Two days later, the Spring Examination officially began.
Candidates from both northern and southern regions arrived early outside the examination venue, forming long queues as they waited to enter.
[Ding—Venue check-in successful. Reward: 3 life points.]
Xiao Yaozu glanced at her panel: -87 (Sickly Constitution)
She clenched her small fist. The revolution hasn’t succeeded yet, comrades still need to work hard. Keep going!
The sun hung high in the sky, emitting dazzling rays.
Xiao Yaozu pulled out the folding fan from her belt, occasionally fanning herself.
The intense sunlight was truly blinding, so she stealthily hid behind the Eighth Prince, using his tall figure as shade.
The Eighth Prince suddenly felt occasional cool breezes from behind, his thin lips curling slightly upward.
The man shifted slightly to one side, and the glaring sunlight once again fell upon Xiao Yaozu’s face. The other party wrinkled her nose, her brow furrowing in response.
[Huh? The sun’s moving too fast, it’s shining on me again.]
The figure in blue robes once again retreated into the shadow of the python robe.
But before she could enjoy the comfort for long, sunlight streamed in again.
Caught off guard, Xiao Yaozu found her vision brightened once more.
She quickly ducked back into the shadow of the Eighth Prince’s python robe, though this time their proximity was closer. The tall man caught the fragrance drifting from the hair of the figure behind him…
A citrus scent interwoven with subtle sweetness of peach…
His Adam’s apple involuntarily bobbed before he calmly regained composure.
“Eighth Prince, all the candidates have arrived. Would you like to say a few words?” The Minister of Rites bowed as he inquired.
“Unnecessary. You may take charge,” the Eighth Prince replied indifferently, showing no intention of making an appearance.
“Yes, I understand.” The Minister of Rites turned and went to the entrance, cleared his throat, and warned the candidates against cheating, stating that violators would be disqualified.
Then switching to a milder tone: “…Finally, I wish all candidates success in achieving high honors!”
Despite the Minister of Rites’ warning, quite a few still attempted to smuggle cheat sheets into the examination hall.
[Host, look at that person hiding cheat sheets in their undergarments.]
[Which one?]
[The candidate currently undergoing undress inspection.]
[I don’t see anything. His clothes are completely blank.]
[Special ink was used. It becomes visible when heated.]
Today, Xiao Yaozu witnessed the ingenuity of ancient people.
“Wait.”
She abandoned her cool spot. Her eyes now served as precision instruments as she stopped the candidate preparing to pass through.
Pointing at the candidate, she declared: “He needs re-inspection. Soak his garments in hot water.”
“Yes!” The guard immersed the candidate’s clothing in sun-warmed water.
Text instantly appeared on the previously blank undergarments.
“Sir, I was wrong! Give me another chance! It hasn’t been easy for me—my entire village is counting on me!” The candidate collapsed in terror, begging repeatedly.
Your whole village is counting on you to cheat?
“Whoosh—” He was thrown out.
Those still in line trembled with fear.
[System, any more?] This felt like playing a spot-the-difference game to Xiao Yaozu.
[Yes, Host. Look at that tall, thin candidate in dark clothing. Guess where he’s hiding his cheats?]
Xiao Yaozu stroked her chin and ordered the tall candidate to be detained.
The tall candidate showed no signs of nervousness, making even the guards suspect Xiao Yaozu had stopped the wrong person. They had thoroughly inspected this candidate and found nothing amiss.
Xiao Yaozu circled the candidate once.
“Pry open the soles of his shoes.”
As soon as the words fell…
The candidate’s face turned ashen, for the guards indeed found cheat notes hidden beneath his shoe soles.
Another “whoosh—” as they were tossed away.
The Minister of Rites couldn’t help his curiosity: “Lord Xiao, how did you discover it? You don’t have X-ray vision!”
Xiao Yaozu mysteriously raised a hand to his mouth: “This humble official took a stroll earlier and happened to notice his feet remained frozen in place, with his toes visibly pressing through the cloth.”
“Lord Xiao is truly clever.”
“You flatter me.”
Liang Zhizhu and Lu Haoran were quite surprised when they saw Xiao Yaozu.
Wasn’t Brother Xiao also a candidate? How did he become the supervising official!
Exchanging glances, they fell into thoughtful silence.
As candidates took their seats, the examination hall revealed its rectangular layout with examinees seated back-to-back along both sides.
Pairs of guards carried in examination papers for distribution.
An absolute silence enveloped the hall, broken only by the soft scratching of brush tips against paper.
[System, where’s that Xu Mingze whom the princess has taken a fancy to?]
[Coming up – assigned to the seat next to the latrine.]
[Serves him right. Hope the stench suffocates him.]
A faint smirk of schadenfreude crossed Xiao Yaozu’s lips.
The Eighth Prince gazed across the hall, locating the man Xiao Yaozu had mentioned.
His hair overly greasy, his eyes frivolous and roguish – clearly a womanizer. How could such a man be entrusted with someone’s lifelong happiness?
The Minister of Rites also shook his head inwardly – the princess was still too young, easily deceived by appearances.
[Host, Xiao Yaoye has arrived and is glaring at you.]
Xiao Yaozu lifted his eyes toward the seat near the water vat, raising an eyebrow.
It was Xiao Yaoye who had instigated the original host to go drinking that night.
What better time to settle this score than now?
Thinking this, Xiao Yaozu’s smile widened brilliantly as he announced clearly:
“Your Highness, with spring’s arrival, insects are proliferating. The candidates may suffer from mosquito bites during the examination, affecting their performance.”
“Might I suggest burning some mugwort in the hall? This would not only repel mosquitoes for the candidates but also dispel foul air, refreshing the atmosphere. What does Your Highness think?”
The Eighth Prince glanced at Xiao Yaozu.
[System, I feel like the Prince sees through my scheme. With my cunning planning, this shouldn’t happen.]
Xiao Yaozu felt somewhat guilty.
Cunning planning? The man snorted inwardly, giving a slight nod of approval.
Xiao Yaozu immediately regained his vigor.
He had been overthinking.
Soon, attendants brought in a basin of mugwort and placed it beside Xiao Yaoye.
The mugwort ignited instantly upon meeting flames, billowing thick white smoke that rapidly enveloped Xiao Yaoye’s position like dense fog.
“Cough cough… cough cough…” Xiao Yaoye choked violently on the thick smoke, tears streaming as he struggled for breath.
Yet he dared not make any sound – in the examination hall, any unauthorized noise was considered cheating, which would mean certain failure in the imperial examinations.
While suppressing his coughs, Xiao Yaoye glared venomously at Xiao Yaozu.
So this was Xiao Yaozu’s game – using mugwort to torment him with such underhanded tactics.
Unless Xiao Yaozu died, he would never have his day in the sun.
Xiao Yaozu swaggered past Xiao Yaoye’s examination desk, delivering a taunting warning: “Candidate, whispering and making unusual noises are prohibited in the examination hall. Please focus on your answers and avoid disturbing others.”
Facing Xiao Yaoye’s furious glare, Xiao Yaozu acted as if he saw nothing, turning to instruct the guards: “Have this basin removed by evening.”
Evening was when mosquitoes were most active—they might not bite him to death, but they’d surely annoy him.
[Ding ding—Host, there’s a juicy story here. There’s a murderer present.] The System’s alert suddenly grew louder.
[What? Where? Where?]
The Eighth Prince and the Minister of Rites both perked up at the sound, scanning the room to identify the culprit.
Who would dare to show up for the exam after committing murder?
[The man in the middle with the noticeable stubble. You could say he’s the perpetrator, but also a victim.]
[System, I’m sensing some gossip here.]
[This man is Liu San. He has a twin brother named Liu Er. The Liu family wasn’t well-off and could only afford a wife for the elder brother, Liu Er. But this new bride completely disrupted the family’s harmony.]
[After the bride entered the household, Liu Er lived a blissful, affectionate life with her. Meanwhile, his twin brother Liu San remained unmarried and repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. Every time he returned home, he witnessed his elder brother and sister-in-law’s loving interactions. Over time, bitterness festered in his heart—not only had his brother grown distant, but Liu San also found himself drawn to the gentle nature of the new bride.]
[Ah, so it’s a case of resentment over inequality. The single dog grew jealous from all the affection he witnessed.]
[Exactly. One day, when Liu Er went out to buy paper and ink, Liu San took advantage of the situation. He first coaxed the bride with sweet words, then forced himself upon her. Afterward, the bride assumed it was a one-time mistake, but Liu San became relentless, seizing every opportunity to harass her.]
[Liu Er grew suspicious but lacked proof. As the Spring Examination approached, Liu San suggested they travel to Bianjing together, bringing the bride along. During the journey, Liu San grew bolder in his advances and even persuaded the bride to poison Liu Er, hoping to take his place as a Recommended Man.]
[Meanwhile, Liu Er uncovered the plot against him. He attempted to poison the congee first, but unfortunately… Liu San knew of Liu Er’s habit of chewing on his brush tip. He had already poisoned the brush earlier. Just as Liu Er was serving the congee, the toxin took effect, and he collapsed dead.]
Xiao Yaozu was stunned.
After digesting the gossip, the Eighth Prince glanced at the Minister of Rites, who nodded and signaled the guards to arrest the man.
Xiao Yaozu looked at the Eighth Prince and the Minister of Rites in confusion.
[Could they have overheard my conversation with the System? Their reaction was so swift!]
“Lord Xiao, a recheck of the records revealed discrepancies in this man’s household registration. We suspect he is attempting to take the exam under someone else’s identity,” the Minister of Rites explained, dispelling Xiao Yaozu’s doubts.
Xiao Yaozu nodded, impressed by the rigor of the Spring Examination procedures.
The Spring Examination lasted three days, during which Xiao Yaozu could not return home.
However, a spacious side room was reserved within the venue for the supervising officials to rest.
“Your Highness, Lord Xiao, I’m afraid you’ll have to make do and rest here for the night.”
The room contained a heated kang, large enough to accommodate about three people.
Yuan Bo was preparing the bed for the Eighth Prince. The bedding, clearly brought from the Wangye Residence, was made of Suzhou embroidery silk—exquisitely crafted, soft, comfortable, and highly breathable. Such luxury was priceless and hardly beneath the Eighth Prince’s status.
[Being picky about bedding seems like a sign of needing familiarity to sleep well. Does the Eighth Prince have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar places? Heh, who would’ve thought such a tough guy had a soft side.]
“…” The Eighth Prince shot a chilly glance at Xiao Yaozu.
Feeling somewhat guilty, Xiao Yaozu turned away.
Suddenly realizing she had brought nothing with her, no experience, and no one had reminded her to bring bedding or a pillow.
What should she do now?
How would she sleep tonight?
Xiao Yaozu couldn’t help but worry.
Wait… was the Eighth Prince going to share the room with her?
Xiao Yaozu widened her eyes, her puppy-dog eyes glistening as she stared blankly at the bedding on the bed. Yuan Bo entered carrying a food box.
Seeing this, Xiao Yaozu moved as nimbly as a monkey, darting over in an instant: “Yuan Bo, let me set it up, let me do it!”
Yuan Bo couldn’t help but smile, his eyes crinkling.
She deftly opened the food box and arranged the dishes one by one on the table.
There was fragrant mandarin fish, vibrant green bok choy, steaming hot soup, and smooth, tender tofu with minced meat…
Looking at this lavish spread of food, Xiao Yaozu swallowed hard, secretly feeling pleased.
[With such quick-wittedness, the Eighth Prince is sure to invite me to eat with him, right?]
“Lord Xiao, you may go out to eat as well.”
“Okay, okay… Huh? Go out?” Not eating together? The light in Xiao Yaozu’s eyes instantly dimmed.
[How can the Eighth Prince’s 37-degree lips utter such icy words?]
[We’re no longer the best of friends in the world!]
[I treat him as one of my own, but he’s just toying with me like I’m some trivial pastime, wuwu]
Meanwhile, the Eighth Prince silently counted in his heart:
“3~”
“2~”
“1!”
“Your Highness, let’s eat together. It’s livelier with more people.” She, Niu Gulu Yaozu, was not one to be easily defeated.
With food right in front of her, not knowing how to seize the opportunity would be foolish.
Taking the initiative, she used the communal chopsticks to pick up a piece of fish for the prince.
“Your Highness, let’s eat. I heard Yuan Bo specifically asked the kitchen to prepare this.”
The Eighth Prince let out a soft “Hmm.”
The light in Xiao Yaozu’s eyes instantly reignited, and only then did she truly start eating, her little face glowing with delight as she savored the meal.
The Eighth Prince glanced at the little head beside him, bowed over the meal. Keeping her around wasn’t entirely useless—she did stimulate the appetite.
After eating her fill, Xiao Yaozu stood up to help Yuan Bo clear the dishes.
“Lord Xiao, this old man can handle it.”
Yuan Bo wouldn’t let Xiao Yaozu lift a finger and quickly tidied up before leaving.
After the meal, Xiao Yaozu wanted to lie down on the kang. Just as she was about to sit, a deep, warning voice sounded:
“Go take a bath, or you’ll sleep on the floor tonight.”
???
She had been planning to endure without bathing to avoid exposing herself.
“Your Highness, can I skip the bath?”
Her voice carried a hint of hope.
The Eighth Prince cast a cold, penetrating glance at Xiao Yaozu.
A blatant, silent warning!
[Host, you can’t go three days without bathing. You’ll start to marinate.]
[Alright, you have a point.]
Xiao Yaozu dawdled as she made her way to the bathing area.
She tested the sturdiness of the screen, giving it a gentle push, only to find it somewhat wobbly, which heightened her anxiety.
[This screen looks a bit flimsy. It won’t collapse in the middle of my bath, will it?]
In the end, Xiao Yaozu still felt uneasy and called on the System.
[System, keep an eye out for me. If anyone tries to peek while I’m bathing, you must tell me.]
Then came the sound of splashing water, followed by Xiao Yaozu humming a tune…
“I love bathing, my skin feels great, oh OO la la la la~ la”
Outside the screen
The Eighth Prince was somewhat speechless. They were both men—what was there to dawdle about when it came to taking a bath?
Xiao Yaozu went from being initially reserved to washing comfortably and contentedly.
Soon, he walked out wearing wooden clogs, revealing all ten of his toes.
Hearing the noise, the Eighth Prince instinctively looked up.
Admittedly, he was momentarily dazed.
The person before him had loosely draped clothing, and after being washed, they appeared like a dusty pearl renewed—translucent and gleaming.
Xiao Yaozu, unaware of the man’s inner thoughts, quickly headed toward the bed, exhausted from the long day.
Xiao Yaozu lay on the kang, but his ears remained alert.
From the bathing area, the sound of splashing water could be heard again, stirring the imagination…
[System, which part do you think the Eighth Prince is washing now?]
[…]