Chapter 36: The Sheng Family Arrives in the Capital

The successful candidate, having traveled a long distance alone, was unfamiliar with the Bianjing custom of "snatching a groom" from the ranking list. Faced with several intense, burning gazes, he was so startled that he involuntarily took half a step back.

When he stammered out the words "I am not yet betrothed," several wealthy merchants immediately swarmed forward, scrambling over one another. One tugged at his waistband, another pulled at his lapels, and some even shoved their personal family profiles directly into his arms. Amidst the chaos, a burly merchant arrived with four or five servants. Without a word, he pushed the others aside, hauled the young man into his own carriage, and rode off in a cloud of dust. This spectacle left many onlookers dumbfounded and sighing in amazement.

Pinlan and Shulan pushed through the crowd to reach Zhao Han. They spoke in unison, "Congratulations to Brother Zhao for placing first in the Metropolitan Examination!"

"Congratulations, nephew. If Brother Hong heard this news, he would surely be overjoyed." As Sheng Wei spoke, his envy deepened. He knew exactly how much weight the title of *Huiyuan* carried; in the Great Zhou Dynasty, placing first in the Metropolitan Examination was equivalent to having one foot already inside the door of the Imperial Cabinet.

Zhao Han remained as composed as ever, neither arrogant nor servile. He bowed and said, "That I could succeed so smoothly is entirely due to the care and support of Uncle Sheng during this time. This kindness is something your nephew will never forget."

Sheng Wei felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this, inwardly sighing that Zhao Han’s future would surely be boundless. After all, most scholars who achieved such a high rank would be brimming with pride, yet Zhao Han remained so humble and steady. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but recall a scholar named Sun Zhigao whom he had once gone to great lengths to support back in Youyang. Sun had been a famous prodigy in Youyang, passing the imperial examinations at twelve, and had seemed to have a promising future. But after failing the provincial examination last year, he had become a different person, spending his days in brothels and carousing with scoundrels. Worst of all, he would repeatedly come to the Sheng household with an arrogant air to borrow money, claiming that "wealth spent will surely return." If not for his wife, Lady Li, holding him back, Sheng Wei would have thrown Sun out long ago.

A moment later, Sheng Wei collected his thoughts. He looked at the humble and polite Zhao Han before him, then thought of the good-for-nothing Sun Zhigao, and sighed that, in the art of judging character, he was ultimately not as capable as his younger brother.

***

Three days later, as the sky began to brighten, the Zhouqiao Wharf was already a scene of bustling activity, with all manner of ships plying the Bian River like shuttles.

Zhao Han and Sheng Wei had been waiting there since early morning. Before long, a vermilion-lacquered official ship bearing the "Sheng" banner broke through the morning mist. Two young men in brocade robes stood at the prow, waving from afar. Zhao Han squinted and saw that it was indeed the brothers Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng.

As the ship slowly docked, Zhao Han tidied his robes with composure. Once the cables were secured, Hualan was seen assisting the Old Madam Sheng as they stepped down the gangway. The Old Madam’s silver hair was combed with meticulous care, and Hualan wore a lotus-pink gown, adorned only with a few simple pearl ornaments in her hair. With a faint, perfectly placed smile on her lips, she looked as fresh and refined as a lotus rising from the water in the morning light.

Sheng Hong, who had been trailing behind and casting glances at Lin Qingshuang, suddenly remembered something and hurried forward to support the Old Madam. "Mind your step, Mother," he said softly, putting on a show of filial devotion.

Upon approaching, Sheng Hong bowed to Sheng Wei with a smile. "Brother Wei, I have kept you waiting!"

Sheng Wei returned the bow, his sleeves fluttering in the morning breeze. "Why be so formal between brothers?" He then turned to the Old Madam and offered a deep, respectful bow. "Greetings, Old Madam. It has been a long and arduous journey; I hope you are feeling well?"

The Old Madam gestured for him to rise, laughing heartily. "Thank you for your concern; I am quite well."

After the exchange of pleasantries, Sheng Hong impatiently turned his attention to Zhao Han. Twirling his beard, his eyes shining with anticipation, he asked, "The results of the Metropolitan Examination have been posted. I wonder, my dear son-in-law, how did you place?"

Zhao Han smiled slightly, bowed, and replied formally, "I have not failed your expectations, Father-in-law. Your son-in-law was fortunate enough to have his name inscribed on the Golden List." He paused, catching a glimpse of Hualan lowering her gaze, her long lashes casting faint shadows on her cheeks, and his voice softened further. "By the grace of Heaven, I have placed first as the *Huiyuan*."

At these words, Sheng Hong’s eyes widened, and his lips trembled slightly. "The... the *Huiyuan*? The top scholar of this year's examination?!"

Hualan was startled; forgetting her reserve, she raised her beautiful eyes and stared directly at Zhao Han.

Sheng Wei laughed and pointed in the direction of the Imperial Examination Hall. "Brother Hong, have you lost your senses? The imperial list is posted right outside the Examination Hall. I took these two girls to see it with our own eyes—Zhao’s name is written at the very top!"

"My heavens..." Sheng Hong murmured, a flash of relief crossing his mind. If he had not already finalized the marriage, such a refined, talented *Huiyuan* would surely have been snatched up by the nobles and high officials of the capital as a son-in-law.

Sheng Changbai expressed his boundless admiration, and the Old Madam looked at Zhao Han with great affection. "What a fine *Huiyuan*! Truly a dragon among men. It is rare indeed to see someone as young as you achieve such a rank." She then patted Hualan’s hand. "Our Hualan is truly blessed to have found such an outstanding husband."

"Grandmother..." Hualan blushed to her earlobes at these words. She glanced up, met Zhao Han’s warm, jade-like gaze, and hurriedly looked down again, twisting her silk handkerchief.

Sheng Hong was overjoyed, repeating, "Mother is absolutely right! With such character and such talent, my son-in-law is second to none in the entire city of Bianjing. Let us return to the manor and hold a feast to celebrate!"

Soon, a procession of six or seven carriages pulled away from the wharf, the wheels rumbling over the cobblestones as they headed straight for Jiying Alley, which was only four or five miles from the Imperial Palace.

Hualan, Wang Ruofu, and Rulan were in the same carriage.

"What did you say? Brother Zhao placed first as the *Huiyuan*?!" The circular fan in Wang Ruofu’s hand clattered onto the carriage floor. This commotion caused even Rulan, who had been focused on her cricket fighting, to prick up her ears.

"Yes, it is truly a pity that you did not hear it with your own ears, Mother." While they were exchanging greetings, the lady of the house had been in the back directing the servants to organize their belongings, thus missing the earth-shattering news.

Wang Ruofu collected herself and leaned toward Hualan, her voice trembling. "This is a monumental joy! In the past, when your father only ranked in the second tier, it was already glorious enough. This *Huiyuan* will be entering the Hanlin Academy. Hualan, oh Hualan, we have truly struck gold!"

Hualan lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. She was naturally happier than anyone that her future husband would achieve such greatness.

"I must, I must—as soon as we return, I shall write a letter to your maternal grandparents' home so they can share in this joy as well!" Wang Ruofu’s chest heaved with excitement, her face aglow.