Font Size:
“This Mr. Sun is not young anymore, already at an age to be a grandfather, yet he still behaves so improperly. It’s truly disgraceful.”
“Indeed, at his age, doing such a thing not only completely loses face, but his future prospects are also ruined.”
The spring examinations are something one can take fewer times as they age. For someone of Sun Huaiqing’s age, the idea of making the long journey to the capital again might no longer be feasible.
And with this incident spreading, news of Sun Huaiqing’s improper conduct will quickly circulate in the capital. He might not even have the opportunity to take the spring examinations again next time.
Moreover, if this matter reaches Sun Huaiqing’s hometown…
Forget about seeking an official position with the title of a successful candidate, he might not even be wanted as a schoolteacher.
This is not just about having no future; it’s about having no way to make a living at all.
Sun Huaiqing naturally realized this. At this moment, his face was ashen, unable to utter a single word, and he had lost all desire to argue or resist. He simply allowed the servants of Splendorous Garden to throw him out.
At this time, under Jiang Junli’s instructions, Splendorous Garden was generously distributing wealth in the vicinity, attracting a large crowd.
With Sun Huaiqing being thrown out like this, it naturally drew many eyes and sparked discussions and pointing.
“Being thrown out of Splendorous Garden like this, he must have done something truly heinous.”
“Indeed, Young Master Jiang is the most generous and likes to support scholars, wishing to elevate all scholars. To treat someone so rudely, he must have committed some unforgivable sin.”
“You guys don’t know, but I just heard that this gentleman used someone else’s poem to enter Splendorous Garden.”
“I heard he thought he was on the list of successful candidates, acting all high and mighty, but it turned out to be someone with the same name. He failed the examinations!”
“Tsk, such a person with poor conduct deserves to be kicked out.”
“Not only that, Young Master Jiang values talent and is willing to spend money. Being deceived like this, I wonder how sad he must feel. If he’s greatly affected and stops giving away money, what will we do?”
“People like that should go to hell!”
“…”
In the midst of a chorus of curses, the first rotten leaf of cabbage landed on Sun Huaiqing’s head.
Then came the second, the third…
Having studied for decades, when had he ever suffered such humiliation?
Sun Huaiqing felt utterly dejected, wishing he could dig a hole three feet deep and bury himself right there…
…
The incident of Sun Huaiqing at Splendorous Garden quickly spread throughout the capital.
Many people were indignant, wishing to catch Sun Huaiqing, the disgrace to the scholarly community, and give him a good beating. Many inns strictly checked all their guests, resolutely not allowing Sun Huaiqing to enter their establishments.
For a time, Sun Huaiqing was like a rat crossing the street in the entire capital, with nowhere to hide.
However, the attention on Sun Huaiqing was soon overshadowed by another event.
This year’s spring examinations produced a top scorer, Scholar Song, who was a rare young talent among the recent examinations and was highly respected and praised by Young Master Jiang of Splendorous Garden.
Moreover, it was heard that Scholar Song had only studied for a few years but was exceptionally gifted, with a photographic memory and unique insights, making him a true pillar of society.
There were also rumors that Scholar Song was gentle and courteous, humble in his dealings with others. He even brought his wife with him to the capital for the examinations, showing a deep affection between husband and wife, which was incomparable to those who abandon their families once they achieve success.