On the fifteenth day of the fourth month, in the eleventh year of Jinghe in Great Zhou, the Ministry of Rites posted the Provincial Examination results.
The Palace Examination essentially eliminated no one; it only determined rankings within the three tiers.
This meant that, once someone passed the Provincial Examination,
he became a "Son of Heaven's Disciple," with his future assured.
And so, whether the leap through the dragon gate succeeded
all came down to that one provincial list!
Before dawn, Fu Niang woke.
She had a maid from the Feng Residence fetch her newly made goose-yellow jacket, paired with a gauzy, hundred-pleat skirt.
Her hair was swept into a spiral bun, adorned with a newly purchased silk flower.
She looked into the dressing mirror.
For a moment, she was the very image of:
A swirl of cloud, a shuttle of jade, a pale blouse and gossamer silk.
Twin dark brows, lightly furrowed like curling shells.
Then Fu Niang hummed a tune and headed out of her room.
"Young miss?!"
An old serving woman from the Feng Residence called after her.
"Rushing about like a whirlwind-where are you off to?
You haven't paid your respects to the master yet!"
"I'm going to the Wei Residence! Grandpa knows!" Without looking back, Fu Niang left the residence and climbed into the carriage.
In the Small Courtyard at the Wei Residence outside West Peace Gate.
"Wei Nisheng, have you finished eating?
The results come out today. We have to go early, or we won't be able to squeeze in!"
Wei Nisheng sat at the table, holding a bowl of porridge. Hearing Fu Niang's voice,
he looked toward the doorway. Sure enough, there stood that little whirlwind.
"Fu Niang, your hair's come loose."
Fu Niang gave an "Ah!" and reached up to