“Good. An excellent answer. Set your mind at rest and rest for two days while you wait for the results.”

Lin Pingsheng said with a smile. After knowing the direction of their answers, he was no longer worried.

He also asked his other students and had an idea of their answers.

Those who did not pass the exam would train hard again and work harder next time.

When they returned to the inn, they ordered a table of good dishes together. Liu Zijin was also brought along. He didn’t eat much.

For the next two days, Su Chong and the others strolled around Anping County and bought some things.

They were all gifts chosen by Su Xiaolu.

They did not see Liu Zijin the next day. Liu Zijin had left a letter saying that he had something to do. He was unwilling to let them know, so they did not ask.

The results were released on April 24.

Early in the morning, they went to wait for the results.

Su Chong, Su Hua, Zhou Heng, and Liu Zijin passed. Everyone smiled.

There were also some students who did not pass. Some fainted from the blow, and some could not take it and cried.

But that was all normal. If some people passed, others would fail.

When he packed up and left the inn, Liu Zijin returned Su Hua’s clothes. He had already washed and dried them.

On the way back, Liu Zijin looked much better. He walked slowly with Su Chong and the others.

After returning to Goathorn Town, Liu Zijin cupped his hands and said, “Su Chong, Su Hua, Zhou Heng. See you in June.”

After saying that, Liu Zijin cupped his hands at Su Xiaolu. “Thank you for saving me, Miss Su. I’ll definitely return the favor in the future.”

Su Xiaolu waved her hand indifferently. “Go ahead. I’ll report the good news to Father and Mother first.”

With that, Su Xiaolu turned around and ran away quickly.

Liu Zijin looked at Su Xiaolu’s brisk back and thought to himself, She runs so fast. How nice.

Su Chong and the others also cupped their hands at Liu Zijin and said with a smile, “Zijin, we’ll meet in the June academy examination. I wish us all the best.”

In this examination, Su Hua was ranked first, Liu Zijin second, Zhou Heng third, and Su Chong sixth.

Liu Zijin’s had great potential, and his teacher was not a master.

After saying goodbye, they parted.

Liu Zijin was relieved after leaving the city. He had been working hard for the past two days and had earned seventy copper coins.

He touched the book bag at his waist. There were still medicinal cuisine biscuits inside. His gaze darkened as he quickened his pace and rushed home.

1

When Su Xiaolu arrived at the shop, she saw Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looking up from afar. She shouted happily, “Father, Mother, I’m back. Eldest Brother and Second Brother have passed the exam.”

Joy arrived before she did.

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were overjoyed.

Su Xiaolu’s face was red from running. Madam Zhao pulled her towards the shop. “Are you tired? Are you hungry? Have some water first.”

Su Xiaolu smiled and waved her hand. “Mother, I’m not thirsty, tired, or hungry. Eldest Brother and the others are so amazing. Second Brother is first, Brother Zhou Heng is third, and Eldest Brother is sixth.”

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao listened happily. They had returned later than last time. The sauerkraut and pickles were sold out.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she listened to the good news.

Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu were both shocked. “They’re so good.”

It was really amazing to be able to stand out among so many people.

Su Xiaoling couldn’t help but ask, “Xiaolu, did you see the examination hall?”

Su Xiaolu shook her head. “Teacher and I waited outside. Outsiders can’t enter the examination hall, but Eldest Brother and the others are the best. They are strong and healthy. Many students are very weak. Some of them fainted halfway through the examination and were carried away. Some of them collapsed after the examination. Fortunately, our Eldest Brother and the others often help with the work. Their bodies are strong.”

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao couldn’t help but be surprised. There were benefits to doing labor work?

However, seeing that Su Xiaolu was not lying, they all laughed.

Su Chong and the others had also arrived.

Lin Pingsheng smiled and said, “Congratulations, you’ve all passed. Next, prepare for the academy examination in June. With your knowledge, it won’t be a problem for you to pass, but I still have to remind you not to be arrogant and treat it carefully.”

“It’s getting late. I need to get back, too.”

Lin Pingsheng looked at the students and instructed gently.

Su Chong and the other two also nodded respectfully and said, “Yes, Teacher.”

As soon as Lin Pingsheng left.

Madam Zhao went forward to look at Su Chong and Su Hua. “Good, good.”

Madam Zhao looked at Zhou Heng. Zhou Heng smiled slightly. Madam Zhao smiled with red eyes and said, “Heng, Auntie congratulates you too.”

Zhou Heng was also very outstanding. If his parents knew, they would definitely be very proud.

“I’m glad you passed. Let’s go home. I’ll make you a good meal tonight.”

Su Sanlang spoke gently. They passed, and the weight on his heart was lifted.

The family went home together.

They chatted and laughed along the way.

At night, Madam Zhao killed chickens and ducks and made a table of dishes.

Su Sanlang also poured wine for the children.

He said some kind words of blessing.

Old Master Wang also came to inquire about the news. After knowing that they had passed the prefecture examination, he congratulated them before leaving.

With so many students in the village, many people were not qualified to go to the county examination. Even if they did, they would not be able to pass.

The three children from Su Sanlang’s family had passed the prefecture examination in one go. Now, all three of them were scholars. This was really impressive.

Immediately, everyone was envious.

After the prefecture examination, the Su Clan could not sit still anymore and came to test the waters many times.

Su Sanlang had also made it clear that he would not return to the family clan. To him, the Su family members were no different from everyone else in the village.

After a few times, Su Sanlang did not change his mind. The clan also gave up on asking Su Sanlang to return to the clan. They just wanted everyone to get closer to each other and interact with each other through connections. Their relationship could also get better and better.

Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng studied even more diligently.

They all prepared for the examination in June rigorously.

May 14 was a holiday.

There was the sound of celebrations from a distance.

It sounded very lively. When they arrived at Su Sanlang’s house, they specially lit firecrackers.

Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng were reading in the courtyard while Madam Zhao was washing vegetables.

They were stunned when they heard the sound of firecrackers.

Su Sanlang said flatly, “Leave them alone.”

Madam Zhao did not say anything. Today was the day the sons of the Su family got married.

1

On Su Chao and Su Lei’s wedding day, it was said that they married sisters from the same family.

They had deliberately placed firecrackers in the village for them to hear.

But what did it matter to them? They didn’t care.

Outside the courtyard, a matchmaker’s sharp voice sounded. “The firecrackers, gongs, and drums are ringing. The days are getting more and more prosperous. Bridegrooms, enter the village and go home.”

The sound of gongs and drums sounded, and soon they were far away in the village.

The Su family thought they could intimidate Su Sanlang’s family, but they didn’t even open the door. They didn’t even come out to take a look. They didn’t care.

2

Instead, they felt uncomfortable. Old Master Su was angry. He knew that he shouldn’t compare them, but every time he entered the village, he had to pass by here. Looking at the houses standing here, he couldn’t help but want to compare himself to them.