Chapter 1603: Dog Bites Dog

Little did he know that the maidservant named Ying Xi took the opportunity to follow him and beat him severely.

Gazing back, Ge Qifei still feels sore all over.

He had heard Ying Xi saying that if he continued to pester Lanhua, his fate would be the same as Zhang Shu's.

Zhang Shu had his tongue cut off, eyes gouged, and went insane, eventually getting beheaded.

Though there's no evidence, Ge Qifei believes it's all orchestrated by Lu Shuyu.

To make matters worse, that foolish Xu Cai went and instigated trouble between Lan Hua and her sister.

"What are you thinking?"

"What am I thinking? I'm just trying to stand up for you, considering you claimed she threatened you. So, by sowing discord between Lan Hua and her, isn't that exactly what you wanted?"

Ge Qifei sneered, "Is that so? Is it just that simple?"

Xu Cai fell silent instantly, knowing it was not just that; she was insanely jealous of Lan Hua.

Indeed, they used to be good friends. When they were younger, Xu Cai felt sorry for Lan Hua, as her family was extremely poor, and her grandmother even used their things to support her daughter's family, while her third uncle was a useless person.

But things changed drastically when Lan Hua's second sister was found, and they even opened a shop and found work for her third uncle.

Seeing the improvement in Lu family's life, Xu Cai began feeling increasingly discontent.

When Lu's second household left Jiangyuan County and entrusted Yiren Pavilion to Lu Daniu's management, Xu Cai's attitude towards Lan Hua changed.

However, what truly pushed this sense of discontent to its peak was when Ge's family came to propose to Lu's family.

Xu Cai had seen Ge Qifei; despite being slim and weak, he was rather good-looking. Xu Cai had a crush on him even before Lan Hua, but the Ge family was interested in Lu's family.

Because Lu Daniu became the steward at that time, Lu Erniu went to study, and Cuihua's in-laws also had a shop in town.

The two families quickly agreed to the engagement, and Xu Cai harbored deep hatred towards Lan Hua.

But things took a dramatic turn when Lu Shuyu was exiled, and the Ge family withdrew the engagement. Lan Hua secluded herself and avoided everyone.

Xu Cai felt elated; she believed she had another chance.

Sure enough, now she's with Ge Qifei! Xu Cai had seen Lan Hua's fiancé, a tall and fierce-looking man named Yu Fenglin. This kind of person could easily resort to violence if angered.

Xu Cai felt she had regained some ground in this matter.

However, Ge Qifei did not see it that way; he didn't want to antagonize Shu Yu. Ever since breaking off the engagement with Lan Hua, many people knew he had offended the Lu family, so they avoided them.

As the youngest in the family, he used to be doted upon but is now scolded by his elder brother's wife, making his life much worse.

What's even more unfortunate is that no matchmaker dares to come to his home to arrange a marriage. Even if they did, the introductions were often subpar.

Feeling disheartened, Ge Qifei turned to drinking to drown his sorrows. Now, his alcohol addiction has grown, which is why he let Xu Cai secretly bring out some good wine today.

Originally, he hadn't thought of being with Xu Cai, as she's from Shishi Village and was close friends with Lan Hua. Meeting Lan Hua in the future would be awkward.

But then he had a change of heart; he had no better options left. Xu Cai's appearance was decent, and her family wasn't too bad.

Plus, her deep affection for him gave Ge Qifei a great sense of accomplishment.

 Chapter 746: Annihilation (3)

Once the Emperor's decree was given, it was final and unchangeable. The three men were condemned to death, and the Emperor's leniency in not implicating their families was seen as a gesture of mercy. With over a thousand witnesses present, no one dared to accuse the Emperor of cruelty.

However, people began to speculate about whether the true instigators would be pursued. It became increasingly clear that the masterminds were among the princes and noble families. This led to growing sympathy for Mo Qingze.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Mo Qingze, overwhelmed with gratitude, bowed deeply to Emperor Huian.

The question of whether Prince Heng and the Lin family’s culpability would be investigated further was beyond Mo Qingze’s control. As it was a matter for the royal family to resolve, he trusted that the Emperor would ensure the culprits faced justice. The current situation indicated that Prince Heng and the Lin family would not escape easily, given the public outcry.

Emperor Huian, pleased with Mo Qingze’s understanding, rewarded him with a set of writing materials—rare, valuable treasures with a history spanning centuries. This gesture was both an acknowledgment of Mo Qingze’s worth and a subtle reassurance.

Mo Qingze was deeply moved, once again expressing his thanks with deep bows.

---

The father and daughter of the Mo family left the palace in high spirits and headed to the gambling house. With Mo Qingze watching in stunned silence, Mo Yan cheerfully counted the thirty thousand taels of silver notes. Once satisfied, she tucked them into her sleeve and stored them away.

When they returned to Liuyang Village, Mo Qingze remained in disbelief that his seemingly obedient daughter had not only visited a gambling house but had won such a significant sum. The shock left him in a daze.

Despite his astonishment, Mo Qingze did not hesitate to give his daughter a stern lecture, aiming to correct her behavior and steer her back onto the right path.

Mo Yan, who had no interest in gambling, accepted her father’s reprimand with sincere remorse, promising not to repeat her actions.

Mo Qingze was satisfied, and with thirty thousand taels of silver, their family’s savings had nearly doubled. Mo Yan was also pleased, imagining the impressive sight of such a vast sum.

The father and daughter continued to chat and laugh, unconcerned with the fate of Prince Heng and Lin Dalao. With Chu Heng’s involvement, they believed the two would certainly face consequences.

As for the nature of their punishment, it was in Emperor Huian’s hands. While the exact fate of Prince Heng was uncertain, Lin Dalao’s end seemed inevitable: death.

The carriage entered the boundaries of Liuyang Village but stopped two miles from the Mo family home. Mo Yan, thinking there might be a problem with the road, was about to open the carriage door when she heard a gentle cry.

She quickly opened the door to find a crowd of villagers gathered nearby, including Xiner and Sheng’er, Yang Bao, Mo Fang, the village head, and several elders.

“Father, come out quickly!” Mo Yan called urgently to her dozing father.

Hearing his daughter’s call, Mo Qingze awoke and, seeing the crowd through the open door, adjusted his clothing and stepped out to greet them.

The villagers hurried forward, and Xiner and Sheng’er ran to embrace their father (adoptive father), holding onto him tightly with tearful eyes.

“Father, you’re finally back! Wuwu!”

“Adoptive father, Sheng’er missed you so much!”

The two girls clung to their father and adoptive father, sobbing and hugging them tightly, clearly shaken by the recent events.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 745: Annihilation (2)

Mo Qingze’s performance had caught everyone’s attention. Even the usually inscrutable Emperor Huian could not contain his delight. He clapped and laughed heartily, praising Mo Qingze without reservation: “Our Da Chu indeed has a wealth of talent. Master Mo’s profound knowledge and quick wit are truly impressive; even the esteemed Wen Chenggong would have to commend such a promising young talent!”

Wen Chenggong, whose real name was Wen Tianzhong, was known for his extraordinary intellect from a young age, becoming the youngest top scholar in the history of the imperial examination system at just eight years old. He was an eminent scholar, authoring numerous classic works and renowned as one of history’s greatest literary figures. Later generations revered him as Wen Chenggong.

Emperor Huian’s rigorous standards and the use of Wen Chenggong’s name to praise Mo Qingze was a highly significant honor. The use of “Master” in the title reflected his immense satisfaction with Mo Qingze’s performance.

“Your Majesty overpraises me; I am truly ashamed!” Mo Qingze responded humbly, neither boasting nor overly self-deprecating. His calm and composed demeanor further improved Emperor Huian’s impression of him.

Mo Qingze’s impressive performance had made him the biggest beneficiary of the scandal. His newfound prominence and the favor of the monarch left the scholars present envious, fully aware that his future prospects were exceptionally bright.

Despite some harboring a bit of resentment, jealousy was hard to come by. If they themselves had been caught in a scandal, they doubted their ability to prove their innocence. Mo Qingze had managed to do so, a testament to his skill that left others envious.

What mattered most now was to build connections. Even without directly gaining any advantages, having someone to consult with for difficult problems in the future was invaluable. The intense questioning and answering session had been a profound learning experience, almost equivalent to an extra decade of study.

Mo Qingze, the most significant winner in this case, was being falsely accused of cheating and maliciously attacked. Within one night, the scandal had spread throughout the entire capital and, within less than half a month, reached even the most remote provinces, causing widespread chaos.

Those with insight could see that the true instigator behind the scenes was likely formidable. Some who were sharp enough to connect the scandal to the Crown Prince also guessed that the real target was Chu Heng. Identifying the mastermind behind the scheme was thus relatively straightforward.

Amidst this realization, some people felt sympathy for Mo Qingze, who had been unjustly wronged.

However, in the next moment, Mo Qingze knelt in the great hall, pointing solemnly at Zhao Gao, Qin Hui, and the other two who had falsely accused him. “The difficulties I face are all due to the slander of these three. I ask Your Majesty to hold them accountable!”

Knowing that the true mastermind was Prince Heng, Mo Qingze cleverly refrained from directly accusing him and instead focused on the three false witnesses.

Prince Heng was a prince, the biological son of Emperor Huian. Conflicts within a royal family were even more scandalous than those among commoners, drawing widespread attention.

Emperor Huian’s smile faded as he looked at the three men, who had crawled to the center of the hall. A trace of murderous intent flashed in his sharp eyes. His decision was swift and severe: “The three have committed the crime of cheating in the examinations, falsely accusing others, and giving false testimony before me. They have committed three offenses, and their crimes warrant the confiscation of property and death. However, showing mercy from the heavens, and considering their first offense, I do not wish to implicate innocent parties. Their property can be spared, but their crimes cannot escape. They shall be executed at noon in three days!”

Before he finished speaking, the three condemned men collapsed to the ground, their eyes filled with deep regret and despair as their lives seemed to drain away.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 744: Annihilation (1)

On this cold day, the scholar who had challenged Mo Qingze was drenched in sweat. After Mo Qingze pondered briefly and answered the most difficult question he could come up with, the scholar collapsed in despair, his knees hitting the ground with a painful thud.

“For an entire hour, this scholar asked questions continuously, but no matter how hard he tried or what questions he posed, he could not stump Mo Qingze.”

“This is impossible! This cannot be happening!” The young scholar, pale as a ghost and kneeling on the ground, looked bewildered and clearly could not accept that he was outmatched by Mo Qingze’s overwhelming knowledge.

Watching the nearly broken young scholar, others looked at Mo Qingze as if he were a monster. Despite several historically challenging questions, Mo Qingze consistently provided unexpected insights, each answer so well-reasoned that it was impossible to refute.

After witnessing this, anyone who dared question the integrity of Mo Qingze’s achievements would face a fierce backlash. If such a performance still implied cheating, then those doubters would have to reconsider their own intellect.

Xiao Ruiyuan and Chu Heng were also taken aback by Mo Qingze’s prowess. One was simply delighted for his future father-in-law, while the other saw a valuable opportunity for establishing influence in the scholarly world.

Seeing Chu Heng’s pleased expression, the Prince of Heng’s face darkened to the point where it seemed like water could drip from it. He glared fiercely at Lin Dalao, his grandfather, as if he wanted to devour him whole.

Lin Dalao, under his grandson’s terrifying gaze, felt a shiver run through him. He realized that not only had he botched his grandson’s plans, but he had also inadvertently made Mo Qingze famous and provided Chu Heng with an advantage. If Emperor Huian thoroughly investigated the false accusations against Mo Qingze and the malicious attempt to frame Chu Heng, his grandson might shift all the blame onto him, leading to retribution for both him and the Lin family. Could they possibly escape the wrath of a ruler?

With this realization, Lin Dalao’s mind became unusually clear. The next moment, as if struck by inspiration, his eyes brightened, and the fear on his face gradually faded as he cast a subtle glance toward Emperor Huian on the dragon throne.

Mo Yan watched her father with excitement, barely containing her urge to cheer out loud. Her father’s performance today was beyond anything she had ever seen. She had never imagined he possessed such profound knowledge.

Not only was Mo Yan astonished, but Mo Qingze himself could hardly believe his performance. Although he enjoyed reading and had an increasingly better memory over the past two years, reaching an almost photographic recall, there were still many books he hadn’t read. Yet, whenever a question arose, his mind would automatically engage, utilizing the vast knowledge he had accumulated to solve the problems one by one.

This remarkable performance was largely thanks to the spiritual spring water. After the space levelled up, the spiritual spring pool also upgraded, enhancing its ability to repair and unlock the brain’s full potential.

Mo Qingze’s intelligence, already high, became even more formidable after the transformation brought by the spiritual spring water. Knowledge that was previously hard to forget now seamlessly integrated, allowing him to apply it effectively and think critically.

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 1602: The Rendezvous of Two

Shu Yu, "..."

Wait, this voice seems familiar to her?

She stood aside for a moment and quickly recognized the person standing in front of Xu Cai.

It was a thin young man wearing coarse linen clothes, holding a bunch of wildflowers, with a bright smile on his face, and a somewhat handsome appearance that was quite likable.

However, this was only on the surface.

Meng Han asked in a low voice, "Who is he?"

Shu Yu sneered, "Ge Qifei."

Meng Han didn't immediately understand, but in the next moment, she remembered.

Ge Qifei? Wasn't he the one who ran over to break off the engagement with Lan Hua, the one who had a tofu business at home, after he learned that Shu Yu was exiled, fearing he might be implicated?

Although Meng Han had never met Ge Qifei, she had heard about him a long time ago.

She learned about him from Liang Shi. Since the approaching wedding date of Lan Hua and Yu Fenglin, Liang Shi had been very proud, as she was the one who persuaded Li Shi to agree to the marriage in the first place.

She considered herself half a matchmaker and loved to talk about it, inevitably mentioning the unreliable Ge Qifei during her discussions. Yesterday, when Meng Han arrived in Shishi Village, she heard others talking about him too. But on such a joyous occasion, mentioning that person felt ominous, so they quickly changed the subject after a brief comment.

Hence, Meng Han had only heard about Ge Qifei but hadn't seen him in person.

Who would have thought she would run into him like this, meeting with Xu Cai, Lan Hua's good friend?

"Could they be having an affair?" Meng Han asked in a hushed voice.

Shu Yu's lips twitched, and she also thought that this lush and tall sunflower field was surprisingly suitable for a private meeting between a man and a woman, just like the small woods behind the mountain.

Before she could answer, Ge Qifei spoke.

"How's it going? The Lu family's celebration must be lively today, right? Did you bring any food for me? I heard they have top-grade wine for their guests today. Where's the wine?"

Xu Cai pouted and grumbled, "Wine, wine, wine, that's all you think about. I have nothing. I quarreled with Lan Hua."

Ge Qifei's expression suddenly changed. "What did you say?"

Xu Cai hadn't noticed his change in demeanor and continued to complain, "Lan Hua is really clueless. I told her that Lu Xiangjun is not a good person, but she wouldn't believe me. Do you know what gift she gave Lan Hua as a dowry? A set of gold headwear. Lu Shuyu obviously favors Lan Hua so much; she treats her like a treasure. I..."

"You are truly crazy," Ge Qifei couldn't help but raise his voice.

Finally sensing something was wrong, Xu Cai raised her head and asked, "What do you mean? How am I crazy? Lu Shuyu is indeed not a good person. Didn't you say she threatened you?"

"It's because she threatened me that I know how dangerous she can be. Why do you still have to antagonize her? If Lan Hua tells her what you said, have you thought about the consequences?"

Ge Qifei's scalp was tingling as he still remembered the time he tried to act pitiful in front of the Lu family, hoping to gain Lan Hua's sympathy and convince her to reconsider the engagement. But he ended up being caught by Shu Yu herself.

She had just ordered her servant to throw him out without saying much.

 Chapter 1601: Shu Yu Doesn't Want Her to Go Back

Shu Yu turned her head in surprise, "You want to go back? Back to Changjin Prefecture?"

Meng Han nodded. She had been out for a long time. Originally, she planned to delay her return, at least until she saw the blooming sunflowers.

Now the sunflowers were in full bloom, truly stunning and breathtaking.

Although Meng Han didn't want to go back, there were no more excuses to stay here. Leaving home was a rash decision, and she was grateful that her cousin and Shu Yu had taken her in, but this place wasn't her home. She had already stayed here for a long time, and it wouldn't be right to stay forever.

But just the thought of going back and facing Tao Qin and her biased mother made her anxious and resistant.

Shu Yu pursed her lips, with a slight frown.

Currently, Changjin Prefecture was not peaceful. The Emperor in the capital had started feigning illness, indicating he no longer wanted to tolerate the Second and Third Princes. Once the Emperor took action, Qi Lie, who had already infiltrated the Changjin Prefecture's black market, would undoubtedly make his move too.

The Prefect Magistrate of Changjin Prefecture was cunning, and if there was any conflict between the two sides, the entire Changjin Prefecture would likely descend into chaos.

In such a chaotic situation, incidents of looting and violence would naturally happen, and Meng Han, being a young girl, would definitely be at a disadvantage. Moreover, her father was currently away on a long trip with the caravan.

However, Shu Yu wouldn't tell her all these things.

As she walked towards the field, she asked Meng Han, "Does your father know about this?"

Meng Han shook her head, "I received the letter yesterday, but my father wasn't home at that time. Since I had come to Dong'an Prefecture, I didn't have a chance to tell him or my uncle."

Shu Yu nodded, "Let's wait until Lan Hua's wedding is over, then we'll talk to your cousin about it. Whether you go back or not, we need to discuss it carefully."

If Meng Han were to go back to Changjin Prefecture, she should have someone escort her there at least.

Meng Han agreed. She wasn't in a hurry; she could take it one day at a time.

"Let's go back now. Most people have finished lunch, and we should rest a bit before bringing the dowry to the groom's family," Shu Yu suggested.

As Shu Yu turned around, her steps suddenly paused, and Meng Han asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Following Shu Yu's gaze, Meng Han widened her eyes in surprise, "Isn't that Xu Cai? After being driven out by Lan Hua, why is she sneaking into the sunflower field?"

Shu Yu also found it strange. She didn't have much impression of Xu Cai. If it weren't for the instigating words she had heard before, she would have considered her a friend of Lan Hua's.

Now she felt that Xu Cai was too jealous, and it was better not to have any interaction with her.

But why would she sneak into the sunflower field now?

Shu Yu squinted her eyes, thinking that if Xu Cai went to other places, it would be fine, but entering the flower field made her suspect that Xu Cai might be up to no good.

"Let's go and see what's going on."

Now the sunflowers had grown tall and dense. Once someone entered, their figure would be almost completely hidden.

Shu Yu and Meng Han were both skilled, and they quickly followed the faint sound and caught up with Xu Cai.

Before they could take a closer look, they heard a stranger's voice, "Ah Cai, you're here."

 Chapter 743: Shock and Awe (4)

The Grand Secretary, ignoring the murmurs, looked at the ten individuals in front of him—some calm, some joyous, some dejected—and asked expressionlessly, “Do any of you have objections to the results?”

With the scores determined by a group of knowledgeable ministers, mistakes were highly unlikely, and the process was stricter than the autumn exams. Even if there were errors, it would imply questioning the ministers' standards, which was not something anyone would dare to do. Thus, all ten replied in unison, “No objections from the students!”

The Grand Secretary nodded and, at Emperor Huian’s signal, handed out the ten exam papers to the scholars so they could review them.

The scholars were most eager to see Mo Qingze’s policy essay. However, with so many people present, it was difficult for everyone to get a copy. Those fortunate enough to obtain it were deeply impressed by Mo Qingze’s talent, and any lingering envy of his exceptional rating quickly vanished.

The essays rated as excellent were also scrutinized by the crowd, and the comparison with Mo Qingze’s work highlighted their own inadequacies. Many realized that the so-called excellent essays they had previously admired and emulated were actually quite superficial.

As for the three “witnesses” who received poor scores, their papers were examined multiple times. The stark contrast to Mo Qingze’s performance led many to reconsider Mo Qingze’s earlier claim that these three had received undue benefits and falsely accused him. It now seemed that Mo Qingze had been remarkably perceptive.

Not only one or two scholars harbored such thoughts; many had the same suspicion. The looks of skepticism and disdain toward Zhao Gao, Qin Hui, and Wei Zhongxian were evident. The three men appeared pale and dejected, which further confirmed the public's suspicions.

Hearing the praise for her father, Mo Yan felt a deep sense of pride. Her father not only cleared his name but also gained significant acclaim, making it an unparalleled success!

Across the hall, Xiao Ruiyuan looked at his beloved’s radiant smile and felt his own spirits lift. He was already planning to propose once things settled down, eager to bring his beloved home.

The praise for Mo Qingze led some scholars who doubted him to become increasingly dissatisfied. Eventually, one such scholar, incited by others, stormed to the center of the hall and rudely challenged Mo Qingze, “How can a person who resorts to underhanded methods receive an exceptional rating? I’m not convinced. Are you willing to answer my questions?”

The previously pleasant atmosphere was shattered by these words. The crowd looked at the scholar as if he were a fool. Questioning Mo Qingze’s results meant questioning the judgment of the dozen or so ministers who had graded the papers. Moreover, the Emperor himself had verified the results, which implied questioning his competence.

The scholar might not leave the Taihe Hall in one piece! Emperor Huian and the ministers clearly understood the underlying implications of the scholar's challenge. However, since there were others with similar doubts, taking action against this scholar abruptly might worsen the situation. Thus, they chose not to intervene, watching to see how Mo Qingze would handle the provocation.

Unaware of the implications in the scrutinizing gazes, the scholar pressed on when Mo Qingze did not respond, pressing with more insistence, “What’s wrong? Afraid to accept the challenge?”

Such provocative words drew everyone’s attention to Mo Qingze. If he accepted and defeated the challenge, his strength would be beyond doubt, and he would gain widespread fame. If he couldn’t answer even a nameless scholar’s questions, it would cast shadows on his exceptional results and fuel suspicions of foul play.

Mo Yan glared angrily at the Prince of Heng, wishing she could unleash the Five Beasts to attack him. She had noticed that the challenging scholar had glanced at Lin Dalao before speaking and that Lin Dalao had subtly nodded, suggesting that the Prince of Heng might be behind this move.

With nothing she could do at the moment, she mentally noted the Prince of Heng and Lin Dalao as targets for future retribution. Once her father triumphed, she would seek revenge on them.

Mo Qingze, calm and composed, looked at the challenger and asked softly, “If I answer your questions correctly, what will you do?”

The scholar’s expression changed, but he quickly responded with a mocking tone, “Hmph, prove your ability by answering all my questions correctly!”

Mo Qingze, displaying elegance and confidence, said, “In that case, please ask your questions.”

The scholar, taken aback by Mo Qingze’s prompt acceptance, wondered if his exceptional performance was genuine. Yet, he convinced himself that it was merely an act. Despite his doubts, he did not dare to underestimate Mo Qingze and posed a particularly difficult question, leaving other scholars frowning.

To the onlookers, the question seemed challenging, but with Mo Qingze’s exceptional memory and intellect, honed by consuming spirit-infused food and water, he answered swiftly and correctly, without much thought.

“Good!” 

Despite having seen Mo Qingze’s skills before, his rapid and accurate response still astonished everyone. In their excitement, they applauded enthusiastically, forgetting they were in the Taihe Hall. 

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 742: Shock and Awe (3)

After reviewing the essays, Emperor Huian was satisfied with the well-rated essays, but his attention was captured when he saw that one of the essays had been rated as “Exceptional.” His eyes were filled with surprise and delight.

Having reviewed the excellent essays, Emperor Huian had little interest in the remaining three and signaled the Grand Secretary, indicating his approval of the grading results. He returned the test papers and results to him.

The Grand Secretary, observing the eager scholars stretching their necks to see the results, did not keep them waiting. He announced directly, “In this palace examination, one was rated as exceptional, four as excellent, two as average, and three as poor… Zhao Gao, Qin Hui, and Wei Zhongxian are rated as poor… Meng Haoran and Du Fu are rated as excellent… Mo Qingze is rated as exceptional!”

As soon as the announcement was made, a buzz of discussion erupted in the hall, with most expressing their astonishment at Mo Qingze’s exceptional rating.

In Da Chu, whether in the autumn or spring examinations, or in academy and school evaluations, students are rated as poor, average, excellent, special, or exceptional. 

Achieving an exceptional rating is no small feat. There are two fixed requirements for this rating: first, the exam paper must have no more than three mistakes; second, the final policy essay must be flawless and impressive. Especially the latter, if only one person rates an essay as exceptional, it might be acceptable, but being rated as exceptional by a group of evaluators is almost unimaginable!

“Wow, I always knew Mo Qingze was good at his studies and frequently praised by the teachers. I didn’t expect him to achieve such an exceptional rating in such a short time. It’s truly impressive! No wonder he dared to propose the palace examination!” exclaimed a scholar from Changshan Academy, clearly admiring Mo Qingze’s achievement.

This comment quickly received agreement from other scholars of Changshan Academy: “Indeed, all the scholars from Changshan Academy are exceptional, so how could they resort to unscrupulous means? Mo Qingze is truly innocent. It was worth braving the cold to support him!”

Although there was a bit of jealousy, preserving the reputation of Changshan Academy and making a strong impression on Emperor Huian and the nobles was more important. The greater the academy’s fame, the more benefits the scholars received, so any jealousy quickly turned into admiration for Mo Qingze!

“No one expected the result to be like this. Does this mean Mo Qingze couldn’t have cheated?” Some scholars who had doubts about Mo Qingze asked their companions, uncertain about how to accept the outcome.

A nearby friend rolled their eyes: “Even the top scholar of this year’s autumn exam only got a special rating. Mo Qingze surpassed even the top scholar. With such skill, cheating is out of the question.”

Similar conversations occurred among many scholars. Some supported Mo Qingze, others had their doubts alleviated, while a few remained unwilling to accept the outcome and believed there might be “hidden manipulations”:

“Humph, let’s not forget he’s the daughter of a Marquis who has contributed to the country. Who knows if everything was arranged in advance?”

“That’s right, achieving an exceptional rating is harder than climbing to the sky. It’s not something easily attained. Besides, it involves the Crown Prince. To clear Mo Qingze’s name, the Crown Prince would be safe. It’s possible that this was arranged beforehand!”

These voices were numerous but kept low to avoid attracting trouble. 

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 741: Shock and Awe (2)

Compared to the others who quickly and intensely focused on their writing, Mo Qingze appeared unusually relaxed. Despite his seemingly slow pace, he never paused, and the questions seemed effortless to him, as if he could write the answers without any difficulty.

The crowd's attention was initially on Mo Qingze, shifting from indifference to amazement. If it weren't for the Grand Secretary's assurance that the difficulty of the questions was comparable to the autumn examination and the normal performance of the other nine, they might have thought the questions were too easy!

Prince Heng noticed the gap between Mo Qingze and the other nine and his expression darkened. He clenched his fists tightly, cursing the initial arrangements that had allowed Mo Qingze to find a way out. Otherwise, he would have been convicted long ago, and the person sitting next to him would have faced a grim fate as well.

Chu Heng, observing Prince Heng's grim expression, was very satisfied with Mo Qingze's performance. Although he wasn’t sure of Mo Qingze’s exact abilities, this display indicated that he was a formidable competitor. In fact, Chu Heng was grateful for this opportunity, as it provided a chance to undermine Prince Heng and the Lin family.

The hall was quiet, with only the subtle sounds of pages turning. Waiting was a tedious and monotonous task, but no one was willing to leave.

Three hours is neither long nor short. By noon, when it was time for lunch, only half the time had passed. Not just the ten who were focused on answering the questions, but even the observing scholars were feeling hungry.

The imperial kitchen had prepared meals, and Emperor Huian ordered that the food be sent to the side hall for everyone to serve themselves. He, along with Chu Heng and the princes, returned to the inner palace for their meal.

Mo Yan went to the side hall to get two portions of food. She ate one herself and took the other to her father.

Even though the time was tight, Mo Qingze still had time to eat. He took the food, savoring it slowly and thoroughly, while the other nine, increasingly hungry, found it hard to concentrate on their writing.

Despite the unfinished questions, the nine participants forced themselves to continue answering, pushing aside their hunger to avoid an embarrassing result.

After lunch, everyone returned to the Taihe Hall. Mo Qingze and the others had finished their meal and resumed writing. Shortly after, Emperor Huian, Chu Heng, and the other princes returned. Seeing there was still an hour left, everyone, except Prince Heng, patiently continued to wait.

At the third quarter of the afternoon, as the incense burned out, marking the end of the allotted time, the Grand Secretary declared, “Time’s up.”

Mo Qingze put down his pen, stood up, and looked at his completed test papers with a smile, clearly confident in his performance.

In stark contrast, the three witnesses looked pale and dejected, clearly not performing well. Seeing Mo Qingze’s confident demeanor left them almost incapacitated, their bodies swaying as if on the brink of collapse.

The other six participants also did not fare any better. Although they completed the questions within the three hours, they had no time to review the ones they were unsure about. They were uncertain whether their performance would make a strong impression on Emperor Huian and the nobles.

The grading was handled by the Grand Secretary and several Hanlin Academy scholars. It took half an hour to assess all ten sets of answers. The Grand Secretary presented the completed papers and results respectfully to Emperor Huian, who bypassed the easily identifiable subjective questions and focused on the final policy essays. 

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 1600: Let Meng Han Return Home

Lan Hua's voice turned even colder, "You're trying to sow discord between us sisters and still claim to be a good person? I know what kind of person Ah Yu is better than you. Without her, there wouldn't be who I am today. Even if she didn't give such a generous gift, I wouldn't think she did anything wrong."

Over these two years, visible or invisible, Ah Yu had given her so much.

She could do what she liked, receive a monthly salary, learn skills, and live a life she could only dream of before.

If it weren't for Ah Yu, she might have ended up marrying Ge Qifei, who had broken off their engagement. She might have lived a miserable life by now.

"Xu Cai, we've always been good friends. You were at home, and I was in the county, so we didn't meet often. But I still considered you my best friend. I never thought you would want to disturb our peaceful life at home."

Lan Hua was a bit vain, and Xu Cai was similar.

But people always had their flaws, and it wasn't a big issue. However, saying such malicious words on her wedding day crossed the line.

In the past, the inexperienced Lan Hua might have fallen for it, but now she was more mature, having encountered all sorts of people and experienced the intrigues of wealthy families. She wouldn't be easily swayed by someone like Xu Cai.

"Xu Cai, just go. We're not friends anymore."

Xu Cai was infuriated and retorted, "Fine, I'm leaving. Don't regret it. You'll cry later."

Shu Yu had heard enough and immediately pulled Meng Han away as Xu Cai was about to come out.

Instead of returning to the backyard, they decided to leave the place altogether.

After walking quite a distance, Shu Yu suddenly realized that Meng Han had been walking with her head lowered and remained silent since she dragged her out.

Why did she look so melancholic?

Shu Yu waved her hand in front of Meng Han, "What are you thinking? That person's scheme didn't work, yet you're not happy?"

"I am happy. It proves that Lan Hua's eyes are sharp," Meng Han defended herself but then slumped her shoulders, saying weakly, "I am just envious of your close sisterly bond."

Unlike her, who had a blood-related cousin like Tao Qin, but the latter had always exploited her and compared herself to Meng Han, making them bitter enemies.

As a result, Meng Han had never had a close friend since childhood, all because of Tao Qin.

Shu Yu rubbed her head, "When we were eavesdropping, you seemed enthusiastic. Now you're feeling sentimental? Sisterhood is not solely based on blood relations. Just like how you don't like your uncle's family, look at me, I don't like them either. But we both have cousins, and whether they are cousins or brothers, they protect you. How many people in this world would envy you for that?"

"Mm-hmm." Meng Han chuckled at her words, "Ah Yu, you're so amazing. I was upset, and you managed to cheer me up with just a few words. You're right; I have two brothers who treat me well."

After a pause, she sighed again, looking pitiful, "Unfortunately, I'm about to part with my cousin."

"What happened?"

"My family sent a letter, asking me to return."

 Chapter 1599: Meng Han Leads Her to Eavesdrop

Shu Yu quickly got up from the dining table following Meng Han's actions and hurriedly walked to the front hall.

"Where are you taking me?" Shu Yu asked when she saw Meng Han slowing down and acting stealthily. She couldn't help but rub her forehead.

Meng Han made a hushing sound, "Sister Shu Yu, someone was badmouthing you, I'll take you to listen."

Shu Yu's mouth twitched, and before she could say anything, Meng Han pulled her down to squat.

Upon closer look, she realized they were hiding beneath the window of Lan Hua's chamber.

Shu Yu couldn't help but exclaim, "With so many guests from Uncle's family coming and going today, if we hide here, we'll be spotted in no time."

Meng Han thought about it and asked Ying Xi to keep watch.

Shu Yu, "..."

Before she could say anything else, the voices from inside Lan Hua's room reached their ears. Someone was talking, "Lan Hua, don't take my words lightly. Your cousin is just here to show off. Look at how she behaves after arriving. Everyone is fawning over her, surrounding her, and talking to her. You're the bride, but she's stealing the limelight. Isn't she just trying to steal the show?"

Meng Han whispered to Shu Yu, "This person is Lan Hua's friend. I inquired earlier; they used to be the best of friends in the village."

Meng Han was acting as Lan Hua's close friend and had a good relationship with her, even though she had come here not long ago.

When everyone else went to have lunch, she was the only one left in the room, keeping Lan Hua company.

Apart from them, there was also Lan Hua's close friend named Xu Cai.

Just now, Xu Cai had used an excuse to send Meng Han away, and Meng Han, being smart, didn't like Xu Cai much. So, she walked slowly and quietly to the window sill.

Then, they heard Xu Cai talking ill of Shu Yu in a sarcastic tone. Without hesitation, Meng Han ran to the backyard and dragged Shu Yu over.

Shu Yu knew Xu Cai. She was like Lan Hua, someone who liked dressing up but couldn't afford it.

The last time Lan Hua went to sell ribbons in Peach Blossom Forest, she went there with Xu Cai and ended up being blocked by 3 young masters and save by Lu Sanzhu in the water.

"Lan Hua, I'm telling you this for your own good. You should distance yourself from that cousin of yours. She's just here to show off. Look at her, how everyone is flattering her and crowding around her. You're the bride, but she's stealing the spotlight. Isn't she just here to ruin your celebration?" Xu Cai said in a gloomy tone.

Meng Han was indignant, "What is she saying? She..."

Before she could finish her sentence, they heard Lan Hua's cold voice from inside the room, "Have you said enough?"

"Lan Hua..."

"You can leave. I'll pretend I don't have a friend like you."

Xu Cai was taken aback, "What do you mean? I'm just saying this for your own good."

"You're saying it's for my own good, then why don't you be like my cousin, giving me a set of accessories? Instead, you just gave me two ribbons. And you still have the nerve to complain about the wedding gifts? Who do you think you are?" Lan Hua retorted.

Xu Cai was so angered that she fell backward, "Lan Hua, you don't know how to appreciate a good friend."

 Chapter 740: Shock and Awe (1)

Time flew by quickly, and the day of the public contest arrived.

The contest was set to begin at the third watch of the morning. By then, many of those who had participated in the public trial were already waiting at the palace gates. Those who hadn't had the chance to participate crowded the gates, but were stopped by the guards and could only watch enviously as groups of scholars entered the palace.

Mo Yan also arrived early. Compared to the last time, she felt less anxious today. As soon as she got out of the carriage, she saw Xiao Ruiyuan standing elegantly by the palace gate.

Xiao Ruiyuan had come earlier than before, having left Chu Heng to arrive on his own. He kept a watchful eye on the passing carriages and spotted Mo Yan immediately.

Across the long queue, the two exchanged smiles. Mo Yan was admitted by the palace guards directly, and Xiao Ruiyuan followed closely behind. They conversed at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, avoiding drawing excessive attention from others.

The contest was to be held in the Taihe Hall. The examination questions were formulated by the current Grand Secretary and several Hanlin Academy scholars, based on the difficulty and scope of the autumn examination.

However, the contest could not take seven days like the autumn examination; that would be too time-consuming. The questions were condensed into a single booklet, which had to be completed within three hours.

This made the contest much more pressing in terms of time, even if the difficulty level was similar to the autumn examination. Completing the test within three hours, let alone achieving a good score, was a challenging task.

Among the questions was a policy essay, which, although reduced from eight thousand words to one thousand, was known to be even harder to write brilliantly when condensed. Overall, achieving a good score in this contest was significantly more difficult than the autumn examination.

To more accurately assess Mo Qingze’s true abilities, ten sets of questions were prepared. In addition to Mo Qingze and the three witnesses, six of the top twenty successful candidates from the autumn examination were randomly selected to participate.

Most scholars who had endured years of hard study sought fame and success through their education. Such an opportunity to appear before the emperor was extremely appealing to these six candidates. Even if they did not catch the emperor’s eye, being noticed by other nobles present could significantly shorten their path to success.

However, once the results were announced, some of these six candidates, despite their real talents, ended up overshadowed as mere background to Mo Qingze.

When Emperor Huian arrived at the Taihe Hall, everyone paid their respects. Ten desks and chairs were then brought into the hall, with ink, brushes, and paper set up. After the scholars present inspected them to ensure no tampering, Mo Qingze and the other three were escorted in by the guards and took their places among the six other participants.

Mo Qingze had changed out of the damaged clothing from before and was now dressed in a blue cotton robe, which made his already handsome face appear even more composed and elegant, as if victory was assured.

In contrast, the three witnesses looked restless, their brows furrowed since entering the hall.

With everyone watching, the exam was conducted under the scrutiny of all present. This ensured that no cheating or falsification could occur, testing the true abilities of each participant. The presence of so many people was itself a test of mental fortitude.

As the time approached, Emperor Huian nodded to Eunuch Liang, signaling that it was time to begin.

Eunuch Liang understood and announced loudly to the hall, “The time is now five quarters past the hour, and the contest begins—”

As his words ended, a young eunuch placed the lit incense into the incense burner. This incense was specially used to keep time, burning for exactly three hours. 

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 739: A Perfect Counterattack at the Trial (4)

“Mm.” Mo Yan furrowed her brows, biting her lip as she responded softly.

Her concern had been mounting ever since Mo Qingze proposed the public contest. It wasn’t that she doubted her father’s abilities, but the gravity of the situation made it impossible not to worry. She wanted to ask Xiao Ruiyuan about the other ways to prove her father’s innocence but hesitated.

Seeing her desire to know but her careful restraint, Xiao Ruiyuan’s heart softened. “No matter what happens, I won’t let anything happen to Uncle Mo. Once the contest is over and he proves his innocence, you’ll be reunited with your family. Trust me, okay?”

His already deep and melodious voice, now tinged with a hint of pleading, gradually soothed Mo Yan’s restless heart. She nodded, her eyes filled with trust as she looked at Xiao Ruiyuan.

The intensity in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes warmed his heart, but his gaze unconsciously fell on Mo Yan’s lips, which had been touched by her own teeth. A sudden dryness overcame him, and an inexplicable urge surged through him, making him feel a strong impulse to embrace her and kiss her deeply. It seemed that only by doing so could he quell this sudden yearning.

As a man in his twenties, he was well aware of where this desire came from. This knowledge made him feel extremely ashamed, as though he had desecrated her, especially in such an inappropriate situation and when she was at her most vulnerable.

However, some things are beyond one’s control, even for someone like him, who had been a battle-hardened general.

Mo Yan was startled by the intensity in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes and instinctively took a couple of steps back. They were at the palace gate, where people frequently passed by. If they were seen engaging in inappropriate behavior, it would quickly spread throughout the city.

Her retreat caused Xiao Ruiyuan to snap back to reality, and he felt a wave of embarrassment, wishing he could escape far away. His usual expression made it hard for anyone unfamiliar with him to notice his discomfort.

Mo Yan, having her head lowered, missed this rare display of vulnerability from Xiao Ruiyuan. Even if she had seen it, she would not have understood why he felt embarrassed due to her inexperience.

Chu Heng, upon seeing Emperor Huian leave, noticed the odd atmosphere between the man and woman at the gate. He approached curiously and saw the remaining redness on Xiao Ruiyuan’s face.

“Han Zhang, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?”

Chu Heng reached out to check Xiao Ruiyuan’s forehead.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s face darkened, and he quickly stepped back. “No!”

“Your complexion is unusual. Even if it’s not a fever, there must be another issue. Let the old doctor take a look,” Chu Heng said with concern, insisting that the ghost physician check his cousin.

The ghost physician, who had previously avoided the conversation to give them privacy, came over upon hearing Chu Heng’s request and took Xiao Ruiyuan’s wrist to check his pulse.

Chu Heng and the ghost physician’s concern was understandable. Xiao Ruiyuan had been at the border since he was thirteen, enduring numerous battles and injuries over the years. Some of his wounds, while appearing healed, might have left hidden ailments that could manifest in various problems later in life.

Xiao Ruiyuan did not refuse the ghost physician’s good intentions, but the ghost physician’s next words almost made him bite his tongue in embarrassment. 

“Hmm, Xiao is fine physically, but he’s just a young man with a lot of internal heat. He should take more cold baths,” the ghost physician said, casting a meaningful glance at Mo Yan and stressing the words “internal heat.”

Though usually serious, the ghost physician couldn’t resist poking fun at Xiao Ruiyuan. If the situation were different, he would have thoroughly teased him.

Mo Yan didn’t catch the hidden meaning in the ghost physician’s words and wondered how cold baths could help with internal heat, especially as it was already winter. She suggested, “Cold baths might cause illness in winter. Wouldn’t it be better to drink more mung bean soup?”

“Cough, cough!”

As a fellow man, Chu Heng understood the old doctor’s hint and, upon hearing Mo Yan’s serious suggestion about mung bean soup, choked on his breath and began coughing violently, his face turning red.

Previously, Xiao Ruiyuan would have been concerned about Chu Heng’s reactions. This time, however, he watched with amusement as Chu Heng and the ghost physician exchanged banter, eventually pulling Mo Yan away to prevent further inappropriate talk.

Fortunately, there were no other witnesses at the palace gate, so no one saw the couple holding hands as they left.

Watching their harmonious figures disappear into the distance, Chu Heng finally stopped coughing and wore a mixed expression of satisfaction and disappointment.

The ghost physician pretended not to notice, stroking his beard and saying, “I’ve watched Xiao grow up and never expected to see him so popular. Haha, it’s truly a joyful occasion. Your Highness, be sure to have the kitchen prepare extra dishes tonight for a proper celebration.”

Chu Heng: “…”

So now, in the ghost physician’s eyes, his cousin was considered a nobody until now?

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 1598: Shu Yu's Wedding Gift

Lan Hua didn't believe what Shu Yu said because Shu Yu had always been generous and never treated people poorly.

She carefully placed the small box on the nearby table and then proceeded to open the large box.

As soon as she opened it slightly, a brilliant light shone out.

Lan Hua couldn't help but hold her breath, and when the box was fully opened, the people around her gasped in amazement.

"It's a complete set of head ornaments, all made of gold!"

When Zhou Qiao got married to Da Niu, she also gave her a set of head ornaments, but back then, Shu Yu didn't have much money, and Zhou Qiao was her sister-in-law. Therefore, the set she gave was relatively valuable, but not extremely expensive.

However, when Shu You got married, it was her own elder sister, and she had endured so much hardship in the past. Shu Yu cherished her dearly, so she naturally gave a generous gift. In addition to the deed of the Yiren Pavilion, she also gifted a pair of white jade bracelets, twenty mu of land outside the city, and various other items.

This set of head accessories for Lan Hua was purchased by Shu Yu in the city. The jewelry was complete, and the style was exquisite, making it exceptionally valuable among all the wedding makeup gifts.

As Lan Hua looked at the wedding gift and then at the items in the small box, her heart was filled with excitement.

Although the Lu family was doing well now, and she could earn money herself, occasionally buying some small items was no problem.

But she had to admit that she didn't have the means to buy a complete set of makeup and jewelry.

The wedding gifts from Shu Yu and her sister were truly treasures that touched her heart.

She looked up and said, "Thank you, Sister Ah Yu."

"No need to thank me, I'm glad you like it."

Grandma Lu chimed in, "Alright, alright, both Ah Yu and Ah You have given their gifts, write down the items on the list."

These were all part of Lan Hua's dowry. The more and the more valuable the dowry, the more attention she would receive after marrying into her husband's family.

But as long as husband and wife were harmonious, they didn't need to worry about anything.

The two boxes were closed again. Since the items were valuable and there were many people in the room, they were locked up, tied with red cloth, and placed in the dowry chest.

Afterward, more people came one after another to give gifts. Shu Yu stayed in the room for a while before leaving.

Not long after, the procession carrying the dowry arrived amidst the sound of firecrackers.

They tied the items together, double-checked everything, and then started having their lunch.

Today's guests were all close relatives, but since Li Shi wanted to make it grand, they also invited quite a few villagers, including the village head, Fan Zhong, and his family.

Fan Zhong now liked to talk to Shu Yu. The last time he even criticized her for planting sunflowers, saying that if something happened, they wouldn't even have enough food to eat.

But soon after, the households planting sunflowers had a bountiful harvest, and Shu Yu kept her promise by purchasing them.

As for the other families with fewer sunflowers, let's not mention them. Just talking about Daqiang's family, they were thriving now. Da Zhuang was getting engaged, and Da Niu became his brother-in-law. People kept coming to propose marriage for Da Qiang.

Even the village head himself was tempted.

He thought about the more than ten mu of land they had at home. They didn't need to plant sunflowers on all of it; five or six mu would do just fine.

Shu Yu didn't refuse this either. Although she already had hundreds of mu of sunflower fields, it was still not enough. As long as the quality of the sunflowers met the standard, she would buy them.

Fan Zhong was overjoyed and said that after Lan Hua's marriage, they would start drafting the contract.

Happily, he poured wine for Shu Yu, who didn't like drinking, and just then, Meng Han rushed over to find her.

 Chapter 1597: Lan Hua's Wedding Makeup Ceremony

Today, the Lu family was exceptionally lively as Li Shi was determined to make a grand celebration for Lan Hua's marriage. Therefore, on the day of sending the dowry, she invited seven or eight tables of guests.

It was fortunate that the main house of the Lu family had been renovated, and the courtyard was spacious enough; otherwise, they would have to set up the banquet outside.

When Shu Yu got off the carriage and entered the main gate, she was greeted by a crowd of people. Many villagers who were not invited also came to join the festivities.

People around her made way as she walked, and they greeted her with warm smiles.

Despite finding it difficult to walk on this joyous day, Shu Yu patiently answered everyone's questions, whether they were familiar with her or not, and everything went harmoniously.

Finally reaching the entrance of the main hall, her back was drenched in sweat, even though the weather was cool today, she felt no relief.

She first went to find Grandma Lu, who was in Lan Hua's chamber, discussing the things that still needed to be prepared.

Later in the evening, the people from the groom's side would come to take the dowry away after they finished lunch.

The old lady was currently doing the final calculations to ensure nothing was missing.

Lan Hua's room was also crowded with mostly young girls and married women. Lan Hua sat quietly on the bed, listening attentively and shyly to the old lady's words.

Someone suddenly shouted, "Miss Lu is here!"

Everyone in the room turned their heads and looked at Shu Yu.

Grandma Lu smiled brightly and raised her hand, saying, "We were just talking about you. You've arrived at the right time."

Shu Yu entered the room, and Grandma Lu pulled her to sit next to Lan Hua.

Shu Yu let out a sigh, and the old lady chuckled, immediately asking someone to bring her some sweet syrup to drink.

As soon as Shu Yu finished her drink, people around her started to engage her in conversation.

Especially the lottery event she held at the city some days ago had become quite a sensation and news had spread to Shishi Village.

The extraordinary lottery event had piqued everyone's curiosity, and they wanted to hear the stories first-hand while Shu Yu was present.

But Shu Yu didn't say much; after all, she wasn't the center of attention today. She briefly introduced the event and then interrupted the questions, smiling, "Alright, we can talk about those things later. The people to carry the dowry should be arriving soon, and I still need to finish the wedding gift."

Wedding Gift...

This caught everyone's interest, and they eagerly asked, "What kind of wedding gift did Lord Lu prepare?"

Shu Yu took a large box from Ying Xi's hand and a small box from another maid, then handed them both to Lan Hua.

"This is my sister's wedding gifts. Since she couldn't come, she entrusted me to bring it for you. As for mine, I'm just an ordinary person and have no creative ideas like my sister, so I can only give you something to adorn yourself with."

Lan Hua's eyes lit up, and she carefully opened the small box.

Inside the box were a pair of white jade mandarin ducks and a pair of pearl earrings. The items were not big, but they were exquisite and beautiful.

The people standing nearby couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful."

Lan Hua was pleasantly surprised, "This... is it a gift from Sister You?"

"Yes, she regrets not being able to attend your wedding, so she prepared these gifts in advance." Shu Yu smiled, "As for me, I'm just an ordinary person and don't know what to give. I don't have my sister's clever wedding gift idea, so I can only give you some accessories to wear."