Who Said a Study Servant Can’t Win the Imperial Exam?

Pei Jian was set to meet his classmates.

Cui Xian returned to the Pei Mansion alone.

Lying on the soft bed, he recalled the morning events at the Classroom, the angry expression on Wu Qinglan’s face as he emerged from the Inner Room, and a smirk appeared on Cui Xian’s lips.

Teacher had definitely seen his ugly handwriting.

There was likely a note left on it.

Tomorrow, after going to the Classroom, he would find a chance to check the comments.

But they were probably not complimentary.

His gaze swept over the luxurious bedroom of the Pei Family, and the smile slowly faded from Cui Xian’s lips.

The ‘Genius Prodigy Plan’ was already in motion.

The money-making plan also needed to be prioritized soon.

As Cui Xian pondered how to logically draw Pei Jian into the ‘Clay Doll’ and ‘Mohoulo figurine’ toy business to make money-

“Young Master is back!”

A maid’s voice echoed through the courtyard.

Cui Xian quickly scrambled out of bed.

Meanwhile.

“You’re saying that this young man named Cui Xian, through an imaginary Mohoulo figurine, spotted you in the vast crowd, dazzling and shining?”

“He was captivated by your charisma, convinced of your handsome, generous, magnanimous, open, excellent nature, and full of noble character.”

“And so he wholeheartedly recognized you as his elder brother, even thinking you are a Top Imperial Scholar?”

“Does that make sense?”

After listening to Pei Jian’s story.

Zhuang Jin, Li Heyu, and Gao Qi were all wide-eyed.

Yet, they were secretly envious.

Pei Jian, proud and pleased: “It makes perfect sense. I’ve always been this outstanding.”

His three friends instantly made a gagging gesture.

Pei Jian, furious.

But soon, he calmed down and courteously bowed to his three friends: “That’s the way it is, now you know.”

“From here, you either scram or follow me back to the mansion. Of course, if you come along, watch your language. If you dare to undermine me in front of my junior brother, I’ll kill you!”

Zhuang Jin and the others exchanged glances, then unanimously extended their hands towards Pei Jian.

“Go to your house, and give each of us ten taels as hush money, and we promise not to undermine you. Otherwise, heh heh…”

Such scoundrels!

Pei Jian cursed aloud but reluctantly paid up.

Thus.

When Cui Xian heard the Young Master was back, he opened the door of his room and stepped out.

He then saw Pei Jian, followed by three young men peeking out curiously like inquisitive children.

Cui Xian, slightly confused, looked questioningly at Pei Jian: “Big Brother?”

Before Pei Jian could explain.

Zhuang Jin stepped forward enthusiastically: “You must be Cui Xian, Pei Jian’s junior brother, right? Hello, hello. Ahem, look at me, do I seem elegant and intelligent? I mean, do you feel the impulse to recognize me as your big brother too?”

Gao Qi pulled Zhuang Jin back and addressed Cui Xian: “Ignore this fatso. Look at me, I even have pecs and biceps! Impressive, right? Got the urge to recognize me as your big brother?”

Li Heyu, lagging behind, was desperate to get closer to Cui Xian but was blocked by Zhuang Jin and Gao Qi.

Only able to rely on his height, Li Heyu stood on tiptoes at the back, waving at Cui Xian. “Cui Xian, hello! Actually, I… I’m also very outstanding. I’d make a great big brother too!”

Cui Xian: “…”

What kind of scene is this?

As it turned out, after listening to Pei Jian’s smug recounting earlier, these three so-called friends had acted indifferent on the surface but were secretly green with envy.

Recruiting a junior brother in the middle of the street? It sounded so heroic, so full of flair! It was the kind of thing that gave someone real presence.

So, the moment they saw Cui Xian, the three of them immediately started competing to “recruit” him.

Pei Jian’s face darkened with anger upon hearing their antics.

These three scoundrels! Their goal wasn’t just to extort money-they were trying to steal his junior brother!

But surely, Cui Xian, who admired him so much as a big brother, wouldn’t be swayed… right?

Pei Jian didn’t speak up immediately. Instead, he secretly glanced at Cui Xian with a hopeful expression.

Cui Xian understood.

He took a few steps back, shook his head at the three eager boys staring at him, and said, “Apologies. In this life, I, Cui Xian, only recognize Pei Jian as my big brother! He treats me so well-he’s the best big brother in the world!”

Pei Jian burst into hearty laughter upon hearing this, his expression brimming with smug satisfaction.

Zhuang Jin, Gao Qi, and Li Heyu, who had just been rejected, looked at Cui Xian’s glowing, admiring gaze directed at Pei Jian. Their hearts sank with disappointment, yet they couldn’t help but feel envious.

In their minds, they fantasized about walking through a bustling crowd, only to have Cui Xian suddenly spot them. His eyes would light up with excitement as he exclaimed, “You are the most outstanding big brother I’ve been searching for during my eight years of wandering the world!”

The thought alone sent shivers of delight down their spines.

Pei Jian, noticing the sour jealousy on his friends’ faces, couldn’t help but feel even more triumphant. He cast them a smug glance before turning to Cui Xian and explaining, “These are my three classmates. They were just joking with you earlier, so don’t take it to heart.”

“Let me introduce them. This… uh, round young man here is Zhuang Jin, ten years old. His father is the richest man in Nanyang, with countless businesses spanning over a dozen industries. Do you remember the marketplace where we first met? That entire street belongs to his family.”

Zhuang Jin straightened his posture with a reserved air, his eyes filled with anticipation as he looked at Cui Xian.

“This tall young man here is Li Heyu, eleven years old, the same age as me. His father is a renowned master architect in Henan Province. Structures like the Nanyang Yamen, the Yamen headquarters, and even the entire Funiu Alley were all built by his father and ancestors.”

Li Heyu also stood up straighter, trying to appear dignified.

“And lastly, this burly one here is Gao Qi, ten years old. His father is a Battalion Commander in the Nanyang Guard.”

Gao Qi lifted his chin proudly, though his gaze kept darting toward Cui Xian.

After hearing Pei Jian introduce the three boys and their backgrounds, Cui Xian’s eyes lit up. Internally, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!”

So this was the kind of circle Rich Boy Pei Jian hung out with? Truly impressive!

First, there was the son of the richest man in Nanyang-wealthy, well-connected, and resourceful.

Then, the son of a master architect-skilled, knowledgeable, and talented.

And finally, the son of a Battalion Commander, a man of authority and influence. In Nanyang County Town, such a background was practically synonymous with “truth.”

And then there was Pei Jian himself, from a family with two provincial graduates. He had prestige, connections, and resources.

Previously, Cui Xian hadn’t paid much attention to Pei Jian’s group of privileged friends.

But now, after hearing their backgrounds, he realized something extraordinary. These four, when combined, represented a powerful alliance of “scholar, merchant, artisan, and soldier,” capable of tackling virtually any challenge in Nanyang County Town!

It became clear that these Young Masters weren’t just casual companions; their families had likely orchestrated this friendship from the start. Childhood playmates today, mutual allies tomorrow-classic rich-kid strategy.

For Cui Xian, who was planning to start a toy business, the process of crafting, distributing, and selling would be as effortless as child’s play with these Young Masters involved.

Under normal circumstances, a farmer’s son like Cui Xian would never cross paths with such elite company, despite living in the same region.

But fate had other plans.

Thanks to Pei Jian, the “ultimate resource connector,” these influential Young Masters were now eagerly watching Cui Xian, their eyes brimming with anticipation, waiting for his response.

Since they were practically lining up to be persuaded-no, befriended-how could Cui Xian possibly refuse?

“Wow!”

Under their expectant gazes, Cui Xian widened his eyes in amazement. “Big Brother, your friends are incredible! Handsome, upright, intelligent, and full of gentlemanly grace! Standing together, you’re like the dazzling Nanyang Four Great Talents, inspiring awe and admiration wherever you go.”

Wait-what?

The Nanyang Four Great Talents?

The moment those words left his mouth, the faces of the four Young Masters flushed red with excitement, their composure crumbling under the weight of sheer exhilaration.

Each of them straightened their posture, adjusted their attire, and began imagining themselves walking side by side through the streets, with passersby gasping in amazement: “Look, it’s the Four Great Talents!”

They could barely contain their delight.

These Young Masters, notorious for their lack of academic prowess, had spent their lives enduring ridicule and scorn wherever they went.

To put it bluntly, the compliments they’d received over their entire lifetimes didn’t even come close to the lavish praise Cui Xian had just showered upon them. His words were so artful, so satisfying, that they were utterly captivated.

Just like Pei Jian before them, the three privileged Young Masters were instantly “hooked.”

Cui Xian wasn’t just charming; he had a way with words that made them feel understood, as though they’d found a kindred spirit-a soulmate, even.

He, Cui Xian, truly understood them!

Everyone else saw them as foolish and useless.

But Cui Xian-he saw through their handsome exteriors and recognized the cleverness and pride hidden deep within their hearts!

“Yes, yes, we are indeed the Nanyang Four Great Talents!”

“Cui Xian, Junior Brother, you have such sharp insight-truly a discerning eye for talent!”

“You’re definitely our friend now. No question about it!”