The moment Zhao Cheng stepped forward, all eyes fixed upon him, for everyone understood the significance of that action. “Oh my, this Master Zhao is still quite young, isn't he?

To have already passed the provincial examination to become a Juren—truly remarkable!” “Indeed, utterly astonishing!” The messenger delivering the results was visibly surprised upon seeing Zhao Cheng; he seemed so young. It wasn't that they hadn't seen young Juren before, but one so young achieving such a high standing was rare indeed.

The two messengers quickly composed themselves and offered their congratulations: “Congratulations, congratulations! Master Zhao has achieved the third rank in the Provincial Examination!” Upon hearing this, Madam Huang burst into tears of joy.

“Is this truly real? Oh, this is wonderful!

My son has finally made something of himself!” The onlookers did not mock Madam Huang’s display; such fortune was beyond envy. Look at how accomplished her son was—a Juren at such a tender age.

If this had happened to them, they would be laughing in their sleep from sheer delight. Zhao Cheng fought to suppress his own excitement, accepting the official notice slip, and offered his thanks to the messengers.

Then, reaching into his sleeve, he drew out several dozen copper coins. “Thank you both for your hard work, sirs.

Please accept this to buy yourselves some wine; I hope you will not refuse.” The two messengers had initially felt fortunate to have drawn such a lucrative task, delivering the news to the third-place scholar. However, upon seeing the mere pittance Zhao Cheng offered, a deep disappointment settled over them.

Then, their eyes fell upon the threadbare clothes of Zhao Cheng and Madam Huang, and a realization dawned: they were from a humble background. Naturally.

Well, Zhao Cheng was a Juren now, and they shouldn't quibble over trifles. It was just bad luck for them today!

The messengers took the coins, offered a few more polite congratulations, and prepared to depart. Over by the side, Liu Hao watched the pair about to leave and couldn't help himself.

“Two esteemed sirs, wait a moment! This student wishes to ask, is he the only one from this vicinity to have achieved the Juren rank?” The messengers turned to look at Liu Hao, then at the group beside him, surmising they had all taken the provincial exams together.

Since only two messengers had arrived, it explained his query. “Well, we aren't entirely sure.

We were only assigned to deliver Master Zhao’s notice.” Liu Hao nodded, clearly disappointed, and thanked the messengers. Wang Qingchen saw Liu Hao’s dismay and patted his shoulder comfortingly.

“Wait a bit longer. Perhaps the other messengers haven't arrived yet?

Besides, even if we haven't passed this time, we can always try again in the next session.” Liu Hao could only nod with resignation. Seeing Liu Hao remain somewhat crestfallen, Wang Qingchen said no more.

Truthfully, he felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his own stomach, wondering if his own performance had been inadequate, and what he would do if he had failed—give up studying, or return home to prepare for another three years? Meanwhile, Zhao Cheng and his mother were now encircled by the curious crowd that had gathered to watch the announcement.

Knowing the pair’s humble circumstances, these neighbors did not press for celebratory money but instead pleaded for a cup of tea inside, hoping to absorb some of the Juren Master’s good fortune. Madam Huang found it impossible to refuse their requests and invited them into the courtyard for tea, as the house itself was too small to accommodate so many.

Zhao Cheng, however, joined Wang Qingchen and the others in the main hall to continue waiting, just in case more messengers arrived. While waiting, Liu Hao grew eager to see Zhao Cheng’s official notice slip.

Zhao Cheng readily handed it over, and the others clustered around, eager to look as well. Viewing Zhao Cheng’s notice, they felt a mixture of envy and loss, yet they were genuinely happy for him.

After all, they had traveled to the provincial capital together for the examination; if none of them had succeeded, at least one success was a great thing. Zhao Cheng said little about them viewing his slip.

Since only his notice had arrived so far, and the others didn't even know if they had passed, he simply sat with them, showing no overt excitement about his own achievement. The courtyard buzzed with the chatter of the crowd, but in the hall, the small group was growing restless.

Had none of them passed except Zhao Cheng? The thought brought a wave of dejection.

Just as hope began to wane, they heard a shout from outside the courtyard: “The good news bearers are here!” This announcement immediately set the already quieted crowd back into a noisy commotion. “Heavens, no!

Surely not? We just had one Juren Master announced, and now another?

Could it be that the feng shui of this courtyard is too potent?” “Now that you mention it, you might be right! Perhaps this residence has truly excellent energy, otherwise why would the Juren examination seem so easy here?” ...

Regardless of the neighbors’ excited gossip, those waiting in the hall were already impatiently making their way toward the courtyard entrance. As they reached the entrance, they heard the messenger ask, “May I ask if Master Wang Qingchen resides here?” Wang Qingchen’s heart gave a sudden lurch of relief; he had passed!

He took a deep, steadying breath and stepped forward slowly. “I am he.” This time, the newly arrived onlookers could not contain themselves, exhibiting the same fervor as when the first messenger delivered Zhao Cheng’s news.

“My word, Master Wang is so young! To pass the provincial examination at this age, he is certainly destined for great things!” “You speak the truth!

The son of the family where my cousin-in-law works failed the provincial exam twice, yet this Master Wang has passed while still so young.” ... The messengers, seeing they had finally found the right place, let out a sigh of relief.

They were supposed to have arrived much earlier, but having gone to the wrong address, they had wasted considerable time, which explained their late arrival now. “Congratulations, Master Wang, on achieving the fifteenth rank in the Provincial Examination…” Wang Qingchen had steeled himself for the possibility of a low rank; simply achieving the Juren title would have been enough.

To his surprise, his placement was not low at all—though not as high as Zhao Cheng’s, it was certainly respectable. The messenger smiled broadly and handed the notice slip to Wang Qingchen.

“Congratulations, Master Wang!” Wang Qingchen accepted the slip with solemnity. “Thank you for your trouble, sirs,” he said, pulling out a few pieces of silver.

“Please accept this small token of appreciation.” The two messengers happily accepted the gratuity. “Master Wang is too kind!” After a few more polite exchanges, they departed.

Now, Wang Qingchen became the focal point of attention. Though mentally prepared, he was momentarily startled by the stares of the onlookers and longed to retreat indoors.

Fortunately, Madam Huang, having heard the arrival of more messengers, emerged again. Seeing the crowd beginning to press in on Wang Qingchen, she quickly ushered everyone into the courtyard for tea.

The crowd readily accepted her invitation, eager once more to partake in the Juren Master’s auspicious aura. Just as they were entering, they overheard those already inside speaking of the astonishing fact: two Juren Masters had emerged from this single residence.

Two Juren! This was unprecedented.

How difficult was this rank to achieve? That such a modest dwelling could produce two scholars of distinction, both with respectable placements, left the onlookers astounded!

Wang Qingchen and the others had already retreated to the main hall, and Liu Hao, true to form, immediately requested to see Wang Qingchen’s notice slip. Wang Qingchen graciously complied, handing it over.

This time, Liu Hao’s patience was clearly spent. After glancing at the slip, he sighed heavily.

“Alas, I suppose I didn't pass the Juren exam after all. Otherwise, why has no one come for me yet?” Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng exchanged a look.

Then Wang Qingchen said, “They must still be on the road. After all, it’s not just one or two people who pass.

Tell you what, why don't we go check the public announcement board? There shouldn't be too many people there now, should there?” Liu Hao and Qi Jintang agreed instantly.

Yes, the board ought to be less crowded now. Waiting here passively—how long would that take?

So, the group informed Madam Huang of their plan and headed out to view the official list once more. Meanwhile, the crowd in the courtyard had begun to laud the rented house as a miraculous dwelling.

They praised everything from the furnishings to the supposed feng shui, concluding that the inherent virtue of the property must have played a significant role in producing two Juren scholars. Consequently, some more astute individuals began to subtly inquire of Madam Huang whether she intended to sell the house.

Upon learning it was merely a rental, their ambitions grew bolder. Since the occupants were only tenants, they would surely return to their hometown eventually.

Should they try to rent or even purchase this property? There were quite a few people harboring such thoughts.

That evening, many began discreetly asking around to discover the identity of the house’s true owner. While one or two inquiries might go unnoticed, today’s miraculous events had stirred up so much talk that numerous people began asking, which naturally piqued the suspicion of the property's actual landlord.

The owner began to investigate the sudden flurry of interest and soon discovered the astonishing news: two of the temporary tenants had both succeeded in the provincial examinations.