Chapter 210: Top Scholar

Amidst the bustling crowd, it wasn’t until the early hours of the day that officials finally emerged from the examination hall and posted this year’s accepted candidates list at the entrance.

As soon as the list went up, the crowd surged forward, clamoring to find their names.

Some checked from the end to the beginning, others from the beginning to the end, while most simply scanned the middle of the list first.

If their name wasn’t in the middle, they would then check each name one by one from the sides.

During each Autumn Examination, the number of candidates admitted to the examination hall typically ranged from twenty-five to thirty, making the list relatively short. The names were sparse, written in large enough font to be easily readable from a distance.

However, many individuals, fearing they might overlook their name, would point at each name and check meticulously.

When they found their name, joy and jubilation erupted. They would celebrate exuberantly, shouting, “I made it! I passed! I’ve become a scholar!”

If they couldn’t find their name, disbelief set in. After rechecking and confirming their absence on the list, they would leave disheartened.

At this moment, the entrance of the examination hall displayed a mix of emotions, with some celebrating and others feeling dejected, showcasing the diverse range of human reactions.

Ruan Gaofei was currently hunched over the list, carefully scanning each name from the middle. Not finding his name at first glance, he continued to search further…

Still nothing!

Could it be that he performed exceptionally well, ranking near the top?

A glimmer of hope sparked in Ruan Gaofei’s heart as he meticulously checked each name forward.

Not this one, not this one, not this one…

Until he reached the top of the list, where Ruan Gaofei still couldn’t find his name.

With initial excitement turning into disappointment as he searched the list, Ruan Gaofei, who was sure of his high ranking, felt deflated like a punctured balloon, devoid of any spirit.

Damn it, not passing the exam. Do I have to wait another three years?

Ruan Gaofei clenched his fists, hitting the list board in frustration, glaring at those who were celebrating their success as top scholars.

Why did those people have such incredible luck to pass the exam?

Why was his luck so abysmal, resulting in failure?

Indeed, luck played a part…

It seemed that Song Jingyun was also absent from the place the results were posted.

Probably afraid of not making the list and facing questions, he didn’t dare to show up.

Thinking of someone he despised also failing to make the cut, Ruan Gaofei felt a sense of satisfaction.

Not passing the exam was not a big deal for Ruan Gaofei, especially when someone he disliked shared the same fate—it didn’t matter to him.

Ruan Gaofei raised his chin proudly.

“Ruan, you seem quite happy. You must have made it onto the list,” someone who knew him couldn’t help but inquire.

“Where did you hear that? I didn’t make the list this time. It’s just a stroke of bad luck. I’ll try again in three years,” Ruan Gaofei casually responded.

Impressed by Ruan Gaofei’s magnanimity, the individual bowed respectfully. “Ruan, your broad-mindedness is truly admirable. Comparatively, I feel too impatient and greedy. I’m ashamed.”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Ruan Gaofei returned the gesture. “It’s just bad luck; in a lifetime, one is bound to face such situations.”

“Speaking of luck, ours doesn’t compare to Song Jingyun’s. He’s always been favored by luck. I’m sure he made it onto the list this time.”

“Naturally,” the individual nodded. “I just saw it myself. Song Jingyun not only made the list but also secured the top spot as the top scholar. Song Jingyun is truly remarkable.”

Song Jingyun is the top scholar?

The smile on Ruan Gaofei’s face froze, and he leaned back in disbelief to carefully examine the list once more.

Indeed, at the top of the list were three prominent characters—Song Jingyun!

Song Jingyun had achieved the top scholar title, while he, Ruan Gaofei, didn’t even make the list…

Ruan Gaofei felt as if all his strength had been drained from his body, unable to stand any longer, slowly collapsing to the ground.

“Ruan, Ruan…”

The news of Song Jingyun becoming the top scholar spread among the candidates like wildfire.

“Song Jingyun rightfully deserves the title of top scholar.”

“Who was it that previously dismissed Song Jingyun’s claims? Now that Song Jingyun has indeed become the top scholar, those who criticized him must be feeling quite ashamed.”

“Since Song Jingyun has achieved the top spot, we should go and offer our congratulations.”

Passing the Autumn Examination and becoming a top scholar meant paving the way for official positions, creating a significant gap between those who failed to make the list.

This gap would be evident in social status and economic conditions.

The saying goes: “Wealthy top scholars, poor scholars.”

Building connections with top scholars could open doors and establish valuable relationships for the future.

With such thoughts in mind, many people formed small groups and set off to congratulate Song Jingyun.

At that moment, Song Jingyun was calmly enjoying a pot of tea at a teahouse.

The teahouse owner, observing Song Jingyun’s composed demeanor, couldn’t resist asking, “Aren’t you going to the examination hall to see the results announcement?”

“No need to,” Song Jingyun replied.

“Why is that?” The teahouse owner grew increasingly puzzled.

If he didn’t go, how would he know if he had passed the exam or not?

Before Song Jingyun could respond, people began entering the teahouse, glancing around before approaching him.

“Brother Song, congratulations!”

“Why call me Brother Song? You should address me as Top Scholar Song.”

“Congratulations to Top Scholar Song for rightfully securing the top spot…”

Teahouse owner: “…”

Finally understanding why this young man didn’t feel the need to go and check the results, it became apparent that he was confident in his success.

Having the top scholar of this Autumn Examination drinking tea at their teahouse was indeed a great honor.

The teahouse owner was overjoyed and promptly instructed the servers to prepare another pot of tea to be served to Song Jingyun.

As more people arrived to congratulate Song Jingyun, the teahouse grew livelier. The teahouse owner and the servers busily attended to the guests, struggling to keep up with the increased activity.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, there was a commotion at the teahouse entrance.

“What’s going on?” the teahouse owner inquired.

One of the servers replied, “I heard someone is throwing money around downstairs, and many people are rushing to pick it up. This person must be incredibly wealthy. It’s said that they’ve been throwing money from one end of the street to the other continuously.”

“I also heard that it’s not just copper coins, but actual silver pieces!”

“Oh my heavens, throwing silver coins down an entire street… How rich must that person be?” The teahouse owner marveled, “That person must surely be on the list, celebrating with such generosity.”

“But I heard it was because they didn’t make the list and were feeling upset, so they started throwing money around…”

Teahouse owner: “…”

Note: As I read, I observed that he first took the county examination, then the Prefectural examination, followed by the Metropolitan/Provincial examination, and now the Autumn Examination. I will update you later if there are any changes, but the author did warn us beforehand: “Alternate reality, not to be taken seriously, all for the sake of the plot.” The plot may not entirely align with historical events or terms whatsoever. Thank You 😊 Happy Reading