Not long after, the women of the Zhao family looked much stronger, and their energy and spirit were even better than before.
According to the imperial examination system of Shenlong Kingdom, Zhao Qianci was the top scorer in the prefectural examination. Even if he didn't participate in the provincial examination, he would still be a qualified scholar.
But the old man really wanted to take the exam again based on his own abilities.
After all, his lifelong ambition had changed from passing the imperial examinations to simply entering the examination hall.
How much of this seemingly absurd obsession is actually the bitter tears the old man sheds in his midnight dreams?
Putting everything else aside, just the county and prefectural examinations alone were enough to make the old man's ordeal thrilling.
The original plan was for the entire family of seven to set off together; besides the five taking the exams, there were Huang and Zhao Qingyan.
As a result, Yunyou insisted on getting involved, saying that he was accompanying Zhao Qingyan to prevent her lightness skill from deteriorating.
In reality, he's a clingy person.
Especially now, with his former secular attire, short hair, and fashionable clothes, he looks completely out of place.
He followed Zhao Qingyan mainly to freeload.
"In my past life, I devoted myself to doing good deeds, but in the end, I couldn't afford to eat or drink. How miserable! How pitiful!"
What could Zhao Qingyan say? Could she say you're miserable enough? Of course not. What to do? Just take it with you.
The group of seven became a group of eight.
Zhao Qingyan had also asked Yunyou about Zhao Qianci's unlucky constitution, and Yunyou could only sigh.
"Almost done, almost done. Your grandfather's suffering is finally over."
Although Zhao Qingyan felt that the answer was rather irritating, she was certain of one thing: her grandfather's bad luck would soon pass.
The provincial examination was scheduled for the tenth day of the eighth month. Fortunately, it would still be held in the prefectural city.
The Zhao family of eight, traveling in two cars, chose to set off on July 26th.
Because of Zhao Qianci's unlucky nature, Zhao Qingyan managed to trick Yunyou into giving her a peace charm.
As for the lucky charm, forget about it; that thing wouldn't work on Zhao Qianci.
Whether it was because of the amulet or because the exam wasn't necessarily a must, Zhao Qianci felt much more relaxed.
Compared to before, I am now in a completely detached state.
Set off early, and you won't be afraid even if bad luck strikes again.
Everything went smoothly after we set off, until we reached the natural barrier, only to find that it had disappeared.
Looking up, one can immediately confirm that the government intends to cut off the mountaintop.
Block this area up, and then build a winding mountain road.
The more Zhao Qingyan looked at the prefect, the more she felt that there was something wrong with his thought process.
You've blocked what was supposed to be the shortest route.
Then there's the entire mountain road. Is it more convenient or safer? It will cost quite a bit of money.
Seeing so many migrant workers at work, Zhao Qingyan could immediately think of urban relocation and construction in the future.
For the time being, the Zhao family was faced with a dead end: how could they possibly take the imperial examination?
Of course, the Zhao family is not the only ones facing this question.
After the Zhao family stopped their car, the people who alighted from the first two carriages were clearly scholars.
Putting aside everything else, just look at that light-colored long gown—it's not something a country bumpkin could wear; it gets dirty easily.
Zhao Yonggeng quickly went to the construction site ahead to inquire.
"May I ask, sir, we are on our way to the prefectural city to participate in the provincial examination. Are there any other routes that lead to the prefectural city?"
The constable being questioned was named Yunhai.
He glanced at Zhao Yonggeng from head to toe and saw that although he was tall and strong, he had a free and easy charm. When he heard that he was going to take the imperial examination, his attitude softened considerably.
"Our prefect has taken into consideration that bandits frequently appear along this road."
Concerned for the safety of the people, they decided to officially open this formidable barrier.
There will be no more banditry problems here from now on.
You can go to the right. It will take about three hours, and then you will see a road that leads to the prefectural city.
However, they've been laying gravel recently, so the ride might be a bit bumpy. When the road conditions are bad, it's best to get out and walk around.
Zhao Yonggeng expressed his gratitude and then returned to report the information he had gathered to his parents.
The natural barrier has been almost completely blocked, so let's change course.
If that doesn't work, we can turn back; there's still time.
After the Zhao family changed their route, the two carriages that had been parked at the chasm also started moving and followed behind the Zhao family's carriages.
More than three hours later, they finally saw the road leading to the prefectural city.
The road isn't very wide, but fortunately, it's surrounded by mountains on one side and not on the other, making it seem much safer than the other side of the chasm.
However, this road is really difficult to travel.
One moment there's a puddle, the next a large clod of earth blocking the way; even those driving horse-drawn carriages have to plan ahead to know what to do next.
Those sitting inside the car suffered even more, as the ride was so bumpy that they either bumped their heads or their buttocks were nearly torn in half.
Everyone got off the bus and walked.
Huang helped Zhao Qianci up, while Zhao Qingyan followed beside Yunyou; the group walked slowly and leisurely.
After all, it's not easy to leave quickly unless you abandon the car.
Otherwise, it would be too hard for the animals to pull the cart, and the cart would easily fall apart.
Given the bumpy road conditions, it took the Zhao family about an hour to travel.
I saw many people carrying stones and dumping sand. There were even temporary tea stalls set up by the roadside.
Everyone was overjoyed. Great! They finally saw road repairs, which meant the road ahead would be much easier to travel.
As he sped up, on the very last step onto the flat road, Zhao Qianci accidentally twisted his ankle.
If Huang hadn't been supporting him the whole time, Zhao Qianci would probably have broken his ankle by now.
And so, Zhao Qianci's right knee slammed hard against the gravel road.
Zhao Qianci was in so much pain that he couldn't breathe.
An old man held back his tears for a long time before he could finally suppress them; it hurt so much.
What could we do? After getting the cart onto a level road, we quickly stopped the car and fed the mules and horses.
They helped Zhao Qianci into the carriage. Zhao Qingyan took out Yunnan Baiyao and quickly sprayed it on the old man.
Fortunately, the skin wasn't broken, otherwise the medicine wouldn't have been usable.
Even though the treatment was done quickly, Zhao Qianci's knee was still quite swollen after the medicine was sprayed.
"Sir, you need to rest your leg. Don't walk for a while. If you put too much strain on it, it will be troublesome if it doesn't recover properly."
"That's what Zhao Qingyan said after the examination."
Well, Zhao Qianci experienced the treatment of a patient once again.
Once the livestock had rested, the family boarded the carriage and sped off again.
This time, the Zhao family's carriage lagged behind the previous two carriages.
It's just a bit strange; we've traveled about five miles, in the middle of nowhere, with no village or shop in sight.
The two carriages in front stopped. They were side by side, blocking the Zhao family's carriages' path.
Zhao Yonggeng was in the car in front, and seeing this situation, he understood what was going on.
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