"Really? That's amazing, to be able to cultivate without studying."
"Hey! When it comes to cultivation, scholars are more formidable. Not only is their cultivation speed faster than ordinary paths, but their abilities are also incomparable to other paths."
"That's true, after all, the path of scholarship is the most comprehensive."
"But it's also difficult. However, I've seen it clearly now. No matter what the path is, it has nothing to do with us ordinary people with no talent!"
"What you're saying is, you're actually still useful. Nowadays, boys and girls are equally valued. After all, boys with talent can also cultivate. I think, if you work hard at home, you'll eventually have a child who can cultivate. Don't you all agree!"
"Ah, hahahaha!"
"Bah! Yang the Bald, a dog's mouth can only spout filth!"
...
The sounds of laughter and banter brought smiles to the faces of Nian Jiaojiao and the others listening in the carriage.
Nian Jiaojiao looked out of the carriage, lost in thought.
She never expected that with the change in the world and the public announcement of cultivation methods, it would indirectly raise the status of men.
At least, whether it was a boy or a girl, the probability of a child being able to cultivate was the same.
As long as this child could embark on the path of cultivation, the fate of the entire family would change.
As the saying goes, when one person attains the Tao, even their poultry and dogs ascend to heaven.
However, scholars were still unique to women. For men to achieve prominence, they could only tread the minor paths outside of scholarship.
This led to a significant increase in the number of female cultivators compared to male cultivators.
As soon as the carriage left the city of Qingzhou Prefecture, Nian Jiaojiao took out her fan.
"I wish to return on the wind."
Once the matter of cultivators became common knowledge, convenience followed.
At least now they didn't have to hide their use of power or operate under the radar.
Unlike before, it only took ten days for the carriage to reach the border of the Royal City.
"Chuan'er, thank you for your hard work!"
Nian Jiaojiao gently patted his head.
Yuchuan was now drenched in sweat, as if he had just been pulled out of water. His pale face looked as if he had been completely drained.
But what else could be done?
This was the mission of a wet nurse!
Yuchuan's path of the zither was inclined towards "supportive" attributes.
They had experimented, and when Yuchuan played zither music with offensive intent, the offensive power was extremely weak.
However, when he played music to soothe the mind and heal illness, the effect was surprisingly good.
It was also thanks to Yuchuan's support with his zither music along the way that she could continuously use her abilities, allowing everyone to reach the Royal City at the fastest speed.
...
The Imperial Examination Hall.
Inside the private room where the students resided.
*Slap—*
The cup was heavily smashed onto the ground, and white ceramic fragments scattered everywhere.
"Bitch! Bitch! Everyone else has left home, and you're still thinking about marrying someone! Are you that desperate for a woman?"
Luo Wen's hands were dripping blood, and she roared with a ferocious expression.
"Luo Wen, remember this is the Imperial Examination Hall."
The woman who spoke sat opposite her, her expression calm.
"Sister Luo Jin, aren't you angry? I heard that Cui Tong, whom you fancy, almost married that Qiu Yu fellow."
Luo Jin's thin lips curled, revealing a cold smile.
"She didn't get married, did she? Luo Wen, be patient. Let's see what happens after they're officially married."
Luo Wen's eyes darted around.
She naturally understood her sister.
Once the door was closed, that man would be at her mercy.
Thinking this, Luo Wen's heart gradually calmed down.
...
Meanwhile.
"Bin'er, although you have already detached yourself from the mortal world, men are not allowed to study in the Academy. Even as a County Prince, I cannot break this rule."
The County Prince of Qingzhou wore a look of helplessness on his face.
Qin Binbin didn't care much:
"Why can't men enter the Academy? I finally detached myself from the mortal world, how can I give up?"
"Bin'er, I didn't ask you to give up. Our Qingzhou County Prince's Mansion can also provide you with cultivation resources."
"But can that compare to the Academy? Since I'm going to study, I should study in the best place. Moreover, the demon and monster chaos is imminent. Don't you want me to have the ability to protect myself, Mother?"
Hearing about demons and monsters, the County Prince of Qingzhou appeared hesitant.
That's right, the world was about to descend into chaos. Who could care whether men or women entered the Academy?
Improving one's skills was the priority.
Furthermore, she was a County Prince, and the imperial court was in dire need of talent. Who would dare to cause trouble for her at this time?
Thinking this, she nodded in agreement.
"You can enter the Academy, but you must disguise yourself as a woman. I can ensure you are not punished if you are discovered, but if you enroll directly as a man, those old pedants in the Academy will not agree."
"Alright! Mother, you're the best!"
Qin Binbin hugged the County Prince of Qin and acted cute and spoiled.
...
The residences near the Imperial Examination Hall were all expensive. Even the cheapest small courtyard cost upwards of 5,000 taels.
Nian Jiaojiao and her husbands discussed it, and renting a place seemed more cost-effective for now, as they had not yet decided where to settle.
"Everyone has had a long journey. Let's settle into a couple of rooms and rest for a while. I'll go report to the Imperial Examination Hall first."
After giving a few more instructions to everyone, Nian Jiaojiao headed towards the Imperial Examination Hall.
...
At the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall.
Nian Jiaojiao presented the token of the Miscellaneous Studies faction of Qingzhou and was quickly led inside.
The Miscellaneous Studies Academy.
"You're from the Miscellaneous Studies faction of Qingzhou?"
The woman holding a pen said sternly.
Nian Jiaojiao nodded.
"So young, that's not common."
Another woman with single eyelids and tanned skin appraised Nian Jiaojiao from head to toe.
Clearly, this woman was quite talkative. Upon seeing Nian Jiaojiao, she immediately began to explain the common knowledge of the place.
"There are many categories of students who study at our Imperial Examination Hall, and based on these categories, there are different levels."
"Some enter through ordinary channels. Those who enter through this channel are at least advanced scholars who have passed the imperial examinations."
"Of course, the academic performance of those who enter through other channels will only be better than those who enter through ordinary channels, because these people belong to different factions."
"You should know about the factions, so I won't elaborate here."
"Our faction has always had few people, and even fewer enter the Imperial Examination Hall from our faction, because we are the younger generation of each faction."
"For example, in our Miscellaneous Studies faction, there are now only about twenty people enrolled. Of course, although we are few, our status in this Imperial Examination Hall is extraordinary. You will understand this in time."
"Oh, your name is Nian Jiaojiao, right?"
The single-lidded woman glanced down at Nian Jiaojiao's travel permit, then smiled, revealing her eight pearly white teeth.
"My name is Jin Xue. Nice to meet you."
Aside from Tong Fu, Nian Jiaojiao rarely met anyone who spoke so volubly.
She was stunned for a moment, then hesitantly called out, "Sister Jin...?"
Jin Xue waved her right hand in front of her.
"Oh, don't be so formal. In our Miscellaneous Studies faction, we address each other as peers. Uh... call me Sister Jin."
Nian Jiaojiao: "..."
The woman holding the pen couldn't help herself.
"Don't listen to her nonsense. In our factions, seniority is determined by cultivation. How long have you detached yourself from the mortal world?"