At the end of October, the results of the Provincial Examination were announced. The government office would post the notice at noon, and those who passed could enter to receive ten taels of silver.
Jiang Ning and Liu Ming'an had finished lunch and were leisurely walking to the government office when they found the place already crowded, a far cry from its usual quiet and solemn atmosphere.
"Why does it feel like there are even more people than on the exam day?" Jiang Ning asked curiously, standing with Liu Ming'an at the outermost edge of the crowd.
"They're here to watch the excitement. After all, it's a big event that only happens once every four years," Liu Ming'an replied, unfazed. He had experienced this spectacle as a child when he came to town with his father.
"How are we going to squeeze in?" Jiang Ning worried, looking at the sea of heads before them.
Liu Ming'an smiled, "We don't need to squeeze in. Don't worry!"
Sure enough, as soon as noon arrived, an official pasted a red paper with black characters on the wall outside the main gate. Before Jiang Ning and Liu Ming'an could push their way through, someone shouted loudly, "There are two Provincial Graduates: Liu Ming'an and Wu Renjie!"
In an instant, the scene erupted into chaos. Some people shouted, some cried, and others yelled in disbelief, pushing their way to the front to see for themselves, only to leave with ashen faces.
Among them, a man who looked to be in his thirties jumped three feet high, clapping and laughing uncontrollably, appearing almost manic.
"Ah! I passed! I passed! Hahaha..."
The woman beside him, presumably his wife, burst into tears upon hearing the news, exclaiming excitedly, "He passed, he passed, this is wonderful..."
This scene inexplicably reminded Jiang Ning of the story "Fan Jin Passes the Provincial Exam," and she felt a twinge of melancholy.
At this moment, the official who had posted the notice looked at the crowd below the steps, took a deep breath, and shouted, "Will the two Provincial Graduates please enter the office to receive their silver!"
"Me, me, me!" The man who had been overjoyed earlier immediately jumped up and waved his hand.
The crowd parted to make way for him. He seemed to be walking on air, his face glowing as he trotted into the government office.
"Jiang Ning, wait here for me," Liu Ming'an squeezed Jiang Ning's hand, and after seeing her nod, he followed the other man into the office.
"Oh my, this Provincial Graduate is so young!"
The crowd seemed familiar with the first man but had never seen Liu Ming'an before. As he walked past, they were surprised by his youth.
"Yes, how come I've never seen him before? Which family's son is he?" someone else asked.
"I've seen him before. He's not from town, he's from the village. He used to set up a stall by the bridge selling calligraphy and paintings," another person answered.
"Oh, oh, oh! Now that you mention it, I remember! It's him! I never imagined a Provincial Graduate would come from the village this year..."
Jiang Ning listened to them discussing Liu Ming'an, and for some inexplicable reason, her mood improved.
Liu Ming'an entered the government office and was led to the front of the main hall by clerk Tang. Song Ming was standing there and, seeing him approach, pointed to the paper on the table: "Write your name and press your handprint, that's all."
After Liu Ming'an did as instructed, clerk Tang put the ten taels of silver into a box and handed it to him, adding, "Inside is an official document with the government seal that proves your status as a Provincial Graduate. You'll need to bring it to the Imperial City to participate in the Metropolitan Examination. Keep it safe and make sure not to lose it."
"Thank you, sir!" Liu Ming'an bowed respectfully.
"There's no need for thanks, Provincial Graduate Liu," Song Ming said flatly, then continued in a casual tone, "When I saw your exam paper that day, I knew that someone who could write such excellent calligraphy wouldn't be limited to a small place like Lingshan Town."
"You flatter me, sir," Liu Ming'an replied politely.
"I've also read your Provincial Examination paper. It was brilliantly written, with remarkable foresight, and most admirably, you have a heart for the country and its people."
Song Ming looked steadily at the young man before him, his eyes momentarily distant, as if seeing his younger self.
"That Wu Renjie will probably reach his peak with this Provincial Graduate title, but you're different. So, let me give you some unsolicited advice. When you enter the Imperial City and find yourself riding high on success, don't be too quick to involve yourself in factional disputes. Playing deaf and dumb, even feigning madness, is the best strategy. Only by protecting yourself first can you have the chance to realize those ideals and ambitions you hold."
Liu Ming'an was stunned by these words. He looked up at Song Ming, only to see him pick up the paper from the table and walk deeper into the hall.
Why would the county magistrate take such pains to tell him these things?
Liu Ming'an was utterly perplexed, and then suddenly remembered certain rumors he had heard.
This county magistrate was said to have been a brilliant prodigy himself, but he willingly gave up high office and generous salary in the Imperial City, requesting to come to Baoji County as a magistrate. He had been here for eight years now. Some said it was because of his wife, others said he wanted to repay a debt of gratitude. There were many theories, but no one knew which was true.
"Heh heh heh..." Clerk Tang, noticing Liu Ming'an's confusion, first gave a meaningful laugh, then said, "Provincial Graduate Liu, Magistrate Song is not a man of many words. If you're interested in what he told you today, remember it; if you don't want to hear it, just let it go in one ear and out the other."
With that, clerk Tang turned and walked towards Song Ming's direction, not waiting for Liu Ming'an's reaction.
Even as he walked out of the government office gates, Liu Ming'an was still pondering the county magistrate's words.
"Oh my! Provincial Graduate Liu, may I ask how old you are? Are you married?"
Suddenly, a shrill woman's voice came from beside him. Liu Ming'an, lost in thought, was startled. He turned to see a middle-aged woman with heavy makeup, holding a red silk handkerchief.
"And you are?" Liu Ming'an was certain he had never seen this woman before.
"Oh my, Provincial Graduate Liu doesn't even know me, Shen Sanniang! But of course, you've been focused solely on studying the classics, not concerning yourself with trivial matters. Otherwise, how could you have passed the Provincial Examination at such a young age? Isn't that right? Hahaha..." The woman covered her mouth with her handkerchief, speaking in an affected manner.
Most of the crowd watching the excitement in front of the government office had dispersed, but a few remained. Seeing this scene, they kindly explained to Liu Ming'an, "Provincial Graduate Liu, this Shen Sanniang is the most famous matchmaker in Lingshan Town. Usually, people seeking her matchmaking services wear down her doorstep. Now that she's actively approaching you, I'm afraid you'll soon have good news, hahaha..."
"Oh yes, my reputation as Shen Sanniang isn't just hot air!" Shen Sanniang patted her chest proudly, then turned to Liu Ming'an and said, "Provincial Graduate Liu, you're young and promising, and quite handsome too. Just say the word, and I guarantee I'll find you a beautiful young lady. Once the match is made... hehe..."
Liu Ming'an noticed Shen Sanniang's eyes fixed on the ten taels of silver in his hand, and instantly understood – this matchmaker had her eye on his money.
"Thank you, but no need," Liu Ming'an firmly refused and started to walk away.
"Oh, oh, oh! Don't go, Provincial Graduate Liu..." Shen Sanniang reached out and grabbed Liu Ming'an's sleeve, continuing to chatter, "Provincial Graduate Liu, haven't you heard the saying 'establish a family before establishing a career'? Having someone dear at home gives you a sense of belonging when you're out in the world..."
"Really, there's no need. Please go find someone else!" Liu Ming'an remained unmoved and continued to refuse.
Shen Sanniang was skilled at reading people. If Liu Ming'an had yelled at her rudely, telling her to get lost, she would have known better and stopped pestering him. But seeing that this Provincial Graduate had a good temper, she naturally wanted to keep pushing. If she succeeded, it would be a big business opportunity.
"Provincial Graduate Liu, listen to me. I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice..."
Shen Sanniang's words poured out like beans from a split bag, completely ignoring Liu Ming'an's responses and continuing to tug at his sleeve incessantly.
"Liu Ming'an!"
A cold female voice rang out. Liu Ming'an, who was struggling with Shen Sanniang, was startled. He looked up to see Jiang Ning standing not far away, watching them with obvious impatience.
"You see?" Liu Ming'an suddenly smiled, pointing at Jiang Ning and saying to Shen Sanniang, "I already have a beautiful young lady at home. There's no need for your trouble."
Shen Sanniang looked at Liu Ming'an, then at Jiang Ning, momentarily stunned. Liu Ming'an took this opportunity to pull his sleeve from her grasp and walked towards Jiang Ning.
Reaching Jiang Ning's side, Liu Ming'an took her hand, his fingers gently tickling her palm, and smiled, "Let's go home."