Chapter 112: Chapter 111: Finishing Blow
"Since Brother Hao still has matters to attend to, I wonât keep you any longer."
Song Wei turned around and had taken just two steps when he was called from behind.
Song Wei paused, hearing Hao Yunâs voice squeezed out through clenched teeth, "Song Wei, are you really content with me taking the top spot, and not even a bit upset?"
The blow he received today was too great to bear, and he sought some solace from Song Wei. If Song Wei was displeased, even just a bit, it would make his top spot feel worthwhile and fulfilling.
To his great disappointment, however, when Song Wei turned back to look at him, his expression was calm and leisurely, without any hint of peculiarity. He even smiled and said, "The top spot is not exclusively anyoneâs. Throughout history, the imperial examinations have always depended on oneâs abilities. A few months ago, when we were attending classes at the Xie Familyâs place, Brother Hao personally said that you, I, and Xie Zheng are brothers. As your brother, Iâm happy for your success in taking the top spot. Perhaps I even benefited from your glory, which gave me this chance to study at the Imperial College despite being ranked sixth. Come to think of it, I really owe you a deep thanks!"
That was a cutting remark, indeed!
Hao Yunâs body trembled, and he staggered back two steps, barely steadying himself by leaning against a tree, forced to speak words that cut to his own heart, "Brother Song also mentioned that oneâs abilities are measured in the exam. Your being able to go to the Imperial College shows you have extraordinary talent. As long as youâre not angry, itâs fine; I was worried that this matter would ruin our friendship."
Song Wei said, "Itâs not that serious. Just for Brother Hao going out of your way to congratulate me, our brotherly bond wouldnât waver. The capital is splendid and far exceeds this small place, Ningzhou. If Brother Hao needs anything in the future, just send a letter. If thereâs something I can help with, I, for one, wonât refuse."
"...I have other matters, so I wonât disturb Brother Song any longer, farewell."
Song Wei watched Hao Yunâs embarrassed figure leave, shaking his head with a chuckle, then turned and went inside the house.
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Even without taking the top spot, having the chance to go to the Capital was such a joy for Song Fang. She continuously toasted Song Wei at the table, thanking the ancestry all the way back eighteen generations.
Song Wei advised her, "If you canât drink, have a little less."
"Iâm just happy!" Song Fangâs face was flushed with the glow of drunkenness. "Once we go to the Capital, weâll be people who have seen the world. Letâs see who dares to look down on me then, hmph!"
Granny Song pulled her daughter down to sit, "Oh, give it a rest. Your face is as red as a monkeyâs backside; donât stand up and make a fool of yourself."
Song Fang put down her wine cup, wiped her faceâit felt a bit hotâand looked at Wen Wan beside her, "Like a monkeyâs backside?"
Wen Wan lowered her head, silently pulled her sister-in-lawâs bowl closer, and placed a chopstickful of food in it.
Song Weiâs opportunity was indeed an honor for the Song family.
The village chief, the Clan Leader, and several of the respected elders in the village all sang his praises.
Song Wei remained humble throughout, no matter how beautiful the words spoken to him. He only maintained a slight, steady smile, an unyielding composure akin to being unshaken by thunder.
Mrs. Zhou glanced at Song Wei, then at her son Wen Shun, who was burying his head in his meal, and quietly sighed.
After hosting the feast at home, Song Wei prepared to host another banquet in town as a gesture of thanks to his former tutors.
Although he hadnât been part of the town school for years, the private tutors there were once his teachers, and this meal was indispensable.
The message was conveyed by Song Yuanbao. Upon learning of it, the tutors were so excited they couldnât sleep a wink and arrived the next day with heavy eyelids. Upon meeting Song Wei, they praised him to the heavens, saying they had never seen anything like itâthat he could advance without taking the top spot was a testament to the higher-ups recognizing his extraordinary talent.
Song Wei smiled modestly and personally poured wine for them, saying, "It was all thanks to how well my teachers taught me back then."