Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 103: We've been set up!

The day the results were released, the entire capital city was in an uproar.

Before dawn had even broken, the wide street in front of the Examination Hall was already jam-packed and impassable.

A sea of people, the clamor shaking the heavens.

"Brother Su, look quickly! There are too many people, we can't possibly squeeze through!"

Xu Qing was so anxious that sweat was pouring down his face. He was not tall, and was being jostled and shoved all over the place in the crowd. He tried several times to charge forward, only to be pushed back by stronger men.

Su Ming stood on the periphery of the crowd, his expression still calm.

He patted Xu Qing's shoulder. "No rush. The list is right there, it's not going anywhere."

"How can I not be in a rush!" Xu Qing's face flushed red. "This is the moment that decides the fate of our remaining years!"

Su Ming smiled but said nothing more.

He knew Xu Qing was right.For the vast majority of scholars under heaven, this golden list was their life.

"Boom—Boom—Boom—"

At high noon, the Ministry of Rites' gong officer struck the bronze gong.

The noisy crowd instantly fell silent for a moment.

Several government runners were seen carrying a huge imperial proclamation, escorted by armored soldiers, slowly walking out of the Examination Hall and posting it on the high results wall.

"It's out!"

The crowd, like a powder keg ignited, instantly exploded.

Countless people surged toward the proclamation wall like a tide, cries, screams, and cheers all mixing together.

"I made it! I made it! Third Class, seventy-second place! Father! Mother! I made it!"

"No me… how could there be no me… ten years… ten years…"

Xu Qing had long since disappeared from sight. Relying on his slight build, he had somehow squeezed his way to the very front.

Su Ming was jostled by the crowd. He didn't try to push through, just waited quietly.

A long time later, when the first, most frantic wave of the crowd had receded somewhat, he unhurriedly walked over.

He spotted a familiar figure at a glance.

Xu Qing was standing dumbly beneath the proclamation, head tilted back, staring at the imperial list, motionless.

Su Ming walked over, about to speak, when he saw two clear trails of tears slide from the corners of Xu Qing's eyes.

Su Ming's heart sank.

Failed?

He followed Xu Qing's gaze.

On that golden list densely packed with names, in the Second Class section, a line of characters stood out clearly.

"Second Class, thirty-fifth place, Xu Qing, native of Qingshi County, Southern Metropolitan Region."

Su Ming let out a sigh of relief.

Top of the Second Class, bestowed the status of Presented Scholar.

For Xu Qing, from a poor family, this was a result already sufficient to change the fate of his entire clan.

"Brother Xu, congr…"

suddenly let out

his chest with his fist, muttering indistinctly through

Mother… I did it…

used to this sight,

of having one's name inscribed on the golden list, how many could

by his side, shielding a small space for him, not

when Xu Qing's emotions had calmed

tears and stood up, an unprecedented brilliant smile on his face. He clapped Su Ming's shoulder

Su! Same to you! Same to you! Hurry, find your

shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the end of the list, the

the middle-to-lower part of the Third Class,

he searched meticulously from the back to

Nothing.

Ming's brow furrowed almost

it be, he didn't

examination paper, even if it was mediocre, it

be there?" Xu Qing also grew anxious. "Brother Su, look more carefully! Did

a deep breath, suppressing the ripple of unease in his heart, and slowly

Second Class…

the Second

of the Second Class… not

inch, scanned over those neat names written in

pupils

poured over his head, sending

on the imperial proclamation, at the very forefront of the Second Class

tenth place, Su Ming, native of Qingshi County, Southern Metropolitan

Qing saw it

with cheers even louder than

it! I knew it! Brother Su! Second Class, tenth place! Heavens! You were just a hair's

arm, shaking

is truly too wonderful! When Teacher Zhou finds out,

looks

was already a result worthy of entering the Hanlin Academy, becoming a candidate for future chief ministers, a prestigious

Ming's body stiffened where he

of joy showed

a massive boulder thrown into it,

It's over.

only thought in

"Something's wrong!"

exploded in his mind, carrying

our plan has

the massive shock in his heart, forcing a smile onto his face that was uglier than crying, and said to Xu Qing, "Brother Xu, I… I feel a bit dizzy.

should go back! We must celebrate properly!" Xu Qing, still immersed in immense joy, didn't notice Su Ming's

turned to leave, Su Ming felt a familiar

of the

locust tree, a middle-aged man dressed in the

longer held the

a

be scrap

gaze caused a layer of cold sweat to instantly break out on Su Ming's

......

to the Penglai

plans to book a feast at the best restaurant, but

cutting off all outside

table, poured a cup of tea that had long gone cold, and drank it in one

what on earth is going on?" His voice carried a tremor he himself hadn't

completely disrupted

someone who only wanted to move quietly underwater, but was suddenly and inexplicably thrust to the