Chapter 99 Selling Oneself
Shen Linchuan held the test paper in his hand, feeling extremely excited. This was the ladder that thousands of students dreamed of.
Why did he endure humiliation, live in disgrace, and compromise? Wasn't it just for this test paper?
If Zhao Huaijin dared to give it, why wouldn’t he dare to ask for it?
Shen Linchuan lowered his eyes and said, "I... my injuries haven't healed yet. After the exam is over, I will definitely... repay you well."
There are only a few days left before the imperial examination. If Zhao Huaijin gets into trouble, he will not be able to take the exam even if he gets the test paper.
"But you should at least give me some sweetness, right?"
Zhao Huaijin leaned over and said with a smile: "You also know that I never do business that loses money.
For you, I have risked my life, and you want to get rid of me with just one sentence: I will repay you in the future. That is too insincere."
Shen Linchuan frowned and said, "But I..."
Zhao Huaijin stretched out his hand and pressed his lips, his eyes darkened a little: "Since your injury has not healed, let's go to another place, such as... here."
Shen Linchuan widened his eyes, an unprecedented sense of humiliation filled his heart, and he subconsciously wanted to refuse.
But the test paper in his hand reminded him that this was his last chance.
Anyway, Zhao Huaijin has humiliated him countless times, so there is nothing he can't tolerate this time. One day he will kill him with his own hands and end his nightmare.
"it is good."
Shen Linchuan closed his eyes and agreed to him. He betrayed himself once again, exchanging endless pain and despair for that glimmer of hope.
Night comes quietly.
The quiet courtyard was pitch black. Shen Linchuan stumbled to the well in the yard and kept drinking the well water until he vomited out the filth.
He fell to the ground, leaning against the well, his eyes dull.
A ray of moonlight fell on him.
His hair was disheveled, the corners of his lips were covered with wounds, and his whole body was soaked. He looked extremely miserable.
Suddenly he remembered something and looked around hastily until he saw the scroll that had fallen on the ground.
He picked it up and held it in his arms, crying and laughing.
At this moment, he looked like a madman.
……
In a blink of an eye, the day of the imperial examination arrived.
The entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall was crowded with people, all of whom were students of the Jinke School preparing to take part in the imperial examination.
An inconspicuous carriage stopped in the distance. Shen Linchuan got off the carriage, and Shen Suyun followed him.
The old lady had been ill ever since she was beaten with a stick, and Shen Linzhou had difficulty walking, so only Shen Suyun came to see him off.
She looked around and didn't see Song Shiwei. She couldn't help but said with some dissatisfaction: "Second brother, you are taking part in the imperial examination, which is such an important matter, but Song Shiwei didn't even come to see you. She didn't even come to see you and mother when you were injured."
Shen Suyun snorted and said, "Second brother, you must divorce her when you graduate from high school."
Shen Linchuan's face was gloomy. He didn't want to say anything more to Shen Suyun. He took his bag and turned away without saying a word.
Students in front of the Imperial Examination Hall are queuing up to wait for admission examination.
Someone noticed Shen Linchuan, and immediately everyone's eyes turned to him.
Several students started a sarcastic discussion in front of Shen Linchuan.
"Some people really bring shame to us scholars. They dare to take part in the imperial examination."
"As a scholar, if one's behavior is not good and one's personal morality is damaged, then I'm afraid that all the books of sages have been read by dogs."
"Hey, what do you know? Even if he can't pass the imperial examination, he will still be the son-in-law of the Cheng'en Marquis's mansion. We don't have such a blessing."
"And they are two sisters who share the same husband."
Everyone was joking and saying some very unpleasant things.
Shen Linchuan tightened his grip on the bundle, his face turned pale. He took a deep breath and secretly told himself to be patient.
After today, no one will be able to step on him again. He will make those who laugh at him and look down on him regret it forever.
"The door is open."
The gate of the Imperial Examination Hall opened, and the students stopped their ridicule.
Shen Linchuan looked at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall with determination in his eyes.
He had finally waited for this day. As long as he stepped through this door, he would be able to soar into the sky.
At the same time, many people gathered in front of Chengwen College.
When Song Shiwei arrived, there was already a long queue in front.
This situation surprised her a little, as she thought that not many people would sign up for the women's examination.
"Sister Shi Wei, what a coincidence."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind.
Song Shiwei turned around and saw Qin Yueyao standing behind her. She was delighted and called out happily, "Sister Qin."
She asked, "Are you here to take part in the women's exam as well?"
Qin Yueyao shrugged: "I've always heard that the women's exam is difficult, so I wanted to come and see how difficult it is."
As she spoke, she curiously pulled Song Shiwei's arm, leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Are you really coming to participate in the Women's Examination to divorce your husband?"
Song Shiwei shrugged and asked, "Is it not possible?"
Qin Yueyao looked at her with admiration in her eyes. She said, "I really admire your courage. I wish you success."
Song Shiwei thanked him, and then she heard a noisy voice coming from the front: "Get out of the way."
She looked up and saw a maid pushing away the woman at the front of the line.
Then a woman in a bright red dress stood over.
That person was Wen Ruqing, the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo.
Although the woman who was pushed away was dissatisfied, she could only swallow her anger when she saw that the man was someone she could not afford to offend.
Although the people behind her didn't like Wen Ruqing's behavior, she was the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
In the capital, the only person who could surpass her was Princess Leyang, Gu Tinglan, the daughter of a marquis who was conferred the title of county lord.
But Gu Tinglan did not come to take part in the women's examination.
Qin Yueyao said: "Wen Ruqing is already the future Crown Princess. I really don't know why she is still participating in this women's exam?"
Women who took part in the women's examination did so either to bring honor to their families or to gild themselves.
For someone like Wen Ruqing who is already at the pinnacle of wealth and status, I really don’t know what her purpose is?
Song Shiwei's eyebrows moved, she stared at Wen Ruqing in front of her thoughtfully and said: "Maybe it's to break off the engagement."
"break off an engagement?"
Qin Yueyao was shocked by these two words. She asked Song Shiwei in disbelief, "You mean, she wants to cancel her marriage with the prince?"
Song Shiwei shrugged and whispered, "She is obsessed with His Royal Highness Prince Ling. I guess she didn't want to marry the Crown Prince."
Qin Yueyao smacked her lips in amazement. She said, "Then I really underestimated her."
Song Shiwei was just guessing. If Wen Ruqing really had this plan, she could help her.
After all, the relationship between the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and the Eastern Palace is stabilized by marriage.
If the marriage fails, I wonder if the two families will become enemies?
Therefore, Wen Ruqing may be the only breakthrough.