SMMW | Chapter 22

After a good cry, Wen Qing had a bit of an epiphany. The whole thing about the world not existing or Yuan Hao being a monster didn’t really matter. Overthinking was just a burden, and focusing on the upcoming imperial examination was what really counted.

One day, a servant delivered a letter, saying it was left at the door, with Wen Qing’s name on the envelope. Wen Qing opened it and found the content extremely brief.

[I’ve suppressed the rumors for you. Keep yourself clean, and avoid contact with Yuan Hao. Don’t get married for now; I have plans. —Jiang]

He couldn’t make sense of it, but the tone of the letter seemed like the writer was quite familiar with him. Wen Qing handed the letter to his grandfather. After reading it, his grandfather’s face turned grim, and he tore it to shreds with a wave of his hand.

“Some rascal’s prank, don’t bother with it. If you see another one, don’t open it, just tear it up. The exam is next month, focus on your studies.”

“Yes.” Wen Qing nodded, not asking further.

On the day of the examination, Wen Qing received the exam question but didn’t rush to write. Instead, he started planning in his mind. His seat happened to have a view of Yuan Hao, who was already writing furiously. But Wen Qing wasn’t in a hurry. He knew Yuan Hao would use his magic twice. Wen Qing was now experienced; he would plan first and write when he was ready. Otherwise, rewriting three times was really annoying.

The examiner patrolling the hall seemed enthusiastic, walking back and forth several times, and couldn’t help but remind Wen Qing to watch the time. Wen Qing looked up and saw a red-robed official. This level should be the chief examiner, so why was he patrolling? Could it be that he was passionate about talent and didn’t stick to formalities?

But this wasn’t the time to overthink. Facing the well-intentioned advice, Wen Qing nodded, indicating he understood.

Wen Qing checked the time and felt it was about right. Yuan Hao wrote quickly, and if he was satisfied, he would submit his paper by now. If not, he would soon use his magic. Sure enough, Wen Qing suddenly felt dizzy. When he opened his eyes again, the sun was back at its peak, and Yuan Hao had just received the exam question. It seemed he had used his magic.

After a while, the red-robed official urged twice, but Wen Qing still looked towards Yuan Hao. The official found it strange and followed his gaze, seeing Yuan Hao raising his hand to submit his paper early.

The official was shocked, staring at Yuan Hao, seemingly amazed that someone could finish so quickly and submit so early.

But this wasn’t Wen Qing’s concern. He calculated the time, thought it was enough, and finally began to answer, putting his planned essay onto paper.

When the results were announced, unsurprisingly, Yuan Hao was the top scorer, gaining immense fame. People speculated that he would also become the top scholar later. Adding it all up, he would achieve the “Three Consecutive Firsts,” with an incredibly promising future.

The Wen family also received a pile of visiting cards, all wanting to meet Yuan Hao.

Unexpectedly, Wen Qing received another strange letter. The content was completely opposite to the previous one, and the handwriting was much more rushed and messy.

[Don’t worry about reputation for now, get close to Yuan Hao. Remember! Remember! —Jiang]

Still not understanding, Wen Qing imitated his grandfather and tore up the letter without mentioning it.

At the palace examination, there was only one policy question, personally set by the emperor. After reviewing the answers, the emperor would meet with the scholars. Those who answered well might get a couple of questions from the emperor, and their ranking could improve.

When the emperor appeared, the scholars followed the rules they had learned, bowing to the ground and shouting “Long live.”

After being granted permission to rise, Wen Qing dared to look up. Since he was standing at a side position, he first saw a red-robed official, the same one who had kindly reminded him in the examination hall.

In front of the red-robed official was the most esteemed man in the world. Though he was advanced in years, he was well-maintained, and one could still see the charm of his youth.

And looking closely, he seemed a bit… a bit like Yuan Hao?

The emperor widened his eyes, appearing somewhat surprised. And it wasn’t just him; the officials behind him all showed similar reactions.

The emperor extended his hand, pointing at one of the scholars. Although he tried to suppress it, there was still a slight tremor in his voice, “You, what’s your name?”

Wen Qing followed the direction of the emperor’s finger and saw that the person standing there was none other than Yuan Hao.