Zhao Yuan, built like a bear, had his head bowed, his face clouded with gloom. His performance in the examination seemed to have been less than ideal, and his uncle, Zhao Zhonghe, was trying to console him.
"Ah Yuan, you did your best. Even if you didn't pass, you're still better than those cowards who leave not long after entering the examination hall."
"Besides, our Zhao Family has always made its name through martial prowess. It's not as if you have to study and pursue an official career."
After saying this, Zhao Zhonghe turned his head and glanced at Xu Qing, who had just returned and was waiting for the results to be posted.
He was the coward in question—the one who had handed in his paper and left the examination hall before half an hour had passed.
Nearby, the Wu Family Brothers and Wu Yaoxing squeezed into the inner part of the crowd. Two clerks were preparing to paste the red list onto the wall.
"Hahaha, my name's on it! From now on, I'm a licentiate too!"
"Could there be another list that hasn't been posted yet? How could my name possibly not be on this one?"
Once the red list appeared, some rejoiced while others grieved.
The Wu Family Brothers happily squeezed out of the crowd. When Wu Yaoxing saw them emerge, his heart leaped into his throat.
"Well? Is Wencai's name on the list?"
"Father, this is only a licentiate examination. Even an idiot can pass it. What are you worried about? Wencai studied hard for more than ten years. For him, passing this was as easy as lifting a hand."
The moment Wu Zhiyuan finished speaking, Wu Wencai excitedly called out to Xu Qing, "Brother Xu is on the list too! I told you—Brother Xu must