Chapter 2140: Hou Shi (Patreon)

Chapter 2140: Hou Shi

After Shu Yu had finished speaking with Meng Yunzheng, she waited for quite some time. Finally, the sound of drums rang out from the entrance of the Spring Emperial examination hall.

The provincial examination was presided over by the Ministry of Rites and had four chief examiners.

At this moment, they all stood outside the Spring Emperial examination hall as the soldiers pounded the drums to maintain order and began the process of checking and admitting candidates.

Meng Yunzheng picked up his examination basket and said to Shu Yu, "I need to enter now. You should go back early. It's still early in the day. You can catch up on your sleep at home and don't tire yourself out."

"I understand. You should go."

Xun Sheng shook his head as he saw Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng reluctant to part ways. With his hands behind his back, he walked ahead.

Meng Yunzheng then slowly followed. Shu Yu and the others were kept at a distance by the soldiers and could only watch from afar as each candidate underwent the inspection process to enter the examination hall.

The inspection was very strict. On such a cold day, candidates were not allowed to wear padded clothing that could conceal notes or books, so they had to wear single-layer clothing.

As a result, Meng Yunzheng wore several layers of clothing. The inspection process alone took a considerable amount of time.

When all the candidates had entered the hall, the sound of gongs and drums rang out again, and the gates of the provincial examination hall were closed, completely cutting off the outside noise.

The spectators and those who had come to witness the event gradually departed.

After Shu You and the others had seen everyone off, they left as well.

However, Xia Yan stayed behind, and many others remained nearby, just in case. After all, during previous provincial examinations, there were always a few candidates who couldn't endure the ordeal and had to be carried out. These candidates either suffered from the cold, nervousness, or health issues and couldn't last for the full nine days.

However, on the first day like today, such issues were unlikely to arise.

Shu Yu and Ying Xi Zhao Xi returned to the Courtyard first. Shu Yu was still a bit tired, as she hadn't slept well the previous night.

After returning home, she took a nap, and when she woke up, Zhao Xi, Shu You, and little Huohuo had all left the house. The entire courtyard felt empty.

Shu Yu got up, washed her face, had lunch, and then prepared to go out.

However, as she walked to the courtyard gate, she heard a knock on the door. Soon after, she heard an unfamiliar voice asking, "Excuse me, is this Young Master Meng's residence?"

Shu Yu was momentarily taken aback and exchanged a glance with Ying Xi. Then, she walked up and opened the door.

Outside the door stood an unfamiliar elderly woman who had raised her hand but took a step back when she saw the door opening.

Shu You examined her and asked, "Who are you?"

"May I ask if you are the County Princess Wen'an?"

Shu Yu nodded and replied, "Yes, I am."

The elderly woman's face brightened, and she said eagerly, "I am a nanny from the Wan Family, accompanying my lady on a visit."

"The Wan Family... Lady?" Shu You suddenly raised her head and looked toward the carriage outside.

The nanny had already turned her head and said something to someone inside the carriage.

The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing a face that Shu You found exceptionally familiar.

As soon as their eyes met, both of them couldn't help but break into smiles.

"Aunt Hou."

Hou Shi stepped out of the carriage with excitement when she saw Shu Yu. She hurried up the steps and said with a smile, "I thought about coming over a few days ago, but I didn't want to disturb Young Master Meng, who was still preparing for the examination. Today is the day the Emperial examination begins, and I thought you might have some free time, so I came over."