Chapter 230: The Spring Examination - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 230: The Spring Examination

Yin Canwen was deeply moved by the sincere care and support from the Feng family. He bowed to Feng Hai and Madam Feng, saying, “I am fortunate to receive your protection and the assistance of the Feng family. If I am able to achieve a high rank in the imperial examination, I will never forget today’s kindness!”

“Get up, get up,” Feng Hai said. “Don’t dwell on these matters. Focus on the exam. With your abilities, you’ll certainly make a stunning impression!”

Feng Hai’s words encouraged Yin Canwen, who resolved to make everyone proud with his determined expression.

Meanwhile, Feng Jinyao, standing by, seemed to be reminding Feng Jinlin, worried that he might have forgotten something.

“Ah Yao, don’t worry. Mother and you already checked everything multiple times. If you don’t trust me, do you not trust yourself?”

Feng Jinyao’s concern was understandable, given the importance of the exams.

The examinations lasted for five days but tested only three subjects. On the first and last days, candidates were inspected for prohibited items and anything they might have taken out. They were confined to their examination rooms, where they ate, drank, and slept until their papers were sealed, after which they were allowed to leave.

Thus, a slight delay at the entrance was inconsequential.

Feng Jinlin, however, seemed more relaxed than anyone else.

Feng Jinxu, concerned that he might be anxious about the exam, reminded him, “Be modest and careful, read the questions thoroughly, and avoid making mistakes that would be laughed at. The Feng and Bai families have never had anyone fail the exam. Don’t be the first.”

“Pah, pah, pah. Ah Xu, if you can’t speak properly, don’t speak at all. Why bring this up now?” Madam Feng pushed him aside, then turned to her youngest son.

“Don’t listen to your older brother’s nonsense. Just do your best. If you pass, that’s even better.”

Feng Jinxu couldn’t help but think: A loving mother can be a hindrance to her child.

Yet he maintained a composed face.

On the other side, Feng Yunhe and even Feng Jinyao were already looking forward to their own entrance into the examination hall ten years later.

Just then, Bai family’s two uncles and Bai Sihan arrived in a hurry. Seeing that Feng Jinlin hadn’t entered yet, they sighed in relief.

Bai Sifu spoke up, “Luckily, we made it in time. Are you both well-prepared?”

He had been at home taking care of Bai Xiang and had not returned to the academy, so he was not well-informed about the two candidates’ situations.

Yin Canwen was not a concern, but Feng Jinlin’s readiness was more critical.

“Student greets the teacher.”

Yin Canwen was respectful, contrasting with Feng Jinlin’s more casual demeanor.

“Rest assured, Uncle Sifu. You know my abilities. I will surely succeed.”

His confidence amused everyone present.

“Good. We will wait to hear the good news from the Feng family.” Bai Chaoran teased.

It was somewhat odd that Bai Sihan had come along, as she wasn’t very familiar with Feng Jinlin. The reason they almost missed seeing Feng Jinlin off was that they had been waiting for her.

Upon arriving at the examination hall, Bai Sihan seemed distracted, looking around.

“Sihan, didn’t you say you were coming to see your cousin off?”

“Oh, right. I wish my cousin great success in the examination.”

Her indifferent attitude was somewhat displeasing to Madam Feng.

She had not been asked to come, yet she came and behaved so dismissively.

Suddenly, Bai Sihan’s eyes brightened as she saw Wen Mengsheng disembark from the carriage. Overjoyed, she called out to him, “Young Master Wen, we are here.”

To an outsider, it would seem like they were quite familiar.

Feng Jinlin rolled his eyes and was about to enter the examination hall when Feng Jinyao stopped him.

“Third Miss Feng.”

Bai Sihan noticed Wen Mengsheng first, while Wen Mengsheng saw Feng Jinyao first.

The onlookers quickly understood the young people’s feelings.

Madam Feng also had thoughts of her own and decided to investigate Wen Mengsheng’s reputation further when she returned.

Wen Mengsheng approached and greeted everyone. Then he turned to Feng Jinyao, pretending to be very familiar, and said, “Second Young Master is fortunate to have so many family members see him off. Miss Feng mentioned to me last time that Mengsheng remembers her words and will visit after the examination.”

His vague comments made it seem like they had a special bond.

Wen Mengsheng, as always, was quite unpleasant.

Bai Sihan wasn’t naive and, hearing this, looked tearfully at Wen Mengsheng, saying, “Young Master Wen, you only see my cousin but not us?”

Clearly, he had just received her token of affection and now seemed to have changed his attitude.

Wen Mengsheng frowned. How could this woman be so shameless, making such statements in front of elders? She risked causing misunderstandings with the Feng family. He himself had not spoken well.

Feng Jinyao intervened to 'resolve' the situation.

“Young Master Wen, you are being too modest. It’s only a few words of encouragement. No need to come visit. My cousin seems to have been waiting for you, so please speak with her more. Otherwise, it might hurt her feelings.”

Wen Mengsheng gritted his teeth.

Bai Sihan was indeed a troublemaker, causing Ah Yao to misunderstand him.

He wanted to explain, but Feng Jinlin and Feng Jinxu came forward to block him. Yin Canwen, also displeased, tugged at Feng Jinlin’s sleeve and said, “ Brother Feng, let’s go in early. It won’t be good if we’re late.”

Madam Feng also agreed, her earlier interest in Wen Mengsheng completely fading.

Anyone who had entanglements with other girls before marriage could not be considered good.

She mentally crossed him off her list.

Ignoring Wen Mengsheng, she warmly instructed Feng Jinlin and Yin Canwen before they entered the examination hall, then took Feng Jinyao to the carriage without another glance.

Wen Mengsheng, fuming, watched as Bai Sihan ruined the situation. He felt very frustrated.

If he could, he would have liked to scold her, but with the Bai family elders present, he restrained himself.

With a cold face, he said, “Miss Bai, please stop making such accusations. I merely apologized to my cousin. Your persistent pursuit is unwelcome. With the Bai family elders present, I want to make it clear that I have no other intentions toward you. I hope you will refrain from this behavior in the future.”

His words implied that Bai Sihan was shamelessly pursuing him while he was merely a victim.

It was hard to understand why Bai Sihan was interested in him!

Wen Mengsheng turned and entered the examination hall, leaving behind Bai family’s two uncles and Feng Jinxu, all of whom looked displeased and stared daggers at Bai Sihan.