With just over a month to go before the autumn imperial examinations, the atmosphere in the west courtyard is somewhat tense.

Everyone knows that the second young master's studies are of paramount importance. The second young mistress has ordered that everything should be done with the second young master in mind. Half a year has passed, and it will soon be time to test the results.

The people in the East Courtyard were eagerly waiting to see what would happen, all wanting to prove themselves and avenge their previous humiliation!

Without any prompting, Chi Yan, who is at the center of public opinion, has been working harder than ever lately, and even at night, the candlelight in his study stays burning all night long.

Shen Tangning pushed open the half-closed door and went in. Chi Yan was sitting at his desk, so sleepy that he could barely keep his eyes open. A lock of his hair was tied up with a rope hanging from the beam.

His head drooped involuntarily, his scalp throbbing painfully. The pain made him grimace, but he managed to regain his senses, and this cycle repeated itself.

Shen Tangning initially didn't understand his intention. Chi Yan said it was called "hanging one's head from the beam and pricking one's thigh with an awl," but pricking one's thigh with an awl was too painful for him, so he could only do the latter.

Chi Yan opened his eyes groggily and was surprised to see Shen Tangning in front of him.

She must have already bathed, as she wore a white dress, her black hair half-tied up, without any other adornments, and stood there gracefully, exuding an ethereal charm.

He yawned, sat up straight again, and glanced sleepily at the sky outside: "Why aren't you asleep yet? It's so late."

"You didn't sleep either?" Shen Tangning glanced at the dark circles under Chi Yan's eyes and couldn't help but wonder if she was being too harsh on him.

She understood the principle that too much of a good thing can be bad, and said gently, "It's so late, husband, go and rest."

Chi Yan rubbed his temples, frowned, and muttered to himself, "You go to sleep first, I haven't finished reading this yet."

The flickering candlelight made his features appear gentle and bright. He unconsciously pursed his lips, and in the hazy light, he had a touch of boyish innocence.

Actually, he's only twenty this year.

Shen Tangning softened, took two steps forward and took his hand, her tone gentle: "There's no rush. If you ruin your health, it will be a loss."

Chi Yan was a little dazed at the moment, and he let Shen Tangning lead him out of the study.

Ba Liang sat by the door, leaning against a pillar, dozing off. He seemed to be dreaming about something, occasionally smacking his lips. Hearing a noise, he jolted awake and looked up.

The second young master, a tall and strong man, was being led obediently behind by his second young mistress. His handsome face showed a hint of bewilderment, a far cry from his usual carefree demeanor.

Eight Liang rubbed his eyes in disbelief, then slowly opened his mouth wide: "..."

Oh no, the young master has gone stupid from studying too much!

A gust of wind under the eaves cleared Chi Yan's muddled mind, and the soft, warm touch of his palm immediately captured his attention.

His face flushed, his thoughts racing between "Oh my god, how can her hand be so soft?" and "Damn it! She grabbed my hand without even saying hello!" His expression was incredibly unpredictable.

He heard a noise behind him and instinctively turned his head to look. He saw Ba Liang staring at him blankly with a melancholy expression, as if he had just witnessed a scene of pigs rooting up cabbages.

If nothing unexpected happens, he should be that pig.

Chi Yan paused, then felt a surge of inexplicable anger and embarrassment. She glared at him fiercely, silently mouthing a message that was succinct and to the point:

roll.

Eight ounces rolled away, heartbroken and resentful.

Haha, that's great!