Chapter 37: Prefectural Examination Top Scholar (Revisions) Conjugal duties are part of human relationships…

First Place: Jiang Qingshi

“Nian Chen, you’re the Top Scholar! The Top Scholar!”

Wei Fengling suddenly transformed into a wildly roaring baboon, hopping up and down while continuously patting Jiang Qingshi, his voice cracking with excitement.

Wei Fengling’s entire face flushed crimson, his palms slapping against Jiang Qingshi’s body with loud smacks, yet Jiang Qingshi could no longer feel the pain at this moment.

He stared blankly at his name occupying the top position on the announcement list, the surrounding noise seeming to fade away, even Wei Fengling’s roaring appeared distant. Years of diligent study under difficult conditions, his wife’s hard work, his son’s obedience – scene after scene flashed before his eyes. His eyes grew warm, and for the first time he felt tears welling up. Gazing at his name on the red announcement list in a daze, he only softly murmured.

“Mhm.”

According to tradition, newly admitted scholars must pay respects to the Education Commissioner.

The Education Commissioner of Dinggao Prefecture was named Zhou Qiangyuan, a dignified and composed man. When Commissioner Zhou met Jiang Qingshi and saw that although he came from humble origins, he was the Top Scholar of Linzhou Prefecture, and had performed exceptionally well in both the county and prefectural examinations, he specifically spoke a few extra words with Jiang Qingshi, praising his Confucian classics essays: “Your writing demonstrates mastery of principles and exceptional insight. What’s particularly rare is that every word has its basis, yet it’s not flashy without substance. I hope you will achieve even greater success in the upcoming Provincial and Metropolitan Examinations.”

This was Jiang Qingshi’s first time meeting such a high-ranking official. After leaving, he still felt light on his feet, eager to return and share this good news with his wife and Jiang Zhimiao.

Jiang Qingshi gazed into the distance, seeing only the clear blue sky stretching endlessly before him. He felt his heart had already flown toward a more distant future.

The Prefectural Examination Top Scholar was merely the starting point. The path of the Imperial Examination was long, but his ambitions extended beyond this.

The summer sun was scorching, and Jiang Qingshi’s heart burned with equal intensity. He took a deep breath and silently thought: This is only the beginning.

Jiang Qingshi gained instant fame through the Academy Exam, which also brought great honor to Jiangping County.

It’s worth mentioning that Zhuo Zhiming also ranked second in this Academy Exam, earning considerable prestige for Jiangping County.

Although Jiangping County was prosperous in terrain and relatively close to Linzhou City, keeping up with various contemporary trends, the county had always been famous for commerce. This was the first time it had produced two such outstanding talents in academics.

Both men became famous throughout Linzhou, and the county magistrate personally hosted a banquet to entertain Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming. Although Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming had gained fame from this achievement, they were still merely Scholars, and Jiangping County had no shortage of Scholars of various ranks. This showed the county magistrate had given them considerable face.

As a seventh-rank official showing such courtesy, how could Jiang Qingshi refuse? He brought Lin Guilan and Jiang Zhimiao along. Jiang Qingshi felt somewhat ashamed – last time Wei Fengling had invited them to eat at Drinking Crane Pavilion, and Jiang Qingshi had thought about someday properly bringing his wife and child into Drinking Crane Pavilion through his own achievements. He never expected he would still need to benefit from others’ favor in the end.

Lin Guilan never expected she would actually become a Xiucai’s wife so quickly. Everything that had happened over the past six months felt like a dream – her husband had become a Scholar, she had become a business owner, and soon her second shop would open…

Moreover, after her husband returned from Dinggao City, he had encouraged her to continue learning martial arts and not care about others’ opinions… How wonderful her husband was!

Lin Guilan had once wanted to bring Jiang Qingshi back to Fanjiazhuang to show those gossipy women that not only had she become a Xiucai’s wife, but she had also become a businesswoman with her own shop!

But now, recalling everything about Fanjiazhuang, it all seemed less important. Those people were narrow-minded, having never stepped beyond Fanjiazhuang in their lives—ultimately just frogs at the bottom of a well, both pitiable and irritating.

The Jiang Family, which she once felt would weigh on her for a lifetime, now seemed as distant as a past life. If she were dragged back to argue with that unreasonable Yuan Yuexian again, Lin Guilan doubted she could even muster the energy for a quarrel.

Her husband was right: when you change your environment, shift your mindset, and broaden your horizons, the people and matters of the past become like floating clouds in the mountains—ephemeral and unable to disturb the peaks.

Today, the county magistrate was hosting a banquet. Lin Guilan dressed in her newly made fine clothes and, holding the hand of Jiang Zhimiao, who had just turned three, went with Jiang Qingshi to attend.

Jiang Qingshi had also changed into a Gold-flecked Bamboo Leaf Blue Scholar Gown. As he turned around, he happened to see his wife wearing a Brand-new Pink Broken-Branch Floral Beizi and a Crescent Phoenix-Tail Silk Skirt. When she noticed him turning, she instantly lowered her gaze with a shy smile. In that moment, her charming smile and sparkling eyes left Jiang Qingshi utterly captivated.

Jiang Qingshi stepped forward and pulled Lin Guilan into his embrace. She gasped in surprise, looking at her husband with astonishment.

Her husband had always been a gentle and refined scholar, rarely so overcome with emotion. Lin Guilan’s face flushed even redder, but she gently clasped Jiang Qingshi’s hand.

“Husband…”

“You are truly beautiful, my wife.”

Jiang Qingshi lowered his head to kiss Lin Guilan’s neck.

“I’ve been away for nearly two months, and I’ve missed you every day—especially the pleasures of the bedchamber we share…”

This Dinggao City was something else! How had her steady and elegant husband returned from his trip to Dinggao transformed into such a smooth-talking libertine, spouting such shameless words…

“Husband, we should hurry and set off. The county magistrate is waiting for us,” Lin Guilan whispered, bowing her head. “We mustn’t keep him waiting…”

“Conjugal duties are a matter of great importance in human relations. How can a meal compare to this?” Jiang Qingshi nibbled on her earlobe. “With such beauty before me, I was foolish to neglect your charms because of Miao Ge’er and the Imperial Examination…”

“Dad! Mom!”

The door slammed open as Jiang Zhimiao, carrying his Rabbit-Head Backpack, bounded into the room.

“Ah!”

Seeing his parents locked in an intimate embrace, Jiang Zhimiao let out a startled cry and covered his eyes.

This… this was just too embarrassing!

Blushing, Lin Guilan instinctively pushed Jiang Qingshi away and flusteredly straightened her appearance.

Jiang Qingshi cleared his throat lightly and shot a fierce glare at his son from behind.

Their son had always been obedient and perceptive, so why had he chosen such an inopportune moment to appear today?

Jiang Zhimiao felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine. He cautiously parted his fingers slightly and peered through the narrow gap to observe his father’s expression. His father was smiling at him like a fox, which frightened him so much that he immediately squeezed his fingers shut again.

This must be the wrong way to open the door!

When Dad made that expression, did it mean he was about to assign him another devilish training plan?

No, he just wanted to be a child with a carefree childhood!

“Alright.” Jiang Qingshi straightened his robe leisurely, smiling calmly. “My wife is right, it’s indeed getting late. Let’s head to the banquet.”

Upon hearing his father’s command, Jiang Zhimiao immediately started toddling away on his short legs, ready to make his escape!

Unexpectedly, someone grabbed him by the back of his collar. Jiang Zhimiao turned his head guiltily, meeting his father’s eyes that were narrowed like a fox’s.

“Miao Ge’er is still young. He shouldn’t be running around by himself. What if he falls and gets hurt, or bumps into something he shouldn’t? That wouldn’t be good.”

If this weren’t his own father, Jiang Zhimiao would have really wanted to shout curses! What did he mean by “running around by himself” and “bumping into something he shouldn’t”? Could you be any more obvious with your insinuations, Dad?

Lin Guilan didn’t suspect anything: “Husband makes a good point. Miao Ge’er is only just over three years old. We should indeed be more careful with him usually.”

“Hmm, Miao Ge’er is clever.” Jiang Qingshi said slowly. “Wife, our family is doing well now. Why don’t we find Miao Ge’er a tutor later? Hmm… I’ve heard the Wei family runs a private school. Brother Wei is such a good man – if we pay some silver to the tutor, it wouldn’t be bad for Miao Ge’er to attend classes there. Don’t think just because Miao Ge’er is clever now that it will last. This child’s talent could easily be wasted. If we don’t nurture him carefully now, who knows what might become of him in the future.”

A threat! A blatant threat!

Dad, could you be any more petty and vindictive!

But unfortunately, Mother was naturally simple-minded and genuinely thought her husband made sense after thinking about it.

“Hmm, husband is right. Even if our family were poor, we shouldn’t delay our child’s education. Husband is so extraordinary – our Miao Ge’er will surely grow up to be just like you.”

Mother! Can’t you see he’s deliberately seeking revenge!!!

Jiang Zhimiao felt like crying but had no tears. He could only be carried by Jiang Qingshi, transported to the Drinking Crane Pavilion like a trophy of war.

When they arrived at the Drinking Crane Pavilion, they saw that Zhuo Zhiming had already arrived. Zhuo Zhiming still had that indifferent expression and merely nodded when he saw Jiang Qingshi.

Jiang Qingshi didn’t fully understand what kind of person Zhuo Zhiming was. Although Zhuo Zhiming usually appeared extremely aloof, Jiang Qingshi didn’t actually dislike him deep down. Perhaps it was precisely this scholarly detachment and refined pride in Zhuo Zhiming that Jiang Qingshi appreciated.

Wei Fengling, being the county magistrate’s son-in-law, was also among the invited guests. He was as energetic as ever, and upon seeing Jiang Zhimiao, immediately picked him up and gave him two big kisses.

Having been under Jiang Qingshi’s oppression for so long, Jiang Zhimiao now saw Wei Fengling as a lifeline. He clung tightly to Wei Fengling, insisting on staying with him.

Wei Fengling was somewhat surprised by Jiang Zhimiao’s unusual enthusiasm. Holding Jiang Zhimiao securely with one arm, he looked at Jiang Qingshi with full vigilance.

“Miao Ge’er seems strange today. Brother Jiang, could it be that you’ve been upsetting him?”

“How could that be!” It was Lin Guilan who spoke. “Miao Ge’er is the apple of our eyes – we cherish him too much to upset him! Fengling, don’t overthink it!”

Hmm… Jiang Qingshi might be cunning, but his wife probably wouldn’t lie.

Wei Fengling looked at Jiang Qingshi with some doubt, then at the eager hope in Jiang Zhimiao’s eyes, and decisively placed Jiang Zhimiao by his own seat.

Jiang Zhimiao declared that Uncle Wei was the finest man in the world!

Yet under his father’s piercing gaze from nearby, a chill ran down Jiang Zhimiao’s spine.

Alas, it seemed escaping forced enrollment was beyond his reach…

Just then, the county magistrate arrived, trailed by a woman clad in a mist-colored silver gauze long dress and a gold-thread embroidered gauze skirt. She wore kingfisher feather and pearl blue jade earrings, her wrists jingling with gold and jade bracelets, while her hair bun was adorned with an array of floral hairpins. Holding a gold-woven beauty ivory-handled palace fan that half-concealed her delicate features, her exposed eyes inadvertently drifted toward their direction.

Seeing her accompany the magistrate and dressed so opulently, Jiang Zhimiao deduced this must be Uncle Wei’s betrothed! Such elaborate attire… well, it rather suited Uncle Wei.

Following the woman’s line of sight, Jiang Zhimiao assumed she was looking at Wei Fengling—but soon, he sensed something amiss.

Why did her eyes seem fixated on his father?

Moreover, as she gazed, a shy demeanor emerged; though her fan hid her cheeks, her eyes glistened with bashful dew.

Could this be one of Father’s troublesome admirers?

As the magistrate approached, the crowd rose to greet him. The magistrate smiled faintly: “My daughter insisted on joining us—pardon her willfulness, esteemed Scholars. Having trailed me through countless travels since childhood, she’s grown rather spoiled, and even I struggle to curb her whims. Given her longstanding betrothal to Young Master Wei, I intend to have them wed this year, so no breach of etiquette should be perceived.”

Once Jiang Zhimiao noticed the woman’s odd behavior, he closely monitored her expressions. When the betrothal was mentioned, her face tightened, and she let out a soft “hmph.”

Though quiet, Jiang Zhimiao—gifted with the Eavesdropping Ear skill—caught that disdainful, discontented snort.

She! She actually looked down on Uncle Wei!

Fury surged through Jiang Zhimiao.

Not only did she scorn Uncle Wei, she even dared covet his father!

He would never tolerate such audacity!

Jiang Zhimiao also observed that while the magistrate’s daughter sneered at the betrothal, Wei Fengling himself appeared less than thrilled.

Could it be… mutual indifference?

He, too, believed Uncle Wei deserved better!

Jiang Zhimiao shifted into full combat mode.

Wei Fengling suddenly noticed Jiang Zhimiao’s flushed face and nostrils flaring like an ox plowing fields—what had stirred the child so abruptly?

Concerned, Wei Fengling instinctively touched Jiang Zhimiao’s forehead: “Miao Ge’er, what’s wrong? Is the heat troubling you?”

Jiang Zhimiao cast a pitying glance at Wei Fengling. Poor Uncle Wei, unaware of what kind of woman his betrothed truly was!

The magistrate gestured for everyone to be seated, deliberately placing Wei Fengling and his daughter closer to foster rapport. Li Yongshi shot Wei Fengling a disdainful look, irritated by his burly physique and aloof demeanor.

“Why is Young Master Wei still clutching a child?” Li Yongshi’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Holding onto him so tightly—this boy must share quite an intimate bond with you.”

Magistrate Li frowned, thinking to himself that his daughter was still as outspoken as ever. Today, he was not only hosting a banquet for the two Top Scholars but also seizing the opportunity to foster feelings between his daughter and Wei Fengling.

His daughter had always looked down on Wei Fengling, considering him the son of a merchant. Although Old Master Wei had made efforts to steer his son toward an official career, Wei Fengling simply wasn’t cut out for scholarly pursuits. In this dynasty, purchasing official titles was relatively rare, so even with the Wei family’s wealth, the most they could likely secure for Wei Fengling was the status of an Imperial College Student. It was doubtful he would ever pass the Provincial Examination.

Although Wei Fengling wasn’t suited for the scholarly path, the magistrate valued the Wei family’s wealth and character. His daughter had been raised in comfort and indulgence, but as her father, he knew her best. Even if she were to marry into a noble family, she would never be able to handle the responsibilities of a matriarch in such a household. It would be far better for her to marry into a prosperous family and live a smooth, untroubled life. Given the Wei family’s accumulated wealth over generations, his daughter would certainly want for nothing.

He also knew his daughter had lofty ambitions, but she was still young and unaware of the complexities of officialdom. After a lifetime of effort, he was merely a seventh-rank magistrate. While he might appear influential within Jiangping County, beyond its borders, he was virtually unknown. That was precisely why he was hosting these two Scholars today, treating them with utmost respect. Though they came from humble backgrounds, their bearing and demeanor suggested extraordinary talent. By building good relations with them now, he might one day rely on their support.

Given his daughter’s temperament, the Wei family was her best choice. Unfortunately, she failed to understand his painstaking efforts and kept delaying the marriage. Even with the Wei family’s good nature, they would not tolerate her dismissive attitude indefinitely. Magistrate Li was no fool; he could see Wei Fengling was growing dissatisfied with his daughter’s behavior. He needed to hasten the marriage to avoid future complications.

“This child is naturally very close to me,” Wei Fengling said with unwavering composure. “He is the son of my dear brother Jiang Qingshi. Though we are not blood-related, our bond is stronger than that of brothers. Miao Ge’er calls me Uncle.”

Li Yongshi’s face immediately fell. She tightened her grip on her handkerchief and glared resentfully at Jiang Zhimiao.

Jiang Zhimiao was startled by Li Yongshi’s glare. Why was this woman glaring at him? It seemed his guess was correct—she had feelings for his father!

Knowing he was married yet still pursuing him—what kind of behavior was that for a magistrate’s daughter!

Lin Guilan, being somewhat oblivious, failed to notice the underlying tension. She genuinely believed Jiang Zhimiao had caused trouble for Wei Fengling, leading to discord with the magistrate’s daughter. Hurrying over, she picked up Jiang Zhimiao and said apologetically, “This child is mischievous and always clinging to his Uncle Wei. Please don’t take it to heart, Miss Li. I’ll take him away now so you and Young Master Wei can speak undisturbed.”

Seeing Lin Guilan approach, Li Yongshi’s anger peaked. Her face instantly darkened as she snapped, “What business is it of yours? We were having a perfectly fine conversation here. What right does a country bumpkin like you have to interrupt?”

Lin Guilan froze, still holding Jiang Zhimiao, clearly stunned by Li Yongshi’s harsh words.

Jiang Qingshi’s face immediately darkened.