The announcement of the examination results was called the ’posting of the list’.

Every time the list was posted, firecracker handlers would set off their wares, while others beat gongs and drums to spread the good news.

The CRACKLE and POP of firecrackers and the CLANG of the copper gong rang out continuously.

After De’an tore off to see the results, Zhao Jing also strode toward the main gate.

But even though his head was buzzing with excitement, he hadn’t lost his senses.

Just as he reached the doorway, he turned back to look at Xu Su Ying and Chen Wanqing. "Mother, Wanqing, would you like to come along?"

As for why he didn’t call for Chen Song and Yao’an, Chen Song was at the government office on business, and Yao’an had returned to his private school to resume his grueling life as a student.

Xu Su Ying and Chen Wanqing both stood up and walked toward him.

"Yes, yes, yes, let’s go together."

"We’ll come have a look too. Let’s all go together."

The three of them left side-by-side.

Xu Su Ying was an impatient sort. Once they were out the door, she walked ahead of the couple. As she heard the growing excitement on the street, she couldn’t help but break into a little run.

After running a few steps, she suddenly remembered her daughter and son-in-law were still behind her. She quickly stopped, intending to hurry them along.

But what did she see?

Their sleeves were pressed close together, and under their cover, Jing had taken hold of Qing’er’s hand.

What a scandal!

’In broad daylight! What on earth is Jing doing!’

’If he wanted to be all lovey-dovey, couldn’t he wait a moment? Did they have to be so clingy!’

’They hadn’t even consummated their marriage yet! Once they did, would Jing stick to Qing’er like glue every single day?’

Xu Su Ying thought to herself, ’A real man shouldn’t be so sentimental,’ but she couldn’t suppress the smile playing on her lips. In fact, it was threatening to split her face, stretching nearly from ear to ear.

"I’m going on ahead, so I won’t wait for you. You two take your time."

Without looking back, Xu Su Ying quickened her pace and exited the alley.

Hearing her mother’s voice, Chen Wanqing’s heart tightened, and she reflexively tried to pull her hand away.

But Zhao Jing had no intention of letting go. On the contrary, he tightened his grip.

Chen Wanqing complained in a hushed voice, "What are you doing? What if Mother sees?"

Zhao Jing couldn’t bring himself to say that her mother had already seen. If he did, Wanqing would be so mortified she would swat him. And while he enjoyed their flirtatious banter, right now, he was more intent on holding her hand.

Zhao Jing said, "Wanqing, I’m nervous... Wanqing, do you think I’ll place first?"

Only then did Chen Wanqing realize that Zhao Jing’s palm was slightly damp with sweat.

’The weather is warm today, but not enough to make one perspire. For him to be like this, it must be from nerves.’

Chen Wanqing’s heart instantly softened.

She stopped trying to pull her hand away and simply turned to look at Zhao Jing.

"I’ve read your essays. They aren’t just brilliantly written; they’re deeply thought-provoking. If the Lord County Magistrate has any eye for talent at all, he is sure to mark you as the top candidate."

Zhao Jing chuckled softly. "But you haven’t read anyone else’s essays."

"I don’t need to. I believe in your ability and your literary skill. More importantly, I trust the Lord County Magistrate has a discerning eye and will select you from among the crowd of candidates, just as he selected my father."

Hearing her words, Zhao Jing was overcome with emotion, and his heart burned even hotter.

He stared at Chen Wanqing, mesmerized. His eyes held an irrepressible desire, a gaze so intense it made her whole body tighten.

Chen Wanqing lightly licked her lips, pulled her hand from Zhao Jing’s grasp, and quickened her pace.

"Let’s hurry. The crowd will only get bigger, and soon we won’t be able to push our way to the front even if we try."

By the time Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing reached the entrance to the county government, the scene was as chaotic as a marketplace.

While scholars were naturally refined and mindful of their decorum, they weren’t the only ones who had come to see the results posted.

For some, fathers and older brothers came along. For others, it was servants and Attendant Students. There were even some teachers who, unable to contain their anticipation, had rushed over as well.

People were shoving and jostling, the crowd so dense it felt like a stampede was imminent.

Fortunately, the constables soon came out to control the situation.

Six burly constables stepped out and cordoned off an area.

Paste was brushed onto the wall, and a large, red poster was put up.

A constable assigned to announce the results stepped forward and called out in a loud, clear voice, "For this county examination, a total of four hundred and twelve individuals registered. Of those, three hundred and sixty submitted valid papers. The number of candidates who have passed the first round is two hundred and eight!"

Two hundred and eight. The number was just slightly more than half of the total registrants, which was customary.

But one shouldn’t be fooled by the two hundred-plus names. The county examination consisted of five rounds, and this was only the first. By the time the final round was over, the number of successful candidates would be whittled down to no more than fifty.