Chapter 590 - 219: Making a Deposit

Chapter 590: Chapter 219: Making a Deposit

Just thinking about how Mr. Sheng could casually move a few chess pieces and make things go exactly as he wanted made De’an shudder. He had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg of this old politician’s methods, yet it was enough to terrify him. Perhaps he would never reach such a level in his entire life, doomed only to look up to his future father-in-law.

At this thought, De’an grew somewhat despondent. "They say like father, like daughter. With Mr. Sheng being the way he is, I don’t believe Sheng Saya is as pure and innocent as a little rabbit. Once we’re married, won’t she have me wrapped around her little finger? Just thinking about the days ahead makes my life feel hopeless."

Zhao Jing was speechless.

There was so much to complain about that he didn’t even know where to start. He wondered why De’an was putting on such a melancholy act when it wasn’t his first day realizing this fact.

Finally, he casually patted De’an’s shoulder and took the lead, standing up to head outside.

"Perhaps it’s exactly because you’re simple-minded that Mr. Sheng dared to betroth Sheng Saya to you," Zhao Jing said.

If it were someone with more schemes, someone hard to control, Mr. Sheng would have to worry about whether his daughter could live a good life in her in-laws’ home after he passed away. Marrying De’an eliminated that worry entirely—he was absolutely no match for Sheng Saya.

The grand drama designed for Gong Yuanxiu had completely concluded, and the scholars lingering in Xinghuai Prefecture were preparing to leave. This departure had two different implications.

Some were preparing to return directly to their hometowns. These people knew their own worth and understood that even if they forced themselves to go to the Capital City for the Imperial Examination, they would merely be joining the crowd. Furthermore, their impoverished families could not support such an extravagant expense. Therefore, they would return home to study diligently for a few years before heading to the capital to fight for a future.

Others felt they had done quite well this time around and wanted to strike while the iron was hot, heading out to try their luck in the Imperial Examination. Since they wanted to participate, there was no need to return home. The back-and-forth journey would not only cost a fortune but also delay their study time. They simply sent letters home and went together to the Academic Administration Office to collect their official certifications—documents proving their identities—and handle the procedures for traveling to the capital.

Zhao Jing also took some time to visit the Academic Administration Office. After collecting his certifications, he obtained a personal declaration stamped and confirmed by the local government office. With this, he could depart directly whenever he needed to go to the Capital City.

It was worth noting that among Zhao Jing’s acquaintances, only a few classmates from Xiaocheng Hall were preparing to enter the capital for the Imperial Examination. The rest were not planning to take the field this year.

"I was lucky enough to place in the top ten this time because Huang Chen and I managed to guess two of the questions before the exam," Ding Shutian said. "It’s not that our knowledge is actually that much higher than everyone else’s. Just passing the Provincial Examination is already a stroke of immense luck. I wouldn’t dare dream of the Imperial Examination just yet."

Huang Chen agreed. "We’ll go back and hone our skills properly for another two years. There will be another Imperial Examination then anyway, and it won’t be too late for us to participate."

Wang Chengde was not participating either. He had taken the Provincial Examination a full four times before finally passing. Who knew how many times he would have to take the Imperial Examination before securing an official rank.

He was already past the age of forty and no longer a driven, energetic young man. At his age, there were many things to consider. He wanted to serve by his parents’ side and care for them in their final years, while also managing his children’s marriages. Even his own health was beginning to fail him. When one knew something was impossible, one had to learn to let go gracefully. Perhaps if he reincarnated well in the next life, he would have the destiny to serve as an official in the imperial court.

Since all three spoke like this, Zhao Jing naturally did not push the matter. He prepared local gifts for them, saw them off as they left Xinghuai Prefecture, and then returned home.

Today, Xu Yanlin and Xu Shiling were visiting the Zhao Family’s home. The whole family had been busy since early morning. Only Zhao Jing and De’an had slipped away for a while to see their friends off. Fortunately, they had set out early enough that by the time Zhao Jing and De’an returned, the two guests had not yet arrived.

While waiting for their arrival, the family sat around chatting casually. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Xu Yanlin was preparing to return to the Capital City the day after next to report on his duties, and he had invited Xu Su Ying and her family to travel with him. Xu Shiling had indicated that since he didn’t return to the capital last year, he should be able to go back and visit relatives this year if he submitted a memorial to the throne. He intended to personally escort Xu Su Ying back, but because his memorial had not yet been approved by the Emperor, he couldn’t determine the exact date of his return, leaving him in a dilemma.

When asked, Xu Su Ying naturally wanted to go back a little later. It wasn’t because she was anxious about returning home, but rather because Xu Yanlin’s schedule was too rushed. She still had to finalize De’an’s marriage before leaving Xinghuai Prefecture.

"Mother means to go to the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office tomorrow to finalize the engagement," De’an explained. "Once Uncle Shiling’s memorial to return to the capital is approved, we will go back together with him."