With reddened eyes, Xu Mo only heard the emperor praise him a few times before putting down the ink scroll.
He then cupped his hands in greeting and withdrew from the crowd.
With their morale boosted, the students performed even better, each displaying great passion and patriotism.
However, very few can surpass Xu Mo.
"You're really something, aren't you? The usually mysterious Fifth Prince actually stepped forward to help you." Qi Huai, who had just retreated, leaned closer and muttered in a low voice, "No, it's not exactly helping you. It should be said that he's at odds with the First Prince and just happened to help you. But getting the Fifth Prince's assistance is just your good luck."
Xu was taciturn.
Was it really just good luck?
Are there any other possibilities?
His heart stirred slightly, and he asked in the same way, moving his tongue but not his lips, "Brother Qi, did you look up just now and see the Fifth Prince's true face?"
"I didn't see clearly." Qi Huai said in surprise, "I only heard that he was a sickly boy of thirteen or fourteen. Judging from the voice just now, it seemed to be true. Brother Xu, could it be that you have a past with the Fifth Prince?"
Xu Mo shook his head.
The age matches, but the illness doesn't.
If he hadn't previously faked illness, he would have completely dispelled his suspicions.
The strictness of the palace examination made it difficult for Xu Mo to even look up and look directly at the examinee, let alone chase after him to ask questions.
No matter how many questions or troubles there are, they can only be left until the final imperial examination is over.
As dusk fell, the final examination of the imperial examinations finally came to an end.
The emperor was exhausted and collected more than four hundred scrolls, waiting to select the top three tomorrow and post the list the day after.
The eldest prince, the chief examiner, and others left one after another.
More than 400 students, their legs aching, dispersed from the Hall of Supreme Harmony, heading towards the gates of the Imperial City in twos and threes.
Qi Huai and Xu Mo intercepted An Jun during the day, and the three of them formed a group, laughing and talking about the ups and downs of the day.
"Brother Xu is lucky to have encountered the Fifth Prince and the First Prince fighting in the arena." An Jun sighed, "The First Prince helped Fang Yuan, and the Fifth Prince helped you out of the way. I'm afraid the two of you are sure to win the first place."
"It's alright, there are three top-ranked students, so we still have a chance." Qi Huai was exceptionally optimistic. "Fang Yuan will be the top scholar, Brother Xu will be the second-ranked student, and it wouldn't be bad if I could get third place."
"Pah, is becoming the third-ranked scholar something just anyone can do?" An Jun expressed his disdain through his actions.
The two laughed and joked, their bodies radiating the relief of having finished the exam.
Only Xu Mo had a serious expression, his heart heavy with worry.
Having weathered so many storms, he no longer believed in coincidences. The Fifth Prince had no need to suppress the First Prince during the palace examination, nor did he need to help him.
Unfortunately, the slender figure in black did not reappear until the end of the palace examination, and when Qi Huai'an Jun was asked again, the information he received was only a few repetitions.
Fortunately, Xu Mo was a calm and composed person; even though his heart was in turmoil, his face remained calm and expressionless.
He searched high and low, trying to find one of the eight examiners, who was also the teacher he respected, but unexpectedly met Fang Yuan's indifferent expression.
"He's just a commoner from Anshui County, yet he dares to compete with Young Master Fang for a top-ranking position." A disdainful murmur came at the opportune moment, "If it weren't for the Fifth Prince stepping forward, he would be nothing."
Why would the Fifth Prince help him? Could it be that some kind of deal was made behind the scenes?
"It could be that he's at odds with the eldest prince, or it could be related to him, but so what? He's just a spy trying to curry favor with a foreign tribe. The imperial family would never choose him as the top scholar."
Qi Huai was furious and couldn't help but want to stand up and argue.
"No." Xu Mo stopped him, calm and composed. "It's just a few extra words. If a conflict really breaks out in the capital, it might affect your performance in the palace examination."
Although the imperial examinations have ended, the top three candidates have not yet been selected, and no one knows whether they are currently under the emperor's observation.
If a ranking is ruined by a moment of anger, then that is a real loss.
Moreover, Fang Yuan of the Fang family is a man of deep thoughts. Were these words unintentionally spoken, or were they deliberately instructed?
Xu Mo was unaware that he was simply holding Qi Huai firmly in place and calmly staring at Fang Yuan.
Two boys of similar age become enemies because of Fang Heng and the imperial examinations, and will forever be at odds with each other.
It's either you die or I live.
"I wish you well." Fang Yuan mouthed these three words and then turned to leave.
Xu Mo responded calmly, without getting angry or annoyed.
Qi Huai only let go of them after they had gone far away.
"What was Fang Yuan saying just now?" An Jun turned his head in confusion. "Would he boil you to death?"
Qi Huai was greatly alarmed.
Xu Mo was both amused and exasperated.
"It's a blessing for you." He helplessly corrected his friend's wandering thoughts, "I suppose you think that the results of the palace examination won't be released until the day after tomorrow, and there's a lot of uncertainty in a day and a night."
The current emperor is not a steadfast and determined person; he is particularly easily swayed by others. He can be influenced by the princes' emotions in the main hall, and he can probably make similar choices outside the hall as well.
"Don't worry, I saw your paper in the second-class pile." Qi Huai's tone was firm. "The first-class will be selected from the second-class. I can't be sure if Brother Xu will be selected, but he can't escape the second-class position."
Despite the interference from the Fang family and the eldest prince, Xu Mo was actually satisfied with his results.
However, it is not accidental that the Fifth Prince makes a move, and as long as he is... an acquaintance, it is difficult to predict whether he will be ranked first or second.
Thinking of this, Xu Mo's mood suddenly brightened.
He no longer worried about the identity of the Fifth Prince, nor about his younger brother who had returned home, but instead settled down to wait for the results of the palace examination.
This result will reveal all the answers.
As the students returned, their families, who had been waiting anxiously at the city gates, erupted in cheers.
Qi Huai's younger sister rushed over first, both surprised and shy, "Brother, how was it? How was it?"
"It's great, I feel good." Qi Huai touched his nose and added, "Brother Xu is even more dazzling, I'm afraid he's in the running for first place."
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