Chapter 3

Chapter 3

But I never expected that Xie Zhixue would take the top spot in the Spring Imperial Examination.

After the palace examination, the Emperor personally named him the Zhuangyuan.

Chen Gelao had a young daughter who was not yet married. The Emperor acted as a matchmaker, asking if Xie Zhixue would be willing to take her hand.

Xie Zhixue, however, stated that he already had a marriage engagement and declined the match.

“This student comes from a poor family. When I first arrived in the capital, I couldn’t even afford a meal.”

“Miss Song, who runs a wonton stall at the South City Market Entrance, is a woman of pure kindness. She helped me in every way possible.”

“I once promised her that if I ever made a name for myself on the official rankings, I would certainly ask for her hand in marriage.”

“I am deeply honored by the favor shown by Your Majesty and Chen Gelao, but a man’s word is his bond. I must do as I have said.”

Although he refused the imperial match, the Emperor was pleased by his gratitude and sense of integrity. He specially bestowed a thousand taels of silver upon him to facilitate his proposal to me.

Before Xie Zhixue even arrived, the news had already spread throughout the capital.

The crowd of onlookers at the market entrance grew larger and larger, making it impossible to do business.

I simply closed the stall and finished work early.

I was halfway through packing up when Xie Zhixue arrived with a matchmaker and betrothal gifts to propose.

I shut the courtyard gate. No matter how much the matchmaker and the surrounding onlookers tried to persuade me, I refused to open it.

“Please go back, Zhuangyuan Lang.”

“It was just a few bowls of wontons. It’s not worth such a display of gratitude.”

“There is no affection between us. Why should you waste your entire life for the sake of a small debt of kindness?”

That’s right-it was a debt of kindness, not affection.

If I were truly blinded by the prestige of being a Zhuangyuan’s wife and rushed into marriage, I would only end up slowly exhausting what little kindness remained between us.

The matchmaker talked until her throat was dry. Finally, she snapped her handkerchief in the air. “Zhuangyuan Lang, I’m afraid I won’t be collecting any wedding tips today.”

Xie Zhixue fell silent for a moment.

He stepped forward alone and called out to me through the wooden fence.

“Miss Song, I was too abrupt today.”

I sighed. “No, the fault is mine.”

“A few days ago, I didn’t explain things clearly because I was afraid of distracting you from the Spring Imperial Examination.”

“I know you are grateful for my help, but it was merely a small gesture for me.”

“The wontons cost a total of three hundred and fifty-five copper coins. Just remember to settle the bill.”

Xie Zhixue let out a sigh.

“Very well,” he said, his tone full of disappointment.