Chapter 200 Trial
Pingyang Houfu.

The night is deep.

Yang Wenyuan had finished his studies and was having dinner with Hualan under candlelight.

Although it was late, just the two of them sitting around the small table had a special flavor.

Naturally, there was no restraint for the young couple to be together, and they talked while eating.

"This time, I am indebted to Madam Zheng for her kindness."

Yang Wenyuan was about 60% full:

"But this Madam Zheng is very kind to her brother-in-law. She treats her husband's brother as her own brother and takes great care of him."

"So Madam Zheng is here for General Zheng? But isn't General Zheng under the Duke of England's command? Why does he need our family's help?" Hua Lan couldn't help but ask.

Yang Wenyuan smiled and explained:

“That’s why I said that Madam Zheng treated General Zheng as her own brother, so she felt it was not enough.”

"After all, it's a human life, so no matter how much insurance is given, it's not too much. If you value it, it can't be replaced by ten thousand ounces of gold."

The couple chatted.

Then the matter of Gu Tingye was mentioned.

Yang Wenyuan immediately told about his conversation with Gu Tingye.

After Hua Lan heard this, a slightly embarrassed expression appeared on her face:

"In that case, I was reckless."

"Ma'am, what are you talking about? Gu Tingye knows that we care about him and he is so touched." Yang Wenyuan said quickly.

Then he paused and continued:
“But I’m definitely not as optimistic as Zhong Huai…”

"Why, is there something else going on?"

"I don't know either. I only know that people's hearts are complicated. The higher the position or the older one is, the more complicated it is..."

"No more to say!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit dull and Hualan's expression looked somewhat solemn, Yang Wenyuan stopped talking.

After Hualan finished her meal, Yang Wenyuan immediately urged her to wash up and go to bed.

Hua Lan glanced at the sky and saw that it was not too late, so she asked:

"My husband, it's still early. Are you going to rest so early? Are you not going to study anymore?"

Yang Wenyuan said seriously:

"The exam will be held the day after tomorrow, so I should conserve my energy!"

Having said that, Yang Wenyuan immediately urged Hualan to go wash up.

"Oh……"

Looking at Yang Wenyuan's anxious look, Hua Lan nodded doubtfully.

I don't know what I was thinking about, and my face turned red.

Looking at Hua Lan's graceful back as she turned to the side room to wash up, Yang Wenyuan had a look of compassion on his face:
"After taking off the skin, there are only two hundred and six bones left. However, as the saying goes, if I don't go to hell, then who will? I, Yang Wenyuan, still have a spirit of dedication!"

After a while.

After washing, Hualan walked into the house with wet hair and moisturized skin, wrapped only in a thin blanket.

The delicate and graceful collarbone and the snow-white and smooth breasts are slightly exposed.

It seemed to be revealed but not revealed, and it was looming, which immediately made Yang Wenyuan stare in amazement!
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Maybe the bath water was a little too hot, causing Hua Lan's cheeks to turn red after bathing.

Although Yang Wenyuan was distracted, he remained calm and said:

"Madam, you have worked hard today. You should go to bed and rest early."

Yang Wenyuan was not just waiting in the room. He went to wash up in a hurry. After finishing quickly, he immediately changed into thin pajamas and went back to the room to wait.

"Oh..." Hua Lan responded softly, then moved her lotus feet lightly, carefully pinched the blanket in front of her collarbone, and slowly walked to the bed.

As he walked, the long white legs that appeared and disappeared from time to time immediately made Yang Wenyuan's upper body feel short of energy and blood.

"He came here wearing only a coat!"

Hualan sat down on the edge of the bed, her straight and slender legs exposed to the sides of her thighs, which immediately confirmed Yang Wenyuan's guess.

Seeing Yang Wenyuan's fiery eyes, although they were already an old couple, Hualan still twisted her body unconsciously. Her soft hands couldn't help but pinch her collar, and her body wrapped in the blanket even produced a little sweat.

"It's all Cai Zan's fault. She said it was so convenient, but it's embarrassing..."

The beauty was beside him, shy and timid. Yang Wenyuan sighed inwardly:
"I, Yang Wenyuan, am a beast!"

"My wife has been busy all day and you have worked hard. I must reward you well!"

After saying that, Yang Wenyuan stepped forward.

"Uh~uh!"

After a moment, her slightly pale lips slightly opened and she said weakly:

"Husband, the imperial examination is coming up, your health is of utmost importance."

Then came Yang Wenyuan's dull voice, as if coming from his chest:
"You don't know your husband's health?"

"Also, don't call me husband, call me brother."

"elder brother……"

The ethereal sounds of faint mosquitoes and flies were heard, as if their owners were in a dazed and empty state.

"I hope my brother will have mercy on me..."

"Ok?"

"Um!!"

Yang Wenyuan practiced martial arts hard every day, wielding spears and sticks, and made rapid progress.

Many of the original ideas in his mind could be innovated after he became proficient in them, and could be put into practice with his unparalleled talent for spear.

"It can be considered as the Yang family's spearmanship!" Yang Wenyuan said with a silly smile from time to time.

Two days later.

The day of the test.

Yang Wenyuan got up early in the morning.

The first moment he opened his eyes, Yang Wenyuan habitually touched the pillow, but the place he touched was cold, not as warm and soft as before.

Last night, in order to let Yang Wenyuan have a good rest before the exam, Hualan went to sleep in the side room, leaving Yang Wenyuan alone in the master bedroom.

"How can you let me rest well? It's obvious that you don't trust my concentration!"

Yang Wenyuan sat up with a rather indignant expression on his face:

"I, Yang Wenyuan, have never been a gambler or a drug addict!"

At this time.

As if realizing that Yang Wenyuan had woken up, Hua Lan pushed the door open and walked in, bending down and holding a basin of water and a handkerchief in her hands.

"My husband is awake!"

Hua Lan put the washbasin and face towel on the table, and immediately helped Yang Wenyuan get dressed and get up.

Enjoying Hualan's considerate service and noticing Hualan's slightly tired look, Yang Wenyuan understood that Hualan probably didn't get much sleep last night and got up early to get ready.

At this time, the courtyard was quiet, with only the occasional chirping of birds from the garden behind. Hualan must have specifically instructed her servants to pay attention to the noise and not disturb the Marquis' rest.

Thinking of Hua Lan tiptoeing and carefully packing his book box under the gloomy sky, Yang Wenyuan's dissatisfaction was immediately soothed by an invisible hand.

At the same time, I thought:

"A drop of water should be repaid with a spring. I, Yang Wenyuan, have nothing else to give you. I can only verify my determination in person!"

"When I come back from the scientific expedition, I will make sure you understand Yang Wenyuan's strong willpower!"

It was just getting light at this moment.

Hualan had already had breakfast, so while Yang Wenyuan was eating, Hualan turned around and went to the study to pack up her things.

Hualan had actually already packed up everything.

But when it came to the end, I felt that it was not quite right, so I couldn't wait and started to reorganize it.

It’s almost noon.

The Yang family’s carriage arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall.

Although it was still early, there was already a crowd of people standing outside the Imperial Examination Hall.

Some are students who are about to enter the Imperial Examination Hall, but more are their family members who are sending them to take the exam.

Here we can see the difference in the candidates' family backgrounds.

Poor students are often alone, with only a book box as companion.

Candidates from wealthy families are often seen off by their entire family.

Everyone was talking to each other, and the atmosphere outside the Imperial Examination Hall was very lively at this time.

At this time, among Yang Wenyuan's classmates, only the Sheng family's carriage had arrived, while Gu Tingye and Qi Heng had not shown up yet.

As the head of the Yang family, Yang Wenyuan has the highest status among the people present.

Therefore, although the Yang family's carriage arrived a little late and most roads were blocked by people, the crowds dispersed as soon as they arrived, and the carriage was able to pass through all the roads smoothly.

However, Yang Wenyuan didn't want to continue squeezing in, so he moved closer to the Sheng family's carriage.

After getting off the carriage, the couple immediately bowed to Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu.

"Father, mother."

"Father-in-law, mother-in-law."

Then he greeted his other brothers and sisters. At this time, Yang Wenyuan also saw Lin Qinshuang's face for the first time in a long time.

Even though she is middle-aged, she still has charm.

Although she has the manners of a brothel girl, she is still very beautiful.

"Don't take a fox spirit for a monster!"

The last time I saw Lin Qinshuang was when Yang Wenyuan was in Yangzhou.

Thinking of this, Yang Wenyuan sighed in his heart that time flies and the days pass by so quickly.

Although they met, Yang Wenyuan and Hua Lan just nodded at Lin Qinshuang.

After all, she is a concubine and cannot be seen in public.

Naturally, they are not treated as elders.

Logically speaking, Lin Qinshuang should not show up in public at will.

But her son Changfeng also had to take the imperial examination today, and probably because of this, Lin Qinshuang was allowed to go out and see him off to take the exam.

However, looking at Wang Ruofu's surprised look, Yang Wenyuan could guess that Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong must have had some disputes.

The two sides exchanged greetings for a while.

Then they saw the Qi family’s convoy arriving.

That's right.

It’s the Qi family’s convoy!
Looking up, I saw Qi Heng in the distance riding a tall horse and leading the way. He was the focus of everyone on the street, with a proud and satisfied look on his handsome face, just like a Jinshi who was arranging flowers and parading in the streets after passing the imperial examination.

Princess Pingning and Duke Qi were in the following carriage.

There were a few cars following behind, but I didn't know whether they were the people who were having a blind date with the Qi family or something else.

It can't be that the book boxes all occupy a separate carriage, right?

"Okay, okay, let's go back first?" Sheng Hong felt a little nervous when he saw Qi Heng mobilizing so many troops.

Making such a grand scene in front of the Imperial Examination Hall, one could be impeached by the Censor if she was not careful. Only Princess Pingning, who was so favored by the emperor, could afford to put on such a show.

Sheng Hong was worried that if Qi Heng saw his family here, he would come over to say hello.

In line with the idea of ​​following his heart, Sheng Hong wanted to withdraw immediately.

"Then congratulations to my two brothers and brother-in-law for passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi!" Rulan gave her parting words.

Molan was not to be outdone and also congratulated, but the literary young woman spoke more elegantly:

"I wish my brother and brother-in-law to succeed in their quest for the top prize!"

Now that both sisters had spoken, Minglan had to speak as well.

However, the customary polite words had already been said by her two sisters, and Minglan could only figure it out in her mind.

After a pause, he said:

"Then I hope my brother and brother-in-law drink more water and have a good rest in the examination room!"

"What are you talking about? Can't you say auspicious words?" Rulan said.

Seeing Molan's teasing expression, Ruolan immediately wanted Minglan to change the words and say it again, but was interrupted by Yang Wenyuan with a smile.

"Go to the toilet, pay tribute! I'll borrow Sixth Sister's good words!"

Changbai also echoed:
"Sixth sister is right. We must drink more water!"

"Are you done? Let's go!"

Sheng Hong felt that it was inappropriate to see a large group of people gathered here. After seeing that his daughters had finished their auspicious words, he immediately said:

"Go in quickly, so as not to miss the time to enter the examination room."

Only then did everyone give up and temporarily stop their reluctant farewell.

At this time, the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall was opened and candidates began to enter one after another.

After a few simple words, Yang Wenyuan and the others picked up the book boxes and turned to walk towards the Imperial Examination Hall.

on the street.

Wang Ruofu and Hua Lan stood together, watching Yang Wenyuan and Changbai walk into the examination room.

"I just hope to get good results!" Wang Ruofu said with red eyes.

Hua Lan patted the back of Wang Ruofu's hand and said comfortingly:
"Don't worry, mother. Wenyuan and Changbai study hard every day and will definitely pass the exam!"

This is not only to encourage her mother, but also Hualan's expectation.

Entered the Imperial Examination Hall.

Yang Wenyuan was first searched, and his bookcase was also carefully emptied and checked.

Passed this level.

Yang Wenyuan then received the bamboo chips for his own cell.

"T-shaped dorm number four."

Yang Wenyuan muttered to himself and soon found his own cell.

"Good, it's shielded on all sides and there are no leaks, and it's not next to the toilet!" Yang Wenyuan secretly rejoiced.

Then Yang Wenyuan entered the dormitory and began to take out the four treasures of the study from the bookcase and placed them one by one on the small desk.

"All students, lock the doors and stay in the courtyard. Do not leave without permission!"

With the examiner's shout, the examination officially began.

Just like studying, time also flies quickly when you concentrate on doing the test, even faster than usual.

It seemed like in the blink of an eye, as I leaned over and looked up, the sky outside became dark.

This just proves the concern about late spring cold.

As the night deepened, the weather seemed to be getting colder.

There is warmth at home, candlelight and thick clothes, so it doesn't feel cold at night.

But now in this house.

They could only wear thin clothes, and the brick walls on all sides made it even colder.

Especially the feet, the cold air is constantly rising up, and it doesn't take long for the legs and feet to become cold.

In room number 4.

Yang Wenyuan could hear the rustling sounds coming from all around him, as well as the frequent opening and closing sounds of bookcases being rummaged through.

Yang Wenyuan laughed in his heart when he heard this:
"If it's not worn, then it's not worn. Can it appear out of thin air after searching inside and out?"

Looking down at his double-layer knee pads, Yang Wenyuan felt even more proud:

"Double layer protection, it's good for me and them too!"

at the same time.

Inside Qi Heng's room.

He was also wearing knee pads, which were secretly hidden inside the gift box when Minglan returned it to the Sheng family when he almost gave it as a gift.

When Qi Heng first saw that the gift box he had given to Minglan was returned, he thought that Minglan really wanted to part ways with him and never see him again, otherwise why would she not even accept the gift box?
It was not until he heard that Minglan had accepted several things but still wanted to return the gift box that he understood and dug out the knee pads that Minglan had embroidered herself.

At this moment, Qi Heng silently stroked the knee pads embroidered by Minglan. He seemed to be able to feel her deep affection from them, and a knowing smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry, Minglan, if you don't let me down, I will definitely not let you down!"

Yang Wenyuan, Changbai and Qi Heng all have Minglan's knee pads.

Although Chang Feng also had one, he had previously disdained the knee pads Minglan gave him, so naturally he didn't wear them.

This time I was punished.

I just stayed at the desk for a while, then went back to bed with cold legs and feet, and wrapped myself tightly in the quilt to warm myself up.

Although Gu Tingye did not have knee pads, he practiced martial arts all year round and was in good health.

Good physique and can withstand the cold.

Whenever you feel a little cold, get up and exercise to activate your muscles and blood circulation, and you’ll be full of energy again in a short while.

Pingyang Houfu.

This was the first time that Hua Lan was alone in this huge mansion without Yang Wenyuan's company. She felt a little lonely for a moment. She walked out of Zize Residence and came to the center of the courtyard without realizing it.

Today is the ninth day of March.

The night sky was clear and cloudless, and the full moon in the sky was bright and clear.

The night breeze was cool. Hualan was standing in the yard when she suddenly saw a light lit in the direction of Fanlou in the distance.

Even in the bright moonlight, it blooms brilliantly.

"Cui Chan, is that the light on in Fan Tower?" Hua Lan asked Cui Chan who was standing behind her.

Cuichan nodded and immediately explained:

"I heard that Duke Qi and his wife hung the blessing lanterns high up in Fan Tower, hoping that Young Duke Qi would pass the imperial examination."

Hua Lan thought this was a good omen and couldn't help but blurt out:
"Go to the front yard now and tell Changqing to go to Fanlou and ask for a blessing lantern as well."

Cuichan nodded and turned to leave.

But just as he was about to leave, Hua Lan stopped him.

Hua Lan said hesitantly:
"Forget it, that would be too conspicuous..."

"Just in your own house!"

Hua Lan ordered:
"Ask Changqing to take out the remaining lanterns from the Lantern Festival and hang them on the eaves of the mansion."

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)