Free Web NovelChapter 339: Chapter 136: The Lesser Triple Crown
The results were posted the next day. Long before noon, the entrance to the examination hall was already mobbed.
Fortunately, the Wang Family’s teahouse was nearby, and a private room had already been prepared for them, allowing the group to saunter over unhurriedly.
All along the way, scholars could be seen everywhere, dressed in their long robes and square caps.
They were all fraught with anxiety, their brows furrowed in worry. Even when speaking with others, they were distracted. It was clear at a glance they were agonizing over their examination results.
But at this point, all the worrying in the world was useless.
The lists were about to be posted. If you passed, you passed. If you didn’t, your name wouldn’t magically appear on the list even if you cried your eyes out.
Wang Xiao was likely the most relaxed of the group. Since he hadn’t taken the exam this year, he was in the perfect mood to poke fun at the others.
"Look at you all, your brows are so furrowed you could crush a mosquito between them. You should all take a page from Mr. Zhao’s book. See how calm he is?"
Wang Jun shot back at his older brother, "I’d love to be that calm, but how could I be? Barring any surprises, Zhao Jing is sure to be top of the list again. Even if something unexpected happens and he doesn’t achieve the Triple First, is there any chance he won’t become a Scholar? I can’t compare to him. It’s just not possible."
Ding Shutian chimed in with a smile, "Zhao Jing’s literary talent is the greatest I’ve ever witnessed. His position at the top of the list is unshakable."
De’an, with his legs crossed, said, "You’re no slouch yourself. You’re just a notch below Jing, and your skills are on par with Mr. Huang’s. The two of you are shoo-ins."
He then pointed at Wang Jun and Chu Xun. "You two are solid as well, nothing to worry about. The one who really needs to worry is me. I’m at the bottom of our little group. The slightest shift and I’ll be the one who gets cut."
Chen Wanqing was also worried De’an might not make the list, and her heart was in her throat.
But seeing De’an chewing his cheek and sighing endlessly, she couldn’t help but encourage her younger brother. "Jing taught you so many techniques. You’ll definitely pass this time... And even if you don’t, you can just take it again next year. Who knows, maybe you and Wang Xiao will pass together then."
Wang Xiao chuckled. "That’s not a bad idea. It would be nice to have some company."
De’an snatched a bright red plum and tossed it at him. "Who wants to keep you company? You can take the exam by yourself next year! If I’m going to take another exam, it’ll be the Provincial Examination. I really don’t want to go through this academy exam again..."
Chu Xun tried to reason with him. "You have to take things one step at a time. You should probably pray that you pass this exam first. Otherwise, whether you like it or not, you’ll be keeping Wang Xiao company next year..."
The banter flew back and forth, making for a lively scene.
The atmosphere in the private room was generally harmonious and cheerful. But a closer look at their faces revealed the anxiety in everyone’s eyes. Clearly, not even they were certain they would pass the examination.
The wait was always agonizing. De’an aptly described it as, "like waiting for your own execution."
"Then you should have plenty to talk about with Cui Junrong. I imagine he’s feeling the exact same way right now."
"Bah! Don’t even mention that jinx..." freёwebnovel.com
Time trickled by. Finally, the auspicious hour arrived.
A procession of constables filed out from the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office, accompanied by banners and colorful silks. Drums, music, and bells all rang out at once. Amidst the festive atmosphere, someone shouted excitedly, "They’re posting the lists!"
The lists were indeed being posted. Down below, the scholars swarmed like bees, all surging toward the wall where the results were being put up.
But how could anyone possibly squeeze through?
The area was already occupied by other scholars and the servants dispatched by various families, all holding their ground. No matter how hard the people in the back pushed, they couldn’t break through the front lines.
The constables beat their copper gongs, warning the crowd to back away.
"Stop pushing! If a stampede starts, this joyous occasion will turn into a funeral, and none of you will escape the consequences!"
"Everyone back up! What’s the panic? If your name is on the list, it won’t run away. If it’s not, no amount of begging will make it appear."
"Hey, you! Where do you think you’re putting your hands? If you tear the list, can you afford to replace it?"
Amidst all the shouting, the crowd below descended into utter chaos.
Wang Jun anxiously gripped the windowsill. "Enough with the nonsense, hurry up and announce the results!"
De’an sidled up and slung an arm over Wang Jun’s shoulders. "Exactly. Instead of getting down to business, they’re just spouting nonsense and wasting everyone’s time."
"You should look at it this way: before the list is posted, you can at least hold on to some hope. Once it’s out, you might just be crying your eyes out."
"You’re asking for it, Wang Jun! You’re the one who’s going to be crying his eyes out!"
Before Wang Jun and De’an could actually come to blows, the announcements outside finally began.
But this time, the announcements followed a specific order, starting with the counties closest to the prefecture.
Qingshui County was far from Xinghuai Prefecture, so they would have to wait at least the time it takes an incense stick to burn before the list of new Scholars from Qingshui County was announced.
Fortunately, Wang Jun and Wang Xiao had arranged for a trusted attendant to check the lists. The attendant had been tasked with focusing solely on the results for Qingshui County. Thus, while the constables were still announcing the names of Scholars from other counties, the attendant came dashing upstairs from the crowd below.
