Chapter 222: Celebrating Changbai's Wedding
The spring breeze is proud of horseshoe disease, seeing Chang'an flowers in one day.

Although the palace examination, the last stage of the imperial examination, has not yet begun, the palace examination in which the emperor asks for advice in the court is just a final formality. Therefore, after the results of the Imperial Examination were announced, the future Jinshi on the yellow list had already started feasting and celebrating.

The Pingyang Marquis Mansion is naturally no exception.

the next day.

Mrs. Chen came to the house early in the morning. She did not let the young couple enjoy their sweet time in the land of love. She quickly called them to get up. After having breakfast together, she took Yang Wenyuan and Hualan into the study.

"When ordinary nobles pass the imperial examination, they also drink till dawn, let alone us!"

Mrs. Chen entered the study with a clear purpose. She immediately began to instruct Yang Wenyuan to compile a list of relatives from the Yang and Sheng families:
"Although our two families don't have many direct relatives, when it comes to the relationships within the five generations, they are all from all over the world. Wenyuan passed the exam this time, so the celebration banquet must be held at home. It would be embarrassing if any of them were missing."

The more prominent and wealthy the family is, the more they care about the show.

This is not only a reflection of the family's heritage, but also a demonstration that the family has successors. In short, it cannot be taken lightly.

Yang Wenyuan also knew the reason, but unlike Hualan who kept writing, Yang Wenyuan got stuck after just a few strokes.

"Aunt..." Yang Wenyuan looked quite embarrassed.

"how?"

Yang Wenyuan looked embarrassed:
"I remember the clansmen in Bianjing clearly, but the ones in the old Yang family house..."

Mrs. Chen: ...

She raised her bare hands and held her forehead helplessly.

"I'll do it!"

Madam Chen previously managed the Pingyang Marquis Mansion, so naturally she remembered most of it.

And you should not only invite your relatives and friends.

At the same time, people have to go to temples and Taoist temples to fulfill their vows, and also to set up porridge stalls outside the city. In short, they do everything to celebrate.

Jiying Lane.

Sheng family.

Different people, same idea.

Early in the morning.

Wang Ruofu also woke up feeling refreshed.

After happily washing and dressing up, Wang Ruofu received a message from Hualan that was brought by her maid Caizhan.

It was said that the Pingyang Marquis' Mansion was going to hold a Jinshi banquet for Yang Wenyuan in a few days. Hualan was unsure and wanted to ask her mother Wang Ruofu to go over and help discuss it.

Wang Ruofu naturally didn't want to refuse.

I was thinking happily:

"When the Yang family holds a family banquet, I, as the mother-in-law, will be able to have a good time!"

At the same time, Wang Ruofu also had some ideas.

They both passed the imperial examination and the Yang family is a well-off family with great wealth and power, so they want to have a grand celebration. They don't seek for extravagance, but can they just invite some relatives to celebrate?
It just so happened that my nephew Wang Ye was about to take the military examination, so inviting my uncle and his family to Bian Jing was killing two birds with one stone.

Wang Ruofu immediately began to make arrangements to hold a Jinshi banquet at home to celebrate Changbai's success.

At the same time, in order to live up to the identity of her mother, a Jinshi and a "cultured person", Wang Ruofu also picked up the pen and wrote a letter to her uncle's family.

"Madam, why are you writing so early in the morning?"

Sheng Hong rarely saw Wang Ruofu writing a letter over the years, so out of curiosity he looked up.

"..."

Sheng Hong can be considered a master of calligraphy in the Great Zhou. Looking at the crisscrossing lines that came into view, even though he was mentally prepared, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but twitch a few times.

Do not look at anything inappropriate, Confucius will never deceive me!
"It's the Jinshi Banquet!"

Wang Ruofu wrote this letter to her uncle's family, so she didn't feel shy. She said as she wrote:
"Changbai passed the imperial examination, and so did his son-in-law. The family must have invited relatives and friends to come to the house to celebrate."

Sheng Hong also thought it made sense.

This son and his half-son, the son-in-law, passed the imperial examination and became Jinshi, so it was definitely time to celebrate.

"That's right, then go discuss it with mother. Now that we are in Bianjing, the rules and etiquette may be a little different from other places. Mother knows more than us."

Shou'an Hall.

Old Madam Sheng held the incense tray in her hand and fiddled with the ashes with the vessel, while Minglan watched from the side.

Soon, Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong arrived.

He first boasted about Changbai High School.

Then, Mrs. Sheng looked out the window and said with a smile:
"What has the lady been busy doing this morning? Is she sweeping the house again? Is there a guest coming?"

"Mother, isn't it?"

Wang Ruofu was delighted, pointing at the maid who was busy outside and said happily:

"Among the students in the academy, Changbai and his son-in-law are the only ones who have passed the high school entrance exam. So we must celebrate. I started writing letters early this morning and plan to hold a banquet to celebrate."

When he said the word "write a letter", the corners of Sheng Hong's mouth twitched involuntarily.

Even Minglan looked at him in surprise.

Madam, write a letter?
"That noise outside is me telling them to set off firecrackers!"

Happy events naturally involve the blast of firecrackers and a lot of noise, and Wang Ruofu understands this very well.

When Mrs. Sheng heard this, her originally happy expression disappeared.

"You are making such a big fuss, are you trying to let everyone in Bianjing know that the son of the Sheng family has passed the imperial examination?"

"what?"

When Old Lady Sheng said this, the joy on Sheng Hong's face froze immediately.

He could tell that Old Lady Sheng's tone was not good and that she seemed unhappy, but Sheng Hong didn't quite understand what his mother meant.

Isn't it natural to celebrate if you win?

Wang Ruofu was confused and asked in a low voice:

"But mother, once the yellow list was posted, the news that Changbai had passed the imperial examination must have spread all over Bianjing, right?"

“It’s one thing to do something, and it’s another to do it based on the results.”

Old Madam Sheng shook her head and explained:
"Several children of noble families are studying in my house. The young master of Duke Qi's Mansion did not pass the exam, and Gu Erlang of the Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion did not pass the exam either. Only Changbai and my son-in-law passed the exam..."

When Wang Ruofu heard this, she thought that Old Lady Sheng was disgusted with her for making too much noise, so she quickly added:
"Mother, I just want to have some fun at home. Hua'er sent someone to tell me this morning that the Yang family's pomp and circumstance is probably much bigger than mine."

Wang Ruofu thought that Mrs. Sheng thought she was making too much noise, so she quickly started talking to the Yang family.

Sheng Hong remained silent, as he tasted something from it.

"It's because our child won the lottery and other people's children didn't. I'm afraid we must be a little unhappy."

Old Madam Sheng glanced at Wang Ruofu unhappily:
"The Yang family is the Marquis of Pingyang Mansion. They have the Commander of Yangdu and the title of Marquis. What do my family have? No one dared to say anything when the Yang family celebrated it with great fanfare. But our family celebrated it with such great fanfare. Could it be a slap in the face of the Duke of Qi Mansion and the Marquis of Ningyuan Mansion?"

After being reminded by Old Lady Sheng, Sheng Hong immediately came to his senses. He felt that he had lost his mind and quickly gave orders outside:

"Hurry, go and call back those who went out to buy things, and clear out the firecrackers, porridge stands, and other things."

Wang Ruofu thought of the Yang family's pomp and circumstance, and then associated it with herself, and suddenly she felt a little bit frustrated: "Living in Bianjing is so depressing. My family is not a high-ranking family, and we dare not even entertain the successful Jinshi."

Seeing Wang Ruofu's loss of interest, Minglan said:

"Madam, you don't have to spoil the fun. It's just the same if we celebrate together behind closed doors. Besides, my second brother passed the imperial examination and I have prepared a gift for him."

Sheng Hong nodded immediately and said:
"Ming'er is still sensible."

Minglan never dared to take all the credit, so she immediately pushed Rulan out as well:
"Fifth sister also prepared it in advance. It's more elaborate and expensive than mine."

"Ah?" Rulan was surprised.

Am I ready?
I do not know how?
At this time Minglan whispered in her ear:
"Fifth sister, I've prepared it for you, and I'll also help with brother-in-law's portion..."

"That's not necessary..."

Rulan looked at Minglan embarrassedly and whispered:
"I've prepared my brother-in-law's, too."

Changbai: ? ?

Minglan:? ?!
Since he passed the imperial examination, he would soon become an official and the head of the family. Wang Ruofu had been worrying about Changbai's marriage for a long time, but it was only in order to find a good in-law for him in the future that she had delayed it until now.

So since the celebration failed, Wang Ruofu turned to say:

"Changbai has passed the imperial examination and is now of age. It is time to find him a marriage partner."

"This matter cannot be rushed."

Sheng Hong attached great importance to his own precious tree, Changbai, the future inheritor, and immediately said to Wang Ruofu:

"Why do you think I was so adamant about not allowing you to do so before? Think about it, I have no hope of entering the Central Government in this lifetime. At best, I can become a Silver and Green Guanglu Doctor in the future, and retire as a third-rank official. That would be very respectable. If Bai'er doesn't have the support of the Yue family, how far can he go?"

Sheng Hong has been working in the officialdom for his entire life, and he knows best that without someone's support, one's career path will be very difficult.

Although he was not very happy with Wang Ruofu in the past few years and was somewhat unhappy with the attitude of the Wang family, Sheng Hong also knew in his heart that the Wang family's background also played a big role in his current position.

After all, many things cannot be accomplished just by having strong abilities, especially in the officialdom.

Therefore, Sheng Hong understood even more clearly the truth that "if your own family fails, you have to rely on the Yue family."

Old Madam Sheng also explained:
"Madam, don't blame him for holding Bai'er back from marriage. That's what I did to him in the first place."

Old Madam Sheng naturally knew how to deal with Wang Ruofu.

My wife is a soft-hearted person. She can calm down after hearing nice words. She smiled and said:

"He passed the imperial examination and was listed on the Huangbang list. That's why I have the nerve to propose marriage to your Wang family."

Hearing Old Lady Sheng secretly praising her identity as the daughter of the Wang family, which she was most proud of before, Wang Ruofu couldn't help but reveal a proud smile on her face. She turned her head and glanced at Sheng Hong lightly:
"Mother is right. Our Wang family also has some advantages."

"But mother, I really think there is a good candidate..." Wang Ruofu couldn't help it and continued to speak.

Sheng Hong frowned immediately.

He mistakenly thought that Wang Ruofu was going to mention her niece from her mother's side, Aunt Kang's daughter.

"I haven't contacted her sister for almost half a year. I didn't expect that we still have such a strong sisterly bond."

Sheng Hong immediately said:

"Madam, Bai'er passed the imperial examination at a young age, is very talented, and has a sister who is the madam of a powerful marquisate."

Sheng Hong said in a gentle tone:
"We should discuss this matter slowly. There is no need to rush."

If it were any other time, Old Lady Sheng would have thought that Wang Ruofu was going to mention her niece from her natal family, but now she knew that Wang Ruofu and Wang Ruoyu had an irreconcilable rift, and it was not enough to hate each other, so there was no way the two families would want a marriage.

Therefore, he did not refute Sheng Hong's words at the moment, but asked with interest:
"Oh? Madam has been going to Madam Wu's polo club quite often recently. Could it be that she has taken a fancy to a girl?"

"Mother……"

Sheng Hong thought that Old Lady Sheng was confused, and was about to speak, but Old Lady Sheng raised her hand to stop him:
"Let the lady talk. We have to think about it."

Sheng Hong had no choice but to let Wang Ruofu speak.

"I just hope it's not the Kang family's daughter."

If it were twenty years ago, Sheng Hong would definitely agree to the marriage with the Kang family. But now the Kang family is on the verge of decline, and Sheng Hong naturally does not want the Yue family to become a shackle on Changbai's career.

Now it was Wang Ruofu's turn to be speechless.

"It's just...it's..."

Seeing that everyone present was looking at her eagerly, Wang Ruofu was somewhat speechless. After all...

"You little ones, get out first!"

Wang Ruofu felt that her behavior of wanting to eat grass near her own burrow should not be heard by the younger generation, otherwise if it failed, she would be embarrassed just thinking about it.

"What? Mother, why are you still keeping me in suspense at this time..." Rulan pouted, looking somewhat unhappy.

Rulan was kicked out of the venue halfway through eating the melon, and she felt as if her heart was itching as if it were being scratched by a cat.

Minglan bowed and saluted:

"Yes, madam."

After saying that, he pulled the reluctant Rulan away.

"Tell me, which girl is she?" As Wang Ruofu hesitated, Sheng Hong guessed that she might not be the daughter of the Kang family, otherwise Wang Ruofu would not have acted like that.

Could it be that they really met at the polo match?

Sheng Hong was also a little curious now.

Wang Ruofu waited until Rulan and Minglan had completely left the house before she quietly leaned over and whispered:
"How is Yang's daughter?"

"Yang family?"

Sheng Hong didn't react for a moment and asked back:

"Which Yang family? The one belonging to the Minister of Revenue?"

Sheng Hong was immediately surprised, with a look of disbelief in his eyes:

"Madam, when did you get to know the eldest lady of Minister Yang's family?"

Madam, you are suddenly so awesome that it really makes me feel a little strange!

Wang Ruofu gave Sheng Hong a displeased look:
"Minister of the Ministry of Revenue? How would I know the wife of a Minister of the Ministry of Revenue?"

"Who is that?" Sheng Hong's face was full of question marks.

Old Madam Sheng seemed to be thinking about something.

"Wenyuan's cousin, Yang Rujin!"

At this point, Wang Ruofu clenched her fists, her face full of joy:

"She is the daughter of Commander Yangdu and is of noble birth. She is no worse than the daughter of the Minister, right?"

"Ah?" Sheng Hong was stunned for a moment.

Yang Rujin?
Sheng Hong had met this girl several times, but because of the relationship between Yang Wenyuan and Hualan, and because Yang Rujin's daughter often played with Rulan and Minglan, Sheng Hong never thought of Changbai's marriage through her.

But now Wang Ruofu's words have awakened him from his dream. Sheng Hong reacted and began to ponder over what Wang Ruofu said, considering the pros and cons behind it.

(End of this chapter)