more and more pitifully, looking utterly abandoned. She kept touching her belly from time to time, leading people to believe that she had something to do with Li Laosi, even… bearing a child in secr..."Miss, great joy, great joy!"

In the palace, Shui Ling and Shui Yun always called her "Miss" publicly, only addressing her as "young mistress" in private.

At this moment, Shui Ling had even forgotten about this, she was so ecstatic.

Jia Yin suddenly stood up and stepped forward, asking, "Did my older brother pass the imperial examinations"

"Yes, yes!" Shui Ling nodded vigorously, letting out a breath of relief and saying, "The Emperor directly declared the eldest son as the top scholar! Everyone praised the eldest son's articles!"

Jia Yin jumped up directly, her face blooming with joy.

"My older brother is amazing, hahaha! My older brother is the number one scholar!"

The third princess was also delighted, saying excitedly, "I told you not to worry! Your older brother is so capable, there's no way he wouldn't pass the imperial examination with top honors!"

Having said that, she blushed and asked Shui Ling, "What about the others Like your Sixth Young Master, and... everyone else"

Shui Ling replied, "Your Majesty only announced the eldest son as the top scholar in court. The rest of you will have to wait for His Majesty's careful review before your rankings are determined."

The third princess was disappointed, but she didn't want to say it out loud.

At this moment, the maids attending nearby all stepped forward to pay their respects and offer congratulations.

Jia Yin waved his hand, rewarding one person with two ounces of silver. Everyone was overjoyed and beaming with smiles.

For a while, the Zhi Lan Palace was bustling with activity, just like during Chinese New Year.

As the sun began to set, news spread quickly among the students as they left the palace.

The entire new city was filled with curiosity and envy for the newly crowned champion.

Someone said, "Having ten thousand gold pieces is nothing compared to having a good son."

"That's right, the Li family must be having a stroke of good luck. It's as if their ancestors are blessing their descendants from heaven."

"Let's not talk about anything else, just high-yielding corn and potatoes. With so many people flocking to Quanzhou, how did no one discover it It was the Li family who found it"

"Now that the eldest grandson of the Li family has won the top scholar title, this is truly a glorious achievement for the family! In the future, he will surely rise through the ranks and achieve great things!"

Of course, there are those who envy and those who are jealous.

"Hmph, that son of the Li family got the top scholar position by taking advantage! Who doesn't know that the emperor favors the Li family "

"Young Master Li's talent is comparable to others, or even slightly inferior. The Emperor would definitely choose Young Master Li as the number one scholar! This is the advantage of having connections in court!"

Some intellectuals with principles couldn't help but speak up for fairness.

It's not that simple. Young Master Li achieved second place in the provincial examination and entered the palace exam. Furthermore, besides the Emperor reviewing the papers, there are so many high-ranking officials. Could they all possibly be biased

Besides, the Li family has the emperor's favor because they deserve it. Not to mention that their high-yield crops saved countless people in Tianwu, just look at their children and grandchildren, each one is successful!

Two candidates passed the palace examination this year, and even Master Li’s eldest son won the top honors. Even the other sons of the Li family all have respectable positions, either fighting pirates or serving as envoys to foreign countries.

Such a person, devoted to their family and country, loyal and steadfast, who wouldn't like them! Not to mention the Emperor, even I would feel proud.

“This time, the eldest son of the Li family won the top scholar title. I wonder if the Li family will have a grand feast to celebrate If they do, I’ll definitely prepare generous gifts to send over, to get some celebratory wine and bask in their good fortune.”

It has to be said, there are still many discerning people in the world.

Although villains are unavoidable, they can never become the main theme of the world.

As the sun set, the entire Xin Du was filled with admiration and respect for the Li family, replacing the envious whispers that had once circulated.

That night, a feast was held at the Earl's residence.

The Lord, Li Laer, Li Lao San, and Li Lao Si who had traveled a long way back, plus Jia Ren, Jia Huan, and Li Ge'er, as well as the village head, Liu Biao Tou, Zhao Shu and others from the village, and Liu Zhi Heng, Mr. Peng, and Lord Xing were all present, each with a smile on their face.

Especially Xing Da Ren, his eye corners had two more wrinkles.

At first, his wife insisted on marrying their daughter to Li Jiaren. He hesitated a little.

Looking back now, my wife was incredibly wise.

Over the past two years, the son-in-law has been filial to them like his own parents. He is also gentle and caring towards their daughter. This time's big exam, he even directly became the top scholar.

This is simply the highest honor for a scholar!

He was nearly roasted by the envious glances of his colleagues all afternoon.

He unconsciously raised his head, puffed out his chest, and smiled until the corners of his mouth reached his ears. His face was still aching from the smile.

What a lucky find!

Li Lao'er, this father, even cried with his son in his arms.

The regret of not being able to read when he was young, the bitterness of making a living, all surged up in his heart, and finally, amidst the joy of his son becoming a top scholar, it was all released.

"My son, you are the pride of your father. You have been intelligent and well-behaved since you were young. It pains me that I couldn't send you to school. Your father would toss and turn all night worrying. Thankfully, our family is doing well financially, so you could go to the academy and have a teacher.

"

"Father thought, even if you don't pass the juren exam, passing the xiucai exam would be fine too, at least it could help Father fulfill his dream."

"I never expected you to be so successful. You actually became the top scholar! Oh, dear me, Father is overjoyed, so overjoyed!"

Jiārén listened, his eyes reddening. He rarely hugged his father and choked back tears as he replied, "Father, you are also my pride. For so many years, you have taken care of the family inside and out, acting both as a father and a mother. You've worked so hard."

Li Lao'er could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

Jia Huan and Li Ge'er followed, wiping their tears, while Li Lao San also turned his head to wipe away his tears, again and again.

Still, the marquis and others quickly consoled him.

"It's a joyous occasion, we should be happy."

"Yes, it's a pity Mr. Wen isn't here, otherwise he would probably be even happier."

Mentioning Mr. Wen, Li Laer immediately wiped away his tears and replied, "Jia Ren's success today is inseparable from Mr. Wen's guidance. We must wait for Mr. Wen to return before we hold a grand feast."

Li Lao Si smiled and said, "Second brother, rest assured, I've already sent someone to pick up Mr. Wen. If everything goes smoothly, he might be back tomorrow night."

"That's good, that's good." Li La Er nodded and said again, "Also, to the academy side, we must thank all the gentlemen properly."

At this moment, Mr. Peng finally found his opportunity to speak up, replying, "Leave this task to me. Those scholars at the academy have been eyeing our family's valuables for a long time; I haven't forgotten."

"If you have something in mind, I can just make a list for you later."

Jia Ren quickly expressed his gratitude. Li Lao San chimed in, "Then we'll set up two tables for a teacher appreciation banquet in the canteen and let Jia Huan personally cook."

“Lao San, why don't you invite all the students from the academy Around here, Jia Ren is going back to the academy too. We can't let our classmates watch the festivities without joining in on the good cheer.” Li Lao Er instructed generously, “I’ll cover the silver. You and Jia Huan put some work into it and come up with a menu.”

"Alright, it's rare to see Second Brother being so generous. I'll definitely arrange a good feast." Li Lao San smiled ingenuously and agreed, causing everyone else to laugh as well.

At a lively dinner party, everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, almost as if it would burst through the roof.

Wan'er, accompanied by her maidservants, was busy preparing the wine and food. Every now and then, she would take a break to stand under the eaves, gazing at the moon in the sky. She was so excited that her hands trembled.

She's actually a top scholar's wife!

During the Chinese New Year, the power went out unexpectedly! It wasn't restored until 7:30 pm. Huahua had to lug her computer all over town looking for a place to update. It was truly indescribable. I apologize, my dears, it was an unexpected situation. Next week starts tomorrow, so I'll make up the chapter that I owed you first. Stay tuned!liance for the second half of your life.”Mr. Wen nodded vigorously, while Cui Jinrou couldn't help but wipe away her tears.Back then, she and Fu Qirong had been married for two years without a child....