For several consecutive days, Xiongshan County did not witness any incidents like "hanging corpses at the gate" or "the tragic death of women."
During these days, perhaps due to his inability to go out, Eldest Young Master Li of the Li family unexpectedly picked up a book and began to read seriously.
This greatly delighted Master Li, who exclaimed that the prodigal son had turned over a new leaf.
Regarding the upcoming courtyard exam in early spring, Master Li also agreed to let his son give it a try.
His son abandoning martial pursuits for literary ones was a great thing.
Going out and gaining some experience, whether he succeeds or not is really of no consequence, after all, this elder son is to inherit the family estate.
...
After several more days, the Flower Thief still did not appear.
The streets of Xiongshan County finally began to regain their liveliness. The hawking of vendors and peddlers sounded once more, shops and restaurants opened for business, the clanging of iron being struck rang out from the blacksmith shop, ox carts loaded with new ore began passing through the city gates, and a few stealthy figures appeared in front of Ruan Yu Building.
However, because Elder Ding of the Ding family had died at the hands of the Flower Thief, there was an inexplicable noise within Ruan Yu Building. But this noise was not exactly a secret, as even passersby could comment, "The descendants of the Ding family are fighting over the inheritance."
The Li family and the Tian family began to discuss the "marriage arrangement" again.
Master Li and the first lady wanted a reliable and capable woman to assist their son; the Tian family was also pleased with this prospect. On one hand, it added another layer of marital ties with the Li family; on the other hand, the Tian family was eager for Tian Yuan to leave quickly, so... the group of ravenous Tian family elders could easily pluck this ripe peach, resulting in considerable benefits for each of them.
Li Xuan's concubine was named Xu Chenhong.
Due to their relationship, Xu Chenhong acted as a matchmaker, frequently traveling between the Li and Tian families to negotiate the wedding date.
One day, as Li Xuan was reading, a servant came to relay that the first lady was summoning him.
He put down his book and quickly went over.
As soon as he entered, he heard silver-bell laughter.
Xu Chenhong looked at Li Xuan with a smile and said, "Xuan'Er now looks so refined and cultured, exuding an air of elegance. This is the demeanor of someone who will become a great official."
Laughing, she turned to the first lady beside her and said, "Sister, you are truly blessed."
Li Xuan was speechless.
However, this was quite normal.
This was how all the relatives behaved, especially the sisters on his parents' side, who would praise him excessively at the slightest opportunity without any basis.
However, the first lady listened with amusement. She knew it wasn't true, but she loved to hear it, especially when it came from her dear sister.
The first lady said with a smile, "Xiaoxuan, aren't you going to greet our guest?"
Li Xuan bowed to Xu Chenhong and said, "Little Auntie."
Xu Chenhong beckoned him over, "Good boy, come sit by Little Aunt."
Listening to the words "good boy," Li Xuan felt a bit awkward. But the resemblance in the eyes between Xu Chenhong and his mother naturally made him feel close, so he took a seat beside her as a junior.
The first lady said, "Your Little Aunt and I have discussed it and want to set your wedding with Tian Yuan at the end of spring or the beginning of summer."
In early spring, students needed to go to the Hundred Flowers Mansion in advance, rent a room for studying, and complete the registration process and the like.
Mid-spring was the time for the official courtyard exam.
Afterward, waiting for the results to be released and returning home coincided roughly with the end of spring.
Once Li Xuan was married, Master Li was ready to hand over the family business to him, as no one had ever expected Li Xuan to pass the exam.
Although the courtyard exam was the lowest level official exam, and passing it only made one a Scholar, it was not uncommon for well-read individuals to not succeed until they were in their forties or fifties.
In a way, the courtyard exam was extremely difficult.
Moreover, once someone became a Scholar, they would enjoy certain privileges, such as "exemption from taxes, and not having to kneel in court when meeting officials."
Besides, becoming a Scholar also expanded one's connections with a culture circle of "teachers and classmates," and if one were able to write some famous articles, they might become renowned.
Li Xuan glanced at his mother and Little Aunt; these two would never harm him. Although he had only seen a portrait of Tian Yuan, her character and appearance would surely not be lacking, so he respectfully said, "Alright, I shall follow Mother's wishes."
Since he had agreed, he didn't need to do anything more.
The first lady and Xu Chenhong continued discussing the auspicious dates for the wedding.
Li Xuan listened from the side, occasionally conversing about various topics with the two of them.
Li Xuan thought of "the Tian family buying the corpse of a Fog Concealing Leopard at a high price and transporting it out of town," so he casually asked in a roundabout way.
Xu Chenhong did not hide it from him, just mentioned that it was arranged by the Tian family Patriarch, seeming that someone wanted that leopard's corpse, but didn't know the specifics.
Li Xuan pondered deeply.
Meanwhile, the wedding date was quickly set.
The day was... the third day of June.
...
...
Soon, Tian Yuan also learned of the wedding date.
"The third day of June, he agreed?"
"Yes, my nephew is very pleased with this marriage," Xu Chenhong said with a cheerful smile.
Tian Yuan, being pragmatic, knew the matchmaker would only speak well, but... marrying Li Xuan was indeed the best outcome for her. Although she had not yet married in, she had already considered herself as Li Xuan's wife in many aspects.
Her long cold heart suddenly throbbed with warmth, and she smiled, saying, "If he agrees, then I also agree."
Xu Chenhong teased, "Oh, this is how a husband leads and the wife follows."
Tian Yuan laughed, called the maid to fetch candied fruits and fragrant tea, intending to chat with Xu Chenhong a while longer, but Xu Chenhong did not stay long and left immediately after delivering the message.
Tian Yuan kept smiling, standing at the door, seeing her off from afar.
But as she smiled, a hint of sadness crept into her expression.
Xu Chenhong was at least polite, unlike others who might speak with a sarcastic tone.
Her mother's family was weak and her mother had passed away early, resulting in this kind of situation.
At this moment, the maid came out carrying the fragrant tea, steam rising from it, but the hall was already empty.
The maid angrily walked to Tian Yuan's side.
Tian Yuan, however, raised her hand, indicating that she need not say anything.
The maid said coldly, "They don't know Miss's talent, they'll regret it sooner or later!"
Tian Yuan smiled.
It's alright, she was about to leave the Tian family soon.
Thinking of the man who would become her husband, Tian Yuan felt inexplicable anticipation and warmth in her heart.
...
...
As it turned out, families have never been docile sheep...
Even if there are marriage alliances between families, it's merely to maintain a "strong alliance."
If one side isn't strong or becomes weak, it's likely another story altogether.
While Li Xuan was diligently reading, "copying and pasting" words from thick books into his brain, the Li family and Tian family had already torn off their facades and began dividing the Ding family assets like hungry wolves.
Elder Ding had many heirs and concubines, which he boasted about proudly during his life.
But after his death at the hands of a flower thief, these heirs and concubines became the Ding family's weaknesses.
With many heirs, some are bound to be foolish, greedy, and self-righteous.
With many concubines, some are bound to have limited vision.
When the county was under martial law, the Ding family was in fear. But now that the flower thief suddenly disappeared, each one of them revealed their true colors, plotting for their benefit.
The old ones knew the youngsters' thoughts all too well.
Master Li and Master Tian maintained "righteousness and morality" on the surface, advocating fairness everywhere, but secretly began to divide the Ding family assets directly.
As for the family members of the Tian and Li families married into the Ding family, they were not particularly excited about it, even if someone noticed, they wouldn't take the initiative to change anything. After all... for them, even without the Ding family, their wealth and honor wouldn't disappear.
Moreover, there were many internal conflicts within the Ding family, which was also why the Tian and Li families took action.
However, this business battlefield has nothing to do with Li Xuan.
He now faced challenges from his younger brother every day.
"Brother, this book isn't meant to be read like that; just reading won't make you remember it."
"Brother, these are my notes. Take a look, maybe you'll gain something."
"Brother..."
"Brother..."
The arrogant voice echoed in Li Xuan's ears intermittently.
The foolish younger brother had no idea that his elder brother possessed the skill of "copying and pasting."
"26 points of spirit" allowed Li Xuan to achieve this.
However, this memory clearly had its limits. When he reached the ninth thick book, he started to feel a slight headache.
Still, he managed to memorize the remaining two books completely.
After memorizing them, he utilized the Li family's connections to obtain some past strategy exam questions, slowly dissecting and researching them.
The growth in spirit not only improved his memory but also enhanced his comprehension.
When he "copied and pasted," entire scenes would imprint directly into his mind.
Once he focused on a passage and read it in context, he could quickly grasp its meaning and write decent essays based on them.
Li Xuan felt these tactics should suffice for the academy exams.
Only, would his sudden engagement in study and newly gained success arouse suspicion?
He thought about it briefly and then dismissed the notion.
In this world, only by rising upward can one gain more information and greater benefits.
Who cares how the winner wins?
"Genius" and "realization"—these four words can explain everything.
As long as he relied on his own abilities, there was no issue.
However, he still had to keep up appearances.
The Eldest Young Master Li fully immersed himself in reading and studying, and even late at night, the maid could see the candlelight in his room, with his figure hunched over the desk, casting a silhouette on the oiled paper window.
Late-night lamps and early-morning roosters, this is the time for a man to study.