In just six days, the Liao family underwent a dramatic transformation, going from an enviable family to a despised beast. All their past misdeeds were exposed, with tax evasion being the most serious offense.
It is said that Fengtian Prefecture used at least thirty clerks just to find out the amount the Liao family had failed to pay over the years. After the calculations were completed at a rapid pace, the Liao family not only lost everything but also faced imprisonment.
He also suffered considerable losses in other businesses, and coupled with his pursuit of revenge, General Jiang was so busy that he had no time to spend with his daughter.
Fortunately, Jiang Sheng didn't mind. She and Zheng Ruqian had rented a new shop in the west of the city, but before they could finish setting it up, it was time for the examination hall to open.
The siblings all put down what they were doing and gathered together again.
This time, however, there were eight more loyal servants.
There were too many people, so they split into two carriages. Jiang Wu drove the carriage for his siblings, and Jiang Yi drove the carriage for his younger brothers.
While Jiang Sheng and his sister waited quietly, the seven next door were making a lot of noise and creating a lively atmosphere.
Jiang Wu scolded, "What's all this commotion? We're at the entrance of the examination hall."
The seven boys finally shut their mouths, even lowering their breathing.
"Sister Jiang Wu, you're amazing!" Jiang Sheng exclaimed in shock. "When can I be like you?"
What can they be the same as?
Is it to fight your way in and out of the crowd, or to shut up the brothers with a single sentence?
The brothers inside the carriage all turned their heads to stare at the chubby little girl who was greedy for food and sleep. They never expected her to have such ambitions.
"What are you thinking about, young lady?" Jiang Wu smiled helplessly, but she was used to being serious, and the curve of her lips was so small that it was almost imperceptible. "Everyone's experiences are different, so their personalities are naturally different as well."
In this world, there are serious and ruthless people, as well as sweet and lovely people; there are cunning and ruthless people, as well as sincere and earnest people.
The world is so diverse precisely because it is filled with different people, different personalities, and different behaviors.
Jiang Wu's ruthlessness stems from her strong-willed personality. She forces herself to stand up and be stronger than men, which is why she can suppress her brothers.
Jiang Sheng's sweetness stems from her contented personality, her willingness to go with the flow, and her optimistic attitude of being satisfied with just being well-fed. Most of the time, she prefers to listen to her brother.
“Girl, you’re doing great as you are now. There’s no need for you to be like me.” Jiang Wu turned around, her voice barely audible. “...If you could, no one would want to be mature and stable.”
A child who is pampered is a treasure.
Jiang Sheng nodded thoughtfully, turned around, and met the strange expressions of her four older brothers.
"I never expected that our little sister would start having ideas too." Zheng Ruqian was number one in sarcastic remarks.
"The child has grown up and is starting to want to scold his older brother." Fang Heng said, resting his chin on his hand, looking somewhat melancholy.
Wen Zhiyun frowned. "Jiang Sheng, isn't Fourth Brother good to you?"
Only the long banquet was spared the final blow.
Jiang Sheng's expression fell slightly, but she quickly flattered, "Okay, very good. You brothers are the best. Tonight I'll share the braised pork knuckle that Auntie stewed with you. Big brother, you can also get two pieces. You must have been starving these past few days."
She is generous, but unfortunately Xu Mo has been eating only dry food lately. If he were to suddenly swallow something oily, his intestines would be completely blocked.
The brothers suppressed their laughter and, upon hearing the sound of the examination hall gates opening, jumped off the carriage to greet their eldest brother.
Even with two nights of home during the nine-day imperial examination, it was still quite a torment.
Many students described themselves as disheveled, with wrinkled clothes, oily faces, and dark circles under their eyes; an outsider might mistake them for victims of a female ghost's abuse in the middle of the night.
Only a small number of people are able to maintain cleanliness, which is considered normal and proper.
Xu Mo was a prime example. His clothes were slightly wrinkled at the corners but neat overall. He looked a little tired but calm. He even thanked the four constables before slowly walking up to the siblings.
"Brother," Changyan rarely interrupted like this, "how is the situation?"
Xu Mo's expression was solemn, and he gently shook his head.
This means that the Fang family did not make any further moves, and the imperial examination proceeded smoothly and peacefully, eerily so, like a storm brewing or a tempest about to break.
Chang Yan's heart sank to the bottom; he disliked this unpredictable sense of the unknown.
"Don't overthink it. We only realized the difficulties we encountered in the past in the end," Xu Mo comforted his youngest brother. "It's good to be good at planning, but who can know everything in detail? Don't exhaust yourself."
“Yes, Xiao Wu.” Zheng Ruqian patted his shoulder. “Second brother does business outside. Sometimes he makes money, sometimes he loses money. It’s normal.”
"I was the same on the battlefield; there are wins and losses," Fang Heng chimed in. "Nobody knows what the outcome of the next battle will be."
This time, Wen Zhiyun didn't respond.
He's a doctor; if he couldn't predict whether someone would live or die when he administered acupuncture, the patients would probably smash the signboard of Wen's Medical Clinic.
Jiang Sheng, who was left alone, pondered for a while and then said, "It's like when we go out, no one can be sure whether we'll step in dog poop..."
Sure enough, her metaphors were all devoid of positive words.
The older brothers all stepped in to stop them.
Only Chang Yan truly smiled after listening to the story.
"Ugh, ugh." Jiang Sheng still tried to struggle, "Look... only I work... only I can make Fifth Brother laugh..."
Unfortunately, his mouth was covered too tightly, and no one heard him clearly.
The crowds were long and varied, and all sorts of things were happening.
While the siblings enjoyed a warm and harmonious time together, countless students also chatted and laughed with their families, sharing the joys and sorrows of the exam period, discussing discomfort in their shoulders, necks, and lower backs, and inquiring about each other's well-being.
Qi Huai was talking to a girl in black, occasionally glancing at Xu Mo; both of their expressions were somewhat subtle.
For example, An Jun is making a promise to his parents who have traveled a long way, and the gesture of patting his chest represents his determination to become a tribute student.
Of course, there are also those who are alone, such as students taking the exam alone, students with introverted personalities, and such as... Fang Yuan.
The young man, dressed in flowing white robes, had no friends or relatives to greet him, only a few servants attending to him, and felt inexplicably lonely and melancholy.
His gaze swept across the crowd, as if he were consciously searching for someone.
When he saw Xu Mo standing tall and straight like a bamboo shoot, he gave a meaningful smile, then his gaze swept over Zheng Ruqian, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
We can't let him watch any longer; what if he discovers Fang Heng?
Xu Mo and Zheng Ruqian, unusually in sync, stood in front of Fang Laosan and signaled Jiang Wu to lead everyone away.
Just as Chang Yan was about to turn around, he turned his head and saw General Jiang walking against the flow of people. He suddenly spoke up to stop him, "Third Brother, don't hide."
Everyone was taken aback.
Fang Heng has been hiding from the Fang family for five years. He first hid in Xieyang County, and later went to the northern frontier. Although he has some confidence in fighting now, he is still no match for the Fang family.
If we don't hide, it's like being exposed to the Fang family's nose, and becoming their target.
“Without Third Brother, our conflict with the Fang family is irreconcilable.” Chang Yan narrowed his eyes. “But it would be good for Third Brother to test the Fang family’s true strength.”
As for Fang Heng, he might encounter danger, or be tripped up, etc.
Don't be afraid, the protective umbrella has arrived.
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