Shen Tangning was indeed prescient; otherwise, His Majesty might have had him and the paper thrown out the moment he saw his writing.

The ministers were slightly startled and exchanged bewildered glances.

Is Your Majesty so certain that Chi Yan will pass the spring examination and participate in the palace examination?

For a moment, everyone's gaze towards Chi Yan unconsciously changed. Having personal strength and being appreciated by superiors are two different things. The imperial court has never lacked talented young people, but very few have truly distinguished themselves.

When Chi Yan left the palace, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy took the initiative to approach him and say, "Young Master Chi, please wait a moment."

Chi Yan, who was only thinking about going home for a meal, turned around and gave a polite smile: "Master Chancellor".

Xu Jijiu said with a smile, "I have always felt that Young Master Chi is quite different from the rumors. Given time, he will surely achieve great things!"

"Is that so? Your Excellency flatters me..." Chi Yan rubbed his hands awkwardly, his eyes hesitant to speak. "But I remember that at the beginning of the year I asked to study at the Imperial Academy, but you refused."

Chen Jijiu's smile froze: "...Is that so?"

"Perhaps you've been too busy to remember?" Chi Yan waved his hand magnanimously. "Of course, I won't take such a small matter to heart!"

Chen Jijiu was sweating profusely: "This, this..."

Chi Yan smiled and said, "Just joking with you, sir! Oh, I was just trying to get closer to you."

Chen Jijiu: "..."

Your way of getting close to me is quite ingenious.

...

News of Chi Yan and several adults leaving the palace chatting and laughing was spotted by busybodies and spread like wildfire.

When the news reached the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, it cast a dark shadow over the area once again.

When Chi Jingyu returned from his shift, he was taken aback to see everyone looking solemn: "What happened again?"

The old lady beckoned him closer, her brows furrowed tightly: "Did His Majesty really send Chi Yan back without punishing him?"

Chi Jingyu's expression was unreadable as he shook his head: "I haven't heard any news about my second brother being punished."

Lady Hou's expression also darkened.

The old lady gripped the corner of the table tightly, her face shifting in disbelief as she murmured, "How is this possible? He has deceived the emperor, and His Majesty hasn't made a single move?"

Chi Jingyu frowned slightly: "Grandmother, perhaps my second brother did not cheat and relied on his true talent. If others hear your unsubstantiated statement, they will inevitably make malicious speculations about us!"

Most importantly, they even tried to guess the emperor's intentions, which is a serious taboo!

The old lady looked embarrassed. She naturally guessed that Chi Yan might not have cheated, but she still refused to believe that the spoiled brat had actually become successful!

When the news of the family division was first released, people outside praised her for being decisive and putting family interests before family. But if they realize what's going on now, won't they criticize her for being blind and mistaking a pearl for a fish eye?

Chi Jingyu's eyes showed signs of fatigue: "Grandmother, Mother, I did not agree with the division of the family before, but you insisted on your own way. Now that the family has been divided, let's close the door and live our own lives, and not cause any more trouble."

Both of them looked grim.

Is the child blaming them?

They were only thinking about his future!

Watching Chi Jingyu's departing figure, the old lady patted her chest in anger: "Is this the good son you raised?"

Lady Hou also felt aggrieved: "Mother, Jingyu is right. You were the one who made the main decision to divide the family property!"

"..."