The county magistrate forced a calm demeanor, asking somewhat speechless, "What brings you here?"
The other party grinned cheekily, "It's been a while since I last saw the county magistrate, I thought I'd come for a chat."
"The Great Chieftain is such a busy person, how could he possibly be this idle? If there's anything I can help with, just say the word." It turned out the intruder was the Great Chieftain of the mountain stronghold, who was now sitting leisurely on a stool, legs crossed.
"The county magistrate truly understands me. As expected of friends for so many years. The main reason I'm here today is about a candidate from your county named Huang Shijie. I believe you've heard of him long ago. After all, his current wife is the ex-wife of your nephew's son-in-law."
Upon hearing this, the county magistrate became interested and asked curiously, "As far as I know, Huang Shijie has always been a mere Tong Sheng for many years, virtually penniless. Everything he has now is thanks to his wife. He shouldn't have any dealings with you, should he?"
The Great Chieftain, while tidying his sleeves, casually remarked, "Two people who seem to have no connection might not necessarily have none. We are a prime example, aren't we? Who would have thought that I, the Great Chieftain of a bandit den, would be friends with the county magistrate for so many years, wouldn't you agree?"
The county magistrate's face darkened. If he continued talking to this man, he felt he would be angered to death. He quickly changed the subject, "As far as I know, he hasn't been bullied recently."
"He hasn't been bullied, but he's participating in the imperial examinations tomorrow. I hope he can do so smoothly and safely. I'm afraid someone might play dirty. If anyone wishes him ill, I don't mind repeating what happened last time." The Great Chieftain looked at him meaningfully.
"He has failed to pass for so many years. If it's like in the past, he will still fail. I can't do anything about it, after all, so many eyes are watching." The county magistrate understood his meaning and intended to nip any potential problems in the bud.
"Rest assured, this time he will definitely be the top scorer. Even the tutors say he has awakened his potential. I believe in his abilities. It's because he unintentionally saved my brother. Good deeds must be rewarded." The Great Chieftain said confidently.
The county magistrate really wanted to roll his eyes. These roughnecks knew nothing about the imperial examinations, yet they believed in Huang Shijie so much. He wondered what magic Huang Shijie had cast on them. If he truly possessed such talent, he wouldn't have been stuck as a Tong Sheng for so many years.
Although he did not agree with his view, the county magistrate wisely did not refute, only guaranteeing that if Huang Shijie passed, he would not obstruct him.
The Great Chieftain nodded with satisfaction and, under his watch, walked out of the courtyard and climbed over the wall.
His thoughts were pulled back to reality by the sounds of praise from everyone. Last night, he truly hadn't taken Huang Shijie seriously. But looking at this exam paper today, he knew he had been proven wrong. He didn't feel much about it, only thinking that he should build a good relationship with Huang Shijie in the future. Since they were from the same place, perhaps Huang Shijie, once an official, could help him out.
But Li Zixin didn't think that way. He was filled with fear and resentment towards his uncle. He didn't expect his uncle to disregard his words. Did he know that this would lead to his ruin? If he could become the top scorer this time, then the next time, and the time after that, his results wouldn't be bad. Even if they tried to obstruct him, these old fuddy-duddies would definitely be suspicious and want to examine his papers. At that point, he would be able to pass as a Xiu Cai. To participate in the provincial examination, one had to go to the prefecture, where they couldn't stop him, nor could they easily tamper with his papers.
In front of everyone, the county magistrate wrote out the next day's榜单 (bǎngdān - list of successful candidates), sealed it, and everyone left together.
After they were gone, Li Zixin couldn't help but question, "Uncle, how could you let him be the top scorer?"
The county magistrate had felt some guilt towards him earlier. Seeing his aggressive tone, he became displeased. "Do my decisions require your approval?"
Seeing his uncle angry, Li Zixin immediately backed down, feeling guilty. "I didn't mean it like that. You know the grudges between us. You told me to rest assured, so how can you let him be the top scorer? Wouldn't his Xiu Cai title be a sure thing?"
Seeing his improved attitude, the county magistrate didn't want to argue with him further. After all, he was his nephew's son-in-law, and he still wanted to help him. He sighed, "How could I forget what you told me? But someone wants to support him, and I can't do anything about it." Sudan Fiction Network
Looking at his uncle's retreating figure, Li Zixin stood there, lost in thought for a long time. He never expected the truth to be like this. He felt as if struck by lightning.
The next morning, everyone was gathered outside the government office, eager to know if their young master had passed. Meanwhile, Wu Caiwei and Huang Shijie waited leisurely at home, with reward money prepared.
Soon, a yamen runner arrived, announcing that he had achieved the top score in the first round of the examination. After the yamen runners left, the surrounding neighbors still found it hard to believe. Wu Caiwei directly closed the courtyard gate, blocking all prying eyes.
Where there was joy, there was also sorrow. Tears flowed freely before the榜单. Soon, the second round of examinations commenced, and Huang Shijie was still the top scorer. This time, Xu Qiaoqiao and Li Zixin couldn't sit still any longer.
Huang Shijie had barely gotten married when Xu Qiaoqiao, with her son in tow, married someone else. Now, wherever she went, she heard people praising Huang Shijie. She felt a pang of bitterness. She had been married to him for so many years and even bore him a son, yet he had never provided her with a good life, and then he left. In the blink of an eye, he was about to become a Xiu Cai. She heard that the prestige of being the top scorer was immense, and those who passed as top scorers could generally become provincial scholars. The thought of it filled her with regret and hatred.
After some thought, she took her son's hand and went to Li Zixin's current residence. Wu Caiwei calmly received her and spoke first, "Madam Liu, accompanied by Young Master Liu, you visit. May I ask the purpose of your esteemed visit?"
Xu Qiaoqiao took the lead, sitting directly on a stool and saying proudly, "I've brought my son to see his father."
Wu Caiwei didn't want to bother with her, but she had long heard of this woman's reputation and knew she was troublesome. If she didn't deter her today, there would be more trouble in the future. She said with a half-smile, "Isn't his father at the Liu family's residence? Since they are all surnamed Liu, what does it have to do with our family? You're not suggesting he's our master's son, are you? That's ridiculous. If he were truly a member of the Huang family, why would he be called by another father's name? And why would someone willingly accept him as their son?"
Xu Qiaoqiao immediately glared angrily, "This is between Huang Shijie and me, mind your own business. Also, I heard your son's leg was broken at the Li family's. As a mother, you should worry about him instead."
"Once he's been adopted out, he's no longer her son, so you needn't worry. It's the same with him. Once he took another surname, he was no longer my son. Guards, throw them out! From now on, do not let them in if they come to the door." Before Wu Caiwei could speak, Huang Shijie, having heard the commotion, rushed over. He had no desire to talk to her and immediately drove them away.
Xu Qiaoqiao couldn't believe this man could be so heartless and shouted, "You don't even recognize your son? How cruel!"
Huang Shijie remained unmoved. "He is not my son. If you continue to make a scene, I will make all your dirty laundry known to the world, and you won't be able to live here."