Chapter 37: Announcement of Results

Autumn has always symbolized harvest, traditionally the happiest time of the year for the common people. Yet, for four consecutive years, unknown reasons caused the Yellow River to be turbulent year after year. That summer, it remained restless for two months straight, ruining crops and homes in countless households. In many areas of Henan, even the land itself was submerged, making harvests impossible.

Even the large estates mostly reaped nothing, let alone the small families living off meager plots of land. Even more unfortunate were those tenant farmers who could call for help from neither heaven nor earth. Although the imperial taxes were reduced several times, it was still not enough. As a result, countless people were displaced, and even more sold into slavery.

Apart from the crisis four years ago, Kaifeng remained relatively safe. Ten days prior, to prevent overcrowding in the city, the Henan Provincial Administration issued orders prohibiting refugees from entering Kaifeng. Thus, the streets and alleys were not overcrowded, giving the illusion of peace and prosperity.

That day was the day when the results of Kaifeng’s annual scholar examination would be announced. Early in the morning, countless people gathered in front of the wall where the results would be posted, eagerly waiting. Among them were ordinary students in plain clothes, wealthy youths in fine attire, and many page boys dressed as servants. After years of hard study, they had finally passed the examination to become scholars. If they ranked in the sixth tier, they would be expelled from the academy, suffering immense shame—how could they then bring honor to their families?

At the front were four young men. Two of them, who were quite sturdy, blocked the crowd behind them, increasing the pressure on everyone. Seeing the growing crowd, the thickest of the four boys snapped, “Third brother, I told you we should have just waited at home for the news. You insisted on coming out to check the results. Look how many people there are! It’s just an annual examination—if we don’t do well this time, we can try again next time!”

“You jinx! How can it not go well? In my opinion, Third brother and Xiao Qi will definitely rank in the first or second tier!”

These four boys were the Zhang brothers and Gu Bin. Seeing the Zhang brothers glaring at each other, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile. Then he noticed Gu Bin, usually cold and composed, gripping his fists tightly with a flushed face, clearly nervous. Thinking of how they had overcome numerous obstacles to pass the preliminary exams and finally become scholars, he sighed, worried about the outcome of this annual examination.

“The list is out! The list is out!”
With a burst of noise, the crowd immediately became chaotic. Seeing several officials carrying a scroll of the list and heading to paste it on the wall, those at the back rushed forward desperately, causing trouble for those in front. Fortunately, Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi waved their fists and used their shoulders and backs to block the crowd, keeping them at bay.
“Xiao Qi made it—sixth in second class!”
“Huh? Why can’t I see my third brother’s name?”
As Zhang Yue listened to Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi’s excited voices, his eyes scanned rapidly from back to front. It was a habit he had developed since childhood and one he still hadn’t changed in this life. Yet, from fifth class down to the lowest, he couldn’t find his own name, which puzzled him. Just then, he heard more noise.
“Move aside! The list for first class hasn’t been posted yet… This educational official insists on separating first class from the others… We’ll have to go through it again…”
The official muttered under his breath, but no one else had time to listen; they all stared intently at the newly posted list. Each rank in the annual exam came with different benefits, and only those in first and second class could take the provincial exams. The Zhang brothers also stared intently at the list, scanning it thoroughly. When they saw the last name, everyone’s eyes lit up.
“Third brother, you’re really lucky—ending up as the last in first class! At least it’s still first class!”
Zhang Yue was still staring at his own name in shock when he was suddenly jolted by a punch from behind. Turning around, he saw Zhang Chao smiling at him, which warmed his heart. Just as he was about to say something, the others gathered around. Zhang Qi, like Zhang Chao, punched him on the shoulder. Gu Bin also showed a rare smile and offered his congratulations.
Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi knew they weren’t cut out for studying. Over the past three years, they had focused on practicing martial arts, mostly military strategies, and had long given up on the imperial examination path. After all, their father was a military officer, and there was also Zhang Fu, the greatest warrior in the Ming Dynasty, living in the capital. Finding a way into the military would be easy for them. Now that their biggest worry was gone, the two started joking around with each other.
“Third brother, since you and Xiao Qi took the exam this time, we’ll be protecting you the whole time. Don’t forget our efforts!”
“That’s right! When we get back, Grandma might give you lots of nice things. Don’t forget to share some with us.”
Zhang Yue was also very happy.

He had gained a lot in these four years. First, he had strengthened his body and was no longer weak and sickly. Second, by studying under Du Zhen, he passed the provincial examination at once, not only becoming a xiucai but also ranking first in this annual exam, allowing him to take the provincial-level examination next year. Third, the third branch of the family finally gained respect at home, as his father, Zhang Zhuo, who only had a nominal status as a jiansheng, unexpectedly passed the imperial examination the year before last. Fourth, his mother was pregnant and would soon give birth to another brother or sister for him.

“Alright, alright, everyone at home must be getting anxious by now. Let’s hurry back!” he replied with a smile, punching Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi lightly. Then he said to Gu Bin, “Brother Qi, you should also go back quickly to congratulate your uncles and aunts. They must be overjoyed to hear you ranked second!”

Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi led the way, with Zhang Yue and Gu Bin following closely behind. After struggling to make their way through the crowd, all four were drenched in sweat, their clothes wrinkled beyond recognition. Glancing back at the bustling crowd filled with cheers and sighs, Zhang Yue wiped his sweat nervously before bidding farewell to Gu Bin.

A few servants were waiting under the shade of a tree, holding horses. Seeing the three young masters approaching, they rushed over eagerly. Seeing their joyful expressions, they were overjoyed and quickly shouted, “Come quickly to congratulate the third young master! He must have passed the examination!”

Seeing seven or eight people rushing over to kowtow and congratulate him, Zhang Yue slammed his fan on Lian Sheng’s shoulder and scolded impatiently, “It’s just an annual exam for jianshengs. What’s there to celebrate? This is the street, not home. What’s the point of such a showy behavior?”

Zhang Qi laughed and kicked two of them, shouting, “Go back home and make a fuss! We let you come out today, and you won’t be left out of rewards!”

One of the servants couldn’t help complaining, “The second young master said that if the old lady finds out the third young master came out riding a horse instead of a carriage or sedan, we’ll all get a good scolding!”

“A real man doesn’t need a carriage or sedan. My third brother’s health isn’t what it used to be!”

Hearing this, Zhang Yue instinctively dodged to the side, just avoiding Zhang Chao’s usual slap. Seeing his opponent strike empty air and stand there stunned, he took the reins, mounted the horse, and sat down, then said to Zhang Chao with a wry smile, “Elder brother, even though I’m a real man, I can’t withstand your powerful slap. Let’s go back quickly before everyone at home gets anxious!”

The group rushed home on horseback at top speed. Before even dismounting at the gate, several guards rushed up to congratulate them. Knowing that these people were good at reading expressions and must have noticed something from his face, Zhang Yue smiled and took out a handful of copper coins from his purse to reward them, then ran inside excitedly, leaving Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi behind. After passing the ceremonial gate, he saw several figures looking in the direction of the inner gate from afar, so he quickened his pace even more.
“Young master…”
Glancing at Qiu Hen’s anxious face, Zhang Yue, regardless of whether she understood, made a V-sign with his index and middle fingers to show victory, then flashed a bright smile. Immediately, the several maids who had been waiting there cheered together and rushed toward the main house in a hurry.
Judging by the third young master’s appearance, his results must have been good. The one who brings the good news first gets much more reward than others!