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

Some people saw their names at the top of the list and were immediately delighted.

Some even knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly towards the palace, shouting, "Thank God, the students have lived up to our expectations!"

People around him cast envious glances at him, and his family and friends cheered and rushed forward, surrounding him tightly.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Some candidates stood there in a daze, like puppets whose souls had been taken away.

Their eyes were empty as they stared at the list, their lips slightly opening and closing, but no sound came out.

The hustle and bustle around them seemed to have nothing to do with them. At this moment, the world was left with only the cruel list and their own broken dreams.

Their bodies seemed to be nailed to the spot, unable to move for a long time. They let the cold morning wind blow on them, but they didn't feel the cold at all. Their hearts were filled with despair as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.

Directly below the list, the eyes of a middle-aged candidate gradually shifted from anticipation to despair. He searched the list repeatedly, but could not find his name. His face turned pale as paper, and his body teetered as if it had lost its support.

Finally, he leaned weakly against the palace wall, slowly slid down and sat down, holding his head with both hands, tears seeping out from between his fingers. The silent crying was the sorrow after the dream was shattered.

An old man next to him patted him on the shoulder gently, wanting to comfort him, but he didn't know where to start, so he just sighed deeply.

Yuan Yiming did not go to see the list.

Although he studied very hard, when he arrived in the capital, he realized that it was a gathering place for talented people from all over the world. It was not easy to get into the top ten, and it was also difficult to pass the imperial examination.

Although he was somewhat confident about this exam, he didn't know whether he could get into the top ten, so he simply stayed in his room and didn't go out.

Yan Xining is here today too.

She was wearing a moon-white brocade robe, her hair tied up with a sapphire crown. She was calm and composed, and an aura of nobility emanated from her inside out.

There are three inns in this area. Some people went to see the list, and some came back with happy faces.

Some came back dejected.

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves approaching from afar, like rolling thunder, broke the silence. The hooves were quick and powerful, beating out a cheerful rhythm on the bluestone-paved street.

The voice appeared on the street, attracting everyone's attention. The person who came at this time should be the messenger who brought good news, right?

This shows that the inn where the candidate who ranked in the top 20 was staying was from.

After a while, several tall horses stopped abruptly in front of the Zhuangyuan Building. Steam was coming out of the horses' bodies and their nostrils were flapping, obviously after a long gallop.

The officers on horseback were dressed in neat uniforms. They came closer and closer, dismounted, and walked straight towards the Zhuangyuan Building with quick movements. Their imposing manner attracted the attention of passers-by.

The waiters at Zhuangyuan Building heard the noise and rushed out to greet them. Seeing that it was an official, they guessed something and asked with a smile on their faces, "Officials, what's the good news?"

The officer didn't answer, but simply asked, "Master Yuan Yiming lives here, right?"

The waiter nodded hurriedly: "I'm here, I'm here!" Then he led the officers towards Yuan Yiming's room.

Yuan Yiming had already heard the noise downstairs and was puzzled. He put down his book, stood up, and opened the door, only to see a group of officers approaching him. He was slightly startled, a questioning look in his eyes.

The leading officer smiled when he saw Yuan Yiming. He stepped forward and said loudly, "Mr. Yuan Yiming, congratulations! You've placed fourth in this imperial examination!"

The voice was as loud as a bell, echoing in the corridor of Zhuangyuan Building, instantly breaking all the silence.

Yuan Yiming's eyes widened at first, as if he couldn't believe his ears. His mind went blank, and he felt a surge of blood rushing to his head. A moment later, ecstasy overwhelmed him like a surging tide.

He quickly straightened his clothes and bowed deeply to the officers: "Thank you very much, officers, for taking the trouble to make this trip."

The officer said he dared not, but smiled and handed the good news to Yuan Yiming: "Mr. Yuan, you are truly remarkable! This is a great event that will bring honor to our family."

At this time, the other candidates in the Zhuangyuan Building also gathered around. Seeing this scene, some of them looked at them with envy, while others applauded and congratulated them.

Yuan Yiming took the good news with trembling hands, his heart surging like waves.

Someone reminded him that he should give some reward.

Yuan Yiming's face turned red instantly. He was short of money and had no money at all. For meals, he could only buy a coarse flour steamed bun and drink it with the free hot soup in Zhuangyuan Building.

At this time, he only had seven cents in his hand. If he took it out, those officers would not think it was a reward, but would only feel humiliated.

Seeing his embarrassment, Yan Xining stepped forward, took the money bag that the shopkeeper had prepared earlier, walked over and put it into the hands of the official in front, and said with a smile: "Brother Yuan, congratulations! You really made a big splash!"

Then he said, "Brothers, take this and have a cup of tea!"

The officer weighed it in his hand, finding it quite heavy. He thought to himself that the owner of Zhuangyuanlou, though young, was a wonderful man. He bowed, thanked him, offered a few words of congratulations, and left.

There were a total of 27 candidates living in Zhuangyuan Building, among whom four were admitted as Gongshi. Yuan Yiming was able to get the fourth place, which was an excellent result.

Yan Xining said generously, "Mr. Yuan, you are very happy. Today, Zhuangyuan Tower is offering a free banquet for all the candidates in the elegant room of the East Pavilion on the second floor. I wish all the successful candidates a bright future, just like the Kunpeng spreading its wings and soaring to the sky. I also wish all the successful candidates a happy and successful future. I also wish you all the best in the next three years!"

Yuan Yiming bowed and said, "Thank you, Master Ning!"

All the candidates, whether they passed the exam or not, expressed their gratitude!

Yan Xining smiled and waved her hand: "Everyone, please don't be polite! Being able to stay in the Champion Building is a fate. I also hope that the word "Champion" can add color to you all!"

Yuan Yiming whispered, "Just now, the money just now, I will pay it back later!"

"Young Master Yuan, you're being too formal, aren't you? I hope you achieve better results in the palace examination, and that you will rise to prominence in the future!"

Yuan Yiming nodded vigorously and looked at Yan Xining with gratitude in his eyes.

After he came to Beijing, he actually couldn't afford to stay in a hotel. He only dared to stay here because they said he could stay at half price and there was a chance it would be free.

It was also because of the atmosphere of Zhuangyuan Building and the conditions provided that he could prepare for the exam with peace of mind.

He said solemnly: "Mr. Ning, Yiming will remember your kindness!"

Amidst the bustle, there was silence at the doorway, and a figure slowly walked in. His clear and beautiful face was like a pear blossom in early spring, with a hint of coldness in his fair complexion. His eyes were as deep as a cold pond, as if hiding an endless galaxy of stars.

He was dressed in a smoky blue brocade robe, the hem dancing lightly in the wind. He seemed to be out of tune with the hustle and bustle of this world, yet he inexplicably became the focus of everyone's attention. Every step he took seemed to tread on everyone's heartstrings.

All eyes were on him; he was too hard to ignore.

Yan Xining's heart skipped a beat. Why was he here?