"Since Brother Hao still has matters to attend to, I won’t keep you any longer."
Song Wei turned around and had taken just two steps when he was called from behind.
Song Wei paused, hearing Hao Yun’s voice squeezed out through clenched teeth, "Song Wei, are you really content with me taking the top spot, and not even a bit upset?"
The blow he received today was too great to bear, and he sought some solace from Song Wei. If Song Wei was displeased, even just a bit, it would make his top spot feel worthwhile and fulfilling.
To his great disappointment, however, when Song Wei turned back to look at him, his expression was calm and leisurely, without any hint of peculiarity. He even smiled and said, "The top spot is not exclusively anyone’s. Throughout history, the imperial examinations have always depended on one’s abilities. A few months ago, when we were attending classes at the Xie Family’s place, Brother Hao personally said that you, I, and Xie Zheng are brothers. As your brother, I’m happy for your success in taking the top spot. Perhaps I even benefited from your glory, which gave me this chance to study at the Imperial College despite being ranked sixth. Come to think of it, I really owe you a deep thanks!"
That was a cutting remark, indeed!
Hao Yun’s body trembled, and he staggered back two steps, barely steadying himself by leaning against a tree, forced to speak words that cut to his own heart, "Brother Song also mentioned that one’s abilities are measured in the exam. Your being able to go to the Imperial College shows you have extraordinary talent. As long as you’re not angry, it’s fine; I was worried that this matter would ruin our friendship."
Song Wei said, "It’s not that serious. Just for Brother Hao going out of your way to congratulate me, our brotherly bond wouldn’t waver. The capital is splendid and far exceeds this small place, Ningzhou. If Brother Hao needs anything in the future, just send a letter. If there’s something I can help with, I, for one, won’t refuse."
"...I have other matters, so I won’t disturb Brother Song any longer, farewell."
Song Wei watched Hao Yun’s embarrassed figure leave, shaking his head with a chuckle, then turned and went inside the house.
Even without taking the top spot, having the chance to go to the Capital was such a joy for Song Fang. She continuously toasted Song Wei at the table, thanking the ancestry all the way back eighteen generations.
Song Wei advised her, "If you can’t drink, have a little less."
"I’m just happy!" Song Fang’s face was flushed with the glow of drunkenness. "Once we go to the Capital, we’ll be people who have seen the world. Let’s see who dares to look down on me then, hmph!"
Granny Song pulled her daughter down to sit, "Oh, give it a rest. Your face is as red as a monkey’s backside; don’t stand up and make a fool of yourself."
Song Fang put down her wine cup, wiped her face—it felt a bit hot—and looked at Wen Wan beside her, "Like a monkey’s backside?"
Wen Wan lowered her head, silently pulled her sister-in-law’s bowl closer, and placed a chopstickful of food in it.
Song Wei’s opportunity was indeed an honor for the Song family.
The village chief, the Clan Leader, and several of the respected elders in the village all sang his praises.
Song Wei remained humble throughout, no matter how beautiful the words spoken to him. He only maintained a slight, steady smile, an unyielding composure akin to being unshaken by thunder.
Mrs. Zhou glanced at Song Wei, then at her son Wen Shun, who was burying his head in his meal, and quietly sighed.
After hosting the feast at home, Song Wei prepared to host another banquet in town as a gesture of thanks to his former tutors.
Although he hadn’t been part of the town school for years, the private tutors there were once his teachers, and this meal was indispensable.
The message was conveyed by Song Yuanbao. Upon learning of it, the tutors were so excited they couldn’t sleep a wink and arrived the next day with heavy eyelids. Upon meeting Song Wei, they praised him to the heavens, saying they had never seen anything like it—that he could advance without taking the top spot was a testament to the higher-ups recognizing his extraordinary talent.
Song Wei smiled modestly and personally poured wine for them, saying, "It was all thanks to how well my teachers taught me back then."