At midnight, Jiang Fengyuan summoned his two sons.

“Madam Li’s younger brother, Li Ping, has been hiding in Shengjing for the past two years. He does not go out or socialize. The Li family has publicly declared that Li Ping suffered a relapse of an old illness and did not survive.”

Jiang Yuanran’s gaze turned serious. “If he’s alive, why claim he’s dead?”

Unless Li Ping was hiding from something.

Jiang Fengyuan continued, “All those who knew about that incident vanished within a year. It’s possible that the Duke of An and an unknown figure worked together to eliminate them.”

They were trying to prevent any leaks that could bring the Chen family back to Shengjing.

After all, only the dead remain silent.

“Father, why don’t we capture Li Ping now?” Jiang Yuanran was anxious.

“No rush. Your imperial exam is more important—focus on that first.”

“Father,” Jiang Yuansheng’s eyes darkened, “time is running out.” If the Duke of An found out about Li Ping, the man wouldn’t live much longer.

“My younger brother has survived dozens of assassination attempts in just half a month. The Chen family must return to the capital.”

Besides, even if he lost a few days, he was confident he could still take the top spot in the exam.

“Alright. Tomorrow, Yuansheng will go find Li Ping. Ran, you will keep watch over the Duke of An’s residence and the entertainment district. If anything happens, report back immediately.”

..

The next day, Jiang Yuansheng set out.

Jiang Yuanxi had a feeling about what was happening.

“Brother, hug!” She reached out for a hug.

Jiang Yuansheng crouched down and pinched his little sister’s chubby cheeks.

“Yuanxi, I have something important to do. I’ll play with you later, okay?”

Jiang Yuanxi shook her head like a rattle.

【Brother is going to investigate Madam Li. I want to go too. I’m really good at this!】

Jiang Yuansheng was surprised—his little sister actually knew what he was up to.

Since that was the case, why not bring her along?

He sent a message to his mother before carrying Jiang Yuanxi with him.

According to the information he gathered, Madam Li had hidden Li Ping in a small alley not far from the Li family residence to avoid suspicion.

The alley was rundown, but one house looked relatively intact.

Knock, knock, knock.

Footsteps approached from inside.

The door opened. The moment Li Ping saw the unfamiliar faces, he tried to shut it again.

Jiang Yuansheng knocked once more. “Li Ping, I know it’s you.”

Inside, Li Ping panicked. He recognized Jiang Yuansheng—Shengjing’s top scholar, but also the grandson of that man.

After hiding for so long, he had still been found.

Realizing something, he grabbed some silver coins and opened the cellar.

Just as he did, there was a loud bang—the door flew past him and crashed onto the floor.

A young man and a tiny girl slowly walked in.

Jiang Yuansheng glanced at the door now embedded in the wall and whispered, “Yuanxi, be gentler next time.”

Bringing his sister along really did make things easier.

“Got it, Brother.”

Li Ping’s eyes were filled with terror as he backed away.

“Please, my lord, spare me! I truly don’t know anything about that incident. Have mercy!”

Jiang Yuansheng walked up to him unhurriedly and helped him up. “Li Gongzi, don’t worry. I’m here to save your life.”

An hour later, a carriage quietly left the alley.

Not long after, a figure dressed in black arrived. Seeing the broken door and the fresh footprints, his pupils shrank.

“Big brother, right after you left, more people arrived at the courtyard. They were dressed in black and masked—we couldn’t see their faces.”

Li Ping collapsed onto the ground.

【A teacher trying to kill his own student… Li Ping is truly pitiful.】

Jiang Yuansheng spoke. “Li Ping, the Duke of An ordered your fellow disciples to frame the Chen family. Don’t you want revenge for them?”

Li Ping clenched his fists, his face contorted with pain.

Ever since his fellow disciples were taken, he had barely survived, but he never slept peacefully.

“You are the Duke of An’s grandson. How can I trust that you won’t kill me instead?”

If his attempt to report the crime failed and implicated his sister, he would die with regret.

“I am alone now. If you want to kill me, just do it!” He closed his eyes.

Jiang Yuansheng sighed.

He had been trying to convince Li Ping throughout the journey, but the man simply wouldn’t believe him.

After all, who would believe that a grandson would turn against his own grandfather?

Jiang Yuanxi took a deep sip from her milk bottle.

“You… have a son,” she pointed at Li Ping.

“Impossible!” Li Ping’s eyes widened.

Jiang Yuanxi’s soft voice continued, “Three years ago, in the entertainment district, that woman…”

Li Ping’s expression changed drastically, realization dawning upon him.

【Li Ping was reckless back then, but he wasn’t heartless. Before he left, he gave all his money to the women there. One of them, a girl with the surname Mu, was grateful and secretly gave birth to his son.】

【So many foolish women in this world.】

Tears streamed down Li Ping’s face. “What do you want from me to let them go?”

Jiang Yuansheng knew Li Ping had misunderstood, but as long as it served his purpose, that was fine.

“Don’t worry, Li Gongzi. Just do as we say when the time comes.”

..

Spring Imperial Exam

Early in the morning, Madam Chen started burning incense.

Jiang Yuanxi stared at the large incense burner, tongue clicking in amazement.

The hall was filled with smoke, making it hard to see the statue of the god of wisdom.

Jiang Yuancheng stared blankly. “Mother, are you trying to burn down the small temple?”

He wasn’t sure about the fire hazard, but wasn’t she worried the god would choke on all that smoke?

Outside the examination hall, the family gathered.

Madam Chen held her sons’ hands. “Yuansheng, Yuanran, stay calm. Don’t be nervous.”

Jiang Yuanran: We’re not nervous… but Mother seems more nervous than we are.

“Xin Niang, Yuansheng and Yuanran have studied so hard. They will surely pass!” Jiang Fengyuan reassured her.

Madam Chen’s palms were sweaty, her heart uneasy.

“Mother, don’t worry,” Jiang Yuanxi patted her hand, imitating their father’s tone.

“Big brothers, you’ll win first place!”

【Big Brother is handsome and brilliant. If anyone deserves the top spot, it’s him. As for Third Brother…】

Jiang Yuanran eagerly awaited his little sister’s praise.

【Better not hurt Third Brother’s confidence. Some people just aren’t meant for studying.】

[They’re born for business. Third Brother is one of them.]

【Should I comfort Third Brother?】

Jiang Yuanran: Please, no, little sister, just stop talking…

Jiang Yuanxi glanced around and then stepped up to Jiang Yuanran.

She let out a long sigh, held her forehead dramatically, and said, “You… just do your best.”

Then she turned away, as if she couldn’t bear to watch.

Jiang Yuanran’s confidence shattered—his back slumped.

Jiang Yuansheng patted him and pointed to the side.

Jiang Yuanran dejectedly followed his gaze—only to see the Minister of Works lecturing his own foolish son, mirroring Jiang Yuanxi’s dramatic actions.

Over there: “Son, if you fail, we’ll go home. I’ll take care of you.”

Here:

Jiang Yuanxi: “Son—ugh, I mean, Brother, if you fail, we’ll go home. You’ll take care of me.”

The Jiang family understood everything now.