They may face setbacks again, but no matter the outcome, they will all leave their own deep mark on the road of life.

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the day when the results of the imperial examinations were announced finally arrived amidst everyone's eager anticipation.

Before dawn, the area beneath the posted notices was already teeming with people, so crowded that it was impossible to move.

People would stand on tiptoe and crane their necks, eagerly searching for their own names.

They might have furrowed brows, their faces filled with tension and unease, or they might be whispering and discussing amongst themselves with the people next to them.

As the information on the list gradually came into view, a cacophony of voices erupted from the audience.

Some people cheered and jumped for joy, excitedly hugging their companions in celebration, their happiness overflowing.

Some people turned away silently, their eyes filled with disappointment and frustration, their drooping shoulders seemingly bearing endless loneliness.

Qin Qianluo stood not far away, quietly watching all of this. She knew the hardships and cruelty of the imperial examination path, and she also understood the difficult situation of those scholars who failed the exam.

So she gently raised her hand, gestured slightly to Yao Guang beside her, and said softly, "Tell the people at Qingfeng Academy to take in some more poor scholars."

Yao Guang accepted the order and left in haste.

Before long, a dozen or so impoverished scholars stepped into the gates of Qingfeng Academy.

Some of them looked exhausted and travel-worn, their faces showing the hardships of their journey, but their eyes revealed a stubborn refusal to give up.

Some were still green and immature, their youthful innocence lingering, filled with uncertainty about the future. The books they clutched tightly in their hands were their only support at that moment.

The scholars who originally worked at the academy were all kind and helpful, guiding them to unpack their belongings and arrange accommodations.

While patiently introducing the various matters of the academy, he comforted the dejected scholars: "Don't be discouraged."

This is also a place for you to stay, and you have a long life ahead of you.” The scholars nodded their thanks, a glimmer of hope rekindling in their eyes.

It's April now, and the weather is mild and pleasant, with a gentle breeze that feels like a mother's hand softly caressing the earth.

Throughout the city, cherry blossoms and peach blossoms seemed to have received a secret order from spring, blooming in profusion overnight.

Clusters and clumps of pink and white flowers create a dazzling sea of ​​blossoms, as brilliant as the clouds on the horizon.

A gentle breeze blows, and the petals flutter down like snowflakes, dancing gracefully in the air.

The rich fragrance of flowers permeates every inch of the air, making people feel as if they are in a dreamlike fairyland.

Su Jinyun had long been unable to contain her anticipation and had arranged to go to the suburbs to enjoy the flowers and scenery with Qin Qianluo.

After court, Su Jinyun went home and changed into a light pink silk skirt with delicate peach blossom patterns embroidered on the hem.

Every stitch and every thread is embroidered so lifelike that it seems as if the peach blossoms are about to sway gracefully in the wind.

Her hair was pulled up high, with a smooth jade hairpin inserted at an angle, the head of which was inlaid with a crystal-clear pearl.

As she swayed gently with her movements, her beautiful features were accentuated, making her even more radiant and captivating.

This year, Qin Qianluo turned 14, a moment of great significance for women in ancient times. However, Su Jinyun felt a strange sense of crisis.

Recently, officials with daughters at home seem to have sensed an opportunity and are starting to get restless.

They racked their brains, using various birthday banquets and poetry gatherings as pretexts to send out invitations to Qin Qianluo.

Or perhaps she would carefully arrange for her daughter to "bump into" Qin Qianluo at a place she frequented, and then casually approach her to strike up a conversation.

Su Jinyun knew perfectly well that they had no pure intentions; they were simply coveting the connections and resources behind Qin Qianluo.

They wanted to use marriage alliances to climb the social ladder and gain more benefits for their own families.

Thinking of this, Su Jinyun frowned and thought to herself: Hmph, I can see through all their schemes.

As long as I am here, I will never let those with ill intentions succeed in their schemes.

The countryside in spring is like a poetic scroll slowly unfolding.

A few fluffy white clouds float leisurely in the jewel-like blue sky.

They change shape at will, sometimes like galloping horses, sometimes like blooming cotton.

On the vast land, flowers bloom in profusion, with colorful blossoms in full bloom.

Red like fire, pink like the sunset, white like snow, they intertwine and cluster together, forming a magnificent sea of ​​flowers.

A gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of earth and flowers, caressed the flowers, causing them to sway softly and rustle, as if whispering the romance of spring.

Su Jinyun slowed her pace, turned her head slightly, and her gaze lingered on Qin Qianluo, who was walking beside her, as if drawn by a magnet.

The corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly, revealing a faint smile that was hard to detect, a smile that contained tenderness and longing.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, like fine gold foil, casting dappled light and shadow that gently fell upon Qin Qianluo.

The light and shadow shifted with her movements, outlining her tall and graceful figure. Every step she took was as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze, extremely elegant, as if she were a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.