Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 305 - 141 List

"Manager Wan, you’re too kind!"

"I didn’t expect that this time, our Qunying Building would have twenty-eight scholars passing the examination, and with quite good rankings too. It’s truly delightful and worth celebrating!" Manager Wan was genuinely happy. Their inn had once again gained fame.

Sun Xian and his group were also very happy at this moment. They never expected such a surprising outcome. However, it all ended well, and even Ming Mo and Ming Yan felt this was more thrilling than stories in the theater.

An hour after the good news, the list would be posted. Gu Chengyu and his companions planned to go check the list later.

Even though they already knew their rankings, everyone still wanted to see the names of those who passed. After all, who doesn’t have acquaintances? Besides, there were plenty of candidates competing secretly.

"Miss! Xing has already inquired about the top scorer of this provincial examination." Qing Dai hurriedly lifted the curtain and entered the inner chamber. At this moment, Yao Mengxian was practicing calligraphy at her desk.

"What is this urgency? Can’t you see the miss is practicing calligraphy?" Lianxin, guarding by the side, immediately frowned and stopped Qing Dai when she saw her fussing loudly.

Ever since the Miss had assigned some strange tasks for Qing Dai and her brother to investigate, Qing Dai had become even more spirited than before. Now, she even forgot the rules she used to follow.

Since Yao Mengxian woke up last time, she felt her emotions were easily exposed and often irritable. Realizing this problem, she started practicing calligraphy and frequently copied the Diamond Sutra, hoping to resolve the anger in her heart. Although she could never forget all that happened in her dreams.

Now, over two months had passed, and she could control her temper well.

Qing Dai, scolded by Lianxin, realized her impropriety and immediately slowed her steps.

Yao Mengxian put down her pen and asked Qing Dai with a slightly urgent tone, "Have you found out who it is?"

"Reporting to Miss! It’s that scholar named Gu Chengyu!" Qing Dai was actually very curious about why her mistress was so concerned about the Autumn Examination—weren’t young ladies supposed to only care about cosmetics and attire?

"Gu Chengyu?" Yao Mengxian frowned, feeling puzzled as it differed from her dream. In the dream, the top scorer was Min Feng.

Min Feng was a poor student, only seventeen this year, yet already famous. Even Fu Yanshan, the nephew of Fu Ming, was only second.

At that time, the announcement made quite a stir; achieving the first place in the provincial exam at a young age was a model for all poor scholars.

So Gu Chengyu must be a variable. It’s unknown whether only his result changed or if future events would also change. Would this variable alter the overall situation?

Despite her worries, Yao Mengxian felt more determined. Regardless of the variables, she would strive forward, for she wished to survive.

"Chengyu, like I said! You definitely passed, let’s go! Let’s check the list!" The three had all passed, and Ye Zhiqiu, feeling joyful, began joking with Gu Chengyu.

"Junior Brother Ye, your insight is remarkable, I humbly concede!" Sun Xian also made jokes with Ye Zhiqiu.

Even Ming Mo and the others had smiles all over their faces as they scrambled to congratulate Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu and his companions were about to head towards the announcement site when they saw a carriage approaching the inn.

"Mr. Gu!"

Hearing someone call for Mr. Gu, Gu Chengyu looked over and saw that it was Steward Qin from the Yin Mansion.

Realizing it was him being addressed, Gu Chengyu quickly went up to greet, "Steward Qin!" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Is Mr. Gu going to see the list? The master has just returned from court and invites you over for a talk!" Steward Qin explained the purpose after greeting Gu Chengyu.

Seeing this, Gu Chengyu had no choice but to part ways with Sun Xian and the others and got on the carriage to the Yin Mansion.

The carriage entered through a side gate without stopping, and soon arrived at the outer study.

"Senior Brother!"

Yin Kun had just returned from court and changed into casual clothes. Seeing Gu Chengyu arrive, he invited him to sit.

"The teacher often praises your intelligence and diligence in his letters. I never expected you to become the top scorer. Well done!" Yin Kun nodded at Gu Chengyu with satisfaction, unable to hide the smile on his face.

"The teacher is just being kind to me for being young. Getting the top scorer was merely a stroke of luck. This provincial exam opened my eyes; there are so many learned individuals in the world!"

Precisely because of this, Gu Chengyu always restrained himself from believing he could definitely achieve first place.

"Here! This is the list of scholars who passed this time, take a look!" Yin Kun picked up two pieces of paper from the desk and handed them to Gu Chengyu.

Stunned for a moment, Gu Chengyu then took them. Although the list had not yet been officially posted, as a court official, Yin Kun could easily obtain it, as everything had already been decided. It was just a matter of receiving the information early!

Only the candidates go to check the list in person; those from aristocratic families probably already have the results by now.

Gu Chengyu opened the list and looked from top to bottom. Seeing Fu Yanshan in third place, he realized their gap wasn’t large. For the next national examination, Gu Chengyu knew he had to work harder; otherwise, it would be easy to be surpassed by them again.

Especially Min Feng, who even concealed his talent in their previous poetry contest. Such a talented and strategic person should not be underestimated, though he hadn’t exerted his full strength either.

Looking further down, some names seemed familiar. They were candidates who had received notification letters at Qunying Building, including the somewhat famous Meng Xiao, who ranked thirty-second, clearly another who concealed their skill.

This time, the Autumn Examination admitted a total of 320 scholars, with a secondary list of 65 people. Over ten thousand people participated, but only this number was admitted, indicating how fierce the competition was.

"This Min Feng above, you should be cautious of. This individual is skilled in patience and strategy; his knowledge may not be far from yours!"

"Senior Brother, you’re right. I also see him as capable. If he achieves the Advanced Scholar title in the future, he could easily thrive in the court!"

Gu Chengyu wasn’t implying that he was overly crafty, but Min Feng’s scheming nature was profound. Though he seemed harmless for now, resisting temptation might be a different story.

"Why take the imperial exams? Some seek wealth, others seek power, and a few seek fame. Ambition is a good thing, but maintaining one’s true heart is hard. You haven’t entered the court yet, so you don’t understand the deceitfulness of human nature. Perhaps at first, you can stand firm, but over time, thoughts of conforming might arise."

As Yin Kun spoke, he seemed reminded of past events, his words tinged with emotion.

"Time reveals the heart!" Perhaps this was Yin Kun’s advice or a comment on Min Feng.

"Your success as the top scorer will surely please the teacher. I’ve already sent a letter to Jingyuan Prefecture. Do you have any plans for the coming days?" Yin Kun did not dwell on the topic further, Gu Chengyu was still just a scholar, far from the court indeed!