Chapter 30: Friend, Did You Pass?
The county exam released results about three days after each session, called the “Round List.” Only the final overall ranking was referred to as the “Long List.”
Jiang Qingshi arrived at the county government office at the scheduled time to await the results. The crowd was so dense that it was impenetrable, with spectators packed tightly together. Having arrived late and seeing the sea of people ahead, Jiang Qingshi shook his head slightly and didn’t push forward, simply waiting for the officers to post the list.
“Make way, make way!”
Amid the commotion, Jiang Qingshi turned to see a group of servants escorting a flamboyantly dressed figure. Taking a closer look, he recognized the person wearing a garish multicolored brocade robe, waving a folding fan, with numerous sachets and jade pendants jingling noisily at his waist—none other than Wei Fengling.
“Isn’t that the young master of the Wei family?”
“He took the county exam too?”
“With his family’s wealth, why bother with the county exam…”
As Wei Fengling passed by Jiang Qingshi, he cast a fleeting glance in his direction. Whether it was to draw attention to himself or not, several officers happened to carry the results over at that moment. The crowd’s focus, previously on Wei Fengling, immediately shifted back. Heads bobbed as everyone watched the officers’ every move.
The county exam results were divided into Class A and Class B. The list was arranged in a circular pattern, hence the name “Round List.” For the earlier sessions, only seat numbers were listed. Being tall, Jiang Qingshi managed to spot his seat number on the Class A list despite the bustling crowd. The Round List was divided into inner and outer layers—the inner layer for the top twenty and the outer for the next thirty. Although Jiang Qingshi was in the inner circle, placing in the top twenty, he was not the top scorer. Despite his humble appearance, he had always prided himself on his talent. Seeing that he wasn’t the highest scorer, he thought to himself that this county truly had hidden talents, and he still had much to learn and improve upon.
Jiang Qingshi’s expression remained neutral, revealing no emotion. Wei Fengling found his name on the Class B list and was immediately satisfied, straightening his posture and adjusting his belt with both hands. His servants, quick to catch on, promptly pulled out gongs and drums from their bags and began beating them ostentatiously, the noise even louder than the government’s ceremonial cannons.
“Our young master, Wei Fengling of the Wei family, is proudly on the list, a testament to his exceptional brilliance!”
Many in the crowd had been anxiously scanning the list for their names and were startled by the sudden clamor. Though numerous people glared angrily at the source of the noise, upon realizing it was Wei Fengling, they immediately fell silent.
Everyone knew this troublemaker came from the wealthiest family in Jiangping County and had always been unruly. It was better not to provoke him, even if he was annoying.
After checking his own result, Wei Fengling’s gaze unconsciously drifted back to Jiang Qingshi.
Judging by the country bumpkin’s expression, he probably didn’t make it?
Wei Fengling had previously heard from Scholar Bu that Jiang Qingshi was a relative’s recommendation—just a rustic villager who had never hired a tutor and was likely here to try his luck out of discontent.
Wei Fengling casually moved closer, expecting Jiang Qingshi to strike up a conversation. To his surprise, Jiang Qingshi glanced at the list and turned to leave without giving him any opportunity to engage.
Wei Fengling took a large stride and ran over, leaving his entourage of drum and gong bearers behind.
“Hey!”
Jiang Qingshi turned his head and saw a dazzlingly colorful Wei Fengling rushing toward him. The riot of hues made his eyes swim, and it took Jiang Qingshi a moment to focus before he recognized Wei Fengling.
“Young Master Wei.”
Jiang Qingshi offered a slight cupped-hand salute to maintain proper etiquette.
Wei Fengling immediately put on airs again, crossing his arms and flicking open his folding fan to turn half his face away from Jiang Qingshi.
“What, didn’t pass?”
Jiang Qingshi didn’t understand why this young master had taken an interest in him, but he had no desire to become entertainment for wealthy young gentlemen. He kept his distance from Wei Fengling: “Thank you for your concern, Young Master Wei. I passed.”
Wei Fengling nearly stumbled in surprise. He boldly slapped Jiang Qingshi on the shoulder.
“Brother, you passed and you’re not even blinking or showing any excitement?”
It was only what he had expected.
Jiang Qingshi frowned slightly. Though Wei Fengling looked like a useless dandy, his hand was surprisingly strong—almost comparable to his wife’s strength.
“It’s just the first round of the county exam. The Road to Imperial Examination ahead is still long and boundless,” Jiang Qingshi said modestly. “Brother Wei passed as well, which shows your literary talent and overflowing wisdom.”
This Jiang Qingshi certainly knows how to speak… Wei Fengling loved being praised most of all. Hearing Jiang Qingshi’s words, he unconsciously puffed out his chest again.
“Of course. Although Scholar Bu taught well, the main credit goes to this young master’s exceptional intelligence…”
“Though Scholar Bu is deeply learned, I imagine Brother Wei’s own diligent study and profound contemplation contributed even more to your success.” Jiang Qingshi cupped his hands toward Wei Fengling again. “Brother Wei, I need to return home to share the good news with my wife, so I won’t linger here.”
“You’re really already married with children?” Wei Fengling looked astonished. “I heard we’re the same age. How did you settle down so early?”
“I’m just from the countryside, not comparable to Brother Wei’s noble status. People in my village marry quite early,” Jiang Qingshi replied with a humble smile. “Fortunately, my wife is enlightened and supports my studies, which allowed me to take the county exam.”
“My father forced me to take this exam. Studying every day gives me such a headache,” Wei Fengling scratched his head. “This is the first time I’ve seen someone so actively pursuing learning. You don’t even have a tutor, yet you study so diligently.”
“My family is poor and can’t afford to hire one,” Jiang Qingshi smiled. “It’s embarrassing to say, but my wife is the one earning money in our household. I’m just living off her. Thinking about it always makes me feel guilty toward her. If I can achieve scholarly honors in the future, it might somewhat repay her efforts.”
The more Wei Fengling spoke with Jiang Qingshi, the more he felt Jiang Qingshi was different from the sycophantic good-for-nothings who usually surrounded him. Perhaps precisely because Wei Fengling was accustomed to constant flattery, encountering Jiang Qingshi who paid him little attention felt refreshingly novel. Seeing the expression on Jiang Qingshi’s face when he spoke of his wife made Wei Fengling increasingly feel that Jiang Qingshi was truly extraordinary.
“It seems Brother Jiang’s wife is quite virtuous. Well then, since we both passed this first county exam, I’ll host a grand celebration tonight at the Drinking Crane Pavilion. You should come too, and bring your wife!”
The Drinking Crane Pavilion was the finest restaurant in Jiangping County. When Wei Fengling extended his invitation, Jiang Qingshi felt a slight stir in his heart. He thought of how his wife and Miao Ge’er had never enjoyed any luxuries since following him, nor had they ever tasted such fine wine and delicacies. But then he reconsidered—he and Wei Fengling had only met once. If he were to focus solely on taking advantage of others’ kindness, it would diminish his own ambition, and his wife would surely look down on him.
It would be better to study diligently, achieve success in the future, and then properly bring his wife and Miao Ge’er to this finest restaurant for a meal, with dignity and pride.
“No, Brother Wei. I am inherently dull-witted and need to review my studies for the upcoming examinations. My wife and child are both timid and would not want to dampen your spirits. Farewell, Brother Wei!”
Before Wei Fengling could react, Jiang Qingshi had already strode away. Wei Fengling stared blankly at his retreating figure, taking a long moment to process what had happened.
A sycophantic servant sidled up to Wei Fengling and asked, “Young master, who were you speaking to just now? Judging by his coarse clothing, it seems you’ve never had such a friend before.”
Author’s Note: