Chapter 344: Good News
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At this point, a throng of people had already gathered around Su Bin and his companions.
Su Ning eagerly retrieved the money pouch she had prepared and handed it to Su Bin.
“Third Brother, let’s toss the money quickly!”
Su Bin hoisted the money pouch above his head and flung it into the crowd.
Examinees surged forward, vying to grab hold of the scattered coins.
Seizing the moment, Su Bin guided Qin Zhenzhen and Su Ning toward their waiting carriage.
He had no intention of being engulfed by the crowd of examinees and finding himself unable to depart.
Qin Zhenzhen remarked, “You threw that money pouch quite a distance.”
Su Bin nodded with pride. “That’s because I’m not just an ordinary scholar!”
Before they could return home, government officials dispatched messengers to convey the good news.
The announcement of the results began with the rankings of the High Scholars.
Master Top Scorer, who had clinched the first position, was the last to be informed of the good news.
While a mere two officials shared the news with the other High Scholars, a team of twelve messengers beat gongs and drums to herald the news to the Top Scorer. Their procession made quite a spectacle.
Su Bin remained unfazed. He knew it would take some time before they reached his residence.
During the examination, he had provided the provincial capital’s address as his destination.
Consequently, the good news wouldn’t be sent to Meijiang Prefecture City. Instead, it would be dispatched to the address he had specified.
Thus, they could simply await the news at home.
Some of the examinees who remained in the provincial capital had provided the addresses of their relatives, while others had chosen the inns as their designated destinations.
Everyone was eager to receive their prize money and official recognition as a High Scholar as swiftly as possible.
Since there were no candidates waiting in the provincial capital, many had filled in the address of their hometowns as their destination.
Those who had secured positions on the rankings hurried back to their residences. They prepared tips for the officials who were tasked with delivering the good news and also readied the wedding money they had scattered earlier. Then, they anxiously awaited the arrival of the good news.
Regardless of their ranking, achieving the status of High Scholar was a remarkable feat worth celebrating and boasting about. Offering rewards to officials and distributing gifts to spectators was a common practice.
The official who arrived to deliver the good news was elated, readily sharing kind words about titles like “Golden List” for the next year. The rewards from the candidates were usually quite substantial.
Around noon, a delegation of twelve officials arrived to deliver the good news to Su Bin.
Curious neighbors from the vicinity gathered to witness the event.
The newly anointed Top Scorer, Su Bin, personally stepped outside to receive the good news.
The sight of Su Bin left the ladies and wives in the vicinity blushing. He was young and exceedingly handsome!
The men couldn’t help but feel envious and a tad jealous.
Being handsome was one thing, but being scholarly and accomplished added another layer of allure. Owning a house in the provincial capital suggested a prosperous background.
After offering gifts to the officials and distributing money to the onlookers, Su Bin instructed that the door be closed. He had always preferred to avoid crowds.
Before long, Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen’s backgrounds became the topic of discussion among the curious onlookers.
Su Bin was actually a noble son of the Marquis Mansion, while Qin Zhenzhen was a divine doctor who had cured the Empress Dowager. These two news quickly spread throughout the provincial capital.
The nobles of the provincial capital paid a visit to Su Bin and his family, eager to offer their congratulations.
However, the household servant informed them, “Master Top Scorer, Madam, and Miss have gone out.”
In truth, Su Bin and the others had ventured out for some leisurely activities.
The following day, all the High Scholars received a letter from the governor.
The governor had extended an invitation to over a hundred High Scholars.
Su Bin could hardly decline such an invitation.
Qin Zhenzhen and Su Ning attended the gathering at the governor’s residence. Qin Zhenzhen had an extensive business relationship with the magistrate’s wife, who also happened to be her most prominent agent in the provincial capital.
Beyond their professional ties, Qin Zhenzhen and the magistrate’s wife shared a sisterly bond. This was due in part to Qin Zhenzhen having successfully treated the magistrate’s wife’s mother for a debilitating waist pain, a gesture that had earned her immense gratitude.
Qin Zhenzhen held a deep respect for the magistrate’s wife. Moreover, she and the governor’s family had provided invaluable assistance when Su Bin’s true identity had been revealed..