She Became A Downfall Noble Lady

If Jiang Yifan were to spend the New Year here, it would be even better if my daughter and he could grow closer," thought Madam Yin, a warm smile spreading across her face from within. "You’re being too modest, child; there’s no need for such formalities. It’s the New Year, a time for everyone to be harmonious and joyful, how could we leave you alone in the cold Yamen."

Even though Jiang Yifan knew that Madam Yin would agree, he hadn’t expected her to speak such intimate words. Overjoyed, he bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Madam Xie, thank you for your indulgence. I won’t disturb you further while you entertain, I’ll take my leave now."

Watching Jiang Yifan leave, Lady Zhao couldn’t help but feel a tint of envy. She said to Madam Yin, "This Lord Jiang is quite exceptional in both character and appearance, surely he must come from a prominent family? My Ah Qiao is a child raised in a poor family; being looked upon favorably by Lord Jiang suggests he must be a magnanimous person."

Speaking of Jiang Yifan, Madam Yin was quite proud: "Yes, Yuanfan is indeed a good child. Not only does he excel in character, learning, and talents, but he is also sincere and patient. Our Brother Jia, being just a little child, also knows to cling to Yuanfan. Children are the most innocent and always know who treats them well."

"Think about it, the government officials in our area all have big beards, and here is Lord Jiang, so young, yet in charge of such a large county’s people, acting as a parental official. He must be very diligent in his studies," Lady Zhao chimed in.

Madam Yin laughed and said, "Indeed. The court holds the imperial examination once every three years, selecting Scholars from all over. How many aspiring scholars come to take the exam? Yuanfan, at his young age, managed to place third, becoming the youngest Imperial Scholar in nearly fifty years."

"That’s quite remarkable," Lady Zhao was genuinely impressed this time. Third place in the entire realm and the youngest Imperial Scholar in decades.

Although she didn’t know the specifics of the rankings, she was aware of the significance of achieving third place in the imperial examination. In their village and township, even having someone who had passed the provincial exams was a rarity, and the entire family would take great pride in it.