Though He Yunzhao had her own ideas since childhood, her tender physical condition confined her to being quietly held by her mother and Momma.
During idle moments, aside from pretending to be mischievous to amuse her family, her only pastime was recalling the poetry stored in her memory.
Once in class, swept up by her Chinese teacher’s impassioned tones, she had briefly entered the spiritual worlds of great poets. Most children had fantasized about traveling back centuries—how triumphant it would be to utter those legendary verses as their own!
Young children failed to realize that plagiarizing poets’ work required considerable literary cultivation. Moreover, poets fond of allusions filled their lines with countless historical references, making coherent interpretation challenging.
Fortunately, He Yunzhao didn’t discover this during study or composition—it struck her while mentally reciting poetry. Confidently regarding Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng as the greatest parallel prose in history, she believed a few excerpts would suffice for fame. Thus, she began murmuring: "In the spring of the fourth year of Qingli, Teng Zijing was demoted to govern Baling Commandery…"
After several flawlessly recited repetitions, He Yunzhao finally noticed the phrase "then renovated Yueyang Tower."
He Yunzhao: "…"
To plagiarize poetry—did her experiences align? Could she explain the allusions? Did she understand tonal patterns? Could she match couplets? Did she know how to connect verses?
Tripped up by her own realization, He Yunzhao shed all arrogance. She settled into earnest study.
Since its inception, the Imperial Examination had served as the court’s channel for recruiting talent. Those unfamiliar with scholarly pursuits often idealized it, imagining examinees as virtuous gentlemen radiating integrity, admired by all.
But those within knew the virtuous were few—most were merely ordinary people who’d read more books, with a contemptible minority employing underhanded tactics.
While mishaps before the Prefectural Examination were rare, they weren’t impossible. Last year, an academy senior attending a wedding banquet had been jostled in the crowd, breaking his right wrist. After half a year’s recovery, he regained motivation—but his excellent calligraphy was lost forever.
Ultimately, Teacher Liu wrote a recommendation letter for him to serve as a minor clerk in Liuku Prefecture. Though the position carried no official rank, it provided livelihood.
A buzz of conversation arose as scholars clustered to discuss their recently written essays. Just as Xiao Changfeng prepared to leave, a kindly-looking senior brother called out, "Junior Brother!"
"How was your policy essay just now? Come compare with us—treat it as practice."
The senior brother smiled genially, rolling up his sleeves as he pulled Xiao Changfeng along. Xiao Changfeng followed instinctively into the crowd.
He Yunzhao calmly organized her belongings. This Senior Brother Wang was the one who’d previously clashed with another group of students—those disdainful of scholars admitted through marital connections.
Xiao Changfeng, the illegitimate eldest son of the dean’s son-in-law, was a typical "connection case" disliked by the dean himself. These seniors couldn’t have missed the scandalous fraud marriage incident that once caused an uproar.
Scholars’ tongues cut sharper than blades—Xiao Changfeng was in for some hardship.
She finished packing, glancing down at ink smudges on her fingers. Better wash these at home, she thought. This is no place to linger.
He Yunzhao smiled and exchanged greetings with a few senior brothers before turning to leave, the hem of her robe tracing a silver arc in the air.
Faint murmurs of curiosity reached her ears.
"How did Junior Brother Xiao come to study in the capital? Where was he educated before?"
"The Dean favors Yan Style the most, yet Junior Brother writes in… Ou Style?"
"Don't mind them, Junior Brother. They're just overly curious. Please forgive any offense."
Quickening her pace to leave the chatter behind, He Yunzhao carried her books away from the troublesome scene.
Xiao Changfeng was an innocent bystander caught in the dispute between two senior brothers, but he needed no pity.
With features so sharp they seemed to cut like cold wind, his expressionless face carried an icy chill. His amber eyes held the stillness of sunlight upon a lake as the young man strode out the door.
He Yunzhao knew better than anyone that her priority was to study diligently and protect herself.
Regardless of those men's status, as long as they were truly male, they were far safer than she was—a woman disguised as a man. She was only slightly stronger than other girls.
In an Academy full of male scholars, no one required her sympathy. Those who belonged to vulnerable groups shouldn't casually extend their kindness.
Several afternoons later, after classes ended, He Yunzhao went to Li Manor on West Ning Second Street to pick up her second sister, He Jinmo. He Jinmo had been attending a birthday celebration for her close friend, where a group of young girls played until thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Though accompanied by numerous servants, He Yunzhao still went to fetch her sister along the way.
By the side gate of Li Manor, the carriage was already in position. He family's young attendants and maids gathered around it as He Jinmo clung to her friend's hand reluctantly. "Oh, I really can't bear to leave you," she murmured. "You must come for my birthday! I'll show you my kite."
Miss Li cheerfully agreed and was about to say more when a maid reminded them, "Second Young Miss, Third Master has arrived."
The two girls turned to see He Yunzhao approaching. The youth still wore her simple gray robe, hair tied high behind her head. The breeze ruffling her clothes lent an innate elegance.
Miss Li glanced between He Yunzhao and He Jinmo, remarking, "You and your brother look nothing alike."
He Jinmo pouted and nodded, complaining quietly, "Exactly! We have the same parents, but both my elder sister and younger brother are tall and good-looking. Only I'm the exception!"
The young girl puffed her cheeks in frustration. All three siblings shared the same father and mother: Eldest Sister He Jinshu was tall and slender with an oval face and deep-set eyes—a vision of ethereal beauty.
Third Brother He Yunzhao was even taller, his features resembling an ink-wash painting. When he wasn't smiling, his presence felt intensely imposing.
Yet she alone had a round face and shallow eye sockets! How unfair!
Unaware that her second sister had entered a phase of appearance anxiety, He Yunzhao strode forward and bowed slightly with clasped hands. "Greetings, Miss Li."
Miss Li stepped back and curtsied gently. "Good day, Young Master He."
Seeing her brother had arrived, He Jinmo said, "I should be going now. Remember to visit our manor next time!"
In the carriage, He Jinmo suddenly remembered she had run out of face powder and urgently requested a stop at the shop.
The attendant acknowledged and tugged the reins to change direction. Wheels rumbled over the bluestone pavement, soon arriving at their destination.
Stepping off the carriage footstool, He Jinmo hadn't yet found her footing when "Huh?"
He Yunzhao raised her arm and, with a single motion, swept her unsteady second sister off her feet and back into the carriage. With a push of her right foot, she leaped aboard and instructed the servant to put away the footstool. "Take another street."
In an alley just ten meters away, a familiar figure—Xiao Changfeng in black robes and boots, his expression stern—was being forced into the narrow passage by a group of clearly martial individuals.
Seated inside the carriage, He Yunzhao shook her head helplessly and sighed, "I told you, with the Prefectural Examination approaching, the capital is getting crowded. The public order here is poor. Good thing we left quickly."
He Jinmo, who had seen nothing, craned her neck curiously to catch a glimpse of the commotion, but He Yunzhao pressed her down with a raised hand. "What are you gawking at? Stay far away from any excitement you encounter in the future."
He Jinmo rolled her eyes faintly and shrugged off He Yunzhao's hand. "I know, I know. My ears are about to grow calluses from hearing it. 'A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall'—I remember."
"Alright." He Yunzhao crossed her arms, noticing her sister's impatience, and raised a brow slightly. "Given your usual routine, any excitement you run into is either at someone's banquet or at a Taoist temple or Buddhist monastery outside the city. What kind of trouble could there be in a place like this? A clever girl like you naturally knows to steer clear, while those fools still swarm forward."
Hearing her younger sister's praise, He Jinmo immediately brightened, her lips curling into a smug smile. "Exactly! Last time, when two girls started fighting, I was the one who pulled them apart. Those who crowded around to watch ended up with their dresses stained."
The young girl's proud demeanor was utterly endearing. He Yunzhao couldn't resist and reached out to "offend" her second sister's head with a playful ruffle.
As the two sisters bantered, on their original route, blades flashed and blood dripped.
Indeed, not everyone is fit to witness excitement, and kindness should not be given lightly.
The next day, He Yunzhao learned from Dean Ding that Xiao Changfeng, being unruly and unteachable, had left the Academy and his whereabouts were unknown.
He Yunzhao was slightly taken aback, a strange feeling rising within her. A vague sense of familiarity enveloped her, as if something was amiss…
But no matter how much she pondered, she couldn't pinpoint anything…
Her thoughts soon scattered as Mu Yan unexpectedly arrived!
"What are you doing here?" He Yunzhao asked with surprise, thinking it odd that Mu Yan, given his level, would be selected by the Dean.
Mu Yan squinted with a smile, tilting his chin up. "I just asked Teacher Liu, and I can take the Prefectural Examination directly next month. The Dean called me over.The two shared a tacit high-five, and Mu Yan moved a desk behind He Yunzhao.
This was a rare opportunity for extra tutoring. Dean Ding usually didn't teach; only before the Prefectural Examination would he offer individual guidance to a few promising students.
He Yunzhao understood perfectly how precious such chances were. Hiring a Cultivated Talent for home tutoring was like hiring a graduate student for extra lessons; learning from a Recommended Man was akin to studying under an experienced university lecturer; and being taught by a Presented Scholar was equivalent to receiving instruction from a special-grade teacher.
And Dean Ding! He was comparable to exclusive coaching from a ten-year veteran of the national college entrance examination's math question-setting team!
He Yunzhao widened his eyes, striving to project his thirst for knowledge into Dean Ding's heart, always responding to the teacher with enthusiasm and being the best straight man in their interactions.
He studied diligently and actively gave feedback, grasping concepts immediately and understanding everything said to him. He could even infer broader meanings from single examples. When encountering obscure points, his eyes would fill with admiration.
The old master cleared his throat lightly to conceal the smile at the corners of his mouth. He slowly walked to He Yunzhao's desk, "Although you have good comprehension, your accumulation is insufficient. Your writing lacks elegance—while simple and unadorned, it appears somewhat thin. Tomorrow, I'll bring you a copy of the Prefectural Examination Classics Collection for you to study more."
He turned to look at He Yunzhao's two senior fellow students, "Students of the Imperial Academy can directly participate in the Prefectural Examination. Your junior fellow student He comes from a family of meritorious officials, so he naturally has a spot."
The old master gestured with his chin toward Mu Yan, who immediately understood. He said cheerfully, "Replying to the teacher, this student's academic registration is from Zhili Prefecture, so I can directly take the Prefectural Examination. After passing, I'll participate in the Prefectural Examination together with Junior Fellow Student He."
Only after passing the County Examination, Prefectural Examination, and Prefectural Examination could one obtain the officially recognized Cultivated Talent degree.
The County Examination was for selecting candidates for the Prefectural Examination. Those who passed the Prefectural Examination were called Child Students. Students with special academic registrations from Zhili Prefecture, Qian Prefecture, Yunling, and other regions could directly participate in the Prefectural Examination.
Ding Hanzhang stroked his long beard, stimulating his two disciples with his clear gaze. He feigned curiosity and asked, "Yunzhao is a Student of the Imperial Academy, and Mu Yan has Zhili Prefecture registration. What about you two?"
The two senior fellow students looked at each other, struggling not to cry, "We have learned our lesson and will definitely pass the Prefectural Examination."
He Yunzhao tried hard to suppress his laughter.
…
…
Although every day was trapped in the cycle of writing essays, being criticized, revising, and rewriting, Teacher Ding's lectures were vivid and interesting, and they broadened their horizons.
The old master was upright but that didn't affect his lively personality. Coupled with the companionship of his young friend Mu Yan, He Yunzhao was still quite willing to immerse himself in studying.
The two senior fellow classmates were also previously familiar people.
Senior Fellow Student Zhu Jian was the oldest at eighteen. His sister was a concubine in the palace, and his family came from a scholarly background though without high-ranking officials. He was gentle, polite, and friendly toward others, treating He Yunzhao and Mu Yan like younger brothers.
Senior Fellow Student Zhao Tongzhou was seventeen and more lively. His father served in the northwest, leaving him in the capital to care for his grandparents.
He Yunzhao was the youngest at only thirteen. Mu Yan was three months older than him, but since one was born before the new year and the other after, they were considered a year apart.
During breaks, they would occasionally chat about court affairs. Da Jin treated scholars with respect, and it was common for educated people to discuss political matters.
Not only political affairs, but they would talk about other things too. Zhu Jian had a good relationship with his sister, and his words often revealed the closeness between siblings.
However, since his sister was a palace concubine, he naturally wouldn't mention her frequently, only occasionally bringing up warm memories from his childhood.
The current emperor had no sons and was the late emperor's only child. Therefore, several princes who attracted much attention at court—including the highly favored Prince Xuan and Prince Heng—were all sons of the emperor's uncles.
When hearing news about the two princes, Zhu Jian's eyes darkened slightly. He Yunzhao's eyes flickered, and he smiled as he changed the subject.
"I actually envy you senior fellow students—having so many family members must be lively. It's a pity my family is small, and we don't have much excitement."
Mu Yan clicked his tongue and effortlessly slung an arm over He Yunzhao's shoulder. The slightly chubby boy said meaningfully, "If your family really gets lively, you might not be able to handle it."
Looking at the thinned-down chubby boy, He Yunzhao thought of his own siblings who fought like cats and dogs, immediately feeling a shared sympathy.
Fortunately, the He family was simple—simplicity was a blessing, and one should know how to cherish it.
People were naturally divided into close and distant relationships, and some matters weren't suitable to discuss in front of outsiders. Only after parting ways with their two senior brothers did He Yunzhao ask, "Yan, has your family recently…"
She trailed off hesitantly, but Mu Yan shook his head indifferently. "It's nothing, just suddenly realized something."
"What?"
"Most sisters protect their brothers, and younger brothers also look after their sisters," Mu Yan pointed at He Yunzhao—this younger brother treated his two sisters very well indeed.
"As for older brothers… ten percent become good elder brothers, seventy percent become strangers, and the remaining twenty percent…" He sneered, "Wish they could grind their younger brothers into dust."
As he grew older, Mu Yan's life in the Mu family became increasingly difficult—plenty of family members yet not a single kindred spirit.
His eldest sister and second brother were children from the first wife. The third brother and fourth sister, born of concubines, formed their own faction. The other two pairs were brother-sister combinations who supported each other.
Within his immediate family, his mother was closer to his fifth brother. The seventh and eighth sisters were twins who naturally formed their own circle, leaving Mu Yan completely alone—facing hostile older siblings externally and competing with his own blood brother internally. It was utterly exhausting.
He Yunzhao patted his shoulder, offering feeble comfort: "Look on the bright side—when you become an official later, you'll be able to face any setback with perfect composure."
"However, the Prefectural Examination is approaching. Be careful in how you handle things."
"Don't worry, I'm plenty smart."
Mu Yan's thinned face now showed the angles of adolescence. The fourteen-year-old boy smiled brightly as he raised a hand toward He Yunzhao.
He Yunzhao curved her lips upward. Smack! Their palms met midair.
Suddenly she remembered something. "Oh right, Teacher Qi is hosting a Literary Gathering at his home on the sixth of next month. He said we should all go together."
Mu Yan agreed immediately—this was absolutely mandatory.
This also involved some unspoken aspects of the Imperial Examination. The examination period was when the most unexpected incidents occurred, and purely subjective evaluation of exam papers inevitably contained oversights.
In the capital region, Literary Gatherings would frequently appear five or six months before the Prefectural Examination. Teachers would bring their disciples to participate, gaining some reputation in the process.
This allowed everyone to estimate their fellow candidates' capabilities beforehand. Some failed candidates would bear grudges against previously unknown scholars who directly made the rankings, and there had been numerous incidents—including reports of cheating—in the past.