As autumn approached this year and the weather was quite pleasant, the old emperor finally thought of this matter. In addition, he had previously confiscated the property of several officials in order to stockpile food and supplies for the army. Now that the court was in need of talent, introducing new talent had become a top priority!
Meanwhile, Lushan Academy, as a well-known gathering place for scholars and talents in Tianlong Kingdom, has recently become incredibly popular, attracting many people to gamble on becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination.
"In my opinion, it's definitely Prince Ziyu who will get into high school this year! I'm voting for him!"
"No, no, my cousin studies there. I heard that Chen Zilong, the son of the former Minister Chen, has been studying diligently this year and even won first place at the talent banquet. In my opinion, he should not be underestimated! I'm betting on him!"
"Pshaw! A year of hard work and you'll become the top scholar? I don't believe it! There are plenty of diligent students in the academy. In my opinion, Young Master Fan Xipan has the makings of a top scholar. Besides, his father is the son of the chief examiner of this exam! And his elder sister is a favored concubine of His Majesty..."
"..."
For a time, the inn was filled with the noise of people, and nearly seventy or eighty students' wooden nameplates were hung on the wall. The most popular candidate was the one that people had just been discussing. Only one nameplate was hung in the corner of the last row, inconspicuous!
Just then, a hoarse but firm young voice came from behind, full of disdain.
"What, the son of an examiner? This is the imperial examination! It's not about status, it's about intelligence! In my opinion, the top three were just average students!"
These boastful words immediately drew everyone's attention, as they all wanted to see who was so good at bragging!
Before my eyes was a handsome young man dressed in white, with a face like jade, red lips and white teeth, and an elegant demeanor! Although he was a man, he looked much more handsome than most women! The disdain in the corner of his eye made him look even more arrogant and haughty!
The boy next to him was also quite surprising. The two were about the same height and looked to be around fourteen or fifteen years old. They were handsome, still a bit childish, but their eyes showed a maturity and helplessness that befitted adults. They both had the demeanor of handsome young men!
Before everyone could react, a girl who looked to be about ten years old came out. The girl had sharp eyes and a serious demeanor. Although she was clearly young and cute and beautiful, she had a cold and aloof air about her and stood next to the two boys without appearing weak at all.
These three were none other than Xiao Muxing, Muyang, and Qin Zifeng, who hadn't appeared for a long time!
Mu Yang had barely overheard a few comments from others when Qin Zifeng, standing beside him, started belittling his classmates, leaving him with no choice but to glance at him helplessly.
"The senior students are indeed very capable and have been enrolled for many years. In terms of seniority, I am indeed inferior to them."
This sounds like modesty, but actually...
Qin Zifeng could easily tell, and rolled his eyes in exasperation, playing along perfectly.
"Yes, yes, they have more seniority than you, but the imperial examination doesn't test seniority! Let's see who's the real deal in the examination hall!"
Mu Yang smiled without saying a word. His good confidant really understood him!
Seeing the interaction between the two, Mu Xing's expression suddenly became increasingly complicated. Looking at Qin Zifeng's helplessness and then at Mu Yang's smile, she became even more worried...
Could it be that my two older brothers... have that kind of relationship?
It has to be said, the children Qin Qing raises are truly extraordinary!
Qin Zifeng quickly noticed the complexity in Mu Xing's eyes and, filled with doubt, turned his head and asked nervously.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
He couldn't let his wife see his ugly side. There were so many temptresses in the military camp these days, and he was already physically inferior. If he were also unattractive, he wouldn't be able to survive! No way! He absolutely couldn't let his wife dislike him!
Mu Xing had no idea of his worries; she only saw the tense expression on his face and mistakenly thought that he was feeling guilty because she had guessed correctly!
For a moment, she didn't know what to say, and could only shake her head helplessly.
"It's okay! You look beautiful today!"
After saying that, she suddenly realized something, and her face lit up with a look of sudden understanding. So, Brother Zifeng is the bottom one! No wonder he's always so vain!
Qin Zifeng: "......" A chill inexplicably ran down his spine...
Three extraordinary young men and women entered the inn and went up to a private room on the second floor. The moment they disappeared, the sound of arguing rose up downstairs again.
"Who are these three people? That young man is so handsome! I thought he was a woman!"
"The other one is no less impressive. Look at his eyes, they're so calm and collected. He's mature beyond his years; he's definitely got a bright future ahead of him!"
Downstairs, most of the people were men, with only two or three women drinking tea and eating. After hearing the two women's infatuated conversation, the men immediately scoffed.
"A man should act like a man. That young man is so handsome, he's obviously not a decent man. I heard there's a male gigolo on the next street, he might be from there!"
"Yeah, yeah, and he talks so arrogantly. I wonder which rich man is keeping him. If you ask me, a man should be brave and rugged, how can he have such a fair and delicate face? He's just a pretty boy!"
"Hmph! Only women like you can be fooled by appearances! Ignorant shrew!"
The three women couldn't stand it anymore and started to argue back loudly.
"Who are you calling ignorant! You're the ignorant fool!"
"......."
The area downstairs from the inn instantly transformed into a bustling marketplace, leaving even the owner completely bewildered…
Upstairs, Qin Zifeng and the others naturally heard their conversation, but they were already used to it!
Half a month ago, after Mu Yang's teacher suggested that he relax to prepare for the imperial examination, he moved into the house Qin Qing had bought and settled down to study. When Xiao Mu Xing learned that his older brother had finally been released, he left the army and returned home out of longing. Qin Zi Feng had no intention of becoming the top scholar, so he hadn't been studying very hard...
Upon hearing that Mu Yang was going home, he naturally followed him home. At this time, he was now in charge of Qin Qing's rice shop and vegetable shop. During the crab season, which only lasted for a few months each year, he would personally go to the village to hand over the business to the villagers.
Recently, Peony has been helping him out since she had some free time, which has made things a little easier for Qin Zifeng.
Today is the last day to register for the imperial examination. The group had just accompanied Mu Yang to register before coming to the inn for a meal.
As the wealthiest person in the family, Qin Zifeng was naturally generous, ordering a large number of dishes, most of which were the favorites of the group.
This familiar and habitual behavior made Xiao Muxing look at the two of them with a complicated expression. Mu Yang didn't react at all. After all, Qin Zifeng was not only his friend and classmate, but also his grandmother's adopted grandson. In a sense, they were brothers!
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