novelraw Chapter 155
Chapter 155
Ye Jiao didn't quite understand what "for emergencies" meant, but she still helped Qi Yun prepare.
Doctor Li, who had always followed them, hadn't come to the Capital. He was originally from the Qi family's medicine shop and was a famous divine physician in the local area, so it wouldn't be appropriate to bring him to the Capital.
But after arriving in the Capital, the Qi family had requested doctors from Crane Longevity Hall, the best medical clinic in the city. Now Ye Jiao had someone go request them again, paying sufficient consultation fees for a doctor to accompany Qi Yun.
But Second Young Master Qi wasn't in a hurry. He just held Ye Jiao's hand as they strolled through the garden, accompanying her to watch the servants plant medicinal flowers. He was quite leisurely, not anxious at all.
Qi Ming didn't know his second brother had already left, nor did he have the mind to think about things outside the palace.
Because the palace examination required being in the same room directly with the emperor, the inspection was even stricter than before.
After completing the inspection, Qi Ming obediently stood back in line and followed the leading official step by step through the palace gates.
If Qi Ming hadn't been nervous before entering, his heart jumped to his throat after walking through the palace gates.
This was the imperial palace, the inner court, a place ordinary people could never enter in their entire lives.
Although Qi Ming was now a Metropolitan Graduate, he was actually just a young man from a small place. Previously, he had only heard about the imperial palace from storybooks and storytellers. Now that he was truly walking inside, it was something he had never dared imagine before.
Qi Ming just looked up twice and felt his heart pounding, his ears buzzing.
Before entering the hall, the leading official announced loudly, "All Metropolitan Graduates, during roll call, paper distribution, ceremonial bowing, and formal greetings, you must not raise your heads to look directly at the imperial countenance, must not whisper to each other, and must not leave your seats. Violators will be sent back to their home provinces, stripped of their scholarly achievements, and never employed again!"
These words were spoken with particular severity, and combined with the official's booming voice and the surrounding red walls and green tiles, it was quite oppressive.
Third Master Qi responded along with everyone around him. Originally he had wanted to look left and right, but with these words hanging over him, Qi Ming had no mind to observe others.
After being led to his seat, Qi Ming only dared to quickly glance around with his peripheral vision.
The golden throne above was still empty, with a side table placed there, but Qi Ming couldn't see what was on it clearly. Because Third Master Qi's metropolitan examination ranking was toward the back, his seat for the palace examination was also toward the back. The hall doors were wide open, with sunlight streaming directly in, falling right on Qi Ming's back.
It was warm and comforting, giving his heart some solace.
In the previous dynasty, the palace examination required sitting on the ground in a courtyard, having to lie down to write. By this dynasty, the emperor's benevolence allowed them to enter the hall to take the exam, with tables and chairs, which was also a gracious favor.
After several whip cracks, someone announced the emperor's arrival.
Qi Ming became nervous again, standing with everyone to perform the grand ceremony. Listening to the chief eunuch loudly reciting rules and regulations, Third Master Qi didn't absorb any of it into his mind.
Keeping his head down, he could only take a deep breath and tell himself to concentrate and calm down, not to be nervous, not to be nervous.
When the papers were distributed and it was time to write his name and native place, Qi Ming almost wrote his name as Qi Nervous...
But after slightly steadying himself and calming down, Qi Ming looked at the essay question and couldn't help but freeze.
The current court was completely peaceful. Previously many people had been guessing what would be tested, mostly thinking it would examine commercial trade or people's hardships, or perhaps something flowery, since it was a peaceful and prosperous time when anything could be written about.
Moreover, according to previous patterns, palace examinations often asked about the Four Books and Five Classics, or even poetry and verse. As long as the essay was beautifully written, one could naturally be selected.
The previous several examinations had been like this, with flowery rhetoric ranking higher and plain language often facing more difficulties.
Who would have known that this time the new emperor was asking about methods for healing the nation.
When this question appeared, the entire hall fell silent.
Qi Ming clearly understood what they were hesitating about. The current court appeared harmonious inside and out, seeming stable and steady, but actually had many problems hidden beneath countless amounts of silver. No one dared mention them.
And these things, even if Qi Ming hadn't known about them before, he had learned quite a bit after meeting Chu Chengyun.
Now asking about methods for healing the nation meant the emperor thought the country had chronic ailments that needed treatment.
But who would really dare to directly say the country was sick and needed treatment?
You had to know, this question was posed by the emperor himself, and when answering, one naturally had to guess the imperial mind.
If one said the wrong thing and went against the emperor's will, they might lose their head before even failing to become a Presented Scholar.
Chu Chengyun, sitting above, looked calmly at these 300 examinees without saying a word.
Today's question was deliberately chosen by him, and also to test exactly how much real talent and learning these people actually had.
Flowery prose was an essay, but pointing out current problems was also an essay.
Although Chu Chengyun was kind-natured and magnanimous, he had never been a waste hiding in a golden house. He had fought for the throne to give the court a future, and now that he had secured his position, he naturally wanted to advance further.
These Metropolitan Graduates were his first batch since ascending the throne. Whether they could be used or not depended on how they answered today's essay.
However, Chu Chengyun still took time to look below, using his eyes to search for where his worthy brother was.
But Qi Ming was sitting too far away, and everyone was keeping their heads down writing essays, not daring to look around or even breathe loudly. So looking over, he could only see black-haired heads, completely indistinguishable.
Chu Chengyun tapped his fingertips on the table surface, involuntarily thinking of after the metropolitan examination results came out, when he had specifically requested the test papers and pulled out Qi Ming's essay to read.
Speaking honestly, Qi Ming's essay composition ability and word choice and sentence construction were no weaker than anyone else's, even stronger in some ways. Otherwise he wouldn't have achieved Minor Triple First. But in the metropolitan examination, he was forcibly ranked outside the 200s.
Strictly speaking, it could only be said their philosophies didn't align.
Chu Chengyun took a breath and sat up straighter, his expression somewhat stern.
Now his imperial throne was secure, but he hadn't been able to completely grasp power. Prime Minister Meng stood on his side, true, but besides Prime Minister Meng, there were imperial relatives, in-laws, and many veteran ministers, each with their own calculations and thoughts.
The chief examiner for this metropolitan examination was a veteran minister, and the papers he selected for top rankings were mostly about maintaining the status quo. Those like Qi Ming who dared to think and act were either eliminated completely or placed last.
It seemed like just a ranking issue, but actually involved the struggle between new and old.
Chu Chengyun wanted to accomplish something, so the court inevitably needed new blood.
But where this fresh blood would come from depended on these people's abilities.
It was precisely for this reason that Chu Chengyun had posed such a sharp palace examination question, wanting to see exactly how many of these 300 people could be used by him.
Standing up, Chu Chengyun waved his hand, not letting the chief eunuch nearby assist him. Instead, he walked down the steps himself with his hands behind his back, slowly walking around while observing the Metropolitan Graduates writing their essays.
But he didn't get too close, afraid of affecting these people's performance. After all, they were all pillars of the nation, and it would be a loss if any were truly frightened unconscious or sick.
Initially, Chu Chengyun had high expectations, but the further he walked, the heavier his heart became.
In the end, he even wanted to leave in a huff.
"Your Majesty." Chief Eunuch Xu Shou saw through Chu Chengyun's thoughts and quietly reminded him.
Chu Chengyun glanced at him, knowing his loyalty, and said nothing, continuing to walk forward.
Even though his heart grew angrier with each look, Chu Chengyun showed nothing on his face.
He knew there were sons of officials among these people, and he also knew that after candidates came to the Capital, they would be divided up by the Capital's official factions. Chu Chengyun wasn't unreasonable, on the contrary, he was quite magnanimous and didn't prevent these newcomers to officialdom from finding backing for themselves.
After all, truly pure ministers were rare. To survive well in court, one always had to work hard behind the scenes.
Chu Chengyun understood this clearly but never interfered. After all, he didn't need everyone to obey him completely. As long as the court was stable and problems could be resolved, he wouldn't worry too much about who they had attached themselves to.
But Chu Chengyun disliked incompetence.
Looking around this circle, besides singing praises, there was only superficial treatment. They were clearly a group of Metropolitan Graduates who hadn't yet properly held office, yet their skill at flattery and bootlicking was even more sophisticated than seasoned court veterans.
But Chu Chengyun walked very slowly, making no sound at all, appearing as usual.
Until he finally saw Qi Ming, Chu Chengyun made no sound.
Similarly, Qi Ming didn't look up at him.
Third Master Qi wrote very concentratedly. In the palace examination, no changes could be made, so every character had to be written carefully. At first he was still polishing his rhetoric, but later he completely stopped caring about such things, just writing out everything he was thinking, holding nothing back.
Chu Chengyun just glanced once and his lips curved upward.
What Qi Ming would write, he knew very well, because during their casual conversations, Qi Ming had already told him these things countless times.
What truly satisfied Chu Chengyun was that Qi Ming dared to write it, and that was enough.
His worthy brother's recognition hadn't been in vain.
Qi Ming didn't notice at all that an emperor had come and gone. He just focused on writing his essay, his brush flying.
Originally his writing speed wasn't this fast, but thanks to Second Young Master Qi punishing him with writing practice every few days, he had not only developed excellent calligraphy but also remarkable writing speed. After finishing his draft, he copied it onto the official paper. Even though Qi Ming wrote slightly more than usual, he still completed it within the allotted time.
After setting down his brush, Qi Ming sat obediently, still keeping his head down. He appeared to be reviewing his paper, but since no changes could be made once written, looking was pointless. He was just openly daydreaming.
Until time was up and everyone stood to prepare to leave, Qi Ming never looked up.
After all, that official had said earlier that looking directly at the imperial countenance would result in being thrown out. Third Master Qi didn't want to take that risk, and he had no curiosity about the emperor anyway, so there was no need to steal a glance.
Chu Chengyun actually breathed a sigh of relief. His not disturbing Qi Ming earlier was because he feared disrupting his state of mind. His Majesty the Emperor had actually restrained himself from speaking the entire time. Only when everyone was preparing to leave did he say, "Someone, serve tea."
This one sentence made Qi Ming stop in his tracks.
This voice was familiar, very familiar.
If it were someone else, Qi Ming certainly wouldn't remember so clearly, but the person he most respected in life, besides Qi Yun, was his sworn brother. He would never mistake that voice.
Third Master Qi had a guess in his heart, but felt this guess was too absurd to be true.
But he still couldn't resist. When leaving the great hall, he carefully turned his head back.
He looked straight into Chu Chengyun's eyes.
The emperor clearly hadn't expected his worthy brother to actually crane his neck to look back. Thinking that Third Master had good literary talent and ability, but was just a bit too bold and would need polishing in the future, Chu Chengyun's face curved into a smile as he looked at Qi Ming and nodded slightly.
It was just a simple action, but it struck Qi Ming like lightning.
...It really was him!
Guessing was one thing, seeing was another.
In that instant, Qi Ming even felt like he was dreaming.
But no matter how bold he was, he wouldn't dare dream such a terrifying dream.
He had no idea how he turned his head back around, nor did he remember how he walked out of the palace. Until Qi Yun grabbed him, he remained dazed and confused.
He looked at Qi Yun stupidly, opened his mouth, but said nothing.
Qi Yun thought his third brother had indeed been frightened. Since other Metropolitan Graduates were already looking in their direction, Qi Yun had Tie Zi help Qi Ming into the carriage, then had a doctor check his pulse while Qi Yun handed him a cup of water, "Take a sip."
Qi Ming obediently leaned over to drink, but as soon as he swallowed, he looked at Qi Yun with his voice rising considerably, "Second Brother, he..."
Before Qi Ming could finish, Qi Yun picked up a osmanthus cake and stuffed it directly into Qi Ming's mouth.
He could understand Qi Ming's surprise. After all, Chu Chengyun had indeed treated him well. If Qi Yun was the enlightening teacher who led Qi Ming onto the path of imperial examinations, then Chu Chengyun was the benefactor who had pulled Qi Ming by the hand to where he was today.
Now, his sworn brother had transformed into the Son of Heaven. It was impossible not to panic.
He probably couldn't even remember to be happy, being scared to trembling would be the normal reaction.
But Qi Yun couldn't let Qi Ming shout about this matter, not just for Chu Chengyun's sake, but more for Qi Ming's own good.
He was just a small Metropolitan Graduate without such great fortune.
So while the doctor was checking his pulse, Qi Yun said calmly to Qi Ming, "Whatever it is, you keep it to yourself, understand?"
Qi Ming was stunned, then realized his second brother knew about it.
So he was the only one who didn't know.
Qi Yun looked at him, wanting to explain that it wasn't intentional deception. But unexpectedly, Qi Ming showed no dissatisfaction at all. Instead, he removed the osmanthus cake from his mouth and looked at Qi Yun with some admiration, "Second Brother, that you could remain so composed is truly admirable."
Qi Yun: ......
The comforting words he had originally planned were swallowed back down. He said nothing more and just picked up another osmanthus cake to stuff in Qi Ming's mouth.
After returning to the residence, Qi Ming went straight to his room, closed the door, and wouldn't even let Liu Si in.
Ye Jiao had already tidied up the garden. She had originally been waiting for them at the courtyard gate, but seeing Qi Ming's reaction, she couldn't help but worry, looking at Qi Yun questioningly, "Did Third Brother's exam not go well?"
Qi Yun took Xu Bao from Nanny Mo's hands and held him, hearing this he said slowly, "It doesn't matter, no matter how bad it is, he'll still have a scholarly title. In a few days he'll be fine. Third Brother has had things too smooth for too long, he should have his temperament tempered."
Ye Jiao blinked, "Will he still go follow Manager Qin to learn business?"
Qi Yun's lips curved upward, his voice gentle, "No need, I'm afraid I won't have many opportunities to boss him around in the future."
At this moment, Tie Zi came running over, "Second Young Master, a reply has arrived."
Qi Yun was being hugged around the neck by Xu Bao and couldn't turn his head well, just moving his eyes, "From whom?"
"Magistrate Shi. The letter was sent back by carrier pigeon, just arrived." As he spoke, Tie Zi prepared to hand over the small bamboo tube he had removed from the pigeon's leg.
Qi Yun was being clung to by Xu Bao and had no hands free. Besides, he could guess what was written inside, so he said to Tie Zi, "Take it directly to Madam Wen and say it's a letter from Madam Wen's family. No one will stop you."
Tie Zi acknowledged and ran off. Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun, "Good news or bad news?"
For anyone else, Ye Jiao certainly wouldn't ask, but Dong Shi now had a harmonious relationship with her. Out of concern, Little Ginseng would ask an extra question.
Qi Yun didn't hide it from her, bouncing Xu Bao in his arms. His steps were steady as he walked toward their courtyard with Ye Jiao, "For ordinary people it would be bad news, but for her it's certainly good news."
Ye Jiao trusted him as always, her face showing a smile. She didn't press further, just reached out to pinch Xu Bao's little chubby paw.
Xu Bao immediately abandoned Qi Yun and reached toward Ye Jiao, "Mommy hold me."
Second Young Master Qi released his grip and handed Xu Bao over, while his heart held its own calculations.
Currently, the only thing about the Wen family that could make Qi Yun cautious was the matriarch Dong Shi. How Magistrate Shi would fare in the future was unknown, but right now Shi Tianrui was still the magistrate of their hometown and could govern the Qi family. With the gentleman's agreement between them, Qi Yun certainly had to consider Shi Tianrui's legitimate younger sister.
Therefore, during these days, even though Qi Yun found the Wen family displeasing, he hadn't actually done anything.
He just kept that old potter and his employer, providing them with good food and drink while everything else remained quiet.
Now, it was the Wen family's precious concubine Sun Shi who had voluntarily handed over leverage, and Dong Shi was someone with her own ideas. Once she knew Shi Tianrui's attitude, she would certainly take action.
Qi Yun felt it would be a waste not to add fuel to the fire.
The man looked at his wife and child laughing and playing, a smile also appearing on his face.
As long as Dong Shi made up her mind, the Wen family would have nothing to fear. Once the storm passed, Qi Yun would have no more restraints. Now he just hoped Dong Shi wouldn't disappoint him.
Third Master Qi emerged from his room two days later. Although he still didn't understand why his sworn brother had suddenly become emperor, nor could he figure out why Chu Chengyun had hidden this from him, Qi Ming wasn't one to torment himself with difficult questions.
If he couldn't figure it out, so be it. Next time he saw his sworn brother, he'd just ask. Qi Ming was certain Chu Chengyun would tell him.
Since the palace examination results would be announced three days after completion, Qi Ming didn't go out before the announcement and just stayed home, reading books with Xu Bao.
Little Xu Bao had always loved his Third Uncle, and the little fellow's sweet mouth quickly coaxed Qi Ming into beaming with joy.
Until evening, Qi Ming continued holding Xu Bao and chatting. Perhaps because the results were about to be announced and his heart was uneasy, he wanted to talk more with Xu Bao to ease his mood.
Ye Jiao simply let Xu Bao sleep in Qi Ming's room for the night, with Nanny Mo nearby to help watch over them.
Ruyi and Ning Bao happened to be at the age for weaning, and these past two days it was better they didn't see Ye Jiao. Little Ginseng had Little Su take them with the women servants to sleep in the adjacent room.
The bedroom that was usually lively at night now had only the couple, making it seem quite cold and quiet.
In the room, Ye Jiao sat cross-legged on the bed, her eyes staring straight at the flickering candlelight on the bedside table, her whole body tense.
This wasn't the first time Qi Yun had seen Ye Jiao like this. When Xu Bao was weaned, Ye Jiao had been the same way, using all her strength, as if she could rush out at the slightest sound of a child crying.
It wasn't that she didn't want to wean them. It was just that children's distress was particularly heart-wrenching. Even knowing it was time for weaning, when stared at pitifully by milk babies, no one could steel their heart to ignore them.
When Xu Bao was weaned, he might have had a hard time, but Ye Jiao at that time also couldn't sleep well, tossing and turning all night, very restless.
This time, Qi Yun wasn't going to let his wife suffer again.
He also got on the bed, moved the bedside table aside, then lay down directly with his head pillowed on Ye Jiao's legs.
Little Ginseng had originally been concentrating on listening to sounds from next door. Now seeing the man lying on her legs and looking up at her, she was somewhat confused for a moment, instinctively placing her hand on his forehead. After a while she said, "Husband, are you sleepy?"
Qi Yun looked at her, "Not sleepy, let's talk."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao couldn't help but smile, "Haven't we been talking this whole time?"
"I mean, let's chat."
Ye Jiao tilted her head, seemingly not understanding the difference, but still replied softly, "Alright, what shall we chat about?"
Qi Yun wanted to divert her attention to help her relax, so he reached out and took a strand of Ye Jiao's long hair that had fallen down, winding it around his fingertip, casually asking, "Come to think of it, Jiao Niang, you've never told me your exact birth date."
Logically, birth date and time would be exchanged at marriage, and Liu Shi had agreed because the two people's horoscopes were compatible.
But Qi Yun wasn't stupid. On the contrary, Second Young Master Qi was very clever. From the time Second Brother Ye's family revealed their corrupt character, Qi Yun knew they had truly "sold" Jiao Niang just for silver.
Since it was a sale, many things didn't count, and presumably the horoscope wouldn't be accurate either.
Qi Yun hadn't mentioned this before because he was afraid Liu Shi and Father Qi might have taboos about such things. If Ye Jiao accidentally let something slip, it might cause unnecessary trouble.
Now that they had moved out, and although not formally separated from the family, they had their own property and were living independently. Naturally her birth date could be brought up for celebration.
But hearing this, Ye Jiao didn't immediately answer. Qi Yun noticed her purse her lips.
Little Ginseng clearly wasn't like Qi Yun, her memory wasn't that good.
This person could remember this body's birth date and horoscope, but Ye Jiao couldn't remember clearly. Moreover, after so much time had passed, without carefully recording these details, everything was now blurry.
Qi Yun thought she was afraid to speak because she knew the horoscopes didn't match, and quickly said, "It doesn't matter, just tell me directly. I only want to celebrate your birth day with you."
Ye Jiao's clear eyes looked at Qi Yun, saying softly, "Birth day?"
"Yes."
Ye Jiao curved her lips, her mouth opening slightly, "The eighth day of the ninth month."
Qi Yun's first reaction was that it was indeed different from the previous horoscope.
But soon he felt this date was particularly familiar. After thinking briefly, Qi Yun looked at Ye Jiao in surprise, "Jiao Niang, isn't this the day we were married?"
Ye Jiao honestly nodded, then lowered her head, nuzzling Qi Yun's nose with her nose tip, her voice warm and soft, "Yes, this is my birth day."
It was on that day she had awakened in the bridal sedan.
It was also on that day she had seen Qi Yun, who drove away Little Black and came over to take her hand for the wedding ceremony.
That was the day she became human, and thus her birth day, her birthday.
But hearing these words, Qi Yun felt both moved and heartbroken.
His wife considered marrying him as being reborn.
Qi Yun looked at Ye Jiao, asking softly, "Then, do you like this day?"
Ye Jiao couldn't help but smile, "I like it. Meeting husband is the luckiest thing since I became human."
It was just one sentence, but it was more intoxicating than any sweet words of love.
Qi Yun had forgotten what his original intention was. He reached out, gently touching Ye Jiao's chin, then the man accurately found the woman's soft lips.
After kissing twice, Ye Jiao gently grasped Qi Yun's hand, then sat up straight, muttering, "Bending down to kiss you is quite tiring."
Qi Yun sat up too, reached out to pull his Jiao Niang into his arms, and moved close to her neck, "Then I'll do the tiring work, you just lie down."
At first Ye Jiao didn't quite understand what he meant, but when the man untied her sash with one hand, she understood everything.
She quickly grabbed her collar, staring at Qi Yun, "Husband, you... we agreed to wait for news about Ning Bao and Ruyi."
Qi Yun nodded, his expression gentle, but his hands didn't stop moving.
Usually, Ye Jiao quite enjoyed doing this with him, sometimes even Jiao Niang would pull him for round after round. But today was different because Ye Jiao was worried, so she had placed the twins in the adjacent room just one wall away.
If they made any noise, both sides would probably hear it.
Little Ginseng was somewhat confused, wondering how just telling the truth had aroused this man.
But once aroused, Ye Jiao wrapped her arms around Qi Yun's neck and pulled him toward her.
Then she heard the man say in a slightly low voice, "Don't keep holding back, it's fine."
But Little Ginseng covered her own mouth, afraid of disturbing anyone, though she couldn't prevent soft, broken sounds from spilling through her fingers.
In the end, she simply bit Qi Yun's shoulder and pinched his waist with her hand.
Qi Yun wasn't angry either, but kissed his wife's cheek, his voice carrying laughter, "Jiao Niang, I already had Little Su take the two children to the room across the courtyard."
In other words, they couldn't hear anything.
Ye Jiao immediately understood that this person had been prepared from the beginning.
Though the original intention was probably to let her sleep well, now he could also take advantage.
The relieved Little Ginseng immediately released her bite, pushed Qi Yun indignantly, and instantly the two reversed positions, with Qi Yun looking in surprise at Ye Jiao who had pinned him down firmly.
In his ear, the woman's soft voice with slight panting sounded, "If Ruyi and Ning Bao make a fuss, I'm not going to check on them, you go."
Qi Yun quickly coaxed, "Alright, I'll go, I definitely won't disturb you."
"What you said still counts?"
"What?"
"You said you wouldn't tire me out."
These words were like lighting a fuse. Though it was night, it seemed like watching fireworks bloom.
The next day, when Ye Jiao woke up, the sun was already high.
Her first action was to look for Qi Yun, then she saw Qi Yun sitting at the table. Seeing her wake up, he walked over, "Awake?"
Ye Jiao hummed in response, but her eyes were looking at him.
Qi Yun didn't need Ye Jiao to say anything and very proactively lay down on the bed.
Little Ginseng put on a piece of clothing, then reached out to massage the man's waist.
It had to be said that Ye Jiao's study of medical texts was very useful, and having done this massage countless times, she had experience. After Qi Yun's busy night, having her press a bit made him feel much more comfortable, his voice carrying relaxation, "Don't worry, Jiao Niang. I just checked on Ruyi and Ning Bao. The women servants said they were very well-behaved last night, no fussing. They drank two bowls of rice paste and slept peacefully."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao sighed with relief, her face showing a smile, "They're more worry-free than Xu Bao."
Mentioning this, Qi Yun also nodded in agreement.
Back then, Xu Bao had been much more troublesome than them, knowing how to act spoiled and taking advantage of Ye Jiao and Qi Yun's soft hearts, constantly playing pitiful and acting wronged, exhausting both of them thoroughly.
But Qi Yun slowly added another sentence, "Even if they fussed it wouldn't work, Jiao Niang, you can't feed them anymore now."
Ye Jiao couldn't help but be stunned, "What?"
Qi Yun remained lying down, didn't move at all, his voice also light, "I tested yesterday, it's gone."
Little Ginseng blinked, then realized what he had said, immediately lying on his back to pinch this person's ears.
Qi Yun didn't dodge either, letting her pinch, even proactively turning his face for her to rub.
After the two finished playing around and got washed and dressed, Qi Yun was preparing to draw Ye Jiao's eyebrows, his eyes occasionally glancing outside.
Ye Jiao tugged his sleeve, "What are you looking at?"
Qi Yun held the spiral black pigment, examining whether Ye Jiao's eyebrows were symmetrical on both sides while replying, "Today is the day results are announced. Third Brother and Liu Si left early in the morning. Calculating the time, they should be back by now."
Given that Qi Ming caused some incident after every exam, Ye Jiao was quite afraid of him by now, quickly saying, "Then husband, quickly finish drawing for me so I can go out and prepare early."
Ye Jiao had long heard Qi Yun explain about the palace examination. No matter how one performed, at worst one would still have a Presented Scholar degree.
Once results were announced, the family would need to prepare celebration items, naturally involving much bustle.
Qi Yun stopped talking and concentrated on outlining Ye Jiao's eyebrow shape.
But just then, Tie Zi's voice suddenly came from outside, "Second Young Master! Something incredible has happened! Results are announced, Third Young Master was selected as Tanhua, the Third-Place Scholar!"
Tanhua?!
Even though Qi Yun had confidence in Qi Ming, he hadn't expected him to really make it into the first tier.
His third brother had ranked in the 260s in the metropolitan examination, how had he suddenly jumped up?
While Ye Jiao first smiled, she immediately felt something was wrong.
She looked at herself in the mirror, then turned to look at Qi Yun, "Husband, why did you draw me one extra eyebrow?"
Only then did Qi Yun realize that he had probably been too shocked just now, his hand had slipped, and he had drawn an extra line.
He quickly wanted to get a cloth to wipe it clean for her, but Ye Jiao held him back, "Since results are already announced, there will probably be people coming to congratulate soon. Let's wipe it later. Husband, help me finish drawing the other side first."
Qi Yun agreed and reached out to draw.
But the door was suddenly pushed open from outside with a "bang," followed by Xu Bao's sweet baby voice, "Daddy, Mommy, they're setting off firecrackers outside. Is Third Uncle going to become Prime Minister? ...Huh, Mommy, why do you have four eyebrows?"