PWDLAW Chapter 250: Song Lu Also Arrive
Chapter 250: Song Lu Also Arrive
In order to maintain fairness, each family would have someone representing them. The handcrafts of the top 100 girls would be displayed in front of the county government office to prevent judges from favoring anyone. More importantly, the county magistrate did not want to do a good deed and end up causing trouble. If this women's art competition could be held annually, it would not only accelerate business development but also promote population growth. This would be his political achievement and naturally he couldn't leave room for criticism.
Therefore, with the common people as witnesses, even the judges wouldn't dare to show favoritism.
Soon, the first round of the competition began.
Among the first 100 participants, the top 30 would be ranked and those beyond 30 would be eliminated. After five rounds, a new ranking would be determine and the top 100 would receive corresponding rewards.
"The theme for this competition is pear blossoms."
"Ladies, showcase your best embroidery skills."
"Now, the competition begins."
As the girls on the stage blushed and began the competition, the crowd below became quite lively. Although the bailiffs were shouting for quiet, the people couldn't help but inquire about the identities of the girls.
Originally, the county magistrate aimed to increase the population, so he was happy to see the young men and women eyeing each other. However, the high platform was quite far away and the young men from a distance wouldn't affect the reputations of the girls. It could be considered a win-win situation.
"It seems that there are quite a few well-off girls from the county among those on the stage." Chu Liushi's gaze was accurate. At a glance, she could see that the girls going up were dressed nicely. Although the girls from the countryside tried to dress up as much as possible for this competition, families in difficult circumstances wouldn't buy an expensive outfit just for a competition like this.
Moreover, the girls from the county were naturally wealthier and it was normal for them to dress better.
As a result, the distinctions were clear.
"Mother, I saw someone from the Song family." Suddenly, Zhang exclaimed with joy unable to hide it. On the other hand, Chu Qingxiang seemed a bit shy but also tried to appear composed.
"Oh? Where?" Chu Liushi asked eagerly and Zhang eagerly pointed out the Song family members not far away.
This time, Song Lu also came and sat among the crowd appearing quite upright.
"It seems that the Song family also has eligible girls participating in the competition. Qingxiang, do well." Chu Liushi who had a strong and self-improving personality was pleased that her eldest granddaughter was given to the Song family. However, the Song family's conditions were worse than the Chu family's. To support Song Lu's education, the family had spent all their remaining funds. Fortunately, Song Lu had recently passed the exam for scholar candidates, gaining a tax-exempt land quota. This year, the Song family didn't have to pay taxes, barely making ends meet.
In these circumstances, the Song family wanted to show potential wives to Song Lu while he was gaining popularity. They aimed to find a good match for him.
Song Lu was considered both academically and morally outstanding. However, as the saying goes, a poor scholar is a poor scholar. He had just passed the exam for scholar candidates and with the family having spent money, continuing his studies was not an option for now. He could only temporarily put aside the opportunity to take the imperial examination this year and find a job as a private tutor in the county. He had been doing this for over a month.
Although he was short of money, due to his good character many families were interested in him.
In the end, the Song family agreed to exchange engagement cards with the Chu family. The engagement between Chu Qingxiang and Song Lu was then settled.
"Grandmother, I will do my best." Chu Qingxiang's eyes flashed with determination. She also had a strong personality but was more adept at reading the situation. Naturally, she understood the importance of this competition.
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