Chapter 411: Gifts from All Sides, the Top Scorer's Feast!

Chapter 411: Gifts from All Sides, the Top Scorer's Feast!

February 12, 2025

The End of the Noon Hour.

The scorching sun poured down like molten gold, bathing the courtyard in its radiance.

[Inner Dan Nourishing Life Skill Experience +1]



"Haa..."

Jiang Ning slowly finished his cultivation, exhaling a breath of turbid energy from his abdomen.

The crimson mist that enveloped his body condensed into several rays of light, disappearing into his seven orifices with his breath.

He lifted his gaze towards the virtual panel floating in the air, which seamlessly merged with the surroundings.

[Technique]: Inner Dan Nourishing Life Skill (Great Success 2011/10000)



One-fifth progress, still two more months to go!

Jiang Ning's eyebrows furrowed slightly. After closing the panel, his gaze fell upon a graceful figure beneath the Chinese parasol tree in the courtyard.

At this moment, Lin Qingyi was leaning against a wicker chair, wrapped in a light green silk gown, with a green jade hairpin loosely hanging in her hair.

Sensing Jiang Ning's gaze, she lazily turned over, revealing her half-exposed fair and delicate legs beneath her skirt.

These days, Lin Qingyi had been keeping a low profile, sleeping until late morning every day.

She usually acted as if nothing was wrong, wandering aimlessly around the mansion or watching him practice cultivation.

Apart from that, it seemed like she had nothing else to do.

Jiang Ning was curious, but he didn't want to pry too much, so he let it be.

"Sister Lin, I have a guest to attend to!" Jiang Ning spoke up.

"Go ahead!" Lin Qingyi yawned, patted her mouth, and lazily rose from the wicker chair.

She stretched her arms high above her head, revealing her alluring figure through the tight-fitting silk gown.

After the stretch, she said, "I'm going back to sleep!"

"Okay!" Jiang Ning nodded and watched as Lin Qingyi gracefully walked away in her light green silk dress.

He then withdrew his gaze and shook his head slightly.

A moment later.

The backyard.

"Brother Bai!" Jiang Ning approached Bai Luoyu, who was admiring the scenery in the pavilion.

When Jiang Ning was absorbing the solar essence, Bai Luoyu had come to visit and was waiting for him in the backyard.

Bai Luoyu secretly appraised Jiang Ning and couldn't help but praise him.

"Brother Jiang, your Yang energy is so vigorous, and your body's energy is like a newly lit furnace. It's no wonder you can absorb the solar essence at noon!"

Jiang Ning smiled, brushed off the fallen petals from the stone bench, and sat down in front of Bai Luoyu. He poured himself a cup of iced tea and then changed the topic.

"Brother Bai, did you come today regarding that matter?"

Bai Luoyu shook his head. "Although we killed that demonic cultivator, we still need the Heavenly Supervision Department to verify it, so it won't be that quick."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

"Congratulations, Brother Bai!" Bai Luoyu raised his hand to offer his congratulations.

Jiang Ning immediately understood Bai Luoyu's intention and shook his head.

"It's just a minor Martial Talented Scholar title, nothing to congratulate about!"

Bai Luoyu shook his head. "Brother Jiang, it's not the same! The top scorer and an ordinary Martial Talented Scholar are not on the same level!"

"There's only one top scorer in the entire county."

"In the history of the county, the number of top scorers who failed to obtain the Juren title in the provincial examination is negligible. In a century, it has only happened once or twice."

"Brother Jiang, by becoming the top scorer in the Martial Examination, you've essentially secured the Juren title."

"Although being a Martial Talented Scholar is not a big deal, being a Martial Juren is different!"

"If you, Brother Jiang, obtain the Juren title, you can choose to join the military and immediately receive the rank of a captain."

"Even without any achievements, with the Martial Juren title, you can accumulate experience for ten or eight years and still be appointed as a Duwei."

"Duwei is the position held by Yan Yikuan, commanding the military forces of an entire county and leading thousands of soldiers."

"This is why the tradition of the top scorer's banquet has been established."

"The top scorer is likely to become a fifth-rank official with military power in the future."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning understood.

"Thank you for the information, Brother Bai!" He clasped his hands respectfully.

"Brother Jiang, remember to attend the banquet tonight on time. All the wealthy and influential people in the city will be there, and the value of the gifts alone will be equivalent to a century's worth of our salaries. It's enough to instantly elevate an ordinary family to the ranks of the wealthy!" Bai Luoyu spoke again.

Jiang Ning was astonished upon hearing this.

A century's worth of salary, what did that mean?

Previously, when he was an eighth-rank deputy commander, his monthly salary was equivalent to one hundred taels of silver.

That amounted to one thousand two hundred taels in a year.

In ten years, it would be twelve thousand taels.

And this was just the salary of a deputy commander.

As for a full commander, as far as he knew, the salary was fifty percent higher.

The century's worth of salary mentioned by Bai Luoyu most likely referred to a century's worth of his own salary as a county patrol commander.

If that's the case, wouldn't I have enough Yuan Neng points?

"Brother Bai, rest assured, I will definitely attend the banquet on time!" Jiang Ning assured him.

Bai Luoyu heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. "To be honest, Brother Jiang, the main reason for my visit is regarding this matter!"

"I know that Brother Jiang doesn't like such commotions and crowds, and that's also what the county governor is concerned about.

"If Brother Jiang doesn't attend the Champion's Banquet tonight, then it would be a huge blunder!"

"So that's the reason!" Jiang Ning nodded in understanding.

Just now, he was curious as to why Bai Luoyu had suddenly come to visit.

At this moment, he finally realized that she was worried about his absence.

That's why she asked Bai Luoyu, with whom he had a good relationship, to come and see him.

If he didn't attend the banquet, the Champion's Banquet would be missing its champion, and that would indeed be a big mistake.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on his face, and the corners of his mouth curled upwards slightly.

"Brother Bai, rest assured! I will definitely attend the banquet on time!" Jiang Ning said again.

"With Brother Jiang's words, I can finally put my mind at ease!" Bai Luoyu laughed.

That night.

The night was thick and dark, and the sky was pitch-black.

At this moment, Zhaixing Tower was bustling like a marketplace.

Luxurious carriages were parked at the entrance.

The nine-story Zhaixing Tower was brightly lit.

The gilded wind chimes hanging from the nine-layered eaves tinkled gently in the night breeze, and the jade-green silk curtains on the eighth-floor balcony shimmered with rippling waves.

On the eighth floor of Zhaixing Tower, the Champion's Banquet was being held tonight.

There was one Martial Champion every year.

Over the years, more than ninety percent of the champions had managed to secure the title of Martial Scholar in the summer provincial examinations.

Therefore, in the eyes of the many officials and nobles, the Champion's Banquet was an important opportunity to build connections with future Martial Scholars and become familiar with them.

At the banquet, the champion was still a Martial Talented Scholar, and they could still strike up a conversation. If they were to become Martial Scholars in the future, ordinary nobles would not have the chance to talk to them.

Outside Zhaixing Tower.

As Jiang Ning and Lvyi stepped down from the carriage.

For the banquet, Lvyi had carefully prepared a set of white brocade robes for Jiang Ning, woven with silver threads into cloud patterns. His hair was tied up with a red headband, making him look exceptionally handsome.

Lvyi herself wore a light green dress, her hair styled with dangling tassels, and she followed half a step behind Jiang Ning.

"Champion Jiang has arrived!" At the entrance, someone had been waiting, and as soon as they saw Jiang Ning, they shouted into the tower.

Tonight, the entire Zhaixing Tower had been booked, and there were no commoners around.

Those who came to the banquet were all nobles of Dong Ling City.

As the announcement ended, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments suddenly ceased inside the tower.

The officials and nobles at the entrance all turned to look at Jiang Ning.

"That's Champion Jiang, indeed a remarkable and valiant young man!"

"I've heard that Champion Jiang is very young, but now he looks even younger! He's a true young hero!"

"To achieve such a feat at such a young age in the Junior Examination, one can only imagine how far Champion Jiang will go in the future. It's truly unimaginable!"

".

Just then.

Eight colorfully dressed dancers emerged from Zhaixing Tower.

Holding lutes, they spread out on both sides.

As they just stood in place.

A red carpet rolled out from the main hall, spreading like a cloud dragon.

In an instant, it rushed out of the hall and fully unfurled in mid-air, resembling a crimson python dragon, before slowly drifting down.

The red carpet was extremely soft, and the moment it touched the ground, it seemed to seamlessly merge with the floor.

"What a grand display!" Jiang Ning exclaimed inwardly.

The next moment.

Over ten people dressed in luxurious brocade robes stepped out from the main hall, walking on the red carpet. Among them, the one in a white brocade robe was Bai Luoyu.

"Brother Jiang, I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Brother Bai!" Jiang Ning smiled and bowed, then looked at the crowd beside Bai Luoyu.

Not a single one of them was a true official or noble!

At this moment, Bai Luoyu seemed to have no intention of introducing them and instead made way to the side.

"Brother Jiang, please!"

He gestured with his hand.

At the same time.

The four dancers on both sides held their lutes, and a pleasant sound immediately filled the air.

On the second and third floors of Zhaixing Tower, jade-green silk curtains also slowly descended, resembling floating clouds.

Jiang Ning stepped onto the red carpet and climbed the stairs.

Bai Luoyu followed alongside Jiang Ning, and the sound of silk and bamboo instruments echoed in his ears again.

The red carpet beneath his feet, resembling a cloud dragon, extended all the way to the elevator platform on the first floor.

After stepping onto the elevator.

Bai Luoyu spoke softly, "Brother Jiang, later when you read the gift list, you'll be in for a big surprise!"

Hearing these words, a strange expression flashed in Jiang Ning's eyes.

He smiled and said, "With Brother Bai's words, I'm definitely looking forward to it now!"

"I won't let you down, and the gifts recorded on the gift list are all from unqualified officials and nobles!"

"The truly qualified officials and nobles will only announce their gifts after the banquet begins."

Bai Luoyu spoke again.

"With these words, Brother Bai, you've truly piqued my curiosity!" Jiang Ning smiled.

As soon as Jiang Ning reached the eighth floor, he saw that the more than ten tables on the eighth floor were almost all occupied.

Calculating the time, it was not yet the third watch.

Seeing the packed eighth floor, Jiang Ning finally understood at this moment that the Martial Champion's status was so extraordinary! A ripple of emotion stirred in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface as he walked towards the main seat with Bai Luoyu.

At this moment, there were only two people seated at the main table.

One of them was Zhao Yulong, whom Jiang Ning was very familiar with.

He had also seen the other person before; on the day of the Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination, this man sat proudly on horseback with a golden saber, right in the center of the examination platform.

When Zhao Yulong saw Jiang Ning, he immediately stood up, a smile playing on his lips as he teased, "Jiang Commander, you're really late. I've been waiting for you for quite a while now!"

At the same time, the vice general from Julu County, upon seeing Zhao Yulong stand, also rose to his feet.

In front of Zhao Yulong, a Zong Shi, he dared not show the slightest arrogance.

Not to mention that Zhao Yulong was also the head of the inspection bureau of Dongling County.

Although he wasn't in Julu County and wasn't under his jurisdiction,

Zhao Yulong's actual status was far higher than his own.

"Head of the Bureau!" Jiang Ning bowed slightly towards Zhao Yulong and then said, "My apologies! I'll punish myself with a drink later!"

"One drink isn't enough, it should be three!" Zhao Yulong laughed.

"Alright, three drinks it is!" Jiang Ning smiled.

Seeing the conversation between the two, the vice general was secretly startled.

Although the top graduates of the Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination had status, no one could match Jiang Ning in making a Zong Shi lower himself to associate with them.

In front of a Zong Shi, not to mention the top graduate of the preliminary examination, even the top graduate of the main examination would find it difficult to receive such respect.

He secretly sized up Jiang Ning once again.

At this moment, Bai Luoyu introduced, "This is General Xu from Julu County, serving as a vice general in the Xian Jia Ying."

"I've met General Xu!" Jiang Ning bowed.

Vice generals were usually deputy generals.

But when they were out, they were also addressed as generals.

"I just heard the Head of the Zhao Family mention the achievements of Jiang, and now that I've met you in person, your reputation is well-deserved! On that day, you single-handedly defended a city with just your bow, making a significant contribution to suppressing the Black Mountain Army's rebellion. It's no wonder your archery skills are so divine, you've left me in awe!" Vice General Xu said with a smile.

"General Xu, you flatter me! That day, I was just lucky and had the advantage of a favorable location!" Jiang Ning replied.

"Let's sit down and talk! The banquet is about to begin!" Bai Luoyu pulled out a stool in front of them.

"Alright, let's sit down and talk!" Zhao Yulong said.

With these words, the four of them immediately sat down.

Since today was his top graduate banquet, Jiang Ning took the seat of honor.

At the fourth hour of the morning.

"Wang County Governor has arrived!"

"Du Wei Yan Yikuan has arrived!"

Two voices rang out from below.

"Let's go and welcome the County Governor!" Zhao Yulong said.

Upon hearing this, several people immediately stood up.

A moment later.

As the elevator slowly reached ground level.

Jiang Ning and the others saw familiar faces on the elevator.

Wang Shouyi, the governor of Dongling County, and the Wang family's twin jewels.

Wang Qingtan and Wang Qinghan.

Along with Du Wei Yan Yikuan and his two sons, Yan Youtou and Yan You Jiao, following behind him.

At this moment, Wang Qingtan still wore that dazzlingly gorgeous long skirt, emitting a golden-red radiance in the candlelight.

Compared to her, Wang Qinghan by her side was much simpler, dressed only in a long light pink skirt, exuding a gentle aura and lacking the coquettishness of her sister.

Upon seeing Jiang Ning, Wang Qinghan immediately revealed a bright smile, looking very happy.

Wang Qingtan, on the other hand, remained expressionless.

At the same time, Jiang Ning also sensed the sharp, sword-like gaze from Yan Youtou.

Even now, Jiang Ning still had some doubts in his heart.

With Du Wei Yan Yikuan present, and Yan Youtou being his second son, if Yan Youtou had ranked higher than him in the top three of the military examination, why would he allow the top graduate position to fall into Jiang Ning's hands?

"We've met the County Governor and Du Wei!" Bai Luoyu bowed and smiled.

Jiang Ning also bowed and said, "We've met the County Governor and Du Wei!"

"Young hero, well done!" Du Wei Yan Yikuan nodded first, showing goodwill.

Then he took out a small booklet from his chest and handed it to an attendant waiting by his side.

"Present the gift money!" Du Wei Yan Yikuan said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, the attendant opened the yellow booklet given to him by Du Wei Yan Yikuan and saw the gift money inside. His pupils slightly contracted, and then he spoke.

"Du Wei, we present a hundred taels of gold, wishing Jiang, the top graduate, great success and a bright future!"

With these words, the entire hall fell silent.

A hundred taels of gold was equivalent to ten thousand taels of silver.

The key point was that this gift money was sent by Du Wei Yan Yikuan.

As a fifth-rank official in Dongling County, for several years, no matter which top graduate's banquet it was, Du Wei Yan Yikuan had never sent gold as a gift.

Not to mention such a grand gesture.

He sent a hundred taels of gold in one go.

It was well known that Dongling County held the junior examination every year, and there would also be a top graduate banquet.

If gifts were sent in this manner, not to mention a single Du Wei, even if one were rich enough to rival a country, their wealth would be depleted.

Therefore, every year at the top graduate banquet, the gifts from various officials were not substantial, merely expressing a gesture of goodwill.

However, Dong Ling Cheng, as the county city, had a large number of officials.

If everyone gave a little, the accumulated gifts would amount to a considerable sum!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end