The Crown Prince Passed Away

The imperial examinations Metropolitan Examination in February, Lin Yunyi Wenhai participated. Xia Jin, however, lacked confidence and did not take the Metropolitan Examination.

When the results were announced, the servants of the Lin Family were overjoyed. However, with so many people around, they were afraid of arousing jealousy, so they lowered their heads, smiled, and ran home as fast as they could.

As soon as they reached the gate, he shouted, "Madam, the young master has Presented Scholar!"

"Young master has Presented Scholar!"

As the news spread, Madam Lin put down her needlework and wept with joy.

She ran to Lin Yunyi, crying and saying, "Yun Yi, Yun Yi... you passed the imperial Presented Scholar!"

Lin Yunyi himself breathed a sigh of relief.

He was quite confident of Passing the Provincial Examinations, but passing the imperial examination and Presented Scholar...

What a pleasant surprise!

"Mother, send someone to inform my Elder Sister."

Madam Lin nodded quickly, then added, "Why tell her? Your sister probably knows even before we do!"

The Examination Hall is closer to Prince Huan's Residence!

Lin Yunyi laughed at himself, "I was so happy I got confused."

The messengers arrived with drums and gongs, bringing good news. The Members of the Lin clan had been waiting for this day for a long time, and none of them came empty-handed; some brought firecrackers, others brought silver...

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Madam Lin!

Yun Yi, congratulations!

"The Lin clan family hasn't produced Presented Scholar (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) for many years. Yun Yi so young; his future is limitless."

People inevitably mentioned Grand Tutor Lin, who also passed the Presented Scholar, entered the Hanlin Academy, and became the tutor of the princes.

I wonder if Lin Yunyi will have that luck.

The Lin Family was lively for three whole days. However, because the Palace Examination was coming soon and the Presented Scholar would be attending the Qionglin Banquet, the Lin Family did not hold a banquet.

The Prince Huan's Residence.

"Yun Yi Passing the Provincial Examinations imperial examination?"

Lin Yunwan was overjoyed!

Qi Lingheng laughed and said, "He is the youngest Presented Scholar of this year's imperial examination, and he is incredibly popular. I must meet this young Presented Scholar at the Qionglin Banquet."

Imagining that scene, Lin Yunwan smiled and said, "Don't praise him too much; he's still young."

Qi Lingheng confidently, "Yun Yi has always been very measured. He has his humility, and his principles of scholarship and officialdom."

Lin Yunwan nodded, but she was still worried.

Her younger brother had always been on the path to becoming an official, and now that he was actually about to do so, she was genuinely worried.

Qi Lingheng reassured her, "I'm here for you. Just relax and wait to enjoy the wedding."

Lin Yunwan sent someone to prepare congratulatory gifts for the Lin Family.

The Lin Family was bustling with activity. The congratulatory gifts from the Prince Huan's Residence were mixed in with the crowd. Although they were quite conspicuous, no one suspected anything—it was only natural for the Prince Huan's Residence to send congratulatory gifts to such a young, newly appointed Presented Scholar.

Lu Chang'gong only sent a congratulatory letter and a gift.

He was in mourning and it was inconvenient for him to attend the banquet or join in the fun.

Lin Yunyi was delighted to receive the letter and congratulatory gifts. After leaving his guests, he wrote a letter and sent it back with a servant.

Lu Chang'gong was surprised to receive a reply so quickly. He unfolded the letter, read it, and smiled broadly.

Mu'er came to him and asked, "Elder Brother, it's so lively outside today, but we can't all go out with everyone. What are you laughing at?"

Lu Chang'gong put down the letter, picked up Mu'er and sat her on a chair next to him, saying, "We can't go out to watch the excitement, but my family can. I'm happy for them."

Mu'er nodded. "I understand. Just like Mu'er can't go out, but brother can, Mu'er is happy to wait for you at home."

That's exactly right.

Mu'er smiled.

Qiao Da got into a fight with someone outside...

He's gotten older, but his temper hasn't gotten any smaller.

Lu Chang'gong sent someone to inquire what happened, as it was best not to cause trouble in front of one's house during the mourning period.

Qianru returned and said, "Eldest Young Master, the Second Young Master was loitering around the streets with a group of hangers-on. When they passed by our house, Qiao Da couldn't stand it and gave them all a good scolding."

It turns out it was that good-for-nothing.

Lu Chang'gong gave a curt "oh," showing no interest in asking any further questions.

Qianru shook her head and sighed, "The money we gave him back then has probably all been swindled away. And that Xiao Xuan, she ran off with someone with her child, so it's probably true what they say, the child she's carrying isn't the Second Young Master's."

"Lu Changzong's life is ruined!"

Qianru felt only relief. "Luckily, the Lu family made a huge scene, expelling Lu Changzong from the clan and almost tearing up the Clan Genealogy... You and he have nothing to do with each other anymore, he can forget about ever visiting our family again!"

Lu Chang'gong hummed in agreement and began teaching Mu'er to write.

It was cold, Mu'er wanted to be lazy, so she said she would just watch her brother write, because she didn't want to write herself.

Lu Chang'gong did not force her.

The Palace Examination.

The Grand Secretariat has already ranked the candidates.

Finally, it still needs to be reviewed by the emperor.

Emperor Jingshun specifically looked at Lin Yunyi's ranking and his writings.

It ranked second.

At his age, he was already considered an extraordinary talent.

For the sake of his daughter-in-law, Emperor Jingshun still wanted to treat Lin Yunyi well, but after reading his article, he gave up the idea.

The article is quite good; it possesses the youthful arrogance and sharpness of a young person.

At this point, we shouldn't encourage his arrogance.

The results of the Palace Examination are in.

"Third place in the second class, Lin Yunyi, granted the title of Presented Scholar)."

Lin Yunyi was a half-step slow, but quickly stepped forward to express his gratitude.

When the news reached Prince Huan's Residence, Lin Yunwan was extremely pleased.

After Qi Lingheng came out of the palace, he specifically told her, "Imperial Father originally intended to select him as one of the top three in the first class, but he felt he was too young."

Lin Yunwan actually agreed with Emperor Jingshun's approach. She said, "Yun Yi is too upright and too prone to acting impulsively. He needs to be tempered."

On this point, she felt that Yun Yi was inferior to Chang Gong.

Chang Gong is very composed and can endure what ordinary people cannot. I wonder if Chang Gong can also make a name for himself in the Imperial Examination three years later, just like Yun Yi.

A few days later, the Lin Family had two pieces of good news.

Madam Lin arranged the marriage for Lin Yunyi.

Lin Yunwan immediately disguised herself and went to the Lin Family in a low-key manner.

As soon as she entered the inner courtyard, she saw two maids Ping Ye and Tao Ye, opening the door for her.

The two girls' eyes were red. Lin Yunwan helped them up and said with a smile, "... What age are you? Why are you crying like this?"

Madam Lin came out and explained, "There are many things to do at home, and we don't have enough people to help. So I brought the two of them back."

Lin Yunwan and said, "Next time, bring your children. Don't cry anymore."

They wiped away their tears and accompanied Lin Yunwan inside.

"Mother, which Xu family girl is it? I've never heard of her before."

Madam Lin said, "It's not a prestigious family, but Yun Yi is right. When choosing a matriarch, character is the most important thing. I like that girl."

Lin Yunwan curiously, "I heard she broke off an engagement?"

Madam Lin had minded this point before, but thinking about what she had inquired about, she sighed, "She's a poor girl. If it weren't for her father being too... how could she have broken off the engagement? But her father has passed away now, and she's been in mourning for three years, which is why she's almost nineteen."

"Yun Yi agreed?"

Although marriage is supposed to be decided by parents, Yun Yi is already in charge of the household. His mother isn't a very decisive person, and the marriage won't happen unless Yun Yi agrees.

Madam Lin smiled meaningfully, "... You don't know, it was Yun Yi who took a liking to her first."

Lin Yunwan became interested.

Madam Lin then recounted how Miss Xu had been scalded by the tea, Lin Yunwan nodded approvingly throughout.

There was one thing, Lin Yunwan said, "She knows how to care for others, but she may not be someone who is cared for. Don't always compromise yourself."

Madam Lin smiled and said, "We're not that kind of family. She won't suffer any injustices after marrying into this family."

Lin Yunwan understood that her mother wasn't a bad mother-in-law. As long as her daughter-in-law was devoted to her family, the relationship between the two wouldn't be too difficult.

Yun Yi's marriage was already arranged, and she was already thinking about what gift to give her younger brother and sister-in-law.

Because both parties were getting on in years, the wedding arrangements were made somewhat hastily, but it was still delayed.

"The Crown Prince has passed away!"

Lin Yunwan was suddenly struck by the devastating news at home.

She was doing needlework. The things Qi Lingheng and Jun'er wore close to their bodies were all made by her and Cuiqin together. She almost pricked her hand with the needle.

"Quickly go and change Jun'er's clothes, and prepare mourning clothes for the Prince and me."