After a while, Madam Sun nodded to Ye Panjiu, "Little sister is right. The court is complicated and dark. We should live our own lives and not get involved in this mess."

Grandma Ye also took her hand and nodded in agreement.

Ye Panjiu smiled and nodded.

When Mu Gu returned and recounted the story to Duan Jingcheng, Duan Jingcheng pondered for a moment.

"Go and tell Madam that Madam Ye truly dislikes the court, and we should not go and disturb her rashly. She doesn't even want to stay in the capital, which shows that she dislikes these things."

Mu Gu nodded in agreement, "This Madam Ye is truly insightful. She doesn't get involved in shady dealings, nor does she covet power. She lives a life of clarity and understanding."

Duan Jingcheng looked at the mountain of books beside him and shook his head. "It's not that I understand it thoroughly. Like me, I've been entangled in affairs every day since I arrived in Shuzhou. I haven't had much rest since then. Sigh."

He was either at the government office or on his way to inspect other counties in Shuzhou every day.

Despite his diligence, there were still memorials in the imperial court impeaching him.

There are only so many official positions, and those who want to rise to the top must use every means to pull down those who came before them so that they can climb up themselves.

The struggle never ends.

It was already dark when they had dinner that evening, so they ate by lamplight.

They certainly wouldn't let Ye Ming go back to read the book.

Ye Panjiu was the first to raise her water glass to Ye Ming, saying, "I wish you success in tomorrow's provincial examination. Don't worry about the result; just be true to yourself."

Ye Ming smiled. His cup was also filled with warm water; his aunt had taken the wine and tea.

"From the day I resume school tomorrow, I will not slack off for a moment. I will do my best and leave the rest to fate!"

Ye Erniu slammed his fist on the table upon hearing this, "My son is absolutely right! I wish you a comfortable day tomorrow, neither too hot nor too cold, and that you feel neither hungry nor in pain!"

Madam Sun glared at him, then picked up a glass of water to toast him. "Ming'er, you've already become a scholar, bringing honor to our Ye family. You're very capable! Your mother is so proud of you!"

Ye Ming's eyes reddened instantly, and his throat tightened. "I am also proud of our Ye family!"

He choked up as he spoke, and quickly took a sip of water.

The fact that the Ye family never turned against each other or had internal conflicts during the most difficult times is extremely rare, and how can we not be proud of it?

No one's life can always be smooth sailing. When you're in a trough, having family to get through it with makes the hardship feel less bitter.

Afterwards, everyone in the Ye family offered their blessings to Ye Ming, all heartfelt words that did not add any pressure to him.

Ye Ming slept soundly that night.

The provincial examinations started at the same time as the county examinations, both very early.

Liu prepared a very lavish breakfast early in the morning.

Yesterday, she, along with Madam Sun and Ye Panjiu, prepared a generous amount of dry food for Ming'er.

The provincial examination was divided into three stages, each lasting three days and two nights. Once a candidate entered the examination hall, they were not allowed to leave and had to eat, drink, and relieve themselves within the examination hall.

After one exam period ends, I can go home for one night.

Duan Jingcheng thoughtfully set aside a separate area for the female examinees.

It can ensure that women are not spied on.

Before dawn, around 5 a.m., the Ye family arrived at the examination hall, where a line of people had already formed.

The only people queuing up were the test takers; just a glance was enough to sense their intense anxiety and tension.

Before Ye Ming could say anything, he got off the carriage and rushed to the back of the line to join the queue.

Old Man Ye and Old Woman Ye watched him slowly move forward in the line, their hearts pounding.

This is their good grandson, heading towards his future.

Sun twisted the handkerchief in her hand back and forth.

Ye Panjiu took her arm and comforted her, "Everything will be alright tomorrow."

Ye Ming grew up enduring hardship, so he is naturally capable of handling many responsibilities.

Mrs. Sun held her hand tightly, "I just hope he'll be healthy. This provincial examination is too much of a torment. He can't eat or sleep well inside. Sigh."

Ye Panjiu could only pat her and say, "Just get through this."

Modern exams are much more humane; in ancient times, exams were truly a torment.

At the entrance, the man took the exam as before, queuing up, taking off his coat, and carefully checking his belongings.

Right opposite the men's group were thirteen extremely short women.

The women stepped off the carriages from the jeweled canopies, their backs flanked by kneeling servants. Each woman wore a veiled hat, her hair piled high in a bun, adorned with gold hairpins and jade beads. Behind her were at least two maids, and as they passed by, a fragrant breeze would waft by.

Even the usually tense Mrs. Sun was stunned. "Little sister, are they here for an exam? It looks like a talent show."

Ye Panjiu was both amused and exasperated, and patted her hand.

Duan Jingcheng's wife was already waiting in the small room that had been set up, accompanied by two maids.

Among the thirteen noble ladies, the one in the lead was Luo Qian, the eldest daughter of the Luo family, whose attire was relatively simple in comparison.

She was supposed to be first in line, but just as she was about to enter the small room, someone else rushed in first.

This person is Qian Chunyan, the second daughter of the Qian family. The eldest daughter has already married into the capital.

Immediately, the maidservant beside Luo Qian was about to step forward to argue with her, but Luo Qian raised her hand to stop her, saying, "It's alright."

In no time, the two maids who had gone in with her came out unhappily.

They pursed their lips at the people outside, "The maids aren't allowed in!"

Qian Chunyan's face was long and she was very unhappy as she put on the coat she had just taken off.

Madam Duan's maid urged, "Please hurry, Miss Qian, so as not to delay the others from entering."

Qian Chunyan's eyes darted around, and she slowed down even more.

Madam Duan smiled and gave the maid a look.

The maid immediately picked up her things and put them outside, while another pushed her out.

Qian Chunyan screamed, "Where did this wicked servant come from, daring to touch his master!"

He slapped the maid across the face with his other hand.

Madam Duan slammed her hand on the table. "Outrageous! Who among those who came to take the exam dares to disrespect the examiners! You are not allowed to participate in this provincial examination!"

Qian Chunyan was about to speak when the maid forcefully pushed her away.

The Qian family alone is so arrogant!

Qian Chunyan wasn't even fully dressed when she was pushed out and fell to the ground. She was furious.

He immediately wanted to stand up and go in to argue, but was dragged away by two constables.

"Open your dog eyes and take a look! I am the legitimate daughter of the Qian family! If you offend me, you probably don't want to live anymore!"

The sharp cry drew the attention of the scholars queuing nearby.

They were all whispering among themselves.

Mrs. Sun's mouth dropped open. "Is this girl brainless?"

Ye Panjiu smiled brightly, "She grew up in the Qian family, so naturally she feels that everything should be done according to her opinion."

Idiot.

The twelve women in line behind them tensed up instantly.

Two more people immediately hurried back to the carriage.

This exam looks like a den of dragons and tigers! I might as well not take it!

Ye Panjiu shook her head, thinking how hard Sheng Ping had worked to get this, and it was being wasted like this.

Luo Qian shook her head at her two maids, "You two can go back now."

The two maids looked nervous and refused to leave.

Ignoring them, Luo Qian took a deep breath discreetly and walked into the small room.