Yun Jiao lowered her head, carrying a plate of pastries as she entered.

Jiang Youzhi noticed her with a slight surprise; today she seemed to have dressed with care, quite unlike her usual country girl appearance, and looked rather lovely.

Li Changqing’s gaze fell on Yun Jiao’s face, momentarily stunned. Is this what they call plain-looking?

Isn’t she quite pretty?

Well, given Lord Chief Minister’s own appearance, maybe everyone seems plain in his eyes.

If he could marry such a beautiful girl, so much younger than him, he would protect her a thousandfold.

Yun Jiao entered and placed the pastries down, sneaking a glance at Li Changqing.

Li Changqing had thick eyebrows and large eyes, though his skin was somewhat dark, yet he appeared more handsome than Young Master Zhang did that day.

Seeing Li Changqing staring blankly at her, Yun Jiao blushed red with shyness and quickly took her leave from Jiang Youzhi.

Li Changqing watched Yun Jiao’s figure disappear into the courtyard, still bewildered.

Jiang Youzhi coughed lightly behind him, "Li Juren—"

Li Changqing awoke as if from a dream, "Student, I respectfully follow your guidance, sir."

Jiang Youzhi said, "Take these few books to read first. Once finished, come back here to exchange them for others."

"With about twenty days until the spring examination, focus on memorizing more historical anecdotes and try making your essays more ornate."

Li Changqing bowed deeply to Jiang Youzhi and picked up the table books to pack them up.

Jiang Youzhi pointed at the plate of pastries, "These were made by my sister herself. Take them home to enjoy slowly."

Li Changqing excitedly wrapped up the pastries and then bid farewell.

Jiang Youzhi advised, "With the spring examination approaching, don’t overthink it; settle down and focus on studying well."

Li Changqing understood in his heart; this was hinting not to think about marriage proposals until after the spring examination.

The servant led him out. As they approached the main gate, Li Changqing suddenly saw an old man.

The old man’s face was lined with deep grooves; upon seeing him, he smiled.

In that instant, Li Changqing understood.

Yesterday’s egg was a kind of test.

Yet he also didn’t know what drew Lord Chief Minister’s attention toward him.

Once outside the gate, Li Changqing felt his heart blaze with warmth.

He knew his luck had come.

If he could successfully secure this marriage, his future would certainly be promising.

Back at his residence, he opened his bundle, carefully took a piece of pastry, and placed it in his mouth.

It was sweet and soft; he’d never tasted pastries so delicious.

After eating just one piece, he stored the pastries away and brought over the porridge cooked by his landlady, eating while browsing the newly borrowed books.

Opening the topmost book, he suddenly noticed a piece of paper inside.

Taking out and unfolding the paper, Li Changqing was stunned to find it was a silver note worth two hundred taels.

Li Changqing held the silver note, tears welling up; he put the note away, wiped his eyes dry, and continued reading.

More than a month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Li Changqing visited Duke Mansion several times to borrow and return books. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Yet he didn’t encounter Yun Jiao again.

Feeling somewhat disappointed, he returned to his rented place and studied even more diligently.

By March, the peach blossoms of Xiang City were in bloom, and the spring examination list was posted.

Yun Jiao sent a servant in the mansion to check the list.

The servant returned and said, "Reporting to the young madam, I saw the list; Li Juren passed as a scholar, though ranked rather low." Second to the last.

Yun Jiao smiled, "Passing is good."

"Thankfully, not the same rank as fellow scholar."

Yang Ying beside her said, "Shall we send someone to inform Third Young Lady? It’ll ease her mind."