the laughingstock of the capital's noble families.However, Meng Chengzhang's gaze did not catch Gu Xiuming's attention, because Gu Xiuming was completely occupied by the four characters 'Ling Shan Aca...The release of the imperial examination results is a time of both joy and sorrow.

Changxing Houfu once again became the topic of everyone's conversation, all because the eldest and second sons of the marquis passed their imperial examinations while the much-anticipated heir apparent failed to do so.

The imperial examinations of this dynasty were several times stricter than those of the previous dynasty. Out of over ten thousand candidates, only one hundred and twenty-six were selected, meaning that for every one hundred people, only one was successful.

...While the two young masters of Changxing Marquis's mansion both passed the imperial examinations, countless people were envious. They were only seventeen or eighteen years old, while their own sons, who had already reached adulthood, hadn't even passed despite being several years older. It was truly embarrassing. Some scholars who had been taking the exams for over forty years and still hadn't succeeded were once again deeply wounded to learn that teenagers had achieved what they couldn't...

For this reason, many people's minds became active, and there were thoughts of marrying their daughters to Gu Xiuhong. They even aimed for those of higher social standing, seeking out legitimate daughters from noble families. Marrying such a daughter to Gu Xiuhong, the legitimate son of an illegitimate branch, would be more than adequate.

Chen was moved, her son would benefit greatly from a good father-in-law. His career path would undoubtedly be smoother. However, Gu Xiuhong wasn't considering marriage at the moment. He was completely focused on his studies, aiming to pass the imperial examination next year and become a jinshi. If he failed next year, he would continue to study diligently and try again in three years.

When Mrs. Chen saw that her son was adamant, she had no choice but to politely decline the proposal. It didn't matter if they married later; as long as her son studied hard and excelled in his studies, he would surely have a bright future. Perhaps then, he would find an even better match.

And as for Gu Xiuming who had failed the imperial examinations, he was certainly a target of ridicule. The teahouse was filled with people, gossiping and commenting on him one after another.

"Didn't you say that Young Master Gu had the talent of a top scholar How come he didn't even pass the civil service exam"

"What kind of talent is this, I think it's just because his father’s face that they are elevating him. His father was indeed a talented youth when he was young, but for him to pass the imperial examination is already quite good."

"Well, you're asking me! It just pops out of nowhere, like bamboo shoots. The prince's father wasn't much of a scholar either, was he"

"His biological father was a Jinshi from the top three ranks, how could he be more outstanding than this raised son who couldn't even pass the imperial examination He was an official and served as a county magistrate in his home county, a wealthy one at that.

"

"Is that true"

"I have relatives working at Changxing Houfu, so I can still find out about this kind of news.

So, this Gu's son is a mere decorative pillow, isn't he The eldest daughter of Yongchangbo Mansion doesn't want to marry him and insists on marrying his father. I think it's not just because he ran away from the wedding, but also because he's useless.

"I guess so, let me choose, I wouldn't even choose his father."

"Hahaha... Don't be ridiculous! With that scruffy beard, you think Lord Gu would even look at you"

"That's right, I heard that Lord Gu's wife is very beautiful. You should go and have a look."

……

It was a stroke of bad luck that Gu Xiuming, the person involved, happened to be there, just about to go up the stairs, when he heard people talking about him. He knew these people couldn't say anything good, but he still couldn't help but stop and listen, taking in every word they said.

Li Wan'er stood by his side, seeing that his face was frighteningly gloomy, his fists clenched tightly, as if about to erupt. She felt a shiver of fear, afraid he would fight those guests. She quickly reached out and tugged on his sleeve, softly saying, "Brother Xiuming, let's go upstairs first. Don't bother with those gossipmongers, they don't understand anything."

For the sake of his reputation, Gu Xiuming endured it. He went upstairs without a word. Otherwise, tomorrow's rumors would be that the eldest son of Marquis Changxing failed the imperial examination and couldn't accept the reality, going mad in the teahouse and beating ordinary people.

Upstairs in the private room, Li Wan'er ordered some snacks that Gu Xiuming liked and a pot of tea.

Gu Xiuming's mind echoed with the words of those people just now, their disdainful tone and mocking words made him feel ashamed and embarrassed. It wasn't just these people; even his former classmates in the academy who had once flattered him and praised him for his family background were also ridiculing him behind his back. They had all failed the exam too, what qualifications did they have to mock him, who had also failed

He let out a light scoff: "Over ten thousand examinees failed the exam, and I'm just one of them. Why does it seem like my failure is some kind of grave sin"

Li Wan'er poured him a cup of tea and soothed, "Brother Xiuming, we can't control what other people say. I firmly believe that you will pass the Qiu Wei exam in three years. Please don't let them affect your mindset."

Gu Xiuming raised his teacup and drank it in one gulp. One cup of tea couldn't quench the anger in his heart, so he poured himself another cup.

Seeing this, Li Wan'er didn't dare to continue the topic, fearing that she would upset him. She changed the subject and said, "Brother Xiuming, the doctor just checked my pulse and said that I'm fine. The fact that there was no movement before was simply because our fate wasn't ready yet. Now the doctor has prescribed me some medicine to help me conceive. If I take this medicine, maybe next month I'll have good news."

She spoke, a smile gracing her lips. It was soft and gentle: "They say that boys are sour and girls are spicy. Having heard that the young mistress likes spicy food, I reckon there's a daughter in her belly. Next year, we'll have a son, then he'll be the first male heir of the Houfu's great-grandson generation. The old madam holding her great-grandson, loving the child and thus also loving you more, your position as Prince will be even more secure."

Gu Xiuming's face softened slightly upon hearing this. The next Autumn Examination would be in three years, and for now, he could only pin his hopes on his children. He hoped that Wan'er would conceive this year and give birth to a son next year.

He said softly, "Wan'er, we should use the medicine today."

Li Wan'er nodded gently, with no objections. As long as her body was fine, it didn't matter to her. With the help of fertility medicine, she believed she would conceive soon.

Here, they are seeking medical advice and remedies for having a son, striving to conceive a child, using it to solidify their position.

On that side, Meng Jinyang was busy following the two sisters-in-law and had no time to pay attention to that troublesome son.

Xuanling is getting married on October 6th. There's less than a month left until October 6th, so time is a bit tight. The three sisters-in-law are busy preparing.

Old Madam Gu also spoke, saying that although Xuan Ling was a concubine's daughter, the Hou Mansion only had two daughters, and no matter which one it was, they were treasures. The wedding couldn't be shabby, this was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it must be grand, second only to that of the legitimate daughter Xuan Yi.

The guest list was also referenced to Xuan Yi's wedding day. Meng Jin Yao, having some free time, took the opportunity to write the invitations.

Chen saw her writing the invitations. She walked closer and took a look. The handwriting was elegant and graceful, with a delicate and flowing style. It had a lot of charm. She praised, "Third younger sister, your calligraphy is really good."

Meng Jinyu modestly said, "Second sister-in-law, you flatter me. It's just that I've practiced a lot. When I was in the women's quarters before, I would practice calligraphy when I had nothing to do. With so much practice, I became skilled."

Chen said dismissively, "Third sister-in-law, you don't have to be humble. Without a certain level of comprehension, even if you practice constantly, you'll remain rigid and lack this kind of spirit."

She spoke, picking up one of the pre-written invitations and nodding lightly: "I had intended to have the servants write them. Their calligraphy wouldn't be suitable for esteemed guests, so I planned to wait for Second Master to return and have him write them. Now it seems unnecessary, Third Sister-in-law's handwriting is excellent."

At this time, Zhang entered composedly.

Meng Jin Yao saw this and asked, "Sister-in-law, you don't look well. What's wrong"tirelessly for the public good, ever slack offMeng Jinyo's expression faltered, she looked up, her gaze strangely scrutinizing him. He had a faint smile on his lips, his eyes gentle and warm, with a...