Chapter 406: First Look at Character
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The date for the capital examination was set for February 18th.
After Qin Zhenzhen and Su Ning accompanied Su Bin to the examination hall, they returned home with Su Ning.
The structure of the capital examination closely resembled that of the local examination, with the examination hall being approximately the same size. It spanned nine consecutive days and six nights.
Over 90% of the candidates partaking in the capital examination held the esteemed title of High Scholars. Given the scarcity of those who could successfully pass the imperial examination, the number of participants in the capital examination was relatively low.
Su Bin, well-versed in the examination process and bolstered by his overall confidence, appeared remarkably composed.
The crown prince found himself exceedingly occupied during the capital examination. The emperor entrusted the management of the imperial examinations to his heir. It was imperative that he oversee the capital examination without a hitch, maintain a favorable image in his father’s eyes, and manage affairs related to the Third Prince.
Most importantly, following the conclusion of the capital examination, he intended to identify and recruit talented candidates for future endeavors. The candidates he favored had to possess genuine talent and expertise, ideally ranking within the top ten in the capital examination. Consequently, he refrained from interfering with the capital examination itself but would exercise his influence during the ranking and palace examination stages. Additionally, he had received news that Qin Zhenzhen had accompanied Su Bin to the capital. Thoughts of her face and figure tantalized his mind, but at this critical juncture, he dare not employ any overt tactics to draw Qin Zhenzhen into the Crown Prince’s residence.
Recognizing this, Qin Zhenzhen understood that the Crown Prince had no opportunity to scheme against her at this time.
Qin Zhenzhen was brimming with joy as she took Su Ning on daily explorations of the bustling streets and winding alleys of the capital. Together, they savored a wide array of delicacies, ranging from the most upscale restaurants to the humblest roadside stalls. Their motto was simple: if it was delicious, they had to try it.
Back at home, the stove saw little use during these days. Only when Su Bin completed his exams in three days did Qin Zhenzhen personally prepare a sumptuous feast to nourish him.
After a few days of feasting and fun, Su Ning appeared to have put the Third Prince out of her mind. She wore a constant smile.
“Third Sister-in-law, all the seasonings used in these capital restaurants belong to our family, right?” Su Ning inquired.
Qin Zhenzhen nodded affirmatively. “Indeed.”
The sale of seasonings alone in the capital provided ample income for her. Other merchants attempted to replicate her seasonings, but they fell short in replicating the distinctive taste that was uniquely hers. Publicly, Qin Zhenzhen attributed this extraordinary flavor to a secret ingredient, often jestingly referred to as “immortal seasoning.”
The term “immortal” had come to signify a rare herb, obtainable only through extraordinary luck. Currently, only the palace and Qin Zhenzhen possessed this ingredient, leaving other merchants at a loss. Even the palace used Zhenzhen’s seasoning, not to mention the prominent restaurants in the capital. Every household in the city relied on it, and even some humble street vendors embraced its use.
Initially, Qin Zhenzhen had hesitated to attach her name to the product.
However, those who sampled it would praise it as “Qin Zhenzhen’s seasoning.”
Over time, it naturally evolved into “Zhenzhen’s seasoning.”
This name rapidly gained recognition, and Qin Zhenzhen saw no reason to object. She officially embraced it. In fact, she rebranded her chain of health centers as “Zhenzhen Health Center.” Her eateries and treatment facilities all proudly carried this name.
Her own name had transformed into a prominent brand.
Qin Zhenzhen seized the opportunity to offer Su Ning some quiet advice. “Did you notice? Our family’s influence stretches across the entire capital. I’m confident that within three years, our family will be among the wealthiest in the entire country.”
“When your third brother takes the capital examination this time, he will undoubtedly secure a place on the Golden List.”
“Our family is on the cusp of wealth and power.”
“Therefore, in the future, when you consider potential in-laws, remember to prioritize their character. Only those with strong moral values deserve your hand in marriage..”