nucmednet Chapter 226 On the List, Su Wanniang Invites Her
Chapter 226 On the List, Su Wanniang Invites Her
Gu Chengyan's imperial examination went very smoothly this time. After the results were announced, he ranked eighth on the list of successful candidates.
Although he wasn't in the top three, this ranking is enough for him to rise to great heights.
The warm spring sun lazily shone on the courtyard of the Marquis's mansion. Chu Ruohan sat on the veranda, teasing Xuan-ge'er.
The little guy had just learned to walk, with chubby cheeks, and his eyes narrowed into slits when he smiled. He reached out to grab the rattle drum in Chu Ruohan's hand.
Yu Ling walked over hurriedly, her face showing excitement and eagerness. Before she even got close, her voice came over first.
"Young Madam, the imperial edict has been issued!"
Chu Ruohan looked up at the sound, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes.
Yu Ling walked up to him, slightly out of breath, and said, "Young Master Chen Yu came in fourth place, just a little bit short of the top three."
Chu Ruohan's hand, which was teasing Xuan Ge'er, suddenly stopped, and her face was full of shock.
She really hadn't expected that Chu Chenyu could achieve such outstanding results.
A scene from a month ago suddenly flashed through her mind, when Gu Junze handed a stack of books to Chu Chenyu and gave her some serious instructions.
At the time, she didn't think much of it, taking it as just ordinary encouragement, but now it seems...
She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "If Gu Junze really participates in the imperial examination, he will definitely be at the top again."
The voice was soft, yet it carried an unwavering certainty.
Yu Ling stood aside, looking completely bewildered by this nonsensical remark.
But looking at Chu Ruohan's expression, she felt that the young mistress was regretting that the young master had not been able to participate in the imperial examination.
So she quickly chimed in, "Yes, this servant also thinks the young master is very capable."
After a pause, Yu Ling seemed to remember something and added, "Oh, right, young mistress, the third young master is also on the list, ranked eighth."
Chu Ruohan raised an eyebrow slightly, and a meaningful smile appeared on her lips.
It seems Gu Chengyan has learned his lesson this time and didn't use anything prepared by the manor...
Chu Ruohan continued to tease Xuan Ge'er, her face beaming with smiles: "Come, come, come to your mother."
Xuan-ge took a few steps, but lost his balance and sat down on the ground with a thud. He pouted as if he was about to cry and refused to get up.
Seeing this, Chu Ruohan quickly stepped forward, gently picked him up, her face full of helplessness and doting affection.
"The little guy has even learned to throw tantrums."
As she spoke, she shoved the rattle into Xuan-ge'er's hands and coaxed, "Alright, alright, Mom won't tease you anymore."
Xuan-ge'er then stopped crying and started laughing, drooling and babbling.
Chu Ruohan had Meizi carry Xuan Ge'er away.
After Xuan-ge'er's figure disappeared around the corner of the courtyard, Yu-ling lowered her voice and asked, "Young Madam, should I destroy the contents of the book basket?"
The book basket she mentioned was the one the manor had prepared for Gu Chengyan, filled with writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and clothes...
Chu Ruohan gently shook her head, her expression calm and composed: "No need. Gu Chengyan is already on the list, there's no need to go back and investigate these things. Besides, even if someone does find something, it has nothing to do with us."
Her gaze was calm as she looked at the flowers and plants in the courtyard. Although her rebirth had changed many things, some things were still the same as in her previous life...
Su Wan Niang's personal maid hurried over, bowed, and said, "Young Madam, Madam requests your presence to discuss matters concerning the celebration of the Third Young Master."
Chu Ruohan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. Was Su Wanniang addicted to playing the role of a virtuous wife and loving mother, or did she have other plans?
Chu Ruohan arrived at Su Wanniang's residence, where Aunt Zhao and Yang Zhaozhao were both present.
Su Wanniang sat gracefully in the main seat, a polite smile on her face. When she saw Chu Ruohan enter, she greeted her warmly, "Ruohan, you've finally arrived. Chengyan's success in the imperial examination is a great joy for our Marquis's mansion. We must celebrate it properly."
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly and said respectfully, "Ruohan is a junior, so everything is up to Madam to decide. Ruohan will follow your arrangements."
Su Wanniang's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and gently waved her hand, gesturing for Chu Ruohan to sit down.
"Serve tea to the young mistress."
Su Wanniang coughed lightly and said, "I'm thinking of setting up a few tables of food and drink in the mansion and inviting some relatives and friends to celebrate. However, we still need to carefully consider the scale of the banquet. What are everyone's thoughts?"
Yang Zhaozhao, who had been sitting to the side, couldn't help but speak up, "In my opinion, this is a very joyous occasion. The guests are either close relatives or important officials. This feast must not be shabby."
"Let's invite the most famous opera troupe in the capital to come and make it a lively occasion, that would be worthy of the Third Young Master's great joy of passing the imperial examination!"
Chu Ruohan sipped her tea. Yang Zhaozhao hadn't learned her lesson yet; who knew what she was thinking with such eagerness?
Aunt Zhao frowned slightly, looking worried, and slowly said, "Aunt Yang, that's true, but we also have to consider the actual situation."
"We shouldn't be too high-profile in organizing this. What if it arouses the jealousy of some people and brings unnecessary trouble to the Marquis's mansion? In my opinion, the banquet can be lavish, but the opera troupe is out of the question. Just a little bit is fine."
Su Wanniang nodded slightly upon hearing this. As expected of someone who had once managed a household, she possessed a certain sensitivity, quite different from the young girl Yang Zhaozhao.
Su Wannian seemed to be thinking about something, then looked at Chu Ruohan and asked with a smile, "Ruohan, you are a very thoughtful person, tell me your thoughts?"
Chu Ruohan put down her teacup. "Madam, Aunt Zhao is absolutely right. In my opinion, we can put some effort into the dishes, so that we can show the sincerity of the Marquis's mansion without being too ostentatious."
Su Wanniang nodded: "Let's do as Ruohan says. I'll leave the preparations for the banquet to you. Please make sure it's done perfectly."
Chu Ruohan raised an eyebrow. It was Su Wanniang who had suggested the celebration and wanted to pass this hot potato onto her head.
If something goes wrong, Su Wanniang can use it as an opportunity to cause trouble.
She bowed slightly, "Since Madam trusts Ruohan so much, Ruohan should not refuse. However, I have been feeling unwell lately and often feel tired. I am even finding it difficult to take care of Xuan-ge'er on a daily basis."
As she spoke, Chu Ruohan raised her hand and gently rubbed her temples, feigning exhaustion.
"I urge you, Madam, to seek another capable and virtuous woman."
Su Wanniang remained as kind as ever, turning her head and saying, "Then why not leave it to Aunt Zhao? She used to manage the Marquis's mansion, so she has experience."
Aunt Zhao wanted to take on the task, but seeing Chu Ruohan shake her head at her, she immediately said, "Madam, my pastry shop is also at a critical stage, and I need to personally oversee it. I really can't be in two places at once."
"In my humble opinion, as the mistress of our Marquis's mansion, it is most appropriate for you to handle the arrangements."