novelden Chapter 1003: He became the third-ranked scholar in the February examination.
Chapter 1003: He became the third-ranked scholar in the February examination.
Bai Yiyue's eyes welled up with tears, and she took her mother's hand in return: "Mother, don't worry, your daughter understands everything."
"As long as you know."
Bai Lu patted the back of her hand, "Go on, don't keep Bing Nian waiting."
The auspicious hour has arrived, and deafening sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers echo from outside the mansion.
Leng Bingnian, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, rode a tall horse and arrived at the gate of the Marquis's mansion surrounded by a group of guests.
His usually stern face was softened by overflowing joy today, and an uncontrollable smile lingered on his lips.
However, taking the bride away is not so easy.
Led by Bai Sanyue, the group of sisters blocked the entrance to the courtyard.
"No way, brother-in-law, you think you can take my older sister away without any offer? We sisters won't allow it!"
Bai Sanyue stood with her hands on her hips, a knowing look on her face.
Leng Bingnian was prepared and immediately had Su Jinyu, Ximen Liuyun, the young prince, and others behind him hand over a thick stack of red envelopes.
Bai Liuyue snatched one first, squeezed its thickness, and beamed with joy: "It's thick enough! Brother-in-law is sincere!"
"Red envelopes alone are not enough!"
Bai Siyue chimed in, "My eldest sister is incredibly talented, brother-in-law, you have to compose a poem to urge her to get married and let me hear it. If the poem isn't good, the door won't open!"
This stumped Leng Bingnian, who usually only knew martial arts and military strategy.
His face turned red, and he couldn't utter a single word for a long time.
Seeing this, Su Jinyu quickly stepped forward to help. He gently waved his folding fan and recited aloud: "Phoenix coronet and embroidered robe reflect the red makeup, the pearl of the Marquis's mansion is unparalleled in the world."
I've laid down all worldly concerns, for I only wish to spend this moonlit night with you.
"What a poem! What a poem!"
"Brother Jinyu is amazing!"
The sisters cheered and finally opened the door.
Leng Bingnian glanced gratefully at Su Jinyu and quickly went into the room.
When he saw Bai Yiyue sitting upright by the bed, her head covered with a red veil, the whole world seemed to fall silent.
He walked over step by step.
"I'm coming to pick you up in January."
Bai Yiyue hummed softly through the veil.
Leng Bingnian carefully carried her on his back, and amidst the cheers and blessings of the crowd, they walked out of the Marquis of Anguo's residence step by step.
The procession of red bridal processions stretched for miles, from the Marquis's mansion all the way to the newlyweds' residence.
People lined the streets to watch, all marveling at the wealth and imperial favor of the Marquis of Anguo's mansion.
Every aspect of the wedding was lavishly executed, from the wedding ceremony and toasts to the banquet for guests, with the festivities continuing until late at night before gradually subsiding.
The night of flowers and candles in the bridal chamber.
Leng Bingnian, slightly tipsy, pushed open the door and saw Bai Yiyue sitting quietly on the edge of the bed.
He walked over, picked up the wedding scale, and gently lifted her red veil.
In the candlelight, the bride's beauty made him forget to breathe for a moment.
"January......"
He murmured her name.
Bai Yiyue raised her head and met his burning gaze, a blush rising on her face.
The two drank the nuptial wine together.
Leng Bingnian held her hand and solemnly said, "Yiyue, I would die without regret if I could marry you in this life."
From now on, your affairs are my affairs, and your family is my family.
I will use everything I have to protect you.
There are no fancy words, only the simplest and most sincere promises.
Bai Yiyue felt a warmth in her heart. She grasped his hand in return and whispered, "Me too."
The red candles flickered, casting the silhouettes of the beautiful couple, and the night was peaceful.
......
Time flew by, and it was spring of the following year.
Bai Yiyue's wedding has long since concluded, and the capital city is once again welcoming the annual imperial examinations.
Unlike previous years, this year's women's imperial examination included a candidate from Liangzhou, Bai Eryue.
Bai Eryue was mild-mannered and gentle. Unlike her sisters, she had no ambition to achieve great things. Her only hobby was reading, especially beautiful poems and songs.
Her trip to the capital was partly for the imperial examinations, and partly to see her childhood sweetheart, Su Jinyu, with whom she had corresponded for many years and considered a confidante.
The weather was perfect on the day the carriage arrived in the capital.
Bai Eryue lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the bustling street and the crowds of people in front of her. Her mild-mannered nature made her feel a little uncomfortable for a moment.
"Second Miss, shall we go straight back to the Marquis's residence?"
"I asked the driver."
Just as Bai Eryue was about to nod, she saw a familiar figure standing under a willow tree not far away, smiling at her.
“Brother Jinyu”.
She was overjoyed, and her initial discomfort vanished instantly.
She lifted her skirt as she stepped off the carriage, walked gracefully to Su Jinyu, and gave a slight curtsy.
"Brother Jinyu, it's been a long time. You're still as charming as ever."
Su Jinyu, dressed in the blue official robes of the Hanlin Academy, appeared even more upright and gentle, like jade.
He looked at his younger sister, whom he had known since childhood, with a smile in his eyes.
"Little sister February, you must be tired from your journey."
"The dust and wind in the capital are great, unlike the tranquility of Liangzhou."
He naturally took the small bundle from her hand. "I have prepared a place for you to stay in the manor. Your mother and sisters are waiting for you."
"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Jinyu."
Bai Eryue walked beside him, the two of them side by side.
"How are the preparations for the imperial examinations going?"
Su Jinyu asked with concern.
Bai Eryue smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "I've memorized all the poems and songs, but... but I always feel like I can't write policy essays well."
Knowing her temperament, Su Jinyu comforted her, "It's alright, your literary talent is your forte."
In policy essays, the focus should be on having substance, not on elaborate and ornate language.
"I've compiled some current affairs and hot topics for you these past few days. Take a look and you'll have a general idea."
"Yes, I'll do whatever Brother Jinyu says."
Bai Eryue nodded obediently.
She couldn't help but immerse herself in beautiful words and phrases, as she was not good at writing dry and boring essays.
But she will still do her best.
The imperial examinations arrived as scheduled.
In the examination hall, Bai Eryue's thoughts flowed freely, and her essay "Spring River Flower Moon Night" was a masterpiece of beautiful writing, stunning all the examiners.
However, when it came to the policy discussion, she indeed found herself somewhat overwhelmed.
When faced with the topic of how to manage floods, she could only offer some conventional opinions by citing classical texts, which were far less impressive than her theories on poetry.
On the day the results were announced, the streets were deserted.
Ultimately, she ranked it in the top ten.
He ranked among the top three in the palace examination and became the third-ranked scholar.
When the news reached the Marquis's residence, the entire household was filled with jubilation once again.
Bai Lu even cooked a table full of her favorite dishes herself.
Three days later, Emperor Jingming personally summoned the top three candidates of the new imperial examination to the Golden Hall.
The top two scholars were both men, while the third-place scholar was a woman with beautiful features and an elegant demeanor.
Emperor Jingming looked at Bai Eryue with great interest and asked, "Eryue has grown so much..."
"I have read your article; its language is beautiful and its writing is brilliant."
Emperor Jingming paused, then changed the subject, "However, this policy essay... seems rather superficial."
Bai Eryue frankly admitted: "Your Majesty, I know that I am lacking in practical knowledge of statecraft, and I am only fond of romance and poetry. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Her frankness and her gentle, unassuming nature pleased Emperor Jingming greatly.
He burst into laughter: "The top scholar must be able to lift a tripod, the second-place scholar must bear heavy responsibilities, and with your temperament, you're perfectly suited to be the third-place scholar who adds icing on the cake!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Um,"
Emperor Jingming pondered for a moment, then glanced at Su Jinyu beside him and suddenly had an idea. “I see that you and Su Jinyu are about the same age and both come from the Bai family... and both are talented in literature. Why don’t I appoint you to work in the Hanlin Academy and compile books with Su Jinyu? It would be a wonderful story.”
Upon hearing this, both Bai Eryue and Su Jinyu were taken aback.
Immediately, the two knelt down to express their gratitude.
"The minister obeys the order!"
After leaving the Golden Hall, the two walked along the long palace path in silence.
In the end, Su Jinyu spoke first, and he chuckled, "Congratulations, Sister Eryue."
"From now on, we will be colleagues."
Bai Eryue raised her head and looked at his gentle profile, a sweet feeling rising in her heart: "Being able to organize ancient books with Brother Jinyu is the happiest thing for me."
Life at the Hanlin Academy was austere yet fulfilling.
For Bai Eryue and Su Jinyu, who both love reading, this place is simply paradise.
The two of them would spend their days compiling history books and proofreading ancient texts. Occasionally, when they found a rare copy, they would get together and read it for a whole day.
A single glance, a single gesture, and the other person understands perfectly.
That day, the two argued again over a footnote to an article.
Seeing her serious expression, Su Jinyu couldn't help but laugh: "It was my oversight."
I've pondered this footnote for three days, but I still feel it's not quite right.
"After hearing your words today, I have suddenly understood everything."
Bai Eryue felt a little embarrassed by his gaze, lowered her head, and whispered, "It was Brother Jinyu who figured it out himself. I just happened to say something casually."
Looking at her flushed cheeks and slightly lowered eyelids, Su Jinyu's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
The feelings that had been buried deep in my heart since my youth could no longer be suppressed at this moment.
He reached out and gently took her hand, which was resting on the book.
Bai Eryue froze, abruptly raising her head to look at him in shock.
In Su Jinyu's eyes, there was a seriousness and deep affection that she had never seen before.
"February,"
His voice was a little hoarse, “Ever since I was young, I have felt that I am most compatible with you.”
This applies to both reading and conversation.
"I thought it would be a blessing to be able to be your confidant in this life."
"But now that we can see each other every day, I realize that what I want is more than this."
He took a deep breath and said, word by word, "February, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, for that very reason."
"Are you... willing?"
Bai Eryue's heart was pounding.
She looked into Su Jinyu's eyes, where her own reflection was clearly seen.
Her mind went blank, leaving only his words, "forever and ever."
She could feel her cheeks burning, but she still mustered all her strength and nodded gently, yet with unwavering determination.
"Brother Jinyu...I..."
"Me too."
Su Jinyu was overjoyed to receive a response.
He held her hand tightly, as if he were holding the whole world in his hands.
The two decided to tell Bailu about it.
That evening, in Bai Lu's study, Su Jinyu and Bai Eryue knelt side by side on the floor.
Su Jinyu took a deep breath, and as a man, he took the initiative to speak: "Mother, Eryue and I... are in love and treat each other with sincerity."
"Today, I have come specifically to implore my mother to grant my request!"
Bai Lu put down her brush, looked up, and glanced at the two of them.
Finally, the light fell on his second daughter's face, which was so ashamed it looked like she wanted to bury it in the ground.
She suddenly smiled.
"I thought it was something serious, look how nervous you two are."
She stood up and personally helped them up. "You two grew up together since childhood, childhood sweethearts, and close friends. I'm overjoyed that you've come together, so how could I not wish you well?"
Hearing this, the two finally felt relieved.
Bai Lu took Bai Eryue's hand, patted it, and then looked at Su Jinyu, saying earnestly, "Jinyu, I watched you grow up, and I trust your character."
"But our Eryue is gentle and simple-minded. You must treat her well in the future and never bully her."
Su Jinyu immediately and solemnly swore: "Mother, rest assured, Jinyu will never fail Eryue in this lifetime!"
After the Marquis of Anguo's family married off one of their daughters, it seems that another joyous occasion is about to arrive soon.
Bai Lu's agreement made Su Jinyu and Bai Eryue overjoyed.
The marriage was a natural progression, and with the mother's approval, the atmosphere between the two became increasingly sweet.
When the news spread, the entire Marquis's residence was filled with joy once again.
Bai Sanyue and Bai Siyue rushed to Bai Lu's study immediately, carrying an abacus and account books.
"Mother!"
Bai Sanyue's voice preceded her arrival, "Second Sister's marriage is settled? This is wonderful news!"
"I've already drafted a rough list of the dowry; please take a look!"
She slammed a thick booklet on the table, beaming with pride.
"Second Sister is the newly appointed third-ranked scholar, and Brother Jinyu is the top scholar. They are the golden couple of the Hanlin Academy, a literary legend!"
"Our pomp and circumstance absolutely cannot be inferior to that of the eldest sister!"
"I'm planning to allocate six of the newly opened, profitable restaurants and cloth shops in the capital to my second sister's name, so that she'll never have to worry about food or clothing in the future!"
Bai Siyue nodded repeatedly, "That's right, that's right!"
"And those villages on the outskirts of the city produce silk and tea that are of tribute quality; give those to Second Sister too!"
"Let her live a life of leisure and luxury!"
Bai Lu smiled as she looked at her two daughters, who seemed eager to give their entire fortune to their older sister, and waved her hand, signaling them to calm down.
"You two are more enthusiastic than anyone else."
She picked up the gift list, looked at it, and then pushed it aside.
"I don't want any of these."
"what?"
March and April were both stunned. "Mother, why? Don't you think it's enough?"
"It's not that it's not enough, it's that it's not suitable."
Bai Lu patiently explained, "Don't you know your second sister's personality?"
"She's not naturally good at dealing with people. Asking her to manage the shop, read the accounts, and deal with the manager is just putting her in a difficult position."
"But......"
Bai Sanyue was somewhat unconvinced, "But we can't let Second Sister suffer after marrying into that family!"
"Although Brother Jinyu is also part of our family, even close brothers should keep clear accounts. The dowry is Second Sister's source of confidence!"
"that is!"
Bai Liuyue had also joined in at some point, still chewing something, and said, "Second Sister is so gentle, what if someone bullies her?"
"She needs a lot of money to back her up!"
Bai Lu was amused by her lively daughters and gestured for them to sit down.
"The dowry I prepared for your second sister is another one."
She took out several land deeds and documents from a sandalwood box behind her.