Ruan Rong and Xiangling were sent to the gate of the backyard, but Sun Shaozong did not follow them.
One reason was to let Xiangling and her mother reunite alone first.
As for the second reason…
Xiangling's mother was not alone this time. Several Young Masters of the Sun family in Jinling came together with her. It seemed that she relied on the help of the Sun family in Jinling to be able to find Xiangling so quickly.
Since his Elder Brother was still on duty in the patrol camp, Sun Shaozong should attend as the host to look at his nephews first.
They hurried back to the lobby and saw three handsome young people chatting with Zhao Zhongji and Sun Xi.
Seeing Sun Shaozong coming in from the outside, it was obvious that the host had returned with his clothing and bearing. The three of them quickly got up and stood in a respectful row.
Zhao Zhongji immediately introduced, "Let me introduce, this is our Second Master."
The three of them then reported their family names according to their chronological identities and greeted him.
The first to introduce himself was a young man with an honest face. He said with a deep salute, "I’m Sun Chengye, greetings to Thirteenth Uncle."
Sun Shaozong had done his homework with Sun Xi before and knew that Sun Chengye was the direct second son of the patriarch's house, ranking third.
But Sun Shaozong ranked 13th in the generation of Shao, so he mentioned him as the 13th Uncle and Sun Shaozu ranked sixth.
In fact, Sun Chengye was 25 years old this year, four years older than Sun Shaozong.
However, Sun Shaozong, who was already 30 years old in his previous life and used to be an official, did not feel uncomfortable when he saluted him.
He also put on an elder manner and said with a smile, "It's Sanlang from the Eldest Brother's family. I've heard that you have great literary talent. You indeed passed your examination this year!"
Sun Chengye replied with a few humble words of praise and made a slight move aside. A baby-faced thin bamboo pole immediately flashed behind him. He bowed and said, "I’m Sun Chengtao, greetings to 13th Uncle."
This was the eldest son of the third family, ranking seventh. He was only 19 years old this year, which was also a model of successful youth.
Sun Shaozong was busy praising this promising youth again. Then Sun Chengtao retreated to the side, just like his brother.
However, he was not as equanimous as Sun Chengye, and his eyes widened curiously. He looked back and forth at Sun Shaozong.
Sun Shaozong was already immune to this kind of curious look.
He stands calmly there, waiting for the last person to greet him. He wondered what his name would be. Unfortunately, these days were particular about being respectful, otherwise, if the name Sun Chengzong appears, it would be interesting.
But then the man sallied before him and said, "I’m Yu Qian, greetings to the 13th Uncle."
Sun Chengye hurriedly added, "Tingyi is the husband of the eldest sister. Because he passed the examination this year, he went to the Capital with us to take the exam."
Sun Shaozong was no longer listening to what he was saying!
His mind was full of Yu Qian and Yu Tingyi!
Isn't this the Great Zhou Dynasty?
Why did Yu Qian, Yu Shaobao suddenly appear? Moreover, he is my nephew's son-in-law!
But…
According to the time when the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown, it seems that Yu Shaobao of the Ming Dynasty is almost 20 years old!
Is it really him?!
"13th Uncle?"
Seeing that Sun Shaozong was in a trance and didn't respond for a while, Sun Chengye and Yu Qian could still control it, but Sun Chengtao couldn't help wondering, "Is there anything ”dirty things” in Tingyi's body?"
"Dirty things?"
Sun Shaozong was stunned for a while again, and then he realized what he meant. He could not help saying, "Qilang, you have passed the examination. Why do you still listen to the rumors outside? If I have the eyes of the yin and yang, why will I still become an official? I should have gone to the mountain to be an immortal presence!"
This made everyone laugh.
Sun Shaozong took the opportunity to ask the guests to take their seats.
After sitting down, he first asked about the recent situation of his several Brothers and Uncles in Jinling, and then asked about their journey here.
Then Sun Shaozong, using his seniority, casually tested the three people for a few sentences. He naturally wouldn't test them on those difficult citations and comments, but taking some tough problems as the test in the Yamen was not an issue.
From the results, Sun Chengye prefers to follow the rules, and his answers were not very brilliant, but there were a few omissions.
Sun Chengtao's answer was a little off the beaten track, often with some surprising words, but there was inevitably a problem of high vision and low skill that kept him off from reality.
And Yu Qian…
Although he was not as comprehensive as those old officials, for a person who has never practiced in a society, he was afraid that he could only use the words "God-given talent" to describe it!
It seemed that he was at least 80% sure that he was indeed Yu Shaobao in the future!
Thinking like this, Sun Shaozong felt a little apprehensive.
After all, this was a famous and loyal minister in the history books. If there would be a voting on who was the most important person in the whole Ming Dynasty, he could definitely be among the best!
However, after a moment, this fear was largely eliminated. After all, Yu Shaobao was still a little young now, and this period was not the Ming Dynasty, so he might not have had the opportunity to serve the country and have the dedication to shine on history.
Anyway…
How could an Uncle be respectful and fearful of his nephew’s son-in-law?
Therefore, Sun Shaozong also kept that respect and fear in his heart for the time being and only regarded them as the younger generation who came to join the family.
"The yard has been prepared for a long time. I asked Sun Xi to rearrange it according to your southern habits. If there is anything else you need, just tell the servants around here."
The three of them thanked each other respectfully.
Sun Shaozong also said, "As for schoolwork, I can't help you. I can help you introduce some new candidates who are my students. Although there are no outstanding people, it is not a problem to learn about the situation of the Capital through them."
Hearing the word "students," Sun Chengtao and Yu Qian had strange faces.
To tell the truth, if they hadn't heard about it before they came here, they couldn't believe that this 13th Uncle, as a martial arts official, had taken on a group of new apprentices.
However, Sun Chengye kept his usual composure and bowed, "Thank you for your help, 13th Uncle. The Central Judicial Office is the best place under the Emperor. Scholars here must have something good to learn from. We will ask for their advice modestly."
Whether it was modesty or not, Sun Shaozong, who was not vulgar, was unable to judge, but he knew that none of his students could compare to Shaobao!
"In addition to these, I will also help you inquire about the main exam next year..."
"Second Master, Second Master!"
Just as he was saying this, Liu Quan, the porter, rushed in and reported, "Leader Zhao came asking for you outside the door. He said that there was a murder case. The Governor asked you to go and have a look."
A homicide case?
As soon as Sun Shaozong showed some embarrassment, Sun Chengye hurriedly said, "If you are busy..."
"13th Uncle, can you take us to have a look?"
Sun Chengtao hurriedly said, "I've heard that you can judge a case like a god. I didn't expect to be able to see it the first thing I arrived!"
Yu Qian was not arrogant and impetuous, but said, "The subject of criminality is also a compulsory topic in the Imperial examination."