Chapter 24: Seventh Place in the County Examination

Aside from that, since Xinghua was working as a cook in the Li household, Wei Tu knew that no matter what, he would have to visit the Li family.

Of course, he had not forgotten Li Yaozu's past misconduct—the man's attempt to take advantage of Xinghua. But now was not the time to dwell on it.

He understood the weight of priorities.

In the eyes of others, he was still a former servant of the Li family, someone who had received their favor.

Even though he had regained his freedom, the stigma of his origins would not easily fade.

…

Leading his horse through the familiar streets, Wei Tu observed the surroundings—the buildings, the people, the very air of the place. Everything looked the same as before, but his heart was different.

There was a newfound sense of ease, a quiet confidence within him.

He guessed it had to do with the acknowledgment he had received from Dan Wu Ju, the confidence he now had in the upcoming county and prefectural martial examinations, and perhaps most of all—the mastery he had gained over combat techniques.

"Just past that alley, and I'll be at the Li family's main gate."

With a steady pace, he moved forward.

However, upon arriving at the Li residence, he was momentarily taken aback. The entire place was bustling with people, an unusual sight.

Carriages lined the street, and the front doors were crowded with visitors.

The Li family, despite their wealth, had always been a modest household, with no particular influence in politics or military affairs. There was no reason for them to be entertaining such a large number of gentry and officials.

Curious, Wei Tu walked toward the side entrance where Chunlan and Caixia stood welcoming guests. After tying his blue roan horse to a hitching post, he approached them.

After a brief inquiry, the reason became clear—Li Xingye had placed seventh in the county examination.

"Seventh place in the county examination…"

Wei Tu was momentarily stunned.

At least a thousand candidates had participated in the examination. To merely make it onto the ranked list was already an impressive feat.

To place seventh? That was something else entirely.

(The county examination only ranked the top fifty candidates. Those not listed were considered to have failed.)

For Li Xingye, who was still in his early twenties, to place among the top ten in his very first county examination was a remarkable achievement. While he might not compare to the legendary prodigies who had taken first place in past years, within Qingmu County, his ranking was certainly noteworthy.

Moreover, a seventh-place ranking did not necessarily indicate a gap in ability. After all, academic evaluations were subjective, and personal biases among examiners could influence results.

"If the competition this year is not particularly strong, there's a real chance Li Xingye could earn the title of Scholar in the upcoming autumn examination."

With that realization, Wei Tu understood why so many affluent families had come to visit the Li residence.

A Scholar title alone might not be rare, but a young scholar with such potential was a different story entirely. It meant he had the capability to continue climbing the ranks, to possibly secure a government position in the future.

Once his initial surprise faded, Wei Tu turned to Caixia and explained his purpose—he wished to see Xinghua and also hoped to stay at the Li residence for a few days.

"I'll leave once the county martial examination is over. After that, I'll head to the prefectural capital," Wei Tu specified, making it clear he was not here to overstay his welcome.

Caixia nodded and quickly went inside to relay the message.

Roughly fifteen minutes later, she returned, shaking her head.

"First Madam is currently entertaining the wives and daughters of the visiting officials in the main hall. I waited for a long time, but there wasn't a chance to speak with her."

"Would you like to wait here a bit? By evening, most of the guests should have left." She glanced at the setting sun before suggesting the idea.

"Alright."

Wei Tu nodded and stepped back to the side of the entrance, sitting on the hitching post next to his horse.

He absentmindedly ran his fingers through the horse's mane, waiting for the Li household's guests to disperse.

After more than half an hour, as the sky dimmed, the side gate of the Li residence finally stirred with movement.

A procession of maids carrying lanterns led a group of scholars and noblewomen out of the hall, their silhouettes flickering like fire snakes in the night.

The sound of carriage wheels rolling across the cobblestone street filled the air as the guests departed. Gradually, the Li residence returned to its usual quiet, accompanied by the rising chorus of insects in the cool night.

Wei Tu watched as Li Yaozu and his wife stood at the entrance, bidding farewell to their esteemed guests. Seeing his chance, he led his horse forward, offering a respectful bow before stating his purpose.

"First Madam, Wei Ge'er arrived earlier in the day, but you were busy, so I didn't find the right moment to report it to you," Caixia added after Wei Tu finished speaking.

"Wei Ge'er?" Li Tongshi glanced at the young man before her, an expression of surprise crossing her face.

She had noticed him standing near the hitching post earlier but, given the dim lighting, had assumed he was some attendant waiting for his master.

She parted her lips, about to say something, but as the lantern light illuminated Wei Tu's face, she took a closer look. His features had matured, and his entire demeanor exuded the sharpness of a seasoned warrior.

At that moment, she swallowed the words she had been about to say.

If it weren't for the deep purple woolen jacket he wore—a garment she had once gifted to Xinghua—she might not have believed that this man before her was the same sturdy stablehand who had bought back his freedom half a year ago.

"We've been poor hosts. I apologize for the neglect," Li Tongshi said, repeating the same words she had spoken to the honored guests earlier that day.

"Ah, the county martial examination is about to begin. No wonder you've come to town from Dan Wu Ju's estate," Li Yaozu interjected with a beaming smile.

In his mind, he had done Wei Tu a great favor—after all, it was he who had arranged for Wei Tu to train under Dan Wu Ju.

As far as he was concerned, he was the benefactor who had elevated Wei Tu's status, and as such, Wei Tu ought to be deeply grateful.

A scholar would die for a confidant, and a warrior for a benefactor.

Li Yaozu intended to cultivate this relationship well.

"Yes, Master Li," Wei Tu nodded simply, offering only a brief response.

"As for lodging, that's no issue at all. You came from my Li family, after all. You've always been loyal and reliable, so of course, you may stay."

Li Yaozu spoke warmly, clapping Wei Tu on the shoulder with a familiar air.

Hearing this, Wei Tu frowned slightly, a faint sense of irritation stirring within him.

Loyal and reliable?

Was Li Yaozu implying that he still saw him as a servant?

However, Wei Tu chose not to react and instead reminded himself to remain calm.

Perhaps he was just overthinking things.

One should judge actions, not intentions.

Once Li Yaozu stepped back, giving him some distance, Wei Tu gave a slight bow and politely thanked him.

"Come inside and have dinner," Li Tongshi said as she turned toward the side entrance, motioning for Wei Tu to follow.

Meanwhile, the blue roan horse Wei Tu had borrowed was taken by the Li family's newly hired stablehand, who led it toward the courtyard stables.

Inside the dining hall, a young scholar dressed in a long robe sat on a wooden stool. Upon seeing Wei Tu enter with Li Yaozu and Li Tongshi, his brows lifted slightly in recognition.

Wei Tu.

Of course, Li Xingye knew him.

When they were younger, their family's hired tutor had not only taught him the classics but had also given literacy lessons to a few of the household servants.

Wei Tu had been among them.

Back then, he was one of the few playmates Li Xingye had within the estate.