"Our Academic Inspector in Nanzhou Prefecture and I are quite close." Qian Bochou looked confident as he thumped his chest. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he gives you the lowest price."
Jiang Yun's heart stirred slightly at that. "Then about how much silver would it cost? Brother Qian, you know my sister and I only have a hundred taels of silver between us."
Qian Bochou glanced up at the sun. "The going rate changes every year. It depends on how fierce the competition is."
"Since it's still early, I'll take you to meet the Academic Inspector. He's usually the one who oversees the Xiucai Scholar Prefectural Examination."
Jiang Qiaoqiao hurriedly nodded. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Qian."
As she spoke, Jiang Qiaoqiao ducked into the kitchen and brought out five taels of silver. "Brother, we can't go empty-handed. Let's buy some gifts."
Jiang Qiaoqiao, who was usually so stingy and frugal, was remarkably generous this time.
After taking the silver, Jiang Yun went with Qian Bochou outside the courtyard.
A horse was waiting outside.
"Brother, get on."
Jiang Yun hurriedly said, "I'll ride."
Without another word, Jiang Yun swung himself onto the horse. Qian Bochou chuckled. "Look at you."
Once Qian Bochou was settled behind him, he wrapped his arms around Jiang Yun's waist.
"Hyah!"
They galloped off.
"Brother, slow down. I'm dizzy..."
The ride was so bumpy that Qian Bochou felt dizzy and saw stars.
The Academic Inspector's residence was in the north of the city. When Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou arrived, they saw a long line at the entrance.
Forty or fifty people were waiting there.
"So many?" Jiang Yun dismounted and stared at the scene in astonishment.
Qian Bochou held on to the horse, almost losing his balance. He shook his head, then spoke