Chapter 102

Chapter 102: The County Examination Rumors spread everywhere, but were quickly suppressed again. However, after this commotion, the seamless egg now had a crack, and others understood that the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion was not as glorious as it appeared on the surface. Cui Lingrong did not go to Shouan Tang for half a month straight, and only on the fifteenth did she have to go to pay her respects. Old Madame Song harbored resentment and made Cui Lingrong wait for quite a while before letting her return. The days gradually grew warmer, and before they knew it, it was time for the county examination. The household's Xuan-ge was going to take a try at it. Song Shulan cared greatly about his son's Imperial Examination prospects. A few days in advance, he went to Qiushuang Zhai to instruct Cui Lingrong to prepare the items needed for the county examination. "Don't be nervous. This is your first time taking the county examination—whether you pass or not doesn't matter. The main thing is to get used to the examination hall. Next year is the most critical time." Song Shulan looked at his son and admonished him. Cui Lingrong also said, "The tutors all praise your coursework. Just treat it with a calm mind." Song Yu especially hoped her younger brother could earn an Official Rank. "I believe you can do it. Though you're young, you're steady and composed." Song Mingxuan himself also wanted to pass the county examination. He was among the top students among his peers—if he couldn't even pass the county examination, wouldn't he be laughed at? There was another point: his mother's relationship with his grandmother and father was strained. If he could achieve something, it would also give his mother a voice. Unfortunately, he was too young. Only Song Mingjin, who was actually a year older, was still talking about how delicious the lotus seed soup was. "So tasty! Eldest Sister, you like it too, right? Have a bowl quickly?" "You little piggy, still thinking about eating at a time like this." Song Yu laughed and tapped Jin-ge's head. "In a few more years, when it's your turn to take the examination, let's see if you're still so playful." Song Mingjin ate with his cheeks puffed full. "We'll talk about it then. There's still a long time before I take the county examination. I'm not worried, so why is Eldest Sister worried?" "I hope you can become the Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) and give me support and honor, understand?" Song Yu looked at Jin-ge, who only knew how to eat, shook her head, then turned to look at Xuan-ge. "Xuan-ge, we can only rely on you." When faced with matters, Song Mingxuan most resembled his mother—he nodded calmly. At this time, Old Madame Song also sent someone over with instructions about various matters. After all, he was the eldest legitimate grandson, so Old Madame Song still cared quite a bit. But what surprised them was that the Wutong Courtyard sent over two sets of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, as well as knee pads and such. Chen De's Wife said, "The County Mistress learned that Xuan-ge was going to take the county examination and specially had fine brush and ink prepared. She also prepared a set for Jin-ge, hoping that Jin-ge would be equally ambitious." As she spoke, she glanced at the Eldest Young Madam, then looked at the Marquis. "Marquis, the County Mistress has reflected deeply on her mistakes these past few days. She's been so haggard that she can't sleep at night. She hopes the Eldest Young Madam can set aside past grievances, and everyone can live well together from now on." Song Shulan hoped for exactly that. He turned to look at Cui Lingrong. "Since the County Mistress has lowered her posture, just have Xuan-ge bring the things the County Mistress prepared." Cui Lingrong didn't believe County Princess Rongjia would truly reconcile. Even if the County Princess Rongjia was willing, she herself wasn't now. Why should it be that just because County Princess Rongjia wanted a reconciliation, they had to reconcile? The harm Yu-jie and Zeyu had suffered—County Princess Rongjia's death wouldn't even be enough to atone for it. Cui Lingrong gave Caixia a look, then looked back at Chen De's Wife. "Since it's the County Mistress's kind intention, please thank her on my behalf. However, the examination items were prepared long ago, and it's not good to swap them out now, lest something be overlooked." When she said she would accept them, Song Shulan visibly relaxed. He had been afraid Cui Lingrong would throw Chen De's Wife out. But Chen De's Wife didn't let it go at that. "The things the County Mistress had this old servant deliver are items that can only be used in the palace. There's no need for the Eldest Young Madam to replace anything—just use them directly." She looked at Xuan-ge. "Xuan-ge, the County Mistress hopes you can pass with distinction and bring honor to the Marquis Mansion." Song Mingxuan was not old, but he had matured a great deal during this period and could hear the meaning behind Chen De's Wife's and County Princess Rongjia's words. Seeing that his mother was still pondering, Song Mingxuan stepped forward and said, "Thank the County Mistress for thinking of me. However, the luggage my mother prepared for me carries my mother's sentiments—it's not about how valuable the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone are. As for what the County Mistress prepared, I can use them in the future. Jin-ge and I will treasure them well." Song Shulan nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, since Xuan-ge says so, then we'll listen to him." Since the Marquis had spoken, Chen De's Wife couldn't press the matter further. Instead, she said, "Marquis, the County Mistress has painted a portrait of you and looks at it day and night. If you have time, please go see the County Mistress. She is devoted to you wholeheartedly." Compared to playing tricks, it was better to speak directly. After hearing Chen De's Wife's words, Song Shulan's eyes showed a hint of emotion. "Is the County Mistress truly like this?" "The Marquis will know once he goes to see her." Chen De's Wife said. Song Shulan instinctively glanced at Cui Lingrong. Seeing that Cui Lingrong had no expression, he coughed twice to clear his throat, trying to hide his awkwardness. Chen De's Wife added, "Eldest Young Madam, you wouldn't mind the Marquis going to see the County Mistress, would you?" "The legs are on the Marquis's body. Does it matter whether I say yes or no?" Cui Lingrong smiled indifferently. "If the Marquis wants to go, he can go. Just ask the Marquis." Song Shulan found himself in an awkward position with no way out, so he had to say, "Go tell the County Mistress that once her house arrest is over, I will go see her. Tell her to take good care of her health—life must go on." In the end, he stayed. Cui Lingrong did not go to see Song Shulan. Instead, she continued to give Xuan-ge detailed instructions about entering the examination hall.