Chapter 171

The system had previously informed Shen Cui that Mei Ruochu would lose 20 luck points in the county exam, 30 in the prefectural exam, and so on. Therefore, in the academic exam, he should lose 40, and in the provincial exam, he should lose 50.

However, it was unexpected that a mere preliminary exam for the provincial examination would cause him to lose so many points.

Shen Cui complained inwardly about the damn laws while keeping an eye on the developments on the light screen.

The frisking process was still not conducive to directly observing Mei Ruochu’s Q-version avatar, so she focused on his other stats.

Fortunately, the format of this exam was the same as the previous county exam, and scholars didn’t need to strip completely. They only needed to remove their shoes and socks and unbutton their collars, sleeves, and chests for the guards to search.

So, shortly after Mei Ruochu’s luck score dropped to 45, the extra system clothes he wore began to take effect, causing his luck score to start rising again.

Apart from taking slightly longer during the frisking process than others, Mei Ruochu didn’t experience any other mishaps.

When Shen Cui estimated that it was almost time, she opened the screen and saw him sitting calmly at his desk, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

The preliminary exam was finally over without any major incidents.

A few days later, the results were announced, and everyone from Cui Wei successfully obtained the qualification for the provincial examination.

With only three months left until the provincial examination, Shen Cui and Luo Buyu discussed and decided to immediately set off for Linnan Prefecture.

Firstly, they wanted to find accommodation in advance, allowing the young scholars to adapt to the environment there sooner.

Secondly, because Linnan Prefecture was the provincial capital, information was much more accessible than in Qingzhou Prefecture. Going there early would give them a head start in learning about the relevant information regarding this year’s provincial examination.

Since Shen Cui was also going to accompany the examination, Luo Buyu decided to go along as well.

After all, he was someone who had passed the imperial examination, and his keen senses often allowed him to pick up on information that others might miss.

When he did, he could help analyze it with everyone else.

After discussing with Luo Buyu, Shen Cui went to announce the news to the young scholars, instructing them to pack their belongings.

Before their departure, Mei Ruochu came to have a deep conversation with Shen Cui.

After years of interaction, Mei Ruochu felt increasingly close to Shen Cui and didn’t beat around the bush: “Asking this question might upset Headmaster Shen, but do you think I should take the exam?”

Shen Cui, in the midst of packing, paused when she saw him pondering. Without beating around the bush either, she asked him directly, “You sensed it?”

Mei Ruochu nodded. “During the exam, I suddenly felt a chill. It was a sensation… difficult to describe, but it’s not unfamiliar. I used to feel this way before I came to Cui Wei. The first time I took the county exam, I felt cold like this, then suddenly developed a high fever. I gritted my teeth and persisted through the whole exam. At that time, I thought it would be the same this time, but after getting dressed, the cold feeling slowly faded. Master Shan, tell me honestly, is the provincial exam going to be difficult?”

Shen Cui nodded. “The situation should be similar to now, but you don’t need to worry too much. We’ll work hard together to get through this challenge.”

While Mei Ruochu naturally trusted her abilities, he remained silent. Shen Cui tentatively asked, “Are you worried about your ranking?”

Since he arrived at Cui Wei, he had always been at the top in the provincial and academy exams. If his ranking in the provincial exam were too low, there would undoubtedly be some disappointment.

Mei Ruochu shook his head immediately. “My mindset hasn’t changed. If I can enter the exam room, complete the exam, I’ll be satisfied. This time is no exception; passing is enough.”

Before Shen Cui could ask further, Mei Ruochu continued, “If I can’t pass, so be it. I’ll wait another three years. If I do pass, wouldn’t it be unfair to little brother Hanshan? After all, he studied for three years, made rapid progress, and achieved the ‘Little Three Execellence.’ Even I, when I first started studying, couldn’t guarantee such results after three years. It’s been almost two years since then. Without my interference, it’s very likely that he would be as successful as his elder brother and achieve the ‘Six Major Elements,’ leaving a mark in history.

Shen Cui immediately shook her head.

Mei Ruochu’s words were not entirely wrong, but there was also a misunderstanding.

Firstly, Mu Er Pang didn’t study for three years, but thanks to the time bonus, he had the equivalent of five or six years of study compared to others.

His progress was rapid, but that was also because he started from a lower point. Now, his overall talent had risen to its peak, or bottlenecked.

There wasn’t as much room for improvement.

Specifically, in terms of numerical value, his overall talent had increased by 2 points over the past two years, reaching 92.

Compared to a true genius and son of heaven like Mu Yunchuan, whose attributes were close to 100 in all aspects, he still had a long way to go.

Moreover, could the dimensional laws arrange for someone to replicate the same achievement as Mu Yunchuan, who had achieved such extraordinary results like the Six Major Elements?

Furthermore, if Mu Er Pang started his education at the age of ten, earlier than Mu Yunchuan, would it overshadow Mu Yunchuan’s glory if he also achieved the Six Major Elements?

Mu Er Pang had taken the marrow-cleansing pill and was no longer under the control of the laws.

Upon completing future missions, Shen Cui would also purchase marrow-cleansing pills for everyone in the academy.

However, the influence of the laws affected the entire world and its people. Shen Cui couldn’t possibly distribute marrow-cleansing pills to everyone.

Moreover, setting aside those concerns, in the original book, after Mu Yunchuan achieved the Six Major Elements, he faced criticism, jealousy, and exclusion from many people.

The saying “it’s lonely at the top” aptly describes that situation.

Even when he reached middle age in the book, some high ranking civil officials plotted against him.

After interrogation, it was revealed that one of those officials, who had once been famous, felt suppressed by Mu Yunchuan for many years and harbored resentment.

When the opportunity arose, he seized it and retaliated.

Mu Yunchuan always seemed to have divine assistance and could turn danger into safety.

He also had a cold heart and didn’t care about others’ opinions.

Would Mu Er Pang, with his pure intentions, be able to endure such circumstances?

Shen Cui couldn’t accompany him in this world forever and didn’t want to see him in such a situation.

Even if Mei Ruochu hadn’t missed the first county exam, making him the second ‘ Six Major Elements,’ Shen Cui might still worry about him under these circumstances.

Of course, if Mu Er Pang could achieve the title based on his own abilities, Shen Cui, as his mother, would be happy for him and find a way to help him overcome any difficulties.

But she wouldn’t force anything under so many concerns, just for the sake of a title.

Finally, Mu Er Pang would be better off completing the exam as soon as possible because he was the number one cultivation target.

After he finished, it would be considered passing, and the qualification to purchase marrow-cleansing pills would be unlocked.

However, since the system mentioned ‘qualification,’ it meant it wouldn’t be given for free; it would require spending purchase points.

So, the sooner others completed the exam, the better.

They would receive purchase points rewards for their achievements.

This way, Shen Cui would have the capital to buy each of them a pill, effectively “taking from the people, using for the people.”

After shaking her head, Shen Cui said, “Focus on preparing for the exam, give it your all, and stay calm. Don’t worry about the rest.”

Mei Ruochu sighed lightly, realizing he might have been overthinking, and didn’t say more.

Not long after Mei Ruochu left, Mu Er Pang arrived.

There was no need to beat around the bush between mother and son, so he asked directly, “Does Brother Mei not want to take the provincial exam because of me?”

Shen Cui didn’t need to stop what she was doing to talk to him, so she continued packing while saying, “He’s worried about his luck.”

Mu Er Pang was almost fifteen now, and while some of his childishness had faded from his face, his demeanor and actions were still very much like a child’s.

Mu Er Pang propped up his chin with one hand and said, “Surely part of it is because of me, right? Brother Mei is afraid of stealing my limelight. Ah, he’s really overthinking it. I don’t care about some Six Major Elements.”

Shen Cui chuckled and glanced at him, prompting him to continue, “Mother, you might not know, but after achieving the Little Three Excellence, the pressure at the Prefectural Academy is intense. I always feel like others have high expectations of me. While it’s motivating, it can also be exhausting at times.”

As he spoke, he casually pounded his shoulder as if imitating an adult.

Shen Cui watched him with pursed lips and said, “I’ve always known you’re not someone who values empty fame. That’s what I told Brother Mei. Let’s rely on real talent and knowledge to take the exam. The sooner we pass, the sooner we’ll be free.”

Shen Cui’s words had a double meaning. “Free” didn’t just mean the young men wouldn’t have to spend all their time with books anymore; they could have their own lives.

It also meant Shen Cui could purchase marrow-cleansing pills for the other people in the academy, freeing them from restrictions.

Additionally, it meant she could do things she enjoyed, like selling storybooks. Although Cui Wu Niang was capable, Shen Cui wanted to participate more actively.

However, she couldn’t divert too much attention from the system tasks.

Although Mu Er Pang didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind her words, his response perfectly matched Shen Cui’s intentions.

“After we’re done with the exams, I won’t have to spend all day studying. At least I’ll have some free time, and I’ll spend it with Grandma and Grandpa. Whatever you want to do, I’ll be there with you.”

On the day of their departure from Cui Wei, Madame Cui Wu Niang and Miss Sun Ruowei personally came to see them off.

Shen Cui wasn’t surprised by their presence.

However, in the case of Shen Ao Shuang, it had been almost two years since he joined the academy, but apart from a servant who occasionally delivered clothes and money, no other family members had visited him.

Despite the importance of taking the provincial exam in Linan Prefecture, none of his family members had come.

However, it was their family matter after all. Shen Cui silently criticized his family for not caring enough about him but didn’t say much about it.

The group split into two horse-drawn carriages, traveling for almost ten days before finally arriving at Linan Prefecture.

When Shen Cui first arrived in Qingzhou Prefecture a few years ago, she was impressed by its grandeur, thinking she had seen it all.

However, upon arriving in Linan Prefecture this time, she realized there was always something beyond what met the eye—despite both being capital cities, the city gates of Linan Prefecture were several times larger than those of Qingzhou Prefecture.

Inside the city, towering buildings lined the streets, appearing orderly and neat. The roads were wider, bustling with crowds, carriages, and horses, with the noise of chatter filling the air.

Moreover, in Qingzhou Prefecture, it was rare to see many women on the streets. Even if they went out, it was usually in carriages or sedan chairs, except for lower-class laborers.

However, it was different here. Along the way, many elegantly dressed women strolled and chatted in groups, demonstrating the openness of the city compared to Qingzhou Prefecture.

“Is there such a big difference between capital cities?” Mu Er Pang exclaimed, pulling back the carriage curtain in astonishment.

Cui Fei nodded and said, “When I first arrived, I was also amazed by the sights. I thought Qingzhou Prefecture was already great, but after coming here, I understood why Linan Prefecture is the provincial capital.”

The two then turned to look at Wei Shu and Wei Xi.

The brothers immediately understood, with Wei Shu saying, “The capital is even more bustling and prosperous, with even grander buildings.”

Wei Xi added, “In ‘The Charming Eyes’, it’s described as ‘palaces adorned with jewels, lively with music during the day and full of musical instruments at night.’ It’s probably that magnificent.”

If they passed the provincial exam this year, they would all go to the capital next year.

Therefore, Wei Shu and Wei Xi took the opportunity to introduce the grandeur of the capital.

Mu Er Pang became even more amazed. “No wonder everyone wants to go to the capital. It sounds incredible.”

After some discussion, the coachman followed Cui Fei’s instructions and drove the carriage to the alley where he had rented a house three years ago.

Although it was called an alley, the houses here were all separate, with enough distance between them for two carriages to pass side by side, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere.

The Cui family had already arranged for someone to rent the place in advance and clean it up.

Cui Fei led everyone inside and introduced, “This is Scholar Lane, only a quarter of an hour away from the examination hall, so it’s inhabited by scholars. The three-story teahouse at the entrance is also famous. During the provincial exam, it’s filled with scholars from various prefectures. It will be convenient for us to gather information or communicate with fellow examinees when the time comes… This time, there are many of us, and my sister and I wanted to rent a spacious house. We found out that those second and third-tier houses were already booked a year in advance, so like before, we only managed to rent a first-tier house. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Shen Cui hurriedly said it was no trouble. “As long as the house is enough to live in, the environment is already very good.”

Mu Er Pang agreed, “Others traveling to a foreign place for an exam usually stay in crowded inns. Having such an environment for preparation, what more could we ask for?”

After settling in their rooms, the young men moved all the tables to the main hall to use as a classroom.

After so many days of travel, everyone rested without further ado.