Hearing So Many Dogs Barking First Thing in the Morning

All the examiners gathered around, looked at the exam papers, and nodded, saying, "Good, really good, and these candidates' handwriting is also quite good."

The exam papers were graded quickly. In ordinary counties, only a dozen or so students were selected, while in larger counties, usually twenty students could be selected as scholars.

But this year, Yunxi County actually produced forty scholars.

One of the examiners said, "Qingshui County only has three scholars; isn't that a bit too poor?"

"The essays written by students from Qingshui County are really terrible."

But Yunxi County is different. Look at this policy essay; it's so well-written, every word is a gem."

"And this article, so well-written, is truly a masterpiece."

The list of successful candidates was quickly confirmed, and these lists naturally had to be sent to the prefect.

The prefect looked at the list of names, his hands trembling slightly, and said, "So many scholars have emerged from Yunxi County this year? This is absolutely impossible!"

Someone replied, "These are all exam papers that have been carefully reviewed by several examiners; there are absolutely no problems."

The prefect frowned and said, "Alright! I understand."

He really had no choice; these examiners were all appointed by the imperial court, precisely to prevent local officials from falsifying information.

The prefect looked at the list and said, "Most of the people on this list are from Black Wind Stronghold. How did Black Wind Stronghold manage to do that?"

The advisor shook his head and said, "I've heard there's a school in Black Wind Stronghold, so it's not surprising."

The prefect looked at the list and said, "Where are there no schools? Don't other counties have schools? Are they doing wholesale?"

But no one dared to speak.

When it comes to imperial examinations, local officials have no say; the examiners are all specially appointed officials.

Zhou Wanwan and her family were also quite nervous, after all, they had put in so much effort.

Zhou Fusheng had just sat down to take a couple of sips of water when he couldn't help but stand up again. "Do you think anyone in our family will pass the exam? What if..."

Zhou Wanwan quickly said:

"He will definitely pass the exam. Let's prepare some money first!"

In case they come with good news, we should at least give them some reward money.

Liu Su'e quickly nodded and said, "Everything is ready, you don't need to worry about that."

As soon as the group opened the door, they saw a crowd gathered around their house, saying, "You really think you can pass the imperial examination? You've prepared everything at home, hahaha!"

"I heard this family comes from the mountains; they must have never seen much of the world."

"What? Came from the mountains? No wonder!"

Liu Su'e frowned and asked, "How did these people know?"

Zhou Wanwan laughed and said, "There are quite a few people who want to see our family make a fool of themselves, so it was naturally those people who spread the word."

Liu Su'e rolled her eyes and said, "These people are really boring."

Before Zhou Wanwan could speak, Cheng Chao jumped down from the carriage and said, "Boss, I've come to help, and I brought a lot of firecrackers."

Cheng Chao hangs around Zhou Wanwan all day long, but he never annoys her.

He does whatever Zhou Wanwan asks him to do, and he's gotten used to it lately.

A few people emerged from the alleyway not far away, unable to resist muttering, "Who is this Cheng Chao anyway? He's like a bootlicker, always following Zhou Wanwan around."

"Who knows if he's lost his mind? I heard Cheng Xiao has cut ties with him now."

"He's buying houses all around here now, just to be Zhou Wanwan's dog. I've never seen such a disgusting man."

Xie Cheng'en stepped out from behind and said, "Stay away from Cheng Chao in the future. I really can't stand people like him."

Xie Cheng'en's family also lives here, and their house is much nicer than Zhou Wanwan's.

Xie Cheng'en sneered:

I heard that dozens of people from their family participated in this scientific expedition!

I want to see how many scholars their family can produce. Will they only produce one or two? That would be a laughing stock.

Zhou Wanwan looked at him and said, "Xie Cheng'en, what are you so smug about? Do you really think you can pass the imperial examination?"

Xie Cheng'en laughed heartily:

"So what if he's a scholar? I can take the exam if I want."

Even if I don't pass the imperial examination to become a scholar, I still have plenty of opportunities. I can't compare to you peasants.

"You know Young Master Xie, he already holds an official title, right? He's a young marquis!"

Such officials did not need to attend court or perform official duties, but received a salary from the imperial court.

Zhou Wanwan smiled faintly and said, "What's the point? If you're so capable, take the exam yourself! The results you get from your own exam are the best!"

Xie Cheng'en looked at her and said:

"You talk as if you can pass the exam."

With your worthless brothers, you think you can pass the imperial examination and become a scholar? Dream on!

The men around Xie Cheng spoke with utter disdain:

"Why don't you take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror to see what kind of person you are!"

Our Young Master Xie has had renowned teachers all over the capital since childhood.

The writing implements used were all of the highest quality, and the books were piled higher than a person; he grew up immersed in a scholarly atmosphere!

"You're nothing but uncultured country bumpkins who only read two tattered books in some remote rural area."

Lacking both family background and resources, you're probably not even a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, are you?

How dare you come to this examination hall and make a fool of yourself? Try to become a scholar? Forget about it for the rest of your life!

"Hahaha... I advise you to go back to the countryside and farm as soon as possible, don't get in the way here and become a laughing stock!"

Zhou Qinghe was furious and was about to speak when Zhou Wanwan said softly, "Hearing so many dogs barking so early in the morning is making my ears hurt."

The henchmen were furious. "Zhou Wanwan, you're asking for it! How dare you call us dogs!"

Zhou Wanwan gave the Old Scholar Tree a wink, and soon a huge pile of firecrackers rained down from the sky.

Then the whole alleyway was filled with the crackling sound of firecrackers.

That wasn't just one or two strings of firecrackers, but hundreds.

These were homemade firecrackers from Black Wind Stronghold, several times more powerful than those from ordinary workshops, exploding fiercely, loudly, and intensely.

"Boom--Crackling--!!"

As the flames exploded, thick smoke shot into the sky, instantly turning Xie Cheng'en and his entourage into a cloud of dust, their robes stained with ash, their hair disheveled, and everyone unable to open their eyes.

Amidst the billowing smoke, cries, coughs, and angry curses mingled together.

Xie Cheng'en's henchmen were both shocked and furious. They dodged in a flustered manner while yelling and cursing, "Zhou Wanwan! You bitch, how dare you scheme against us!"

"You crazy woman! Just you wait! I'll skin you alive!"

"How dare you resort to such despicable tactics! Who do you think you are!"

"You country bumpkin, I think you're tired of living!"

"Once I catch you, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

Xie Cheng'en stood in the middle of the thick smoke, his brocade robes charred and his hair disheveled.

He roared, "Zhou Wanwan..."

Zhou Wanwan chuckled and said, "Hey! Why would I call you 'Dad'?"