Chapter 146: The Plan Changed

Hundreds of exam candidates chatted with the welcoming party for a while. Then they started moving forward in a grand procession. Inside the city gate, many commoners had already gathered to watch the excitement. There were frustrated, down-and-out scholars who expressed envy and jealousy with their eyes. There were also families with young children, using this moment to teach their kids the importance of studying. Of course, the largest group was local young ladies. They were well-off misses from good families, with money and free time. Some had read romance novels, which gave them the courage to appear here and actively seek their ideal husbands.

The candidates felt very excited by this scene. This honor was unique to scholars. Only by receiving such attention did they feel like future stars. Going to the Capital City now, they might bring glory to their families and achieve great success. Even if they failed the exam, having this experience and receiving such a welcome made their lives worthwhile.

Among these hundreds of candidates, most came from decent family backgrounds, or at least had no worries about food and clothing. After all, in these times, poor people had no money for education. It was hard for a poor family to produce a successful scholar. Children from poor households worked in the fields with their parents from a young age, as they were valuable labor. So when the candidates saw so many enthusiastic girls welcoming them, most couldn’t help but entertain thoughts. Even if they didn’t top the Imperial Exam, finding a good marriage would be nice too.

Seeing the crowd so enthusiastic, the candidates all stopped. Even Liu Chengye and his group, led by the County Magistrate, halted. This was a rare chance to enjoy the moment with the people. Liu Chengye also wanted to show his uniqueness in front of the other candidates.

Even so, the girls who intended to choose ideal husbands felt too shy to approach directly. They just preened and posed, trying their best to show their most beautiful and charming sides. They wanted to attract these cultured young men with their charm.

The first to step forward and interact with the candidates were some local students. They were younger, around middle school age, and were also scholars aspiring to take the imperial exams and become officials. They used this opportunity to approach their seniors, who had passed the provincial and metropolitan exams and were heading to the Capital City for the palace exam, to seek advice.

The atmosphere was lively and filled with scholarly spirit. The Educational Official took the chance to pose a question for the scholars present to answer. Both the candidates and the younger students could respond.

The Educational Official’s suggestion immediately sparked everyone’s interest. Since ancient times, there was no clear first place in literature, but second place in martial arts. Competitions among scholars were even more intense than real fights with weapons.

As soon as this suggestion was made, everyone there—candidates, students, and even the watching crowd, including women who had never studied—gathered closer. They especially wanted to see which young man truly stood out in talent. The Educational Official setting a question on the spot tested both knowledge and quick wit. Only someone with real talent could shine.

Just then, a group of girls appeared. They wore colorful dresses, were adorned with flowers, and looked gorgeous and dazzling. They floated forward like butterflies flying in from the horizon, exceptionally eye-catching. Even before they came near, the scent of powder and perfume wafted over. The girls walked with cat-like steps, swaying seductively. Behind them, an extremely beautiful woman slowly approached. She wore a water-blue long gown, her hair tied up high, adorned with a golden hairpin. She held a silk fan painted with a delicate, vivid orchid. The fan lightly covered her face, complementing both her and the flower—the flower enhanced her beauty, and she added fragrance to the flower.

Unfortunately, although this group of beauties was very attractive, everyone present was refined scholars, more enthusiastic about academic pursuits. Everyone’s attention was completely captured by the Educational Official. The Old Pedant also enjoyed this spotlight, smiling as he stroked his three long beard strands, deep in thought preparing the question.

When the stunning woman with the small orchid fan saw this scene—their arrival had drawn little notice—her expression immediately changed. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd and soon fixed on Liu Liwa, who was idling around.

This beautiful woman was naturally Miss Zhao. She had waited until all the scholars had entered the city before making her grand appearance with her team. She had hoped to successfully capture their attention, which would in turn attract the girls who came to welcome them. But now, they were being ignored, and all their preparations seemed in vain.

Liu Liwa could do nothing about it. Plans could not keep up with changes. Life was full of variables no one could control. No one expected a show-off Educational Official to appear out of nowhere. He helplessly spread his hands toward Miss Zhao, signaling her to stay calm, watch the situation, and wait for an opportunity.

Miss Zhao was very angry. Her carefully designed plan was not going smoothly, which would frustrate anyone. She subtly made a few hand gestures toward Liu Liwa. Strangely, Liu Liwa actually understood them. It was unclear whether they had a telepathic connection, he was just quick to catch on, or because he was stingy—since Miss Zhao’s meaning was that if there were no results today, she wouldn’t pay the male actors’ appearance fees!

Liu Liwa was exasperated. With a sponsor like this, there was no winning. Advertising always carried risks. Not every ad would be effective; some even faced being banned.

Liu Liwa and Miss Zhao went back and forth, inventing a unique way of communicating through hand gestures. Surprisingly, both understood each other. On the main road, they stared at each other, making gestures nonstop. In a spy drama, this would be sending secret signals to make contact. In a martial arts story, it would be a contest of inner strength. In a city life drama, it would be a couple arguing. In a comedy, it would be lunatics on holiday!

While they were intensely gesturing, the County Magistrate seized the moment while the Educational Official was pondering the question and suggested, “All you talented scholars are future pillars of the state. Your ten years of hard study are the foundation for serving the country. I hope that this time, going to the Capital City, each of you can top the Imperial Exam and serve the nation well. I also hope you young tribute students study diligently, for the future belongs to you. Today, gathered together, after the Educational Official tests everyone with a question, I propose that any scholar whose answer satisfies everyone may attend the welcome banquet hosted by the Linyu County Yamen tonight!”

After the County Magistrate finished speaking, the candidates grew excited. This suggestion was not simple. First, it must be said that Linyu County was no ordinary place. It was the closest town to the Capital City. Many matters could be directly reported to the Capital City, even reaching the Emperor’s ears. It was practically a directly administered municipality. Today, with so many candidates arriving and about to enter the Capital City for the exams, they were sure to attract much attention. Who knew how many spies were watching them right now?

As the County Magistrate said, they were all future pillars of talent. Once their names appeared on the list, they would surely be used by the New Emperor. But within the Imperial Court, political factions constantly fought. Although the biggest faction, Liu Liwa’s father Chancellor Liu, had been eliminated, other factions would still emerge. Recruiting partisans was inevitable. Loyal core members were naturally cultivated from uncut jade, and these candidates were the perfect choices. If they performed well here, they would definitely be noticed by interested parties. Being able to showcase their talent among hundreds, stand out, and enter the government Yamen’s reception would prove their ability and brilliance. If someone took a liking to them, even if they failed the exam later, they could still have a chance to become advisors to various major powers.

In other words, it was best to pass the Gong Wuyuan. Even if they didn’t pass, getting into a functional department or government agency with a formal position would be good too. But then they would have to pray day and night that nothing went wrong, or they might instantly become Temporary Workers to take the blame!