The place Song Ruier arranged to meet was a teahouse.

"Brother Song, what brings you here?" Zhu Qingyue rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with excitement. Seeing Song Ruier was like seeing his own bright future.

Song Ruier felt contempt in her heart, but she didn't show it.

If someone as dim-witted as him were to become an official, wouldn't that just add another idiot to the bureaucracy?

He said bluntly, "Brother Zhu, I'll just ask you one question: do you want to pass the imperial examination?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qingyue's eyes widened. The pastry he had just stuffed into his throat got stuck before he could swallow it properly. He quickly downed a cup of tea and nodded hurriedly.

"Of course I want to, but I always come in last place in the provincial examinations. In recent years, I'm afraid I have virtually no hope of becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examinations)."

But since Song Ruier said that, she will definitely point him in the right direction.

"It's not just in recent years; with your IQ, you could never pass the exam even if you took it your whole life," Song Ruier thought to herself, mockingly.

But he feigned sympathy and sighed softly, "Brother Zhu, please don't be angry if I tell you the truth."

“This capital city is full of talented people, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, with a large number of them emerging every three years. In the ten years when you are at your peak, you have only barely passed the county-level examination. Soon you will be thirty years old, and your energy will gradually decline. Passing the provincial-level examination will probably be a long way off.”

Zhu Qingyue pondered seriously. Although he was a little discouraged, he admitted that Song Ruier was right.

"Alas, I am the only son of the Zhu family. My father has high hopes for me. Although I have the protection of my ancestors, I can still get a job even if I don't pass the exam. But I still need to show my true talent and learn something. Only with a degree can I climb higher in this life."

Otherwise, it would most likely be an insignificant, idle position, and the family would decline by his generation. This is why young people in the capital, regardless of their social status, are all scrambling to achieve fame and fortune.

These words seemed to pierce Song Ruier, causing a shadow to rise in his eyes. Yes, even someone as useless as him could find a way out if he failed the exam, but he, because he came from humble beginnings, had to rely entirely on himself and had to curry favor with these privileged children to earn his living from their mouths.

No matter how smart he is or how strong his learning ability is, he is still inferior to others.

Song Ruier clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He shrugged, but his face remained relaxed.

"Brother Zhu, don't be discouraged. The reason I asked you to come here is for this matter. I'm here to help you."

"Brother Song, stop keeping me in suspense and tell me quickly. What good ideas do you have? I'll listen to whatever you say," Zhu Qingyue said eagerly.

Song Ruier said, "Actually, in the capital, to accomplish something difficult, you need someone to help you. This requires smoothing things over with each link, but it also requires skill. Not everyone can do it because you have to make sure it's watertight and leaves no trace."

"Brother Zhu, if you want to pass the imperial examination, I'm afraid you'll need to spend some money."

How much money do you want?

Song Ruier looked troubled: "This—"

"My family runs numerous shops and businesses, and we have no shortage of money." Zhu Qingyue said with pride.

Who doesn't know that the Zhu family is wealthy? They're at least in the top ten of the elite families in the capital.