“Sir, do we really have to do this?” The scholar in the long robe trembled.

Ma Jiaoyu sneered coldly, “County Magistrate Hong will leave Lingchuan County next month, but I will stay at the county school for good.”

“But I… I don’t dare…” The scholar stammered nervously.

Ma Jiaoyu’s face darkened, “Have you thought it through? If you don’t do it today, you won’t be allowed back to the county school ever again.”

His words carried a threat. The scholar knew if he dared to disobey Ma Jiaoyu today, once County Magistrate Hong left, he would be kicked out of the county school.

Ma Jiaoyu’s voice was sharp and eerie, “What are you afraid of? County Magistrate Hong is about to leave. At such a critical moment, if a scandal of cheating in the county exam is exposed, it will ruin his career.”

“County Magistrate Hong definitely won’t let it get out of hand; he will try to keep things quiet. Only then — can you top the list.”

Blinded by greed, the scholar gritted his teeth, “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”

After the county exam results were announced, the crowd hadn’t fully dispersed when suddenly a scholar burst out, shouting loudly:

“Gu Qingyan just entered the county school and has barely studied for a few days. How can he get first place?”

“I refuse to accept this!”

“County Magistrate Hong owes a debt to Lingchuan County, but the imperial exam is no joke!”

The crowd immediately erupted.

But contrary to the scholar’s expectations, the crowd turned to point fingers at him.

“Where did this brat come from? Young Master Gu is known for his righteousness, risking his life for the people of Lingchuan. It’s no surprise someone like him topped the exam.”

“If Young Master Gu couldn’t pass, then the county magistrate is truly unfair.”

“You must be an accomplice of that liar, a loose fish escaped from the net.”

The scholar’s face darkened, and he instinctively wanted to back down but was met with a pair of sharp eyes.

He grit his teeth and continued to shout, “Let’s separate the facts. This person just entered the county school a few days ago and was disrespectful to his teachers, acting recklessly. How can he deserve to be first in the county exam?”

“Nonsense! Brother Gu respects his teachers very much and has never been disrespectful!” an official shouted angrily from the crowd.

The scholar shouted louder, “I just don’t accept it! Why do we have to toil for over ten years only to fail repeatedly, while Gu Qingyan passes just on a good reputation?”

“If the county magistrate is biased, that’s enough to chill the hearts of examinees.”

“Do you failed ones just accept it?”

These words really stirred up the disgruntled failed candidates.

“Did Gu Qingyan really study so few days?”

“I admit Gu Qingyan did much for Lingchuan, but the county exam is a national affair. It cannot be taken lightly.”

“If good character alone guaranteed success, why have imperial exams at all? We might as well just follow the old system of nominating filial and incorrupt candidates.”

Gaining support, the scholar shouted louder, “Moreover, during the last part of the county exam, Gu Qingyan was carried out before finishing. This was seen by many candidates.”

“He didn’t even finish the paper, how could he get first place?”

“I refuse! County Magistrate Hong is so partial, it discourages the candidates.”

Zhang Cheng’s expression changed slightly and he spoke up to defend Gu Qingyan, “Nonsense. Gu Qingyan always excelled at the county school, topping every monthly exam, which is well-known.”

“Then tell me, did he not faint during the third county exam?”

“Yes, but…”

The scholar shouted, “Everyone heard it! Gu Qingyan clearly didn’t finish the exam but still got first place. Do you all accept that?”

Zhang Cheng saw the surrounding faces change, especially the failed candidates who looked furious.

But he could not deny it, because he himself had seen Gu Qingyan faint and only wake up the next day.

The scholar called out loudly, “If you all are as dissatisfied with the county exam results as I am, come with me to the county office and demand an explanation from Magistrate Hong!”

At that moment, a clear voice rang out:

“A day for celebration, and yet some people have the talent of a mouse but the voice of a lion.”

Zhang Cheng quickly signaled, “Brother Gu.”

“That is Qian Wei from Class B of the county school. His studies are poor, and he’s Ma Jiaoyu’s lackey. Watch out.”

Gu Qingyan gave him a reassuring look.

In his heart, he snorted coldly. He hadn’t expected Ma Jiaoyu to be so petty, persistently trying to trip him up.

“This brother here, you doubt the fairness of the county exam? You look over twenty, nearly thirty, and have yet to pass the county exam. Clearly, you’re not cut out for study.”

“I suggest you go home and find a job. Stop pretending to study while enjoying the support of your family, like a bloodsucking leech on them.”

Qian Wei’s face turned dark red, “I’m only twenty-five! That’s too much.”

“Everyone sees how arrogant this guy is in front of us, all because he’s favored by the county magistrate.”

Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow, “How could that be? I rely on my own talent. This first place is well deserved. I kindly advise you, brother, if you don’t listen, fine. But don’t slander others.”

Zhang Cheng chuckled quietly nearby.

Especially the crowd listening, many felt these words made sense.

On one side, the graceful and ambitious Young Master Gu.

On the other, the plain and unknown Qian Wei.

Just on manner alone, Qian Wei lost.

Most people thought Young Master Gu spoke very reasonably.

“What a sharp tongue.”

Qian Wei roared, “Gu Qingyan, don’t get cocky. I’ll just ask you one thing: the county exam wasn’t over, and you fainted. Where did your first place come from?”

“Obviously, because of my exceptional talent. I finished the paper before I fainted, unlike some who kept writing after the papers were collected,” Gu Qingyan said coolly.

Qian Wei trembled with anger; he was the one who kept writing after the paper collection, almost disqualified.

In the end, he lost again and didn’t even pass the county exam.

“There was still an hour left before the exam ended. Who would believe your nonsense?” he shouted.

Zhang Cheng sneered, “I believe it.”

“I believe it too.”

“I also believe it. Brother Gu finished the first and second exams early; he really is faster than everyone else at answering.”

Qian Wei roared, “You’re all in cahoots!”

“You could only get first place because County Magistrate Hong is biased. I don’t accept this. I’m going to appeal to the court. Even if I have to take it all the way to Qingzhou Prefecture, I won’t accept this.”

Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow.

He knew well that the biggest thing at stake here wasn’t his own reputation, but Hong’s.

To be honest, County Magistrate Hong did favor him somewhat, but since the exam schedule was set, he hadn’t seen him again, nor had he received any backdoor favors.

Gu Qingyan wouldn’t let him be slandered like this.

“Then go ahead and appeal. Every year after the results are announced, there are always a few self-important people who think their talent is above the heavens, and when they fail, all they can do is bark wildly.”

Qian Wei was startled — this was not what he had expected.

Wasn’t Gu Qingyan supposed to be afraid, stop him from making a fuss, and avoid having his own weaknesses exposed? How could he be encouraging him to appeal?

Before Qian Wei could say more, Gu Qingyan said loudly, “Everyone, I don’t care about false accusations. Justice lies in the hearts of the people.”

“But County Magistrate Hong has poured his heart and soul into serving the people of Lingchuan County. He is a just and selfless official, and I will never allow anyone to slander him.”

“Today, I, Gu Qingyan, request that County Magistrate Hong post the exam papers from this county exam, so all the scholars in Lingchuan can see for themselves whether I am unworthy of the top rank, or if this person is deliberately slandering.”

Before he finished, Zhang Cheng loudly applauded, “Good, Brother Gu, I support you.”

“Well said! Magistrate Hong is a good official and would never act unfairly.”

“That guy looks sneaky and has no reputation. He must be jealous of Young Master Gu and is slandering him.”

“When the truth is revealed, arrest him and bring him to the magistrate.”

Qian Wei heard this and felt something was wrong. Instinctively he looked back, but Ma Jiaoyu was already gone from the tavern.

He wanted to run but was grabbed by Gu Qingyan.

“You can’t leave. When the papers are posted and the truth is out, you can’t escape the charge of falsely accusing a court official.”

Qian Wei’s face went pale, his legs weak.

Zhang Nian stepped forward and held him back. “Don’t even think about running.”

When County Magistrate Hong received the news, the matter was already settled.

After hearing the full story, he stroked his beard and laughed long, “Gu Qingyan may be a bit hot-headed, but he’s quick-witted and adaptable — truly a rare talent.”

He immediately said, “Do as he requests. Post all three exams so those who didn’t pass can see the quality of his work.”

The exam papers were posted in rows, and the quality was clear at a glance.

Gu Qingyan’s handwriting was beautiful, and it was remarkable that all three exams had no errors at all.

Looking at second and third place, their answers were also good, but compared side by side, they clearly fell short.

The further down, the more obvious the difference.

Zhang Cheng quickly found Qian Wei’s paper and loudly mocked, “You missed three questions in the first exam, five in the second, and didn’t finish the last question in the third.”

“With results like that, you still have the nerve to complain? If you had gotten first, that would be corruption.”

Qian Wei’s face was completely humiliated.

Someone even spat on him, “You can’t pass, so you blame others and drag down our Lingchuan County’s little hero. You’re really despicable.”

“You call yourself a scholar? What a disgrace.”

“Ugh, what a joke, all those books just rotted in your stomach.”

Things got worse. Two constables came from both sides and grabbed him.

“Young Master Gu, Magistrate Hong sent us to escort you back to thoroughly investigate.”

Gu Qingyan cupped his hands in thanks, “Please thank Magistrate Hong for me.”

“The magistrate says it’s your outstanding talent that earned you the top rank, and he wants you to stay calm and not let this small matter ruin your mood.”

With that, they dragged Qian Wei away like a dead dog.

Zhang Cheng laughed and congratulated, “Congratulations, Brother Gu, on topping the county exam.”

“Congratulations indeed.” Gu Qingyan had just seen that Zhang Cheng also passed the county exam.

Zhang Cheng laughed heartily, “That move was clever — it left Qian Wei utterly embarrassed and let all the scholars of Lingchuan read your answers. If anyone brings up this matter again, they’ll only praise your writing.”

Gu Qingyan smiled back, “Brother Zhang ranked in the top ten; your papers were excellent too.”

The two shared a glance and laughed heartily.

“Brother Gu, I suspect this matter is related to Ma Jiaoyu. Qian Wei wouldn’t have dared to do this on his own.” Zhang Cheng whispered.

Gu Qingyan naturally knew as well.

“Ma Jiaoyu is scheming to trip you up. If it doesn’t work this time, there’ll be a next. You have to be careful.”

Gu Qingyan smiled and said, “Don’t worry, this will be the last time.”

“Gu brother, what exactly did you do?” Zhang Cheng hurriedly asked.

Gu Qingyan deliberately kept it mysterious: “You’ll find out later.”

During all those times at the county school, when the tutor Ma kept making things difficult for him, Gu Qingyan had already figured out a way to deal with it—he had prepared a hefty gift for him.

Since Tutor Ma was being so relentless, it was no longer his fault.

“Gu brother, come on, let’s go have a drink to celebrate,” Zhang Cheng invited, wanting to know more about what had happened.

Only then did Gu Qingyan remember he had come to town to get the certificate for the county exam—only with that certificate could he take the prefectural exam in April.

Hearing this, Zhang Cheng decided to go with him.

Meanwhile, Qian Wei was full of regret.

He had only wanted to cause a fuss to embarrass Gu Qingyan a little, hoping that if the county magistrate got scared, he might reopen the county exam results and change the selection.

But who would have thought Gu Qingyan would respond like this?

And his exam papers were exceptionally well done—three sessions, not a single mistake. This not only failed to drag Gu Qingyan down but actually boosted his reputation.

Tutor Ma must have seen the exam papers but lied to Qian Wei that Gu Qingyan hadn’t finished, leading him into this mess.

Now Qian Wei was terrified and realizing the consequences he was about to face.

“Sir, County Magistrate Hong, it was Tutor Ma who ordered me to do this. He has long been dissatisfied with you and wanted to use the matter with Gu Qingyan to ruin your reputation,” Qian Wei confessed as soon as he entered the government office.

County Magistrate Hong had thought it was just some trouble caused by a scholar, but hearing there was someone behind it, his expression turned grim.

“Summon Ma Yan.”

Tutor Ma was quickly brought in.

Seeing the courtroom scene, he immediately knew Qian Wei had betrayed him.

“County Magistrate Hong, this man has poor character. First, because he failed the exam, he bore a grudge and tried to slander you and Gu Qingyan. Then, fearing punishment, he started dragging me into it. Truly despicable,” Tutor Ma said.

Qian Wei could hardly believe it; he realized he was being abandoned.

“It was him. He ordered me to do it.”

“Sir, Tutor Ma has never liked Gu Qingyan. He thinks Gu Qingyan caused Bai Yu’s death, which reduced the number of students at the county school. All the students willing to pay him were ruined, so he kept making things difficult for Gu Qingyan,” Qian Wei said.

“This is something everyone at the county school knows.”

Tutor Ma, however, showed no panic and said calmly, “I do dislike Gu Qingyan, but that’s because he is young and arrogant, too flamboyant, and refuses to learn despite repeated warnings.”

“But I’m also a grading official. If I really wanted to make things hard for him, there would have been many chances. Why wait until now?”

“I hope Your Honor can see clearly.”

County Magistrate Hong gave him a cold look.

Tutor Ma bowed slightly, a cold smile on his lips.

Even if he had ordered Qian Wei, it was just words without proof. What evidence could Qian Wei provide? Magistrate Hong was about to leave—would he really make things difficult for a tutor sent by the court?

“Do you have any evidence?” County Magistrate Hong asked.

Qian Wei suddenly realized he had no evidence at all and felt even more desperate.

Tutor Ma smirked arrogantly.

Suddenly, County Magistrate Hong sneered, “Not repentant even at death’s door.”

“Qian Wei, listen well. If you had repented earlier, County Magistrate Hong would have given you a way out,” Tutor Ma shouted.

Qian Wei collapsed weakly to the ground, knowing it was over.

Before Tutor Ma could gloat, County Magistrate Hong coldly said, “Ma Yan, will you still not confess?”

“I don’t understand Your Honor’s meaning. I am also a court-appointed official. Without proof, you cannot just punish me,” Tutor Ma said loudly.

County Magistrate Hong suddenly threw something at him: “Look at this yourself.”

Tutor Ma took it and opened it. His face changed dramatically.

County Magistrate Hong scolded coldly, “In recent years, your conduct at the county school—did you really think I didn’t know? I just didn’t expect that as a teacher, your morals were so corrupt that you dared to amass wealth, accept bribes, and even sell county school seats.”

“I will report this matter truthfully. You should take care.”

Tutor Ma’s face also turned pale, his heart sinking into despair like Qian Wei’s before.

County Magistrate Hong waved his hand and ordered people to hold him down.

Looking at the evidence again, he couldn’t help but stroke his beard with a slight smile. This kid Gu Qingyan was born to solve cases—he was definitely a good prospect for officialdom.

Gu Qingyan strolled around Lingchuan County, receiving heaps of congratulations, got the certificate, and arranged with Zhang Cheng to head to Qingzhou Prefecture for the exam together.

After a long delay, when they finally left Lingchuan County, the sun was already setting in the west.

“A’nian, let’s first go to the charity hall,” Gu Qingyan said.

Zhang Nian frowned in disapproval: “Big Brother Gu, isn’t that inappropriate?”

“There’s nothing inappropriate. The results are out, so there’s no need to fear bad luck now.”

Seeing Zhang Nian still about to stop him, Gu Qingyan put on a serious face: “A’nian, since you want to be my personal clerk, you have to listen to me. If you just do whatever your mother says, you might as well stay at home and help her.”

This remark shook Zhang Nian so much that he dared not block him anymore.

Gu Qingyan didn’t want to scare him, but without doing so, they couldn’t get into the mortuary.

When the ox cart arrived at the mortuary, Gu Qingyan got down first, and Zhang Nian hurried to follow.

“If you’re scared, wait outside. I’ll just say a few words to the old man and then leave,” Gu Qingyan reminded him.

But Zhang Nian shook his head repeatedly. “No way, no way. I have to stick with Brother Gu.”

After saying that, he rushed ahead and pushed the door open, looking like he was ready to protect him.

Gu Qingyan couldn’t help but laugh and cried at the same time, following after him.

But once they stepped inside, both were dumbfounded—there were several clerks in the room.

“Isn’t this Young Master Gu? Congratulations on being the top scorer in the exam! Such a joyous day—why would you come to such an unlucky place?” the lead clerk asked in surprise.

Gu Qingyan was also puzzled. “I came to talk to the coroner, but where is he?”

“You know the old coroner?” the clerk asked, even more surprised.

Gu Qingyan nodded. “We met once. Is he here?”

“Well, you’re too late. The old coroner resigned a couple of days ago, saying he’s too old and wants to return to his hometown.”

“He left in such a hurry that no one had time to tidy up the mortuary. That’s why a few of us were sent to check on things.”

“It’s not easy to find a coroner now; the county office has been worrying about this.”

Gu Qingyan frowned. Retiring to his hometown—what a convenient timing.

Judging by the time, the old coroner must have left right after meeting him.

Gu Qingyan looked around inside the house but found nothing.

“Brother, do you know the old coroner’s full name or where he lives?”

“All we know is his surname is Liu. Nothing else. He’s a strange man—no one wants to deal with him unless there’s a dead body in the county,” Zhang Nian replied.

Gu Qingyan couldn’t get any other information.

Frowning, he left the mortuary, feeling the mystery growing deeper in his heart.

“Brother Gu, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault,” Zhang Nian said guiltily.

“That old man must have had problems. If I hadn’t stopped you, you would’ve come here earlier, and he wouldn’t have run away.”

Gu Qingyan shook his head. “If he wanted to run, no matter if I left that day or not, I wouldn’t have been able to get anything out of him.”

That day when he came to deliver the items, he knocked hard on the door, but the old man didn’t open it—it was obvious he was doing it on purpose.

Zhang Nian still hung his head low.

Gu Qingyan smiled. “Why the long face? Today is a good day. Mom and the sisters must have prepared food. Forget that old coroner. Let’s go home and eat something delicious.”

Back home, the mansion was indeed bustling.

The village chief uncle was there too, along with his wife and several sons and daughters-in-law. The table was filled with dishes, even more abundant than during the New Year.

After seeing the certificate in person, the old village chief’s eyes were red as he ate.

Though he hadn’t been drinking, he seemed a little drunk, constantly holding Gu Qingyan’s hand and saying, “Your father’s biggest regret in life was never passing the county exam. Qing’er, you must do well and pass the exam so he can be happy too.”

That’s true. Gu Tongsheng’s obsession with achieving a title could even be sensed by the system.

Earning a title to ease Gu Tongsheng’s mind was the only thing Gu Qingyan could do as a son.

Gu Qingyan patted his chest and promised, “Uncle, don’t worry. I’ll study hard and bring back the official certificate to burn for my father and mother.”

The old village chief hurried to say, “That won’t do. The certificate must be placed in the ancestral hall. You bow before your father’s grave and tell him—that’s enough.”

He added, “I know you’re capable, but keep this to the family. Don’t say it outside, so the jealous won’t gossip.”

Gu Dashan then brought up what happened earlier that day, mainly emphasizing how ugly Qian Wei’s character was.

What was supposed to be a celebration meal almost turned into a struggle against Qian Wei.

After the meal, when sending the village chief’s family off, Gu Qingyan quietly pulled Gu Dashan aside.

“Brother Dashan, I want to ask for your help with something.”

Gu Dashan felt a chill down his spine at those words.

Last time, his cousin asked for help investigating Bai Yu, and as a result, he went alone into the deep mountains and got severely beaten by his father.

“Little brother, I can help, but you can’t make it like last time, or my dad will beat me to death.”

Gu Qingyan quickly said, “Brother, don’t worry. I definitely won’t act recklessly.”

“Then tell me.”

“I want you to help me look into the old coroner surnamed Liu at the mortuary, and if possible, find out more information.”

“Why do you want to investigate him? Do you know him?”

“I’m just curious. Brother, please help me out,” Gu Qingyan said.

Gu Dashan immediately agreed. “Since it’s a coroner, surely someone in the county office knows him. I’ll ask around tomorrow.”

Then, still worried, he added, “But you promise me, no taking risks.”

“How risky can it be just asking about a coroner? I promise,” Gu Qingyan replied quickly.

Gu Dashan felt much more at ease and confidently patted his chest, saying he’d find out everything by tomorrow.

Only then did Gu Qingyan start heading back.

The room had already been mostly cleaned up. Gu Qingyan helped gather the remaining bowls and chopsticks.

As for washing the dishes, Aunt Liu absolutely wouldn’t let him do it, so Zhang Nian snatched them away, insisting it was his way to make up for what happened.

Gu Qingyan wandered around a bit to help digest the food, then planned to go back inside to continue earning points. With the huge temptation of the system’s store right in front of him, he was full of motivation.

“Work hard, work hard, aiming for double happiness today. System, you better not disappoint!”

Comfortably lying in bed, he opened the system tutorial.

Gu Qingyan was determined to fight tooth and nail with the coroner skill. He didn’t believe he couldn’t break through 100%.

The old coroner appeared in front of him. Gu Qingyan carefully observed his face, hoping to find some clues, but unfortunately, the system’s coroner was very rigid and never mentioned anything beyond the skill itself.

Gu Qingyan had no choice but to set aside other thoughts and focus on learning.

The wonderful thing about the system lessons was that everything could be simulated.

During the coroner training, all kinds of corpses appeared, lifelike and vivid.

Gu Qingyan thought to himself, the system truly was the greatest cheat code. Such hands-on teaching, with all kinds of training models and learning conditions—even modern schools couldn’t compare.

Time flew by during the system course.

Finally, Gu Qingyan heard a pleasant notification sound.

【Skill: Coroner Intermediate 1%】

【Breakthrough to intermediate skill, reward: 100 points.】

Gu Qingyan glanced at his total points—1037!

That was enough.

He quickly opened the interface.

【Open system store!!!】