“Young master has arrived!” Upon hearing the voice, people inside the house lifted the curtain and came out. Xuelan smiled gently at Xiao Jingduo and said, “My lord, you’ve finally come. The old madam is waiting for you inside.”
Xiao Jingduo entered the room, glancing around briefly, and raised an eyebrow with a hint of a smile.
What day was it today? The Gaoshou Hall was unexpectedly lively. Besides the old madam, Xiao Ying and Wu Junru were also present, and even Xiao Su was sitting next to the old madam.
Seeing Xiao Jingduo, the old madam smiled and beckoned to him, saying, “Duo’er has come. Come closer, let grandmother have a look at you.”
Xiao Jingduo had no choice but to walk forward, but he stopped about six or seven steps away from the old madam and refused to go any closer.
“Grandson dare not overstep. I pay my respects to grandmother from here.”
Seeing Xiao Jingduo being respectful yet keeping a polite distance, the old madam was disappointed but didn’t insist. She withdrew her hand and looked Xiao Jingduo up and down carefully, smiling with squinted eyes: “In the blink of an eye, Duo’er has grown so big. You child, you’ve barely been home these past few years. Although studying is important, you shouldn’t neglect coming home.”
Xiao Jingduo felt contempt inside, but outwardly he had to agree: “Grandmother’s teachings are correct.”
No matter what the old madam said, Xiao Jingduo responded without raising his head. Although the old madam was satisfied with her eldest grandson’s attitude, she couldn’t help feeling some regret. Xiao Jingduo was respectful to her, but compared to Xiao Jinghu, who could act spoiled and play tricks, Xiao Jingduo seemed too distant. If this continued, she couldn’t be blamed for favoring Xiao Jinghu.
As the old madam thought this, the smile on her face unconsciously cooled. She said, “I heard the Imperial Academy graduation exam results will be announced in these few days. Have you passed?”
“I have already passed.”
“That’s good, as long as you don’t have to repeat a year at a lower level.” The old madam patted her chest and said, “What benefits do you get from passing the graduation exam?”
What kind of question is that? Xiao Jingduo frowned inwardly, but as a junior, he couldn’t criticize his elder. He could only suppress his displeasure and explain, “Passing the Imperial Academy graduation exam makes one a ‘student’, eligible to register for the imperial examinations at the Ministry of Rites.”
Although the old madam had been in Chang’an for seven years, her knowledge hadn’t expanded much beyond gold, silver, and jewels compared to when she was a farmer’s wife. Hearing Xiao Jingduo’s explanation, she nodded with a hint of understanding: “Oh, so you can take the imperial examinations now. Does this mean you still can’t become an official and need to take more tests?”
Xiao Jingduo silently agreed, and the old madam showed some disappointment. So he was still far from becoming an official. Xiao Su, understanding the old madam’s expression, quickly smiled and said, “Mother, it’s good that Duo’er has such ambition. I’ve heard that nowadays, those in the imperial court take pride in having a Jinshi degree.”
Hearing Xiao Su say this, the old madam’s expression improved somewhat: “Oh, I see. That’s good then. Duo’er, study hard for the exams. Become a high-ranking official after passing the Jinshi exam and bring glory to our ancestors.”
After the old madam finished speaking, Wu Junru laughed softly, and even Xiao Ying wore an expression of disbelief. There was a saying, “Thirty is old for a Mingjing, fifty is young for a Jinshi,” meaning that even at fifty, one was considered young if they could pass the Jinshi exam, and the imperial court took pride in those who passed it. Xiao Jingduo was only sixteen this year, having just graduated from the Imperial Academy. No one expected him to pass on his first attempt; it was possible he might need five or six years of trying.
Xiao Ying wasn’t particularly moved by this. He even thought it might be good for his eldest son to be held back for a few years, to let the arrogant Xiao Jingduo see that without him, Xiao Jingduo would never be able to make a name for himself. Moreover, Xiao Ying felt that he had been too indulgent with Xiao Jingduo in recent years, making him increasingly bold and presumptuous. It was time to temper his eldest son’s sharp edges.
Xiao Jingduo first stayed at Qingyuan Temple for three years, not returning home once during that time. Then he immediately went to the Imperial Academy, and except for New Year’s, he was barely seen. With his eldest son away from home for six years, and his second son Xiao Jingye growing up under Xiao Ying’s nose, it was only natural that Xiao Ying would favor the younger son. His affection for the eldest son had gradually cooled.
However, emotional detachment didn’t mean Xiao Ying would allow Xiao Jingduo to develop freely. Xiao Ying was accustomed to controlling everything, and his own sons were no exception. As Xiao Jingduo grew older over the years, his sharp edges became more prominent, and Xiao Ying’s sense of foreboding grew stronger. He always remembered the monk’s assessment from years ago that Xiao Jingduo’s destiny was too heavy and would hinder his father’s and brothers’ official careers in the future.
Therefore, Xiao Ying planned to do something to make up for his previous neglect and bring his eldest son, who had somewhat escaped his control, back on track. The most crucial aspect to manage was naturally his eldest son’s future and official career.
Because of the master’s words from years ago, Xiao Ying intended to prevent problems before they arose by cutting off Xiao Jingduo’s opportunities for rapid advancement from the very beginning. If Xiao Jingduo wanted to become an official through nepotism, he would have to seek a position under his father’s name, allowing Xiao Ying to make some arrangements. However, Xiao Jingduo was single-mindedly focused on taking the imperial examinations. Xiao Ying was surprised and found it rather amusing.
Although the imperial examinations were a path to officialdom that didn’t require seeking favors, one’s fate still played a role. Every year, over a thousand students came to Chang’an just to participate in the Ministry of Rites provincial examination, but only about twenty were ultimately accepted. Among these twenty, there were still royal family members and descendants of chancellors, so for an ordinary student to pass the Jinshi exam was as difficult as ascending to heaven. Xiao Ying didn’t believe Xiao Jingduo could pass, so he didn’t prevent him from taking the exams. In fact, Xiao Ying intended to let Xiao Jingduo face failure a few times, to cool his ambitions for a few years. After failing the exams several times, Xiao Jingduo would understand the importance of family and his father. When Xiao Jingduo became disappointed in his official career, Xiao Ying could have someone persuade him a few times, and Xiao Jingduo would have no choice but to obediently listen.
The person doing the persuading was clearly crucial. Xiao Jingduo was also of marriageable age, and who could be more suitable as a spokesperson than his wife?
Xiao Ying had originally been thinking of finding an obedient wife for Xiao Jingduo, until one day when Wu Junru subtly mentioned something to him. Xiao Ying suddenly realized that the most suitable person was right before his eyes.
Xiao Ying thought it was appropriate, and he was in complete agreement with Xiao Su. They immediately went to speak with the old madam. The old madam was delighted when she heard this. It was perfect; she had been reluctant to let her granddaughter Cheng Huizhen marry outside the family, and now she could stay in the household, strengthening family ties by becoming the eldest grandson’s wife. Wasn’t this killing two birds with one stone?
Xiao Su also thought this marriage was quite good. She had originally favored Wu Junru’s son, but she couldn’t resist Cheng Huizhen’s constant talk, and gradually came to believe that Xiao Jingduo had a promising future. Although she and her daughter lived in her brother’s house, and Cheng Huizhen’s expenses were the same as the Marquis’s daughters, Xiao Su knew that Cheng Huizhen’s status was far below that of Xiao Yufang and others. If they wanted to marry into a powerful family, it would be extremely difficult for them. Given this, it was better to agree with Cheng Huizhen’s wishes and form a marriage alliance with the Xiao family. Xiao Jingduo was, after all, the eldest legitimate son of the Marquis’s household. Even if he couldn’t inherit the title in the future, with his younger brother’s support, he surely wouldn’t do too badly. Moreover, if Cheng Huizhen married Xiao Jingduo, her maternal family would become her marital family. Not only would she not have to live elsewhere, but Xiao Su could see Cheng Huizhen every day. How wonderful would that be?
The more Xiao Su thought about it, the better this marriage seemed. Now, as she looked at Xiao Jingduo, she surprisingly found this nephew even more outstanding than she had imagined. Look at his appearance, his bearing – it was truly impeccable.
Xiao Su was secretly satisfied, already viewing Xiao Jingduo as her son-in-law. In her mind, she had never considered that this marriage proposal might be rejected. She had taken the initiative to propose it on behalf of her daughter, thinking that Xiao Jingduo, this child without support, would be overjoyed and couldn’t possibly refuse.
The old madam smiled at Xiao Jingduo and brought up the matter: “Duo’er, you’re not young anymore. What do you think about settling your marriage? You and your cousin grew up together, you know each other well. In Xuelan’s words, you’re childhood sweethearts. If you cousins become husband and wife, it would strengthen our family ties. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Xiao Jingduo didn’t speak for a moment. He hadn’t expected the old madam and Xiao Ying to have such intentions. Xiao Jingduo had thought that Cheng Huizhen was just a young girl with a crush on him, and if so, his refusal would have been the end of it. However, now it seemed the situation was much more serious than he had imagined.
Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s silence, the old madam thought this was tacit agreement, so she joyfully said, “Since Duo’er is willing, then we-”
“Grandmother,” Xiao Jingduo abruptly interrupted the old madam. He raised his head, his eyes looking directly at the people seated at the head of the room. “The imperial examinations are approaching, yet I’m supposed to get engaged at this time? What kind of nonsense is this? It would be too absurd if word got out.”
“We’re not talking about going through with the six rites now, just settling the engagement. We can proceed slowly after you finish your exams.”
“It’s not appropriate. I’ve already registered for the Jinshi exam with the Ministry of Rites. During this time, I should be focusing on my studies. How can I let my mind be scattered by such trivial matters?”
“How can settling an engagement be called trivial?” The old madam was displeased. “Strengthening family ties, isn’t this a wonderful thing? How can you speak like this?”
The old madam hadn’t quite caught on, but Xiao Ying understood. He smiled slightly and suddenly asked, “You seem very resistant to this marriage?”
Isn’t it obvious? How could Xiao Jingduo possibly accept such an absurd marriage? Not to mention that he had no romantic feelings for Cheng Huizhen, but even considering his future interests, he could never marry Xiao Ying’s niece. He had no particular requirements for a wife, but at the very least, her heart should be on his side, right?
Xiao Jingduo felt indescribable resistance, but parental orders and matchmakers’ words left children with pitifully little say in marriage matters. Especially since Xiao Jingduo had no maternal family; if he had uncles, they might have been able to speak up on this matter.
Unfortunately, Xiao Jingduo had none. He could only rely on himself. Xiao Jingduo knew he couldn’t be impulsive now and could only temporarily placate Xiao Ying and the old madam. At worst, he needed to delay until after his exam results were announced.
So Xiao Jingduo softened his tone, trying to appear harmless: “I heard from my classmates that next year’s Jinshi exam is set for the end of the first month, only four months from now. Publicly, I need to prepare for the exam these few months, and besides that, I have to register at the Ministry of Rites, pay New Year’s respects to the Emperor, and pay homage to Confucius’s image. I really don’t have time to worry about other matters. Privately, marriage is a serious matter that can’t be rushed. If Grandmother believes this is a good match, why must we hurry these few months? Or is it…”
Xiao Jingduo raised his head, glancing ambiguously at Xiao Su: “That Aunt can’t even wait these few months?”
Xiao Su was indeed provoked by this glance. She sneered and put on a cold face: “Our Ah Zhen has both talent and beauty. Are we worried she can’t get married? If that’s the case, we dare not waste the eldest nephew’s efforts. Let’s wait until after your exam. I want to see where this arrogance of yours comes from.”
The bride’s family usually needs to show some restraint. Xiao Su had only proposed the engagement because she couldn’t bear her daughter’s infatuation. But Xiao Jingduo’s words made Xiao Su unable to back down. Ridiculous, did he think Cheng Huizhen had no other options? Xiao Su didn’t realize she had fallen for Xiao Jingduo’s provocation. She was still angrily thinking that since Cheng Huizhen was still young and could wait, she would wait until after Xiao Jingduo failed his exam to thoroughly embarrass him, letting him know who was really the eager one.
Xiao Jingduo repeatedly refused, and Xiao Ying saw through his eldest son’s thoughts. He hadn’t planned to let this matter go easily, but before he could speak, Xiao Su had already spoken harshly. So Xiao Ying couldn’t say anything more. But then Xiao Ying thought, anyway, Xiao Jingduo wouldn’t pass this exam, so delaying four or five months didn’t matter. He might as well let Xiao Jingduo have his way for now.
Since Xiao Su had spoken like that, the old madam couldn’t say much either. She sighed and said, “Alright, since you all say so, we’ll put this off for now. What a good marriage this would have been, it would have been better to settle it cleanly. Why bring up all these unnecessary things?”
The old madam was very disappointed and couldn’t help muttering softly. Xiao Jingduo had temporarily resolved the crisis. He felt relieved and quickly asked to take his leave. If he stayed any longer, unexpected issues might arise and ruin everything.
Since Xiao Su had spoken like that, the old madam couldn’t say much either. She sighed and said, “Alright, since you all say so, we’ll put this off for now. What a good marriage this would have been, it would have been better to settle it cleanly. Why bring up all these unnecessary things?”
The old madam was very disappointed and couldn’t help muttering softly. Xiao Jingduo had temporarily resolved the crisis. He felt relieved and quickly asked to take his leave. If he stayed any longer, unexpected issues might arise and ruin everything.
Xiao Ying, Xiao Su, and the others had intended to settle the matter between Cheng Huizhen and Xiao Jingduo today, which was why they had gathered specially. Now that the matter wasn’t settled, they were each uncomfortable in their own way and didn’t want to stay any longer. After Xiao Jingduo left, the others soon departed as well.
When Xiao Su returned to her courtyard, she was still full of anger. Cheng Huizhen heard the noise inside the room and quickly came out to greet her: “Mother, where did you just go?”
“I went to Gaoshou Hall, intending to settle your matter with Xiao Jingduo today. I didn’t expect that orphan to be so ungrateful. Hmph, does he think we can’t find a good family? Ah Zhen, you just wait and see. After next year’s exam results are out, I’ll make him come begging to us.”
Cheng Huizhen was devastated upon hearing this: “Mother, how could you not have settled it? Oh, really…”
Xiao Su didn’t like hearing this: “My child, you’re blessed with good fortune and a gentle temperament. Any family would be eager to have you as a daughter-in-law. Why must you fixate on Xiao Jingduo alone? It’s not like he’s our only option.”
But he really was the only option, Cheng Huizhen thought anxiously, though she couldn’t say it outright to Xiao Su. Cheng Huizhen hadn’t expected things to coincide like this. She had just been rejected by Xiao Jingduo, and then Xiao Su proposed the engagement at Gaoshou Hall. It was no wonder Xiao Jingduo refused. This had been the best opportunity to tie herself to Xiao Jingduo. He hadn’t passed the Jinshi exam yet and had little say in marriage matters. If Xiao Su had pushed a bit, forcefully arranging the engagement, how could Xiao Jingduo back out later? But somehow Xiao Su had suddenly put on airs, missing this golden opportunity. Cheng Huizhen was extremely upset. Having missed this chance, who knew how much effort it would take to find such a good opportunity again.
However, Cheng Huizhen’s regret was useless now. What’s done was done, and as the woman’s side, they couldn’t propose engagement a second time. She could only watch helplessly as her chance to become the wife of the Marquis of Chengxi slipped away. Cheng Huizhen felt a surge of inexplicable anger. She didn’t know whether to be angry at Xiao Su or herself. She stood there for a moment, and finally said glumly, “Forget it, we’ll discuss this matter later.”
With that, Cheng Huizhen returned to her room without looking back. Xiao Su didn’t know what was wrong with her daughter and called out several times, but Cheng Huizhen didn’t respond.
“What’s the matter now? Everything was fine a moment ago,” Xiao Su muttered to herself, puzzled.
Time slowly moved to the eleventh month. From early autumn, many examination candidates had set out from their hometowns, gradually arriving in Chang’an. By these days, candidates were everywhere in Chang’an. The city’s inns were already full to bursting, and even a slightly quiet and tidy lodging was hard to find at any price.
The much-anticipated imperial examinations of the ninth year of Qiyuan were about to begin.
If you enjoy my translations, feel free to consider supporting me on ko-fi! Thank you!
Updates on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
