Chapter 23

The top scorer in the provincial examination, also known as the autumn examination, is usually called “Jieyuan” ^[1]refers to a title for the top scorer in the provincial examination..

From then on, Ji Yanming had another name, Ji Jieyuan, which wouldn’t change until after the imperial examination.

This result was not only beyond everyone’s expectations but also beyond Tao Sheng’s own expectations.

In her memory, Ji Yanming ranked last in the exam, just barely making the entrance exam line. She had no idea what had happened that led to such a significant change in results.

While the spectators were still marveling at the outcome, those with insight into the world began to look for deeper reasons behind it.

Yin Liang, the second son of the Yin family, had the best relationship with Ji Yanming and often enjoyed the meals sent by Tao Sheng. After seeing the results posted, Yin Liang quickly made a decision and asked his younger sister to host a banquet for Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng received the invitation from the Yin family and learned from the servant that the young master and young lady of the family specially arranged a banquet to invite Miss Luo. This made her feel a bit strange.

Although she had a good relationship with the Yin siblings, it was not at the level where their family needed to host a banquet for her.

Su Jia took Ji Yanming to thank several gentlemen, and they were not home at the moment, leaving Tao Sheng with no one to discuss things with.

However, the Yin family were all down-to-earth people, and Yin Xiaomei got along well with her. Tao Sheng thought they wouldn’t ask her anything embarrassing, so she decided to go.

Yin Liang had ranked last in the exam this time and was afraid there might be another accident in the next exam, so he was in the study pulling his brother to study hard.

Tao Sheng first chatted with Yin Xiaomei for a while, and when the banquet started, Yin Liang and Yin Tong returned from the front yard.

Yin Liang greeted Tao Sheng and asked her to sit in the guest seat. Then he went straight to the point and asked, “Did you play the zither for Ji Yanming the night before the autumn exam?”

Although Tao Sheng found this question surprising, she answered truthfully: “I did play.”

The day before the autumn examination, Tao Sheng was worried that Ji Yanming might encounter something unfavorable while staying at Mr. Shi’s house, so she took him to Luo Xin’s house.

Although Tao Sheng considered herself indifferent to fame and gain, she was shocked by the beautiful landscape of the garden. After standing outside for a while, she sighed: “Was I too stubborn when I refused to recognize the Shen family?”

Ji Yanming laughed.

His laughter was clean and hearty, free of contempt or ridicule. It was a genuine, happy laugh, as if he had truly heard something amusing.

The housekeeper of the Luo family was an old man who had worked for them for a long time. After seeing Tao Sheng’s key and card and hearing her last name was Luo, he didn’t ask further questions and took them to the prepared room.

Tao Sheng followed the butler across the pavilion to the inner courtyard and watched as the lights in the courtyard illuminated one by one, merging into a long shadow that gradually disappeared.

A sumptuous dinner was prepared in the flower hall. They both had their own thoughts and ate silently at the table, comfortable with the quiet atmosphere.

After a short dinner, Tao Sheng stood up and asked Ji Yanming, “Cousin, are you going back to study tonight?”

“I won’t study tonight.”

Tao Sheng replied, “Oh. So, cousin, is there anything else you need to prepare for the exam? If it’s inconvenient for you, just let me know.”

She did whatever she could and left the rest to her aunt and Aunt Tang.

Ji Yanming glanced out the window. After dusk, the clouds lowered, and the sky darkened earlier than usual. It looked like it might rain that night.

“Please play a song for me,” he said softly.

This was a simple request. The little wish of an examinee before entering the examination room must be fulfilled. Tao Sheng asked, “What do you want to hear?”

“Anything you want to play is fine.”

Hearing Tao Sheng admit that she played a song for Ji Yanming that night, Yin Liang immediately showed an expression of “as expected.”

Ji Yanming rarely talked about family matters or shared study methods, making everyone think he was mysterious and low-key, with nothing worth paying attention to.

Now that he thought about it, Ji Yanming had mentioned the songs Tao Sheng played for him several times when they chatted, so Yin Liang made a deduction.

That night, Tao Sheng had called Ji Yanming out, not just to give him clothes or fulfill Aunt Tang’s request but primarily to play the zither for him.

In this case, Tao Sheng’s zither playing was not ordinary; it could clear the mind and improve memory. It was more effective than any medicine or supplement, which is why Ji Yanming could maintain such a good learning state.

Seeing Yin Liang’s strange expression, Tao Sheng felt the need to explain. She had been called out for something important that night and was just bored, wanting to calm her mind by listening to music, so she played a few songs for him. It was not intentional.

Throughout the meal, Yin Liang looked like he understood everything, so there was no need for an explanation.

Tao Sheng felt a little uncomfortable during the meal. She finally waited until the party was almost over and tried to smile at Yin Liang: “Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Yin. If there is nothing else, I will go back first.”

“I do have another thing here…” Yin Liang looked as if he wanted to say something but stopped.

This Second Master Yin had always been very caring towards Ji Yanming. Tao Sheng said in a good-tempered manner, “Master Yin, please feel free to speak.”

“Miss Luo, to be honest, I did not do well in this exam. I have been feeling a little unhappy for a while. Can you play a song for me? It can be the same tune you played for your cousin.”

Tao Sheng: …

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