USWHC -Chapter 427 Rushing to the Capital for the Exam (Part 7)

“Make way! Make way!” came a series of loud, arrogant shouts as a lavish carriage thundered past. Pedestrians on the street hurriedly stepped aside.

Ji Yi couldn’t help but glance at the ornate carriage. The entire vehicle was covered in vibrant purple silk, with a golden bell hanging from each of its four corners. They didn’t look like mere bronze—they seemed crafted from pure gold.

Not only were the corners adorned with gold, but even the shafts of the carriage were lined with golden trim. The center of the wheels had a large jade ring embedded, and the curtains were draped with two thick beaded gemstone tassels. Hanging below was an enormous jade disc.

Even just a quick glance gave an overwhelming sense of opulence, a luxury bordering on excess. Could this really be the capital city?

“That’s the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an, the County Lady of Ping’an, and the niece of Consort Li!” someone nearby said disdainfully. “Her family is notorious for extravagance, but don’t be surprised—Consort Li is the emperor’s most favored concubine right now!”

The person tugged Ji Yi aside to avoid the carriage, warning, “Don’t get hit by it, or you’ll get a whip. That girl is arrogant enough on her own, and she’s been in a foul mood lately—anyone who crosses her gets beaten. That’s why everyone in the capital keeps their distance.”

Ji Yi frowned, murmuring softly, “The County Lady of Ping’an… Consort Li’s niece?”

“Yeah! But having that connection is actually bad luck for her. I heard the Marquis of Wu’an wants to send her into the palace through the selection this time! No wonder she’s so fiery,” the person continued.

“Selection? Into the palace?” Ji Yi was shocked.

The other person grinned mischievously. “Of course. Well, who can blame them? Consort Li hasn’t had children in all these years. Favor alone doesn’t matter! The Marquis has no choice but to send his daughter in too, to keep the family’s honor and influence intact. Big families have no other options!”

“But the emperor’s already sixty-seven! They’re still sending girls in?” Uncle Ge asked in surprise.

The person chuckled. “What’s age to a man? Last year the emperor had a new son, pampered like a treasure. Royal Consort Rong almost stole all of Consort Li’s favor. See? Children are important!”

“But the County Lady of Ping’an must be very young! If she goes in…” Uncle Ge trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid, but everyone understood.

“Exactly! Just fifteen, a blooming flower. Right into the jaws of the bull!” The person smirked, then glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention before continuing. “Just ignore what I said earlier. But the County Lady of Ping’an isn’t a pushover—last year she tried to run away once, but her family caught her.”

Fifteen? Tried to run away and was caught? Ji Yi’s gaze followed the luxurious carriage, but by now it had already reached the end of the street, vanishing from sight in an instant.

The person continued, “By the way, I heard you’re rushing to the capital for the exams? Then maybe we’re in the same cohort. I’m taking the imperial exam this year—how about you? You passed the provincial exam last year, right? I tried three years ago and failed, but follow me and I’ll show you the ropes—you won’t take any detours!”

This guy sure liked to talk. Ji Yi said quietly, “I’m this year’s provincial exam graduate.”

“This year’s? There’s an extra exam this year? How come I didn’t know?” the person exclaimed.

“I bought it,” Ji Yi said calmly.

“Bought it?” The other person lost his composure. “You bought an official post?” His jaw practically dropped.

“Yes. But this time I will definitely take first place in the imperial exam,” Ji Yi said seriously.

Heh. The man laughed. Not many who bought official positions dared to sit for the imperial exam, let alone aim for first place. Either Ji Yi hadn’t woken up yet, or he was a crazy rich guy.

Even Shopkeeper Liao was sweating nervously. Yes, to save his life, they had secured Ji Yi a provincial exam title. But really… that probably didn’t need to be mentioned, right?