SGEIRS -Chapter 220 The Autumn Examination Begins

The next day.

Before dawn, the candidates for this year’s Autumn Examination had already arrived at the Gongyuan of Shuntian Prefecture, waiting at the entrance for the examiners to call their names, conduct body searches, and allow them entry into the examination halls.

The sky was pitch dark. Many candidates held torches or lanterns as they waited. Looking around, there was a dense sea of people. The ages of the examinees varied widely: the youngest were teenagers just over ten years old, while the oldest were over fifty—elder scholars unwilling to give up even in their later years, still eager for one more attempt.

The Autumn Examination was an important test, and many candidates were accompanied by their families. Entire families would come along to see off the candidates—some putting pressure on them, others trying to reassure them not to be too nervous.

Among the candidates were the three brothers: Gu Xiuyuan, Gu Xiuhong, and Gu Xiuming.

Gu Xiuyuan and Gu Xiuhong were sent by their families. Though their father did not come, their mothers and younger sisters accompanied them.

Madam Zhang, one of the elder relatives putting pressure on the children, repeatedly reminded, “Xiuyuan, you must work hard and aim to pass this year’s exam. That way, next year you can also participate in the Spring Examination, setting a good example for your future child.”

Gu Xiuyuan, already nervous, became even more anxious upon hearing this. His palms were sweating from tension.

Madam Chen, on the other hand, was not like Madam Zhang. She only told Gu Xiuhong, “Don’t put pressure on yourself. You’re only seventeen. At worst, you can try again in three years. Don’t worry—if you don’t pass, I won’t rush you into marriage. If you want to focus on your studies, then focus on them. I can wait a few more years to hold grandchildren.”

Gu Xiuhong smiled and said, “Mother, even if it’s a grandson later, it’s still the same. Second sister will be married this year; maybe next year you’ll already have a grandson in your arms.”

At these words, Gu Xuanling blushed deeply, lowering her head shyly to make herself less noticeable.

Madam Chen glanced at her illegitimate daughter and softly responded, “Hmm.” This daughter had been raised by her side for over a decade and had always been filial, calling her “Mother” all these years. Though not biological, there was still a genuine mother-daughter bond between them.

Gu Xiuhong continued, “Speaking of second sister, I suddenly remembered—our future second brother-in-law, Master Liu, is also taking this year’s Autumn Examination, as is the heir of Lord Wu’an.”

Hearing this, Madam Chen’s competitive streak was immediately sparked. If her future son-in-law failed while Madam Zhang’s son-in-law succeeded, Madam Zhang would surely gloat. She scanned the crowd, but neither her future son-in-law nor the heir of Lord Wu’an was in sight, so she had no choice but to lower her gaze.

Meanwhile, Gu Xiuming watched his two elder brothers accompanied by their families, laughing and chatting, while he had only a young scholar attending him. His father hadn’t come to see him off. He felt a pang of bitterness, once again realizing the stark difference between being a biological son and not.

Madam Zhang noticed the silent Gu Xiuming beside them and spoke earnestly, “Xiuming, you must also work hard. Your father has high hopes for you.”

High hopes?

Gu Xiuming felt indifferent. He didn’t see any sign of his father holding high expectations for him. Probably his father wanted to raise him poorly so that the fourth brother could be adopted as heir instead, which would explain why the fourth brother was sent to Lingshan Academy while the four brothers were split up.

On the surface, he still nodded in response, “I will, Auntie.”

The candidates gradually entered the examination halls. Once all three brothers had entered, Madam Zhang and her daughter, as well as Madam Chen and her daughter, returned home.

Changxing Marquis Residence

Meng Jinyou woke at dawn. She had gone to bed early the night before and wasn’t sleepy now. Opening her eyes, she saw the man standing by the bed, already dressed in his official robe, and greeted him, “Husband, good morning.”

Gu Jingxi looked over, nodding in return. “Good morning, my lady.”

Seeing him still at home, Meng Jinyou asked curiously, “It’s the Autumn Examination today. Didn’t you accompany our son? Yesterday, my second sister-in-law said many families were sending their children to the exam. Today, the eldest sister-in-law is sending Xiuyuan, and the second sister-in-law is sending Xiuhong.”

Gu Jingxi smiled lightly, unconcerned. “He’s already sixteen, not a small child. Does he need me to accompany him? If he were six, I would surely go with him to the Gongyuan myself. When I took the imperial exams at the Gongyuan, my parents didn’t accompany me either.”

Meng Jinyou nodded softly. “That’s true. He’s old enough now and won’t get lost. Besides, he’s going with Xiuyuan and Xiuhong anyway.”

Gu Jingxi asked, “Would you like to get up now, or rest a bit longer?”

Meng Jinyou replied, “Let’s get up now. I’m not sleepy anymore.”

As soon as she said this, Gu Jingxi pulled the bell to summon the maid to attend to her, then went to wash up and have breakfast himself. He had to report to the Dali Temple for duty and couldn’t wait for her to finish before eating.

In the next few days, both Madam Zhang and Madam Chen remained tense. Though their sons were still young, which parent wouldn’t hope for their child to pass and bring honor to the family?

The examination rooms were poorly equipped, exposed to wind and sun. If it rained, things became even more troublesome. So every exam, there were always mishaps—some candidates fainted, some had stomach issues. Many of these young gentlemen were pampered, accustomed to rich food, and couldn’t handle plain rations, often resulting in digestive troubles.

However, these were minor issues. The more serious risk was death, which did occasionally happen in the imperial exams. Usually, it affected those with weak health or older candidates.

Meng Jinyou wasn’t particularly worried. Her son wasn’t her biological child. Life or death, success or failure, didn’t concern her. Seeing her sisters-in-law so anxious, she stayed out of the way.

Time quickly passed, and it was already the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month.

On this day, officials were allowed a day off.

The common people celebrated with various activities: climbing high to enjoy the moon, offering sacrifices to the moon, solving riddles, eating mooncakes, admiring osmanthus blossoms, drinking osmanthus wine, and setting river lanterns afloat. Liquor sales were exceptionally high on this day.

Normally, the Marquis Residence would also be lively, but this year the young masters were still at the Gongyuan taking exams. The household heads were too nervous to celebrate; they merely marked the occasion lightly. Servants were given half a day off, in shifts, so there was always someone working at any time.

Old Madam Gu, remembering that her son usually accompanied her to admire the moon, said to Nanny Feng, “Tell Yaoling he doesn’t need to worry about this old woman today. I don’t mind not having him by my side. Let him have time to accompany my daughter-in-law to go out. Tonight there won’t be a curfew—the streets will be lively, and the young lady loves festivities.”

Nanny Feng said, “It’s admirable that the old lady is so considerate. Marquis and the young lady are truly fortunate to have you as their elder.”

Old Madam Gu sighed softly, “As long as they live well together, even when my time comes, I can leave in peace. Seeing their relationship grow stronger makes my heart at ease.”