Chapter 50: The Grand Examination

“Greetings, Uncle!” Upon seeing Bai Shang, Wang Yu greeted him with a bow in accordance with Confucian etiquette.

At first meeting, Bai Shang, Wang Yu’s future father-in-law, appeared quite refined and scholarly. Every strand of his hair was neatly in place, every button carefully fastened—he resembled the typical upright and solemn image of a great Confucian scholar.

Given Bai Shang’s current status, it was only proper for others to address him as a great scholar. Perhaps he had once been an ordinary Confucian student, but having risen to such prominence, even lacking the erudition of a true master, he was treated as one.

“No need for such formality, Yu. Consider this your own home; feel free to be at ease,” a graceful and elegant lady warmly said as she helped Wang Yu to his feet, while instructing the servants to receive the gifts Wang Yu had brought.

This was Xu Youruo, the mother of Bai Ruolan and also the aunt of Xu Qing.

Standing beside Bai Shang and Xu Youruo was Bai Ruolan herself. Today, she wore a delicate willow-green palace gown, her figure slender and graceful as she stood beside Bai Shang.

Bai Ruolan’s face was as serene and composed as ever, showing neither joy nor displeasure. This was understandable; although their union had long been arranged and destined to be lifelong, they had known each other for only two months and had limited interaction during that time.

Their first meeting had even been somewhat awkward...

“Yu, please have a seat,” Bai Shang indicated a chair to his left.

“Indeed, the last time I saw you was over a decade ago. Time flies,” the future patriarch sighed with a hint of nostalgia.

“Uncle, your demeanor remains as distinguished as ever,” Wang Yu replied sincerely.

To be honest, although Wang Yu had inherited the memories of his predecessor, they were mostly of significant events. Childhood memories, including any encounters with Bai Shang, were likely forgotten even by the original Wang Yu. Naturally, he could not recall meeting this future patriarch as a child.

Still, such matters were best left unspoken.

“How has Duke Wang been in recent years?” Bai Shang asked immediately, perhaps because of the good relations once shared between Bai Chang and Wang Chang, Wang Yu’s father.

“My father remains robust and often speaks fondly of Uncle. He has frequently mentioned the friendship you once shared,” Wang Yu said without hesitation.

“Though you and Ruolan have been betrothed for some time, it has not been publicly announced. You have not met since childhood, and you have spent the past three years in the capital. You two must grow closer,” Bai Shang said solemnly after a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Though Bai Shang had a son, the boy was mediocre—a far cry from his father’s stature—and thus did not earn his favor. Bai Shang instead doted on Bai Ruolan, his intelligent and lively daughter.

In the Tianqi Continent, though men generally held higher status, women—especially talented ones—also possessed certain standing. Many women served as officials, so there was no absolute male supremacy.

“Ruolan is both graceful and wise, exceptionally gifted. To spend your life with her is your great fortune!” Wang Yu nodded earnestly.

He was indeed pleased with Bai Ruolan. Though their interactions were limited, she was a girl who understood propriety; she would not ask about matters Wang Yu did not volunteer. Most importantly, a beautiful lady was rarely unwelcome!

“By the way, the great annual examination at Dacang Academy is approaching. You must be aware of this,” Bai Shang said, satisfied after Wang Yu’s assurances, but then shifted the topic.

The Dacang Academy’s year-end examination was held once every year. Now that November had arrived, the exam was imminent.

The difficulty of the exam depended largely on one’s luck. Some might receive simple tasks, while others could be assigned exceedingly troublesome missions.

Likewise, those with good fortune might complete their tasks with ease. Those less fortunate might be sent to remote locations far from the capital, requiring weeks of travel—sometimes over a month—making it impossible to return for the New Year.

“Is there something unusual about this year’s exam?” Wang Yu inquired.

Seeing Bai Shang’s serious expression, Wang Yu knew this was no casual remark; there was something he did not yet understand.

“No matter. It’s not a major matter, but I thought you should be informed in advance so you can prepare,” Bai Shang said gravely.

Wang Yu suspected that Bai Shang’s words hinted at complications beyond what he admitted.

“Please speak plainly, Uncle!” Wang Yu urged, alert and attentive.

“In recent years, the northern regions have grown increasingly unstable—great military conflicts are rising. The three princes eye one another warily. More seriously, natural disasters and man-made calamities have struck continuously. Various provinces have suffered in succession, allowing banditry to persist and disorder to spread,” Bai Shang said with evident concern.

“Is this year’s examination related to bandit suppression?” Wang Yu asked, his tone serious. He had noticed the deliberate emphasis on the phrase “banditry persists.”

Indeed, for at least the past three years, the martial disciples’ annual examination at Dacang Academy had consistently involved bandit suppression missions, revealing the chaos lurking beneath the surface in each province.

Moreover, the bandit problem was far from solved. With no peace for the common folk, some were driven to desperation. Some bandits even operated with the tacit support of corrupt officials, who used them to amass illicit wealth.

Henan Province was somewhat better off, housing the imperial capital and guarded by 800,000 elite troops—no fool dared cause trouble there.

“Yes. This year, Hebei, Southern Yan, and Guangyin provinces suffered floods. Many disaster survivors turned to robbery to survive. But in Southern Yan Province, a particularly fierce group of bandits has emerged,” Bai Shang continued.

Southern Yan Province, judging by its name, lay close to Wang Yu’s hometown of Northern Yan Province. In fact, Northern Yan bordered Southern Yan directly. To the south of Northern Yan, westward was Hebei, and just east lay Southern Yan.

While Wang Yu was unaware of Southern Yan’s precise condition post-disaster, he had passed through Hebei Province on his way to the capital and had some understanding of the flood’s impact there.

In such circumstances, it was not unusual for destitute survivors to become bandits.

Yet, the question remained: to what extent had the bandits in Southern Yan grown that Bai Shang, a high-ranking official, would label them as “fierce bandits”?