A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

After the provincial examination, there is a palace examination, in which the emperor asks questions and selects the top three candidates, and then the results are announced to the world.

The top three scholars—the first, second, and third—were all exceptionally talented, ranked according to a combination of their knowledge and character.

But the third-ranked scholar had one special feature: his appearance.

In addition to being learned, a third-place scholar should also be handsome and have outstanding demeanor.

It is unknown from which dynasty or era it originated, but it has been passed down to this day and has evolved into an unwritten selection criterion.

This year, however, is a little different.

Before anyone could even see the third-ranked scholar's face, they were already captivated by the top-ranked scholar.

He was handsome and dignified, yet exuded a natural lightness and composure from the inside out.

Even when riding high on success, one should not lose the demeanor of a humble gentleman.

It is pleasing to the eye, like a gentle breeze caressing willows, or like a light spring rain.

When the second and third place winners came into the public eye, they were compared again.

The third-ranked scholar had skin as smooth as jade, eyes as bright as stars, and an extremely exquisite face.

His smile was captivating, and his horseback riding posture was upright and elegant; he was a genuine handsome man.

only……

Some of the girls in the crowd had already started arguing.

"While the third-ranked scholar is handsome, considering the overall picture, I think the top-ranked scholar is better!"

"I still prefer the third-ranked scholar, he's more refined and delicate."

"Delicate and exquisite craftsmanship lacks masculinity; how can it compare to a top scholar who achieves the highest honors in all three categories!"

"I heard the top scholar is from the Northwest, so why doesn't he have the ruggedness of a man from the wilderness?"

"Who says the Northwest is only wilderness and brutes? That's prejudice. That top scholar was a learned man!"

"The top scholar is handsome, and the third-ranked scholar is beautiful; it's truly difficult to choose between them."

……

Among them were many noble ladies who had obtained information that ordinary people had no way of knowing before they arrived.

The story of catching a son-in-law after passing the imperial examination has always been considered a beautiful tale.

I heard that this year is just as lively, with three or four candidates who ranked high in the imperial examinations successfully finding their spouses.

However, none of the top three spots have been claimed by any of them so far.

The reasons vary.

The second-place finisher was thirty years old and already had a virtuous wife and loving children, so he was naturally the first to be eliminated.

The top two scholars, Zhuangyuan and Tanhua, are both young and unmarried.

The two of them surprisingly had the same reason.

The top scholar said, "After years of studying diligently, I have yet to serve the court or share Your Majesty's burdens, and I dare not indulge in personal feelings for my children."

What the third-ranking scholar said is quite true. As a newcomer to officialdom, he is bound to be flustered and overwhelmed at every turn. He hopes that his colleagues will take good care of him. He really has no time for being gentle and considerate, and is afraid that he might mistreat the beautiful lady.

The purpose of these noble ladies coming here, besides joining in the fun, was mostly to find suitable husbands.

The top three scholars in the imperial examinations declined other marriage proposals, and that was their reason.

Whether they can form a good marriage with one of them in the future depends on the abilities of these noble ladies.

For these aristocratic families and high-ranking official residences, choosing a young man who is about to become an official is a priority.

A stable and trustworthy relationship is formed through marriage, and then nurtured.

If one has good judgment and makes the right choice, it will help continue the family's glory.

The top three are the best of the best among these candidates, what modern people call "blue-chip stocks".

He Jinglan was most annoyed by the seemingly harmonious discussions among those noble ladies, who were actually harboring their own ulterior motives.

She was too annoyed to listen any longer and whispered to Gu Xixi, "Don't listen to them chatting and laughing right now."

"In fact, the struggle behind the scenes had already begun long ago."

"Back then, Mu Nanzhao was the top scholar in the imperial examination, and my brother was the second-best. We got into a lot of trouble like this."

"I've seen the ugliest methods."

"Fortunately, both the Mu and He families are well-established families, so no one really dared to force them to do something like that."

Gu Xixi suddenly felt a little worried. What would Jiang Mingyuan choose when faced with attempts to win him over, temptations, or even threats?

Given his temperament, if he insists on not being arranged to marry, and also refuses to be courted by any force, he will be able to win him over.

Will there be any danger?

He Jinglan saw through Gu Xixi's thoughts and said, "Actually, you don't need to worry too much about Lord Jiang."

"I don't think he's a pedantic person; he must already have his own way of dealing with it."

Gu Xixi nodded and smiled, "I hope so."

As they were talking, they suddenly realized that the atmosphere around them was a bit off.

Then look at the four head maids beside him, they're frantically exchanging glances.

Gu Xixi and He Jinglan looked up and saw that the top scholar's horse had deviated from the center line of the street and was heading towards them.

He Jinglan watched Jiang Mingyuan approach, trying her best not to attract attention.

She stared straight ahead with a composed expression, her lips slightly parted, and whispered without moving her lips, "He's not going to greet you in front of all these people, is he?"

Gu Xixi responded in the same way: "I think that's exactly what he wants to do."

Given Jiang Mingyuan's character, how could he possibly turn his back on his old friends after passing the imperial examination?

On the contrary, they should acknowledge each other openly and greet each other honestly.

This is the Jiang Mingyuan that Gu Xixi knows.

He Jinglan looked at the top scholar who was now almost within reach and gave him a generous and appropriate smile.

"I hope he doesn't do anything unnecessary. I don't want you to become the first target after the results are released."

Actually, He Jinglan's concerns were somewhat unnecessary.

Because she forgot that An Qinghe was still by her side.

An Qing waved his arms and shouted, "Brother Zichu! We're here!"

"I couldn't make it to the inn to share the good news after the results were posted, so I came here to wait for you! I absolutely have to congratulate you in person!"

Although the parade is not over yet, we cannot linger here for too long.

Jiang Mingyuan dismounted without hesitation and smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting to the three men in turn.

"Thank you, I'm so happy to see my friends here."

At this moment, all eyes turned to them.

Naturally, some people recognized He Jinglan as the eldest daughter of the He family and the younger sister of He Jinghui, the Minister of Revenue.

As a result, He Jinglan received countless inquisitive, suspicious, and jealous glances.

Could it be that the top scholar had already been having an affair with Minister He's sister?

Now that things have come to this, the three of them no longer care what others think, and openly return Jiang Mingyuan's greetings and offer their formal congratulations.

All three of them were genuinely happy for Jiang Mingyuan.

An Qinghe said excitedly, "As we've traveled together, I've come to know that you're no ordinary person, but rather the reincarnation of the God of Literature!"

He Jinglan and Jiang Mingyuan met once at Gu Xixi's farm.

Although they weren't familiar with each other, they felt a sense of warmth when they met again in the capital.

He Jinglan smiled and nodded, "I wish the top scholar a bright future."

Jiang Mingyuan returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you."

When it was Gu Xixi's turn, she already had a plan in mind: "Brother Zichu has become the top scholar in the imperial examination. He is so successful. As his cousin, I am proud of him."

He Jinglan was taken aback, then deeply moved.

Gu Xixi has never been one to flaunt her achievements, and she dislikes climbing the social ladder.

She revealed that she was related to Jiang Mingyuan, for one reason only: to take the fall.

To prevent others from speculating about the relationship between He Jinglan, the He family, and Jiang Mingyuan.

Jiang Mingyuan's eyes flickered, clearly understanding Gu Xixi's intention.

"My cousin, Brother An, and I traveled to Beijing together, and we are very grateful for your care."

"It's a pity we're pressed for time today. I'll treat you later, and we can find a place to have a good drink and chat."