The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 509

Chapter 509: 256 Three Hairpin Flowers (First Update)

Chapter 509: 256 Three Hairpin Flowers (First Update)

In Zhan Country, there has always been a tradition of the top scorer in the imperial examination wearing a floral hairpin. Initially, only the top scorer was entitled to this hairpin, but over time it evolved to include the top three scholars. These hairpins were conferred by the Emperor, carrying extraordinary significance. Every young lady in Zhan Country aspired to obtain the top three scholars’ floral hairpins.

Indeed, the hairpins of the top three scholars were never given to men.

However, it was also not casually given to women. Firstly, it was a gift from the Emperor, cherished by all. Secondly, there was a concern for offending some people by favoritism.

A case in point was a prior exam top scorer who gifted his hairpin to a famous courtesan from a brothel, infuriating a young lady from a noble family who secretly had feelings for him. As her father was a powerful official, needless to say, the top scholar’s career hit rough patches for many years. His scholarly peers who ranked second and third were promoted to cabinet positions, while he was relegated to a small county post.

Of course, this was an exception.

Regardless, the hairpins were exceedingly rare items.

There were two ways to acquire a hairpin. One was if the top three scholars willingly gifted it, and the other was to challenge the top three scholars; if victorious, the challenger could claim the recipient’s hairpin.

Previously, the wife of the Crown Prince had acquired two hairpins from two scholars – the second and third-place winners – using this method. Her feat became a legendary tale in Zhan Country.

If no one challenged Xiao Liulang, he could bestow the hairpin upon anyone he pleased. But if someone challenged him, he would need to accept and win the challenge before giving his hairpin away.

If he declined the challenge, he would no longer be able to offer the hairpin – such were the rules.

He intentionally took out his hairpin, apparently with the intention of giving it away.

This understandably sparked a great deal of envy.

In a tea house beside Gu Jiao’s, on the second floor with a window open, a young lady in purple and wearing a veil stood by the window.

From her dressing sense, it was clear that she was from a wealthy or noble background. Her demeanor was also commendable, and she had a maid at her side, suggesting that she was a wealthy or noble lady.

Without glancing at Gu Jiao next door, she lifted her chin slightly in an arrogant manner and fixated her gaze on the handsome top scholar. She said, “Miss has a couplet she wishes to ask the top scholar. Does the top scholar permit it?”

This was a challenge to the top scholar.

Every year, during the top scholar’s celebratory procession, daughters of noble families would challenge the top three scholars. However, few accepted the challenge, and even fewer lost. Thus far, only the Crown Prince’s wife had successfully claimed two hairpins.