The path of the imperial examination is not easy; it’s common to see people with hair turned gray still unable to pass.

To pass the exam before the age of twenty is something worth celebrating grandly in any household. Even holding a banquet would be reasonable. Yet the Yan family remained quiet, as if nothing had happened.

Grandmother truly felt sorry for the young master, but there was no elder in the family to speak up for him, and the lady of the house showed no reaction. So she thought to seek help from Shi Buyu.

Although everyone knew the cousin was a fake, and the fiancée was also fake, both Yan Ze and Luo Qing, sharing the same intention, suggested this path to grandmother.

Shi Buyu didn’t think anything was wrong with this — after all, this was a joyous occasion. Shouldn’t a happy event be lively and bustling? With a small wave of her hand, she lent out the aunt and asked Yan Ze to request Dou Yuancheng’s help in inviting some familiar friends and schoolmates.

This was too easy for Wan Xia. She ordered the servants to tidy up the main hall, lay out the banquet table, arrange fresh flowers, and place fruits. Then she adjusted the dishes according to grandmother’s set menu and asked the servants to add a bit of red to their outfits to give an overall festive atmosphere.

Shi Buyu paced back and forth with her hands behind her back, feeling it still wasn’t lively enough. After some thought — she had an idea.

Since Yan Shi’an’s study was nearby, she went over there, familiar with the place, and sat behind the desk. She cut the rice paper into small slips and wrote a few words on each one.

This was a game she often played with a group of acquaintances, preparing some food and fun activities. On each slip of paper was written something like what to eat, what to play, or some prank — like barking like a dog, scratching an itch. Once someone even wrote “pull out a white beard hair,” and she was the unlucky one who drew that slip, ending with one less beard hair on the man’s white beard.

Of course, on such a day she couldn’t play something so childish. Besides poetry, lyrics, and essays, she wrote things like “Drink a cup of bitter herb juice,” “Tell the person to your left that you’re really ugly,” or “Do something you’re worst at.” That would definitely liven things up.

So when Yan Shi’an returned home, he saw a completely different scene from usual. Everyone walked briskly, smiling as they greeted him.

The aunt was calling a few servants nearby, speaking about something, while Yan Ze stood aside observing, nodding occasionally.

Yan Shi’an quickly went to the study without needing to ask further. With the aunt here, it was clear this must be related to Miss Shi.

“Back?” Shi Buyu looked up at him with a mischievous smile.

Yan Shi’an slowed as he approached her, “Yes, I’m back.”

“Come help.” Shi Buyu didn’t hesitate to boss him around: “Roll up these slips like this, then find a small box or case to put them in.”

Yan Shi’an sat beside her and watched her write “Stick a flower sticker on the third person to your right.”

“What is this… for?”

“For playing.” Shi Buyu, thinking what else to write next, explained the various arrangements. At the end she said, “You quickly think of more, I’m out of ideas.”

Yan Shi’an hid his joy and took the pen to write more himself.

Shi Buyu rolled up each slip and placed them aside. The aunt always complained that Shi Buyu wasn’t good at chores — she could prune a bougainvillea to the point it was bald — but when it came to fun and games, she was quite good.

Each time Yan Shi’an wrote one, Shi Buyu would tilt her head to look, then silently complain to herself that it was too elegant. “What’s funny about drawing a turtle on your hand? Drawing it on the face is way better. And balancing a bowl? Standing like a golden rooster balancing a bowl is much harder.”

Her dislike was so obvious on her face, Yan Shi’an couldn’t miss it: “Ahem, no good?”

Since he asked, Shi Buyu naturally gave her opinion. Yan Shi’an tore up a few slips and rewrote them according to her suggestions.

Then the two negotiated happily — Yan Shi’an came up with ideas, Shi Buyu polished them. They worked very well together.

No box the right size could be found, so Yan Shi’an took out a rather large wooden case and neatly placed the rolled slips inside. They filled more than half the box. Roughly counted, there must be two hundred.

“When the time comes, let everyone pick whichever they want, no need to take them in order. As for punishments for those who can’t do the task, you can decide yourselves.” Shi Buyu stood up and stomped her foot — her legs were numb from squatting too long.

Yan Shi’an was about to speak when Luo Qing hurried over at the door: “Young master, Young Master Zhuang is back!”

Zhuang Nan and Dou Yuancheng needed no introduction here. Once the letter was received, they were already near the main house.

Yan Shi’an hadn’t expected him to really make it back today. A smile appeared on his face as he explained to those around, “Zhuang Nan was once my schoolmate. He preferred wielding swords and staffs, would doze off whenever reading books, and gave up after barely two years. But we’ve kept in touch.”

Shi Buyu compared: “So your relationship with him is about the same as with Dou Yuancheng?”

“About the same. They’re the only two I can really call friends.”

“That’s a benefit of this identity. Shi An can’t make friends.” Shi Buyu heard the noise outside and said, “What now? Can’t avoid it.”

Yan Shi’an openly admitted his private feelings: “No worries. Dou Yuancheng you met when you were at the Zhu’s. Today you’ll get to meet Zhuang Nan too.”

Shi Buyu understood. As a fiancée, it was only right to meet the fiancé’s friends. Besides, she wasn’t afraid of them.

But…

Shi Buyu looked down at her clothes. She liked to wear old clothes at home — soft and comfortable — and right now she was wearing a round-collared robe, which might be a bit rude for receiving guests.

Seeing what she was thinking, Yan Shi’an said, “It’s fine. He doesn’t care about those things.”

Everyone had arrived at the door. It was too late to do anything else. Shi Buyu thought to herself — but when she saw who entered, she knew exactly what he meant by “not caring.” A tall, burly man strode in with eyes that didn’t glance at anyone else, grabbing Yan Shi’an’s arms with a loud voice: “Brother Shi’an, congratulations! I knew you’d make it!”

“Didn’t expect you’d really make it back.” Yan Shi’an grabbed his arm in return, his eyes and face full of smiles, clearly happy from the bottom of his heart. But he didn’t forget the people beside him: “This is my cousin and also my fiancée.”

Zhuang Nan seemed used to looking straight at people. His body turned with his gaze as he saw Shi Buyu. She cupped her fists in greeting: “Zhuang Nan greets cousin.”

“My cousin, why does everyone keep calling me cousin?” Yan Shi’an laughed, unable to scold. “My cousin’s surname is Luo.”

“Your cousin is our cousin too.” Zhuang Nan said this, but acted properly: “Miss Luo.”

“In letters from cousin, Zhuang Nan is often mentioned. Just as cousin said, you are straightforward and cheerful.” Shi Buyu returned the greeting with a smile: “You brothers haven’t met in a long time. Since the guests aren’t here yet, you have time for a good chat. I’ll go check outside.”

Yan Shi’an got used to this gentle tone of his cousin and smiled in response.