: Studying Diligently

What secrets could the Jia family possibly have? The whole household quickly heard the news of Feng Ziying and his group's secret visit.

Although I don't know exactly what they talked about, I could tell from the solemn yet excited expressions on their faces as they left that what they discussed was no small matter.

The crowd felt even more awe for "Second Master Yun," who was studying diligently behind closed doors.

With the county examination fast approaching and only ten days remaining, Jia Yun could no longer be seen in Qingzhu Pavilion. He had already asked Grandmother Jia for leave, stating that he would close the door to visitors and devote himself entirely to preparing for the exam.

Grandmother Jia naturally fully supported this approach and specifically ordered that the small courtyard under the west corridor where Jia Yun lived be designated as a "forbidden area," where ordinary people were not allowed to disturb him—even the old woman who delivered meals only dared to gently place the food box outside the door.

These past few days, the courtyard has been so quiet that only the sound of the wind and birdsong can be heard.

Jia Yun wasn't just cramming at the last minute. Having lived two lives and combined his memories and knowledge from both, coupled with his months of dedicated study, he had already mastered the Four Books and Five Classics.

He spent most of his time sorting through his memories, repeatedly studying the rules, formats, taboos, and other details of the Ming and Qing imperial examinations, striving to be thorough and meticulous.

However, the more Jia Yun studied the recent imperial examination questions and model essays, the more somber he became.

The imperial examination system, known as the Eight-Legged Essay, was strictly regulated. It required more than just being well-versed in the classics; it demanded a profound understanding of the subtle meanings and profound implications of the sages' words. The structure of the essay, the opening and closing of the topic—all required considerable skill.

Although he had some foundational skills from his previous life, he still felt immense pressure facing this narrow bridge that brought together the world's best talents. Even in the quiet of the night, when the candlelight flickered, Jia Yun would practice calligraphy with his wrist suspended, striving for a neat and rounded official script, without a single flaw.

Meanwhile, Jia Yun, in preparation for the exam, had not come to Qingzhuxuan to give lectures for several days in a row.

After school ended that day, Tan Chun, Dai Yu, Bao Chai, and Ying Chun, along with their sisters, did not leave immediately. Instead, they gathered around Li Wan in the schoolroom and talked.

Tan Chun, being straightforward, spoke first: "Sister-in-law, look how hard Yun-ge is working. He's even neglecting his studies. It's clear he's determined. I just wonder how confident he is in this year's exam?"

She asked twice, but Li Wan did not respond.

Turning my head, I saw that Grandma Zhu was holding a handkerchief in her hand, staring blankly out the window, her cheeks inexplicably flushed, as if she were troubled by some annoying worries.

It turned out that when Li Wan heard the words "Yun-ge'er" just now, her heart skipped a beat for no reason, and she instantly recalled the embarrassing scene from a few days ago—that day she accidentally tripped, and Jia Yun rushed to help her up, his warm palms supporting her waist and hips perfectly.

The boy's strength was steady and unwavering, which momentarily threw her off balance... and then... Thinking of this, she felt her face burning hot, feeling both ashamed and angry, and secretly spat: This ignorant monkey!

"Sister-in-law!" Tan Chun raised her voice and called out again.

Li Wan suddenly came to her senses and saw several pairs of beautiful eyes staring at her.

She became even more embarrassed, quickly covering up her embarrassment by bending down to straighten her sleeves, and forced herself to remain calm, saying, "Ah... what did you say?"

Daiyu, watching from the side, saw it all clearly. A knowing smile flickered in her affectionate eyes, which seemed to be both angry and not angry, but she only smiled with her lips pursed.

Baochai then gently repeated Tanchun's words: "Third Sister asked, does Eldest Sister-in-law think Yun-ge'er has a chance in this year's imperial examination?"

Li Wan composed herself and recalled that her father, Li Shouzhong, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, had indeed stroked his beard and nodded after reading Jia Yun's essay, saying that "his reasoning is clear, his foundation is gradually becoming solid, and he is a promising talent."

But at this moment, she had nowhere to vent her nameless anger, so how could she possibly say a single good word about Jia Yun?

He simply said, "How would I know whether he passes the exam or not? It's just a matter of doing one's best and leaving the rest to fate. My father... did mention it once, saying that he was alright."

The word "acceptable" sounded particularly casual and almost perfunctory coming from her mouth.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu wrapped the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes sparkling, and said in a clear voice, "I do hope that he can pass the exam."

Seeing everyone looking at her, Daiyu continued leisurely, "If he can truly earn a degree and bring back some recognition, it will at least put our young master Yihong in his place to some light. A man should aspire to officialdom, study economics, and make a name for himself in the outside world. What kind of image does he project, always lingering in the inner chambers?"

While she was ostensibly referring to Baoyu, she was actually expressing her dissatisfaction with the women in Baoyu's room, especially Xiren, who was described as having a "vixen-like appearance."

Tan Chun, ever quick-witted, immediately picked up on the implied meaning and pointed at Daiyu, laughing, "Pin'er, you have such a mouth! It's truly impossible to love or hate you! You're already worrying about Second Brother's future? I saw your eyes sparkling when you talked about Yun'er just now, could it be...?"

Before she could finish speaking, Daiyu blushed and spat, "Pah! You little brat, you're making fun of me now? I saw it clearly just now, and I don't know who it was, but when Yun-ge was telling stories, their eyes were practically glued to his face! And now they're turning around and accusing me!"

Tan Chun, caught off guard by Daiyu's outburst, blushed deeply and lunged forward to pinch Daiyu's mouth: "I'll teach you to talk nonsense! I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Daiyu quickly hid behind Li Wan with a smile, pleading, "Good sister, please forgive me this time, I won't dare to do it again!"

Seeing the conflict escalating, the timid Yingchun, fearing that Daiyu would also tease her, hurriedly waved her hand and whispered, "Sister Daiyu, please don't drag me into this..."

Seeing her like this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter. Baochai also laughed so hard that she covered her mouth with her handkerchief, her plump shoulders trembling slightly.

Daiyu peeked out from behind Li Wan, tidying her slightly disheveled hair.

At this moment, she raised her chin slightly, her almond-shaped eyes filled with a hint of smugness as she glanced at Xue Baochai, who was smiling obsequiously. Her eyes held a rather arrogant tone, as if to say: See?

Baochai, however, seemed completely oblivious, continuing to smile gently and calmly, her composure impeccable.

For a moment, the classroom was filled with the sweet laughter of young girls, and even the sunlight streaming in from the window seemed brighter.

What's even more remarkable is that during this time, Baoyu seems to have become a different person. He no longer spends all his time in the inner chambers as before, but instead buries himself in books with his nephew Jia Lan every day.

Her diligence was so great that even the tutor she had hired stroked his beard in admiration. He privately reported to Jia Zheng, "Both of you are exceptionally intelligent and have made rapid progress recently. You have great potential in this exam."

When these words reached the ears of Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia, they were naturally greatly pleased.

That afternoon, a warm fragrance filled Rongqing Hall. Grandmother Jia leaned against a soft couch, while Lady Wang sat beside her on an embroidered stool at the lower end.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted casually, and naturally the topic turned to the upcoming imperial examination.

Madam Wang held a cup of warm Lu'an tea in her hands, a smile playing on her lips, and said slowly, "Grandma, the imperial examinations are just around the corner. This time, our family has Baoyu, Lan'er, and Yun'er all taking the exams together. If they all pass, it will truly be a great joy."

Although Madam Wang said this, there was something else on her mind in her expression.

She knew perfectly well that, when it came to real learning, the youngest, Jia Lan, had the most solid foundation because of Li Wan's strict supervision of his studies.

The second is Baoyu, who has the highest talent and has recently been working hard.

Besides, that gentleman was specially invited by the master, and he had taught several scholars who had passed the imperial examinations; his words were unlikely to be wrong.

As for Jia Yun, he was only of average or below-average ability in the clan school. He only caught the old lady's eye because of his good handwriting and somehow got on the good side of Prince Xin.

What kind of person was Grandmother Jia?

Having lived to such an old age, how could she not see through Madam Wang's thoughts?

She half-closed her eyes, slowly fiddling with a string of sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, and said calmly, "I know what you mean. They are all descendants of the Jia family. I'll be happy no matter which one wins."

She looked up at Madam Wang, her gaze calm, but her words were full of admonition: "I have my reasons for promoting Yun-ge'er. Look at him, when has Bao-yu ever studied so diligently before? Now that Yun-ge'er is there to compare and spur him on, doesn't he know how to improve? It shows that people need comparisons and something to strive for."

When Madam Wang's secret was revealed, her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

She naturally had no choice but to follow up and ask, "Your Majesty is wise. So... in your opinion, of the three of them, who has the best chance this time?"

After a moment of contemplation, Grandmother Jia slowly said, "Lan'er is a good child. He is hardworking and has a solid foundation in his studies. However, he is still too young. The composure and maturity of writing in the imperial examinations cannot be achieved by rote memorization alone. This time, let him gain some experience and see the world. I don't expect him to excel in just one visit."

"As for Baoyu," Grandmother Jia said with a tone of firm affection, "I've watched this child grow up. He's a bit mischievous, but he's incredibly intelligent. In the past, he just wouldn't put his mind to the rigid, formulaic writing style, but now that he's focused, even his father has praised his tremendous progress in the past two months, and his teacher has given his full assurance. His future is bright."

"Yun-ge'er..." Grandmother Jia paused slightly.

Lady Wang listened intently.

"I think he's quite good. This child has been acting with great method lately, and his insight is also remarkable. It can't be all just luck that His Highness Prince Xin has taken a liking to him."

Well, isn't saying it the same as not saying it at all?