Chapter 215: Chapter 215

"Student greets the lord!" Gu Chengyu also followed with a bow.

"No need for formalities!" Vice Magistrate Wang immediately noticed Gu Chengyu standing in the crowd—unmistakable, because he stood out!

"I have heard the debates about the talents of various students. Since Lord Prefect has designated this paper as the preferred choice, he must have his reasons. Speaking of nothing else, just the policy essay on water management is sufficient!"

Vice Magistrate Wang glanced at the examinees below, noticing some lowering their heads without objection, while others seemed somewhat dissatisfied. Hmph! He snorted coldly in his heart; they lack talent themselves yet refuse to accept others!

"Today, Lord Prefect has arranged a banquet for the top ten, and invitations will be sent to your accommodations; I hope everyone can attend as scheduled tomorrow night! Also, please prepare for the upcoming provincial examination. I hope to see you again at the next banquet!" After speaking, Vice Magistrate Wang glanced at Gu Chengyu before leaving with the constables.

It was originally just a prefectural examination; Prefect Jiang did not need to entertain. It was customary to entertain the top ten candidates after each provincial exam.

However, Prefect Jiang wanted to meet Gu Chengyu but was afraid that meeting him alone would cause misunderstandings that they were acquainted. Given past connections, Prefect Jiang also feared someone might use it against him! Thus, he decided not to summon Gu Chengyu alone; it was out of caution. Being an official is not easy; there are plenty of politicians using hearsay to attack him.

"Ah! Those people are so lucky! They get to meet Lord Prefect. It’s a shame I’m not one of the top ten!" This examinee was truly envious, jealous, and resentful! What an opportunity to interact with Lord Prefect!

Ye Zhiqiu was also a bit surprised. Since he was ranked ninth, wouldn’t he attend the banquet too? He felt a bit anxious, but on second thought, Gu Chengyu would be there, so he wasn’t that worried.

"Senior Brother Sun! Are you leaving today?" Yesterday, Sun Xian and the others said they would return today. He was somewhat worried about his elderly mother at home.

"Junior Brother He! What do you think? Chengyu and Junior Brother Ye still need to stay for the banquet, and Wanhua will remain in the prefecture for two more days. What about you?" In fact, Sun Xian advocated returning; staying one more day in the prefecture would cost more money.

"What about Senior Brother Sun? I want to go back. If I don’t, my parents will worry about me! Besides, I want to go back early to share the good news!" Having passed the prefectural examination this time, he felt relieved.

If he could pass the upcoming provincial examination, that would be great, but even if not, he wouldn’t have to start over with the county and prefectural exams. He could retake the provincial exam in three years.

"Since Junior Brother He is going back, I might as well return with you! Someone must go back to deliver the message!" Not a single Gu Family member was returning to report, and the Ye family needed to be informed as well.

"Chengyu! I see Steward Yu is also here. With him looking after you, I’m relieved. I’ll head back first!"

"Alright! I’ll have Ming Mo escort you back!"

"Congratulations to the two junior brothers! It’s an honor to meet Lord Prefect! And congratulations to Junior Brother Gu for becoming the top student, congratulations! Congratulations!" Just then, Huang Ming, who had been silent, suddenly spoke to offer congratulations.

"Mutual congratulations! Mutual congratulations!" If not for Huang Ming’s sudden interjection, Gu Chengyu would have thought he had already left.

"You guys chat! I’ll head back to the inn first!" Huang Ming saw that Gu Chengyu and the others weren’t leaving yet and prepared to go back to carefully plan his next steps.

Gu Chengyu watched Huang Ming’s departing figure with some distaste. Just like a leech, once it sticks, it’s hard to shake off. No matter how much you hint, he pretends not to understand. Even if you ignore him, he’ll shamelessly pretend he didn’t notice, a certain level of audacity.

He had to withdraw the compliment, Huang Ming was nothing like You Siyuan—at least You Siyuan knew when to quit!

The group entered the inn. Gu Chengyu had Ming Mo drive the carriage to send Sun Xian and the others back first, while Gu Wanhua entered his room as soon as he returned to the inn.

Upon entering the room, he paced to the window, propped up the window frame, and looked into the back courtyard. He looked around but didn’t see the woman from last time, feeling slightly disappointed.

Last night, he even dreamed of her and did something absurd in the dream. When he woke up in the morning and looked at his soiled pants, he felt a little embarrassed and guilty towards Yang, who was waiting for him at home.

Thinking of this, he felt he shouldn’t behave this way. Just as he was about to step away from the window, the door to the courtyard opened. Gu Wanhua turned back, seeing the woman carrying a basket and entering the courtyard to pick green beans.

The courtyard was not big but was neatly arranged, not a bit of disorder. The woman placed the basket aside, lifted her skirt, and then tidied her hair, glancing towards the inn’s window.

This time, Gu Wanhua did not dodge. It was a bit far, so he only saw the woman’s blurry facial outline. He was curious about what she truly looked like; was it the same as he saw in his dreams?

The night grew dark, and in the study of the government office, the burning candle brightly illuminated the room.

Prefect Jiang and several close aides were discussing the official memorial.

"The memorial has been submitted. If the Holy Emperor truly implements it, it would be a great thing for the nation and its people." Prefect Jiang had submitted the memorial, yet he felt uneasy because he had conceded to his wife’s influence, and inside, he felt a deep sense of helplessness.

"I hope this time the lord’s wishes can come true!" Vice Magistrate Wang genuinely hoped that Prefect Jiang would get a promotion. If Prefect Jiang left, the position would be vacant; he had been in the deputy position for six years, and once Prefect Jiang moved on, logically, the next Prefect would be him.

At that moment, an announcement was made outside, "Lord! Someone from Fengding Prefecture has come!"

Prefect Jiang and his men exchanged glances, finding it somewhat strange.

"Our dispatched persons haven’t returned yet, why did Fengding Prefecture send someone?" Adviser Liu Donghai was also puzzled!

"Let’s see the person first! Bring the person to the external affairs hall!" Prefect Jiang frowned, having a bad premonition! Could there have been a change in the case against the bandit leader?

"Subordinate Wang Hui greets Lord Jiang!"

"No need for formalities! Did your lord send you to Jingyuan Prefecture regarding the bandit issue?" Prefect Jiang knew Wang Hui; Wang Hui was a trusted aide of Prefect Qin!

"Lord Jiang! My lord sent me with a letter! Please make sure to destroy it after reading!" Wang Hui noted that there were several people in the room, surmising they were Prefect Jiang’s trusted aides; otherwise, they wouldn’t be present. He quickly took out a letter from his chest pocket and handed it to Lord Jiang.

Wang Hui’s expression was solemn. He had ridden tirelessly for three days, exhausting two horses, and had rushed overnight to Jingyuan Prefecture city. This letter was particularly important.

Prefect Jiang opened the letter with curiosity, scanning it hastily. As he finished reading, he felt chilled to the bone.

"Lord?" Liu Donghai noticed Prefect Jiang’s expression was heavy and silent for a long time, guessing the situation had certainly exceeded their expectations.