The four men nodded in understanding, though the atmosphere remained somewhat heavy.
Xu Wan continued, "Actually, over these past few years, it’s not just the children who have improved—you all have as well. It’s just that you haven’t taken any exams, so you don’t realize how much you’ve grown."
At her words, Jiang Yan nodded in agreement. "I agree with Madam. Everyone here is already quite capable."
Xu Wan smiled. "In fact, I’ve been thinking of registering all four of you for next year’s metropolitan exams."
The four scholars: "!!!"
When they had first come to the Marquis Manor, they had only intended to work as tutors to earn a living. Never had they imagined they would reach the level of jinshi candidates through teaching, let alone take the metropolitan exams alongside their young charges.
Pan Hongzhi had privately considered continuing his studies, but he had planned to do so in the next cycle, as this year was devoted entirely to tutoring the boys.
Xu Wan reiterated, "So for the next month, don’t slack off. Strive for a bright future—for yourselves as well as the boys. I believe all of you will pass the assessments and stay on, and next year, you’ll enter the Golden Hall for the palace exams alongside them."
The Golden Hall… the palace exams.
The ultimate dream of every scholar in the empire.
The four tutors, who had just been weighed down by a sense of crisis, were instantly reinvigorated. Madam’s meaning was clear: they were to focus on preparing for the metropolitan exams—for the boys, and for themselves.
The tutors chorused, "Thank you for your guidance, Madam! We will work hard!"
Xu Wan smiled. "Good. I’ll be waiting for your good news."
After she left, the four men grew increasingly excited. Soon, Pan Hongzhi was the first to snap back to reality, turning to Jiang Yan. "Brother Jiang, you’ll have to give me some pointers!"
"Me too!"
"And me!"
"..."
Suddenly the center of attention, Jiang Yan floundered. "Alright, alright, I’ll do my best..."
The next day, at mao hour (5-7 AM).
The boys were once again roused by the clamor of gongs and drums. They scrambled to dress and wash up, all donning their soccer uniforms in unison.
This was the only outfit practical enough for labor—durable, easy to move in, and perfect for enduring Su Xi’s unreasonable demands.
Standing in a neat row, the five young boys amused Su Xi, who raised an eyebrow. "Well, look at this—a proper soccer team. Whose idea was this?"
Shen Yibai boldly raised his hand. "Mine, sir. Since you never let us sit still in class anyway, we might as well dress for action. No matter how you torment us, the elite class is strong—we can handle anything!"
Su Xi burst into laughter, turning to Xu Wan. "These kids of yours are something else. Absolutely delightful."
This was the first time he had openly praised them in front of the boys—previously, he had only scolded them relentlessly.
Hearing this, the boys puffed up with pride.
This was more like it! Who wouldn’t adore them? Anyone who didn’t was clearly the problem.
Su Xi finally stopped laughing. "Fine. Today, we’ll just play. No work."
The five boys could hardly believe their ears, already debating where to go that morning. Zong Wenxiu suggested they limit their fun to the morning, as they still needed to study in the afternoon. The others agreed, ready to follow the plan.
But Su Xi cut in, "Who said you get to plan the day? Follow me."
The five boys: "..."
A sense of foreboding washed over them. The old man was definitely up to no good again.
The general’s estate had several ponds. While the boys had been busy with flowers the day before, Xu Wan had taken Su Xi on a tour of the grounds. He had immediately taken a liking to the western pond, where vast stretches of lotus flowers grew.
And at this time of year, the first lotus seed pods had just ripened.
Su Xi cheerfully announced their task: "Today’s game is—harvest every single lotus seed pod in this pond."
"..."
The Little Demon King couldn’t hold back. "Sir, is this really playing? Isn’t it just more work?"
Shen Yibai grumbled, "I knew wearing the soccer uniform was the right call. Another day of exhaustion and sunburn."
Wei Xinglu quietly added, "Plus a reflective poem."
He Zheng sighed. "Just end me now."
Zong Wenxiu: "..."
Xu Wan stepped in with a smile. "Don’t be so glum, boys. Harvesting lotus pods is fun—you’ll see once you try it. Cui Zhi, fetch some hooks. Let’s finish before the heat sets in."
Su Xi nodded approvingly, then scolded the boys. "Look at you, acting like it’s the end of the world. Young lads like you, yet less resilient than Madam Zong here. See how efficiently she gets things done? You lot could learn a thing or two."
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
The four young troublemakers scoffed in unison, each offering a single-word review.
Su Xi: "..."
What a headache these brats were.
The hooks arrived quickly, one for each boy. After watching a servant demonstrate the technique, the boys focused intently, no longer rebellious but fully absorbed in learning.
Soon, all five had mastered it.
Standing at the pond’s edge, they gripped the hooks—one hand at the base, the other steadying the shaft—and with minimal effort, twisted the lotus pods free, letting them drop into small nets attached to the hooks.
He Zheng was the first to cheer. "Success! I got one!"
Shen Yibai twisted off another, boasting, "Too easy. Master Shen picks things up instantly. What’s the big deal?"
Zong Jincheng huffed. "With these hooks, we’ll be done by si hour (9-11 AM). No way this takes all day."
Zong Wenxiu grinned. "Then let’s hurry up and finish. The rest of the day is ours."
"Agreed!" United in purpose, the boys set to work with renewed energy.
Su Xi frowned, turning to Xu Wan. "How did they turn the joy of harvesting lotus pods into a chore? Where’s the youthful exuberance? Back in the countryside, kids would be laughing, snacking on pods, splashing around… Yours are so disciplined yet rebellious. Strange. Very strange."
Xu Wan pictured the scene—whether from dramas or poetry, harvesting lotus pods was always portrayed as pure fun. But her five boys, while enjoying themselves, treated it more like a mission. They couldn’t fully embrace the carefree spirit of it.
After a moment of contemplation, Su Xi’s eyes lit up with a mischievous spark. Grinning like a reincarnated witch, he strode toward the boys at the pond’s edge.
