Entering

Upon hearing this, the Dean immediately said: "You wish! This was given to me by Wenwu. I can't bear to use it myself. I have to keep it well."

Xu Wenwu smiled: "So you're accepting it, then?"

The Dean patted Xu Wenwu on the shoulder and said: "I'll take it, kid, you have to do well in the exam this time."

Xu Wenwu nodded.

The next day, word spread among the students. A poor young boy named Zheng Yaoyang had won the literary competition, while young master Wen Yuan had taken second place. But everyone wanted to know who the boy was that got the treasure ink. Some students tried to find out more, but no one had any information.

For the next few days, Xu Wenwu stayed behind the Juxiang Pavilion, not taking a single step outside. He reviewed his studies with a few classmates until the day before the exam.

Everyone taking the exam had to go to the prefectural office to get their admission token. This token was very important, without it, you couldn't enter the exam hall.

The token also had a number on it, which represented your assigned seat in the exam hall. When it was time to take the exam, you'd find the seat that matched your number and sit down.

It was the Dean and Master Sun who took Xu Wenwu and Qian Xuedong to get their tokens.

The four of them left early in the morning and returned at midday.

"Where did you all go?" The old man asked: "You were out for hours."

"Today we finally found out how many people signed up for the exam." Master Sun replied: "Roughly two hundred, I think. We arrived late and had to register and queue up, so it took extra time."

The old man said, "I see. Let's take a break. Let's have hot pot in the store for lunch!"

The others had no objections, so they sat under the open sky in the rear courtyard and ate.

Since the exam was the next day, the Dean was worried they might not rest well. He told them to put away their books, go back to their rooms, and relax. He also told the other students not to disturb them.

The exam would last five days. During that time, everyone had to eat, sleep, and take care of personal business in their own little rooms. It was tough for those who weren't in good physical shape.

Grandpa packed enough dry goods and snacks for the two of them for the next few days. Qibao slipped two water pouches into each bag, filled with watered-down spirit spring water. This would help her brother and his friend stay energized.

The next day, everyone went to see the candidates off, including Scholar Qian, who set aside his work—even though he was usually so busy—to come with his son.

There were three invigilators this time, one was the prefect Wen, and the other two were officials specially sent by the court.

The students taking the exam lined up outside. The old man handed them each a prepared package, carefully reviewing instructions until they were ready to join the queue.

Security was tight. Guards at the entrance searched every examinee, checking even their food snacks one by one—every pastry and cookie had to be opened to ensure no cheating notes were hidden inside. Only after everything was cleared could they enter the exam hall with their wooden name tags.

As all the candidates filed in, a crowd remained outside the entrance. Some were there to see off their children, while others just came for the spectacle.

"I saw several young ones in there! Looks like it might be tough this year!"

"You can't say that. I just saw Zheng Yaoyang, the top scorer from the recent literary competition. He's not to be underestimated!"

"Right, and that mysterious Master Xu is probably here too, taking the imperial exam. We don't know who'll come out on top yet!"

"True! Who here is easy to beat? They're all scholars, and how many of those are there in just one area?"

"If my son could become a scholar, he'd be set for life in the government!"

"Easy for you to say!"

Listening to the discussions around him, the old man said: "Dean, let's go back. The two children will have to rely on themselves after they go in, and we can't help them."

Mrs. Zhang worried: "Wenwu and Xuedong might be in there for days. I'm not sure if their bodies can take it."

Qibao said: "Aunt, don't worry! They will be fine."

The group returned to Juxiang Pavilion and the dean said: "More than 200 people are competing for those six spots. It's not easy to stand out!"

"Yes! But I believe that Wenwu will definitely get a rank, but Xuedong may be a little difficult." Master Sun said.

"It's hard to say. The questions are different every year. Maybe this time the test will be on Xuedong's strengths!" Said the Dean.

"My Xuedong will do well no matter the outcome. He's achieved something even his old man couldn't - he's better than me already." Boss Qian said with a smile.

To help Mrs. Zhang relax, Qibao suggested: "Auntie Zhang, let's go for a walk. I've seen some nice clothes in that store across the street. We could buy a couple of outfits for Grandma and the others."

"That sounds good. Let's get something for everyone." Mrs. Zhang agreed.

Qibao pulled Madam Zhang and Fuqiu towards the shop across the street.

The three of them crossed the road and arrived at the entrance of the ready-to-wear clothing store called Yuyi Shop.

As soon as they entered, they were warmly greeted by a salesperson.

"Madam, miss, what kind of clothes are you looking for? We have all sorts in our store."

Qibao said: "We'll browse first. We'll call you when we find something we like."

"Great! Please take your time looking around."

Miss, look at that pretty dress over there. It would look good on you."

Qibao looked in the direction Fuqiu was pointing. It was a light purple floral-patterned floor-length robe with a front opening. It was pretty, but Qibao thought it was a bit impractical. It might be fine for a young lady who didn't do any work, but...

"I prefer simpler clothes." Qibao said: "This one is too fancy and would take ages to put on."

Qibao scanned the store, not for herself—after all, the clothes in her space were not only more stylish, but most importantly, they were protective. She was here to help her family find something suitable.

"Hey! Little girl, it's you!"

When Qibao looked up, she saw a young girl dressed as a servant standing in front of her.

She recognized the girl. She was the Miss Wen's servant Qibao had seen before.

Qibao nodded: "Yes, what a surprise."

Madam Zhang asked: "Qibao, who is this?"

Before Qibao could answer, Yuan'er introduced herself: "Pleased to meet you, madam. I'm the servant of Miss Wen. I'm called Yuan'er. A few days ago, I met this young lady at the Juxiang Pavilion when we were having hotpot."

Hearing that they were her customers, Mrs. Zhang smiled. "I see."

Yuan'er's face crinkled with dimples: "Yes! That day, you and Master Xu were there too, right? Master Xu has such talent. Yuan'er really admires him." 

"He's my brother!" Qibao said: "Thank you for your kind words, sister Yuan'er."

Yuan'er smiled: "I have to get back to my young mistress. I'll see you later, then. Maybe we can chat more then."

Qibao nodded as she watched Yuan'er walk away. What a brave girl, she thought. I only met her once, but she came up and started talking to me like we were friends.

Mrs. Zhang asked: "Do you know the young mistress of this girl's family?"

Qibao replied: "No, I only saw her once. But I heard from Uncle Qian that the young mistress is the governor's daughter. And thinking about it now, Master Wen who participated in the competition a few days ago must be her brother."