Chapter 194: My Guess

Hastily coming to find Young Sir.

As long as they spent a few more days together, their fortunes would improve, and they would encounter fewer troublesome matters in the future.

Song Jingyun, “…”

Jiang Mixia, “…”

As expected!

Xun Yuanbai scratched his head, chuckling, “Young Sir and Madam should attend to whatever matters they have; no need to worry about this old man.”

“That won’t do. Since Master Xun is here, there’s no reason not to entertain him properly. It’s still early; has Master Xun had breakfast?”

Xun Yuanbai was a kind person and treated their family exceptionally well, especially considering his previous assistance with handling the issues involving the former county magistrate’s nephew’s household servant trying to seize control of the porcelain business, benefiting the porcelain kiln and even Jiang’s village.

In Jiang Mixia’s view, it was essential to properly entertain Xun Yuanbai.

“I arrived in a hurry and just got here. I haven’t eaten yet,” Xun Yuanbai said. “There’s a place on the street that sells buns. Their Xiaolongbao, filled with shrimp and accompanied by chives and eggs, with a whole large shrimp inside each bun, is really delicious.”

“The key is the red bean congee they simmer there. It has a thick texture, delicate taste, add a bit of sugar, and it’s very tasty. And yes, their pickled vegetables are also quite flavorful, with a crisp texture, not inferior to the pickled dishes in the palace…”

“Master Xun, did you really just arrive this morning?” Song Jingyun asked suspiciously.

“Well…” Xun Yuanbai scratched his head again. “I actually arrived the day before yesterday around noon.”

Tracking Young Sir’s aura was possible, but not that straightforward. Following the direction, Xun Yuanbai arrived here, waiting as he deduced Song Jingyun would participate in the Autumn Examination this year. Once sensing the aura growing stronger and assuming Young Sir had entered the city, he followed the trail to this inn, where he confirmed Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia’s room with the innkeeper’s help.

Jiang Mixia, “…”

Song Jingyun, “…”

Waiting here like sitting ducks!

…

Jiang Mixia and the others made their way to the bun shop Xun Yuanbai mentioned.

Operated by a couple, the shop was clean and tidy, and the buns were indeed as Xun Yuanbai had described—generously filled and delicious.

Xun Yuanbai and Song Jingyun each enjoyed two baskets of buns and two bowls of red bean congee.

After satisfying their hunger, Xun Yuanbai, fatigued from the early morning search for Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia, returned to the inn to rest, while Song Jingyun, with the Autumn Examination approaching, went back to study.

Jiang Mixia, on the other hand, assisted Song Jingyun in his studies, adding fragrance to the red sleeve.

The Autumn Examination was scheduled to begin on the eighth day of the eighth month, lasting for nine days. With about ten days left until the official start of the Autumn Examination, candidates from various places had gathered together, making the tea houses and restaurants in Xingnan Prefecture bustling with activity.

While the restaurants were lively with drinking and merry-making, the tea houses attracted scholars discussing various topics and speculating on what might be included in the third section of the Autumn Examination.

“No need to mention, this year’s drought in Ludong Province and how to provide relief for the people will certainly be tested. Additionally, issues such as reinforcing river embankments due to flooding in the south and possibly matters related to taxation will likely be included,” Jiang Junli confidently remarked.

“Brother Zhu, your statement is incorrect. In my humble opinion, this time, the examination might focus on administrative laws, and topics like trade along the southeastern coast may also be addressed,” another scholar chimed in.

“Exactly. Considering that droughts and floods are recurring issues almost every year, it’s a common topic. I heard that the last Autumn Examination included a similar question in the current affairs section, so it’s unlikely to be repeated this time,” added another participant.

“I also believe that this time, they won’t revisit the same topics. In recent years, the Emperor has shown interest in maritime affairs and sea trade, so related questions are likely to appear…”

Seeing the people around him all contradicting his views, Jiang Junli felt extremely dissatisfied. He sneered, “It’s precisely because these are common topics that one’s originality and creativity will stand out. Speaking boldly, if I were the one setting the questions, I would certainly take this approach.”

“Discussing disaster relief repeatedly is nothing new; it’s unlikely to be as you imagine.”

“Exactly, the question setters are all learned scholars; they wouldn’t use such methods for evaluation.”

With no one agreeing with his statements, Jiang Junli stiffened his neck. “If you don’t believe me, you’ll see during the exam.”

“Well, let’s wait and see,” others responded with mocking smiles, clearly not taking Jiang Junli’s words seriously.

This left Jiang Junli visibly enraged, his face turning as red as an apple.

“I actually think…” Song Jingyun, who had been silent for a while, spoke up, “Perhaps they will indeed include the topics suggested by Young Sir Jiang.”

“Oh?” A tall, thin man named Ruan Gaofei raised an eyebrow. “Explain why you think so. Do you have any evidence?”

“Well, it’s just a guess,” Song Jingyun replied honestly. Then he added, “It’s just a feeling.”

The crowd was initially puzzled, then burst into laughter.

Especially Ruan Gaofei, who had been prepared to question Song Jingyun, was now laughing breathlessly. “Can one really rely on guesses and feelings for academic exams?”

“Yes,” Song Jingyun nodded solemnly.

In all seriousness.

The laughter from the onlookers grew more intense.

Even Jiang Junli couldn’t help but let out a sigh at this moment.

Initially, he had thought Song Jingyun’s manner of speaking was annoying and unlikable, but now he realized that it was not intentional; it was just his nature!

How to describe it?

Simple-minded, naive, candid, sincere…

Or perhaps a bit foolish?

Jiang Junli was at a loss for words momentarily.

Indeed, Fengyang County seemed to be a bit poorer, leading even its residents to be quite peculiar.

Jiang Junli sighed repeatedly, feeling a sense of exasperation.

After laughing for a while, Ruan Gaofei’s face turned sly. “Then tell us, apart from disasters, what else do you think they will test on?”

“Border defense and military affairs,” Song Jingyun replied.

The teahouse erupted once again with loud laughter.

Following the laughter, there was a tone of mockery and disdain. “You must be foolish. Since the founding of our dynasty, the border has been stable, with no recent military conflicts or invasions. How could they test on such topics when our borders are secure and peaceful?”

“Exactly, even if they were to touch on border matters, it would likely involve trade, cultural exchange. It’s absurd to think it would involve military affairs. It’s like a fairy tale.”

“Just now, didn’t this person say he guessed it would be this way and felt it should be so? Perhaps it’s really like that?”

This blatant irony led to another round of loud laughter from the crowd.

“You speak nonsense. I’m starting to wonder if you’re even a candidate for the Autumn Examination. May I ask your name and surname, and where you’re from?” Ruan Gaofei asked, laughing.

“Fengyang County, Song Jingyun,” Song Jingyun truthfully replied.

Song Jingyun?

Seems unfamiliar…

After a brief moment of silence, someone spoke up, “Wasn’t it the same Song Jingyun who excelled in last year’s preliminary examination?”

“Since he’s from Fengyang County, it must be him.”

“…And?”

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Chapter 193: My Guess, available for free reading.