The provincial examination was held on February 15th, the results were announced on February 28th, and the palace examination was held on March 1st.
The thirteen-day wait was the most agonizing, Meng Anci was no exception. He copied his entire exam paper from memory, searched through classic texts, and checked it over and over again, trying to estimate his chances of winning.
Seeing how diligently he was working, Taishang Laojun wanted to see what Zhao Zhiyuan was doing. He waved his hand lightly, and Zhao Zhiyuan's figure appeared in the void.
He was surrounded by his family members. An old man stroked his beard, his face full of satisfaction, " Zhiyuan this paper, you're guaranteed to be a tribute student. Now it's up to you to see how you perform in the palace examination."
Having said that, he picked up another exam paper and said with a smile, " Yushan's answers weren't bad either. There's nothing to worry about in becoming a tribute student. Study hard these days and try your best to get into the top three."
Zhao Yushan glanced at his father's expression, and seeing that he was not angry, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying, "Grandfather, rest assured, your grandson will certainly do his best."
Zhao Cheng nodded. "In that case, let's first figure out what kind of questions His Majesty will set for the palace examination, so we can prepare in advance."
The elders of the Zhao Household echoed their agreement. Master Zhao glanced at his nephew, his eyes filled with encouragement.
Taishang Laojun withdrew his Spiritual Power, and the image in mid-air vanished instantly. He turned to look at Meng Anci again... a small person, huddled in the study, flipping through one book after another, only wanting to know if his answers were correct.
No matter how you look at it, it seems so pitiful.
He got up and walked towards the study.
Knock, knock, knock... There was a knock on the study door, and then an old man with white hair pushed the door open and came in. " Anci... reading by yourself?"
"Grandmaster... did you need something from me?"
Taishang Laojun chuckled and sat down beside him. "Did you just finish the exam? Is there anything I can help you with? I can take a look at your exam paper."
Meng Anci stared at him in surprise, Taishang Laojun glared at him, "What kind of look is that..."
After saying that, he took the exam paper from his hand, looked at it with satisfaction, and said, "You answered very well, you're qualified to be a tribute student... Do your best in the palace examination and strive to be among the top three."
Top three? Did he mishear? His goal was first place in the top three! The gap is too big!
Meng Anci glanced at the test paper and asked uncertainly, "Did I do very poorly?"
"No... that's good," Taishang Laojun reassured confidently, "You're guaranteed to pass the imperial examination... now let's discuss what questions His Majesty will ask in the palace examination."
"Huh??? We're going to discuss this??" Meng Anci was completely confused by Taishang Laojun, not knowing what his grandmaster was up to.
Taishang Laojun realized his words were a bit off, chuckled twice, and patted Meng Anci on the shoulder, " Anci... remember, those who strive to live are the most beautiful."
"Grandmaster, I didn't intend to commit suicide?"
"Suicide?!" Taishang Laojun's eyes widened. "I'm encouraging you."
"Uh... your encouragement is quite special," Meng Anci said, his expression indescribable. He silently took the test paper from Taishang Laojun's hand and rolled it up.
Taishang Laojun asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"
"Go to the Su Household... and ask my teacher how I did on the exam," he said, bowing to Taishang Laojun before turning and leaving.
Taishang Laojun sat stunned at his desk. He had a teacher? Wasn't he fighting alone?
After Meng Anci, Taishang Laojun felt bored and went to the shop with his hands behind his back. He saw Meng Anzhi carrying a medicine box and about to leave, so he chased after her in a few steps.
Where are you going now?
Meng Anzhi explained with a smile, "The patients in the shop think I'm too young and don't trust me, so I want to set up a stall on the street to see patients."
Taishang Laojun glanced at the banner, "Go by yourself?"
"Hmm... I used to go out for free medical consultations every month when I was in Qingzhou Prefecture."
Free clinic? Taishang Laojun's eyes darted around. "I'm just killing time anyway, how about I go with you on a free clinic?"
Meng Anzhi smiled and said, "Great! With my grandmaster by my side, I'm sure I'll gain something."
The two walked out while talking, and soon arrived at the stall.
Taishang Laojun glanced around and asked in surprise, "Why are you offering free medical consultations here?"
Meng Anzhi explained, "The brothels are full of pitiful people. Most of them are forced into prostitution, and most of their earnings are taken by the madams."
Some women get sick but don't have the money for treatment, and they just suffer and die. I'm here; those who need medical care will come to me."
As Meng Anzhi spoke, she squatted down on the ground, a movement exactly like the one Jin Shanyao.
Taishang Laojun was so angry that he pulled her up. "What kind of behavior is it for a young woman like you to squat in the street? I'll go find you a chair."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Meng Anzhi hurriedly spoke up, "Grandmaster... no need, I'm used to squatting..." However, the louder she shouted, the faster Taishang Laojun walked.
Before long, Taishang Laojun returned carrying a table and chairs. He placed them in front of Meng Anzhi and said, "Sit down."
Seeing that there was only one chair, Meng Anzhi said, "Grandmaster, please sit down..."
"I don't treat other people's illnesses, why are you sitting here?"
Suddenly, a hand reached between the two of them, pulled a chair over without a word, slammed it down on the ground with a thud, and then sat down casually.
"Young lady, take my pulse." The man placed his hand on the table.
Seeing the man's improper gaze, and fearing he might cause trouble and jeopardize Meng Anci's future, Meng Anzhi said calmly, "Unfortunately, sir, we're closing up shop. Why don't you try another place?"
The man smiled, his eyes brazenly scanning her. "What? You look down on me? I'll let you take my pulse."
Meng Anzhi glanced at him briefly, then placed her hand on his pulse without saying a word.
To her surprise, the man's fingers gently hooked around her palm, a hint of playful lewdness in his eyes.
Meng Anzhi abruptly withdrew her hand, her face instantly darkening as she stared coldly at the man.
The man chuckled, "What are you hiding for? You set up your stall under the scorching sun, isn't it all for money? Fifty taels, how about spending the night with me?"
Taishang Laojun shielded Meng Anzhi behind him, attempting to reason with her, "Young master, you are so young; you should be studying the classics and walking the righteous path. To flirt with a woman in the street and speak so recklessly—do you realize you are creating trouble for yourself?"
The man glanced at him and scoffed, "Eighty taels. The extra thirty taels are for your coffin."
Taishang Laojun remained unperturbed, continuing slowly, "My granddaughter practices medicine to help the world, not for money, but only to save lives. You just flirted with her, and she didn't hold it against you; that's already showing you respect. If you have even a shred of conscience, you should quickly abandon those filthy thoughts, go home, read some books, and learn how to be a decent human being."
The man was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Oh my, this old man is quite the talker! Alright, alright, are you done? If you're done, move aside, I have important business to discuss with the young lady."
He reached out to pull Meng Anzhi.
Taishang Laojun didn't even lift his eyelids; he simply raised his hand and slapped Laozi across the face.
"Smack!!"
The man didn't even utter a sound; he simply slumped to the side, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out.
Meng Anzhi looked at the pile of mud on the ground, then glanced at Taishang Laojun.
After a long pause, he spoke, "Grandmaster... didn't you say that everything should be based on reason?"
Taishang Laojun waved his hand, looking completely calm. "I've explained the reasoning. He didn't listen, is that my fault?"
Meng Anzhi:... This time she believed it; her grandmaster was her aunt's master.
Taishang Laojun shouldered the banner and strode forward, saying, "Let's go home. What's the point of setting up a shabby stall? If no one comes to you for treatment, you won't. Are you going to starve?"
Meng Anzhi followed silently behind him, a smile involuntarily curving her lips.
Shortly after they left, the man who had fainted began to turn black at the tips of his fingers.