Under everyone's gaze, Chong Guang dipped his wool brush into the special medicinal liquid in the bowl and brushed it over the examination papers pasted on the wall a few times.
"This?" Everyone stared in shock as a unique, semi-circular pattern appeared on the lower right corner of the first exam paper, colored purple. Similarly, the lower left corner of the second exam paper also showed a purple pattern, which, when placed together, formed a complete circular design.
The same applied to the second paper's lower right corner, which, along with the third paper's lower left corner, formed a circle.
And so it went. Zhan Feiyu, Wan Yunhao, and Tong Xu's thirty-six exam papers all bore this special mark, intricately linked, ensuring that no paper could have been swapped.
"Some people should be convinced now," the young man in brocade robes said, fanning himself with an immensely smug smile.
The dozen or so scholars supporting Wan Yunhao now showed expressions of shame. Even though they trusted Scholar Gu's integrity, they still couldn't believe Zhan Feiyu could have written such a brilliant and unprecedented policy question.
They suspected the essay was written by someone else, and Zhan Feiyu had merely copied it and then used some trick to return it to the examination box.
"It seems Xiao Yu is the well-deserved first place. Haha, the younger generation is truly formidable!" Prince Yu laughed heartily. No wonder the Emperor valued Wu Yan's counsel; they certainly knew how to handle matters.
Zhan Feiyu clasped her small, fair hands together and bowed to Prince Yu, "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. This student will certainly strive harder to achieve success in the imperial examinations soon."
The exam papers were now displayed, and the Imperial Guards had verified all the paper stock. The doubts surrounding Zhan Feiyu had completely vanished.
Of course, a small faction might still stubbornly believe Zhan Feiyu had cheated, but they could only whisper amongst themselves. To speak out publicly would be to question Scholar Gu and the fairness and impartiality of the Imperial Guards.
Half an hour later.
"They're just leaving like that?" On the second floor of Leshan Residence, Zhan Feiyu looked out the window at the street below. Carriages passed by slowly. It seemed the scholars who had gathered in Shangsi County were all heading home.
"Scholars from humble backgrounds are short of funds and have already stayed in Shangsi County for too long. The mastermind behind Wan Yunhao's poisoning has nothing to do with them," Gu Qingzhou said with a languid expression, his casual demeanor tinged with a hint of coldness. Such was the indifference of the world. Wan Yunhao was dead, and the tea had gone cold.
Zhan Feiyu nodded understandingly, her voice tinged with sadness, "Teacher, are you leaving too?"
As a confidant of the Emperor, Gu Qingzhou, a Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy, could not remain here indefinitely.
"There are no everlasting feasts," Gu Qingzhou smiled, looking at the reluctant young girl, and couldn't help but pat her head. "After you pass the preliminary examinations, I will be waiting for you in the capital."
The preliminary examinations were scheduled for February of the following year, so there was no need for Zhan Feiyu to travel back and forth.
Zhan Feiyu hesitated, "Will it cause you trouble, Teacher?"
Gu Qingzhou was the Emperor's confidant, and he undoubtedly had political rivals in the court. While they couldn't touch Gu Qingzhou, they might target Zhan Feiyu.
She considered herself quite clever, but only slightly more so than her peers. Facing the cunning and experienced ministers of the court, she would be utterly outmatched.
"When the soldiers come, we'll block them; when the water comes, we'll cover it. If those who aren't afraid of death come knocking, it'll be a good opportunity for you to practice," Gu Qingzhou said with profound meaning.
Zhan Feiyu's eyes widened in accusation, "Teacher, are you planning to use me as bait? I'm only eight years old. I'm a tender sapling that needs nurturing and cannot withstand the machinations and schemes of those in the court."
"Don't worry, with that boy Wu Yan around, I can guarantee your safety," Gu Qingzhou laughed heartily, suddenly looking forward to the day.
"Is this how a teacher treats their disciple?" Zhan Feiyu glared at him indignantly. "Teacher, I need to go back to the village today. I also need to discuss the workshop matters with the village elder and the others."
"Go ahead, the carriage is waiting outside," Gu Qingzhou waved his hand, signaling Zhan Feiyu to leave.
The case of Wan Yunhao's poisoning had caused a great stir. At least half of the scholars from Nanxuan Prefecture had come to Shangsi County. Even though most of the villagers of Jinlin Village were busy in the fields, they were aware of the matter, and many were worried about Zhan Feiyu.
"Xiao Yu's suspicion has finally been cleared," the village chief exclaimed with laughter. He had been on edge for days, unable to eat or sleep properly. Especially since the rumors were so detailed, claiming Zhan Feiyu, fearing defeat, had colluded with Magistrate Chen and Captain Chen Fei to poison Wan Yunhao.
"Alright, you're old enough to be more composed," the elder pretended to scold, stroking his beard with an air of calm.
He completely forgot how worried he had been these past few days, accidentally pulling out a small tuft of his beard.
Zhan Wencheng brought over the watermelons chilled in the well water and sliced them open with a cleaver. Only then did the elder, the clan elders, and the village chief have the leisure to eat watermelon to quench their thirst.
"Wencheng, you go to Taifu Restaurant every day to deliver vegetables and also inquire about Xiao Yu's residence. Now that this matter is over, Xiao Yu can come back to live here," the elder instructed Zhan Wencheng.
Previously, the elder had not dared to let Xiao Yu return to the village. Wan Yunhao was not only the youngest Juren in Nanxuan Prefecture but also the son-in-law of the Qin family. The elder was worried about Zhan Feiyu's safety.
"I mentioned it to Master Xie before. Xiao Yu is living in her teacher's manor, by the main road," Zhan Wencheng, with his quick and sharp mind, had gained some insight after working in the restaurant kitchen for several years. With Master Xie's information, he already knew the standing of Scholar Gu, a Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy, someone who could meet the Emperor.
"Village Chief..." Zhuzi's rough voice sounded from outside the courtyard. He rushed in like the wind, "Xiao Yu... Xiao Yu she..."
The elder's heart skipped a beat, and the joy on his face instantly vanished. "What happened to Xiao Yu?"
Zhan Wencheng quickly supported the elder's unsteady body. If Xiao Yu were to have an accident, the elder's frail body might not withstand it.
"Xiao Yu is back by carriage!" Zhuzi finally finished his sentence after catching his breath.
The people in the room were stunned for a moment, and then they heard the elder's roar, which could almost shake the roof, "I'll beat you to death, you brat! Who told you to speak in gasps!"
Zhuzi, who had been hit on the leg, was bewildered. He had been working in the field earlier and saw the carriage approaching from a distance. When he saw Xiao Yu sitting on the carriage shaft, Zhuzi dropped his hoe and ran back to report. Why was he being beaten?
"You simpleton!" The village chief was also terrified.
However, they couldn't dwell on that now. The elder, leaning on his cane, walked quickly towards the door, followed by the village chief and several clan elders, all smiling. Xiao Yu was finally returning to the village.
"Fourth Brother?" Zhuzi called out, feeling wronged.
"Haha, who told you not to finish your sentence in one go?" Zhan Wencheng said, patting Zhuzi's shoulder with a smile. "Alright, let's go out and see."
As the carriage entered the village entrance, villagers who heard the commotion came out. Seeing Zhan Feiyu, they greeted her enthusiastically, especially since the village had earned quite a bit of money selling vegetables and chickens and ducks during this time.
"Hello, aunts. I'm fine," Zhan Feiyu replied cheerfully to everyone's inquiries after jumping off the carriage. The simple faces were filled with concern, and Zhan Feiyu felt a warmth in her heart.
"The village elder is here." The villagers quickly made way.
Seeing the elder and the others who had come under the scorching sun, Zhan Feiyu hurried over to support the elder, "Great-grandfather, you must have been worried. I'm back."
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back," the elder said repeatedly, stroking Zhan Feiyu's head with his withered, bark-like hand. "Come to my house for dinner tonight."
"Village Chief, my husband caught a fish this morning and it's still in the water bucket. I'll bring it to you later," Aunt Pang said with a smile. Now that her family was earning money, a fish was not a big deal.
"Xiao Yu, you've come at the right time. Shanwazi wants to eat dumplings. I still have quite a few dumplings at home," Shanwazi's mother chimed in. The dumplings were filled with chives and pork. In the past, they only indulged in white flour dumplings during the New Year. Now that they had more money, they naturally wanted to treat their family.
By the time Zhan Feiyu arrived at the elder's house, the villagers had already brought their gifts.
Fish and meat were taken to the kitchen. On the bamboo bed were washed peaches, plums, two large watermelons, several cantaloupes, and several portions of pastries and snacks.
Zhan Feiyu recounted what she could, "Great-grandfather, you don't need to worry. I have a teacher now. I have a backer!"
"You little rascal!" The elder laughed heartily, his eyes filled with joy and excitement.
Before, he had heard Zhan Wencheng say that Xiao Yu's teacher was a high-ranking official in the court. However, the rumors during this period had been wild and chaotic. Without Zhan Feiyu saying it herself, the elder's heart could not be at ease.
"That's good. We don't have to fear those ghosts and monsters anymore," the village chief, who often dealt with the yamen, understood the importance of power better than the villagers. Xiao Yu was a young girl from a farming family. Without protection, who knew what she might encounter in the future.
After being persuaded to eat some watermelon, Zhan Feiyu wiped her mouth and then got down to business, "Great-grandfather, my teacher plans to build a workshop in our village and will also hire the uncles and aunts from the village to work."
"What?" Not only the elder was excited, but the village chief and several clan elders were also overjoyed.
Zhan Wencheng, who was sitting below, watched Zhan Feiyu speak eloquently. Despite being only an eight-year-old girl, her demeanor seemed more noble than that of the officials and dignitaries in the county.
Was this the difference that scholars possessed? At this moment, Zhan Wencheng reaffirmed his determination to have his children study, whether they were sons or daughters, regardless of their talent, they must study, at least for ten years!
As the sun set, the daytime heat subsided. Mugwort was burned around to ward off mosquitoes. Villagers gathered under the large banyan tree, chatting in twos and threes, waiting for the elder and the others to arrive.
Madam Li missed her daughter dearly, so she also went to the elder's house for dinner that afternoon. Now, mother and daughter, after bathing, were sitting in the courtyard cooling off, not joining the commotion under the banyan tree.
"Mother, I made you worry," Zhan Feiyu looked up at the noticeably thinner Madam Li and held her hand. "Mother, no matter what happens, you must believe that I can overcome any danger."
"Mother knows," Madam Li squeezed Zhan Feiyu's hand. The villagers didn't know Xiao Yu's situation, but Xiao Yu's teacher had sent someone to report her safety every evening.
Zhan Laoda paced back and forth outside the courtyard. He had been pacing outside the elder's courtyard all afternoon. Although he couldn't hear Xiao Yu's voice, he felt reassured by the occasional laughter from the elder and the village chief.
Now that everyone in the village had gone to the banyan tree, Zhan Laoda wanted to see Zhan Feiyu even more. Although he had been adopted out, Zhan Laoda still considered Madam Li his wife and Xiao Yu his daughter in his heart.
In the quiet night, even the chirping of crickets in the corner could be heard clearly, let alone the footsteps pacing outside the courtyard gate. Zhan Feiyu hesitated for a moment, looking at Madam Li's suddenly stiff expression, she already understood.
"Mother, let Father come in," Zhan Feiyu's words caused Madam Li to look shocked. Zhan Feiyu smiled, her fair, plump face soft in the darkness. "Mother, as long as Father doesn't side with the old house, and as long as Father doesn't let you suffer, I will forgive him."
Zhan Feiyu had no intention of marrying in this life, nor was she a woman who considered her husband her everything. But her mother was different. She had feelings for her father, and her father had accompanied her during her absence.
She would eventually have to leave, and her mother needed someone to accompany her. Zhan Feiyu had also considered taking Madam Li with her in the future, but that would be at least ten years or even longer.
Madam Li confirmed that Zhan Feiyu was not angry and that she was speaking sincerely. Her anxious expression softened immediately. "Alright, I'll call your father."
The courtyard gate suddenly opened from the inside, startling Zhan Laoda. He stared blankly at Madam Li in front of him.
"Xiao Yu wants you to come in," Madam Li said gently.
"I... Xiao Yu..." Zhan Laoda's throat felt choked, and his eyes felt incredibly sore.
For the past six months, he hadn't gone a day without regret, especially when he saw villagers playing with their children. Zhan Laoda always remembered the scenes of Zhan Feiyu bringing him water and food. How could he have lost such a well-behaved and filial daughter?
Madam Li turned sideways. "Come in. Are you going to feed the mosquitoes outside?"
"Okay," his voice choked, Zhan Laoda's steps felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Entering the courtyard, he looked at the young girl sitting on the chair. At that moment, Zhan Laoda could no longer control his emotions. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away.
Standing up, Zhan Feiyu looked at the emotional Zhan Laoda, seeing that he was darker and thinner than before, and his body was stooped. She felt a pang of sadness. "Father."
"Xiao Yu, it's Father... who wronged you..." Zhan Laoda quickly stepped forward and hugged the young girl in his arms. This was his daughter, the girl he had watched grow up. How could he have been so foolish back then!
After Zhan Laoda calmed down, Zhan Feiyu looked at them and said, "Father, from now on, you cannot bully my mother. You must protect mother and not side with reason over kinship. Even if mother is wrong, you must stand by her side."
No matter what Zhan Feiyu said, Zhan Laoda nodded repeatedly.
Madam Li's nose stung, and she wiped her eyes. Although she couldn't bear to part with Zhan Laoda, seeing Zhan Feiyu consider her in every way, Madam Li understood that in her heart, her daughter would always be the most important!
"Father, I promise," Zhan Laoda said, then looked at Madam Li beside him. He was not eloquent, but at this moment, Zhan Laoda could swear with his life that he would protect Feng Yu and Xiao Yu forever!
"Then I'll go back to my room to study." Having resolved a major issue, Zhan Feiyu returned to her room with a relaxed mood. In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and calculations were in vain. Now, those people from the old house would definitely not dare to bully her mother again, nor would they use filial piety to pressure her father.
For the past six months, the Zhan family's old house had been silent in the village. After Madam Yao's leg was injured, she was divorced by Zhan Lao Er and now lived alone in the village, making a living by growing vegetables and raising chickens and ducks. Her life was manageable.
Zhan Lao Er had completely quieted down. No matter how many schemes he had, he had no room to implement them. After all, his schemes were not presentable.
Zhan Laotai, who was unable to speak, rarely left her home, basically staying at home to wash clothes, cook, and raise chickens and ducks.
Only Madam Ma from the third branch chattered incessantly in the village. Zhan Lao San was doing well at the pier and could earn money, so Madam Ma's back was straighter. Fortunately, she didn't have much sense, so she was just talkative and gossipy, not causing any major trouble.
And at this moment, upon hearing that Zhan Feiyu's teacher was going to open a workshop in the village, Madam Ma rushed back to the old house. Before she even entered, her loud voice rang out, "Father, something has happened! Xiao Yu is going to open a workshop in the village!"
"Alright, keep your voice down. You're deafening me," Zhan Lao San said, looking at Madam Ma with disdain. Her voice was loud enough to blow off the roof.
In the main hall, Zhan Laotou put down his dry pipe and continued mending clothes without looking up, as if all of this had nothing to do with him. Only Zhan Lao Er, sitting on the bench, clenched his fists, his head bowed, lost in thought.
"Father, Xiao Yu will earn so much money!" Madam Ma's eyes sparkled, and her mouth stretched into a wide grin. "Lao San is Xiao Yu's own paternal uncle. Someone needs to manage the workshop. Who would be more trustworthy than one's own uncle? I, as her aunt, can also help at the workshop."
Although selling vegetables also earned money, it was only small money, at most enough for two meat meals a month. If she were a manager, she would earn five taels a month, no, at least ten taels. That would be one hundred and twenty taels a year. Madam Ma became more excited the more she thought about it, wishing the workshop could be built tomorrow.