Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 198 - 196: Juxian Academy is about to get hot

Chapter 198: Chapter 196: Juxian Academy is about to get hot

Starting from the fifth day of the lunar New Year, varied industries began to set into motion.

The steam was constantly rising from the various smokestacks of the winery at the Shi’s residence, now also considered Xiao’er’s winery, with smoke wafting around.

Xiao’er’s understanding of Shangguan Xuanyi’s initial apprehensions about her family’s safety only came about when she received a complaint letter from Di Shaowei .

Well then! She was moved once again.

But, while others would mirror the resplendent moon, could she, being the moon, mirror the ditches and gutters?

Certain people and certain matters were worth risking everything for, and furthermore, danger could be avoided.

Xiao’er resolutely declined Shangguan Xuanyi’s good intentions in a letter, discussing it with Master Shi, then decided to separate the caravan and fleet team, starting a grand scheme to attract possible investors.

Many people recognized the business potential in this, and all were eager to bid.

However, not just anyone who wanted shares could gain them, priority was given to those with the highest bid and plentiful resources.

Xiao’er’s plan was to establish a logistics company, which would accept orders and earn commissions.

They could transport goods, or even letters.

Of course, in this era, it was impractical to expect every item to be delivered directly; the recipients would need to pick them up at their designated locations.

Even so, this would undoubtedly bring convenience to many people.

Shangguan Xuanyi received Xiao’er’s letter, his brows furrowed tightly. That girl, once she made a decision, nothing could dissuade her.

He shook his head and could only succumb to her will. He then began to dispatch people to keep a watchful eye on things from both ends of their journey.

Poor Di Shaowei, though, the more troublesome or difficult the task was, the more it was assigned to him.

In the Imperial Emperor’s corner, a person started pacing around the room after reading a letter.

"Grandfather, what do you make of this matter?"

"I fear it may be a trap." said the seated person, lost in thought.

"But it is an opportunity, and if we miss it..."

"Even better, let’s give it a shot, let’s keep an eye on the situation, then decide what to do. After all, this kind of business has always been a good way to make money. There’s no harm in getting involved." After keeping things hidden successfully for all these years, he is confident they will get through unscathed in the future.

"The Countess of Rui’an County sure is clever, every way she finds to make money is as innovative as the last!"

"That is true, however, we cannot use her to our advantage, the only option left is to destroy her." The man made a slashing motion across his own throat!

━

Spring was afoot, greens abound in the field while orioles flew freely, the wheat fields were lush.

Xiao’er was training a batch of dogs in the courtyard, instructing them to fetch items that she had placed in front of them and rewarding them with scrumptious dog food.

These dogs were cross-breed wolfdogs, which she had secretly raised in her secret space and then invented an excuse to bring out.

These dogs had excellent scent detection abilities and intelligence, having grown in her secret space.

Firstly she inculcated the skill in them to seek out items based on smell. Then she trained them to find people who had the smell from the items on them.

She had already begun training them when they were still in the secret space, and after a short period of actual training, the dogs were able to carry out the task beautifully. Hence, she decided to send the dogs to work all over the country next.

Shen Chengyao, just back from the wheat fields, saw Xiao’er training dogs and commented, "These dogs have learned so much they’re practically geniuses. If you’re at one end of the village, and the dog is at the other, the dog could follow just your scent to find you."

"Well, this does have great use. How could it work if they’re not trained to excellence?"

"Alright, we will stop here for today. Get your food as a reward, go on!"

The servants had placed hundreds of bowls of meat in another corner of the courtyard. On hearing Xiao’er’s words, all the dogs dashed there.

If the villagers found out that they were feeding the dogs with so much meat, they would certainly accuse them of being wasteful.

Seeing the dogs eating their food orderly from their own dishes, Xiao’er instructed the servants to close the door. The dogs were to be sent on their assignments tomorrow.

At this moment, a cacophony of firecrackers and gongs resounded from outside.

"What’s all the commotion?" Shen Chengyao wondered. He hadn’t heard of any happy event happening recently.

"It should be because Brother Zixuan has passed the exams!"

Indeed, following that were announcements, "Congratulations to Master Shen Zixuan for placing second in the imperial examinations, awarded a degree!"

These people were filled with enthusiasm as they sang while rushing towards the village chief’s home.

"Dad, let’s go and see!" Xiao’er pulled Shen Chengyao along and ran out.

Mrs Liu had also come out of the house. Not just them, but even the villagers were following the ones who were spreading the festive news to the chief’s home.

"Xiao’er, what rank does second place really mean?" Mrs Liu asked.

"The imperial examinations have first, second, and third ranks. There are three positions in the first rank- top scorer, second place, and third place." "Candidates who place among the top for the second and third ranks are awarded degrees." Xiao’er gently explained to Mrs Liu.

"So Zixuan has actually placed fourth!" With countless scholars in the country, Zixuan did exceptional to emerge as fourth in the imperial examination- truly remarkable!

As for their own children, Mrs Liu was left wondering what kind of results they would manage in the future.

"That would be an accurate assumption!" Xiao’er nodded her head.

The officials sang out the joyous announcement, each leaving with a heavy string of silver. They were delighted.

Xiao’er stopped the lead officer, handing him a money pouch, "I was wondering if you could tell us the ranks of Lai Zhewei and Ming Zhijie?"

"Sir Lai Zhewei placed second, and Sir Ming Zhijie was the third place winner! The Juxian Academy is being praised everywhere this time!" The officer was excited, it couldn’t be helped, his son was studying at the Juxian Academy!

Xiao’er nodded. As expected the academy’s reputation was soaring. The Academy produced both the second and third place winners, and also the first place winner for the second rank!

Listening to it, Mrs Liu cracked a genuine smile. "This really is a great fortune, every one of them has passed the exam."

Xiao’er nodded her head again.

Ming Zhijie was awarded the third place, so he was likely to stay at the Hanlin Academy, eliminating the need for Shen Nirui to live with the wife of the county magistrate after marrying him.

Given the splendid results achieved by Shen Zixuan, he would likely be assigned a good position, which would provide strong support for Shen Nirui in the coming days.

As for Lai Zhewei and Liu Jingshu, their situation was the most uncertain, depending on Lai Zhewei’s strength of will, and whether he could hold up against the pressure from his family. As for what she, Xiao’er, could do for Liu? She could invite Aunt Rong to teach Liu Jingshu manners and etiquette.

Shen Zixuan ranked at the top of the imperial civil service examination. Their son-in-law scoring third. Even though the central figures haven’t returned home, yet the village chief was already hosting feasts for three days straight in celebration.

The county magistrate also came to the village to join the festivities, both fathers-in-law had pulled Shen Chengyao in, who after having a merry time, had gotten quite drunk.

"Ever since my son was young, he was frequently ill, but he adored reading. He had the talent for studies, but considering his health, even passing the examination to become a scholar would have been a daunting task."

"My son was lucky to have such a good family bond. They gave him medicine which cured his illness. Moreover, having acquainted oneself with noteworthy people like the Marquis, who had willingly given one a portion of their premium food, my son was able to regain his health and achieve this academic success."

"It’s your remarkable kindness that I will never forget."

"The Lord flatters us, we were just selling those food products". Shen Chengyao shook his head.

He was not aware that Xiao’er had privately given Shen Nirui medicine, which stated that the son would be cured after consumption.