Chapter 455: Chapter 455: Haven’t had a chance to congratulate my elder brother_1

“No, I prefer not to join in on the excitement.”

Wei Ruo could easily guess what kind of bustling scene awaited outside.

At this moment, everyone would undoubtedly be congratulating Wei Yichen. She preferred not to attend this celebration.

After some thought, Wei Ruo said, “Meimei, go outside and check if Zhao Hai’s brother has passed the examination.”

“Alright, I’ll go now.”

Xiumei accepted Wei Ruo’s command and left. She returned with good news an hour later.

“Zhao family’s second young master has also passed, but he placed quite low, at the second-to-last place,” Xiumei said.

“As long as he passed. Given his health condition, it was already not easy for him to participate in the examination smoothly. Making it onto the list is cause for great celebration,” Wei Ruo remarked.

Zhao Xun’s success was beyond Wei Ruo’s expectation. That the initially moribund man not only survived but also achieved such accomplishment after an initial recovery from a severe illness was uncommonly rare.

“Additionally, Xiu family’s young master also passed, and his position is relatively high. I counted, and he is in twentieth place,” Xiumei added.

“Hmm. The final results will have to wait until after the palace examination. Let’s see,” Wei Ruo said.

After the palace examination, the final rankings would still see some changes— the top three comprising of the top scholar, second-place scholar, and third-place scholar are referred to as “successful candidates”; the second rank is referred to as “born a successful candidate” and the third rank is referred to as “also born a successful candidate”.

The successful candidates would immediately be given posts. The second and third ranks would participate in an examination at the Hanlin Academy, where they would study for three years before being given posts.

###

Apart from Wei Ruo, there was one other person in the house that had not gone to congratulate Wei Yichen in the front courtyard.

Wei Qingwan did not lack willingness, but rather dared not go.

Wei Yichen was the top scholar of the imperial exam, and without a doubt, his ranking after the palace examination would not be low either.

Even if he was not the top scholar, second place, or third place, he should be able to rank in the second category, and he was likely to accomplish something in the future.

However, the brighter Wei Yichen’s prospects appeared, the more anxious Wei Qingwan felt.

Sitting at the dressing table, staring at herself in the bronze mirror, her eyes revealed sorrow and desolation.

“Miss, don’t worry. It’s been so long… perhaps the young master has ceased to be angry,” Cuihe comforted her.

Wei Qingwan’s voice fell, “How do you know he has let it go… I’m afraid he hasn’t… he might even be holding a grudge against me…”

“Miss, please don’t say those discouraging words. After all, you and the young master share more than a decade’s worth of affection. This isn’t something that can be erased so easily.”

“In the end, he isn’t my biological brother, and won’t be as forgiving towards me as before,” Wei Qingwan said.

“Miss, however, outsiders don’t know that Young Master isn’t your biological brother. As long as the young master doesn’t sever ties, he will always be your support. This will smooth a lot of things for you at the King Yu residence,” Maid Cuihe gently reminded.

A woman’s family’s position and power after marriage were crucial. If she had a powerful family, her in-laws would naturally respect her more.

“How could I not know that? Stop talking about it, I have my own plans.”

Weary, Wei Qingwan shut Maid Cuihe and the outside clamor out of her mind.

###

The first of April.

The emperor bestowed the title of King Rui upon the ninth prince, Chu Yi, and granted him a residence on Suzaku Street, which was close to the Imperial City and convenient for commuting to and from there.

The enfeoffment ceremony was even grander than that of the sixth and seventh princes last year, which once again proved the emperor’s extraordinary affection for Prince Chu Yi.

Unfortunately, due to his frail health and short life expectancy asserted by the Imperial Physician, he could not participate in the fight for the throne, nor could he shake the status of the other princes. The emperor’s love for him, no matter how great, was momentary and could not last.

###

April 11, palace examination.

Wei Yichen was selected as the top scholar by the emperor; Xiu Fengyuan ranked in the second category, known as “born a successful candidate”, and Zhao Xun in third, known as “also born a successful candidate”.

Although everyone knew that Wei Yichen’s performance would not be far off when he achieved a high score in the examination, and even if he didn’t rank in the first category, he had a high probability of ranking in the second category. The probability of him becoming the top scholar was also high.

But when it was officially announced that Wei Yichen was the new top scholar, a wave of excitement surged through the Wei family. The old master was so delighted he nearly fainted.

In the days that followed, the Duke residence was bustling with activity. The courtyard was filled with visitors. Even those who had not visited the Loyal and Righteous Duke’s residence in many years all came to express their congratulations.

This influence affected everyone in the residence when they went out, too.

It was much easier for Wei Mingyong to negotiate business, and the treatment he received was worlds apart from before.

Bai’s family received numerous invitations from some influential madams to participate in various banquets and gatherings.

A few days ago, because two girls from the Duke residence were going to marry into the royal family, the ladies of Bai’s family began to interact with the madams of other large families.

But at that time, those noble madams still somewhat belittled the Loyal and Righteous Duke’s residence.

Now, Bai’s family could finally hold their heads high. With a nephew who was a top scholar, Bai’s family felt as though they were standing straighter.

Conversely, Mo’s family, who was the wife of the Crown Prince of the Duke residence, and Yun’s family – Wei Yichen’s biological mother, were more low-key at this time.

Mo’s family was serene by nature and always acted low-key. Whether in times of disregard or favoritism, their demeanor remained the same.

Yun’s family, on the other hand, were worried that such high-profile actions would invite trouble. They knew that although the Duke residence was on the rise, its foundation was not yet stable and should not be complacent.

###

After half a month, the excitement gradually faded, and Wei Yichen finally found some peace.

Wei Yichen had just returned from outside and was crossing the garden when he was called.

“Big brother.”

Hearing the voice, Wei Yichen stopped.

Seeing Wei Yichen waiting for her, Wei Qingwan’s heart leapt with joy, and she quickly walked up to him.

“Big brother, after you ranked first, I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you.” As she spoke, Wei Qingwan presented the food box before Wei Yichen.

Wei Yichen didn’t reach out, so Wei Qingwan opened the food box and said, “Big brother, this osmanthus cake is made using the osmanthus flowers I picked when you took the provincial examination last year. You always loved the cakes that I made. I wonder if you would like to taste my baking skills again…”

Wei Qingwan’s voice was soft, her head lowered as she finished her sentence, then gently raised it again. Her eyes, full of anticipation and caution, glistened as she gazed at Wei Yichen.

In her heart, Wei Qingwan felt uneasy. What she gave to Wei Yichen was not only an osmanthus cake. It was also their beautiful memories from past times.

Big brother used to cherish her a lot and enjoyed the cakes she made herself. Every time she brought him an osmanthus cake, he would praise her for it.

He also promised that he would enjoy her handmade osmanthus cake as a reward if he scored high in the exam. The osmanthus honey used in it had to be made from the osmanthus flowers she picked.

She had made it as she had promised him. She wondered whether it could evoke his brotherly affection for her.

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