SGEIRS -Chapter 606 Placing Third in the Imperial Exam

The results of the palace examination were announced, marking the end of the spring imperial exams.

Among this year’s new scholars, there were many talented young men. The top few were all under twenty-five. Emperor Jingwen was overjoyed—such a promising younger generation in Zhao would surely strengthen the nation.

The top scorer (zhuangyuan) was Shen Yunzhou, heir of the Duke of Shen; the second place (bangyan) went to a talented scholar from Jiangnan, only twenty-three years old; and the third place (tanhua, literally “flower inspector”) was even younger—just seventeen—Meng Chengzhang, heir of the Marquis of Yongchang.

All three were not only brilliant but also handsome. Riding through the streets in red robes atop fine horses, they captured the admiration of many young ladies.

Shen Yunzhou, the zhuangyuan, was already married with a daughter, so no one had designs on him.

The bangyan, however, was unmarried. During the announcement of the provincial exam results, people had already inquired about him. It was said that he hadn’t married despite being over twenty because a fortune teller had predicted he must succeed in the imperial exam before marrying; otherwise, he would repeatedly fail.

The tanhua, Meng Chengzhang, was also unmarried. As the younger brother-in-law of the Marquis of Changxing, though the Meng family had declined, Meng Chengzhang had talent and ambition, and with his brother-in-law’s support, his career prospects were very promising.

Among the other new graduates, there were also many outstanding young men. For example, Gu Xiuwen, the third-ranked scholar of the second class, was the second legitimate son of the Gu family’s main branch. He surpassed even his elder brother, who was also a new graduate this year, ranking thirty-fifth. Another example was Wang Xuzhi, the son of Wang Yushi, ranked ninth in the second class. Only sixteen, he was considered the most talented child of the Wang family, with a limitless future.

Parents with marriageable daughters were naturally alert, thinking about choosing a promising son-in-law from these young, unmarried scholars, someone who could also bring prestige and connections to their own family.

As a result, both the Meng and Gu families received more marriage proposals than usual, all openly expressing their intentions. Madam Zhang (of the Meng family) was overwhelmed with choices, as some were for her daughters-in-law and some even sought her daughter Xuanyi, hoping to marry into her family due to her two capable sons.

Madam Zhao also received many proposals but couldn’t decide, so she came to the Marquis of Changxing’s residence to seek Meng Jinyao’s opinion.

Meng Jinyao was straightforward: “Mother, all these girls are fine, but I already have someone in mind. Why don’t we first let my second brother meet the girl I’ve chosen? If they get along, we can make other plans. What do you think?”

Madam Zhao paused, then asked, “The girl you have in mind must be good. But which family is she from?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “General Guo’s only daughter, Guo Miaoyun. She’s fifteen.”

Madam Zhao was startled. Hesitating, she asked, “Jinyao, General Guo and Young General Guo died on the battlefield. There are no other male heirs. Even though the royal family treats them well, the Guo family has declined. Guo Miaoyun now lives only with her grandmother, Madam Madam Guo. If Chengzhang marries her, it won’t bring much advantage. Why do you value her so highly?”

Meng Jinyao calmly explained, “The political currents at court are turbulent. A new succession struggle has begun, so Chengzhang’s marriage must be chosen with caution to avoid being dragged into it. That said, my preference for Guo Miaoyun isn’t just about this. I’ve met her a few times—she’s not only beautiful and wise, but also well-read, calm in crises, and both brave and clever. She inherits the spirit of General Guo. Marrying such a girl would be a great fortune.”

Madam Zhao thought for a while and agreed that Guo Miaoyun was indeed impressive. Though she couldn’t bring any material advantage, the Guo family was full of loyal and heroic men. Marrying the descendant of a loyal minister would enhance reputation. For the royal family, arranging a marriage for Guo Miaoyun was a delicate matter. If she remained unmarried for a few years, the royal family would need to grant her a marriage to show care for the loyal minister’s family. Given her status, she must marry someone of equal standing. Most prominent families, being practical, would not marry a lone girl, but Meng Chengzhang, as the new tanhua, would leave a good impression with the emperor by marrying her.

Thinking this through, Madam Zhao said, “Tomorrow, I’ll send a proposal to Madam Guo and pay her a visit. If she agrees, we can arrange a meeting between the two children.”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “Thank you, Mother.”

Madam Zhao smiled: “Chengzhang is my son. Finding a good girl for him is my duty. It’s no trouble, and I also want to enjoy grandchildren sooner.”

“If things progress quickly, Mother might hold a grandson or granddaughter next year,” Meng Jinyao added, then asked, “Has our third sister’s marriage been arranged?”

Madam Zhao replied, “Yes, the two families have exchanged formal letters. Once Chengzhang is married, her wedding will be arranged. As for Chengxing, it depends on your father. He seems unwilling to arrange a marriage, and there’s no set time for lifting his house arrest.”

Meng Jinyao was not surprised. As long as their father lived, the third brother could not be released, let alone marry or have children. She said, “Then we should follow Father’s wishes and not interfere.”

Madam Zhao agreed. “Alright.”

After some casual chatting, Madam Zhao returned home and asked Meng Chengzhang for his opinion. Once he agreed to meet Guo Miaoyun, she immediately prepared a proposal and sent it to the Guo family via her personal maid.

Old Madam Guo, who had been worried about her granddaughter’s marriage, was stunned to receive a proposal from the Meng family. When Madam Zhao came to explain, she was even more surprised. Though the Meng family had declined, with the eldest daughter now the wife of the Marquis of Changxing and Meng Chengzhang placing third in the imperial exam, the family’s prestige was slowly restoring. Many prominent families were eyeing Meng Chengzhang’s marriage, and they had never expected it to involve the Guo family.

Old Madam Guo initially thought that Madam Zhao, as a stepmother, didn’t care much about her stepson’s marriage. She asked, “The Meng family and the Guo family have no prior connection. Why would Madam Meng choose my little granddaughter as a daughter-in-law?”

Madam Zhao honestly replied, “Madam, I do not know Guo Miaoyun personally, but our Jinyao does. She has met Guo Miaoyun and highly praises her.”

Old Madam Guo understood immediately. It was the wish of the Marquis of Changxing’s wife. After thinking for a while, she realized why Meng Jinyao had chosen her granddaughter as her brother-in-law’s wife.

Indeed, Meng Chengzhang was an excellent match. As the heir of the Marquis of Yongchang, with his own talents and having the support of the Marquis of Changxing as his brother-in-law, he was an extraordinary opportunity. If not for the Meng family’s intention, the Guo family would never have reached such a match.

However, Old Madam Guo did not immediately agree. Her granddaughter was headstrong and would not marry just because the other party was impressive. She replied, “Although elders usually decide marriages, we still must ask the young lady’s opinion. I will respond to Madam Meng tomorrow. How does Madam Meng feel about that?”

Madam Zhao smiled: “I will await your good news, Madam.”