Becoming a widow for the sake of good fortune? The short-lived prince lived a hundred years

The originally lively and warm atmosphere was suddenly shattered by this sound. It was like a huge rock was thrown into a calm lake, splashing thousands of waves, and the air around seemed to freeze instantly.

The candidates turned their heads to look, only to see a young man in gorgeous clothes standing not far away, his face full of disdain. His eyes were filled with arrogance and jealousy, and the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, with a hint of malicious sarcasm.

Everyone's faces first showed astonishment, and then anger gradually spread in their eyes.

A scholar stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Why are you speaking such evil words?"

The man sneered, "Humph, what do you poor scholars know? He just wants to use this opportunity to gain fame. I've seen this kind of trick many times."

The waiter, whose voice was booming earlier, asked, "Our boss is only trying to do his best to show his kindness. You're really disheartening!"

"Although we are poor, we can distinguish between good and evil. Stop talking nonsense here!" Several candidates showed disgust on their faces.

"That's right. We all feel the boss's good intentions. Whether it's just to gain reputation or to be hypocritical, judging by actions rather than intentions, what have you done by just opening your mouth here?"

Seeing the attitude of the crowd, the man in brocade clothes took a step back and said, "You have been deceived by him and you don't even know it. I am too lazy to bother with fools like you."

As he said this, he turned to leave, but was stopped by several candidates. Although they were thin, they were like a solid wall, blocking the way of the man in brocade clothes.

One of the candidates stepped forward and said in a cold tone, "You have slandered others without any basis, and you think you can just walk away like this? How can you get away with such a thing?"

Two waiters also stepped forward: "You must apologize, apologize to our boss!"

The candidates righteously said, "We are all people who have read the books of sages and know what is good and evil. We have personally experienced the good deeds of our host. How can you slander him so casually? If you don't apologize, we will not let you go."

The anger in their eyes made the rich young man feel a little guilty, but he still said stubbornly: "I won't do it, what can you do to me?"

Although he spoke tough, his body unconsciously shrank back and his eyes dodged.

A waiter suddenly laughed, "I know who you are! You're the second son of Hongfulou, who lives across from Zhuangyuanlou. No wonder you want to slander our boss like that. You're probably jealous that Zhuangyuanlou's business is better than yours!"

The onlookers who had not known the truth before suddenly realized that it was malicious competition.

Several scholars living in Hongfu Building suddenly looked resentful.

Look at others, and then look at yourself. Isn’t it normal that their business is doing well?

"It's understandable that there is competition in business, but you can't be so malicious, right?

A scholar, about twenty years old, with worn clothes and shoes with the soles worn so thin that his toes were almost exposed, said with a hint of indignation: "I am a poor scholar from the countryside. I live in the Zhuangyuan Building and my food and lodging are half price."

"They usually provide free hot soup, with a layer of oil on top. There's plenty of hot water for daily use! They also promised that those who place in the top ten in the imperial examination will have their food and lodging expenses fully refunded!"

"A few days ago, Zhuangyuanlou specially invited the great scholar Mr. Ping to give lectures and discuss the classics. Every candidate living in Zhuangyuanlou could attend for free. Do you know what a great favor this is to us?"

"You said that the boss was seeking fame and reputation and was a hypocrite. Well, you are also seeking fame and reputation and a hypocrite!"

Those who lived in Zhuangyuan Building and those who did not, all stared at the second young master with a common hatred for the enemy.

A candidate stepped forward, stood before the second young master, and shouted, "We, the out-of-town students, come to the capital to take the imperial examinations, fearing no hardship or fatigue. After all, we've endured ten years of arduous study. But I've been living in Hongfu Tower these days, and I've endured a lot of your humiliation. The room is small and damp, the food is inedible, and yet the price is still high. Instead of seeking improvement, you come here to slander others. How shameless!"

Another scholar who had lived in Hongfu Building also spoke out: "When I was living there, I fell ill at night and called the waiter several times, but no one responded. If it weren't for my companions' help, I really don't know what would have happened. Your cold attitude is a far cry from the warm-heartedness of the owner of Zhuangyuan Building."

There was a glint of anger in his eyes, and his dissatisfaction with Hongfu Building completely erupted at this moment.

Zhuangyuanlou offers discounts to candidates who have passed the imperial examination and usually provides free hot soup.

They have nothing. Even getting hot water depends on their mood!

The Zhuangyuan Building also invited great scholars to give lectures, and I heard that the candidates who lived there benefited a lot.

They have nothing! All they have is the waiter's cold stare and abuse.

The people from Zhuangyuanlou now come to serve hot soup and porridge, and ask about the well-being of the scholars staying there.

They have nothing!

How dare he slander others?

The Second Young Master opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found himself speechless. His face turned pale, and his legs trembled slightly. Under the accusations of the crowd, his arrogance had long since disappeared without a trace.

The second young master finally left in disappointment amidst the condemning and contemptuous gazes of the crowd.

The candidates ignored the slanderer and continued to queue up.

Now it was the turn of the scholar in old clothes.

The waiter poured him a bowl of hot soup and a bowl of hot porridge.

He quickly gulped down the soup, then drank the hot porridge, and instantly felt warm all over, dispelling the cold and fatigue he had felt for many days.

He bowed to the waiter and said, "I am Yuan Yiming. Thank you, your boss, and everyone. I will always remember your gift!"

The waiter smiled and waved his hands: "Don't be polite, sir. This is all our boss's idea. We are just following orders!"

Yan Xining stood in the crowd not far away, with the corners of her lips raised.

The people she trained were very good. They spoke the right words, behaved in the right manners, were enthusiastic but not excessive, warm but not fawning!

Zhuangyuanlou, after all, had recently changed hands and had recently opened. Capitalizing on the popularity of the Spring Examination, it was currently fully booked and doing good business. However, the discounts were substantial: admission was half-price for a month before and after the Imperial Examination, and the top ten students were even free. Add to that the initial investment in renovations, and the profit was minimal.

But with a strong reputation and connections, there's no need to worry about Zhuangyuanlou's future business. A bucket of porridge and a bucket of soup only cost twenty taels of silver! What a good deal!

After the guests at Zhuangyuan Tower had each eaten and drunk their bowls, there was still some left.

A candidate came over and asked, "Can you give me some? Money is fine!"

The waiter said, "Sure, ten cents a bowl."

The price is quite fair.

Those people were not in a hurry to go back to their residence. They bought bowls one by one and drank them.

As soon as they tasted it, they knew that the soup and porridge were genuine.

As the morning light shone, the air in the capital seemed to freeze, and an atmosphere of tension and expectation enveloped every corner.

The streets gradually became lively.

Candidates from all over the country had already gathered in front of the palace wall where the list was posted. Everyone had a different expression. Some were so nervous that their faces turned pale, some were trying to appear calm but could not hide the anxiety in their eyes, and some looked a little tired from tossing and turning last night.

It’s finally time to announce the results.

"Dang!" The gong sounded, and several officers drove the crowd away and posted the red list on the platform.

Before they left, a group of people surrounded them.