Just moments ago, Cao Kuan had secretly met up with someone and obtained the poison meant for Eldest Uncle.
In her previous life, however, Cao Kuan had not poisoned him today. Instead, he had chosen to slip it into the food Eldest Uncle would receive during the final examination of the metropolitan examination.
The metropolitan examination consisted of three sessions: the first tested the Confucian classics, the second essays and argumentation, and the third policy questions.
After each session, the examinees would leave the examination compound and return to their homes. Those who lived farther away would rest at an inn nearby before returning to the examination compound the following day for the next session.
In her previous life, before the final session of the metropolitan examination, Cao Kuan had secretly poisoned the food Eldest Uncle received inside the examination compound. As a result, Eldest Uncle had been unable to finish his policy essay and had disgraced himself in the examination hall. He had been thrown out of the compound and was even turned into the subject of storybooks by teahouse storytellers, who recounted his humiliation as a joke.
Afraid that something might change, she did not intend to alert anyone.
Even though she knew they would not act today, Rongyao still did not dare relax. She had Chu Mingyi keep watch at all times and had even secretly arranged for Chu Mingyi to take Eldest Uncle’s pulse.
Only after confirming that Eldest Uncle was unharmed did Rongyao return to her room and sleep peacefully.
After lunch the next day, everyone from the Cui family—including Old Master Cui, Cui Yeping; Old Madam Cui, Zhang Yingmei; Second Master Cui, Cui Huaihao; Third Master Cui, Cui Huaiyi; Cui Huaiyin; mother and daughter Cui Rongyao; and several of the younger boys—went to the examination compound to see off the Cui family’s eldest master, Cui Huaiji.
The entire family was lively and bustling. It took three carriages just to accommodate them all.
The journey took an hour. Everyone in the carriages was somewhat tense, occasionally pushing open the windows to look outside, afraid that some mishap might occur as it had before.
Only after they reached the examination compound did everyone in the Cui family breathe a sigh of relief.
After getting out of the carriage, Cui Huaiji stood before the compound’s entrance and raised his head to gaze at the signboard. His entire heart burned with excitement.
Ever since he had passed the provincial examination at seventeen, every time he came here for the Spring Examination, the journey had been extraordinarily difficult. This year, however, everything seemed to be going especially smoothly. Perhaps this time, he really could succeed…
“Eldest Uncle, once you enter the examination compound, calm your mind and write carefully. Yaoyao thinks you’ll definitely pass,” Rongyao said as she tugged at his sleeve.
Cui Huaiji lowered his head and smiled. “Then I’ll borrow Yaoyao’s auspicious words. Your uncle will certainly write carefully.”
Once Rongyao had opened the conversation, the rest of the Cui family joined in as well.
Cui Yeping said, “This is only the first session. Keep a calm mind and answer the questions properly.”
Zhang Yingmei said, “My son is immensely capable. In the past, it was only because your luck was poor and petty villains obstructed your path. This time is different. A few days ago, I went to a Daoist temple specifically to ask for a fortune. The Daoist said my son’s luck had already turned, and that you would certainly pass this year!”
Cui Huaihao said, “Big Brother, do your best. Of all of us brothers, you’re the only one with the talent for studying. If you pass the palace examination and become a Presented Scholar this year, you’ll be a good example for the younger generation!”
Cui Huaiyi said, “Big Brother, put your mind at ease. The family will be absolutely fine while you’re taking the examination.”
Cui Huaiyin said, “I hear conditions in the examination compound are harsh. Brother, make sure you eat and sleep well and conserve your strength.”
The Cui family’s eldest son said, “Your son wishes Father success in the examinations and smooth sailing in everything.”
The Cui family’s second son said, “Second Son wishes Eldest Uncle a meteoric rise and promotion at every step!”
The Cui family’s third son said, “Your son wishes Father everything he desires and hopes all your wishes come true!”
Just as the Cui family’s third son finished speaking, a loud cry came from the examination compound.
“Enter the compound!”
“They’re opening the gates!”
The atmosphere around them suddenly grew more urgent.
The eastern and western gates of the examination compound stood wide open, with a row of soldiers stationed on either side. The examinees entering the compound carried their identification papers and examination baskets, filing inside in orderly fashion.
Cui Huaiji told the family members who had come to see him off to “rest assured,” then picked up his belongings and strode toward the examination compound.
The examinees entered one after another. When the appointed time arrived, the compound’s gates closed tightly. A strip of paper bearing the words “No Officials Involved” was pasted across them, and a solemn voice rang out:
“This is an examination compound of great importance. Idlers are forbidden to approach!”
…
The first session of the Spring Examination tested the Confucian classics. The examinees entered on the eighth, took the examination on the ninth, and left on the tenth.
On the tenth, the Cui family sent someone to pick up Cui Huaiji early in the morning. Rongyao went as well. She saw that he looked fairly energetic, and from his appearance, it seemed he had answered the questions exceedingly well.
Rongyao still had people keep a close eye on Eldest Uncle’s food.
Eldest Uncle spent the next day safely at home. On the eleventh, he had to return to the examination compound for the second session, which tested essays and argumentation.
For this session, the examinees entered on the eleventh, took the examination on the twelfth, and left on the thirteenth.
Rongyao went to meet Eldest Uncle again when he left the examination compound after completing the second session. He still looked energetic, and there was even a hint of excitement in his expression. From that alone, Rongyao knew that he had done well in the second session too.
The day Eldest Uncle returned home after the second session was the most crucial of all. That night, Chu Mingyi, who had been stationed in the kitchen, brought news. She also secretly carried over a food box and told Rongyao that Cao Kuan had made his move—he had added poison to the food Eldest Uncle was going to take to the examination compound.
Following Rongyao’s instructions, Chu Mingyi silently replaced the poisoned food. She also checked all of Eldest Uncle’s food, clothing, and daily necessities and found nothing amiss.
Rongyao hid the poisoned food in her room and quietly waited for the following day.
She wanted Noble Consort Chen to believe that Eldest Uncle had brought along the poisoned food she had ordered someone to prepare.
Only then would Noble Consort Chen refrain from making any further moves.
As long as Eldest Uncle successfully entered the examination compound the next day, even if Noble Consort Chen discovered that something was wrong, she would no longer be able to do anything.
The third session of the metropolitan examination began with entry on the fourteenth, the examination on the fifteenth, and departure on the sixteenth. This session tested policy questions.
Before Eldest Uncle set out for the third session, Rongyao once again secretly had Sister Mingyi inspect all the food and drink he was taking with him. Only after confirming that everything was safe did Rongyao smile and see Eldest Uncle off to the examination compound.
Once Eldest Uncle had safely entered the compound, Rongyao finally relaxed completely and prepared to return home. But just as she turned around, she spotted a young boy in the crowd.
The boy was quite tall—certainly taller than her—and somewhat thin. He was chatting and laughing with someone.
He looked like… he looked like Qi Shen.
But Qi Shen, the most trusted eunuch at His Majesty’s side, never smiled like that.
Suppressing the strange feeling in her heart, Rongyao did not hesitate. She ran toward the young boy.
Only after stopping in front of him did she tilt her head back and stare straight at him.
Then she asked, “What’s your name?”
