So far, many people from the Jiang Family have appeared.
Whether it was the kind old Madam or Jiang Chengyuan who threw paper balls, none of them made Jiang Sheng change her tune.
But at this moment, the tall and mighty Jiang Jizong, wearing a crimson official robe with both hands folded in his sleeves, had an aura of depth and sharpness unique to civil servants.
Moreover, there was a big height difference between the two. As he leaned down like this, the air of an adult man pressed down.
Instinctively, Jiang Sheng feared him and blurted out, "Second uncle."
Jiang Jizong's movements halted, seemingly also a bit surprised.
Behind him, the three Jiang sons were dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes as they looked at each other.
"She called Second Uncle?"
"She never called Big Brother before."
"Or little sister."
The three chattered away, feeling both heartache and excitement.
Jiang Jizong regained his composure and reached out a hand.
He should have wanted to show goodwill to Jiang Sheng, but the memories of being beaten were too deep. Jiang Sheng couldn't help but shrink back a little.
That broad palm just stopped in midair and after a long pause, slowly retracted.
Jiang Sheng stammered, not knowing how to explain the form of address from earlier.
Fortunately, Jiang Jizong did not stay long. Leaving only the sentence "Come home anytime," he took the three Jiang sons and left.
A gust of wind blew by, carrying Jiang Chengyu's belly full of doubts. "Dad, why does big sister call me Xiao Yu but she calls big sister Gugu?"
Jiang Jizong was silent for a moment. "You were almost big sister for a second there..."
The later words could no longer be heard clearly as silence returned to the imperial city gates.
Jiang Sheng heaved a long sigh of relief, finally seizing the opportunity to pounce in front of Xu Mo and grab his azure long shirt, blinking pitifully, "Big brother, is the Golden Sacred Hall very beautiful? Is everything made of gold? Can you casually pry a piece off and it'd be gold?"
Xu Mo: "..."
Chang Yan and Wen Zhiyun coughed at the same time.
Jiang San and Jiang Si laughed even harder.
Of course the Golden Sacred Hall was not made of gold. It was made using a special firing method with golden bricks, and the price was also quite expensive. By the time the story spread amongst the common folk, it had become--the Golden Sacred Hall was paved with gold.
"Even if it was paved with gold, who would dare pry a piece off!" Xu Mo knocked on his sister's head. "I thought you were going to ask about my well-being. Didn't expect you to be more concerned about gold."
"I already know you have to retake the exam." Jiang Sheng raised her hand to block him and nimbly ducked behind Wen Zhiyun's back. "Big brother, you're going to offend all the tribute students who made it onto the lists this time."
Although the Imperial Family had made an exception to add 30 extra spots, greatly reducing public resentment, it didn't mean Xu Mo who insisted on accusing cheating would not be resented.
Not only would he have to face the verbal abuse of tribute students waiting to take the palace exam, he would also have to painstakingly inform each failed candidate from last year one by one on behalf of the Feng Tian government, telling them to take the exam again next year.
"How troublesome!" Jiang Si grumbled from the side. "Why can't you just let the Eldest Young Master take a separate exam with that one from the Fang family and see who has better skills to get first place."
Jiang San deeply agreed.
Xu Mo shook his head and sighed, revealing some frustration.
In ordinary people's minds, this was of course the most time and effort efficient solution. But officialdom was ruthless and aristocratic families cared about face.
After months of beating drums demanding justice and submitting statements of complaint, everyone with clear eyes could see exactly who had cheated in this fraud case.
But the Feng Tian government didn't dare make a direct verdict, for fear of offending the Fang family.
If the Imperial Family held a special exam, how would that be different from stripping the Fang family of all pretense.
"With the combined efforts of the Jiang, Dou and Yao families, and so much help from others, they could barely get the Fang family to agree to a re-examination." Chang Yan laughed sardonically. "They would never agree to a special exam."
"If there really was one, then the other failed candidates would also beat drums demanding justice. The Imperial Family wouldn't get anything done this year and wouldn't even hold court in the Golden Sacred Hall. Everyone would be taking special exams."
Once fraud was suspected, restarting the civil exam was an unwritten rule.
Jiang Si suddenly understood completely. He didn't expect there to be so many twists and turns.
"I already said you were stupid. Even the Eldest Young Master has to explain everything to you." Jiang San suddenly admonished self-righteously. "Fourth brother, you've got to learn more from third brother."
Jiang Si bared his teeth and pounced over. The two scuffled into a bundle.
Wen Zhiyun and Jiang Sheng watched the fun by the side with great interest.
"However--" Chang Yan's tone changed. "Since the Fang family agreed to a re-examination, they surely also know there will be many opportunities for tampering."
If Xu Mo still failed next year, he would be wearing out the injustice drums of the entire Feng Tian government and no one would bother about it anymore.
Moreover, there was still that vicious "nine familial exterminations" punishment.
Xu Mo's face was full of gloom, but the flames burning in his eyes carried a lofty fighting spirit. "Heaven's justice exists. Karma is meaningless. We do not yield. Evil cannot overcome righteousness!"
They had suffered a sneak attack last time and were caught unprepared. But now they would be vigilant. If the Fang family thought they could plot against him again, they looked down on him too much.
No aristocratic family could stay glorious forever, and no one could remain arrogantly unrestrained forever.
Even the dynasties recorded in history had been overthrown countless times. What exactly could the mere Fang family amount to?
"It will just be an exam. Just schemes. I actually want to see what kind of sordid schemes this illegitimate Fang family can still pull!" Xu Mo placed one hand behind his back. His spine erect, gaze looking into the distance.
He was still a thin scholar, but his back seemed so tall, blazing one's eyes.
Chang Yan stared blankly, temporarily unable to discern if this was inside vermillion walls and green tiles or freely wandering carefree gorge for a moment.
It wasn't until Xu Mo turned around, smiling gently, "Let's go, back home to write letters to second and third brother."
Chang Yan seemed to wake from a dream. He took another glance at the grand imperial city gates and climbed onto the shaft bench without any hesitation.
Perhaps the small courtyard was shabby and the carriage they rode not comfortable, but all this carried the taste of freedom and even the wind had a sweet fragrance. Like rain was the life-giving rains.
And there was still a round and cute chubby little sister.
"Fifth Brother, what are you thinking? Scoot in." Jiang Sheng had her hands on her hips, looking exactly like a gourd. "You took the shaft bench. Where am I supposed to sit?"
Chang Yan smiled helplessly. Before he could respond.
The tall carriage unique to the Jiang Family raced over. He Rui looked aggrieved and helpless. "Miss, miss, sit here!"
They had actually forgotten about him.
Jiang Sheng fixed him with her bulging eyes, glanced at the luxurious and comfortable carriage, and decisively elbowed Chang Yan into the cab. Then planted her butt in his original spot. "I want to stay with big brothers."
Jiang San and Jiang Si also stopped fighting, covering their mouths to hide their laughter as they raised the horse whip and ran.
He Rui still had the same crying face. He could only helplessly chase from behind.
Back at the small second courtyard.
Xu Mo said he would write letters to his younger brothers and he really did.
He did not conceal or exaggerate things. Just honestly recounted this matter while urging them to work hard, because there would likely be a fierce battle next year.
It was an obstacle but also an opportunity.
Fang Heng had endured obscurely for many years outside and would definitely take this chance to avenge himself.
General Fang underground surely also wouldn't wish for his descendants, earned through hard work, be completely ruined by an unfilial child.
"Just send third brother's letter straight to the Northern Borderlands. Where do we send second brother's?" Jiang Sheng raised a key question.
As the weather turned warm and the flora grew, the Rong tribes should also retreat with their livestock.
Fang Heng should be at headquarters drilling the troops. His letter could definitely be delivered.
But Zheng Ruqian's whereabouts were erratic. They truly didn't know where to send it.
The four siblings contemplated deeply for a while.
And so the Northern Borderlands' Fang Heng received two identical letters.
