It was a long while before Cai Xiao slowly got up and returned to his study.
After such a commotion, he had no intention of sleeping. He and Cai You had essentially staked all their capital on Prince Yun.
They had originally thought Prince Yun was almost guaranteed to win, but they hadn't expected Han Mo to suddenly appear at this juncture.
Although he didn't know how this kid had come up with this idea, he had to admit that having the Crown Prince win over Liang Shicheng had indeed caused them a lot of trouble.
"Father..."
Cai Shu walked out from outside the door, his face flushed red, his head hanging low like a defeated rooster.
"Did you hear what your grandfather said?"
Cai Xiao glanced at him irritably, his eyes filled with disappointment. The look of wishing he could beat iron into steel made Cai Shu feel full of worry.
"I heard..."
"Then do as your grandfather wishes. But remember this, if you make such a mistake again, don't blame me for breaking your dog legs! For the next few months, you will stay at home honestly and not step out. We will make plans after this matter has completely settled down!"
Although Cai Jing spoke of the matter lightly and treated Cai Shu with remarkable gentleness,
Cai Xiao knew it was because Cai Shu had clearly lost his composure. If he were to scold him further, this kid might stir up even more trouble for him.
However, in the end, this was still his son.
And seeing him like this now, Cai Xiao knew that this kid was truly scared this time.
"Yes!"
After hearing Cai Xiao's words, Cai Shu let out a long sigh of relief. This matter had indeed gotten a bit out of hand.
He had originally thought he was doomed this time, and at least a good beating was unavoidable. But he hadn't expected that both Cai Jing and Cai Xiao would let him off so easily this time.
Even so, after hearing the conversation between Cai Jing and Cai Xiao just now, he was still breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go back. You don't need to stay here!"
After seeing Cai Shu off, Cai Xiao blew out the candle in front of him and sat alone in the darkness, quietly reflecting on recent events.
Following his father's words, he replayed everything in his mind and realized that this young man named Han Mo was indeed quite troublesome...
However, his heart was soon filled with anger. How dare a mere student dare to participate in such a high-level struggle without knowing the immensity of the sky or earth! If he didn't show this kid some color, this kid would never know who was truly in charge of this world!
"Someone, take this note to Qin Xue Zheng!"
After a long period of contemplation, Cai Xiao, filled with rage, wrote a letter and then summoned his confidant...
The sun rose as usual, and Han Mo, full of confidence, arrived at the Imperial Academy.
Unlike before, as he walked into the Imperial Academy this time, he immediately became the focus of the entire academy.
"Brother Han!"
"Brother Han!"
The students of the Imperial Academy one after another greeted Han Mo, which truly made Han Mo feel a bit overwhelmed.
Even the top students who usually disdained him were now smiling and greeting him.
He returned the greetings with smiles to those people as well, as it was impolite not to respond to a friendly gesture.
It was quite funny, really. Merely because he had gone to a brothel last night and written two ci poems, these people had all started to treat him with courtesy. This made Han Mo truly sigh that the Great Song Dynasty was indeed a paradise for scholars.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
However, before he could savor his comfort for long, Qin Hui walked in with a few dry coughs.
"Instructor!"
Although this fellow would become a great traitor in the future, at this time, he was still the Rectifier of the Imperial Academy.
Han Mo still turned his head and cupped his fists towards Qin Hui.
"Composing poems and music are merely minor arts. The court selects officials based on literary merit. You students should not misjudge yourselves!"
Qin Hui said with a somber expression.
"Thank you for your guidance, sir!"
Whether Han Mo was willing or not, Han Mo still cupped his fists towards Qin Hui.
"Thank you for your guidance, sir!"
The other students also paid their respects to Qin Hui.
"Very good, please take your seats! Today is the Upper Academy Public Examination. The results of this examination will be included in your overall scores! Furthermore, the examination topics will be decided by drawing lots. Do any of you have any objections?"
As Qin Hui spoke, he ordered a large box to be brought in.
"Sir, why is it that for previous public examinations, we have never heard of drawing lots?"
Zhong Yanchong asked with some confusion.
After all, the public examination was a very important matter for them, as it related to their future assignments.
If there were any mishaps, it could affect their entire lives.
"This was also just figured out by a few instructors today, to prevent cheating!"
As Qin Hui spoke, his eyes darted around.
Han Mo's heart suddenly stirred. Could this old fellow be targeting him!
The students who could enter the Upper Academy, apart from a small number like Han Mo and Cai Shu, the vast majority of them had studied diligently for over ten years.
With the prospect of entering officialdom and embarking on their careers just around the corner, how could they possibly cheat at this time? This explanation seemed rather far-fetched.
However, Han Mo couldn't think of any way to object at the moment. After all, these few instructors had already made their decision, and even if he objected now, it probably wouldn't have any effect.
Since Han Mo couldn't object, the other students could only agree.
Seeing that everyone had no objections, Qin Hui finally let out a long sigh of relief.
A hint of cruelty appeared in his gaze as he looked at Han Mo.
Han Mo suddenly realized, you bastard!
It seemed he was being set up this time.
However, he couldn't figure out at the moment how this fellow would deal with him.
After all, it was a draw. What method could this old fellow use to ensure that he would definitely draw the topics they had set?
While Han Mo was lost in thought, the students who had arrived began to draw lots according to their seating arrangements.
As the students stepped forward one by one, Han Mo suddenly realized. Could this old fellow be playing dirty with him!