A master of metaphysics is farming.

Chapter 124 Trial

On the fifth day of the second month of the twenty-fifth year of Yu the Great's reign, the spring imperial examination was held.

The imperial examination consisted of three sessions, each lasting three days, a grueling nine days and six nights.

At this moment, countless students stood before the Imperial Examination Hall in the capital, each with their own distinct appearance, nervously rubbing their hands together.

Standing not far away, Xiang He watched this scene, which was truly a rare sight: ancient students taking the imperial examination.

"Are you nervous? It's the provincial examination. If you pass, you'll have to participate in the palace examination, and you might even be able to compete for the top three."

Hearing her teasing tone, He Suian raised an eyebrow, her smile tinged with helplessness. "I'm determined to have you. Don't wander around these next few days. If Prince Shen invites you, just decline."

"You don't need to worry about that. After traveling for many days, you've finally made it to the exam. Good luck!"

Xiang He made a victory sign, and He Suian chuckled, taking off the folding fan from his waist. "These worldly possessions can't be brought in. You keep an eye on them for me."

"Of course, is there anything else that needs to be prepared?"

Hearing the commotion in the distance, He Suian turned around and looked, "For now, only a few of them are needed."

Following his gaze, those familiar figures appeared again; Qi Xin walked over with several students.

"It's better to arrive at the right time than at the right moment! Brother He, there are exactly five of us!"

Xiang He nodded in agreement, “It just so happens that you need five people to form a partnership. If one person cheats, all five will be held accountable.”

"Boom!—"

The heavy drumbeats sounded, and everyone looked towards the entrance of the examination hall.

Two officials came out and told everyone to line up to register. Qi Xin shouted, "Happy New Year, hurry up and go!"

Xiang He unfolded his folding fan, waved it a few times, and said, "May you all, when you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, laugh proudly among the heroes."

With just a few words of encouragement, the slight irritation in their hearts dissipated.

"Thank you for your kind words, young lady. When you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, you will stand out among all the heroes!"

The boys laughed loudly and waved to He, urging him to hurry over.

He Sui'an turned to look at her, "When you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, you'll be the most outstanding among all the talents. And you still say you've never been to school? I think you're quite capable."

"Those brought on their backs don't count."

Amidst the banter, He Sui'an's lips curved slightly, and tenderness overflowed in his eyes, "Let's get in the carriage, it's windy again today."

"it is good."

Xiang He turned and walked towards the carriage. He Sui'an watched her solitary figure disappear into the distance, then turned and walked towards the examination hall.

Two figures walked in opposite directions. One suppressed her smile, her gaze firm and determined, while the other's eyes were calm, as if the world's clamor had nothing to do with her.

The rising sun shone on the two of them, giving them a unique glow.

One person is facing the light, while the other is backlit. From a distance, the gaze of the person facing the light is fixed on the one in the light.

Zhu Nan glanced sideways and saw that the man was walking this way. "Miss, Young Master Shen is here."

Following his gaze, Shen Zhuoci approached with an imposing figure. "Miss Xiang, are you here to see Brother He off?"

Xiang He withdrew her foot. "Yes, they just went in."

Together with her, they faced the main gate of the examination hall, where candidates lined up in an orderly fashion, waiting to be checked for any cheating devices.

"How confident do you think Brother He is?"

"very."

Shen Zhuoci was not surprised by such a definite answer.

"Does the young lady think highly of Brother He?"

Xiang He shrugged easily. "He studied hard, wasn't it all for this moment? At twenty, it's the perfect age to pursue fame and fortune."

Although he was older than the genius, his experience was no less than that of the genius.

Seeing the unwavering belief in her eyes, Shen Zhuoci smiled inscrutablely. "You truly trust Brother He implicitly; you have a deep friendship with him."

"well enough."

In just six months, the two became like old friends, which Xiang He found incredible.

Seeing her staring blankly into that direction, Shen Zhuoci smiled and turned his head, "Miss, would you like to take a walk together?"

Xiang He glanced at Zhu Nan, "Alright, let's go."

The two walked ahead, while Zhu Nan led the carriage behind.

"Young Master Shen, I have a question for you."

“Just call me Zhuo Ci,” he said, his hands behind his back, his gaze falling on the folding fan in Xiang He’s hand. “Please ask, young lady.”

"Is Young Master Qi on good terms with the Crown Prince?"

"Brother Qi didn't say?" He showed no surprise. "His father and my father were friends for many years, but he left the capital more than ten years ago and returned to the old house."

He took out a folding fan from his waist but didn't open it, instead playing with it between his fingertips. "Miss, is that Brother He's fan?"

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

"I think this fan tassel is quite pretty."

Xiang He raised the hand holding the folding fan, the safety buckle swaying in the air, looking quite new.

He put it down after a moment, saying, "It's just a safety amulet; Your Highness can just go and buy one."

“That makes sense…” Shen Zhuoci was still looking at the folding fan, his eyes flashing. “How long does the young lady plan to stay in the capital?”

"It is still unknown."

"Won't you stay with Brother He for long, young lady?"

Xiang He's calm eyes flickered slightly. "He has his things to do, and I naturally have mine."

This caught Shen Zhuoci's attention. "What does the young lady want to do? Business?"

Xiang He didn't bother to expose his various probing questions, idly twirling the large umbrella in her hand. "It's still unknown for now, but I won't be staying in the capital for long."

Hearing the coldness in her voice, Shen Zhuoci didn't care.

Xiang He didn't want to waste any more words with him, so she stepped aside and said, "Young Master, if there's nothing else, I'll head home now."

Shen Zhuoci never imagined that he would one day be disliked by others.

He stared blankly as Xiang He got into the carriage, casually waved to him, and then climbed into the carriage. The coachman didn't even give him a glance, and pulled on the reins to drive the horse away.

His striking figure stood alone in the empty space, appearing somewhat desolate.

This unruly behavior made Shen Zhuoci burst into laughter, saying, "The capital is about to get lively."

-

-

"Xing Ji, come and try this dish. I feel it's missing something."

In the He residence, Xiang He was busy in the kitchen, while Xing Ji and Zhu Nan, the two guards, had now become farmers and often tended to the vegetable garden.

He Suian has been at the examination hall for two days, and Xiang He is in charge of the family meals, so he is quite relaxed.

"Young lady, are you going to the West Market later?"

"Of course we'll go! I've been working on some new seasonings lately, so you'll get even more delicious meat next time!"

Xing Ji walked into the kitchen, picked up his chopsticks, and took a bite. "Delicious! Did they put spices in it?"

Xiang He gave him a thumbs up, "Xing Ji, you've really put a lot of thought into flavors these past few days!"

"The young lady's cooking is excellent..." He suddenly put down his chopsticks. "Someone's here. I'll go and see."

Xiang He also put down her chopsticks, straightened her clothes, and went out.

Zhu Nan had already put down his hoe, rolled up his sleeves, and stood guard to the side.

Soon after, Xing Ji arrived, followed by several people, one of whom was obese and could not be concealed.

Feng Fujing's eyes lit up when he saw Xiang He. He clasped his hands together and raised them to his eyebrows, saying, "Daoist Master, Jiaojiao is only just recovering. Please forgive my late arrival."

Xiang He waved his hand, "No, please come in and sit down."

Feng Fujing immediately called to the servants behind him, "Hurry up and take it inside!"

Six or seven people carried or lifted him from behind, and many gifts of gratitude were brought into the courtyard.

"You don't need so much..."

"How could that be!" Feng Fujing pulled his daughter along and followed her inside. "The Taoist priest exorcised the evil spirit for my Jiaojiao. He was able to subdue that malevolent creature. He's truly amazing!"

"I am over-flattered."

"You're being modest, Taoist priest!"