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After a brief moment, Song Jingyun concluded the article he had been writing. Once the ink stains had dried completely, he examined it closely. He then handed it to Jiang Mixia, saying, “My dear, come and see how this article I’ve written turned out.”
“I glanced over it briefly while you were writing. The choice of words is good, and the expressions are precise. I’m just curious, what made you suddenly decide to write such an article?” Jiang Mixia inquired.
“Are you planning to show it to Master Xun?” she asked.
Master Xun Yuanbai had been staying next door for some time. Although he kept to himself most of the time, whenever it was mealtime or if there was food brought in, he would promptly appear at the door.
In Jiang Mixia’s eyes, Master Xun Yuanbai was just like Song Jingyun—a true food enthusiast.
A very authentic one, indeed.
“I intend to show it to Master Xun, to see how he evaluates the writing. If this article is considered as a response to current affairs, I wonder how he will judge it,” Song Jingyun replied earnestly.
Jiang Mixia sighed inwardly.
Which year’s current affairs would include such a topic?
Even if the emperor were to make a foolish decision, this topic would likely be out of the question.
However, after Master Xun Yuanbai read the article, he chuckled heartily for a while. “Well written! If this topic were part of this year’s current affairs examination, your article would undoubtedly take the lead.”
“Master Xun always indulges him. Current affairs exams rarely touch upon such topics,” Jiang Mixia remarked helplessly, rubbing her temples.
“You can never be certain,” Xun Yuanbai stroked his beard. “Food is essential to everyone, whether royal or commoner. Eating and drinking are fundamental aspects of life. When you think about it carefully, it’s a matter of survival.”
“In my opinion, there’s a chance such a topic might come up this year.”
After all, in the presence of this exceptionally lucky young man, anything is possible!
Jiang Mixia sighed silently.
Well, as long as you both are happy.
Whether it was due to Xun Yuanbai and Song Jingyun discussing the article too loudly, leading others to overhear, or simply gossip spreading, Song Jingyun suspected that news about the upcoming current affairs topic related to food had spread like wildfire.
Within two days, most of the scholars who had come to participate in the autumn Imperial exams throughout the city were already aware of this development.
Upon hearing the news, they were initially surprised, then somewhat skeptical, ultimately doubting Song Jingyun’s talent and knowledge.
While the previous topic about border defense seemed like a far-fetched tale, the idea of an exam on food was simply preposterous.
It appeared that Song Jingyun was truly lacking in genuine talent and knowledge, merely a pretentious individual.
However, some argued that Song Jingyun was perhaps an extraordinary individual, capable of considering things beyond the ordinary, breaking free from conventional constraints, speaking his mind fearlessly. Such a person, they believed, possessed true wisdom and a high level of intellectual maturity.
Ruan Gaofei couldn’t help but sneer at the words he heard.
At this stage, to still believe in Song Jingyun, the person who supposedly became a scholar based on intuition and luck, was truly laughable.
However, this situation was beneficial. The more exaggerated the boasts, the more satisfying the fall from grace on the day of the exam results, experiencing the bitterness of reality.
Ruan Gaofei was brimming with confidence as he meticulously reviewed and recited several of his own articles on governance and issues like water disasters.
In the blink of an eye, the day of the Autumn Examination had arrived.
The Autumn Examination were to be conducted in three consecutive sessions, each lasting three days. Candidates were required to enter the examination hall in the afternoon on the first day of each session and leave the following morning after the exam.
Similar to previous exams, candidates were to verify their identity, undergo searches to prevent cheating, just like in previous exam sessions.
The Imperial College in Xingnan Prefecture was not small. This Autumn Examination session was set to accommodate over three hundred candidates. Consequently, the candidates were all lined up in long queues, waiting to enter.
Government officials and their attendants patrolled back and forth nearby, ensuring no disturbances and ready to address any unexpected incidents.
The bustling footsteps and the loud announcements of names at the entrance of the Imperial College echoed through the solemn atmosphere, creating a sense of gravity.
Even before entering the college, the tension in the air was palpable.
Some candidates with poor nerves were already sweating profusely, constantly wiping their foreheads with their sleeves. Even those with better composure wore serious expressions, fearing any misstep.
Jiang Mixia accompanied Song Jingyun today, but as the person seeing him off, she had to stop a hundred meters away. Thus, Jiang Mixia could only watch from afar as Song Jingyun queued up to enter.
The pace of the line was not swift. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Song Jingyun had only advanced about thirty to forty meters.
As Song Jingyun was about to enter the gates, he turned to look at Jiang Mixia.
Despite the crowd of well-wishers, Song Jingyun could still spot his wife among them.
From a distance, Song Jingyun gazed at Jiang Mixia, grinned, and gestured an “OK” sign, a signal she had taught him before that he remembered well.
Jiang Mixia clearly saw the gesture and waved her arms in acknowledgment of the message he conveyed.
The candidates around Song Jingyun, preparing to enter the examination hall, were puzzled by his unusual gesture. They exchanged confused looks and then glanced at their own palms.
Was this some sort of ritual to seek good luck?
With this question in mind, everyone attempted to make the same “OK” gesture.
In a moment, everyone present mimicked the “OK” sign.
Jiang Mixia sighed inwardly.
Quite a spectacle!
During the days of Song Jingyun’s exams, Jiang Mixia felt somewhat unsettled due to her husban’s absence. She was not accustomed to it. Moreover, she was worried about his state of mind. As a result, she spent most of her time holed up in the inn.
On the other hand, Xun Yuanbai was finding it hard to sit still.