The Prime Minister's Darling

Chapter 377: 196 Provincial Exam (Two updates combined)_3

Steward Liu helplessly closed his eyes: “The stakes of the provincial exam.”

Young Madam, can you please refrain from always being attracted by these lowly things?

“What stakes of the provincial exam?” Gu Jiao asked.

“Positions.” Steward Liu said.

There are many such gambling games in Capital City, but the most sensational is the once-every-three-years spring examination. All the major gambling houses in the capital will set up games and allow everyone to place bets. The bets are varied, with the first and second place of both the provincial and palace examinations being the most popular.

The higher the position, the more expensive the minimum bet.

For example, for the top ten of the provincial exam, the minimum is ten copper coins per bet, while for the top ten of the palace examination, it becomes a minimum of one hundred copper coins per bet.

It’s not that the more expensive the bet, the more you win. It mainly depends on the number of people placing bets. If everyone bets on one person, then the odds for this person are very low.

This year, the most popular bet is on Prince An, from first to second place, all bets are on him.

By contrast, the competition for second and third place is more intense, including the legitimate son of the Chen family, the illegitimate son of the Luo family, the legitimate son of the Zhao family… Gu Jiao even saw Du Ruohan’s name on the betting list.

Gu Jiao scanned from beginning to end, not even seeing Xiao Liulang’s name in the top ten of either the provincial or palace examination.

What’s going on?

Does her husband not even deserve a top ten ranking?

“Young Madam…” Steward Liu followed behind Gu Jiao, looking worried.

Although every major gambling house in Capital City has set up a game, Qingfeng Building is special. It’s actually a refined establishment where one can drink tea and wine, and enjoy gourmet food. You can even hear storytelling and singing; it gathers the top dignitaries and celebrities of Capital City.

Although their Young Madam is the daughter of the Marquis residence, she grew up in the countryside, and she might…

To be blunt, Steward Liu was worried that Gu Jiao would embarrass herself. He wasn’t afraid of her shaming the Xuangping Marquis Residence, after all, the Marquis doesn’t have any reputation left. But if she were to be humiliated and laughed at by others, it would be her own suffering.

Gu Jiao, in her haste, didn’t bring any silver. She turned to look at Steward Liu: “Did you bring any silver?”

Steward Liu was stunned.

Gu Jiao extended her hand, making a gesture of paying money towards him.

Steward Liu didn’t bring much either, just some small change. Including the driver’s, it only came to ten taels.

Gu Jiao walked into Qingfeng building.

A waiter came forward and politely asked, “Miss, are you here to place a bet or have tea?”

“I’m here to place a bet.” Gu Jiao said.

To be honest, Gu Jiao’s attire is not luxurious, but every year at this time, a lot of ordinary people come to place bets, betting a lot.

Compared to those people, Gu Jiao only has an extra red mark on her face.

The waiter, having a wealth of experience, didn’t lose his composure. He warmly led Gu Jiao to the betting table, asking her, “Who would you like to place your bet on, Miss?”

All those participating in the provincial exam are successful candidates, so addressing them as ‘Sir’ is not out of place.

Gu Jiao said: “The person I want to bet on is not on your list.”

“Who would you like to place your bet on?” The waiter asked with a smile.

Gu Jiao said: “The first and second place.”

“Oh! Isn’t it written here? Look!” The waiter pointed to the list hanging in the center of the grand hall. Prince An’s name was written under both first and second place along with a few other candidate’s names. Clearly, those other candidates were just to make up the numbers, with only a few people betting on them and they were all cronies.

Gu Jiao, “The candidate I want to bet on is not there.”

Waiter: “Then… who would you like to bet on, miss?”

Gu Jiao: “Guozijian’s Xiao Liulang.”

The waiter had never heard of him.

Xiao Liulang does have a certain reputation in the Guozijian, after all, there are not many new arrivals promoted to Shuaixin Hall. Only two so far this year, one is Prince An, the other is Xiao Liulang. And in the subsequent examinations, Xiao Liulang has consistently ranked first. He even made a name for himself through his conflict with Zheng Siye.

However, these events all took place within the Guozijian, who outside of the Guozijian would recognize him?

In Capital City there are countless noblemen, distinguished families, and well-known talents, not all of them might be as outstanding as Prince An, but they are certainly more than matching a rural-born poor boy.

“I only want to place bets on him. If there isn’t one, I’ll take my bets elsewhere.” As she said this, Gu Jiao really turned to leave.

This is absolutely surefire business! If he’s not on the list, it means he’s not promising!

The waiter wouldn’t miss this transaction. He hurried to stop Gu Jiao, laughing, “Miss, don’t go! I can put his name on it for you! How much would you like to bet? The lowest bet for the top ten is…”