I have always heard that the top scorer in the prefectural examination would be recommended to study at the Imperial College. How could they leave the top scorer aside and recommend someone else?
Song Wei got sixth place in the prefectural examination, Hao Yun saw it clearly.
Yet, the one being recommended to the Imperial College was actually him?
Full of unwillingness, Hao Yun clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and looked at the government official again, forcing a smile on his face, "Brother Official, you didn’t make a mistake just now, did you? The magistrate recommended Song Wei?"
"Yes indeed!" The government official nodded, his tone very certain, "In matters , someone in my position wouldn’t dare to speak carelessly."
"But he only placed sixth in the prefectural examination."
"Oh, the magistrate said that Scholar Song’s qualifications have been of interest to him for a long time. Even if Scholar Song did not take the first place in the examination, based on his previous performance in the county and prefectural exams, he is more than qualified to be recommended to the highest institution."
The veins on Hao Yun’s forehead bulged, his eyes flaring with jealousy.
If he hadn’t been the top scorer, and Song Wei had been recommended, he wouldn’t have minded admitting defeat willingly. But now that he clearly was the top scorer, and the person recommended was still Song Wei.
That feeling was as if Song Wei stood in front of him and said, "Even if you got the top score, you’re still not qualified to compete with me."
So, even if he plagiarized Song Wei’s work just to compete with him, even if he had achieved the enviable top score in the prefectural examination, was he and Song Wei still worlds apart?
Not being recommended to the Imperial College, the top score in the prefectural examination became a huge mockery and humiliation for him!
If he had known earlier, it might have been better not to be the top scorer; at least his self-esteem wouldn’t be trampled and crushed underfoot.
Ignoring the other examinees’ calls inviting him for drinks, Hao Yun pushed through the crowd, leaving without looking back, and ran back to the inn to pack his things.
He wanted to go to Upper River Village.
As soon as the prefectural examination results were released, the government office arranged for messengers to deliver the good news to the students who had passed as scholars.
By the time Hao Yun arrived at Upper River Village, firecrackers were being set off in front of the Song family’s courtyard, clearly indicating that the government officer delivering the good news had already passed by.
The jubilant crackling sound left Hao Yun feeling cold inside, his fingernails biting painfully into his palms.
Standing outside, Song Wei saw Hao Yun and was not surprised he had come, taking a few steps forward to greet him, "I heard that Brother Hao got the top score; congratulations, congratulations!"
Hao Yun forced a smile, cupping his hands, "Brother Song has been granted the opportunity to go to the Imperial College, we both have good news to celebrate."
Song Wei smiled gently, "It just so happens we are setting up a banquet at home. If Brother Hao doesn’t mind, would you stay for a couple of drinks?"
"No, thank you." Hao Yun declined directly.
"Why? You’re not giving face?"
"No, it’s just that I reckon my family is also preparing a banquet, so I must return."
Looking at Hao Yun, who was clearly suppressing his unwillingness but had to hold it in, Song Wei gave him a light, carefree smile, "I heard that the faculty at the Imperial College is the best in the nation. Once I’m there, I’ll write back to you in detail."
These words stabbed like a knife into Hao Yun’s heart.
As soon as he spoke, Song Wei saw the obvious stiffening in the other’s expression.
Hao Yun wanted to smile back at Song Wei, showing his gentlemanly demeanor and sincere blessings, but he just couldn’t manage to stretch his stiff mouth.
Having the top score, everyone was giving him a thumbs up, but he felt that all the humiliation of his life put together was not as overwhelming as today.
Song Wei’s casual remark made him feel more stung than dozens of ringing slaps to his face.