Chapter 43: Sharpening the Spear at the Last Minute

Meng Yuxi, seeing that there was no more time for idle chatter, spoke immediately, "Third Sister, I know about that talking bird. I am just not sure if such a creature exists in the Great Li Dynasty, but if I can find one, I will certainly gift it to you."

Meng Xuexian found it difficult to adjust to Meng Yuxi’s newfound, methodical way of speaking. Her mind was filled with memories of them as children—playing in the mud and wetting their pants together; she had even flicked that little part of his anatomy back when he wore split-crotch trousers.

Sensing that Meng Yuxi meant he would find the bird for her even if Meng Xueqiao hadn't asked, she gave Meng Xueqiao a kick. Meng Xueqiao let out an "Ouch," but having been released from her grip, he immediately scampered away.

"Clear the grounds! Raise the barriers! No one is to leave without authorization, no one is to leave without a decree!"

The loud slogans rang out once more, with even greater urgency this time. Meng Yuxi and Meng Xuexian exchanged glances. Meng Xuexian spoke first, her voice composed, "Then, Fourth Brother, I will see you at the examination hall shortly."

Meng Yuxi gave a nod, and the two turned and headed toward their respective courtyards.

*What does she mean by 'see you at the examination hall'? Is the Great Li Dynasty so different from other dynasties that women are permitted to take exams?*

Meng Yuxi suddenly recalled the sight of Meng Xuexian in male attire and her deliberate, deepened voice just moments ago. He couldn't help but look back at her.

"Xiao Cui, does our Great Li Dynasty have female scholars?"

"What is a female scholar? Young Master, you do say the funniest things."

After hearing Xiao Cui’s reply, Meng Yuxi became even more convinced of his suspicion. He wondered if Meng Xuexian was truly insane—if she were discovered, it would surely mean death.

Upon returning to his room for the first time, Meng Yuxi noticed that while the furnishings were clearly made of expensive materials, the most prominent items were two bronze tripods. The rest consisted of toys like rocking horses, wooden swords, and rattles. He realized that if he wanted to review his books, there wasn't a single one in the room; it was far less accommodating than the private rooms he had designed at the Heaven on Earth pavilion.

"No one is to leave without authorization, no one is to leave without a decree!"

As soon as he stepped inside, he heard the guards stationed outside shouting at the top of their lungs, as if afraid the people within might not hear them and cause trouble. Meng Yuxi had no time to deal with the guards; they were just following orders. It was already fortunate enough that they hadn't chased all the members of the Meng household to the main inn on the street.

Looking at the room’s decor, he frowned slightly. "Xiao Cui, why haven't these things been cleared away?"

"Young Master, you are never home during the day, and when you go drinking, you go to Heaven on Earth. These are all memories; perhaps you don't like them, but someone else might."

Xiao Cui said defiantly. Ever since she became his maid, Meng Yuxi had never seen her do any actual work. Even tasks like pouring tea—if he didn't ask, she would never do it, and even if he were dying of thirst, she would fill her own cup first.

"Fine, fine, you’ve become quite the orator."

"I am going to the exam shortly. Please, do me the favor of cleaning this place up. At the very least, tidy the bed. And given the current situation—no leaving without a decree—if you don't want to violate the imperial order, don't go back to your side room. Just serve me in the main room at night!"

As Meng Yuxi gathered the toys from the bed, he spoke to Xiao Cui, who remained standing by the door with no intention of helping.

"I... what are you trying to do?"

Ever since she had followed Meng Yuxi to the Fragrant Pavilion and met Yan Manxiang in Li Village, she had become convinced that Meng Yuxi was a lecherous wolf who never turned down a meal. She tightened her clothes and looked at him warily.

"Fine, then go out now. Go talk to the guard at the door; maybe he’ll let you out."

"You act as if you’re dying for me to test how strict the guards are."

Meng Yuxi couldn't be bothered with her. He had heard that in ancient times, maids were at the mercy of their masters, but the more familiar he became with Xiao Cui, the more arrogant she grew, bearing no resemblance to how she was when they first met.

"Get to work! You've really become insufferable. Stop talking and don't disturb me while I study."

Feeling annoyed, Meng Yuxi walked behind Xiao Cui and gave her a heavy pat; she was as resilient as ever. Xiao Cui blushed and wanted to resist, but realizing it was inappropriate, she went to work, muttering under her breath, "Study? If you can find a single thing with words in this room, I’ll admit I lost!"

After finally clearing the toys off the bed, Meng Yuxi sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, focusing all his energy into his "memory palace"—surely there were some useful language textbooks in there somewhere. The world around him began to fade into an illusion.

When he finally regained his senses, the time for the examination was drawing near.

"The examination is about to begin. Will the students of the Meng household who have registered for the Imperial Exam please enter the hall to prepare."

"Young Master, Young Master, wake up! Don't sleep anymore, it's time for the exam." Xiao Cui shook him gently.

"Young Master, you’ve had a good rest, but I haven't been idle. Look, in just this short time, I’ve cleaned your room so well it’s as if it’s ascended several levels. It’s a pity, though—I cleaned too quickly, and there are still some stains hidden in places I can’t see."

Meng Yuxi stood up and pointed to the small piles of toys scattered messily on the floor. "You call this clean?"

Xiao Cui blushed and wanted to argue, but Meng Yuxi waved her off.

"Help me change."

"Yes, Young Master." Xiao Cui bowed and produced a snow-white set of robes, as if she had prepared them long ago.

"Fourth Brother! Over here!"

Meng Xueqiao waved from a distance. He had arrived early and saved a seat for Meng Yuxi—the first seat in the third row, just as he had done for him outside the Biyun Pavilion.

"Fourth Brother, this outfit is a bit plain, but on you, it really makes you look tall and distinguished." Meng Xueqiao tugged at Meng Yuxi’s sleeve as he spoke.

Meng Yuxi nodded. "Fifth Brother, you’ve changed into new clothes as well; this outfit is truly fine."

Meng Yuxi noticed that the seating arrangement in the hall spoke volumes. The students in the front rows of the Meng estate were all dressed in elegant, luxurious attire, with expensive gold or jade accessories at their waists. The further forward one sat, the more refined the clothing and accessories became. His own simple white robes seemed increasingly conspicuous.

The gate of the Meng estate acted like a divide. While the students outside the gate used the same desks and stools as those inside, their clothing clearly marked them as children of common families.

Meng Xueqiao tugged at his sleeve again, and Meng Yuxi retracted his gaze, noticing rows of small characters revealed beneath Meng Xueqiao’s flashy, expensive outer coat.

"Be careful, it’s showing," Meng Yuxi whispered.