Chapter Sixty-Three: Joyful News

Ye Shijie was waiting with friends at the Wangxian Restaurant for news. Though he tried his best to remain composed, a trace of anxiety still showed on his face. The commotion outside grew louder; all they could do was wait for the crowd to disperse and for the gossipers to finally reveal the outcome.

From among the crowd gathered at the posting of the results, someone who had obtained the news came running out, speaking excitedly with others. That must have been the result everyone was waiting for. Those seated near the window at Wangxian Restaurant shouted, urging those who had gone to check the list to hurry back.

At the table next to Ye Shijie, someone had already gone to see. Soon, he came running back, nearly stumbling in his haste, and was immediately surrounded as soon as he stepped inside. The crowd pressed in, asking, "Who is it? Who topped the examination this time?"

"The top scholar at the Imperial Academy is Ye Shijie," he said, catching his breath. "Second place is Li Jing, the eldest son of the Right Chancellor’s household. Third is Zhou Yanbang, the heir of the Marquis of Ningyuan!"

The place erupted in lively conversation.

"Who is Ye Shijie? Never heard of him—is he a new student at the Imperial Academy?"

"To think that the Right Chancellor’s eldest didn’t win the top spot this time, what a surprise."

"I thought the Marquis of Ningyuan’s heir would be second, but he ended up third."

"But tell me, who exactly is Ye Shijie? Do you know him?"

As the discussions continued, Ye Shijie’s friend gripped his shoulder in excitement. "Shijie, did you hear? You’re first this time!"

"I heard," Ye Shijie replied, maintaining an outward calm, though his heart surged with emotion. To the people of this bustling city, to the entire Imperial Academy, his name was a stranger’s. He had come here determined to bring honor to the Ye family, and finally, his efforts had not been in vain. Earning first place at the Imperial Academy meant a direct appointment to office. With an official post, the Ye family would no longer be mere commoners, subject to others' whims; they would finally have the means to protect themselves and prosper.

Yet, there was another matter weighing on his mind.

Someone nearby asked, "We know about the Imperial Academy, but what about Mingyi Hall? Who took first place there?"

The messenger hesitated, abruptly falling silent—a rare occurrence in such a raucous tavern. The crowd gradually quieted, exchanging puzzled glances. Someone couldn’t help but press, "Well? What’s the result? Out with it!"

After a moment’s hesitation, the man answered, "On the Mingyi Hall’s list, the fifth Miss of the Jiang family, Jiang Yue’e, is third, and the daughter of the Prefect of Proclamations, Meng Hongjin, is second."

At the mention of Meng Hongjin taking second place, the crowd let out a collective sigh. Everyone knew of Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin’s wager; now that Meng Hongjin had placed second, the prospect of her kneeling in apology at the gates of the Imperial Academy was out of the question. All eyes would turn to Jiang Li—if she came in last, she would lose everything.

Ye Shijie clenched his fists unconsciously, unexpectedly finding himself worried for Jiang Li’s fate.

"The top spot is..." The announcer paused, then, under the gaze of all, finally spoke the last name.

"The Prime Minister’s second daughter, Miss Jiang Li."

Jiang Li!

Ye Shijie’s friend was so startled he nearly knocked over his cup. He rubbed his ears. "Did I hear that right, Shijie? He said Jiang Li is first?!"

Ye Shijie himself doubted his hearing, half-suspecting he was in the midst of a dream.

No sooner had the words left the man’s mouth than the crowd erupted, voices raised in protest. "Are you blind, or just illiterate, spouting such nonsense?"

The man argued back, his face flushed and voice hoarse, "I’m not talking nonsense! The top spot really is the second Miss Jiang!"

"Pah," scoffed a middle-aged man, spitting on the floor. "If the first place is Miss Jiang, I’ll eat that pile of horse manure at the door!"

All eyes turned to the entrance, where a tall chestnut horse flicked its tail in the stable. Noticing the attention, the horse looked toward the tavern, stamping its front hoof in confusion.

"If you don’t believe me, go see for yourselves!" The messenger, indignant at their insults, climbed onto a stool and shouted.

"Then let’s go!" growled a burly man with a knife. "You look like you can’t even read!"

Before he finished, another diner rushed in—he too had gone to see the list outside. Unlike the previous man, he wasted no time, bursting through the door and shouting as if announcing earth-shattering news, "Unbelievable! Mingyi Hall’s top scholar is out—it’s the second Miss Jiang from the Jiang family! Miss Meng will have to accept defeat and publicly apologize!"

A hush fell over the crowd.

The doubted messenger jumped down, snorted coldly, "Believe me now?" Straightening his robe, he marched off in a huff, leaving behind a tavern full of dumbfounded onlookers.

Ye Shijie took in the chaotic scene before him. He should have frowned, but for some reason, he couldn’t help but smile.

…Meanwhile, the Jiang residence was enveloped in quiet.

In the Hall of Evening Phoenix, Lady Ji was keeping the old Madam Jiang company. Jiang Bingji was nibbling on pastries nearby, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yue’e sat together, and Jiang Yuyan was bent over her embroidery.

"The people who went to check the results will be back soon," Lady Ji said, pressing her hand to her chest with a smile. "I can’t help but feel nervous."

"What’s there to be nervous about, sister-in-law?" Mrs. Lu replied with a smile. "You have nothing to worry about with Youyao. Unlike our second branch—Jingyou was never one for studying, and Jingrui… well, as long as he doesn’t cause trouble, the world is at peace."

Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou had both sat the Imperial Academy’s examination, but, as in years past, Jingyou’s performance was average, Jingrui’s at the bottom. Mrs. Lu had long since given up hope.

Jiang Yue’e listened, lips curved in a restrained smile. She had come with Jiang Youyao to the Hall of Evening Phoenix today, hoping to receive the old Madam’s praise when the ranking was announced, to let everyone in the Jiang family see her talent and intelligence.

"Why didn’t second sister come with us?" Jiang Yue’e asked. "When I arrived earlier, I sent word for her to join us."

"I heard second sister is brewing tea in her courtyard—she says she’s not interested in the rankings," Jiang Youyao replied graciously. "If she doesn’t wish to come, let’s not force her."

Everyone understood the unspoken reference to Jiang Li’s wager with Meng Hongjin. Today’s outcome in three of the Six Arts had already decided the greater part of the contest. Jiang Li, it was assumed, would rank at the bottom; if she lost, the price would be steep. Naturally, she would not wish to witness it firsthand.

"When the results are out, I’ll go tell her myself," Lady Ji said, smiling gently.

The old Madam said nothing.

Just then, Pearl lifted the bead curtain. "Madam, those who went to check the results have returned."

"Let them in."

A young servant entered and bowed before reporting, "Of the four young ladies who sat the exam, Third Miss placed fourth, Fourth Miss seventeenth, Fifth Miss third."

Jiang Youyao, pleased to hear she was fourth, immediately soured when she learned Jiang Yue’e had placed higher, resentment brewing within her.

Jiang Yue’e suppressed her elation, glanced at the servant, and asked, "And what of my second sister?"

The servant produced a copied list from his sleeve, handed it to the old Madam, and broke into a broad smile as he announced, "Second Miss is first—she’s the top scholar of this examination! Congratulations, madam!"

———

Middle-aged man: If Second Miss Jiang is top scholar, I’ll eat horse manure live!
Horse: Please, by all means, begin your performance.