enlighten me on how to educate children. I don’t ask for them to be as accomplished as yours, even one-tenth or one-hundredth would be good.”
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, “Teach according to their aptitude. Of course, my youngest son is highly gifted; he can grasp ideas quickly and is very perceptive, leaving me somewhat unaccomplished.”
Zhang Jinghong and others were incredulous, “!!”
No sense of accomplishment after scoring top marks across six exams? Suddenly, they were reluctant to congratulate the Grand Master of Writing!
Zhou Shuren was extremely smug today; he could chat with anyone about his son’s studies, his son’s genius, a father boasting about his child.
People in the capital waiting to see something interesting were disappointed; how come all good things were claimed by the Zhou Residence!
As for saying the Emperor is biased towards them, no one believes it; with the Emperor’s character guaranteed, they can only be jealous that Zhou Shuren has a good son!
There will be no longer Zhou Residence being the second-place scholar’s residence, a top scorer has thoroughly shattered the rumors.
At the Zhou Residence, Zhulan confidently declined guests’ probing; the Zhou family would not take disciples, so those hoping to send their children to the Hou Residence had no chance.
The Hou Residence was bustling today, and those who couldn’t get in also sent gifts over.
By the afternoon, when sorting out the gift list, Zhulan discovered the gift list from the Crown Prince and several Princes.
Lady Li checked the list, “Mother, isn’t the Crown Prince’s and several Princes’ gifts too precious?”
“No problem, just accept them all!”
Zhulan accepted it with peace of mind; the Crown Prince sent precious gifts for two reasons: first, Shuren is the Grandson’s teacher; second, the Crown Prince made a fortune because of Chang Xhong.
The Second Prince sent something more valuable; the root is that Shuren is valued by the Emperor, even if it’s impossible to win them over, they don’t want to offend.
The Third Prince was extravagant, Zhulan chuckled lightly, as he too made a fortune in silver coins.
However, Zhulan thought for a moment, “When the Second Prince Residence has a joyous occasion, return gifts of equal value.”
Lady Li picked up a pen and marked the gift list, “Yes.”
When Lady Li finished sorting the gift list, Zhulan said, “Thank you for your hard work today.”
Lady Li was accustomed to managing things, “Not hard, it’s a son’s duty.”
Zhulan continued, “Once the banquet is over, you can take a rest.”
Lady Li smiled, “Once my younger brother’s joyous occasion is over, it’s time to arrange Ming Hui’s engagement.”
“Correct, once Ming Hui’s is done, it’s Yu Wen’s turn; it’s all joyous occasions since the start of the year.”
The next day, Chang Xhong paraded through the streets; Chang Xhong didn’t have the looks of Ming Rui, but excelled in martial vigor, attracting lots of attention when engaged to Wei Xinyi.
Passing over the engaged Chang Xhong, the second-place and third-rank scholars became the focus; each with their own advantages, the second-place scholar had noble family background, whereas the third-rank scholar had no background but had ideas that gained the Emperor’s favor, both were good candidates for marriage.
Chang Xhong turned to look at Yang Xiu; the second-place scholar, with his background, had no one daring to hassle him, wanting to marry into it had to be courteous, and Yang Xiu hadn’t faced any issues yesterday either, leaving Chang Xhong curious.
Following the procession to the teahouse Zhulan booked, Zhulan, watching her spirited son, instantly had tears in her eyes, clutching Lady Li’s hand, “My son is truly handsome.”
Lady Li thought it was the old son’s favorite, the old lady having seen many parades before was extremely excited.
Chang Xhong waved when he saw his mother, Zhulan couldn’t control her tears streaming down, full of pride. Her eyes blurred from tears; it was as though time was distorted, Zhulan experiencing an out-of-body feeling, thankfully it passed quickly, wiping her tears her son had already walked far.
Zhulan gestured to Lady Li to help her sit down, she needed to recover; the sensation just now left her feeling apprehensive.
Lady Li noticed her mother-in-law’s face didn’t look good, worriedly asked, “Mother, are you feeling unwell?”
Zhulan’s emotions had calmed, “I was just overly emotional, feeling a bit dizzy.”
Lady Li dared not delay, asking the maid to fetch a doctor, Zhulan did not stop them, indeed feeling some exhaustion; she needed to settle down for a while.