Chapter 55: The Metropolitan Exam Ends

Sure enough, as expected, the next day when Old Master Su went to visit, he didn’t even get a word in before being chased and beaten.

At least the matter was settled—Yuanming could start attending school with Liu Zhiqi the very next day.

So, the beating Old Master Su took wasn’t in vain.

Right now, Old Master Su was grimacing and rubbing his bruises. “Good thing your dad runs fast, or I would’ve been chopped to pieces by your uncle. Just because I forgot to inform him—what, like if I did, he could fly over there? Was that necessary…”

Su Mingyue covered her mouth and giggled. “Dad, still being stubborn? You totally just forgot!”

Old Master Su glared at her. “You didn’t forget? Then why was I the only one getting beaten?”

Su Mingyue proudly stuck out her belly and even gave it a little pat in front of him.

Old Master Su: “……”

Okay, okay, you’re pregnant. You win. Enough already…

How did he end up with such a daughter, who totally sold him out without a second thought?

And that Shen Xiuyan, just stood there watching the whole show like it was a festival, missing only a bag of sunflower seeds.

He even let out dramatic “Oh!” “Wow!” and “Ah!” sounds at the exciting parts—infuriating.

Feeling his father-in-law’s glare, Shen Xiuyan cleared his throat. “Dad, I’ve got a few more money-making ideas. Want to come check them out with me?”

“Aiya, coming right away~~~” Old Master Su’s face lit up instantly, his mood flipping faster than a page in the wind—no trace of anger left.

“Let’s go right now,” he said, eyes full of affection as he looked at this clever head.

Mm, truly a wonderful son-in-law—so likable.

“Click, tsk, tsk…” Su Mingyue couldn’t help but click her tongue. Who knew her dad had this two-faced side?

The third lunar month marked the arrival of spring—and with it, the once-every-three-years spring metropolitan examination finally began.

The Ministry of Rites presided over the exam, with the chief examiner personally appointed by Emperor Deye. This time, it was none other than Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Rites, the very same who had overseen Shen Xiuyan’s county exam.

“I’m entrusting this exam to you,” Emperor Deye said, nodding at Minister Zhao.

“I obey Your Majesty’s command.”

Once official matters were handled, Emperor Deye reclined comfortably and asked casually, “Anyone promising among this year’s candidates?”

“Yes, Lin Jiazhong and Wu Jiping are strong contenders. Also, there’s Shen Xiuyan, whom I previously favored…”

“Hiss—Shen Xiuyan?” Emperor Deye rubbed his chin. “That name sounds familiar.”

The eunuch by his side leaned in and whispered a few words into his ear.

Emperor Deye suddenly understood. “Ah, you’ve got a good memory. So it’s that young man.”

“Your Majesty remembers?” Minister Zhao was surprised.

After all, emperors were known for forgetfulness. How come he remembered this time?

Emperor Deye let out a hearty laugh. “Of course! Wasn’t it that set of farming tools you brought back last time? That boy invented them—I couldn’t forget.”

Minister Zhao nodded. “Exactly him.”

Emperor Deye tapped the armrest of his dragon throne. “Now that’s someone with real talent. With those tools, I bet this year’s harvest will double.”

Minister Zhao silently agreed—what once took three days now took one. Who knew how much more land had been reclaimed. No wonder Emperor Deye was so pleased.

Emperor Deye continued, “Didn’t expect him to come this far. Not bad at all.”

With that, Shen Xiuyan officially made a lasting impression on Emperor Deye.

“You may go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Once he left, Emperor Deye called into the air, “Shadow Three.”

“Yes.” A phantom-like figure appeared.

“Look into him.”

“Yes.”

That night, Shen Xiuyan’s life history was laid out on Emperor Deye’s desk.

Coincidentally, his modest, penniless background was exactly the kind Emperor Deye liked. Though he had a merchant for a father-in-law, that family had no sons—only one daughter.

Such a man was ideal—no complex in-law entanglements, and unlikely to be tempted by wealth.

Someone worth cultivating.

What’s more, inventing those farming tools showed potential. At the very least, the Ministry of Works could use someone like him.

Emperor Deye nodded in satisfaction, then casually tossed the file aside.

The Ministry of Rites’ metropolitan exam consisted of three rounds, each lasting three days.

Candidates had to bring their own food and oil lamps.

With several previous exams under his belt, Shen Xiuyan was already used to the ordeal.

It was still a grueling and exhausting process, but everyone gritted their teeth and pushed through. This time, not a single candidate had to be carried out due to fainting or illness.

Finally, this thousand-candidate examination came to a close.

As Shen Xiuyan stepped outside and saw the sun shining, he let out a long breath.

He was—

Finally free!