“I really don’t dare anymore, Caiqing sister. I promise I won’t mention Lord Lu in front of you again.”
Chu Qing deliberately said this, afraid that Caiqing would catch her. After speaking, she hurried out.
“Young Madam, look at her now, it’s all because you spoil her. She always teases me now. Young Madam, why don’t you discipline her?”
She had been nagged by Chu Qing these past few days. In the end, she couldn’t do anything about Chu Qing and could only hope that Young Madam could manage Chu Qing and stop her from teasing her like this.
Feng Jin chuckled and simply spread her hands, deciding to be a hands-off manager: “That’s your business. You can figure it out yourselves.”
“Young Madam, you’re not going to pay any attention to this!” Caiqing called out, her tone slightly anxious.
“That’s right, I’m not paying attention. Handle your own affairs yourself, don’t rely on others. Do you understand?”
Feng Jin dropped her words and got up to leave, leaving Caiqing pouting alone.
As soon as Feng Jin stepped out, she bumped into Ling Muzhu, who was rushing out. She called out to him, “Muzhu, where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?”
“Greetings, sister-in-law. Today is the day the results are posted. I’m rushing to take a look and see if my luck is good enough to pass.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll definitely pass. I’ll go with you.”
She had nothing to do at the manor, so she might as well go with Ling Muzhu to see the grand occasion of the results posting and get out for some relaxation.
“That would be great. With sister-in-law accompanying me, I’ll definitely pass this time.”
Sister-in-law was recognized as having good luck. With sister-in-law accompanying him to view the results, he was sure to pass.
Feng Jin couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at Ling Muzhu’s somewhat simple and honest demeanor. “Passing is your own ability, how can it be my credit? Don’t put so much psychological pressure on yourself. If you don’t pass this time, we’ll try harder next time.”
“I was actually a little worried before. After hearing your words, sister-in-law, I feel much better. The exam is over now, and I can accept whatever the result is.”
“That’s the right attitude. Let’s hurry over. It will be hard to get to the front once more people arrive.”
Today was the day the results were posted, and it would certainly be crowded. If they dawdled any longer, they might not be able to squeeze in. Even from two streets away, the carriage could not push through. The two had no choice but to get off and walk forward.
“Sister-in-law, there are so many people today, and there are many officials and wealthy patrons…”
“Those officials are here to find promising students, and those patrons are looking to attach themselves to the powerful. In any case, after we check the list, even if you pass, don’t be too boastful. Otherwise, it will be difficult to escape.”
“Sister-in-law, you’re exaggerating a bit. In broad daylight, right under the Emperor’s nose, they can’t just forcibly abduct us, can they?”
In the past, whenever there was a imperial examination, their Ling family had never come here to find promising students. However, they had seen other officials intercept people here, so Ling Muzhu was unaware of the dangers.
Feng Jin shook her head helplessly. “You are still too young and haven’t experienced enough. When you witness it yourself later, you will understand how formidable it is.”
“The results are posted!”
“The results are posted!”
“The results are posted!”
…
Several deep voices rang out. Feng Jin and Ling Muzhu immediately looked over.
“What are you still standing there for? Hurry up, we won’t be able to squeeze through soon!”
The crowd surged, and the uniform mass rushed forward. Feng Jin quickly grabbed Ling Muzhu, who was still stunned, and hurried forward.
After the list was posted, Feng Jin bent her head and looked around, desperately searching for Ling Muzhu’s name.
“Sister-in-law, why can’t I see it…”
“Don’t rush, let’s look more carefully,” Feng Jin comforted her, but her eyes were still searching left and right. She really couldn’t find Ling Muzhu’s name.
“Let’s look further ahead. These are all at the back. Your name might be further up.”
She was not confident in her heart, but she was still trying her best to comfort Ling Muzhu. Perhaps Ling Muzhu could surprise her.
Feng Jin pulled Ling Muzhu’s hand and continued to squeeze forward, looking bit by bit. She didn’t find Ling Muzhu’s name. Just as they were about to give up, she suddenly spotted Ling Muzhu’s name.
She excitedly patted Ling Muzhu’s arm, her voice trembling slightly, “Muzhu… look… look, it’s your name, second… it’s second!”
“Sister-in-law… I see it… I see it…”
Ling Muzhu was also stunned. For a moment, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He took a deep breath, then rubbed his eyes, confirming that his name was indeed written there.
“Muzhu… Muzhu… Muzhu…”
Feng Jin called Ling Muzhu’s name several times before Ling Muzhu responded faintly. His eyes looked dazed as he looked at Feng Jin, his voice hesitant, “Sister-in-law, what is it?”
“I called you several times just now and you didn’t respond. What’s wrong? Are you stunned with happiness?”
Ling Muzhu sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, looking embarrassed. “Sister-in-law, honestly, I’m really not confident right now. Is this real? I feel like I’m dreaming. I actually passed with the second highest rank. Sister-in-law, quickly pinch me hard, I need to see if this is a dream or real.”
To satisfy Ling Muzhu’s wish, Feng Jin pinched his arm hard.
“Ouch… it hurts…” The intense pain in his arm spread to his limbs. Ling Muzhu cried out in pain, only then realizing that this was a real event and not a dream.
“It’s real… I actually passed with the second highest rank. Sister-in-law, I passed as…”
Feng Jin quickly covered Ling Muzhu’s mouth, glanced around timidly, and seeing the chaos around, no one had noticed their state yet, she quietly reminded him, “Muzhu, keep your voice down. If they notice us, we won’t be able to leave. After we’ve seen the list, let’s hurry back.”
Ling Muzhu nodded slowly, suppressed his excitement, and hurried away with Feng Jin.
It took nearly half an hour to finally squeeze out of the crowd. They had just witnessed a scene where a successful scholar was being pulled by two people, tearing his sleeve. It was truly terrifying to watch.
Many people also came forward to ask him if he had passed. If his sister-in-law hadn’t reacted quickly and helped him muddle through, he would have had trouble escaping.
“Sister-in-law, they’re too frightening. They’re clearly snatching people in broad daylight.”