Chapter 202: In front of the Imperial Examination Hall
Wang Ruofu got the news from Old Lady Sheng, and the next day she invited Hualan to go burn incense outside the city, and told Hualan in person that Old Lady He was going to Beijing.

Hualan naturally couldn't help but be delighted.

I hurriedly asked what the specific date was.

"It's only arriving at the end of this month. I'm just telling you in advance so you can be prepared."

Only then did Hua Lan agree.

However, on that day, in addition to worshipping the gods related to the scientific expedition, Hua Lan also went to the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva to draw a fortune.

"Good luck!"

……

Bianjing City.

Southeast orientation.

Today is the day when the imperial examination ends.

Therefore, although the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall was still closed, there were many people gathered outside, more than on the day of the exam.

In addition to the candidates' family members who came to pick them up, there were many more unrelated people who came to watch the fun. At the outermost edge, there were even horse-drawn carriages sent by various restaurants to pick up and drop off the candidates.

The restaurant owners treated those candidates who took part in the imperial examination as if they were gold, hoping that they could pass the examination so that they could make their restaurant famous.

If they meet some students with good grades, they will not charge any money, and will provide free food and accommodation. They will also rush to their own restaurant, which can be considered the initial version of the sponsor.

Now that the exams are about to end, each restaurant has sent a horse-drawn carriage to pick up the students staying in their restaurants to have a celebratory drink and to express their friendship.

However, the carriages of these restaurants were for merchants after all, and were not of high rank, so they only dared to wait outside and sent a servant to greet people in front.

At the front of the crowd.

The most eye-catching ones are the officials who came to pick people up.

They were in a position facing the Imperial Examination Hall, surrounded by a loose circle formed by followers from each family.

In terms of the status and position of the officials present, the Duke of Qi and his wife and Yang Yuqing and his wife were the most prominent.

One is the Duke of Qi.

Although he did not have much power, his wife was favored by the government, so he was in a very prominent position in public.

One is the commander of the West Wing.

As a direct descendant of a noble family, he also holds real power in the imperial guards. It can be said that he has both reputation and wealth.

In the eyes of the officials and their families around him, he was more glorious than the Duke of Qi and his wife.

Duke Qi and Princess Pingning were concerned about Qi Heng and were the first to arrive.

We arrived before daybreak.

He was the most prominent person present at that time.

Princess Pingning also enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention, and it could be said that she did not care what these "ants" thought.

Get off the carriage.

He asked the female official accompanying him to bring a rosewood chair and sat down calmly.

As for the Duke of Qi?
His legs weren't sore, and he didn't bring his chair, so he just stood aside comfortably.

Not long after.

Yang Yuqing and his wife also arrived one after another.

Princess Pingning then realized that her behavior was inappropriate. She immediately asked the female official to remove the chair, and then stood up to talk to Yang Yuqing and his wife.

In the eyes of Princess Pingning, the Yang family, like her own family, is a family close to the government.

In addition, they were both born into noble families, had extraordinary bloodlines, and the two families had similar power and status, so Princess Pingning recognized that Yang Yuqing and his wife were on the same level as herself, and was therefore willing to put on a smile and chat with them.

Yang Yuqing and Mrs. Chen are also very presentable.

Immediately, the two families began to talk enthusiastically.

But it was mostly Princess Pingning who spoke, and Duke Qi seemed more like a mere echoer.

Then the Sheng family arrived.

A large family with several carriages.

Just like the day when they sent their children to take the exam, everyone in the Sheng family was there except Old Madam Sheng and Miss Wei.

The officials' entourage could recognize the carriages.

So even though the Sheng family's several carriages seemed a bit of a fuss, they still successfully entered the small circle of officials and their families.

Sheng Hong was the first to get off the carriage.

However, as soon as he raised his head, he happened to meet Yang Yuqing and his wife and Duke Qi and his wife who were looking over here.

They were just chatting, and now that there was suddenly such a big commotion at the Sheng family, they naturally noticed it.

The look in Bamu's eyes, which was full of surprise, made Sheng Hong feel weak in the knees.

However, he had not spent all these years in officialdom for nothing. He took a deep breath and came back to his senses.

After Wang Ruofu came down, they all smiled towards that direction.

Then Sheng Hong seemed to remember something, lowered his head and instructed Wang Ruofu:
"There are many people outside, and Shuang'er can't show up in public. Just tell her to stay in the carriage."

At this moment, Sheng Hong suddenly remembered that both Yang Yuqing and Duke Qi had no concubines.

He was just a fifth-rank official, but he displayed his concubines in front of others, which was very suspicious of showing off...

It would be bad if it caused resentment.

Not to mention the two ladies.

They both must be dissatisfied with the concubines.

As the saying goes, only women and villains are difficult to raise.

Sheng Hong didn't think that the wives of officials were inferior to their masters.

In fact, most of the time, the wives of officials are more lethal than their masters.

Because many things are difficult for the master to do, but when they fall into the hands of the official's wife, it seems reasonable.

For the sake of his own career, Sheng Hong, with a prudent mindset, decided to let Lin Qinshuang not get off the carriage.

Anyway, it was to pick up the children, so it made no difference whether they got off the carriage or not.

Besides, you can sit in the carriage, which is more comfortable.

right?

Wang Ruofu looked delighted and immediately turned around and asked Mother Liu to give the instructions.

Unfortunately, Yang Yuqing and his wife were walking towards this side, as if they were going to talk. Otherwise, Wang Ruofu would have wanted to go and talk to them in person to see Lin Qinshuang's embarrassed look.

Apart from the love between parents and children, nothing could make Wang Ruofu happier than seeing Lin Qinshuang suffer a setback.

The time of waiting.

Hualan also got off the Sheng family's carriage.

She slept in the Marquis of Pingyang's mansion last night, but after the lights were turned off, Wang Ruofu sent a female messenger to deliver a message.

He said that she should go to the Buddhist temple outside the city to burn incense early in the morning.

In Wang Ruofu's words, it means "sharpening your sword before the battle, even if it's not quick" and "cramming at the last minute."

Hua Lan had originally planned to wait in front of the Imperial Examination Hall with Yang Yuqing and his wife this morning, but she felt that she had been there enough times in the past few days, so she was unwilling to go.

But Wang Ruofu felt it was not enough.

Now is the time for her to use all the gods and Buddhas.

In order to make the gods appear, she wanted to burn back all the incense she had dropped at once, so that the gods would believe in her piety and bless Changbai High School.

If there was no Hualan as a partner to burn incense, Wang Ruofu would not have bothered to go, but now that she was there, Wang Ruofu immediately suppressed his laziness and went very diligently.

Not only does he worship outside, he is also very diligent at home.

Now Hualan wants to be lazy?
Wang Ruofu naturally disagreed!

In the end, Hualan could not overcome Wang Ruofu's determination. She sent someone to write a letter to Yang Yuqing and his wife early in the morning, explaining the reason. Then she went to Sheng's house and went outside the city with Wang Ruofu to burn incense and pray for blessings.

Because they had to "cram for exams", Wang Ruofu took Hualan to Buddhist temples this morning instead of the Taoist temple.

Hualan was a little puzzled. If that was the case, wouldn't it be better to go to the Taoist temple to worship the Emperor?
After all, cramming at the last minute is not a good thing. However, Wang Ruofu suppressed him with one word and followed him to the Buddhist temple.

Seeing the Sheng family coming, Hua Lan also got off the carriage. Yang Yuqing and his wife were not proud of their status and immediately walked forward to greet them.

Princess Pingning saw this. Although she didn't want to bother with a poor family like the Sheng family, since Yang Yuqing and his wife had gone, and their son Qi Heng was also studying at the Sheng family, she couldn't pretend not to see it. She could only force a smile and followed them.

Yang Yuqing and his wife came closer and greeted Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu. Hua Lan took a few steps forward, came to the side of Madam Chen, gently took her hand, and slowly talked about burning incense in the morning.

Seeing that Hualan did not continue to stay with Sheng's parents, but instead stood beside her, Mrs. Chen nodded calmly.

"This is the eldest lady of the Yang family. How can she stand behind her parents like before?"

Mrs. Chen didn't listen carefully to Hualan's words, but her face showed more and more satisfaction, and her original dissatisfaction with Hualan's frequent return to the Sheng family with Yang Wenyuan was gone.

Knowing that Hualan had been busy praying and burning incense for Yang Wenyuan these days, Mrs. Chen felt even more relieved.

"She is still a child and has just gotten married, so it is understandable that she misses her parents' home."

After all, the Sheng family is his nephew's in-laws' family, and Hua Lan is there in person, so Yang Yuqing and his wife are very respectful to them. They are not bossy or overbearing at all, but are friendly and treat each other as equals.

At this time, Princess Pingning and Duke Qi also arrived.

The Duke of Qi was just like Yang Yuqing and his wife, not arrogant and speaking in a calm tone.

But Princess Pingning is different.

She was not so kind to the Sheng family, especially when she knew that there was a "little fox" in the Sheng family who was seducing her own Qi Heng.

Now that the imperial examination is over, I no longer have to be restricted.

Thinking of this, Princess Pingning half raised her head while speaking, as if it was your honor to talk to her.

He also glanced vaguely at Minglan who was shrinking her head.

"He looks good, no wonder Heng'er was deceived."

Princess Pingning spoke rudely, and Duke Qi could only smile awkwardly at Yang Yuqing and his wife, and Hualan.

After all, the Sheng family is now protected by the Yang family, so no one can say anything about it in private. However, it is indeed inappropriate to do so in front of Yang Yuqing and his wife and Hua Lan.

The Duke of Qi immediately pulled Princess Pingning back to their previous position.

Yang Yuqing and his wife also said hello and returned with Hualan, who was holding Madam Chen's arm.

"Madam, why were you so rude just now?" After returning to his original seat, the Duke of Qi immediately asked Princess Pingning.

"How is this rude?"

Princess Pingning did not repent at all and asked:

"You don't even know that your own son is about to be seduced away by his daughter, and you still have the nerve to speak."

"Wha...what?"

Duke Qi showed a look of surprise:
"Madam, are you saying that Heng'er has taken a fancy to his daughter?"

"Yes, it's the girl who was hiding at the back just now, the sixth girl of the Sheng family."

Princess Pingning said this with some resentment:

"When I first went to the Sheng family, I saw that the sixth girl was timid and reserved, not daring to take the lead, so I thought she was the one I didn't have to worry about the least. Who would have thought she was also a brainless, vulgar woman who only knew how to cling to others.

Seeing her elder sister become successful, she also wants to climb up the social ladder. She really thinks she has the destiny!"

At this time, Duke Qi also remembered Minglan's appearance.

I thought she was hiding behind because she was afraid of strangers and was shy, but after hearing what Princess Pingning said, I immediately thought that Minglan was "stealing things and was afraid of meeting the owner of the house"!
"But if Heng'er really likes her, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take her in as a concubine." Duke Qi thought to himself.

However, seeing his wife's angry look, Duke Qi still understood who was the boss in the family, and immediately swallowed his words.

Here at the Sheng family.

Seeing that the Qi and Yang families had left, the other officials and their families nearby immediately gathered around.

They all knew the Duke of Qi and his wife and Yang Yuqing and his wife, so they were very surprised that Sheng Hong, a little-known figure, could be greeted personally by these two big men.

Just now, they knew that their family background and official positions were too low to be worthy of those two families, so they did not approach them without any courtesy.

But Sheng Hong and his team can still get it.

So now, out of curiosity, he immediately went up to him and started chatting and making friends.

Although he seemed to be taking advantage of the power of another, Sheng Hong was still very happy about the connection that came to his doorstep. They immediately recognized each other and made an appointment to have a drink together in the future.

Watching my father leave.

Rulan then came to her mother Wang Ruofu and whispered softly:

"No wonder my sister lives such a comfortable life and can come home every few days. Look at the uncle and aunt of the Yang family. It would be strange if they don't live a good life!"

Minglan and Molan behind him nodded in agreement.

They know best how comfortable their eldest sister lives.

It is said that a woman’s marriage is her second reincarnation, so the eldest sister’s reincarnation this time was undoubtedly into the “royal family”.

Life is much more comfortable than when she was waiting to get married.

When she was at home, she was still controlled by her father and mother, but once she married into the Yang family, she immediately became a noble lady, with only powerful, amiable aunts and uncles above her.

It's really eye-catching!
After hearing Rulan's words, Wang Ruofu turned around immediately:
"If you envy your sister, then you should work harder and ask your sister and brother-in-law to help you find someone, and then you will be able to live a comfortable life."

Hearing that she had to work hard to make progress, Wang Rulan pouted and her beautiful eyebrows were tightly knitted.

Asking her to be diligent and progressive is more painful than anything else.

"I don't have as good a life as my sister."

When she said this, Rulan turned her head and glanced at Molan, causing Molan's carefully dressed face to reveal a hint of doubt:
"A person's fate is determined at birth. Noble is noble, lowly is lowly. No matter how much you fantasize, it's useless."

Molan: ...Why do I feel like what you said has a hidden meaning?

If we weren't outside and Wang Ruofu was here, I would definitely have a good argument with you!
"My daughter doesn't expect to marry into a wealthy family. I just hope to have a husband like my brother-in-law and elders like my uncle and aunt in the Yang family, and live a happy life. That would be the best!"

"You have no ambition to make progress!" Wang Ruofu glared at Rulan with disappointment.

If someone else had such good conditions, they would have started to be picky and choose the ideal husband from a good family background.

But the little one in my family doesn't think about anything, not even the future marriage plan, as long as he lives comfortably.

In stark contrast to Wang Ruofu's anger at her lack of fighting spirit, Rulan's face was full of sincerity.

Wang Ruofu had nothing to say about this.

He turned around and took two steps forward.

It is pure to not listen!!
Her mother walked forward, but Rulan hadn't finished her words. She turned around and looked at Minglan and Molan, but after a quick glance, her gaze fixed on Molan's face.

"If you insist on marrying into a wealthy family, it's wishful thinking. Even if you finally marry into one, if you meet an elder like the princess, I'm afraid you will have endless 'blessings' in the future."

"Fourth sister, do you think I'm right?"

Jump in the face!

"..."

Even though her face was made up, Minglan could still vaguely see that her fourth sister's face seemed a little gloomy.

Molan: She is still talking and still pointing at me!

Everyone present knew that Molan was spying on Qi Heng, so it was not an exaggeration to say that Rulan's words were just stepping on Molan's pain points, and even jumping on her from time to time.

It can be said to be a murder and a heart-breaking crime!
Molan had a bad expression on her face, but Minglan wasn't much better.

After all, Rulan was telling the truth.

Even if she successfully married into the Duke of Qi's Mansion, with Princess Pingning around, as soon as she stepped into the Mansion, she would be filled with misery.

Wang Ruofu was nearby, and Molan couldn't get angry. She could only glare at Ruolan fiercely and sulk with her head down.

Seeing that Molan didn't dare to retort, Rulan smiled so hard that her teeth were almost showing.

As he said this, he wanted Minglan to criticize him as well:

"Sixth sister, tell me, am I right?"

Minglan felt bitter in her heart, but still nodded stiffly.

At this moment, a creaking sound came from not far away.

"It's open! The gate to the Imperial Examination Hall is open!"

(End of this chapter)