534
Mo Weiqin and Fu Zhiwen looked much more disheveled this time compared to the last court exam, as the weather was exceedingly hot. Both men had their collars partially open, and numerous strands of hair had fallen behind their necks. Yet, upon seeing Qiao Qichun approach, the three simultaneously revealed knowing smiles.
"Hey, say something, will you? How did the exam go this time?" Yuan Bao was almost frantic with impatience.
Xiao Ruo gave Yuan Bao a disdainful glance. "Does it look like they flunked the test?"
The smiles shared among the three men contained much information, disbelief, relaxation, but mostly confidence. It seemed they were all quite assured about their performance in the imperial examination this autumn.
"Let's head back first," Yuan Xiao said cautiously, looking around.
Reminded by Yuan Xiao's comment, Yuan Bao seemed to remember something and his expression turned grave. "Right, let's go back first."