ebookland Chapter 180 Autumn Examination
Chapter 180 Autumn Examination
This thrilling assassination ended so quietly, as if nothing had ever happened.
People were indifferent to the life and death of those killers. They were as insignificant as dust and were forgotten in the corner of history.
At this time, Liang Zhilan was facing a difficult choice.
If the four lingerie shops she owns want to continue operating, they must purchase lingerie produced by Chen Ruotong's workshop.
However, doing so will undoubtedly significantly increase the cost of underwear, and profits will decrease accordingly.
After weighing the pros and cons, Liang Zhilan finally had to reluctantly give up, closed the four shops, and began to look for new business opportunities.
At the same time, Ho Chi Ping's underwear store was the only one left in the capital.
With no competitors, his business became extremely prosperous and customers came in an endless stream.
Since the shopkeeper Lao He terminated the agency contract with Huicuilou and Zhenpin Pavilion, his pace of life has gradually slowed down.
No longer as busy as before, he decided to rush to Beijing from his hometown to help his son run this thriving underwear store.
As the saying goes, "A blessing in disguise", sometimes "loss" is actually "gain".
On the other hand, Emperor Xuanwu was well aware that Huicui Tower was an important landmark in the capital, and the safety of the source of funds for his escrow was of vital importance.
Therefore, he ordered Jingzhao Yin Xie Renhuai to send a large number of officials to patrol and guard around Huicui Tower day and night.
This attitude of high attention made the whole scene full of solemnity.
Under such strict protection, who would dare to cause trouble in Huicui Building without knowing the immensity of the world?
Everything seemed to be back on track, and everything was proceeding in an orderly and progressive manner.
The income from the two properties, Hui Cui Building and Zhen Pin Pavilion, gradually stabilized. After careful consideration, Chen Ruotong made a decision:
After accompanying Qiao Zien to take part in this year's autumn imperial examination, he immediately returned to Pingyang Prefecture to prepare for the autumn harvest.
From the trial operation on June 22nd to August 7th, a period of one and a half months, after deducting costs and other expenses, Huicui Building and Zhenpin Pavilion made a net profit of 350,000 taels of silver!
When Emperor Xuanwu personally received his personal 40% bonus - 140,000 taels of silver, his joy was beyond words and he couldn't stop smiling.
Even if you are the king of a country and own the whole world, you still have an ordinary heart and are full of love and desire for wealth!
On the eighth day of August, the whole capital city was filled with a festive, peaceful, yet tense atmosphere.
Because today is the day of the three-yearly autumn imperial examination, thousands of students have gathered here, carrying their dreams and expectations for the future, to take part in this fateful exam.
It was not yet dawn, just after the Yin hour (around four in the morning), and the Marquis's mansion became busy.
Zhen Yu, Chen Ruotong and Qiao Zhenbang escorted Qiao Zien to the Imperial Examination Hall. For them, this imperial examination not only concerns Qiao Zien's personal future and destiny, but also carries the future rise and fall of the Hou Mansion.
This was the second time that Chen Ruotong sent Qiao Zien to the examination room, but for some reason, she always felt a sense of nervousness as if she was sending her own child to take the college entrance examination.
Perhaps it was because of this special feeling that she began to carefully prepare all the necessary items several days ago: from pens, ink, paper and inkstone to clothes and oil paper; from dry food and fruits to refreshing drinks...even the oversized thermos was filled with hot water, in case of emergency.
Finally arriving at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall, Chen Ruotong handed the heavy examination basket to Qiao Zien, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Relax, just do your best!"
At this time, Qiao Zien seemed particularly calm and confident. He smiled at his relatives and friends in front of him and said firmly: "Go back, don't worry, I have confidence that hard work will pay off!"
After saying this, he turned and walked into the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, leaving everyone with a resolute and upright back.
The Autumn Examination is divided into three sessions, each lasting three days with a day of rest in between, and a total of nine days is required to complete all subjects.
This long examination cycle is a great test of the candidates' physical strength and energy, but Qiao Zien, relying on the rich knowledge accumulated from past and present lives, was able to handle various types of questions with ease.
Whether it was the interpretation of classics, poetry or policy essays, he could do it with ease, demonstrating his outstanding talent and profound knowledge.
Time flies, and eleven days have passed in the blink of an eye.
Finally, Qiao Zien successfully completed the last exam and walked out of the examination room with a firm and confident step. At this moment, his heart was full of expectations and longings.
Chen Ruotong and others had been waiting outside the examination room for a long time. When they saw Qiao Zien coming out, they immediately went to greet her.
Most of the other students who walked out of the examination room looked exhausted and haggard, and some even looked a little embarrassed.
However, Qiao Zien stood out from the crowd, still looking energetic and full of vigor.
Chen Ruotong immediately ran forward and said excitedly: "Zi En, how did you do in the exam? I think with your ability, you will definitely get first place this time!"
Qiao Zien smiled slightly and replied modestly: "Not bad, if there are no accidents, maybe there is a chance."
Hearing this, Qiao Zhenbang on the side was so excited that he could hardly control himself, and said in a trembling voice: "My son, you really bring honor to our Qiao family! You are the pride and hope of our Qiao family..."
Zhen Yu also came forward, patted Qiao Zien on the shoulder, and encouraged her: "Next, Zien must work harder to prepare for the imperial examination in February next year. As long as you maintain this state, you will definitely be able to pass the exam and realize your ambitions!"
Several people got on the carriage and drove to the Marquis's Mansion. There was constant laughter and joy along the way, as if all the fatigue and pressure were thrown behind.
When they arrived at the Marquis' Mansion, the whole place was suddenly bustling with activity. Servants were busy shuttling around in every corner, carefully arranging the venue to welcome Qiao Zien's return and to hold a grand celebration banquet for him to celebrate the successful completion of this important exam.
On August 20th, Chen Ruotong did not wait for the results of the provincial examination with Qiao Zien.
She was preparing to return to Pingyang Prefecture because it was the autumn harvest season and her potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelons, tomatoes and peppers were waiting for her to harvest!
Therefore, the chairman urgently convened Chen Sanhe, Zhou Qian, Chen Daquan and Zhang Yishun to hold a small but significant board meeting.
Chen Ruotong explained in detail each specific work task and precautions to several people.
Afterwards, she went to the warehouse and put a lot of hot-selling products in it. She handed the warehouse key to Chen Sanhe and instructed:
"Third brother, if anyone comes to cause trouble, you don't need to panic, just ask the nearby police to help you deal with it.
If Liang Zhilan does something bad, then seek Zhen Yu's help.
Also, take good care of grandma.
This time I will be away for a month or two before returning, so I'm sorry to trouble you during this period!
In addition, the monthly income and expenditure accounts must be recorded clearly and accurately, and at the beginning of the month, Xiao Lizi will come to collect the 40% of the silver.
You should also pay attention to the harvest in the farm outside Beijing and visit it often! When I come back this time, I will bring grandpa here. He will definitely like that farm..."
Chen Ruotong was like an old mother, instructing Chen Sanhe on every detail...
I feel a little worried if such a big business leaves her behind!