Chapter 240: A Crushing Blow

er head, staring blankly at the wooden box in her hand. The box wasn't heavy, but she felt a heaviness in her palm.In the morning, she was still a pauper who couldn't even afford a meal at a roadside...Shou An Tang.

Today is the day when the imperial examination results are released. All the younger generations of the Gu family gathered in Shou'an Hall, paid respects to Old Madam Gu, and then chatted and laughed together, waiting for good news.

Not long ago, Madam Gu had Zhang's family servant go to see the list and check if any of the Gu family children were on it.

Gu Xiuyuan was urged by his mother to work hard and strive for a high rank when he went to the Gongyuan to register. The pressure was immense, and even after taking the exam, he didn't feel much relief. He was still afraid of failing miserably. His hands were sweaty with nervousness at this time, but he still had a glimmer of hope. He studied day and night with all his might, hoping for a good outcome.

Not only him, even the usually calm Gu Xiuhong seemed a bit nervous.

Gu Xiuming was the same, his heart pounding now, his mind racing with thoughts. He had thought many times about how his elders would react if he were successful this time. Today, he wanted to truly change their perception of him and make his father value him again, solidifying his position as the heir apparent once and for all.

Seeing her three grandsons all with tight faces, sitting rigidly waiting for the servant who went out to check the results of the imperial examination to return, Madam Gu felt a mix of emotions. They were all under twenty years old, and passing the imperial examinations was not an easy feat. She had not dared to have too high expectations. If they passed, it would be wonderful news; if they didn't, then they should continue their efforts.

She smiled and said, "You guys don't have to be too nervous. Just stay calm and treat it like any other exam. You are all still young, there will be many opportunities in the future. Even if you don't pass this time, you can always try again in three years."

Zhang shi was hoping her son would be successful, but at this point, she didn't dare to put pressure on him. She was afraid that if he failed the exam, and she put more pressure on him, he wouldn't be able to handle the blow and stop trying. What should she do It doesn't matter if he fails the exam, just comfort him well and let him study even harder.

Hearing her mother-in-law say that, she also softly said: "Yes, what your grandmother said is right. You are all young men under twenty years old, and there will be many opportunities in the future. If you pass the exam this time, it will be a happy event. Tell the ancestors at the ancestral hall. If you don't pass, don't be discouraged. "

Chen also jokingly said: "Xiuhong, just rest assured, even if you don't pass the imperial examination, your mother won't force you to get married. Your younger sister is getting married next month, so I'll hold my grandson first. It's fine to hold my grandson later."

The tense atmosphere gradually eased, and the three young men's anxiety lessened considerably.

Not long after, a maid came in to report: "Madam, Little Liu who went to see the list has returned!"

As soon as he said that, the people present were stunned for a moment, and then quickly became tense again.

Madam Gu hurriedly said, "Quickly, quickly bring the person in!"

Soon, everyone saw the servant named Xiaoliu walking in with a beaming smile, knowing that there must be good news. The tense atmosphere dissipated instantly.

The three brothers, Gu Xiuyuan, Gu Xiuhong, and Gu Xuming, stared intently at Xiao Liu, waiting for his report.

Grandmother Gu asked, "How is it"

"In response to Madam, I heard that this year's Qiu Wei examination in Shuntian Prefecture had 11,125 candidates, and only 126 scholars were successful. The eldest son ranked one hundred and twenty, and the second son also passed, coming in eighteenth..."

This is great news!

Elder Madam Gu was immediately delighted, before Little Liu could finish his words, she exclaimed excitedly: “Good, good, good! Today we’ll open the ancestral hall and inform our ancestors that our Gu family has a promising descendant. Eldest daughter-in-law, you go arrange a family feast later so we can celebrate properly.”

Zhang hurriedly replied, "Yes, Mother "

The people in the big house and the small house were beaming with joy, their hearts filled with an indescribable happiness.

Our dynasty was very strict about the imperial examinations. In order to select outstanding talents, the admission rate was extremely low. There were 11,125 candidates from Shuntian Prefecture who participated in this autumn examination, and only 126 people were listed on the merit list.

Given such fierce competition, for their son to be ranked among the top at such a young age is truly remarkable. To be successful in the examination means having the opportunity to become an official. Passing the imperial examinations is the key to entering the government service.

Of course, with a family like theirs, they could definitely afford to send their children to school. They wouldn't just stop at being a juren (junior scholar). They would certainly continue studying hard, aiming for the prestigious position of a jinshi (top scholar). That way, their chances of success would be much greater.

Little Six saw smiles on the faces of the masters. The words he was about to say were stuck in his throat, unsure if he should speak them. It might dampen the mood.

Gu Xiumin only heard the ranking of his two older brothers before being interrupted by his grandmother. He was very anxious to know his own ranking, but he had to hold back and wait for the elders to ask first, otherwise, it would make him appear unsteady.

Meng Jinyao noticed the subtle changes on Xiao Liu's face, and a guess formed in her heart. She asked softly, "Xiao Liu, how did our Xiu Ming do on the exam"

Old Madam Gu also calmed down and hurriedly asked, "Really What rank did Xiuming get in the exam"

She thought to herself, "The eldest and second grandsons are both on the list, as brothers in the same family. The third grandson should not be too far behind, either"

The people in the big house and the second house were also curious. Since Gu Xiuming was released from house arrest, he seemed like a different person. He was respectful to Meng Jinyao, diligent and studious, often asking his father for guidance. To be able to receive personal instruction from Gu Jingxi, one's exam score shouldn't be too bad. If he could still fail, then it would prove that he wasn't intelligent enough.

Little Liu stammered, "The young master... he... didn't pass the exam."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.

As the one involved, Gu Xiuming was struck dumb by this bolt from the blue. His face was pale with disbelief. He thought he had done well on the exam, and this autumn imperial examination was definitely within his grasp, but reality dealt him a heavy blow. Both Gu Xiuyuan and Gu Xiuhong passed, but he didn't. How could this be possible

Lady Gu was a little disappointed, but thinking that three of her children had participated in the autumn examination, with two being successful, she was already honored. Xuiming was only sixteen years old, younger than his two older brothers. Since he didn't pass this time, then he would take the exam again in three years.

Meng Jin Yao was momentarily taken aback, but mostly she felt schadenfreude. She wasn't that generous; when it was time to be despicable, she would still be despicable. Only fools would hope for their enemies to be on the list and become successful officials in the future. People like Gu Xiuming, who were so hypocritical, shouldn't enter government service. Otherwise, who knew if they wouldn't become a national scourge someday

She thought this in her heart, but on the surface, she still played the role of a good mother well. She immediately frowned and said in a deep voice: "How is this possible Did you get it wrong Our Xiu Ming studies so diligently, how could he fail the exam The Marquis said this morning that he was so diligent and might even pass the imperial examination."

This statement, while seeming to be an expression of unwillingness to accept her son's failure in the exam, was actually like a sharp sword piercing Gu Xiuming's heart. It dealt another heavy blow to Gu Xiuming, who was still reeling from his initial disappointment, and it could be said that it was a cruel act of emotional torture.

When Gu Xiuming heard this, a feeling of shame washed over him like a tidal wave, almost overwhelming him.

Gu Jingxi glanced at his son and then silently at his little wife. This girl was truly vengeful; when she had the chance to step on someone, she definitely wouldn't show mercy, always aiming for the heart.

He thought, he had to be more careful in the future, or else this little rascal would have a chance to hit his weak spot. kind of book"The Physician, Wen Taizhi, said with utmost seriousness: "This 'medicine' has been tested by my patient. Your Lordship needn't feel embarrassed. Sometimes, one must go against convention...