Mu Dade was the only scholar in the village, the only student who went to the Capital for the exam.

His return was a big event for the entire Er Gui Village.

Upon receiving the news, the village chief personally went to greet him.

The villagers all gathered at the village entrance.

Everyone wanted to see for themselves how much Mu Dade had changed, and if someone who had lived in a bustling place like the Capital was different from those who toiled for food in the fields!

At the village entrance, Mu Dade wore a red robe, and beside him stood Mrs. Jin, equally dressed in splendid attire.

The two of them stood at the village entrance, and when compared to the country bumpkins of the village, they instantly resembled the moon in the sky.

And the villagers looked no better than servants.

Nonetheless, everyone was still very happy.

After all, their village had produced a big man!

If they went out, they could brag a bit!

"Everyone who received the wedding sweets and cakes, come over to the Old Mu Family’s place. If you want to know what the Capital looks like, and what the people there look like, feel free to ask me," Mrs. Jin greeted the villagers warmly.

The village women envied Mrs. Jin on one hand, and on the other wanted to gain some benefits from her.

So when Mrs. Jin spoke, everyone agreed.

"That would be nice, I’ll go to the Old Mu Family to soak up some of that good fortune!"

"Exactly, the Old Mu Family is our village’s lucky place. First, Mu the eldest did well in the exams, and then Mu the Third opened an inn and an academy..."

The crowd picked pleasing things to say.

Mu Dade’s face flushed with a rosy glow, and he felt great joy in his heart.

The feeling of being praised was simply wonderful...

Yet there was someone who didn’t quite get it and asked deliberately while everyone was saying nice things: "Hey, Mu the eldest from the Old Mu family, how did the exams in the Capital turn out? Did you meet Lord?"

The villagers’ term "Lord" naturally referred to the current Holy Emperor.

However, they dared not mention the Emperor’s name in public.

So, they used the most common folk term.

Mu Dade’s exams were a complete disaster; he didn’t even pass the first round. How could he have met the Holy Emperor?

His face turned red, just as he was about to speak, Mrs. Jin stepped in first!

"The current Holy Emperor is worth his weight in gold, not even high-ranking officials can easily meet him!"

This statement effectively provided support for Mu Dade.

Mu Dade quickly agreed: "Yes, the Holy Emperor is not so easily met!"

"So did you become the Champion Scholar?" the person continued to ask!

Prior to returning, he had prepared for questions about his exam results, but being asked so directly in front of everyone was a little jarring for Mu Dade.

"I... I didn’t make it!" Mu Dade said.

"Ah? You didn’t make it, I thought you did! Made such a big fuss, got me all excited for nothing!"

The villager who initially asked quietly muttered.

However, this mutter was extremely noticeable when everyone held their breath!

Mu Dade’s face instantly turned crimson, and he began to stammer.

He felt utterly humiliated and wanted to leave quickly.

Mrs. Jin, on the other hand, was much more composed.

Mrs. Jin had anticipated such questions, so she had prepared her answer!

Mrs. Jin quickly spoke: "The journey wasn’t easy. I won’t even mention the long trip; the entire Da Ning Dynasty had hundreds, even thousands of students. Each of them was exceptional, and the competition was fierce!

Besides, the Capital is the territory of high-ranking officials and nobles. Without connections, outsiders have a hard time surviving there!

This time, the top scorer wasn’t just anyone; he was the Prime Minister’s son!"

Mrs. Jin used quite the method.

First, she told the villagers that the imperial exam was highly competitive.

Then she mentioned that the court is dominated by the elite, finishing by saying the top scorer was the Prime Minister’s son.

Naturally, people began to overthink.

They believed the Champion Scholar was predetermined.

Sure enough, people began to comfort Mu Dade.

"Mu the eldest, whether you’re the Champion Scholar or not, you are our Er Gui Village’s pride!"

"Exactly, our village’s first scholar!"

"If not this year, let’s keep trying. You didn’t give up on being a scholar, and you succeeded!"

"Perhaps three years from now, you’ll be the Champion Scholar, and then our Er Gui Village will be a Champion Village!"

Everyone chimed in one after another.

The shadow in Mu Dade’s heart was completely swept away.

Seizing the moment, Mrs. Jin spoke again: "We have some good news to share. Our Dade will later take up the role of registrar in the county. Although it’s not a great position, he will be working next to the County Magistrate."

After Mrs. Jin finished speaking, the villagers were stunned.

Even though they didn’t know what position a registrar was.

As soon as they heard Mu Dade was going to be a county official, they were instantly full of admiration for him.

The man who previously wanted to embarrass Mu Dade also slunk away.

The eyes of the crowd made Mu Dade feel light-headed.

He waved his hand, "It’s just an insignificant post, but I’m from Er Gui Village, and even if I go to the county, I will work tirelessly for our village!"

Upon hearing this, the villagers were even more delighted.

They all felt they had strong backing.

And it was in the county.

Some even thought Mu Dade’s help in the county would be much greater than in the Capital.

None of them could ever go to the Capital, but they had opportunities to go to the county.

And the county governs Qingshan Town.

If something happens in town, they can mention Mu Dade’s name, can’t they?

In short, with connections, everything is easier!

"Everyone, Dade and I are heading back. Will you join us or rest at home?" Mrs. Jin asked again.

They all replied in unison, saying they would go to the Old Mu Family.

Some even said they would head back to get things to give Mu Dade.

Mr. Mu finally reached the entrance of the village, looking at the elegantly dressed Mu Dade, feeling a rush of excitement.

"Dade..." Mr. Mu yelled.

Mu Dade looked up to see Mr. Mu in dirty clothes.

Having just gone through something significant, Mr. Mu didn’t look well.

Not only did his complexion look bad, but his eyes were sunken.

Also, Mu Dade’s visit was too sudden, he hadn’t changed into his nicer clothes.

Mu Dade found it somewhat unsightly. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

He even thought that Mr. Mu did it on purpose.

Knowing he was coming home today, wearing such shabby clothes, did he want others to think he abused his father?

"Dade, you’re finally back... I missed you dearly!" Mr. Mu shouted again.

Only then did Mu Dade speak: "Father, I’ve returned. You’ve suffered, I am unfilial. Tomorrow, I will take you to town to buy clothes!"

Upon hearing Mu Dade’s words, Mr. Mu instantly realized!

"Ah, I forgot to change clothes, I’ll do it now, I’ll do it now..."