Ming Dynasty: Empress Ma and I swapped clothes!

Chapter 47 Horse Garden? Horse Party!

Joyful events can dispel sorrow; this has always been the case throughout history.

It is like the relationship between men and women.

The best way to move on from one relationship is to start another. The worst thing you can do is to be idle, overwhelmed with thoughts, and then suffer unbearable pain, feeling like you're living a life worse than death.

Sure enough, early in the morning, red lanterns were already hanging high inside the mansion, and it was filled with distinguished guests.

Those who came were all there to congratulate the young scholar Ma Xiuying on her first attempt at the county examination, wishing her to achieve the top score and to be able to achieve the same honor in the prefectural and provincial examinations in the future.

Although this reputation is nothing compared to the vastness of the Ming Dynasty, it will surely bring auspiciousness to this place.

"May the young scholar possess such natural literary talent that he will produce many more brilliant works in the future, and surely become a great Confucian scholar of our Ming Dynasty, just like Master Qin."

"Our dynasty has already witnessed such a magnificent scene at the beginning of the year, and now we are blessed with such auspicious omens as you, young sir. With this added blessing, our dynasty will surely usher in a golden age where all nations pay tribute."

"Congratulations..."

The people who came were all local powerful families from Qingfeng County and the surrounding counties. They not only spoke eloquently and were very courteous, but also brought generous gifts.

Not only them, but also many family scholars who had already moved into the mansion and become disciples of Ma Xiuying sent their congratulatory gifts.

Although the amount was not large, it was still several dozen taels of silver, which must have been their token of goodwill.

The actions of the students from various families were similar to corporate investments in later generations.

First, secure the angel round, then follow up with the A, B, and C rounds step by step; only in this way can you make a fortune.

In the present moment.

This is the only way to win Ma Xiuying's favor and prepare for the future when education in the Central Plains flourishes and a large number of scholars flock to the area, so that their family can secure a place for themselves.

Not to mention, in their eyes, Ma Xiuying is a sure-fire investment, so they are naturally happy to continue betting on her and actively try to get closer to her.

"Young master, you are not young anymore. Would you be interested in settling down and starting a family before building your career?"

Gradually, some local powerful families began to tentatively utter these words.

Upon hearing this, Ma Xiuying's pupils contracted, and she was at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the situation before her.

As for matters between men and women, she had long seen through them and didn't care. However, the idea of ​​marrying another woman was something that Empress Ma Xiuying, as an unprecedented woman, still found hard to accept.

"The marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers; there's no need to rush it."

Ma Xiuying answered slowly and politely.

When the local powerful family asked the question, they had already anticipated this answer, but they were still hoping to give it another try.

What if it works?

Seeing that Ma Xiuying clearly refused, the intense gazes that had been directed at them all shifted away.

They knew it in their hearts too.

If they could truly form a marriage alliance with the Ma family, how could it possibly be the turn of a local powerful clan in such a small county?

Those prominent families from all over the Central Plains are the truly qualified candidates.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Suddenly, a deafening burst of laughter rang out.

At this moment, even at this celebratory banquet, people from all the major clans in various regions couldn't help but pause and their gazes almost all fell on the person who had spoken.

It's someone from the Sun family, Sun An!

"Brother Wenxiang, a day apart feels like three autumns. When I take you to Daming Prefecture in the future, I will definitely be your host again and make sure you don't return empty-handed."

Last time, Sun An took Ma Wenxiang to a brothel in Qingfeng County. Although it was a quick trip, Sun An still kept it in mind.

After returning home, he discussed the matter with Sun Bo'an, an experienced elder in his family, and they concluded that it was only natural for young people to be lustful.

As long as one doesn't indulge excessively, one can be considered a talented and romantic figure.

Throughout history, which talented man wasn't a romantic?

This is simply a man's nature, and it makes perfect sense.

Even the reply from his family specifically instructed him not to worry about such trivial matters, but to focus on understanding the character, aspirations, and temperament of this "prodigy" from Qingfeng County.

In the eyes of these truly powerful figures, the so-called love between men and women is not even worth mentioning.

Sun An then completely let go, which led to his earlier remarks.

"Although Daming Prefecture is not as captivating, enchanting, and heart-stirring as the Qinhuai River in the capital, it is still an excellent choice."

Last time, it was because the younger brother was impolite that he tricked his elder brother Wenxiang into going along.

"I hope Brother Wenxiang will give me another chance, what do you say?"

Sun An frankly expressed his feelings.

During the banquet, the guests exchanged knowing smiles and did not offer any further comment.

Ma Xiuying was only eleven or twelve years old at the time. It might be a bit too early to talk about marriage in public, but among the guests and acquaintances in private, few people took it too seriously.

Everyone was only thinking about that.

His family is able to host this event.

What can't they do?

But then, things took another turn.

"Brother Sun, have you forgotten what we discussed last time so quickly? How can a young man waste his energy? If you wish to go, you are welcome to go yourself. In the future, please do not seek me out for such matters."

Ma Xiuying said firmly, "Matters between men and women are trivial matters; matters of national importance are far more important. How can we do something that neglects the essential for the trivial?"

"I hope Brother Sun will be repeatedly warned that seeking momentary pleasure without considering the long term is not a sustainable strategy."

"Did I make a mistake again?"

Sun An looked completely bewildered, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

Including this time, this is the second time.

Could it be that he really misunderstood Brother Wenxiang?

Just then, a voice rang out, offering him a way out: "Those brothels are a melting pot of all sorts of people, so they're best avoided. But if you're looking at the Imperial Music Bureau, which is set up by the court, you can appraise calligraphy and paintings and appreciate poetry."

"It can also broaden one's knowledge and increase one's horizons."

Ma Xiulin stood with his hands behind his back and slowly walked out.

Sun An cast a grateful glance at him and quickly continued, "Of course."

The scholars surrounding the mansion burst into laughter one after another.

"What Master Ma said makes sense."

"It's settled. When Brother Wenxiang finally obtains the title of Xiucai in Daming Prefecture, we will all go to the Jiaofangsi together."

"My Ma Garden can also host a grand gathering."

Ma Yuan?

Ma Xiuying's gaze shifted slightly as she looked at the group of scholars and officials gathered at the mansion.

They were nothing special, being mostly scholars from Daming Prefecture, but the most important were the family scions from various parts of the Central Plains.

Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her long, narrow eyes now focused on everyone present.

As the reigning empress, she keenly sensed that the small county of Qingfeng had changed drastically, and a faction had unknowingly formed there.

However, Ma Xiuying did not take any action.

Because education and culture flourished in the Central Plains, the issue of political factions was foreseen long ago; now it's simply a matter of implementation.