Chapter 661: 661: You Actually Turned in Your Paper Ahead of Time!

“How did it go? How did it go?” Qiao Xiaomai asked, one question tumbling over the other.

Tong Sanlang put his lunchbox on the ox cart and grinned, “Dean Gu was supervising the examination. He was standing next to me the whole time. I handed in my papers to him after finishing. From his facial expression, he seemed to be quite satisfied.”

“Did he mark the papers then?”

“Yes, he takes care of all the exams in Huai’an County. He picks the top ten, then sends them to the Capital City for the emperor’s review. If the emperor finds no problem, the Imperial List can be issued.”

“No need to seal the exam papers?”

“There’s no need to in Huai’an County. The emperor trusts Dean Gu very much.”

“How wonderful,” Qiao Xiaomai remarked somewhat wistfully.

Encountering Dean Gu was a stroke of luck indeed for the people of Bailu Town!

“Indeed, once the results are out, we should send some of our sweet potatoes to his house.” Tong Sanlang got on the cart, “Let’s get moving and find a place to eat.”

“Let’s just go home,” Qiao Xiaomai suggested.

She finished the water in the bowl and then poured a bowl for Tong Sanlang. “Take a drink.”

Tong Sanlang downed the water in one gulp, flicked the whip in his hand, and the ox cart began to move.

“Did you sit the exam in the Main Hall or in the backyard?” Qiao Xiaomai started her barrage of questions.

“The backyard. There was a canvas covering the sun, but it was still hot underneath.”

“Did you see Sun Junyan?”

“I did. I even shot him a glance before I left. Judging by his expression, he seemed to be doing well in his exams.”

Qiao Xiaomai scoffed, “With his constant scheming and wheeling and dealing, he actually managed to do well?”

“Who knows,” Tong Sanlang mused.

Clearly, Sun Junyan’s focus was no longer on studying. He’s been thinking every day about how to hitch his wagon to a rising star. Surprisingly, he appeared to do well in the exam, demonstrating confidence and quick writing speed. Could they have misjudged him before?

“Hmm… Maybe he is really smart? Or he just crammed at the last minute?”

Qiao Xiaomai clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction.

If a trash like Sun Junyan manages to pass the exam and becomes a scholar, it would certainly be a huge threat to society. Such a deeply calculating individual, if gaining a prestigious title or authority, would undoubtedly bring harm to society.

“Forget him, we can’t control this,” Tong Sanlang changed the topic, “In half a month, we’ll wait for the notice.”

“Now that the exam is over, we shouldn’t think about it anymore. Let’s go home and get ready for the autumn harvest!” Tong Sanlang stretched and yawned lazily.

Qiao Xiaomai holds high hopes for him. He has been diligently studying at his desk these past few days. At least he can relax a bit before the results are posted in half a month.

“Time to harvest the sweet potatoes!” Qiao Xiaomai smoothly changed the topic.

She had already figured out what to do with those well-grown sweet potatoes.

“Let’s go!” Tong Sanlang flicking his whip, the smile on his handsome face was broad and genuine, his black eyes sparkling with brightness.

On their return to the village, they first paid a visit to the Tong Family.

Since Tong Sanlang’s surname is Tong, naturally he should visit the Tong Family first and inform Tong Tiehu about the day’s events.

Qiao Xiaomai also accompanied him. Ever since the families separated, this was her first time visiting the Tong’s new house.

The Tong’s new house was just as it used to be. Because of Tong Sanlang’s exam, everyone had stayed at home waiting for the news instead of going out to work.

After Tong Sanlang described what happened, Zhu Hongyun immediately responded, “You handed in your papers early? Sanlang, aren’t you being too childish? The ones who have been studying in Bailu Academy for years diligently write their answers. Did you finish early because you didn’t know how to answer?”

Upon hearing this, Zhang from the Zhang Family nodded worriedly, “Exactly, Sanlang, did you finish it too quickly because you didn’t understand the questions and thought they were simple?”