Reactions from All Sides

"Have you heard? The top scholar in the provincial examination is that female apprentice of Mister Kumu."

"Sigh, I heard about it. These candidates are all older than the others, have studied for longer, and were all carefully taught by famous teachers in their families. How come they couldn't beat a girl? It's shameful."

"That's right. And don't mention any guidance from the Imperial Academy. How many of the candidates are students of the Imperial Academy? They've studied under these great scholars for years. How long has Zhao Zhiwei been guided by them? If she still can't pass, she's truly ashamed to even mention it."

"I've read Zhao Zhiwei's article; it's really well-written."

"It's really good."

"Wow, this girl is clever! Mister Kumu has really struck gold."

"Then the Earl of Suiping has truly struck gold. You've heard about Wei Qiu's affair, haven't you? Zhao Zhiwei was originally switched at birth by Wei Qiu's daughter. She grew up in the countryside until she was thirteen, and in less than two years since she was brought back, she has already brought so much glory to the Earl of Suiping's Residence. How come I don't have a granddaughter like that? It makes me so envious."

"Indeed! My grandson also took the provincial examination this year and came in fifteenth place. Compared to Zhao Zhiwei, he's far inferior. After seeing Zhao Zhiwei's essay, he felt very ashamed and is now studying diligently."

"Haha, this is a good thing. It's time to put these kids on their toes. Don't think that just because they have a family background in education and they're not stupid, they can be arrogant and complacent, always thinking they'll have no problem with exams. Now that they've suddenly been defeated by a fifteen-year-old girl, they have no choice but to admit defeat and work harder."

"Yes, I agree. Besides, Zhao Zhiwei is an exception; she's the only woman in many years to have achieved such a high score. She may not necessarily become an official, so she won't have much impact on the court. It's a good thing that she can encourage these young rascals to work harder."

Such dialogues were ubiquitous, both inside and outside the imperial court.

Even among ordinary people, the content of their discussions was largely the same.

The provincial and metropolitan examinations differed from the county examinations. The essays of the top three candidates did not need to be posted. After the results were posted, bookstores would inquire with the candidates and pay a certain fee before printing and selling their essays. All candidates would buy them to study as model essays.

With guidance from renowned scholars, Zhao Ruxi's essay was remarkably mature in its language, writing style, and citation of classical texts. Coupled with her novel ideas and unique insights, it was no surprise that she stood out among the many candidates and became the top scholar. The other candidates were also convinced of her talent.

This spurred all the candidates to work even harder, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. In particular, those who would be taking the imperial examination next year were determined to surpass Zhao Zhiwei Zhao Zhiwei vowed not to be outdone by her during the examination.

When the results were announced, Kang Shilin, Grand Princess Shangde, and Madam Cui also sent servants to check the list, and they received the news not much later than the Earl of Suiping's Residence. Everyone Gao Xing to learn that Zhao Ruxi had become the top scholar in the provincial examination.

Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui, in particular, were truly triumphant.

"Awen, you said Zhiwei did so well in the exam, bringing great honor to all women, and especially to the Beining Women's Academy. What should we reward her with?" Grand Princess Shangde asked Madam Cui after pacing around the room a few times with Gao Xing.

Because she was concerned about the results, she arrived at the Beining Women's Academy early in the morning to wait.

Madam Cui, her eyes red with emotion, paused for a moment upon hearing Grand Princess Shangde's words before shaking her head. "This... I don't know either."

"What do you think? Should I give her another estate?" Grand Princess Shangde asked.

She wasn't really asking Madam Cui for advice. She knew Madam Cui wasn't in a position to offer opinions on this matter. She was only asking because she was hesitant and deliberating.

Madam Cui said, "That's good, but I'm afraid Zhiwei might be too embarrassed to accept it."

Grand Princess Shangde waved her hand, "I must accept it even if I'm embarrassed. I dare not refuse a gift from an elder."

Ever since she gave Zhao Zhiwei the estate last time, she could tell that Zhao Zhiwei still preferred tangible things.

Later, she sent someone to check on it, and Little Peach Manor was managed very well by Zhao Ruxi. Some time ago, Zhao Zhiwei even sent some of the canned goods made by the Little Peach Manor to her, which she really enjoyed. Later, she even had someone secretly buy quite a lot more.

These days, canned food has become fashionable among wealthy ladies in Beijing. A banquet without a few cans of food on the table is considered shabby.

Zhao Zhiwei was not only academically gifted, but also extremely capable in administrative matters.

With that in mind, she made up her mind and asked the steward to bring the catalog. She planned to carefully select which estate would be most suitable to send it to.

Inside the palace, Consort Jin was using a silver fork to spear a can of yellow peaches and put them into her mouth, lazily asking, "Is today the day the results of the provincial examinations are released? What rank did Zhao Zhiwei get?"

She was even less concerned about the imperial examinations than Xiao Ge. But what could she do when Zhao Zhiwei had participated in the provincial examination?

She harbored deep resentment towards the woman who had changed her fate, though it was completely invisible on the surface.

Last time, because of the exam, Princess Pingyang targeted Zhao Zhiwei. The Emperor was angry that she didn't manage her subordinates properly, and in a Gao Xing, he favored a new concubine. From then on, she was no longer the Emperor's favorite concubine.

With new love and laughter, how could one hear the cries of the old? Lately, the Emperor visited her palace less and less. Sometimes when he did come, he wouldn't stay overnight; he would just sit for a while and then leave.

This made Consort Jin even more apprehensive.

Her family was no match for the Cen Family. Over the years, she and her son had lived better than all the concubines and princes, all because of the emperor's special favor towards her.

Having lost the emperor's favor, what else did she have?

She also knew that her fall out of favor actually had little to do with Zhao Zhiwei. Zhao Zhiwei's matter was just a prelude; the key was that the young concubine took advantage of the emperor's dissatisfaction with her to curry favor; Noble Consort Cen also took the opportunity to target her, causing her to fall ill and leaving her with no time or energy to salvage the situation.

But she still harbored Zhao Zhiwei.

She wouldn't do anything to Zhao Zhiwei, Noble Consort Cen and the newly Noble Lady He were both watching her closely. If she did anything, they would surely use it against her to make the Emperor dislike her even more. But this didn't diminish her concern and hatred for Zhao Zhiwei.

The eunuchs in Consort Jin's palace also knew this, and they had already sent people to keep an eye on today's results announcement, fearing that if they couldn't answer a question Consort Jin would take her anger out on them.

Ever since the Emperor stopped favoring Consort Jin, the Empress's temper has become increasingly bad, and she has become increasingly difficult to serve.

Upon being asked, they quickly replied, "We heard that Zhao Zhiwei examination with top honors."

"What?" Consort Jin sat up straight, holding her fork.

The young eunuch, steeling himself, repeated what he had said.