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Just then, Lian Bao’s gaze flickered, and he spoke uncomfortably, saying to everyone that it probably still wouldn’t work, as his elder brother currently had matters to attend to and they would have to wait a bit longer.

Everyone was shocked. What more could there be? Hadn’t everything been agreed upon? How much can good fortune be worn down?

Particularly Divine Doctor Huang, who was both shocked and angry, his anger was beginning to take over, his face turned red, and his beard trembled with the words of rebuke he was ready to hurl.

He decided that if this pretty-faced lad couldn’t explain himself clearly, he would surely curse him vehemently and then storm off, making these children beg three or four times before he would treat them.

Lian Bao hastily explained the matter announced in the government’s proclamation.

Lian Musu looked knowingly at Lian Bao, with a teasing smile, having just forgotten to wonder why his brother knew he had topped the examination. Now he realized he had been outmaneuvered by his younger brother, and he accepted it willingly.

Lian Bao glanced away guiltily, having intentionally waited until his elder brother agreed before mentioning it.

If he had spoken sooner, he could imagine his brother would have used it as an excuse to delay discussing the treatment until after the matter was resolved.

Who knew what other tricks his brother might have up his sleeve by then?

It was better to strike while the iron was hot and secure a promise.

Divine Doctor Huang, too, was resigned and completely deflated, left speechless by the complexity of the situation.

How could topping the examination bring so many issues?

These people must be idly stuffed, complaining about nothing.

He had never heard of anyone needing to take a separate examination.

Lian Changhe and Lian Wanzhen couldn’t help but worry.

The problem sounded quite serious. Failing the examination could mean being stripped of one’s title and forbidding three generations from taking exams again, which would be bearable.

Life would go on. But the added mention of a thorough investigation had potentially major implications, and they were concerned.

Lian Changhe cautiously proposed, why not just skip the examination? According to the proclamation, failing would lead to complications, but not taking it would avoid all that trouble.

This suggestion earned a contemptuous look from Divine Doctor Huang, who thought to himself that these young childs’ minds must be stuffed with fluff. Not taking the exam would be a clear sign of guilt, akin to fleeing from the law, which would have even more severe consequences than failing it.

Of all the people there, the subject of the discussion, Lian Musu, was the calmest. He reflected briefly and flatly rejected his father’s suggestion, stating that no matter the circumstances, he must sit for the examination and not just participate, but perform exceptionally well.

He aimed to achieve a top rank and become known throughout the empire, thus attracting the attention of the higher authorities. That way, the goal his family wished to achieve would be within closer reach.

There were many top scholars from various provincial capitals, all exceptionally talented.

He thought standing out would be difficult.

He couldn’t blindly believe that he could place in the highest tier in the Imperial Academy examination, and there were too many others in lower ranks to even catch the eye of higher authorities.

Being examined alone, rather than amongst a crowd, would make it more likely for him to distinguish himself.

Moreover, setting up a separate examination hall outside the Imperial Academy just for him, an unprecedented event, was making a big spectacle.

He keenly sensed the extraordinary nature of these arrangements. If they truly suspected him of wrongdoing, they could simply arrest him for questioning; there was no need for such an elaborate scheme that everyone knew about.

Therefore, it represented a great opportunity for him, an excellent chance.

Indeed, it was like finding a pillow when drowsy. His family precisely lacked such an opportunity, a chance for an audience with His Majesty.

After his mother woke up, Xiao Bao had confidentially told him that his little sister was in the palace, though why she was there, and why they couldn’t meet their Clan Uncle or know the reasons, he didn’t understand.

Therefore, whether it was to clear his name or to meet his sister and His Majesty, sitting for this examination was undoubtedly the best and most convenient choice.

If he performed well in this examination, could it be possible that he might be summoned by His Majesty?

Thinking of this, his chest warmed, yet he couldn’t help but coolly remind himself that all of this was predicated on his performing well in the exams; otherwise, it was all for nothing, and it might even expose their family.

With that thought, his heart settled down again, and he called everyone to have breakfast.

The breakfast had long been ready; they had simply been too busy to eat.

After breakfast, Divine Doctor Huang could no longer resist his drowsiness, so they settled him down comfortably.

Then the father and sons closed the door and discussed their recent situations, starting to make plans. Both the examination and the treatment of the leg were important matters that could not be taken lightly.

After they had discussed everything, leaving the spirited Lian Wanzhen to watch over things, the rest went to catch up on sleep.

In Canglan Court,

Lian Hua finished her meal and bathed, tidying herself up before starting to work on undergarments. This time she was very focused and worked smoothly. Since there wasn’t much left to do, she quickly reached the final stage and was almost ready to celebrate her accomplishment.

However, before finishing, she first had to learn to embroider a beautiful Xiao Lian Hua.

So, she began to learn embroidery from Nanny Qi, which she planned to stitch at the corner of His Majesty’s undergarment upon mastering it.

Only after finishing this could she truly consider the undergarment completed.

As Nanny Qi was teaching, she thought of something and sent Xiao Jizi, Xiao Qing, and Xiao Linzi out, leaving Pang Ya to guard the door.

When only she and Lian Hua were left in the room, Nanny Qi casually asked, "Girl, what do you think of those three servants?"

Lian Hua, holding her needle and thread, focused intently on her embroidery. Without looking up, she casually replied, "Very good. They can eat and work hard, each worth three outside."

She was confident in their fighting abilities.

Nanny Qi fell silent. That wasn’t the answer she was looking for. She had asked to understand Lian Hua’s opinions on the servants, focusing on their moral character and abilities, also as a test of Lian Hua’s skill in managing and selecting servants.

The art of managing servants is about recognizing people’s talents, employing them properly, commanding their respect, accommodating them, and winning them over with virtue, the first of which is recognizing their talents.

Nanny Qi wanted to speak but stopped herself. This first point was precisely what she wanted to see in Lian Hua’s ability to recognize talent, yet she had completely failed to get the answer she wanted.

Lian Hua was unaware of Nanny Qi’s thoughts. As she embroidered, she reconsidered the question, feeling that her previous answer had been too casual and might have buried their talents. She then stopped her work and looked up.

Seeing this, Nanny Qi thought Lian Hua had finally grasped the importance of her question and couldn’t help feeling relieved, encouragingly looking at her.

Lian Hua cleared her throat, biting her lip as she organized her thoughts and solemnly said, "The three of them... Xiao Qing is the strongest warrior of the Canglan Court, easily carrying a bag of corn and even Steward Zhang with ease; Xiao Linzi is the first poet of the Canglan Court, give him a book of poems and he’ll have it memorized quickly, and Xiao Jizi.

.. ah, haven’t I given him a title yet?"

Nanny Qi’s hope surged but then deflated, sighing inwardly. These talents were all titles the young girl had bestowed herself, and she was still thinking too simply.

Although that’s what she thought, Lian Hua’s words still amused her.

Following the conversation, she imagined scenes of Zhang Qing being carried and Xiao Linzi reciting poems, shaking her head and laughing.

The young girl brought something new every day here, always pleasant and joyful, making her feel like there was hardly anything to worry about.