“A maiden’s handwriting should not be circulated for viewing. However, since today is a scholarly competition, there is no need to adhere rigidly to outdated customs. Let the esteemed officials and ladies examine them one by one. As for whether this old man needs to judge their merits…”
Grand Tutor Zhou stroked his beard, smiling meaningfully, and did not continue.
Seeing this, the guests were somewhat puzzled. It wasn’t until the two answer sheets were passed to them one after another that they suppressed their confusion and examined them carefully.
“Young Master Meng truly lives up to having passed the xiucai examination at such a young age. Look at the answers on this sheet—they are truly excellent.”
A lady praised, but as soon as she uttered these words, she abruptly stopped. Her light, casual praise suddenly turned into an exclamation of astonishment. “Heavens, Miss Yun Guan truly possesses a gem-like quality! Come quickly and look at her answer sheet! How old is Miss Yun Guan? Fourteen? Good heavens, only fourteen! This girl is destined for greatness!”
Meng Ruan, who had just prepared to bow in gratitude, awkwardly halted his movement. Seeing the guests gather around, lavishing praise on Meng Yunwan’s answer sheet, he clenched his palms tightly.
This dynasty does not restrict women from participating in imperial examinations. If they possess the ability, they can achieve just as much as men.
The Empress Dowager sat upright at the head of the hall, observing the astonished expressions of the guests after they examined Yun Guan’s answer sheet. She cleared her throat lightly, and her usually serene face broke into an unprecedented smile, creasing with wrinkles. “This old one always said this girl was clever. Do you believe it now?”
Of course, they believed it. Who could doubt it? Everyone present was educated. Looking at the two answer sheets, the difference was clear as day—like clouds and mud. Who could still have doubts about Meng Yunwan?
“Yes, yes, yes. This humble woman was blind and failed to recognize Mount Tai. When is Miss Yun Guan’s birthday? Is she betrothed? My family has a son…”
The Empress Dowager was displeased as soon as she heard this. “Betrothal? What betrothal? Our Yun Guan is destined for great achievements. She cannot casually marry and be confined to the inner chambers. Yun Guan, isn’t that right?”
Hmph, she hadn’t forgotten how these people had doubted Yun Guan earlier.
Fortunately, Yun Guan had proven herself, slapping their faces in an instant and leaving them speechless!
Seeing the Empress Dowager so blatantly protective, Meng Yunwan smiled and gently leaned against the elder’s shoulder. “What Your Majesty says is true.”
The Empress Dowager tightly grasped Meng Yunwan’s hand, feeling both joy and regret in her heart.
None of the children in the royal family of this generation were particularly promising. There was only Shuo’er, but he was merely adopted. Yun Wan had truly brought her immense pride.
What a pity, though—such an excellent child, why wasn’t she her own granddaughter?
All the excitement belonged to Meng Yunwan and had nothing to do with the four members of the Meng family.
They stood there awkwardly and dejected, completely reduced to mere background figures.
Watching Meng Yunwan receive everyone’s praise and applause, Meng Yu Tang felt utterly unconvinced. She tugged at Meng Ruan’s sleeve and asked, “Elder Brother, were you asleep while solving the problems earlier?”
Meng Ruan was taken aback. “Huh?”
Meng Yu Tang gripped him tightly. “Or did you run out of ink? Was the Goat Hair Brush not to your liking? Or was the light too bright and uncomfortable for you? Otherwise, why did you underperform?”
Meng Ruan wanted to say for a moment that he hadn’t underperformed—this was simply his usual level. But seeing his younger sister’s excited eyes gazing eagerly at him, he inexplicably nodded and uttered an “Mm.”
“The chair was a bit too high, so it wasn’t comfortable to sit on.”
“I knew it!”
Meng Yutang let out a long sigh of relief, her earlier panic instantly subsiding. A mere slip-up—who didn’t have an off day now and then?
She comforted Meng Ruan, “It’s alright, Eldest Brother. One success or failure doesn’t mean much. You have great fortune ahead of you, and you’ll rise to prominence sooner or later. Isn’t the provincial examination coming up at the end of this year?”
But Meng Ruan didn’t want to hear any of this now. He nodded perfunctorily, “I know.”
Yet his expression remained distracted.
How had he never realized before that Yun Guan was so academically gifted?
It seemed he’d have to find Yun Guan later and ask what was going on.
Compared to Meng Ruan, Meng Yutang was feeling much more pleased with herself. She had come today only to see if the arrangements for the Returning Pearl banquet differed from those in her past life, but now it seemed there was no significant change.
So what if her elder brother had lost to Meng Yunwan? It was nothing—just a stroke of luck.
As for the tangible honors, such as the Emperor and Empress’s favor, the bestowal of a princess title, or even a change of name and surname—Meng Yunwan had none of those.
Since that was the case, she hadn’t lost.
Meng Yunwan’s good mood came to an abrupt halt the moment the Empress, dressed in full regalia, made her entrance, supported by the Crown Prince.
She stared blankly as the Empress and her son walked in together, smiling and offering their congratulations to Meng Yunwan, startling her so much that her spoon slipped into her bowl.
“I rushed here as soon as I finished presiding over the Heaven Worship Ceremony. I’m a little late—I hope you won’t blame me, Yun Guan,” the Empress said with a smile.
Meng Yunwan immediately rose and curtsied slightly. “Your Majesty flatters me. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Your Majesty’s arrival, and now I’m overjoyed—how could I possibly resent you?”
With that, she took the Crown Prince’s hand and helped the Empress to her seat. Even in that short walk, the Empress asked if she had just won against the young master of the Meng family. When Meng Yunwan confirmed it, the Empress was even more delighted.
With a grand wave of her hand, over a dozen golden-threaded wooden chests were brought in.
“Your brother personally selected these from the warehouse early this morning. He insisted I not interfere, saying I’m too old to understand the preferences of you young people. Go ahead and see if you like them.”
The guests below couldn’t help but laugh at this. After the laughter subsided, they exchanged knowing glances. It seemed this newly arrived Miss Meng was not to be underestimated.
It was one thing for the Empress Dowager to support her, but even the usually aloof and proud Empress had personally attended and interacted with Miss Meng as intimately as a mother and daughter.
With the two most esteemed women in the imperial harem showing such favor to Miss Meng, what more needed to be said about her status and position?
While the guests’ minds were racing with thoughts, Meng Ruan noticed something unusual about Meng Yutang.
He asked with concern, “Yutang, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Meng Yutang seemed to snap back to reality, but her eyes remained vacant. “No, it’s nothing.”
She tightly clutched her embroidered handkerchief, her heart overwhelmed with shock and disbelief.
How could this be? How could the Empress have come? And that good-for-nothing Crown Prince—both mother and son were known for their cold hearts and indifference. Why would they come today to support Meng Yunwan?
If they could come this time, why hadn’t they attended her Returning Pearl banquet in her past life?
Both were imperial daughters—how could they be treated so differently?
Questions roared in Meng Yu Tang’s heart, yet no one could provide her with an answer.