TSWPF -Chapter 275 Playing Dirty

Some are happy, some are upset. Huang Zhong, Lord Liu’s archrival, was definitely not in a good mood.

He looked at the other officials and at Liu Zhimou’s exam paper. When he heard their praise, he felt like tearing Liu Zhimou’s paper to shreds that very morning, just to prevent him from becoming the top scholar.

“Excellent! This candidate’s answers are truly impeccable. Not a point too much or too little—perfect in every way!” The elderly official, Lord Feng, slammed his hand on the table in excitement, his face blooming with a wide smile as he examined Liu Zhimou’s paper and praised it loudly.

He remembered, over ten years ago, the articles written by the Fourth Young Master of the Liu family had stirred his blood with passion. Since then, he had never seen such impressive writing—until now, after all these years.

Seeing such excellent writing made his life feel worthwhile.

“How about the rest of you? With a paper this good, the top scholar is unavoidable, right?” Lord Feng looked at the other officials, his gaze landing on the gloomy Huang Zhong as he called out, “Lord Huang, what’s your opinion? Any objections?”

Huang Zhong didn’t dare to be arrogant in front of Lord Feng, a veteran official of three reigns. He forced a calm expression, glanced again at Liu Zhimou’s paper, and forced a smile. “Lord Feng, I don’t think he should be the top scholar. Look here…” He pointed to several parts of the essay, implying that it was not good enough to earn first place. Then, he produced another paper. “Lord Feng, I think this candidate’s work is better. Perhaps he should be the top scholar?”

The paper in his hand belonged to Shi Chao, a relative of his.

If Shi Chao became the top scholar, it would benefit Huang Zhong’s family as well.

“Oh? Let me compare them again.” Lord Feng, his expression unchanged, took the paper and examined it thoroughly from beginning to end. Then, with a half-smile, he looked at Huang Zhong. “Lord Huang’s taste is as unique as ever.” Saying this, he handed the paper to the other officials for comparison.

Huang Zhong gave a subtle signal to one of the officials. After reviewing it, that official agreed that Shi Chao’s paper was better.

Lord Feng snorted silently, casting a brief glance at Huang Zhong and the official with him before looking to the others, curious about their opinions.

After comparing the two papers, the other officials all agreed that Liu Zhimou’s essay was far deeper than Shi Chao’s, and that Liu Zhimou deserved to be the top scholar.

“I concur as well,” Lord Feng said with a smile. “Then, by majority rule, the top scholar shall be Liu Zhimou.”

With only two on Huang Zhong’s side, he had no choice but to swallow his resentment. Grinding his teeth, he said, “If that’s the decision of the majority, then so be it.” Once again, he had lost, and would have to wait for the next opportunity.

Lord Feng smiled, personally drafting the memorial to the emperor and sending it for review.

After leaving the office, Lord Song watched Huang Zhong walk away, then approached Lord Feng with a smile. “Elder Feng, do you know who Liu Zhimou is?”

As a veteran of three reigns, Lord Feng knew everything that happened in the capital—especially about the son of the Fourth Young Master Liu.

Still, when asked, he pretended ignorance and smiled, responding with a question, “Oh? It seems Lord Song is acquainted with this candidate?”

“I’d say I do, and I don’t,” Lord Song replied enigmatically.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I know his father, the Fourth Young Master Liu, but not him,” he explained. The extremely clever Fourth Young Master Liu had once been a renowned figure in the capital, famous throughout the city.

He had been exceptionally blessed by fate—not only handsome but also brilliant, and, on top of that, a master of eloquence. Truly, a man whose every quality made others envious.

Lord Feng stroked his beard. “Like father, like son. With such an outstanding father, the son cannot be bad.” Speaking of which, he even felt a bit envious of General Liu; aside from the eldest son being somewhat ordinary, the other three were remarkable. “Have the four young masters returned to the capital?”

They all knew that the four young masters had left the capital over ten years ago. It pained him that such talent had not served in government.

Lord Song shook his head. “I truly don’t know. I’ll ask Lord Liu another day if the Fourth Young Master has returned.” He paused. “Speaking of which, his son looks exactly like him. Were it not for his youthful appearance, I’d have thought it was the Fourth Young Master himself.” Indeed, it was as if he had been cast from a mold—so similar it was uncanny.

Anyone who knew the Fourth Young Master could immediately recognize Liu Zhimou as his son.

“Oh? That piques my curiosity. I must see him myself one day.” Thinking of Huang Zhong’s expression, Lord Feng understood why he had opposed Liu Zhimou’s top scholar title.

Huang Zhong had been knowledgeable, but the Fourth Young Master had always outshone him, leaving him perpetually in second place and fostering a grudge against the Liu family.

Once the Fourth Young Master left the capital, Huang Zhong relaxed somewhat—but now, he had resurfaced, scheming against the son.

Huang Zhong’s attempt to shout at candidates during the exam had affected their performance. Lord Feng suspected the emperor knew as well—but what was the emperor’s attitude?

He would wait and see how the emperor handled Huang Zhong.

“The results will be clear during the final imperial exam,” Lord Feng remarked.

“Indeed.” He nodded, spotting his carriage. “Lord Song, I’ll take my leave now. Farewell.”

“Elder Feng, take care…”

…

Like most people, Li Qingling and the others anxiously waited three days until the results were announced. Early that morning, the servants of the Xue household went out to check the list.

Li Qingling paced nervously in her room. Liu Zhimou put down his book, walked over to her, and gently held her shoulders. Smiling, he said, “We’ve gone through this so many times—why are you still so nervous?”

“Why are you always so calm?” Li Qingling tugged at his face. His skin was so smooth and tender, even better than hers—truly enviable.

“The exam is over, and the results are out. Worrying won’t change anything. Can worry alter the outcome? No, right? So it’s better to relax and focus on what needs to be done.”

Li Qingling felt he was right and rubbed his face even harder. “You’re right. Absolutely right.” This man’s mental fortitude was impressive—no wonder he remained so calm.

Liu Zhimou gently took her hands from his face, held them, and kissed her forehead, saying softly, “Good girl.”

Li Qingling sighed and leaned against his chest, whispering, “Do you enjoy being an official?”

She thought the bureaucratic world was too dark and complicated—she wasn’t sure he could handle it. Although she knew he was intelligent, who in politics wasn’t clever? Who had a pure heart? None…

She genuinely worried about her little fish being devoured by the big fish in that world.

Liu Zhimou wrapped her in his arms, chin resting atop her head, softly asking, “Do you want me to become an official?”

“Why are you asking me? You should be asking yourself,” Li Qingling said, lightly patting his chest. “Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you fully, so you have no worries.” If he wanted to navigate the political world, she could only ensure the household ran smoothly.

“I just wanted your opinion. Do you hope I become an official?”

Li Qingling hesitated, frowning, before finally revealing her true thoughts.

He said nothing in response—just quietly, “I understand.”

“…?”

Without context, what did he understand?

Li Qingling looked up, about to ask what he meant—but before she could, an excited voice called, “Young Mistress! The Master has great news!”

“The people checking the results are back. Let’s go see.” Li Qingling pushed Liu Zhimou and grabbed his hand, opening the door. “How is it? What rank did you get?”

The servant’s face was flushed with excitement as he pointed a finger, panting. “The… the Master is the top scholar! He achieved first place!”

Top scholar?

He had claimed the top three titles of the imperial exams!

Li Qingling hugged Liu Zhimou, ecstatic. “Husband, you’re amazing!” She had feared he wouldn’t get first this time, yet he was brilliant—and first!

If he became the champion in the final exam, it would be extraordinary.

Seeing her excitement, Liu Zhimou smiled, equally pleased with his achievement.

“Reward, one tael of silver for each of you.”

“Thank you, Master!” The servants beamed with pride. Their master’s success felt like their own.

“Big brother…”

“Brother-in-law…”

Even before they arrived, the children’s voices were heard.

Li Qingling quickly let go of Liu Zhimou, embarrassed to show such intimacy in front of the children.

Liu Zhimou glanced at her, saying nothing, but in his mind, he calculated that tonight might be a good chance to reap a little reward for becoming top scholar.

“Big brother, you’re amazing! You became the top scholar!” Liu Zhiyan ran up to him, eyes full of admiration.

Li Qingfeng, not to be outdone, said, “Brother-in-law, you now hold the small triple crown. If you become the final champion, it’s a grand slam! I want to learn from you.”

Liu Zhimou smiled, encouraging Li Qingfeng and Liu Zhiyan. If they studied hard, they could achieve the same.