Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 179 - 74: The Spring Imperial Examination (Part 2)

Chapter 179: Chapter 74: The Spring Imperial Examination (Part 2)

The next day, early in the morning, Ma Chengteng didn’t ask for leave but went to work as usual. Although Ma Chengteng’s heart was boiling with anxiety, he knew very well that at critical moments like these, one must maintain composure. He wanted everyone to know he was not the least bit out of the ordinary, so when his son unexpectedly passed, people would at most think it was good luck, without harboring suspicions.

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Of course, in his heart, Ma Chengteng hoped that these were the actual exam questions; if they were, then his son would certainly pass.

The teachers gave the students a break for the last two days to rest and prepare their spirits for the examination. Ma Peng was no exception and returned home for the holidays to rest.

Lady Cheng was released, and just as the Eldest Young Master was about to rush to the exams, Granny Liu was terrified that Lady Cheng, in a fit of desperation, might pull some trick to prevent the Eldest Young Master from attending the exam. She was exceedingly worried. She personally oversaw the food, and even for the clothing, she fully entrusted it to two Personal Maids.

Granny Liu’s worries were unnecessary. Ma Chengteng took two days off because his son was taking the exams, and his superiors approved it cheerfully.

Ma Chengteng’s leave was not conspicuous, as many colleagues whose sons were taking the exams had also taken leave; he wasn’t the only one. Under such circumstances, the superiors would readily approve the leave requests. After all, which family didn’t have a son stepping onto this path? Those with personal experience naturally wanted to go home and explain to their sons what to be mindful of during the exams.

Ma Chengteng didn’t discuss the points to beware of in the exams with him. He just called Ma Peng to his study and told Ma Peng to solve a few problems he had picked out for him to review.

Looking at the questions, Ma Peng was extremely troubled. He had intended to rest well. This time, without his teacher or father needing to say it, he knew he had no hope, as he lacked confidence in himself. The exam was upon them, and his father’s insistence on practicing questions made him very nervous.

Under Ma Chengteng’s sharp gaze, Ma Peng bit the bullet and completed his essay. Ma Chengteng, watching his son’s essay, frowned so deeply he seemed as if he could trap a few flies. Not to mention the poor quality of writing, it completely missed the main points. If these really were the exam questions, his son was bound to fail.

Ma Chengteng didn’t show his son the essay he had prepared, as he too had his concerns. If the essay came from his own hand and his son passed the exam, it would definitely attract attention. If someone found anything amiss in the essay, it could lead to disaster. So, although Ma Chengteng was utterly dissatisfied with Ma Peng’s essay, he still patiently pointed out its flaws and then instructed him on how to grasp the key points and how to write in a way that would satisfy the examiners.

Ma Chengteng had Ma Peng write and revise, revise and write, keeping him in the study until bed time, turning Ma Peng into a picture of misery. Even Ma Yuan thought Ma Chengteng was being too harsh and hinted tactfully, “Old Master, the Young Master will be entering the examination hall tomorrow. If he goes in such a state, I’m afraid he won’t hold up.”

Ma Chengteng waved his hand, “I have my measures.” As long as during the exam his son sees the same questions, he will be too pleased to be unable to hold up.

After two days of continuous revision, Ma Chengteng felt it was almost ready. The current essay was a version improved upon his son’s abilities, good enough to pass yet not overly conspicuous, just right.

Seven shichen before the exam, Ma Chengteng let Ma Peng rest, “Get some peaceful sleep, and do well in the exam tomorrow.” As for saying things like it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t succeed in the exams, Ma Chengteng refrained from mentioning it.

After his son went to sleep, Ma Chengteng called Ma Yuan over and asked if he had finished all the preparations. Normally, these were the responsibilities of the Lady of the house, but now with Ma Chengteng guarding against Lady Cheng, he entrusted all of the Eldest Young Master’s affairs to his confidant. Ma Yuan was meticulous in his work and could consider every aspect, so Ma Chengteng was relatively at ease.

Ma Yuan smiled and said, “Rest assured, Old Master, everything is ready.” Ma Yuan had been worried before, the Eldest Young Master was too naive to lead the family; the Second Young Master was clever but his mind wasn’t on his studies or the household. He was very anxious about the future of the Ma Family.

However, since the Eldest Young Master had secured a good marital alliance, his worries had subsided. He believed that once the Eldest Young Madam entered the household, the estate would improve. A competent Lady of the house could impact the future of a family.

Nanny Deng returned to the Lian family and handed the Jade Pendant to Yueyao, “Miss, this is from Uncle Master. Miss, what does this mean?” Nanny Deng was confused and did not understand the significance of merely giving a jade pendant.

Yueyao, looking at the jade pendant, smiled and said, “Uncle is telling me he won’t tell a second person about the matter, reassuring me to rest easy.” She had been worried that Uncle Master would ask some questions, but she did not expect him not to inquire at all and to let her know that the matter was concluded.