"Father, you truly are the most remarkable father in all of Daqi!"
Back in the chamber, Song Shihuan tilted her head playfully as she tied a large red flower to Song Yu's chest. "From today onward, you are a scholar of the imperial examinations!"
"Don't tease me, Ahuan."
Song Yu still felt somewhat dazed. The imperial exams were notoriously difficult, yet he had already earned the title of xiucai (scholar). With just the provincial and metropolitan exams left, he would soon stand before his father, the Emperor, in the grand hall.
"Ahuan, let’s visit the ancestral temple," Song Yu said excitedly, rubbing his hands together. "We must inform our ancestors that our family has produced a scholar!"
The thought of how impoverished the Song family once was filled him with gratitude toward his father, who had risen in rebellion—otherwise, he might still be begging for scraps of food.
"Of course we must pay respects," Song Shihuan agreed, then paused. "But perhaps we should wait for the results of Song Yanzheng’s exam in the capital. We can share both pieces of news with our ancestors at once."
"You always think ahead, Ahuan."
Song Yu grinned so widely his eyes nearly disappeared. By then, their ancestors would surely know who was the pride of the Song family—and who was its disgrace.
Noticing her father’s expression, Song Shihuan smirked. Recalling Song Yanzheng’s usual arrogance, she had already taken the initiative to seek out Ye Shijie.
......
At the Ye residence.
"This humble official greets the County Princess." After overseeing the exams, Ye Shijie was exhausted and had been recuperating at home for days.
"Lord Ye, I have a favor to ask of you."
Song Shihuan’s sorrowful expression made Ye Shijie’s heart skip a beat—had the Prince discovered something amiss in Ji'an Prefecture? Would his official hat still be secure?
Unaware of his racing thoughts, Song Shihuan sighed deeply. "My cousin, the Eldest Imperial Grandson of Ping Prince's Mansion, also took the exam this time. I assume you’ve heard of him?"
Relieved it wasn’t about Ji'an Prefecture, Ye Shijie exhaled discreetly.
"This official has indeed heard—he was assigned to... the foul-smelling examination cell."
"Since you’re aware, I’ll be direct. I’d like you to prepare another exam paper, identical in difficulty to the one used in Ji'an Prefecture."
Song Shihuan was certain that if Song Yanzheng failed, he would blame his misfortune. She intended to strip away his excuses.
"Why?"
"The Eldest Imperial Grandson represents the imperial family’s dignity. If he passes, all is well. But if he fails, I fear the Emperor may worry about the family’s reputation. I merely wish to give him a chance to prove his ability—regardless of ranking."
Her seemingly selfless concern moved Ye Shijie deeply.
"The County Princess is most considerate. This official will prepare the exam at once."
What a noble gesture—she neither asked for an easier test nor abused her privilege to arrange a retake. She simply wanted to give him a fair opportunity.
"Then I leave it to you, Lord Ye."
As she departed, Song Shihuan’s eyes gleamed with amusement.
Song Yanzheng, just wait for the gift I’ve prepared for you.
......
The capital.
The moment the exam results were posted, the Ping Prince's Mansion servant pushed through the crowd with the family’s insignia, forcing onlookers aside.
Though resentful, no one dared protest openly. Silently, they all prayed for Song Yanzheng’s failure.
When the servant scanned the list from top to bottom without finding Song Yanzheng’s name, he froze, unsure how to report the news.
The crowd, realizing he had truly failed, fell into an eerie silence. Even those who passed dared not cheer, fleeing instead to celebrate far away.
Thus, the examination hall remained unnervingly quiet on results day.
Ping Prince's Mansion.
"Why hasn’t the servant returned?" Shen Hua'er paced anxiously, rushing to the door at the sound of footsteps.
"Did he pass?"
The servant dropped to his knees, shaking his head.
Shen Hua'er’s face turned ashen.
He failed—not even a xiucai!
Song Yanzheng, sensing trouble, hurried over. "Did I pass?"
"No." Shen Hua'er replied weakly, too disheartened to console him. "You can try again in three years..."
"Impossible! You must have misread. Send someone else!"
But after five servants confirmed the result, the truth was undeniable.
"Elder Brother, perhaps you simply weren’t good enough," Song Xiyan taunted. "Three more years of study won’t hurt."
"Silence!"
Song Yanzheng glared at her, then took several deep breaths. "It was the foul cell—it ruined my focus!"
That had to be it. Just bad luck.
Shen Hua'er’s eyes regained some life. "He’s right! Spread the word—blame the foul cell. Say he’s still unwell from the ordeal. Make it sound pitiful."
It was their only way to save face.
Song Yanzheng hid in the mansion for days until Wu Qi arrived.
"Eunuch Wu, what brings you here?"
Song Yanzheng grew nervous, fearing the Emperor’s displeasure.
"Eldest Imperial Grandson, this servant brings an edict. His Majesty summons you to the palace."
Wu Qi smiled, revealing nothing of the Emperor’s fury.
......
Purple Palace Hall.
The moment Song Yanzheng entered, an inkstone nearly struck him.
"Song Yanzheng! Look at this disgraceful exam! Have you wasted all your years of study?"
Even Emperor Yuanyou, who seldom favored Ping Prince's Mansion, was livid at the nonsensical answers.
"Your Majesty, the foul cell’s stench clouded my mind. I couldn’t perform at my best," Song Yanzheng pleaded on his knees. "If granted another chance, I swear—"
"Fine."
The Emperor’s agreement stunned him. Hadn’t he refused a retake earlier?
"Ye Shijie prepared a new test. In three days, you’ll take it outside Ping Prince's Mansion, proctored by Qiu Ri," Emperor Yuanyou said coldly. "The result won’t affect your ranking—it’s merely a chance to prove yourself."
No impact on the exam? Then why risk it?
And with Ye Shijie’s test...
Song Yanzheng’s confidence wavered.
