Font Size:
In the vast world beyond the distant seas, there were wide expanses to explore and discover.
Just as studying emphasized the inadequacy of learning in isolation, trade also followed suit.
For the topic of maritime trade, Song Jingyun expressed strong support, highlighting several benefits in terms of economy, culture, and politics.
With meticulous detail, he crafted another outstanding article.
As for the previous topics of water management and drought resistance, Song Jingyun wrote two well-balanced articles.
After the conclusion of the third round of exams, as all candidates left the Imperial College, most of their expressions were less than pleased.
Indeed, these rare topics were entirely unheard of for many.
Many struggled to write, and even those who managed to produce something fell short of excellence, creating merely passable pieces rather than masterful works.
The candidates shook their heads in sighs of disappointment, including Song Jingyun.
“Why, do you feel you didn’t do well?” Jiang Mixia asked with concern.
Since Song Jingyun began taking the imperial examinations, he had always left the exam hall either in high spirits or eagerly anticipating a meal, never showing such a troubled expression before.
“It’s not that I didn’t do well, just felt like the current affairs question lacked a bit of significance,” Song Jingyun explained. “If they had included two questions related to food, it would have been even better.”
Jiang Mixia was left speechless.
So, the current affairs section actually included a question about gourmet food?
Truly, both her husband and Master Xun mentioned it.
Her Young Husband’s luck was truly something else.
If things continued in this manner, could her husband have a good chance of passing the exams?
Initially, when Song Jingyun expressed his desire to study and take the imperial exams, Jiang Mixia thought it was good for a young man to have ambitions. If he truly achieved success and gained status, it would prevent her innocent and kind-hearted young husband from being mistreated in the future.
Moreover, since Song Jingyun was willing and enjoyed studying without much stress, she let him pursue his aspirations.
Therefore, Jiang Mixia didn’t have high hopes for Song Jingyun’s success in the imperial examinations.
Seeing his strong luck in this aspect, she believed there wouldn’t be any major issues.
Feeling pleased, Jiang Mixia was also comforted by the thought of Song Jingyun’s hard work and potential achievements. She tugged at his sleeve, saying, “Let’s go eat your favorite dishes.”
“How about we have squirrel-shaped fish, dry-fried shredded pork, sweet sticky rice lotus roots, steamed lion’s head meatballs, oh, and those literary tofu cubes, I’d like to try those too.”
As soon as Song Jingyun heard about food, his spirits lifted. “And if we add clay pot duck and steamed Mandarin fish, it will be perfect.”
“Excellent,” Xun Yuanbai nodded in agreement.
Who doesn’t love indulging in good food and drink?
The three of them chatted as they made their way to a restaurant known for serving Huaiyang cuisine.
Once they arrived, they ordered their dishes and enjoyed the meal together.
“Now that the young sir has finished his exams, and I have been here for a while, it’s time for me to head to the capital,” Xun Yuanbai announced.
“So soon, Master Xun?” Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia were surprised. “Can’t you stay a bit longer? We could wait until the exam results are announced and have a more festive send-off.”
It would be better to wait until after the results are released and have a more celebratory farewell.
“After tomorrow, the weather will start getting cold. Winter is always the toughest time, and the Emperor worries about snow disasters every year. If I’m not in the capital, he might send for me in a hurry,” Xun Yuanbai explained.
At this point, Xun Yuanbai sighed, expressing his desire to spend more time with the young Sir.
He believed that staying longer might bring him more good fortune, possibly extending his life by a couple of years.
“But you don’t need to worry. The young sir is sure to pass this time. Next year, he will participate in the Spring Examinations, and we will meet again in the capital,” Xun Yuanbai reassured them with a grin.
It was already mid-August, and after the exam results were announced and the Lu Ming Banquet concluded, September would arrive. With only a few months left until the Spring Examinations, they would soon meet again.
Xun Yuanbai’s plans fell into place smoothly.
“Agreed,” Song Jingyun nodded. “After you settle in the capital, Master Xun, you can arrange everything related to food. When my wife and I come later, it will be more convenient.”
Xun Yuanbai couldn’t help but feel slightly taken aback by Song Jingyun’s directness. However, as the young sir, such straightforwardness was expected, and it was his duty to serve him.
After finishing lunch, Xun Yuanbai began packing his belongings promptly. With minimal possessions—a set of clothes, a water flask, some snacks—he hired a carriage bound for the capital. After bidding farewell to Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia, he set off on his journey.
Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia escorted Xun Yuanbai to the city gate and watched him until he disappeared from sight before heading back to the inn.
As they approached the inn, they noticed a bustling scene at the entrance.
“Whose family is celebrating a joyful occasion?” Song Jingyun stood on his tiptoes to catch a better view.