Chapter 34: Prefectural Examination (Revisions) The Whole Family Enters the City!

“Because my parents are both intelligent, I’ve naturally been a genius since childhood,” Jiang Zhimiao declared, crossing his arms. “I don’t know what nonsense Yuan Yuexian that shrew has been telling you, but everything she says is false. That woman spends her days twisting the truth. It was the Jiang Family who drove out my father—that’s why our family moved out. The Jiang Family clearly never spent a single coin on Father; instead, they tried to take advantage of Mother’s dowry. During New Year’s, they even called us back, hoping we’d pay for the fourth uncle’s house! If the Jiang Family hadn’t been so harsh, how could Father have failed to even pass the scholar exam by now? It’s obvious the Jiang Family never provided any money for Father’s education!”

Jiang Zhimiao was surprised to discover that he could now speak as fluently as an adult. It seemed he had fully awakened the speech skills from his past life. But he should only show off like this in front of outsiders—he mustn’t let his parents see. If they witnessed him acting so strangely, they would surely worry about him.

The women and young girls were stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief. They couldn’t comprehend how such a young child could speak like this. Was this child truly a deity descended to earth, or perhaps a monster in disguise?

No one else dared to speak, except for Changbao’s wife, who refused to admit defeat: “What does a toothless brat like you know? I think you’re just as bad as your father. Your father is truly a disgrace to our Fanjiazhuang—a grown man relying on his wife to support him… All he has is a pretty face; what’s the difference between him and a male fox spirit…”

“So what if my mother married my father for his good looks!” Jiang Zhimiao interrupted her righteously, planting his hands on his hips and striking the pose of a shrew ready for a fight. “I think you’re just sour grapes! Well, no wonder—all your husbands look like deformed melons and cracked dates, barely recognizable as human beings…”

Jiang Zhimiao cast a contemptuous glance at Changbao’s wife: “If I remember correctly, your husband doesn’t even look human, does he? His face resembles a shoe sole, he only comes up to my father’s chest, and he drinks every day, beating and scolding you at the slightest provocation. You’re clearly jealous because my father is gentle and considerate while my mother is clever and capable—that’s why you’re deliberately slandering them behind their backs.”

Having her flaws exposed so bluntly by a mere child, Changbao’s wife flew into a rage and charged forward to hit Jiang Zhimiao, but the others held her back tightly.

“Changbao’s wife, don’t be impulsive! He’s just a two-year-old child. If you lay a hand on him, you won’t be able to handle the consequences…” the usually quiet woman whispered to Changbao’s wife. “Besides, this child seems so peculiar—we mustn’t offend him…”

“Since you’ve already discovered it, I won’t hide the truth from you.” Jiang Zhimiao cleared his throat lightly, putting on an air of looking down upon all mortal beings. “Indeed, I am no ordinary human. I merely concealed my abilities to blend into the mortal world, fearing I might startle you common folk. My father is the God of Literature descended to earth, and I am an attendant of a great celestial being who followed him down to provide protection. That’s why I was reborn as his son. If I catch any of you harboring ill intentions again, I shall return to the heavenly court and report you to the Jade Emperor! You’ll be reincarnated as stones in a latrine for your next life—immobile and forced to endure the stench forever!”

“Please don’t!” The timid girl who had spoken first turned pale with fright. “Immortal Child, we spoke out of turn! We’ll never dare again—I still hope to marry into a good family someday…”

“That depends on your behavior.” Jiang Zhimiao said with feigned solemnity. “The Jiang Family has been spreading rumors about my father. If you can restore his reputation instead, I’ll record it as a virtuous deed for you. Although my family will soon move to the county town, as a celestial being, I’ll still observe your every move. Should any of you displease me even slightly, the consequences…”

Jiang Zhimiao narrowed his eyes and gave a sinister chuckle.

“Guess for yourselves what those consequences might be. Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed, and I’ve already said too much today. You’d better tread carefully.”

Jiang Zhimiao turned and hurried away on his short little legs.

Just kidding! Changbao’s wife was built like an ox—if she decided to beat him, it would be like slaughtering a chick!

He needed to run back to his mother quickly! Only by her side was truly safe!

He hoped they’d believe the nonsense he’d concocted!

Thanks to his Eavesdropping Ear skill, Jiang Zhimiao overheard the whispers behind him.

“Don’t stop me! That kid is obviously lying—how can you believe him!”

“Changbao’s wife, calm down! You might want to become a latrine stone, but we don’t! That child… no, that Immortal Child was clearly telling the truth. Have you ever seen another child so eloquent? Not even a prodigy could manage that!”

“That’s right, Sister Chang. Who would have thought Brother Jiang was actually the God of Literature? I always knew he was special! Sister Jiang is so blessed—she’ll be an official’s wife soon! Don’t bring misfortune upon us. That Jiang child is definitely extraordinary. Did you hear how coherently he spoke? He’s better than many grown men in our village!”

“It seems we can’t trust Yuan Yuexian’s words anymore. She’s trying to harm the God of Literature, and we mustn’t be accomplices… I still want to accumulate blessings for my children…”

They actually believed it!

It seemed his talent for spinning tall tales was quite impressive!

Jiang Zhimiao sighed in relief while feeling a surge of immense satisfaction, his steps becoming almost buoyant.

Though he was small and weak, he had finally protected his father and mother through his own efforts.

So this was how wonderful it felt to safeguard one’s family!

Two days later, the Jiang Family formally bid farewell to Fanjiazhuang, riding an ox cart to the residence Wei Fengling had prepared for them.

Though the house wasn’t large, it was very close to the Wei residence. Jiang Zhimiao was delighted—it seemed he could often visit that generous Uncle Wei to play from now on!

Lin Guilan looked at the residence with satisfaction. She had been worried that given Wei Fengling’s flamboyant nature, he might have prepared a grand mansion for them—then she wouldn’t know how to repay his kindness! It seemed her husband was right: Wei Fengling was the type who appeared careless on the surface but was actually meticulous at heart. The residence was elegantly arranged, adorned with calligraphy and paintings, clearly decorated according to her husband’s preferences.

“Husband, Young Master Wei is too good to us! Find out when he’s getting married—I’ll embroider a quilt as a gift for him!”

Jiang Qingshi looked puzzled. “Is he getting married? I haven’t heard about him being engaged to any young lady.”

“Ah!” Lin Guilan covered her mouth, laughing. “Husband, you’re so focused on studying, you know nothing about the outside world! Everyone in Jiangping County knows Young Master Wei is engaged to the county magistrate’s daughter. Why else would Old Master Wei be so insistent on him taking the Imperial Examination? It’s to gain honors and make their families more compatible in status!”

Having heard Jiang Qingshi speak of it often, Lin Guilan had gained some understanding of the Imperial Examination.

“Is that so?” Jiang Qingshi frowned. “I truly didn’t know. Wei Fengling never mentioned it. I’ll ask him later when the wedding is.”

At this point, Lin Guilan hesitated. “They say those noble young ladies are the most charming—cultured, refined, and wise. Husband, you’re so scholarly and gentle… have you ever imagined marrying such a woman?Though her tone was light, having been married for so many years, Jiang Qingshi easily detected the cautious probing in her words. From their initial respectful distance to their current deep understanding, they had both come to grasp each other’s thoughts. Guilan, usually forthright, rarely showed such insecurity.

“Perhaps I did imagine it at first,” Jiang Qingshi answered earnestly, treating it not as a marital jest but pondering carefully before speaking. “My days in the Jiang Family were too bleak. To be honest, I often fantasized about passing the Imperial Examination, returning in glory, and having a cultured, refined woman as my wife…”

Though Lin Guilan still wore a smile, her expression visibly dimmed.

“But after meeting you, Guilan, I realized all those earlier imaginings were mere moons in water or flowers in a mirror—shallow fantasies of a youth who had nothing. You and Miao Ge’er are the tangible, grounded happiness I hold in my hands. I can’t even recall what those youthful dreams entailed anymore, because none of it matters. I used to see topping the exam as my only future path; only thinking of it gave me a sliver of delusion that life wasn’t entirely dark. But now, I even feel that if I never pass the exam and achieve nothing, as long as I have you both by my side, such a life would still be wonderful.”

Lin Guilan was no fool. She instantly understood Jiang Qingshi’s meaning—he was deliberately explaining himself to her. She composed her expression and said, “What are you saying? With your brilliant talent, Husband, you’re sure to pass with flying colors someday!”

“Then I’ll take your auspicious words to heart,” Jiang Qingshi smiled. “My dear, now that Wei Fengling has arranged for someone to show you the shop this afternoon, you’re officially a businesswoman while I remain obscure. I hope you won’t look down on me.”

“Speaking of which,” Lin Guilan’s eyes sparkled, “I’ve been thinking about what to sell in the shop. Why don’t you help me brainstorm? Since we’ve moved to the city, we should adjust the flavors accordingly. The shop’s size and product variety all need consideration…”

Jiang Zhimiao watched his mother speaking with uncharacteristic confidence and unconsciously exchanged glances with his father. He saw the same admiration in his father’s eyes – indeed, a woman pursuing her career radiates unique beauty!

Lin Guilan successfully opened her shop, still naming it “Lin’s Teahouse.” Needing an assistant, she specially invited her old partner Aunt Zhao to join her.

Aunt Zhao had lost her husband years ago, and now her children neglected her – otherwise she wouldn’t have resorted to selling yam beans to survive before. Though the residence Wei Fengling provided wasn’t overly large, it still had two spare rooms. Lin Guilan settled Aunt Zhao in one of them. The residence wasn’t far from their shop, making it much more convenient than their previous street stall.

The shop comprised two rooms that Lin Guilan had tidied into perfect order. For products, she started with what she was already skilled at making, planning to observe the city dwellers’ tastes before deciding whether to introduce new items or adjust flavors.

During the first few days after opening, business was slow. Though people were curious about the new shop, new store openings weren’t uncommon in the county town. Seeing his mother’s business remain quiet, Jiang Zhimiao worried she might become discouraged. He had some ideas in mind, but feared his mother might find them strange if he suggested them…

While Jiang Qingshi studied at home, Jiang Zhimiao continued accompanying Lin Guilan to the shop. Gradually, repeat customers increased – after all, Lin Guilan’s skills were excellent and her prices fair.

Lin Guilan felt content. Running a shop in the county town wasn’t easy, and everything had to start from nothing. The current situation was already quite good.

Jiang Zhimiao racked his brains: how could he make his mother discover his little tricks without seeming intentional?

One day while doodling in the shop during a lull, Jiang Zhimiao deliberately approached Lin Guilan and Aunt Zhao, asking them to draw cards.

Lin Guilan always indulged her son, and Aunt Zhao also adored Jiang Zhimiao. Though neither understood his intention, they humored him since they weren’t busy.

“Whoever draws the black card gets to eat candied hawthorn today!”

Jiang Zhimiao said cheerfully.

Lin Guilan shook her head with a smile – such childish talk. Even if there were candied hawthorn, neither she nor Aunt Zhao would eat it…

Suddenly, an idea struck Lin Guilan mid-laugh. Couldn’t their shop implement something similar? They could even give away items – attracting customers should be the priority…

Thus Lin Guilan launched promotional activities in earnest. Every customer making a purchase received a card with a chance to win free food from the shop. With some subtle guidance from Jiang Zhimiao, she eventually replaced the drawing cards with a lucky wheel displayed prominently at the shop entrance.

People of this era had never seen anything like it. The massive wheel resembled a rotary printing press, and since Lin Guilan’s shop was located in a bustling area, more and more curious onlookers began flocking to her store…

It must be said that Lin Guilan’s strategy for attracting customers was remarkably successful. Within just a few days, she had gained considerable fame in Jiangping County. From a distance, one could see long queues forming daily. Both Lin Guilan and Aunt Zhao were nearly overwhelmed with work and began considering hiring additional help.

Strangely enough, although Lin Guilan had taught Aunt Zhao the recipes for the food, what Aunt Zhao prepared still differed slightly from Lin Guilan’s versions. Lin Guilan estimated that even if they hired more people, she would still be the one primarily responsible for cooking. Others could only assist with minor tasks. Since her shop had just opened, if the food tasted significantly different, it would damage her reputation.

While Lin Guilan was swamped with work, Jiang Qingshi was burning the midnight oil, studying intensely.

The prefectural examination was approaching. He had borrowed several books from the Wei family and buried himself in them every day. Wei Fengling visited Jiang Qingshi multiple times, only to find him consistently absorbed in his books. Even when Wei Fengling called his name, Jiang Qingshi remained oblivious.

Wei Fengling was utterly impressed by Jiang Qingshi. No wonder Jiang Qingshi had ranked third in the highly competitive county exam! With such dedication, even earning the title of Top Scholar would be well-deserved.

But he admired Lin Guilan even more.

Now that he had more interactions with her, he realized how capable she truly was. Her personality was also commendable—unlike those delicate young ladies who tended to be overly reserved. Moreover, Lin Guilan was grateful and reciprocated kindness. Whenever she developed new products, she always let him be the first to try them.

If only he could marry a woman as straightforward and intelligent as the Jiang Family’s daughter! He was already engaged to the magistrate’s daughter, but he had only met her once. That young lady had covered her face with a handkerchief and carried an air of condescension. Although his family held no official titles, they were indisputably the wealthiest in Jiangping County! Yet in the magistrate’s daughter’s eyes, marrying her seemed like he was reaching above his station.

He had asked his father to call off the engagement, but his father was stubborn, eager to secure ties with the magistrate’s family.

As the young master of the Wei family, when had he ever been looked down upon like this?

The thought filled him with frustration and humiliation!

Lin Guilan had also grown familiar with Wei Fengling. Initially, she had been cautious, mindful of his status as a wealthy scion and the social gap between them. But the more time they spent together, the more she found him sincere and unpretentious. Though he had grown up in luxury and appeared somewhat flamboyant, he lacked the arrogance typical of other wealthy young men. Lin Guilan gradually shed her initial reserve and began speaking with him more casually and naturally.

“Young Master Wei, when will you marry the magistrate’s daughter?” Lin Guilan couldn’t resist gossiping during her free time. “I heard the magistrate’s daughter is very beautiful and accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood. You’re truly fortunate!”

“That depends on what our parents decide,” Wei Fengling replied, reluctant to discuss the matter. “I’ve only met the magistrate’s daughter once and know nothing about her character. If only I could have a relationship like Nian Chen and his wife—mutually understanding and devoted, with a lovely child like Miao Ge’er… That would be ideal.”

“Everyone has their own way of doing things!” Lin Guilan wasn’t foolish either. Seeing that Wei Fengling wasn’t in high spirits, she didn’t press the matter further. “Young Master Wei, I heard from my husband that the prefectural examination is about to begin. Why aren’t you hurrying to prepare? My husband has been pushing himself so hard these days, barely sleeping at all—it truly pains my heart to see!”

“Who can compare with him!” Wei Fengling said with a look of disdain. “Sister-in-law, that husband of yours isn’t human! I’ve never seen anyone so insatiably hungry for books. And you’re quite something yourself—to have found such a man! Don’t be fooled by his handsome face, that temperament of his is something few can tolerate. It’s only thanks to your gentle nature that you can manage him!”

“My husband is indeed very diligent.” Lin Guilan’s heart ached whenever she spoke of Jiang Qingshi. “The prefectural examination is only days away now, and I can’t help but worry for him.”

“Don’t you worry, sister-in-law!” Wei Fengling had far more confidence in Jiang Qingshi than in himself. He patted his chest and declared, “If even he can’t pass, then probably no one in this world can! You can rest completely assured about him!”

Lin Guilan was amused by Wei Fengling’s words. “With your reassurance, I feel much more at ease!”

Before they knew it, April arrived, bringing with it the prefectural examination. The exam was to be held in the prefectural city. Fortunately, Jiangping County was very close to the prefectural seat—it took only half a day to travel from where they lived to the city.

At the first quarter of the mao hour (5:15 AM), the courtyard gates swung open. Candidates filed in one after another and, led by four lantern-bearing attendants, dispersed to four different examination halls. Simple cloth curtain barriers were set up at each hall entrance. At the doorway, Jiang Qingshi underwent a thorough body search by soldiers—so meticulous that even his clothing had to be opened and carefully inspected.

After completing the search, candidates found their seats according to their Exam Guides. For this prefectural examination, nothing was permitted to be brought in—all necessary items including writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were provided by the examination hall. After Jiang Qingshi took his seat, someone delivered the complete set of examination supplies required for this round.

The prefectural examination consisted of three tests: Tie Jing, Miscellaneous Essays, and Policy Discourses—one fewer than the previous county exam. During the examination, each candidate was assigned to a small, independent cubicle, extremely cramped but just large enough to contain one desk and one chair. Because Jiang Qingshi had achieved excellent results in the county exam, he was assigned a relatively good seat this time—quite far from the latrine. Otherwise, with candidates coming and going constantly in the hot weather, it certainly wouldn’t have been comfortable.

The first test primarily examined memorization. With his exceptional memory, this naturally posed no difficulty for Jiang Qingshi. After reviewing the questions, he felt confident and immersed himself in careful composition. During the day-long exam, three breaks were permitted, with meals and water delivered at scheduled intervals. Jiang Qingshi took one bite and frowned—accustomed to Guilan’s refined cooking, he now found this fare nearly unpalatable. He couldn’t help but laugh at himself: “It’s easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury back to frugality.” Still, fearing that hunger might affect his performance, he grimaced and finished the meal.

Throughout the entire day, Jiang Qingshi only visited the latrine once. Even for this, he had to ring a small bell nearby and was accompanied by a dedicated attendant. Unaccustomed to being shadowed so closely, Jiang Qingshi felt somewhat embarrassed.

As dusk gradually fell, Jiang Qingshi reviewed his examination paper once more before ringing the small bell to submit it. Regardless of the outcome, he had certainly done his utmost.

Author’s Note: There are also red envelopes for comments on this chapter!