The Lucky Farmgirl
Chapter 963 - 942: Posting the List (Additional - for "Becky" as a reward)

Chapter 963: Chapter 942: Posting the List (Additional Chapter for "Becky" as a reward)

The results were posted at the Imperial Academy, on a public bulletin board to the left of the entrance. Their grades were posted there.

Of course, when Bai Shan and the others arrived, the results hadn’t been posted yet, and the candidates gradually gathered at the scene.

Bai Shan saw several familiar faces, all of whom had sat near him during the three days of exams; they exchanged nods as their eyes met.

Although Bai Shan and Bai Erlang were not the youngest of the forty-eight candidates, they were among the youngest group.

The youths and young men, intentionally or unintentionally, split themselves into two groups by age.

Those who looked clearly no more than fifteen or sixteen automatically stood to one side, while those who appeared to be over sixteen and seventeen stood on the other.

Bai Dalang had gone to school, and Mr. Zhuang was seated pensively alone in a carriage not far away.

When a group of people came out from the Imperial Academy, Mr. Zhuang paused before stepping down from the carriage and walked to the back of the crowd.

Libationer Kong personally came to announce the results and seize the opportunity to give a speech.

"The results are out, and the rankings have been set, but before they are announced, I have a few words to say to you," Libationer Kong said, "This time, the ability for you to study at the Imperial Academy is due to the Emperor’s magnanimity and the court’s compassion. To be honest, with your current grades, except for a very few students, the rest of you would not have passed the major exams."

The teens and young men’s faces flushed, and they bowed their heads.

"However, I also see your efforts and talent. All of you are descendants of meritorious servants, and you yourselves are certainly not far behind. I don’t care what reasons you had for not concentrating on your studies before, but once you enter the Imperial Academy, you will have great teachers ahead and no worries about life behind. I hope you will study hard and not let down the Emperor’s expectations, nor dishonor the glory of your ancestors."

The crowd listened, with their blood boiling, and they bowed in unison in agreement.

Libationer Kong nodded, then said to the Doctor holding the red list behind him, "Post the list."

"Yes."

The Doctor stepped forward to post the list, and although everyone was eager, they didn’t dare rush forward indiscreetly as Libationer Kong was present; those standing at a distance merely stood on tiptoes and craned their necks.

As the Doctor was posting the list, Libationer Kong took another paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and said, "Now, I will read the ranks."

Because these forty-eight people were assured admission, the only difference was their rank, so Libationer Kong dispensed with any suspense and directly announced, "The three students entering the Imperial Academy are, first place Peng Zhiru, second place Bai Shan, third place Lu Xiaofu; entering the Highest Institute are, fourth place Ren Ke, fifth place Feng Chenxiang... thirteenth place Bai Cheng..."

Bai Erlang, upon hearing Bai Shan’s name, excitedly shook him, thrilled beyond words, but because Libationer Kong stood above, everyone’s joy was restrained. Though their happiness was apparent, they refrained from shouting or yelling.

Bai Shan was also delighted. When Bai Erlang’s name was announced, he was even more elated, nudging his shoulder and whispering, "How about that? Didn’t we say you could get into the Highest Institute?"

Bai Erlang had not expected to really get into the Highest Institute; although he was one of the last three admitted, still...

He said in astonishment, "My God, does that mean I’m even better than my older brother?"

"Don’t think about that too much. Although it sounds like the Highest Institute is better than the other Academies, not every student there necessarily surpasses those in the Academies. You, well, you have a lot to learn if you want to catch up with Big Cousin."

Do you even know how you got in?

Bai Shan shook his head.

Libationer Kong read out all forty-eight names and their ranks and then said, "All students will start school today. The students ranked in the top twenty-seven will immediately follow Dr. Zhang into the Academy to receive textbooks and other materials. The last twenty-one students, follow Doctor Zhao to take another test to be sorted into Law School, Calligraphy School, or Arithmetic School."

Many students in the crowd showed disappointment on their faces.

Libationer Kong did not console them, but waved his hand to let the two Doctors take them away.

Knowing that even Bai Erlang made it to the Highest Institute, it was obvious what the foundations of these last twenty-one students were like.

Libationer Kong was very willing to teach them, but their level of ability made them disdainful of the Law and other Academies...

Libationer Kong only had a cold smile left in his heart; did they think that entering Law, Calligraphy, and Arithmetic Schools was that easy?

Although they were not on par with the Academies, they were also among the Six Academies, which were highly sought after. Every year, thousands crushed skulls to enter the Six Academies, and these ungrateful ones were dissatisfied despite their luck?

Before Dr. Zhang came over, Bai Shan pulled Bai Erlang out of the crowd and found Mr. Zhuang standing at the back, "Sir, we both did quite well."

Mr. Zhuang nodded with a smile, a look of satisfaction on his face, "Indeed, very well done."

Seeing that the two Doctors were already calling names to gather the students, he patted the two on the shoulders and said, "All right, we can talk more after school; now, follow your Doctors inside."

Bai Shan and Bai Erlang agreed, took a step back, and respectfully saluted Mr. Zhuang.

Libationer Kong stood at the steps of the Imperial Academy and surveyed the crowd, just catching sight of this scene. He stared at Mr. Zhuang for a while, feeling that he looked somewhat familiar.

Libationer Kong pondered seriously for a moment, but when he couldn’t remember who Mr. Zhuang was, he shook his head and thought no more of it.

The other students were also saying goodbye to family members or servants, either in a joyful manner or giving instructions, but the respectful and ceremonious salutes given by Bai Shan and Bai Erlang stood out and were especially conspicuous.

Libationer Kong looked at Mr. Zhuang for a while longer but still couldn’t recognize him. Mr. Zhuang, however, noticed his gaze, looked up to meet his eyes, smiled slightly, bowed, and then signaled for Bai Shan and the others to hurry over.

Bai Shan pulled Bai Erlang into the crowd, and Mr. Zhuang watched their retreating backs for a while before looking up at Libationer Kong again, nodding, and turning back to his carriage.

Daji watched as his young master and his cousin entered the Imperial Academy before driving the carriage away.

"Sir, shall we go to Jishi Hall or go home first?"

Mr. Zhuang glanced at the sun outside and said, "It’s still long before lunchtime; let’s go home first. You can go pick up Manbao after midday."

Daji responded with an affirmative.

The carriage suddenly grew quiet inside and out.

Although Mr. Zhuang had always been a man of few words, Daji could tell that Mr. Zhuang seemed preoccupied and his mood had not been very good lately.

Daji shook his head, feeling that this matter was beyond his control.

The three who could manage it were otherwise engaged, one in the pharmacy treating patients, the other two in the Imperial Academy going through procedures.

Perhaps because Manbao had been sitting in for a few days without incident, patients were increasingly willing to come to her for treatment. Mainly because the other three doctors all had long queues, they begrudgingly chose her.

After choosing her once and feeling satisfied, they habitually lined up at her clinic the next time.

As for Bai Shan and the others, aside from collecting textbooks, they had many more tasks to attend to.

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