Pingting County.

Under the governance of Chen Mo, the Four States have long been stable, restoring the order that existed during peaceful times. The post stations on the various official roads have also been repaired, and officials have been stationed at each county’s government office. Therefore, after the list of exam results was sent from Xiangyang, it reached Pingting County in just seven days, even under the eight hundred li urgent dispatch.

Along with the list of exam results, news from Luonan and the government gazette from the army also arrived.

The current County Magistrate of Pingting County is Zhao Daoxian, who was originally the Chief Clerk. Although Pingting County is just a county, due to its special nature, Zhao Daoxian’s authority is significantly greater than that of an ordinary County Magistrate.

Upon receiving the news, he personally posted the announcement. In his heart, the matter of Duke An’s elevation to King Wei was far more important than the examination results.

With the government’s support, this already explosive news quickly spread throughout Pingting County and the neighboring Qingtian County.

It’s important to know that the citizens of these two counties are the foundational support for Chen Mo’s rise. As Chen Mo’s influence and authority grew, many citizens moved to Xiangyang and Longmen County in Yu State. Nevertheless, the locals in the two counties still outnumbered the newcomers, and their unique status gave them a sense of natural superiority.

This is similar to how, in Chen Mo’s previous life, some residents of Jing and Hu looked down on outsiders.

Moreover, as Chen Mo’s official rank increased and his power grew, the local citizens felt a proud sense of shared glory, using it as a point of pride.

This also meant that if anyone dared to speak ill of Chen Mo in the community, they would be the first to object, standing up to defend Chen Mo’s reputation and proactively promoting his achievements.

Take, for example, joining the army.

Throughout history, regardless of the dynasty, unless it was a matter of survival or the court forcibly conscripted soldiers, no respectable family would send their children to be soldiers. The populace had no respect for the military, only scorn, even referring to them with disdain as "Qiu Ba."

However, the citizens of the two counties took pride in joining the Chen Army, using it as a bragging point.

Even just serving as a Xianzhen Guard soldier made one a desirable match in the eyes of matchmakers in the two counties.

The admiration of the populace and the gratitude of scholars elevated Chen Mo’s esteem among the common people.

Thus, when the news spread, the residents of the two counties erupted in cheers.

At the same time, this envious respect and admiration made the now marginalized Zhang River still an object of currying favor among the citizens and officials of the two counties.

The Zhang Family.

Even though "Guo Xian" has not yet married Zhang Zhu, the daughter of Zhang River, in the eyes of the Zhang Family servants, "Guo Xian" is already considered the family’s son-in-law, holding a revered position. Sometimes, Zhang River would consult "Guo Xian" on matters.

It was exactly noon, and Zhang River’s family was having lunch.

Suddenly, the steward reported that Lord Zhao had arrived.

Zhang River personally went to greet him.

Although he was one of the first followers of Chen Mo, having lost favor, outsiders might not know this, but Zhao Daoxian certainly did. Besides, Zhao Daoxian had been with Chen Mo only a few months less than he had, and given his erudition, his potential was far higher than his own.

"Haha, General Zhang, I’m here to congratulate you," Zhao Daoxian said.

Zhang River was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Lord Zhao’s grand visit, I’m not sure what good news it brings for Zhang?"

"General Zhang, you have two pieces of good news. First, Duke An has already eliminated the rebel Lu Sheng, Chu Yan, and others, successfully rescuing Your Majesty, earning immense merit, and has been promoted to King Wei. King Wei has also petitioned Your Majesty to bestow titles upon General Zhang, appointing him Inspector General of the Ministry of Works.

Second, congratulations on finding such a good son-in-law. Guo Xian has become an Advanced Scholar, ranking forty-seventh on the list, which is quite exceptional. Now that there are vacancies in court positions, your son-in-law’s future prospects are limitless," Zhao Daoxian said with some envy.

Zhang River was so astonished that his jaw almost dropped. He quickly invited Zhao Daoxian inside to confirm further. Behind him, Zhang Zhu heard the news and was so overjoyed that her heart felt like it might burst. She looked at Guo Lang beside her, already determined that she wouldn’t marry anyone else. It wasn’t until Zhang River coughed that she hastily, alongside "Guo Xian," went to greet Zhao Daoxian.

"I congratulate my young friend," Zhao Daoxian said, cupping his hands towards "Guo Xian," using the familiar title to foster a closer relationship.

Forty-seventh in the Advanced Scholars—his future achievements could surpass even Zhao Daoxian’s.

...

In the main hall, after Zhao Daoxian’s arrival, the women had retreated, and Zhao Daoxian was drinking tea with Zhang River. Both were in high spirits.

Zhao Daoxian said, "Congratulations, General Zhang, for having such an enviable son-in-law."

Zhang River had already perused the list Zhao Daoxian brought. After reading it, he was quite happy, feeling a bit proud of his foresight in selecting "Guo Xian." Fortunately, he had acted then; otherwise, by now, this good match might not have come to him.

Even though forty-seventh was a significant drop from Qingzhou’s top rank at the time,

the court exam and the provincial exam are different. The court exam has the same questions for the Four States. To rank forty-seventh among the top achievers of those provincial exams is quite remarkable.

At least this talent is genuine, without any embellishments.

Moreover, Brother Mo, at such a young age, had already been promoted to King Wei, holding high rank and great power, almost halfway to that supreme position. When the time came, he could mention Guo Xian in front of Brother Mo, and then as long as Guo Xian worked hard, achieving a high official position in the future wasn’t impossible.

He looked at "Guo Xian" with increasing satisfaction. If not hoping for Chen Mo to officiate the wedding, he might have arranged for "Guo Xian" and Zhang Zhu to marry that very day.