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Su Qi'an, having finished writing tens of thousands of words, looked at his title with satisfaction, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
Just then, a low voice sounded beside him. "May I ask if Mr. Su has finished his exam?"
Su Qi'an looked up to see a soldier standing before him. He nodded and glanced around, only to realize that the sun had long set, and the sky was now pitch black. Listening carefully, he noticed that the neighboring examination cells were also empty. It seemed he was the only one left in the exam hall.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Su Qi'an quickly handed over his exam paper. The soldier took it, sealed it, and said to him, "Mr. Su, there's no need to worry. The county exam doesn't have a strict time limit. As long as you submit your paper today, it's fine. Seeing how focused you were, I'm sure you did well. I wish you success in the rankings."
Su Qi'an nodded in response. "Thank you for your kind words."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the soldier, Su Qi'an slowly stood up, stretched, and prepared to leave. Just then, his stomach growled loudly.
He sighed, reflecting on the nature of the imperial exams. No matter how well-prepared one was beforehand, once the exam began, the mental strain was immense. Every second counted, and there was no room for carelessness. Only after the exam ended and the tension eased did the body's fatigue and hunger make themselves known.
Su Qi'an did some light exercises to relax his stiff muscles, packed up his belongings, and headed out of the exam hall.
Outside, the area was bustling with activity. Soldiers and yamen runners were maintaining order, while many examinees who had already finished their papers were gathered together, chatting.
When Su Qi'an emerged, several of his acquaintances approached him, saying, "Ah, Brother Su, we've been waiting for you! These exam questions must have been no challenge for you. You're sure to rank high this time!"
"Indeed, with Brother Su's talent, passing the county exam is a given. The only question is whether he'll rank in the top three. I bet he will!"
"No, no, with Brother Su's abilities, he's likely to take the top spot. If Brother Su ranks first, it'll be a blessing for all the scholars of Lingbei County!"
"..."
The scholars showered Su Qi'an with praise, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Just then, Qin Huai's voice rang out. "Why are you all crowding around Brother Qi'an? How is he supposed to respond with all of you talking at once? It's late, and Brother Qi'an must be starving. This isn't the place to chat. Let's find a spot to relax, have some drinks, and enjoy ourselves. Doesn't that sound better?"
"Brother Qin is right. We got carried away. I know a great place that will surely make Brother Su and Brother Qin feel right at home. Let's go!"
With that, a scholar from a wealthy family led the way. Caught up in the enthusiastic atmosphere, Su Qi'an found it impossible to refuse. Along with Qin Huai, he was swept along by the crowd.
The streets of Lingbei County at night were lively, a sight rarely seen on ordinary days. Due to the county exams, the usual curfew had been lifted. Even though it was only seven or eight in the evening, the streets were illuminated by flickering lanterns, and performers showcasing their skills could be seen here and there.
The streets were packed with people, and the atmosphere was festive. For the scholars, this was the perfect time to unwind after the grueling exams. Most of them wouldn't leave immediately but would stay in Lingbei County for seven more days.
Seven days later was the announcement of the exam results. No scholar could resist the urge to witness their own success in person. Thus, the next seven days would be the busiest and most profitable for the performers, vendors, inns, and restaurants in Lingbei County.
The group made their way through the streets without stopping. To be frank, the bustling streets weren't their destination. After turning a few corners, they finally arrived at a grand, brightly lit building.
The four-story building was ablaze with lights, and the sounds of drinking, laughter, and musical instruments could be heard from within. Even before entering, Su Qi'an's expression turned peculiar. He glanced at Qin Huai, who also looked somewhat awkward.
This building was called Spring Breeze Courtyard, a well-known establishment in Lingbei County, frequented by scholars and literati. It was a place where people could revel all night, drink to their heart's content, and compose poetry in a state of intoxication.
While it seemed like a place of leisure, its true nature couldn't be hidden—it was a high-end brothel. However, it was far more refined than the average brothel. The courtesans here were mostly from respectable families that had fallen on hard times due to various misfortunes, turning them into government-registered entertainers.
These courtesans were skilled in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They were adept at comforting their patrons, and even a quiet night in their company was considered worthwhile.
However, such high-class establishments weren't accessible to just anyone. Only the wealthy, influential families, or at the very least, scholars who had passed the imperial exams could afford to enter. They usually operated on a membership basis, catering to regular clients. Only during special occasions like the county exams would they open their doors to a wider audience.
"Hey, Brother Su, Brother Qin, why aren't you coming? I've reserved a great spot at Spring Breeze Courtyard. Let's hurry! Today, the head courtesan is receiving guests. If we're late, we'll miss out!"
With that, the scholar from the wealthy family pulled Su Qi'an and Qin Huai toward the entrance.
Su Qi'an was at a loss for words. He exchanged a glance with Qin Huai, and the two whispered to each other.
"Brother-in-law, don't blame me for this. You know how scholars are—they're still men, after all. It's normal for them to enjoy this kind of thing. I promise I won't breathe a word of this to Xiao Yin."
"Brother-in-law, let's keep it that way. I'm only here because I was forced. If Xiao Yin finds out, don't blame me for turning on you."
Qin Huai nodded with a smile, feeling quite pleased. In the Great Liang Dynasty, from high-ranking officials to scholars, merchants, and laborers, it was common for men with a bit of money to have multiple wives and concubines, not to mention visit brothels.
But his brother-in-law's reaction made Qin Huai hold him in higher regard. After all, who wouldn't want their sister to marry a good man? Su Qi'an's character alone was enough to prove that his sister had married well.
Amidst the crowd, the two entered Spring Breeze Courtyard.
The interior of Spring Breeze Courtyard was spacious. The first floor alone covered over two hundred square meters, with more than a dozen tables and chairs. Looking up, the second floor had over a dozen private rooms, while the third and fourth floors were reserved for overnight stays.
As soon as Su Qi'an, Qin Huai, and the others entered, a servant hurried over to greet them.
"Young Master Ye, we've been waiting for you! Chunhua has been asking about you. Shall we arrange things as usual?"
Ye Zhong waved his hand. "No, not this time. Get us a private room. I've brought friends today, and we're here to support Miss Xiaowan."
"Understood, Young Master Ye. Right this way." The servant quickly led them upstairs.
"It seems this Ye Zhong is a frequent visitor here," Su Qi'an thought to himself. But then again, it made sense. The Ye family was the wealthiest in Lingbei County, so it was only natural for Ye Zhong to visit such places often.
Fortunately, Ye Zhong wasn't a bad person—just a bit of a playboy. If he were as scheming as someone like Wei Yun, Su Qi'an would never have associated with him.
Under the servant's guidance, the group made their way to the second floor and settled into a private room.
The room was well-positioned, located slightly to the left of the center of the second floor. From there, they had a clear view of the entire first floor, especially the stage, where every movement could be seen clearly.
However, shortly after Ye Zhong sat down, he flew into a rage and began berating the servant.
"What's the meaning of this? What kind of lousy spot have you given us? Do you look down on the Ye family of Lingbei? If I get angry, I'll smash this Spring Breeze Courtyard to pieces!"
The servant immediately knelt and begged for mercy. "Young Master Ye, please forgive me! How could I dare deceive you? This private room is one of the best in the establishment."
"Hmph, the best? Last time I was here, I was in the room next door. Do you think I don't know better? You're trying to trick me, you scoundrel!"
"Young Master Ye is right. The room next door is indeed the best, but it's already been reserved by someone else. Please, Young Master, be magnanimous and don't make things difficult for me."
Hearing this, Ye Zhong's temper flared, though not at the servant. He raised his voice and asked, "Reserved by someone else? Tell me, who dares to take a spot reserved for the Ye family?"
"It... it was reserved by Young Master Wei Yun," the servant stammered.
Hearing this, Su Qi'an and Qin Huai exchanged a glance. It seemed their old nemesis had shown up again.
Ye Zhong's eyebrows shot up, and his face darkened. He was about to storm out, but Su Qi'an and Qin Huai stopped him, knowing that trouble would inevitably follow if he did.
"Brother Su, Brother Qin, what are you doing? That Wei Yun from the Wei family is too shameless. He knows perfectly well that the Ye family are regulars here, yet he dares to take our spot. This isn't just a slap in my face—it's an insult to the entire Ye family. Damn it! The Wei family may be powerful in Sichuan, but here in Lingbei, I'd like to see how far their influence reaches!"
Once again, Ye Zhong tried to charge out, but Su Qi'an and Qin Huai held him back.
Looking at Ye Zhong's impulsive behavior, Su Qi'an couldn't help but feel exasperated. The young master of the wealthiest family in Lingbei had many good qualities, but his single-mindedness was a problem.
Su Qi'an spoke up. "Brother Ye, I appreciate your kindness, but we're not here to cause trouble. We're scholars, and at a time like this, getting into a fight would only give others ammunition against us."
"That's right. Brother Su is correct. Ye Zhong, don't be reckless. There will be plenty of opportunities to deal with Wei Yun in the future. Let's focus on the bigger picture for now," Qin Huai added, trying to calm him down.
Though still fuming, Ye Zhong was reasonable enough to listen. He didn't take his anger out on the servant and waved him away, sighing.
"Since both of you say so, I'll let it go for now. I apologize for the poor arrangements today. I'll make it up to you both later."
"But this isn't over. I'll definitely settle this score," Ye Zhong said, clenching his fists in frustration.