The beloved baby has a space

Chapter 654 Zhang Zhan Gets Married
After the parade of the top scholar ended, Wang Chuangui was exhausted, and the excitement had long since dissipated. Fortunately, his mother had not completely given up on him, and he was given a warm bowl of chicken soup when he returned home at night.

Ma sat next to Wang Chuangui and told him about the excitement of the day.

Wang Chuangui almost choked on his mouthful of chicken soup: "Pfft—"

He remembered halfway through spraying the drink that this might be a rare treat for him, so he quickly stopped and swallowed the rest.

He wiped his mouth before saying, "What? Ah Yu actually sold so much stuff? What were her expenses today—?"

The expenses at Defenglou are not cheap. A single banquet usually costs more than ten taels of silver. This time, Old Madam Wang booked the entire Defenglou restaurant.

In addition to their own family and friends, Old Mrs. Wang also invited some students who knew Wang Chuangui, as well as other candidates from Wangbei County.

They didn't accept any gifts, so the expenses fell entirely on the Wang family. Before, Wang Chuangui was very worried, fearing that his mother would put the debt on his shoulders again, which would not be adding to the good fortune, but rather making things worse.

“When have you ever seen our mother suffer a loss?” Madam Ma whispered in Wang Chuangui’s ear, “Mother discussed with our new head chef and sent three recipes to the manager of Defenglou. The manager of Defenglou only accepted a deposit of ten taels of silver. And I heard that you passed the second-class exam, so all the rest of the money was waived.”

Only then did Wang Chuangui begin to feel genuine emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes. Looking at the bowl of chicken soup in his hand, he finally felt the value of his existence.

It turns out that getting into a Class A university can save his family such a large sum of money!
"Later, the manager heard that our Ayu's fiancé was the top scholar in the imperial examination. Everyone said that when Ayu gets married, she can eat at Defeng Restaurant for free. Our Wang family members can only pay 80% of the bill."

Wang Chuangui's smile froze.

He also wanted to eat for free.

That way, even if you fall on hard times in the future, you won't be starving.

Of course, such a pathetic thought only lingered in his mind; with his mother around, there was absolutely no way that day would come.

"I guess I'm a late bloomer, so I can't compare to the younger generation." Wang Chuangui had already come to terms with it. His former arrogance had been worn down without him even realizing it.

I remember when we were in the Golden Hall, everyone thought he was a late bloomer and that he was confident. Only he knew that his palms were almost poked raw by his fingernails. He was really nervous!

Looking at the other students, they were actually quite similar to him, except for Qin Huai, who was truly neither humble nor arrogant.

Moreover, he wasn't actually very fluent in his answers. Qin Huai had subtly reminded him twice, otherwise, it would have been uncertain whether he would have received the imperial decree.

Qin Huai is a truly talented and hardworking guy. If you really met someone like that, you wouldn't even feel jealous.

People who are more talented than you are also working harder than you, so it's normal that you can't catch up.

"Why don't you ask me how much money Ayu made today?" After Wang Chuangui finished his chicken soup, Ma Shi casually fetched hot water for him to wash his face, and then brought up the day's events, "Mother always said Ayu was quick-witted, but today I've truly seen it for myself. Do you know how those students who usually pride themselves on being high and mighty were completely fooled by Ayu today—"

At this point, Madam Ma smiled again: "That child is indeed sincere, and he even donated half of his winnings. Speaking of which, it was only today that I realized the difference between nobles and ordinary people is still very big. Once Ayu's status as the Lady of Yuxiang is revealed, those students don't even dare to say a harsh word. I once overheard them talking loudly and arrogantly, and they really dared to say such things and curse anyone. I thought they were really tough guys."

Wang Chuangui took the handkerchief, carried the dirty water out and poured it out, and also brought in a cup of calming tea for Madam Ma.

Then she went to fetch water for washing feet and, as usual, found clean socks.

As he took off his shoes and socks, he soaked his feet with Madam Ma and sighed, "Ayu has never been an ordinary person. Her journey is much longer than ours."

Madam Ma laughed along, "Yes, before Ayu came, I never imagined that I would one day be able to come to Wanning City and talk to the ladies of noble families. Not to mention that our Sanlang has married Qianying and you have become a second-class Jinshi. It's like a dream."

"The imperial court has granted us three months of rest. In three days, I will go to the inner palace to receive my official title. After that, I can make my own arrangements for the next three months, as long as I arrive at the appointed location upon taking office. I have specifically inquired and confirmed that I can bring my family with me."

Ma didn't understand these things very well, but asked, "I heard from Ayu that after passing the imperial examination, one can continue studying at the Hanlin Academy. Are you not going to study anymore?"

“I’m getting old, so I won’t compete with the young people. I’ll just find a minor official position to put your mind at ease, Mother. The top-ranking scholar has already been awarded a title by the court, and Qin Huai, the top scholar, is now a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. He will be awarded another official position in three years.” Wang Chuangui patted Madam Ma’s hand. “These past years have truly been tough on you. With your mother supporting us, and our children and grandchildren all doing well, even if I become an official in the future, I probably won’t be too eager to make a living. You can just relax and enjoy your life as an official’s wife. Don’t worry too much.”

“What are you saying, husband? Husband and wife are one. If we’re talking about hardship, I can’t even compare to half of Mother’s. Mother’s hardships are all in her heart.” Madam Ma looked at Wang Chuangui, wanting to say something, but she held back in the end and looked up at the door.

In May, as night deepened, a not-so-full moon hung in the sky, illuminating the dreams of countless people.

After soaking her feet, Ma was about to pour out the foot bath water when Wan Chuangui stopped her.

"I'd better go."

"No matter how much of a scholar I am, I am still your husband. You can't not even give me this little chance to be attentive." After saying this, Wang Chuangui picked up the foot basin and walked away.

As Ma watched, her eyes welled up with tears again, and her heart, which had been fluctuating, suddenly sank down.

She slowly walked into the inner room and took out a small box from the partition. It was a box that Old Mrs. Wang had given her to keep for her own safety.

Perhaps, before accompanying my husband to his new post, I should clear up all the accounts owed to my mother.

The next day, when Ayu learned that Qin Huai had become a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, she was so happy that she jumped for joy.

"That's great! From now on, we can work together. If you get tired, you can come to the Astrology Department for a bite to eat. Sister Tangyuan is getting along really well with the cook in the small kitchen over there, and Aunt Pang, the cook in our Astrology Department. They make all sorts of different dishes every day. It'll be even better with you to share!"

Qin Huai brushed the hair away from A Yu's mouth and smiled at her, "Well, I still have three months before I officially start working. I'll have to wait for you for another three months."

“Perfect timing! Grandma said she needs to go back to Hu Family Village to hold the weddings for Third Brother and Fourth Brother. Otherwise, once everyone takes up their posts or goes to school, it will be difficult for the family to get together again. It’s better to take advantage of March to get the weddings settled first.” Ayu whispered in Qin Huai’s ear, “Also, Aunt Zhou is getting married to Uncle Zhang Zhan in the middle of next month. It’ll be perfect for us to go back.” In addition, Village Chief Hu and Old Master Hu have already persuaded the whole village to officially build a Wang Family Ancestral Hall for the Wang family in Hu Family Village. The building has been completed, tall and grand, just waiting for the Wang family to return.

Wang Chuanfu was the one who nodded first, albeit with trepidation.

The fact that Wang Chuangui passed the imperial examination as a second-class scholar was a momentous event, a major event in the entire Yongding County. From his classmates in the prefectural city to the neighbors in Nanhe Town and the villagers around Hujia Village, everyone was waiting for this scholar to arrive.

Of course, they also hoped that the village lord and his son-in-law, who had become the top scholar, would return together, which would be a great honor for them!
"Brother Ayou, are you going?"

Without hesitation, Qin Huai replied, "Go."

After the Duke of Yongguo's mansion finally managed to organize a grand banquet for the top scholar, Emperor Minghua worked tirelessly for three days and three nights to quickly review the memorials. He then openly took the recovered Empress Qin to the banquet, only to learn that Qin Huairen had already left.

The guests could only offer awkward but polite smiles as they praised the young Master Qin, whom they had barely met, to the Duke of Yong.

As for Emperor Minghua, he sat in the main seat, emanating a chilling aura.

He looked at Empress Qin with resentment, and asked through gritted teeth, "When will you allow Huai'er to return to her place?"

Empress Qin smiled slightly, picked up the calming tea offered by someone, took a sip with an air of composure, and after a moment, slowly replied, "I don't understand what Your Majesty is saying."

"I know I was wrong. When he comes back, you can do whatever you want. I won't stop you. Is that not enough?"

They were practically begging for the character.

He feels so frustrated that he can't show off his outstanding son!
Empress Qin covered her forehead, seemingly sighing, "Ah, I suddenly have a headache..."

Emperor Minghua was so shocked that he immediately stood up and, in front of the even more terrified guests, pulled Empress Qin away.

"Return to the palace and summon the imperial physician."

As soon as she stepped out of the gates of the Duke of Yong's mansion, Empress Qin walked gracefully, bowed to Emperor Minghua, and said gently, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am feeling much better. I will take a walk around to clear my head, and I will return when the time comes."

"I--"

"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty." Empress Qin bowed slightly.

Emperor Minghua took a deep breath, intending to project his imperial majesty: "I—"

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Empress Qin bowed even more deeply.

Emperor Minghua's eyes grew even more resentful.

She would have been better off being ruthless like before, at which point he could have handled it himself. Now, however, he was at a loss.

In the end, they could only watch helplessly as Empress Qin left.

Emperor Minghua glanced sideways at Eunuch De beside him.

Grandpa De was caught off guard and looked completely bewildered.

"Your Majesty?"

"I'll deduct one month's salary from your pay!" Emperor Minghua said, frowning.

Grandpa De: "Huh?"

Seeing the surprised yet aggrieved expression on Eunuch De's face, Emperor Minghua felt a little better.

Before long, Hua Hong, the maidservant beside Empress Qin, returned and handed over something, saying to Emperor Minghua, "This is something Her Majesty specially left for Your Majesty."

After saying that, he left.

Emperor Minghua gestured for Eunuch De to bring it over. Upon opening it, he found a jade pendant wrapped in a handkerchief. Judging from the carving, it seemed to be the work of Prince Zhuo.

The jade was translucent and the carving was exquisite; it was the one he liked.

Emperor Minghua was delighted and immediately tore off the piece of clothing from his body, casually tossing it to Eunuch De: "Here you go."

Then, to Eunuch De's delighted expression, she put on the new jade pendant and returned to the palace with light steps.

Before we knew it, it was mid-June, and Hujia Village was decorated with a festive atmosphere.

Ayu and the others waited at the entrance of Hujia Village, eagerly anticipating what was to come.

A faint suona horn sound came from afar, growing louder as it approached. Then, a dog's head on the banyan tree shouted, "They're here! They're here! The wedding procession is here!"

Ayu was extremely excited. She grabbed the carrying pole next to her and pulled Tangyuan over, saying hurriedly, "We have to give Uncle Zhang Zhan a good test later. We can't let him look down on Aunt Zhou!"

(End of this chapter)