The autumn imperial examinations are over, but the results won't be available for a while until September.

Jiang Shuyun was no longer in a hurry; there was no point in being anxious.

"Shuyun, if the autumn examination is over, will you go back to the academy to continue your studies or stay at home?"

"If I pass the autumn examination, I will go home for a few days before returning to the academy to study. I will then head to the capital before the new year to prepare for next year's imperial examination."

Jiang Shuyun had already discussed it with Yi'an. If he passed the autumn imperial examination, he would go to the capital in advance to get used to the northern weather.

Whether in their past or present lives, they all lived in a place closer to the south. They had never experienced the bitter cold of winter in the north or the chill of early spring, so they had to adapt in advance.

"That's true. The journey is long, and I've heard that it's very cold in the capital in February."

Jiang Shuheng had never been to the North; he had only read descriptions of it in books.

"In February, it sometimes snows in the north, and the temperature drops to several degrees below zero, so it's very cold. I went there in advance to get used to it and found a place to stay."

Jiang Shuyun's last study tour was also to the north, but not to the capital.

"That's fine too. Your sister-in-law is capable and has provided you with good conditions. I have no hope this time, and I won't take the exam again. I'll go back and take over our father's school."

My children are all grown up now, and over the years, I haven't fulfilled my responsibilities as a father and son. Even with your sister-in-law, I've only complained about her various flaws, but I've never truly cared for her."

Thinking about his family, Jiang Shuheng felt exhausted, but he couldn't run away from it; it was his responsibility.

"Children only grow up once, and as parents, we have a responsibility to raise them well."

Jiang Shuyun and Mu Yi'an became parents late in life, and over the past few years, they have been raising their three children with many ups and downs, fearing that one of them might go astray if they are not careful.

“I know that all these years, I’ve only focused on studying. As a result, I haven’t understood the books, I haven’t raised my wife well, and my children have a lot of problems. I feel like I haven’t figured out how to live these past thirty years.”

Jiang Shuheng was actually quite frustrated. Compared to his two brothers, he, the eldest son of the Jiang family, felt rather useless.

Shuyun is a good student and passed the county-level imperial examination at a young age. Now, she has a good chance of passing the provincial-level imperial examination. There are three children in the family: the eldest is good at studying, the second is physically strong, and the youngest is lively and adorable.

Although Shuwen did not continue his studies, he has accumulated some wealth over the years through his hard work outside.

Now, the shop is open and business is good.

Looking at myself, I've relied on my parents for so many years and haven't earned much money.

As for the children, Shao Qin was completely unreliable before; it took me over a year to discipline him before he started to behave. Shao Ning, on the other hand, lived like a ghost, practically invisible. The two daughters were timid and cowardly…

Jiang Shuheng felt increasingly like a failure as a person, and wondered if it was too late to start working hard now.

"Brother, it's not too late. The child is still young, so you can teach him slowly. As for sister-in-law, you and your husband need to communicate well."

Jiang Shuyun didn't have much experience either. The reason he was so worry-free was because Yi An was quietly making sacrifices behind the scenes. He didn't have much say in the matter.

Hopefully they can pass the exam this time. Even if they fail the provincial exam, they won't have to live apart like this. Then they can let Yi'an and the others come to live in the prefectural city.

Bailu Academy also had graduates who passed the imperial examinations and became successful candidates in the provincial examinations. Their study time was not as much as that of the lower-level scholars, and they had a lot of freedom.

The two brothers rarely sat down together to talk, so they didn't feel so unfamiliar with each other.

On the day the results were announced, the inns and bookstores around the examination hall were bustling with activity.

Students from all over gathered together, chatting and exchanging ideas, and when the mood struck them, they would go to brothels to enjoy themselves with prostitutes...

Jiang Shuyun was not a true ancient person after all, and there were some things he was not used to.

In his past life, he was a person who didn't like socializing. Although he wouldn't call himself socially anxious, he really didn't like socializing. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to teach at a school.

These past few days, I've declined invitations from several classmates and haven't attended any gatherings.

Sometimes she would take Li Li to stroll through the streets of the prefectural city and buy some interesting little things for Yi An and the children.

When I saw something suitable, I also bought some small items for my parents and in-laws.

Time flies, and the results will be released soon!

Early in the morning, the courtyard rented by the Jiang family was bustling with activity.

"Master, sir, breakfast is ready."

Knowing that the results would be released today, Sister Li prepared breakfast in advance.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sister Li. You should go and eat too."

After washing up, Jiang Shuyun had breakfast with his older brother and prepared to go to the teahouse opposite the examination hall to wait for the results to be released.

When the group arrived, the teahouse was already quite full.

"Brother Shuyun, why haven't you come out these past few days?"

"I'm resting at home. After taking so many exams, I need to take good care of my health."

Jiang Shuyun exchanged a few words with his classmates at the academy, then sat down with his older brother to wait for the results to be released.

"Sir, I've gone to wait outside the examination hall."

Li Li seemed even more anxious than the person in question, eager to see the list as soon as possible.

"Okay, go ahead. There are a lot of people, don't get squeezed."

Jiang Shuyun wanted to say, "Don't worry, whether it's sooner or later won't change the outcome."

The area outside the examination hall was crowded with people, including stewards, servants, and young women who were probably there to join in the fun.

"Ta-da..."

The gates of the examination hall opened, soldiers cleared the way, and yamen runners came out with the list of successful candidates.

"Back up, back up, all of you back up..."

The crowd was dispersed, leaving a path, and the yamen runners pasted the notices on the courtyard wall.

As soon as the notice was posted, servants and stewards from all the households swarmed forward, eager to see if their masters or young masters were on the list. The first one to see it would return to report the good news, and the reward would certainly not be small.

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