The moment Wei Maoran saw the imperial decree, his heart was filled with excitement!
He cast a disdainful glance at Wei Xiaochang, his eyes full of provocation!
Wei Xiaochang ignored Wei Maoran!
He knew clearly that Wei Maoran had not succeeded this time!
Because Wei Xiaochang had only provided half of the answers to Wei Maoran's exam questions!
With only half the answers, not only would he not succeed, but he wouldn't even pass the Jinshi examination, let alone be ranked!
Fang Jing looked at the smug Wei Maoran, then at the confident Wei Xiaochang!
He couldn't help but wonder how different their personalities were!
Even their appearances were worlds apart!
Wei Maoran was short, fat, and dark!
Wei Xiaochang was handsome, fair-skinned, and delicate, a true handsome man!
Were both these young masters the sons of Wei Chenggong?
How could their appearances and temperaments differ so greatly?
Fang Jing shook his head slightly, unfolded the imperial decree, and began to read, "By the Mandate of Heaven, Emperor decrees: For the imperial examination of our Great Zhou, the talented Wei Xiaochang of the Wei household has achieved the rank of Tan Hua. This is hereby proclaimed to the world for nationwide celebration. Thus!"
Wei Xiaochang?
Tan Hua?
Wei Maoran stood frozen in place!
Madam Liu was also stunned! Just two days ago, Wei Maoran had confidently guaranteed that he would succeed this time, so why had this happened?
She had been waiting for Wei Maoran to succeed so she could humiliate Madam Fang. Now, it seemed she was the one made a fool of!
"Tan Hua, receive the decree!" Fang Jing approached Wei Xiaochang!
Wei Xiaochang's lips curled up in excitement. Just as he was about to receive the imperial decree, Wei Maoran, standing beside him, snatched it first!
"Eunuch, did you look carefully? Are you sure it's Wei Xiaochang, not Wei Maoran?"
Fang Jing frowned. "Young Master Wei, this servant's eyes are not yet dim! You should step aside and not block the Tan Hua from receiving the decree!"
"Eunuch, let me see the imperial decree?" Wei Maoran still did not give up!
Fang Jing was enraged and turned to Wei Chenggong, saying, "Grand Scholar Wei, is this the upbringing of the eldest young master of the Wei household? I did not expect Young Master Wei to be so ill-mannered!"
"On the contrary, the second young master of the Wei household, who was previously bestowed the name 'Gentleman Wen Yu' by the Emperor, has now achieved the rank of Tan Hua. This rank truly suits Gentleman Wen Yu, with his handsome appearance, a perfect handsome man! His future is boundless!"
"Whether it be in scholarship, appearance, talent, or wisdom, Gentleman Wen Yu surpasses Young Master Wei by a significant margin. Grand Scholar Wei, what do you say?"
Fang Jing's words gave Wei Xiaochang ample recognition, while completely belittling Wei Maoran!
"Yes, yes, Eunuch Fang speaks with reason. If my son enters the palace in the future, I will have to rely on you greatly!" Wei Chenggong said with a fawning smile.
He then looked coldly at the crestfallen Wei Maoran and the ashen-faced Madam Liu. "Still not hurrying off? Lingering here is not enough of a disgrace?"
Madam Liu was furious and dragged Wei Maoran away!
"Tan Hua, receive the decree!" Fang Jing said to Wei Xiaochang again.
"Your humble servant kowtows to thank His Majesty's grace!" Wei Xiaochang excitedly took the imperial decree!
Madam Fang, standing by, was moved to tears!
Approaching Fang Jing, she took a large bag of celebratory silver. "Thank you for your hard work today, Eunuch. Please accept this small token of appreciation!"
Sensing Madam Fang's sincerity, Fang Jing smiled politely. "Gentleman Wen Yu achieved the rank of Tan Hua at such a young age, Madam, you are truly blessed!"
Madam Fang glanced at Wei Chenggong's expression and replied somewhat awkwardly, "Eunuch, you misunderstand, this concubine is not the principal wife!"
Fang Jing had already noticed that Madam Fang in front of him was not the principal wife, otherwise, she would not be so submissive!
It was precisely because he liked Wei Xiaochang that he wanted to help this Madam Fang!
"Oh... is that so? What a pity! Gentleman Wen Yu is so outstanding, and as his mother, she should naturally be dignified. If Gentleman Wen Yu becomes an official in the future, and is mocked by others for being born of a concubine, it will not only be a humiliation to Gentleman Wen Yu's status but will also negatively impact the reputation of the Wei household!"
"People will spread rumors that a son born of a concubine cannot be promoted to a principal official rank, and no matter how outstanding, he can only be a subordinate official!"
Fang Jing turned his gaze to Wei Chenggong and continued, "Grand Scholar Wei, after so many years in court, you must understand these principles better than this humble servant!"
"If you truly wish for the Wei household to ascend to greater heights in the future, Grand Scholar Wei must elevate the mother of the Tan Hua to the status of a co-wife! Grand Scholar Wei... do you think this humble servant is correct?"
"Yes, yes, yes, Eunuch Fang's words are certainly reasonable. This old man will definitely comply!"
Fang Jing smiled. "This humble servant is merely offering a suggestion; the one who makes the decision is still Grand Scholar Wei!"
"It's getting late, this humble servant must return to the palace to serve His Majesty!"
"Eunuch Fang, safe travels!"
After Fang Jing left!
Wei Chenggong carefully considered Fang Jing's words!
Wei Xiaochang had now achieved the position of Tan Hua and would certainly enter officialdom in the future!
If the outside world learned that Wei Xiaochang was a son born of a concubine, his entire official career would be limited to subordinate ranks, and he would be unable to hold principal official positions!
The difference between principal and subordinate ranks was quite significant!
Currently, the legitimate son Wei Maoran was useless, while his younger son Wei Xiaochang, now Gentleman Wen Yu and even Tan Hua!
His future... was indeed limitless!
He was old now and had been demoted. The future of the Wei household rested in Wei Xiaochang's hands!
Wei Chenggong immediately decided to elevate Madam Fang to the status of a co-wife!
"Xiaochang! You have brought honor to your father and our Wei family!" Wei Chenggong patted Wei Xiaochang's shoulder, then pulled his shoulder closer and patted Wei Xiaochang's back with satisfaction!
"Father, this is what your son should do!"
Wei Chenggong nodded! He then looked at Madam Fang and smiled, "I have decided to elevate you to the status of a co-wife today. You have worked hard all these years!"
"My lord!" Madam Fang was overwhelmed with emotion!
Today, for her... two great joyous events had occurred!
First, Wei Xiaochang had achieved the rank of Tan Hua!
Second, she had gone from being a concubine to a wife!
From now on, she could hold her head high and no longer face the cold stares of the main wife!
"Alright, today is a day of great joy, why are you still crying!" Wei Chenggong playfully flicked Madam Fang's nose and said softly, "Haven't I been favoring you lately?"
He put his arm around Madam Fang's waist and whispered, only for them to hear, "I will come to your room tonight. Save your tears for then, you'll have plenty to cry about!"
Madam Fang's tears turned into a smile, and she lightly punched Wei Chenggong's chest, "Chang'er is still here! You're being so improper!"
Wei Xiaochang was delighted to see his father and mother so affectionate!
Over the past decade, he had often seen his mother sad and alone in her empty chambers!
His father had never visited his mother's courtyard!
He had always known his mother loved his father, otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed in the Wei household, willing to be a concubine!
He was too young to understand then!
Now that he could bring honor to the Wei family, his father was giving him face, and at the same time, he was starting to dote on his mother!
His efforts were worthwhile!
All his efforts had not only achieved himself but also brought his father back to his mother's side!
Regardless of whether his father had returned to his mother's side out of self-interest or out of love!
No matter what the ultimate goal was!
In short... he just wanted his mother to be happy!