No one cared about Xu Ruonan's thoughts. Today was the last day of the preliminary examination, and it was crucial for everyone to do their best in the final shift.

For the students in the examination room, answering the questions today is also of particular importance.

I wasn't entirely satisfied with my previous answers, so I really hope to work harder today and try to raise my score.

Students who had previously maintained their scholarly demeanor are now disregarding such considerations.

Either this person's head is scratched into a mess, or that person's jacket looks a bit unkempt.

Life is full of different aspects.

The exam room only stipulated that loud noises were not allowed, but there was no requirement to be neatly dressed.

Today, Zhao Qianci was even more cautious when answering questions. After all, given his unlucky constitution, who knew what might happen?

He analyzed the questions and answered them as quickly as possible, with almost no pauses in the process. While others went to eat and rest at noon, Zhao Qianci was still answering questions.

I checked my questions twice and found no problems, no oversights or errors. After tidying up the questions, I rang the bell to hand in my paper.

After all, the safest thing to do is to hand in the exam paper; if you keep it, who knows what might happen later.

I packed my exam basket and luggage. With my things on my back, I followed the patrolling constables toward the main gate.

Zhao Qianci wanted to quickly put the bundle on the stool by the door and then go to the outhouse.

I could see Xu Ruonan from a great distance, standing under the sun, looking almost dried out.

Although it was just a back view, Zhao Qianci could still tell from the color of the clothes that this was the person who had been carried out because of unconsciousness.

As Zhao Qianci got closer to the bench, he felt the smell was off; it smelled so much like farmyard manure.

Although Zhao Qianci was once a scholar, after being a farmer for so many years, his gossipy and mischievous heart has been unleashed to the point of almost running naked.

Sensing something was off about the taste, its little eyes scanned the surroundings.

After seeing the stains on Xu Ruonan's jacket, he understood. He sighed.

"It turns out there's no worst, only worse."

For someone as unlucky as Zhao Qianci, who had terrible luck in exams, he felt that although he had suffered a lot of injuries and hardships, he had never felt so disgusted.

It turns out that luck is relative.

The commotion caused by Zhao Qianci following the constables alerted Xu Ruonan. When the young man turned around and saw that it was Zhao Qianci, he immediately became furious.

His eyes were fixed on Zhao Qianci as if they were poisoned.

Zhao Qianci was taken aback, putting down his bundle and examination basket. He took a few steps back and asked, "Young friend, have I ever offended you?"

Xu Ruonan spat out two words viciously, "Monster."

Zhao Qianci was very surprised, and pointed to the tip of his nose, saying...

"Me, a monster? Heh, if I, this old man, were a monster, I'd kick you out right now. Humph!"

Because he was in a hurry to go to the outhouse, Zhao Qianci was too lazy to waste words with this kid.

Fortunately, the outhouse wasn't far away; otherwise, given the speed of the constables, Zhao Qianci would probably have had the same experience as Xu Ruonan today.

Having relieved myself of the urgent need to use the restroom, I was able to start thinking about the problem.

When we arrived at the gate,

"Young friend, there is something I don't understand."

You're so young, and the old man hasn't offended you, so why do you call him a monster?

I've lived for over fifty years, and this is the first time I've ever heard anyone describe me like this.

"Come on, now that the exams are over, tell the old man why he's called the 'Old Man Monster'."

Zhao Qianci was truly puzzled.

Xu Ruonan bit her lip, looking as if she wanted to devour him and drink his blood, which made Zhao Qianci even more puzzled.

This is the examination hall; the old man isn't crazy, he won't argue with anyone.

So he turned around and asked the yamen runner.

"Young man, do you know why that person called me a monster? This is superstition and nonsense, and this old man can't stand such a big label."

If he confirms this rumor, how will I, an old man, ever live in this world again?

Although the old man has lived for over fifty years and possesses excellent self-cultivation, he still does not wish to be slandered like this.

The constable was genuinely taken aback by Zhao Qianci's self-praise, finding it amusing, but since he couldn't engage in idle chatter during his duty, he could only offer a perfunctory reply.

"Let's ask the old man after we go outside."

After bowing, Zhao Qianci left. He wanted to sit down, but seeing the dirty marks left on the chair, he lost the desire to sit down, not to mention the smell of farmyard manure next to him.

So they endured it and stood a little further away, finally waiting for the time to open the door and let people in.

Despite the old man carrying a bundle of luggage, he was brimming with energy at that moment.

For the first time in his life, he successfully completed the preliminary examination for the imperial examination.

Huang and Zhao Qingyan were already waiting at the main entrance.

Zhao Qianci was the first to rush out of the examination hall.

As soon as he came out, Huang grabbed his arm. The bundle of luggage on his shoulder was also taken to Huang.

Seeing the old woman's scrutinizing gaze, he quickly said he was fine.

Once inside the carriage, Zhao Qianci slumped unceremoniously onto the stool.

"This is exhausting for the old man."

After sighing, Zhao Qianci began to explain why he was so tired and why he had to stand at the gate for almost an hour without rest.

He wouldn't recount what happened, and instead wanted to file a complaint. Who could stand being called a demon for no reason?

When Huang and Zhao Qingyan learned that it was that weak man who called their grandfather a demon, and that he might even be trying to frame their grandfather, they were very angry.

The urge to put the sacks on them grew stronger.

There were too many people at the entrance of the examination hall at this time.

It's unrealistic to chase after them to confront them, since it would be somewhat like bullying them, given that they are a large family.

When Zhao Qianci mentioned being struck by lightning the previous night, both Huang Shi and Zhao Qingyan turned pale.

Huang looked at Zhao Qingyan with trembling eyes, "My dear girl, is pulling your hair not working?"

Zhao Qingyan didn't know how to answer, and then looked at her grandfather, "It was a close call, it should have worked. Next time, we'll try a different method."

Ms. Huang had no choice but to nod.

As for next time, we'll have to see if I can pass the preliminary examination this time.

The Zhao family boys all came out. After being counted, their backpacks from when they went in and their luggage rolls from when they came out were put into the car, and the family swaggered home.

Does it matter how well you do on the exam? Not at all.

Apart from Zhao Qianci, the others had only attended private school for a few months. It was luck if they passed the exam, and it was normal if they didn't.

Zhao Changgeng posed a profound question.

"Father, Mother, if I don't pass the preliminary examination this time, will I still be able to continue my studies?"

"Hehe, son, you are the eldest son in our family, so naturally you have to set an example. If you don't pass this time, there's always next time."

Our family is different now than before; we don't care about those few taels of silver for tuition. Let's get him to the lowest level of the imperial examination first.

Mrs. Huang gently comforted her eldest son.

She knew all too well that her son had never been one to enjoy studying.