Song Yu felt a surge of indignation rising in his throat.
Back in the day, he had provoked the old man Ye Shijie to the point of spitting blood, and now, by some twist of fate, the tables had turned, and the old man had exacted his revenge.
Song Yu couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
How could he be ranked last on the list while Song Yanzheng took the top spot?
If word got out, where would he, the illustrious Prince Qin, even place his dignity?
The mere thought of it made Song Yu’s heart twist with frustration.
Meanwhile, Song Shihuan took the letter from the messenger and noticed Song Yanzheng’s exam paper tucked inside. Raising an eyebrow, she remarked, "Father, the merit of your ranking might just surpass that of certain top scorers."
At the sight of Song Yanzheng’s exam, Song Yu’s composure shattered.
Compared to his own questions, Song Yanzheng’s were as simple as breathing.
"That old fox Ye Shijie is playing me."
He resolved to retract any lingering gratitude he’d held for Ye Shijie’s past recognition of his talents.
"Recall all the laborers repairing the Ye Residence. Magistrate Ye’s household isn’t large—they hardly need such a grand estate."
His attitude had done a complete about-face.
......
At the Ye Residence.
"Magistrate, the laborers have all been withdrawn again."
Hearing his servant’s report, Ye Shijie’s eyes flickered with confusion. "Another order from Prince Qin?"
Noting the servant’s hesitant expression, Ye Shijie understood instantly and snorted. "Let them withdraw. Do I not know how to repair my own residence?"
He hadn’t forgotten how that wayward prince had once driven him to spit blood in fury!
"Return the crates Prince Qin sent a few days ago—unchanged. Tell him I’d prefer he use those resources for the people."
Watching Ye Shijie lock horns with Song Yu, the servant gulped nervously.
"Magistrate, didn’t you say just yesterday that you needed the prince’s help?"
This hardly seemed like the demeanor of someone seeking a favor.
Ye Shijie seemed to realize this too and coughed lightly.
"Fine. Go to the temporary residence of the prince and his daughter. Ask if Prince Qin would grant me an audience tomorrow."
This matter truly couldn’t wait.
An hour later.
Song Yu sprawled on a recliner, holding Emperor Yuanyou’s reply. Thankfully, his father was reasonable—so he’d let Ye Shijie’s antics slide.
"Your Highness, a messenger from the Ye Residence requests an audience with you tomorrow."
"An audience? Denied."
Song Yu’s refusal was swift and merciless.
"Wait."
Just as Liuxi was about to leave the courtyard, Song Shihuan interjected. "Father, what if Magistrate Ye wishes to discuss the county exams? Wouldn’t you like to hear his evaluation of you firsthand?"
Song Yu’s retort died on his lips, morphing instead into:
"If Ye Shijie is so eager to see me, I’ll grant him an audience."
Song Shihuan smirked—checkmate.
......
The next day.
When Ye Shijie was led before Song Yu, he frowned at the sight of the privacy screen. Why was Prince Qin hiding behind it?
Was he so petty as to refuse even a face-to-face meeting?
"What brings you here, Magistrate Ye?" Song Yu deliberately deepened his voice, though the sarcasm dripped through. "I’ve heard Yong’an County’s exams were quite the spectacle."
"Your Highness, I came precisely about the exams."
Ye Shijie chose his words carefully. "I’ve identified two promising candidates. Since you’re in Yong’an, I thought you might wish to meet them."
Behind the screen, Song Yu rolled his eyes.
So much for being upright and impartial! The man was clearly scheming for his favorites.
"Who?" Song Yu asked, mentally scoffing—until Ye Shijie uttered Guo Feng’s name.
Song Yu froze.
"Your Highness, one is Ling Ming of the Ling family. The other... is Guo Feng of the Guo family."
Song Yu nearly choked on his own spit.
"I’ve heard of Ling Ming—this year’s top scorer. The other one? Never heard of him." Song Yu feigned indifference. "Did he place second?"
Damn that old man—let’s see him wriggle out of this!
Ye Shijie remained unflappable. "Guo Feng ranked last."
"And you expect me to meet the last-place candidate?"
Ye Shijie’s tone didn’t waver. "Guo Feng has talent. A late bloomer, but given time, he’ll shine brilliantly."
Instantly, Song Yu’s mood improved.
"If you’re so impressed with Guo Feng’s exam, why rank him last?"
Ye Shijie paused, then delivered a line Song Yu would remember for life:
"A master craftsman does not reveal unpolished jade."
"So this Guo Feng is your hidden gem? Fascinating." Behind the screen, Song Yu’s grin stretched ear to ear.
Even Song Shihuan stifled a laugh. What a line—her father would probably celebrate with an extra bowl of rice.
"Very well. I’ll meet them when time permits."
Only then did Ye Shijie exhale in relief.
On the ride back, his servant ventured, "Magistrate, why go to such lengths for those two scholars?"
His master had never been one to beg favors, even as a capital official.
"One persisted in his studies despite family tragedy. The other turned his life around. They’re worth advocating for."
Ye Shijie’s voice carried the weight of conviction. Prince Qin, though notorious, was straightforward. His patronage could change their fates.
Nurturing talent was Ye Shijie’s duty as a scholar-official.
......
After the first round of exams, only those who passed could proceed to the next four. Reentering the exam hall, Song Yu noted the spaciousness—no more jostling crowds.
He still grumbled about Ye Shijie’s questions but never again mentioned the sting of ranking last.
When the five rounds concluded, Song Yu exhaled heavily, stretching his limbs.
"I underestimated the imperial exams."
They taxed both mind and body!
After days of testing, his vision blurred, his head throbbed.
Ten days later, the final rankings were posted.
This time, Song Yu was confident.
"Liuxi, start from the bottom."
But when Liuxi scanned the list, Guo Feng’s name wasn’t last. His pulse quickened as he read upward.
His Highness wasn’t the lowest-ranked after all!
