It's impossible to say there are no monsters.
Because of the Emperor's suspicions, Shen Yunting has fallen to his current state.
How could they possibly pretend that nothing had happened?
He had long since lost all communication with the Emperor.
Hearing Shen Yunting's words, Qu Jingyun's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"In the end, it's because he's now high enough that he can't tolerate us anymore. What's with all this pretense of deep affection?"
"If he still remembered the kindness you showed him by risking your life for him, he wouldn't have made us so careful for so many years."
"If it weren't for the fact that he is a benevolent ruler who governs the country very well, and that there isn't a suitable heir, I really would have..."
Qu Jingyun didn't finish her sentence, but everyone present understood what she meant.
Shen Yunting waved his hand and said in a low voice, "Forget it, let's not talk about such things anymore. It's all in the past."
"This time, handing over military power is my last line with him. If he continues to be obstinate, don't blame me for being ruthless."
He had no interest in power and only went to the battlefield because there was no one else available, to protect his home and country, and even more so for the sake of the nation.
Now that the country is peaceful and prosperous, all I want is a simple life with my family.
Upon hearing this, Qu Jingyun didn't know what else to say.
She simply reached out and gently patted Shen Yunting's hand to comfort him.
She leaned her whole body on his shoulder and stayed with him without saying a word.
Time passed slowly, and soon it was time for the imperial examinations.
The whole family attached great importance to Shen Cong's imperial examination, and sent him to the examination hall early in the morning.
"Rest assured, everyone, I will not let you down." After saying this, Shen Cong turned and entered the examination hall.
During this period, Shen Cong has been enjoying great popularity.
He was no longer the good-for-nothing everyone saw him as; on the contrary, he was exceptionally talented and had become a role model for students.
In particular, he would occasionally attend banquets held by various students to discuss literature with them.
Over time, it naturally won the students' praise.
Scholars, especially those who have not yet entered the imperial court, are the most sincere; once they have made up their minds, they will stick to them.
Especially those you admire.
Not to mention that Qu Jingyun also allowed anyone to read and copy ancient books free of charge, making her an existence that transcended everything in the eyes of students in the capital.
Shen Cong's entry into the examination hall naturally attracted everyone's attention.
Some people praise it, while others criticize it.
Just as Qu Jingyun and her family were about to turn and leave, they heard someone in the crowd say disdainfully, "What's so great about him? You don't really believe the rumors in the capital, thinking he's learned and talented, do you?"
"I'm afraid it's all thanks to his good mother who created this momentum for him. Didn't his mother provide ancient books for scholars to copy for free? She must have been planning this, using scholars to create momentum for him."
"I think so too. Once the scientific expedition begins, that's when we'll see his true abilities. We'll see how he continues to pretend then."
"Do you think he might cheat? His father was corrupt, wasn't he? As his son, it wouldn't be surprising if he did something like that."
The group huddled together, discussing the matter at length.
The sound grew louder and louder, eventually reaching the ears of those nearby, causing dissatisfaction.
Some people joined in, vehemently refuting the accusations.
"What nonsense are you spouting? I have discussed literature with Young Master Shen, and he truly has real knowledge and skills, which you cannot slander at will."
"Not to mention, you keep saying that Miss Qu is building momentum for Young Master Shen, so what? A gentleman acts based on his actions, not his intentions. As long as the result is good for us, that's enough. Besides, Miss Qu never asked us to do anything from beginning to end."
Upon hearing this, the people around joined in, expressing their dissatisfaction and criticizing the individuals who had spoken earlier.
One of them was pointed at and cursed: "I feel like I just saw you at Zhixuan a few days ago. Weren't you copying ancient books then? You're really shameless. You enjoy the benefits of others while cursing their sons behind their backs. Is this how a scholar behaves?"
The man retreated repeatedly, his face flushed with embarrassment, and he stammered for a long time without being able to utter a rebuttal.
"And then there's the matter of General Shen's embezzlement, that's even more outrageous. If he were embezzling, why would Miss Qu have sold her belongings to save him? My father once worked in General Shen's camp, and I heard that his clothes were all patched up, and all his salary was used to subsidize military expenses."
"How could such a person possibly embezzle? Besides, as a general, he could only embezzle things like provisions. If he really did that, how could those military officers genuinely follow him?"
"I think General Shen has been framed; he is not the wicked person you all describe."
These words immediately resonated with everyone.
Someone in the crowd shouted, "I've also met the servants who work in General Shen's mansion. They all said that life in the mansion is always simple and frugal, and they don't look like corrupt officials at all. Moreover, the Shen family treats them very well."
"Not to mention General Shen has been stationed on the border for many years, defeating all the surrounding countries and protecting the people. How dare you slander such a person?"
"If it weren't for General Shen, would you still be able to spout such nonsense here?"
"I think you guys are just bored and have nothing better to do. Even if you pass the imperial examination and enter the court, you might not be able to achieve anything."
After being chased and cursed by a bunch of people, the first few people finally couldn't take it anymore and slunk into the examination room.
Everyone nodded in satisfaction, feeling a surge of joy.
"I just can't stand these insidious scoundrels; they're disgusting."
This scene, witnessed by Shen Yunting, caused a faint smile to slowly appear on his lips.
In any case, there are always such lovely people in this world.
His years of stationing abroad were not in vain.
"Let's go home." Qu Jingyun smiled.
Seeing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, he quickly said, "Don't worry too much. I've already asked Dr. Chen. With Cong'er's current talent, as long as the title of her article isn't too unconventional, there won't be any problems."
"Let's relax and wait patiently for the results."
Despite saying that, during the days that Shen Cong was taking the exam, very few members of the family could really relax.
Until Shen Cong walked out of the examination room.
"It should be about right. The exam questions weren't too difficult this time." Shen Cong greeted his friend as he walked towards Qu Jingyun.
He wore a confident smile.
Seeing him like this, Qu Jingyun felt much more at ease.
He stepped forward and asked, "How is the situation?"
"I have fulfilled my mission." Shen Cong smiled, his lips curving slightly.
Upon hearing this, Qu Jingyun quickly said, "Let's go home. We've already prepared a celebration banquet for you. You've really worked hard."
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