27 Viewing the Results

The room fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop.

Cui Xiu, terrified of being misunderstood as harboring treacherous ambitions, hurriedly knelt, his face pale as he explained, "Uncle, no... that’s not it. I just... I just wanted to find the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets*! There are several versions, and the academic edition differs from the private family collection!"

Wishing to study diligently alongside his older brothers, he naturally wanted to collect all the versions available in the dynasty. As the saying goes, if a craftsman wants to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools.

"Please don't be angry anymore. We won't look for it, we really won't. And please don't..."

His voice, trembling with fear and anxiety, shattered the stillness of the room. Cui Hu, who had been shocked by his father’s choice of words, immediately snapped back to reality. He glanced down at Cui Xiu, who was kneeling with a pleading, humble expression, looking like a little puppy terrified of being abandoned, and felt a pang of heartache.

He spoke up immediately, "Father, we’re just looking at books; it’s not like we’re trying to strip the estate of its inheritance! Besides, that so-called 'dowry' talk was just... just a cover story we thought up for outsiders."

Cui Enhou remained unmoved, letting out a cold snort.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the room turned even more rigid, and a suffocating pressure descended.

Cui Cong looked at his kneeling younger brother, then stole a glance at Cui Enhou, whose face remained stern. At this moment, his uncle did not look like his usual kind-hearted self, but rather like a Duke with accumulated authority; his gaze was cold, like a drawn blade, sharp enough to make one’s blood run cold.

It made one believe for a moment in the power of environment, believing that the Emperor was indeed a carefully groomed nephew.

Fearing the consequences, Cui Cong also dropped to his knees, performing a formal bow of a junior. Meanwhile, he racked his brain to figure out the reason behind Cui Enhou’s shift in attitude. Guessing cautiously, he spoke slowly, "U-Uncle, are you angry because we lack the strength yet still harbor thoughts of reading the private collection, wanting to be like the child who flaunts gold in the marketplace? After all, even... even the Martial Emperor was low-key enough to just have people transcribe them, without making the matter public, precisely to protect you and Brother Hu."

Cui Hu listened to this and carefully deliberated on his father’s usual style of doing things.

"Low-key protection" was a term that really didn't sound like his father at all!

Pondering this, Cui Hu, relying on his status as the only legitimate heir, looked at his father with bright, piercing eyes and said, "Father, we don't want to read the Zhang family’s collection; we want to study the books in the... the Imperial Study..."

Biting his tongue to stop himself from saying "Imperial," Cui Hu turned to look at his two kneeling cousins, then back at the snorting Cui Enhou, and leaned over to whisper in his father’s ear, "Can the books in the Imperial Study not be shared?"

"That’s not it." Cui Enhou looked at these two cubs who could actually use their heads to think and had their own opinions, and nodded with satisfaction. He said gently, "Cui Xiu, if nothing else, you need to learn from your brothers. When encountering unexpected situations, you must think for yourself and have your own opinions, and you must persist!"

Never having expected his uncle to turn kind-hearted and educational again, Cui Xiu felt his whole body trembling. This... this strangely reminded him of the saying, "Accompanying a monarch is like accompanying a tiger."

One had to know that Cui Xiu had already learned to be quite bold in the Cui family; he had even... even dared to speak up and explain himself. He was nothing like the "little stone" he used to be.

But... it seemed his uncle was right. He... because of fear and dread, he hadn't dared to persist.

Cui Xiu bowed his head in deep remorse, reflecting on himself.

Cui Enhou, sitting upright in the grand armchair, watched as Cui Xiu looked pitiful, not only letting tears fall one by one but also breaking into a cold sweat on his forehead. He looked so wretched and pathetic.

"You two, help Cui Xiu up first," Cui Enhou ordered.

"Thank you, Uncle, I can get up myself," Cui Xiu said, quickly bracing his arms and slowly standing up straight.

Seeing his frightened brother, Cui Hu hurried out to fetch a cup of milk and handed his favorite little tiger doll to Cui Xiu: "It’s alright. Your uncle was just teasing you."

Cui Cong also gently patted Cui Xiu’s back, offering comfort.

Feeling the warmth and kindness flowing from those around him, Cui Xiu stopped his sobbing and whispered, "I... I'm not afraid. I... I want to learn to think, to be as capable as my brothers and Uncle."

Hearing this, his uncle chuckled and fiddled with his teacup, looking at the three brothers getting along harmoniously, thinking it was a beautiful sight.

Feeling the warm atmosphere flowing between the brothers, Cui Enhou cleared his throat, assumed the posture of a head of the household, and said in a deep voice, "Although I cannot teach you high-minded principles, I have many capable people around me, and I have seen many things. The Martial Emperor once told me to remember the difference between sentiment and duty."

At the mention of the Martial Emperor, Cui Xiu gripped his two brothers' hands tightly, trying his best to calm down, and pricked up his ears to listen.

Cui Hu and Cui Cong also turned serious.

"To ensure the authority of the eldest legitimate son, the eldest is entitled to seventy percent of the family's property rights. Of course, nowadays, there are cases where the legitimate son gets seventy percent and the concubine-born sons get thirty, and then the rest is split evenly. In any case, as long as the family agrees, it's fine. But no matter how it's distributed, the legitimate son naturally receives more than the concubine-born, because besides the father’s property, he also fully enjoys the mother's dowry."

Cui Enhou raised his finger and pointed at Cui Xiu, who was being held on his brother's lap, articulating clearly: "Cui Xiu, you are currently the only concubine-born son in our family. Your concubine-mother was someone I rented; she has no private property. I know you are smart, so you must remember this. When the family is divided in the future, you will have less than your brother, and even less than what the Duke’s heir possesses."

Cui Xiu heard these earnest words and met the sharp, vigilant eyes looking at him.

He had wanted to stand up and bow to Cui Enhou to answer, but as he struggled to leave his brother's lap, he caught the pity in Cui Cong’s eyes—there was no vigilance or wariness, only concern.

His brother was so magnanimous, not at all like a typical eldest legitimate son.

It made him unable to resist wanting to act like a spoiled child, disregarding all rules.

Sitting on his brother's lap, held by both his brother's arms, he answered: "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle. I know. Nanny Yu and the others have already taught me that a good man must carve out his own path with his own hands. The storybook *The Seven Star Generals* also says this—one must rely on oneself!"

"And my brothers have taught me, too, to play the pity card."

As he spoke, Cui Xiu curled his lips into a smile, looked back at Cui Hu with a sincere expression, and finally looked at his own brother, saying clearly: "Compared to the farm boys who can't afford to study, Cui Xiu is already very fortunate to be able to read, write, and make something of himself."

Hearing this, Cui Enhou looked at the two cubs smiling with pride and laughed along, "You three brothers have a good relationship. Cui Hu, it’s fine if you want to give your things away, and I don't mind. But what happens once you step outside the gates of the Rongguo Mansion? The world’s rules and etiquette will judge you harshly."

"At that point, public opinion is a terrifying thing."

Hearing this term out of the blue, Cui Hu, as the son in question, was the first to tear down his father's facade: "Father, if the rumors ever reached you or the Cui family, you would only raise your arms and shout, 'Let's go, let's drag the Censorate down to the grave with us!'"

One of the Censorate’s duties was to report based on rumors, advising the Emperor above and supervising civil and military officials below.

But they no longer dared to impeach the Duke of Rongguo.

Because the Duke of Rongguo had once gone mad on the spot: when impeached for abusing his power, the Duke dared to report his own estate and servants to the Ministry of Justice for a thorough investigation. He then used the "innocence" certificate issued by the Ministry of Justice to sue the Censorate in return. In the end, one-third of the Censorate’s officials were exiled.

Cui Cong followed suit, looking extremely solemn, and bowed to Cui Enhou with Cui Xiu: "Uncle, if Cui Xiu succeeds, I will certainly be happy, Brother Hu will be happy, and you will be even happier to see it."

"As long as we, as a family, are happy, why fear others being jealous, sour, or sowing discord?"

Cui Cong deliberately emphasized the last four words.

Cui Enhou, who was indeed quite happy to have a little genius in the family, listened to these resounding words. Looking at Cui Cong—who knew how to scheme, protect his younger brother, and was magnanimous—Cui Enhou said with a smile, "I am happy that you brothers are harmonious. Remember, when you marry in the future, don't let your wives' pillow talk confuse you."

After giving this warning, Cui Enhou’s expression sank: "However, since we’re on the subject, don’t blame your uncle for speaking the ugly truth first. Cui Cong, Cui Xiu, when you stand on your own in the future, whether it's the books from the Imperial Study or those from the Zhang family, if they are useful to you, you may copy them and take them with you. I give my permission."

"I am setting this family rule now, and even when Hu’er becomes the head of the house in the future, he cannot change it!"

"But you cannot touch them now!"

Cui Hu was dumbfounded: "Father, why? You’ve already agreed. Then let the younger brothers look at the books now, look at the books for the exams; who knows, they might just win the top scholar title for you!"

Cui Cong couldn't help but express his confusion: "U-Uncle, I have thought about the idea of 'flaunting gold in the marketplace.' But... but looking at your words and actions, you don't seem worried about this. So why exactly won't you let us read the books in advance?"

Cui Xiu looked at his two brothers and, emboldened, nodded: "Read the books, Uncle, I will study hard and win the top scholar title for you!"

"Since ancient times, excessive intelligence leads to injury!" Cui Enhou, hearing their declarations, slammed the table: "Especially you, you little rabbit who has a photographic memory. Forget everything else; it’s just a county-level exam question, is it worth obsessing over? With your 'get to the bottom of everything' attitude, Cui Xiu, what if you learn to read and start studying? You’ll hang your head from the beam and prick your thigh with an awl; what if you go crazy?"

Cui Hu and Cui Cong, hearing this, looked down at their younger brother, who was not even as tall as their waists, and both turned pale—this concern was valid.

Since ancient times, young children had to be raised with extreme care.

Cui Xiu was only four years old, full-count. At the moment, for him, reading and practicing martial arts were not the most important things; he needed to have a healthy body first!

"And besides..." Watching the two older rabbits finally understand his concern, Cui Enhou signaled them to come closer, then looked at Cui Xiu—whose eyes were still a bit red, but who stood upright with proper decorum, already showing signs of brilliance—and let out a deep sigh.

With a hint of desperate difficulty, he spoke slowly in a low voice: "I am afraid that Cui Xiu is a 'child star' destined for a short life."

Although said softly, he didn't suppress his voice. Therefore, not only did Cui Hu and Cui Cong hear it clearly, but even Cui Xiu heard Cui Enhou’s worry.

For a moment, Cui Xiu felt that all his talent as a prodigy was about to dissolve in the face of such sincere concern into the most... the simplest and purest cry: "U-Uncle."

Watching Cui Xiu’s eyes shimmer with tears, Cui Enhou hurriedly said, "Don't cry, don't cry. Uncle is saying you are good. Smart and clever, a little golden boy from under the seat of the Bodhisattva in your past life. You’ve just descended to the mortal world to endure a trial!"

"Right, right, right." Cui Hu nodded along: "Cui Xiu looks like he has a glorious family background, but in reality, we have an unreliable family that is constantly on the verge of beheading. It’s just like what the sage said: 'When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a man, it first disciplines his mind and exhausts his muscles!'"

He knew about the "child star" fate; it was said that An'an, from Aunt Changping’s house, had been a child star.

An exceptionally brilliant child, but unfortunately, he was plagued by disasters and illnesses, dying before the age of eight from coughing up blood due to studying too hard.

It was because of this that Aunt Changping had grown more and more insane, hating scholars while simultaneously keeping young scholars in her house.

Thinking of the taboo that no one dared mention in the neighboring Princess Changping’s mansion, Cui Hu looked at the energetic Cui Xiu and felt a lingering fear: "Father, you... you have considered everything thoroughly. We should wait until we are older and our bodies are stronger before we study."

Cui Xiu listened to the words spoken out of concern for him, his eyes reddening: "I will try my best to live well. I want to be proficient in both literature and martial arts!"

Cui Enhou shuddered in fear.

Cui Cong was also quite worried: "Our energy is limited, little brother, you should focus on growing up first!"

Cui Hu nodded like a chick pecking at rice: "Being proficient in both is quite tiring, as long as we are happy, that's enough."

Watching the two older brothers take responsibility and persuade Cui Xiu to abandon certain ideas, Cui Enhou was just about to sigh in relief when he caught sight of someone proficient in both literature and martial arts entering the room.

Glancing at Cui Qianting, who was holding a book, Cui Enhou rolled his eyes: "Pei Xuejing isn't even home, can't you let them rest for a day? They were already tired enough from their last-minute cramming."

Cui Qianting scanned the three people with their varied expressions, bent down, and handed the books in his hands to Cui Xiu, whose eyes were red and clearly had been crying: "Private collection editions and academic editions of the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets*! You two brothers, while Master Pei is busy, take a pen and copy them yourselves."

"Cong’er, copy an extra set and send it to Sister Yue."

Cui Xiu flipped through the books in his hand, looking at the still-wet ink, and looked up at the somber-faced Cui Qianting, "Father, Father... are you... did you raid the storage room?"

Taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat, Cui Qianting, whose eyes were a bit dark, gave a calm "Mm."

Hearing this, Cui Enhou was filled with curiosity, stood up to look at the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets*, and clicked his tongue twice: "That’s not right, Cui Qianting. If you were going to raid the storage room, you would have definitely sent Cui Hu and Cui Cong to do it."

"Where did this really come from?"

Cui Hu and Cui Cong were also quite curious, looking at Cui Qianting with bright eyes.

Facing the expectant gazes of the juniors, Cui Qianting was silent for a moment. Having no intention of hiding it, he said evasively, "Taking advantage of everyone’s attention being on the county exam, I took a stroll through the library of the Dongwen Academy."

Library collections were divided into three major categories: imperial, academic, and private.

Currently, the most prestigious was the "Tianyi Pavilion" of Dongwen Academy.

"Father, you snuck in?" Cui Cong was shocked.

"Cui Cong, how are you talking? Look at the notes, it’s clearly your father who copied them himself!" Cui Enhou, for once, protected his younger brother, holding his head high: "Having a good memory, never forgetting what you see—is that called stealing? Besides, isn't Dongwen Academy known for being open to scholars? So if your father went in to take a look, there’s no problem."

"Second Uncle earned it with his own ability!" Cui Hu added proudly: "Cui Cong, apologize to your father."

Cui Cong: "???"

Cui Xiu immediately felt that the book in his hand was as heavy as Mount Tai, making him look at his somber father and bow in apology: "I'm sorry, Father, it’s... it’s all the child’s fault."

The word "stealing" was probably true.

But... the law also had a provision about relatives shielding each other.

So he, a selfish person, wanted to protect his father and wanted his father to be well.

Cui Qianting said coldly, "You all are alright; you have some sense of right and wrong."

After a pause, he looked at the father and son who seemed cut from the same cloth: "Cui Enhou, how can you be so shameless? Who did you inherit this thick skin from? And Cui Hu, can you learn something good for once?"

Cui Enhou protected his cubs: "Isn't it natural for my son to be like me? He will have to battle with the Censorate in the future; how can he do that without being sharp-tongued and quick-witted?"

Cui Qianting looked at the smug rooster, recalling his achievements in infuriating certain sycophants time and again, and slowly let out a sigh. He simply looked at the juniors and ordered, "Master Pei is busy these days. Cui Hu, Cui Cong, go practice martial arts and copy the books first. Cui Xiu, you first learn to recognize all the characters in the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets*."

The three who had been assigned tasks nodded in unison.

"Don't hang around Cui Enhou anymore, go back and study." Cui Qianting swept his gaze over the three, brooking no argument: "Don't even think about opening the storage room now; trying to egg Cui Enhou on to provoke me won't work."

Cui Enhou, hearing this, swept a hurt look over his two precious nephews.

Cui Hu and Cui Cong bowed their heads, not daring to speak.

Cui Xiu hadn't expected his father to be so direct and sharp in pointing out their little schemes; he blushed and didn't dare to look up.

"Cui Enhou, don't you think about being lazy either; come with me to practice archery. You must perform well in the autumn hunt this year. If you can't even hit a rabbit, I'll tie all your beauties up as moving targets." Cui Qianting ignored the silent exchange between the three little ones and dragged Cui Enhou off to the martial arts field.

Cui Enhou struggled hard: "Cui Hu is the heir, Cui Hu can just go."

Cui Hu: "..."

Cui Cong watched his father’s retreating back, terrified, and quickly hugged Cui Xiu to go to the study hall.

His father was already calculating the autumn hunt.

It seemed that the Cui family's goal of producing a provincial graduate was going to be quite difficult.

Cui Xiu hugged the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets* tightly, and with a sense of cherishing, carefully opened it.

Besides the poems, there were annotations from famous scholars.

Each stroke was not sloppy despite the urgency, but rather straight and upright, elegant and harmonious—the standard "official script."

Compared to the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets* in his memory, this book carried his father’s hopes, making him want to show off his photographic memory for a moment, to read ten lines at a glance, and recite the poems backward, just to make Cui Qianting happy.

But...

Flipping to the end, Cui Xiu swallowed nervously, trying his best to think about the "child star" fate a few more times, and no longer forced himself to study to the point of risking his life.

But he was still a bit confused and wanted to ask: "Big brothers, Master Pei has said that we must know the trends of the court to avoid our essays touching on taboos. Then... then according to this logic, given the Martial Emperor’s high regard for farmers, and the fact that Emperor Mingde was also recognized for answering questions about grain prices... but... but this *Anthology of a Thousand Poets* doesn't seem to have many poems about farmers. It doesn't even have the one about 'every grain is hard-earned'!"

Cui Cong took the thick book and asked in a daze: "You... you finished reading it?"

"No, there is a classification in the index. I wanted to look for rapeseed flowers and checked the categories related to scenery and farmers. I discovered there aren't any," Cui Xiu tried his best to sound like a child. "I recognize the two characters for 'farmer'; I’ve already had the storyteller point them out in the book for the *Seven Star Generals* story. So I know some characters."

"But I’m afraid I’ve misidentified them. Brother Cong, could you help me take a look?"

Cui Cong was a bit worried: "But... but Xiu, Uncle was right. You are overly obsessed with pursuing the exam questions; that’s not good either. Our military strategy emphasizes not cornering a desperate enemy!"

"Then... then what if I don't know it when it’s on the exam next time?" Cui Cong elongated his tone, acting spoiled: "Brother, just this once, okay?"

Half of the poems were different from the *Anthology of a Thousand Poets* in his memory!

Children's primers were usually easy to read and recite. But... but several poems in this *Anthology of a Thousand Poets* from Dongwen Academy were dry and difficult to understand.

"Cui Cong, just find it for him. If he doesn't find it now, what if he hides under the covers at night or asks the storyteller to flip through it?" Cui Hu’s voice lowered as he leaned into Cui Cong’s ear: "Second Uncle’s methods are a bit sharp. It’s better if we just keep it among ourselves."

Hearing this, Cui Cong nodded silently: "Fine, I’ll take a look."

Getting a firm response, Cui Xiu relaxed slightly, bowed to Cui Cong and Cui Hu, and said quite seriously: "Thank you, brothers."

"As long as you don't cry, it's fine," the two brothers laughed.

Cui Xiu beamed, wishing time could stop.

He would just enjoy the love of his family and brothers like this, slowly studying literature and practicing martial arts.

But time was always heartless. In the blink of an eye, the day for the county exam results arrived.

Cui Xiu had originally thought it had nothing to do with them, after all, Master Pei, who had returned from gathering information, was also good at finding humor in misery: "If last-minute cramming could get you on the list, it would be an insult to the students who study day and night."

Unexpectedly, he said: "However, the results are being posted today, you should still go and take a look."

Cui Xiu blushed: "Master Pei, we... do we have to go look at the list? We’re... we’re already preparing for next year’s county exam."

Cui Hu and Cui Cong were also a bit embarrassed: "Master, don't people usually just send servants to check the list?" They didn't need to go "die" once themselves, did they?

Scanning the three blushing disciples, Master Pei stroked his goatee and said solemnly: "You can't even handle a few idle remarks? If the Cui family were really raided and exiled in the future, wouldn't you die of shame? Think of your grandfather. He once lost a battle, causing thirty thousand soldiers to perish in the sea, turning from a celebrated god of war into an incompetent demon. A single battle almost wiped out all his past achievements. No one even considered that he only excelled on land and knew nothing of naval warfare; he was just a temporary replacement sent there."

Even if it was just a few words, the scene described made Cui Xiu feel heartache. Not to mention Cui Hu, who had been raised by his grandfather until he was three, was gnashing his teeth, feeling deeply aggrieved: "I know, grandfather learned from his shame, stood back up, destroyed the pirates, punished the Rouhan, expanded the territory by a thousand miles, and restored his prestige."

"There is no such thing as an eternal undefeated general, and life will not always be smooth sailing." Master Pei looked at Cui Hu, who still remembered the ancestors' battles, relaxed slightly, and educated them even more solemnly: "Public opinion is terrifying, but the brave will not fear idle gossip."

"You are all the grandsons of a general. Whether it is taking the imperial exams or doing anything else, as long as it is the right thing to do, you must have the courage, perseverance, and determination to fight again and again regardless of failure."

The atmosphere in the schoolroom was filled with passion.

An incense stick later, Cui Xiu looked at his brothers, one on each side, and happily went to look at the list.

After inviting Gao Feng, who was a guest, the four of them planned to take a carriage.

Unexpectedly, when the carriage curtain was lifted, they saw Cui Enhou in riding gear, looking carefree, saying: "Even if the four sons of the Cui family fail, we must fail with style!"

Cui Xiu was impressed.

When the five of them arrived at the Daxing County Examination Hall, the results were already posted.

In addition to the servants and attendants from various mansions who had come to check the results, there were also local people from the county and students from other counties who wanted to catch some of the talent of the "most precious literary stars," so they gathered under the results list.

The place was bustling with noise and excitement.

But when the Cui family’s carriage arrived, everyone looked on in shock.

After all... not to mention the young masters, scholars were usually very precious people; who would personally run under the list to check it? They would usually wait at home for the government runners to come and announce the good news! Even if some young children were eager to know the results immediately, they would wait in the teahouses opposite the examination hall. No one would rush directly under the list!

Cui Enhou didn't care about the judgmental gazes of the people present. His riding gear was specifically chosen so he could be nimble enough to cross the crowd and rush toward the list.

Seeing the circles of round cakes before him, he very calmly hoisted Cui Xiu onto his shoulder.

Just as the thought "This is the legendary 'lift up high'" flashed through Cui Xiu’s mind, he heard an excited shout in his ear: "Cui Xiu, look quickly! This is the circular list. Big circles, small circles, circle after circle—this year there are four circles, they look even more like shortbread cookies."

"Hurry up and soak up some of the talent!"

Cui Xiu suppressed his excitement and, following Cui Enhou’s instructions, looked at the spot pointed out to him. His pupils couldn't help but tremble.

They had been taught the rules of the circular list before coming:

The small circle had ten people, the second circle had sixty, for a total of seventy people on the top list.

The third circle had seventy people, and the fourth had a hundred.

Compared to last year, they had accepted seventy more people.

The result was that the seat numbers on the circular list were densely packed, and it required excellent eyesight to find one's own. Only people like them, who were just "making up the numbers," could be so magnanimous as to come and watch the excitement slowly. Those who were truly on the list had already gone home to actively prepare to receive their certificates.

But none of that mattered anymore.

What mattered was that Cui Enhou’s finger was excitedly pointing to the last name in the fourth circle.

Cui Xiu tried hard to recite the four words "persist in your own opinion" and whispered in Cui Enhou’s ear: "Uncle, I... I heard that the center of the circular list is the most impressive; that’s the first place. We should soak up the talent of the first place!"

"Passing in first place is a matter of ability plus luck; passing in last place is a matter of ability, luck, and the protection of one’s ancestors!" Cui Enhou had his own logic. While saying this, he signaled Cui Hu and Cui Cong to also soak up some good luck: "Except for the first place, who remembers the others after two or three years? Does the rank really make a difference? Isn't the county exam just a qualifying test?"

"Isn't it just that some people lack this ancestral protection?"

Such authoritative words echoed in his ears. Cui Xiu tried his best to raise his hand to soak up the good luck of being protected by his ancestors as the last person accepted.

Seeing this, Cui Hu and Cui Cong also touched it with a smile.

Gao Feng also joined in to soak up some good luck before going to find his own seat number.

Other people who had been "enlightened" also raised their hands to touch the last name. Meanwhile, the young masters in the teahouse, hearing the reports from their servants, laughed out loud and called their friends to follow in Cui Enhou’s footsteps.

After all, the bottom line of the education of the sons of military nobility had been reached.

None of them were on the list.

So, the law didn't punish the masses!

Many scholars who remained in the teahouse drinking tea—or more accurately, those who knew they had failed—saw this and, shouting about respecting etiquette to go pay their respects to the Duke, couldn't resist secretly rushing toward the last name.

After all, compared to failing, being dead last was actually quite good.

Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, Cui Xiu, who had been looking down from above, spotted Gao Feng’s seat number and immediately said happily: "Brother Gao, hurry up and verify if this is your seat number!"

Cui Enhou, hearing this, immediately called Gao Feng over.

He was a Duke; even if he occupied the best spot to look at the list, others wouldn't dare to complain!

Gao Feng, who had been called over, had a blank mind for a moment, and with some nervousness, took out his bamboo slip to carefully verify the seat number.

He... he had actually... actually caught the opportunity. He could...

Not daring to imagine the days to come, Gao Feng wiped the sweat from his bamboo slip and stared fixedly at the seat number "Row Ding, Seat Thirty" in the tenth position of the small circle, and then looked at the stamped certificate on the bamboo slip.

After repeating the check three times, he met the gazes of the four members of the Cui family, his eyes red and his voice hoarse: "I... I can do it."

I can still be a scholar.

I am worthy of the years of study through cold winters and hot summers.

"Of course you can. You..." Cui Enhou was just about to say a few words of comfort, when suddenly, behind him, someone with a voice changing into a duck-like squawk said sourly: "I’ve figured it out. What’s the use of ancestral protection? It’s better to be a 'man under the skirt' and seek the protection of a princess; being a male pet can also get you on the list, and even rank high!"

The malice was palpable, even implying that the exam was unfair. Cui Enhou’s brow furrowed: "Damn your ancestors, if the princess had this ability, would I, the Duke, be off the list?"

"Although the Duke’s words are blunt, the county exam in Daxing is still fair." Some failed scholars from scholarly families also frowned, looking at the speaker with wary scrutiny, "Brother, are you trying to sow discord?"

The speaker, facing the gazes of the crowd, hurriedly looked at the commoners who had come to watch the excitement, raised his voice, and said firmly: "What discord? Increasing the quota in public like this, isn't it just a joke?!"

The candidates who were seriously taking the county exam were all stunned. One young and hot-headed person said with disdain: "Are you stupid from studying? The quota has always been one in ten based on the number of applicants. There are many applicants in Daxing County this year, so isn't increasing the quota a matter of course? Even the metropolitan exam looks at the reference ratio."

"A poor scholar is just a poor scholar. I’ll say it: I disdain being on the same list as a male pet. But... but to not even understand such basic rules and regulations, and to dare to dream of being on the list and slander our Daxing County? To be bold, if it weren't for the ancestral system, I might have been first if I had returned to my original county to take the exam!"

"Brother Zhenghe is right, if we could return to our original counties to take the exam, it would be beneficial for us!"

"Some poor scholars truly don't know when they are well off!"

"..."

Cui Xiu saw everyone mocking the speaker with the arrogance of aristocratic children, one after another, until the speaker’s face turned red and his chest heaved with visible trembling.

Seeing this, Cui Xiu feigned innocence and spoke slowly: "Uncle, this... since this student has doubts, why don't we post the answer sheets? Just like doing homework at home, my two brothers’ essays are also mutually critiqued, so everyone can learn from each other’s strengths."

Although the system of grouping aristocratic children together for exams could protect many poor scholars, objectively speaking, the "posting of results" stage was still a perfect part of the Daqing Dynasty’s imperial examination system.

When the Daqing Dynasty posted results, they would simultaneously post the answer sheets of those who passed and the comments of the chief examiners for the scholars of the world to reference and supervise.

At the same time, there was also a very thoughtful "distribution of failed papers."

Failed papers, as the name implies, were the exam papers of those who failed.

The court stipulated that within ten days of posting the results, failed candidates were allowed to collect their exam papers for review. It also stipulated that examiners had to write down the reasons why the paper did not pass.

This measure was conducive to candidates finding the right remedy for their shortcomings and was also conducive to supervising the examiners. After all, every exam paper carried the examiner’s comments. Once there was any favoritism or fraud, the whole world would know.

Therefore, the imperial examination in the Daqing Dynasty was prosperous, and all scholars, even the military nobility, were quite convinced by it.

But now, there was only the rank on the list.

It would indeed make many people question each other.

It also made him, Cui Xiu, suspect that his father, Cui Qianting, failing repeatedly might really have something fishy going on!

With the intention of exploring the reason for his father’s repeated failures in the imperial exams, Cui Xiu looked up at the scholars and commoners present, wishing they could spread his words far and wide: "Then... then if Uncle passes in the future, what if people question that it’s the examiner giving the Emperor face, giving the face of the imperial-ordered exam?"

"Will I be scolded when I take the exam in the future?"

Cui Enhou heard these words, which were filled with grievance, and thought about how his own cub had racked his brains to understand that stupid rapeseed flower question. He immediately looked solemn, turned to look at the sons of several civil officials, and asked: "What my Cui Xiu said also makes sense. Why don't you post the exam papers? Isn't it all about rewarding merit? Shouldn't this merit be clearly visible to everyone?"

The children who had come to watch the excitement wished they could run away immediately.

Because this question was fatal.

The answer sheets, especially those of the successful candidates, represented the family’s academic heritage!

A family could only get the essays of the top ten candidates if they had good connections; then the teachers would analyze where these essays were good, and have the family’s children study them.

If the answer sheets were posted directly, then... wouldn't all the students in the world be able to study them?

If this continued, wouldn't the term "aristocratic heritage" disappear completely? There would be no difference between them and poor scholars; there would be no need to find a teacher, no need for the concept of a "lineage disciple," they could all just be taught together.

To put it more bluntly, who would contribute their own ancestral secret recipes?