Chapter 733: Chapter 733: Returning to White Deer Town
Just like in the provincial examination, seeing Sun Junyan’s name directly below Tong Sanlang’s took away half of Qiao Xiaomai’s joy.
When she unintentionally caught a glimpse of Sun Junyan’s restrained yet gleeful demeanor as he made polite conversation with those around him, her happiness was further reduced to merely a third.
“This man is so skilled at tricks and deceit, how can he pass the examination so smoothly!” Qiao Xiaomai grumbled resentfully.
“Perhaps he’s just intelligent,” Tong Sanlang answered indifferently, not really concerned about the matter.
What he was pondering over was the intentions of the Grand Emperor and Emperor Yongan.
According to Tong Tiehu’s speculation, the Grand Emperor wanted the Tong Family to stay put and honest in Anping Village, not to try any tricks, and to faithfully farm.
But now they were permitting him to pass as a successful candidate in the Imperial Examination.
A successful candidate, one step into officialdom, could take up minor posts or even become a county magistrate.
This status was somewhat sensitive.
Did the Grand Emperor not suspect the Tong Family anymore?
Why did they let him smoothly pass as a successful candidate?
“Because they’re pragmatic,” Qiao Xiaomai responded to his inner doubts by guessing the thoughts of Yang Wenxiao and Emperor Yongan, “If your exam papers are well-written, they let you pass. As for whether they let you become an official, that still depends on their will.”
“If they don’t want you to be an official, then it’ll be but a hollow title for you, granted in consideration of your Mistress’s grandmother. They won’t be so petty as to deny you the courtesy of the title.”
“Furthermore, if even Sun Junyan can become a successful candidate, there’s no reason you shouldn’t.”
Tong Sanlang originally was listening carefully, but when he heard the last sentence, he couldn’t help but laugh, “Where’s the logic in that last statement?”
“It lies in you being more diligent and virtuous than him. Hmph, this scum, you wait and see, he will surely bring calamity upon many more people.”
Qiao Xiaomai murmured quietly, “Even the Grand Emperor knows what a piece of work he is, how come he still allows him to bounce around so freely.”
Tong Sanlang, upon hearing this, patted her shoulder, “The Grand Emperor has his reasons.”
“Alright, cheer up a bit, here comes Brother Yu.”
As he spoke, Tong Sanlang stepped forward a few steps, an affable smile on his handsome face, and thanked Ya Wuxia, “Congratulations to you, Brother Yu.”
“I should be the one congratulating you, Tong. Impressive!” Ya Wuxia gave Tong Sanlang a thumbs-up.
This young man, two years his junior, was truly impressive!
“Hey, let’s share the joy. Come on, let’s go have a drink to celebrate,” Qiao Xiaomai suggested.
Tong Sanlang had been studying by himself lately and didn’t meet many people. Celebrating with Ya Wuxia would be enough.
Ya Wuxia, who missed Qiao Xiaomai’s culinary skills, readily agreed, “Let’s go!” Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novęlfire.net
Passing as a successful candidate, while paving one’s way into officialdom, did not differ much in status from that of passing the provincial examinations. Once the results were published, those who passed could go to the Prefectural Government Office to register and then leave as they pleased.
The government office would send news to the county town where the successful candidate was based and have someone from the County Government Office visit the candidate’s home to deliver the good news.
Tong Sanlang and Ya Wuxia went together to the Prefectural Government Office to register their information. After receiving the congratulatory announcement, which detailed their household registrations, successful results in the Imperial and provincial examinations, and eligibility for the palace examination next spring, they carefully put the announcement away. They didn’t have plans to socialize with the magistrates in the office, so they immediately returned to the residence shared by Tong Sanlang and Qiao Xiaomai to celebrate with drinks.
After a night of heavy drinking, it was time to bid farewell.
They agreed to meet again in the Capital City in the spring of the following year, packed their belongings, and each headed to their respective hometowns.