Chapter Sixty-Six: Rising to Prominence

Li Zhihe could already picture Wei Liang’s expression in advance.

Thinking of this, Li Zhihe couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation, even more excitement than winning the bet itself.

The announcement of the exam results was not the end of the matter. Wansong Academy sent officials to the homes of those who had passed to deliver the good news. Before the provincial examination, the government had collected a roster listing each student’s address and personal information, partly for record-keeping and partly for this very day of celebration.

Especially for the top three, the treatment was far more elaborate. Soon, three teams of officials, accompanied by festive music, made their way to each of the top scholars’ homes to deliver the news.

Meanwhile, Yi An, the man of the hour, was feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Someone had evidently seen through his identity, and before long, a crowd gathered around him, with more joining by the minute.

Among them were some fellow examinees, both successful and unsuccessful. Their purpose was the same—to make the acquaintance of Yi An, hoping to pave the way for their own futures. Such introductions, though seemingly trivial, might prove useful in the officialdom later.

The top scholar, after all, was no ordinary candidate. Barring unforeseen events, his chances of passing the metropolitan examination were far above average.

Moreover, with this distinction, Yi An could easily enter the elite circles of literati, giving him a head start over others.

Then there was another group—local gentry and noblewomen—who, like merchants touting wares, eagerly introduced their daughters to Yi An, extolling their virtues as if goddesses had descended to earth.

Some went so far as to offer generous dowries. For most, such an opportunity for both wealth and marriage would be irresistible.

Yet Yi An remained unmoved from start to finish, promptly dashing many of their hopes. There were plenty of competitors vying for his favor.

They had little advantage to begin with, and with Yi An immune to persuasion, words proved futile. They soon shifted their attention to seek another prospect.

But a few would not give up, stubbornly persisting as if in rivalry with one another, pleading with earnest words to promote their daughters. These were prominent figures in Hangzhou, and securing the top scholar as a son-in-law would be a great honor for both their daughters and their families.

“Your kindness is appreciated, but I truly have no such intention at the moment. My apologies,” Yi An replied firmly, though he refrained from being too blunt.

Yet these people were undeterred, continuing their introductions, which began to irk Yi An.

“Master Yi, my daughter is eighteen, beautiful as a flower...”

“If you consent, we would be family. My business spans all of Hangzhou, and should you marry my daughter, you would share in it. She is my only child; when I am gone, all will be yours.”

Such words droned on until Yi An cast a pleading glance at Li Zhihe.

Li Zhihe stood with hands behind his back, smiling. Yi An was usually calm and composed; seeing him flustered was a rare sight. But enough was enough. Even Li Zhihe, confronted by these relentless gentry and noblewomen, felt helpless. At this point, there was no avoiding it.

Li Zhihe was tall and sturdy. Even without resorting to force, the sheer momentum of his movement opened a narrow path through the crowd. Yi An followed closely, while the gentry and noblewomen, unwilling to give up, tried to pursue them. However, most were frail elders and women, not even matching ordinary young men, much less Li Zhihe and Yi An. Soon, the crowd was left far behind.

Only when his ears were finally clear did Yi An breathe a long sigh of relief, feeling unburdened and showing a hint of relaxation.

Ultimately, this was the real reason he disliked fame—it was troublesome. He did not care for such entanglements, and those empty honors meant little to him. If it were merely about being known and admired, it would hardly be worth the trouble.

Even his path through the imperial examinations was more by chance than by choice. Nevertheless, since he had given his word, he would steadfastly see it through—not out of hypocrisy, but as a man’s responsibility.

“Brother Yi, I won’t accompany you back,” Li Zhihe said, pulling out a betting slip from his pocket and waving it.

“I have nothing pressing to do anyway. Why not go with you?” Yi An instantly understood his intention and replied accordingly.

“Oh, Brother Yi, have you forgotten your current status?”

“Taking the top scholar into a gambling house—I fear the gossip would drown me,” Li Zhihe said with a wry smile. Though bold in action, he knew when to exercise caution. If Yi An were seen in a gambling den, even if nothing untoward happened, rumors would spread and damage his reputation.

Yi An did not insist, not because he feared gossip, but seeing Li Zhihe’s determination and considering the triviality of the matter.

Rather than returning home directly, Yi An strolled around Hangzhou. He was in good spirits today. Though he was not attached to the examinations, his achievement was still something to be pleased about—he was not without desires.

Every living creature has its needs; Yi An did not believe otherwise. Even the ascetic Buddha longed for the devotion of followers.

What surprised him, however, was that within half an hour of the results being posted, his reputation as the top scholar had already spread throughout Hangzhou. In this era, the imperial examinations were a favorite topic of conversation. Fortunately, Yi An rarely appeared in public, so few people knew him by sight.

Otherwise, the scene at the announcement would surely have repeated itself.

Thankfully, such commotions rise and fall quickly. In a few days, the excitement would die down, as it always did.