Chapter 136: It’s Difficult to Be an Imperial Protégé

???? Note : Consider to Support this Story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access +200 advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update Three days passed in the blink of an eye. This day, at first light, a throng of scholars had already gathered before the Ministry of Rites Yamen. Gazing at the majestic Yamen, the scholars' faces were filled with longing. If they passed the Jieshi Examination, it meant they had one foot already in the officialdom. Those who came to send off their family scholars ceaselessly spoke auspicious words, praying that their sons would achieve high marks. Zhao Huaian hadn't wanted his mother and sister to come see him off, but they insisted. "An'er, son, whether your mother spends the rest of her life eating gruel and wild vegetables or enjoying great feasts depends on you. You must strive for success!" Zhao Yuyan giggled, "Mother, I believe in my brother. He'll definitely succeed! The fortune-teller said my brother is destined for great wealth and nobility. Look, my brother passed both the Child Scholar and Academy Examinations in one go. This time will be no different." Su Yue secretly mocked Zhao Yuyan's ignorance. Although Zhao Huaian was talented, how could the Jieshi Examination be so easy? Those who could participate in the Jieshi Examination were all top talents from various regions, including many scions of influential families and high-ranking officials. Even if he passed the Jieshi Examination, there was still the Chunwei, and finally, the Palace Examination! But she couldn't blame her; after all, everyone in the Zhao family believed Zhao Huaian would achieve high honors, otherwise, they wouldn't have sold their old ancestral home in the countryside and moved to the Capital together. Zhao Yuyan, seeing Su Yue's expression, said, "What are you laughing at? Am I wrong?" Zhao Mother glared at her, an expression on her face that dared Su Yue to utter a single negative word, or she'd beat her to death. This little hussy, relying on her pretty face and a few flowery poems, had charmed her son into listening to her every word. Sometimes, when she scolded the hussy, he would even speak up for her. Su Yue suppressed her smile, looking earnestly at Zhao Huaian. "Young Master will surely achieve high honors. 'Next year on this day, ascending to high office, laughing at the busy scholars of the world.'" Zhao Mother and Zhao Yuyan looked bewildered. What did that mean? Zhao Huaian smiled. "Thank you." Then, looking at Zhao Mother, he said, "Mother, please go back. Your son will enter now." "Oh, and Yue'er is delicate, so please let my little sister help her with some of the household chores. It's largely thanks to Yue'er's care that your son has been able to focus on his studies during this period." Zhao Mother glanced at Su Yue, nodded, and said, "Your mother understands. Now, go in quickly." Zhao Yuyan shot Su Yue a fierce glare. Did they save a maid or a master! After being searched, the scholars were allowed to enter the Ministry of Rites Examination Booths, carrying only their writing implements, bedding, and food. The Examination Booths had no doors; they were separated by brick walls. Scholars hung oilcloths as curtains to shield themselves from wind and snow. These booths were six feet high, allowing one to touch the eaves with an outstretched hand, four feet deep, and three feet wide. The side walls had upper and lower ledges to support wooden boards. The upper board served as a desk, and the lower board as a bench. For the three days of the Jieshi Examination, sitting, sleeping, answering questions, eating, and relieving oneself all took place within this tiny confined space. The weather was bitterly cold. Even the Ministry of Rites examiners hid indoors, only occasionally coming out to patrol. It was somewhat better during the day, but at night, the long alley outside the booths was exposed to the biting wind and snow, making it even colder than outside. Some scholars were too cold to sleep, so they simply lit their oil lamps and continued writing. The first day was already so grueling. By the second day, many began to cough incessantly. Becoming an Imperial Protégé was no easy feat; after ten years of arduous study, they were on the cusp of success. No matter what, they had to grit their teeth and persevere. Wei Yuanling was full of confidence and didn't feel cold at all. His cousin truly had foresight! Yesterday, Su Li had sent a large chest of items to Duke Wei's Residence. Inside were thick cloaks, padded with fresh, soft cotton, meticulously stitched—clearly made with great care. The cloaks were larger than usual, big enough to be used as blankets. They also had hoods that, once pulled on, kept out every bit of wind and snow. The chest also contained a pair of shoes, very large because they too were filled with cotton. At the time, Wei Yuanyao had even ridiculed him. Now, Wei Yuanling thought back and felt that his cousin had been truly prescient. He was a martial practitioner, his body stronger than the average person, and with these provisions, he didn't feel cold in the slightest. On the night of the second day, some people could no longer endure it, their eyes rolling back as they collapsed unconscious. Seeing this, the Ministry of Rites officials finally ordered their own charcoal fires to be shared with the scholars and sent a bowl of ginger soup to each candidate. In previous years, November had never been this cold. Zhao Huaian rubbed his hands, coughed, and continued to grip his brush, writing. He had to persevere! If he missed this chance, he would have to wait another three years. Finally, dawn broke, and everyone breathed a slight sigh of relief. Just one more day to endure. ... The moment the Ministry of Rites gates opened, the scholars emerged as if seeing the light of day again, the brightness outside stinging their eyes and making them want to weep. Every one of them looked pale and walked out with unsteady steps. Only one person was an exception. "Brother! Over here!" Wei Yuanyao excitedly waved to her brother from afar. Zhao Huaian looked over. The young lady in the carriage was as radiant as a fresh flower, full of youthful vigor. Even speaking loudly, she didn't seem coarse at all. Seeing the character 'Wei' on the carriage, he thought, this must be a noble lady from a distinguished family? Wei Yuanling walked over and boarded the carriage. Madam Wang quickly asked, "How did you do?" Wei Yuanling confidently replied, "Don't worry, the title of Jieshi Champion is mine for the taking." Wei Yuanyao covered her mouth with a giggle. "Brother, it looks like you went on a pleasure trip! All the other candidates look exhausted, but you're still full of life." Wei Yuanling tapped his sister's head. "That's all thanks to Cousin; I wasn't frozen at all." Madam Wang smiled, watching her children playfully bicker. Wei Yuanling said, "The Martial Examination is in three days. Once I'm rested, I'll bring home the title of Martial Champion. And after the Chunwei, I'll bring back a Civil Champion for you to see." Madam Wang laughed. "I believe you on the Martial Champion, but your mother won't hold out hope for a Civil Champion. It'd be great if you could just get a Jinshi." "I agree with Mother." Wei Yuanling looked at his mother and sister. Other families always spoke auspicious words, burning incense and praying for high marks, but his family was different. As soon as Zhao Huaian sat into his carriage, Zhao Mother grabbed his hand, staring intently at him and asking, "Son, how was it?" Zhao Huaian felt light-headed and weak-legged. "Mother, please let me recover for a bit." "Brother, hurry and tell us! You're killing me with suspense!" Zhao Yuyan cried, for this concerned her own lifelong prospects! Su Yue, though also eager to know, as this was a major matter concerning his ability to enter officialdom, suppressed her words. She handed him the water skin, asking with a look of concern, "Young Master, you look very pale." Zhao Huaian took the water skin and drank a mouthful. He noticed that his mother and sister only knew how to relentlessly question him, while this "outsider" was the one who actually showed concern. Zhao Huaian looked tenderly at Su Yue. "I'm fine, just caught a slight chill." Su Yue's face was filled with worry as she reached out and touched his forehead. "Young Master, you have a fever! Let's go back quickly!" It was only then that Zhao Mother realized her son's face was indeed off. She too touched his forehead; it was scalding hot. She quickly urged the coachman. Zhao Yuyan also looked worried. Su Yue scoffed inwardly. This family truly consists of master actors. She had learned how to survive in this household: only by holding Zhao Huaian firmly could she live a more relaxed life. For her goals, even if he was just a poor Xiucai, she could humble herself and curry favor. Once she got what she wanted, this family wouldn't have a good end!