Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 331 - 329

Chapter 331: 329

Even the eldest princess knew that persuading her mother, the Empress Dowager, to accept Xiao’er would take more than just a moment, especially under the current tense situation. However, there was plenty of time.

As long as her mother didn’t feign illness and refused to see people again, it would be fine.

"The marriage of Xuanyi is not urgent. Lady Rui’an of Rui’an County is not yet of age for marriage. Mother, you should focus more on the affair of the first prince. Furthermore, a marriage is predetermined by fate, mother, you should just let things happen."

The Empress Dowager nodded her head, a perfectly good etiquette competition was ruined by one person, Lady Rui’an!

Wait...marriage is predetermined by fate? She thought of a way to cancel the engagement with that girl! She could endure the girl for a few more months.

Xiao’er was oblivious to the events happening within the Imperial Palace.

The year’s end was filled with business affairs! Today was the day that all the shop managers from various locations were here to report on the year’s earnings.

Xiao’er, Yun’er, and Mrs. Liu, had to listen to reports and plan for the coming year from morning to night, spending an entire day to barely finish everything.

"If there is anything unclear, come again tomorrow. A private room has been reserved at the Four Seasons Restaurant for everyone. After a meal there, you all should get a good rest. You all have worked hard this year."

After sending all these managers away, Mrs. Liu let out a sigh of relief: "The end of the year is becoming busier every time."

"But this year, our household income has doubled than the previous year." Xiao’er looked at the long list of zeroes and expressed her satisfaction.

"But our expenses have also increased a lot compared to last year. We need to be more frugal next year. I’ll see where we can cut costs." Yun’er frowned, looking at this year’s income and expenditure.

"Yun’er, the money we earn is for spending. Our household is already more frugal than many others, we really don’t need to cut back anymore." Xiao’er liked to earn money, but she also liked to spend.

However, Yun’er liked to save money. She would spend less if she could, and absolutely wouldn’t spend unnecessarily! This probably related to her experience when she was young.

At this time, Shen Chengyao had just returned from his official duties, holding the registration papers for the family.

"Is everything done?" On seeing him return, Mrs. Liu got up, personally helped him take off his cloak, and handed it to the maid at her side to put away.

"It’s all done." Shen Chengyao came to the table, put down the registration papers he was holding, and breathed into his hands. The weather was getting colder.

Xiao’er poured him a cup of hot tea and passed it to him: "Father, have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself first."

Shen Chengyao took the cup, holding it in his hands to warm them first.

"So, both you and Rui’er don’t have to return to Shengping County to take the county examination?" If they had to go back to Shengping County for an examination, the whole family wouldn’t be able to get together for the year, as both father and son would have to return to the county before the new year.

The county examination starts on the 6th day of the second month and lasts for three days.

"Yes, we don’t need to go back." Shen Chengyao blushed at the thought of taking the Imperial Examination with his son.

But there was no other choice. For the sake of his position as an official, he had to grit his teeth and go on.

He didn’t know what kind of expressions his colleagues would have when they found out.

In particular, Shen Chengyao was secretly worried that he might fail the examination, which would be utterly disgraceful.

Next year would be the triennial Imperial Exam. Time really flies! Xiao’er sighed inwardly.

"Father, don’t worry. If you don’t pass this time, there will be a next time. You can accompany me for the next exam. We won’t laugh at you." Jinghao noticed his father’s nervousness and lack of confidence, so he "comforted" him.

On hearing this, Shen Chengyao spit out his tea.

There’s a next time? If there was a next time, he wouldn’t be able to face himself! He decided to take the exam only once! And he must pass!

"You guys should not disturb me recently. I need to stay up late to study!" Shen Chengyao glared at his two sons.

"Father, that’s not fair. When did we disturb you? Every time it’s you who ask us for help when you don’t understand something. You are the one who disturbs us." Jingrui couldn’t help but expose his father’s little secret.

"No more asking me to bring home pastries from Splendid Time when I finish my official duties! I need to make time to study!" These little brats were becoming more and more out of control, even daring to make fun of their own father.

"I can just order a servant to buy them!" Jinghao didn’t buy his tricks.

Shen Chengyao was heartbroken; this child had no conscience!

Shen Chengyao did as he said, really staying up late every night to study until he didn’t want to sleep.

Even Xiao’er was worried that he was so nervous that he might underperform.

After Xiao’er gave Shen Chengyao the Seven-coloured Immortal Lotus from her private space, his intelligence and memory had improved a lot. He had been studying hard every night for more than three years. Xiao’er thought it wouldn’t be hard for him to pass the Imperial Examination, but getting a high rank was impossible.

However, if he underperforms, it would not only damage his reputation but also confirm the low expectations his colleagues had of him.

Jingrui also thought of this, so he showed the materials and guessed questions from their mentor to Shen Chengyao.

Jingrui also received materials and guessed questions from the dean of Juxian Academy.

In essence, Shen Chengyao spent the entire year preparing for the exam except for necessary socializing.

Knowing that Shen Jingrui and his team would be participating in the Imperial Examination this year, Lai Zhewei, and Min Zhijie often came over to tutor them, and Shen Zixuan sent over his organized materials and guessed questions.

With all this help, Shen Chengyao felt that if he failed to pass the exam, it would be a gross injustice.

January passed quickly, and February arrived.

On the sixth day of February, Shen Chengyao and Shen Jingrui entered the examination hall with the hopes of the whole family.

After three days, many examinees looked pale and weak as they walked out.

Shen Chengyao and Shen Jingrui, however, walked out steadily and upright, albeit tired.

The pair of them drew anger and resentment from everyone else!

"Son, are you okay? How was the examination?" A woman rushed over to ask her son as soon as he came out.

"It’s okay, I answered all the questions," the man replied weakly.

"I knew you were working hard when I saw you so tired. I bet those two men didn’t make any effort in answering the questions. You’ve worked hard, son. Let’s go home and have a good meal." The woman supported her unsteady son, full of gratification.

The two men, who were walking towards their carriage, looked at each other when they heard this.

Was this woman talking about them? Did excellent vitality mean they didn’t put any effort into answering the questions? What kind of logic was that?

Shen Chengyao and Shen Jingrui then looked around and indeed, every student looked pale and sickly.

Was it that hard? Shen Chengyao couldn’t understand. They were only sitting in a room writing, not carrying water or hauling mud. Did it really need to be this tiring? Their hands were just a bit sore.

At this time, Xiao’er saw them and quickly came over to ask, "Father, how do you feel?"

"Not bad, I was able to answer all questions, I should be able to pass." Shen Chengyao replied matter-of-factly.

"Boasting!" Like her son, that’s what it meant to be able to pass!

Xiao’er: "..."

Shen Chengyao: Madam, I didn’t offend you, did I?!

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