Chapter 316: Chapter 128: Top Scorer of the Prefectural Examination (Part 2)
It was only when they reached the city gates that they heard today was the day the results of the prefectural examination would be announced.
Originally, she had planned to go directly to the place Zhao Jing was renting. After he and De’an had found a place to stay, they had sent two letters home, so she knew their exact address.
But plans change.
She wouldn’t find anyone at their small courtyard now, so she decided to come straight to where the results were being posted.
"Jing and De’an must be waiting for the announcement. It’s fifty-fifty whether De’an passes, but Jing is a sure thing. When you go over, it’ll just make him even happier."
And so, here they were.
But the place was an absolute sea of people, packed so tightly you couldn’t get through.
Even though Chen Song and his two brothers were in their official uniforms, no one made way for them.
The crowd passively shoved them forward several steps before they managed to struggle to a stop.
Chen Song said, "With so many people, where are we supposed to find Jing?"
Qi Lan shouted from behind him, "Boss, just yell for him a few times."
Chen Song cursed back, "What a stupid idea. As if that wouldn’t be embarrassing enough."
"Then what do we do?"
"Daughter, get over here by me. Can’t have you getting lost in the crowd."
"Right, right, right! Niece, come stand between us. We’ll protect you and keep those scummy men from taking advantage."
Chen Wanqing didn’t even have time to say thank you when she felt someone suddenly grab her sleeve. She was about to frown and glare over, but then she heard De’an’s joyful shout, "Dad, Big Sis, I’m over here..."
Chen Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat. She turned her head to look at the person holding her sleeve, and sure enough, it was Zhao Jing.
The two of them locked eyes in the vast sea of people. For a moment, their throats felt tight, their voices hoarse, and neither knew what to say.
Chen Song and his two companions also saw Zhao Jing and De’an, their excitement plain on their faces.
"Hey, you rascals! We were just looking for you."
De’an said, "Dad, this isn’t the place to talk. Let’s get out of here first."
Zhao Jing assertively pulled Chen Wanqing by the wrist, interlaced his fingers with hers, and shielded her as he led her out of the crowd.
The few people in the private room upstairs watched this scene below, their feelings extremely complicated.
"So that really is De’an’s big sis. I saw her once before at the entrance to the county government office."
"Why did she suddenly come to the Prefecture?"
"De’an’s older sister and Jing were childhood sweethearts. From the way they look at each other, you can tell their feelings run deep. They’re so devoted to one another. It’s a real pity for Mr. Li."
"Tell me about it."
Just then, De’an, jumping up and down, waved at them from below.
His meaning was clear—they were leaving first. The group upstairs understood and waved back, signaling for them to go on their way.
Chen Song’s group had ridden nonstop to the Prefecture. Because they had Chen Wanqing with them, a journey that was supposed to take three days ended up taking a little over three.
Even so, the journey had taken a heavy toll on Chen Wanqing. She sat behind Chen Song, jostled until she was dizzy and nauseous. She had vomited several times along the way, couldn’t eat, and had visibly lost a lot of weight.
Seeing her state, Zhao Jing’s heart ached for her, but with so many people around, it wasn’t a good time to ask anything. He waited until they reached a restaurant, and as they sat down, he took the seat right next to Chen Wanqing.
While the others were ordering food, he leaned over and asked, his voice husky, "Big Sis, what brought you here? Was the journey difficult? How many days can you stay in the Prefecture? Could you... stay with me?"
Chen Wanqing pulled her hand from his, picked up the teapot to pour for everyone, and said with an air of nonchalance, "I finalized the deal for Moonlight Fragrance with Moxiang Pavilion. I’m here to deliver the incense."
"Where is the incense?"
Chen Wanqing was caught off guard by the question. She faltered for a moment before replying, "Mr. Wang will have it delivered later... It wasn’t convenient for me to travel with them, and since Dad happened to be coming to the Prefecture on business, I just came along with him."
It was hard to tell if Zhao Jing believed her excuse, but he smiled genuinely all the same. The tension left his face, and his entire demeanor was like a man basking in a spring breeze.
De’an shot him a glance and muttered softly, "What a poser."
’The moment Jing saw Big Sis, he turned into a peacock spreading its tail feathers—as showy as can be. He’d never admit he was jealous; it was just that Jing’s behavior was too painful to watch.’
While they waited for the food to arrive, Chen Song took the opportunity to ask the two of them about the prefectural exam.
De’an said smugly, "Your son is the God of Literature incarnate. How could I possibly fail the prefectural exam?"
Hearing the satisfactory answer, Chen Song was naturally happy, but when he heard his son proclaim himself the God of Literature, he couldn’t help but laugh and scold him, "God of Literature, my ass! Just for passing a prefectural exam? Look how full of yourself you are. Even Jing isn’t as arrogant as you! From now on, you better watch your mouth when you’re out. If I catch you running your mouth again, just you wait and see how I’ll deal with you when we get home."
