Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam? - Chapter 60 - The Whole Family Mobilizes!

By the White River.

The sky had already turned dark.

Fortunately, they finally caught Zhao Zhi’s “tail,” and the group of young brothers was quite excited.

Zhuang Jin lowered his voice and asked, “Xian, what do you think we should do next?”

Cui Xian glanced at the sky, “It’s too late today. Let’s all head back home so our families won’t worry.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

As they headed back, they realized there was still no news from Pei Jian.

Cui Xian thought for a moment, “Big Brother went to the Yamen, so it must be more challenging to gather information. Let’s meet at the school tomorrow to discuss further.”

With that, they parted ways by the river.

Meanwhile, Pei Jian, who hadn’t had the chance to report back, had indeed found something useful!

Pei Jian knew the grandson of Clerk Ma from the County Yamen.

He had been staking out the Yamen for quite some time and saw Zhao Zhi leave.

Then, he instructed Clerk Ma’s grandson to “accidentally” enter Zhao Zhi’s Vice Magistrate’s office under the pretense of looking for his grandfather.

It was a gamble.

And it paid off.

Clerk Ma’s grandson walked right in and took a tour.

When he came out, he handed Pei Jian a stack of documents, speaking with a hint of flattery, “Pei Jian-Ge, is this good enough?”

Pei Jian glanced at them casually, but his expression immediately turned serious.

He couldn’t believe his eyes and looked over them several times.

Because this stack of documents contained records concerning the “removal,” “deregistration,” and “omission” of several villages.

Pei Jian, though not literate, was sharp and quick-witted.

His instincts told him that these documents were incredibly valuable!

He quickly stuffed the papers into his coat.

Pei Jian thought for a moment and couldn’t help but ask, “How did you find these?”

Clerk Ma’s grandson replied bluntly, “There’s a hidden compartment under the desk in Vice Magistrate Zhao’s office. I found it while playing hide and seek.”

“My grandfather made several of these secret compartments, so I knew how to open them.”

“But I didn’t dare take the gold, silver, or banknotes inside. I only took these useless papers.”

Pei Jian was speechless.

What a talent.

He stared at Clerk Ma’s grandson, momentarily at a loss for words.

Seeing Pei Jian’s silence, the grandson got a bit anxious, “I really didn’t take any of the valuable stuff! Pei Jian-Ge, please…”

With the documents in hand, Pei Jian didn’t want to waste time.

He pulled out a Mohoulo figurine from his coat and handed it over, impatiently saying, “Alright, your stuff isn’t great, but I’ll give you one.”

“But you know the rules. If you dare to blab, I’ll beat you up five times in three days.”

Clerk Ma’s grandson eagerly accepted the Mohoulo figurine and nodded, “Don’t worry, Pei Jian-Ge, I won’t say a word!”

How could he dare to talk about stealing from Vice Magistrate Zhao’s office?

After watching the foolish grandson leave, Pei Jian glanced at the sky and headed to the back gate of the County Yamen.

This place was close to the constables’ Inner Room.

As he approached, a young boy timidly came over and called out, “Pei Jian-Ge.”

Pei Jian responded and asked, “Did you find out anything?”

Young Master Pei was truly born to accomplish great things. He knew how to divide and conquer. He wisely entrusted the task of “entering the Vice Magistrate’s office” to the grandson of Clerk Ma. Meanwhile, the task of finding “Da Chuan” was assigned to a young boy, whose father happened to be a constable at the Yamen.

As luck would have it, this young boy’s father was actually Constable Lin, the son-in-law of Old Man Cui. When Pei Jian spoke, the young boy whispered, “Pei Jian-Ge, I know the person you’re looking for; he’s the County Magistrate.”

What? Pei Jian was taken aback. He pulled out the portrait given by Cui Xian and asked skeptically, “Are you sure? Look again, don’t make a mistake.”

Since Ye Huaifeng, the County Magistrate, was newly appointed, Pei Jian had never seen him before. The young boy examined the portrait carefully once more and then confidently said, “That’s him! Today, I saw him come to see my dad, and my dad called him County Magistrate.”

“The County Magistrate told my dad to keep his mouth shut. If Cui Xian’s family comes asking about his identity, my dad shouldn’t say anything.”

“Oh, and he specifically instructed my dad to look after Cui Xian’s family.”

What? How did Xian get involved with the County Magistrate? Pei Jian was quite surprised. He handed the young boy a Mohoulo figurine, and the boy’s face lit up with joy as he ran off happily.

Meanwhile, in the County Yamen, Ye Huaifeng, the County Magistrate, was feeling relieved after instructing Constable Lin to keep his identity a secret. His disguise was still intact, thankfully!

Later in the evening, Vice Magistrate Zhao returned home leisurely after enjoying the hospitality of a tea merchant’s family. Upon entering, he found his grandson throwing a tantrum and breaking things.

Zhao Zhi quickly went over to console him, “Oh dear, who has upset my precious grandson again?”

Zhao Yaozu fumed, “It’s that Cui Xian again! I heard he’s been making quite a name for himself at the Pei clan school.”

“That Teacher Wu praises him as a genius every day! It’s infuriating!”

“Grandfather, didn’t you say you’d soon deal with him?”

Mentioning this, Zhao Zhi’s expression turned cold. He had initially planned to use Cui Xian as a stepping stone to elevate his grandson’s reputation. However, the poem “Ode to the Goose” had turned “Ode to New Bamboo” and the Zhao family into laughingstocks.

Zhao Zhi, accustomed to being arrogant in Nanyang, couldn’t swallow this insult. Egged on by his grandson Zhao Yaozu, Zhao Zhi resorted to a dirty trick, sending a known thief with some gold and silver to frame the Cui Family. But unexpectedly, the useless thief was caught by a lowly constable!

“Don’t worry, my dear grandson. There was a minor hiccup last time. I promise you, I’ll soon take care of that boy and his entire family,” Zhao Zhi assured his grandson with a smile, while pondering another scheme to punish the Cui Family.

With his current power and status, dealing with a common family was all too easy. He had heard that the Cui boy indeed had some talent. If so, it was all the more reason to nip it in the bud to prevent future troubles.

Coincidentally, Cui Xian was thinking along the same lines. How could he feel at ease with a powerful Vice Magistrate maliciously targeting him from the shadows?

The Cui Family.

Old Cui had been waiting anxiously, and finally, as the sky turned completely dark, she saw her two grandsons return home. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Eldest daughter-in-law, the children are home. Let’s get dinner ready.”

Lin emerged from the Main Hall. “Alright, Mother, you should sit down and rest.”

With her grandsons not yet home, Old Cui had been worried, standing at the alley entrance with hopeful eyes.

Cui Boshan lit the oil lamp, while Chen was busy soothing her young daughter. Cui Xuan helped her mother carry the dishes to the Main Hall. Everyone in the family was occupied with their tasks.

Finally, they all gathered around the dinner table in the Main Hall. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, and the dishes steamed invitingly. Each person wore a relaxed and content expression.

Ever since moving to their new home, life had been getting better and better, bringing comfort and ease.

Old Cui kept serving food to the little ones, her expression joyful. “Today, someone from the Zhuang family came by to inform us that the Mohoulo figurine shop has been chosen. We should go and take a look in the coming days.”

Since it was their first time venturing into business, the family was cautious yet filled with great anticipation. Their conversation was lively and animated.

So much so that they didn’t notice that Cui Yu and Cui Xian, the two brothers, were unusually quiet tonight. Especially Cui Yu, who kept glancing at his brother with a hint of unease. At nine years old, facing such a significant matter, it was natural for him to feel anxious.

As dinner was nearing its end, Cui Xian, after careful consideration, spoke earnestly. “Grandmother, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Father, Mother, I have something important to discuss with you.”

What is family, if not a safe haven?

Cui Xian had gathered a group of young allies, preparing to confront Zhao Zhi. But that wasn’t enough; he needed his family’s support.

Their family had worked together, moving from Hexi Village to Nanyang, putting in considerable effort. Therefore, Cui Xian was determined not to let anyone harm his family.

But even if they dealt with Zhao Zhi today, tomorrow there might be another threat from someone like Qian Zhi or Sun Zhi. Cui Xian couldn’t protect his family at all times.

He decided to lead his family in growing stronger together.

Chen, holding her daughter, smiled at his serious tone. “What’s the matter? You sound so serious.”

But Cui Xian’s next words wiped the smile off Chen’s face.

Xian-Ge’er said, “The thief who came to our house last night wasn’t here to steal anything but to plant something.”

“This person was instructed by Vice Magistrate Zhao Zhi to frame our family.”

Crash.

Old Cui’s hand trembled, dropping her bowl, which shattered on the floor. The rest of the Cui Family’s expressions changed dramatically.

In Nanyang County Town, who didn’t know of Zhao’s family’s influence?

Eldest Uncle Cui Boshan hurriedly asked, “Xian-Ge’er, are you sure? Why would Zhao’s family target us?”

Cui Xian then explained how Zhao Yaozu and Zhao Zhi had tried to use him as a stepping stone, only to embarrass themselves, leading to their resentment and intent on revenge.

In other families, at this point, the parents would likely scold the child harshly for causing such a huge problem.

But Old Cui, regaining her composure, pulled Cui Xian into her arms, comforting him. “My dear grandson, it’s not your fault, it’s not your fault.”

Cui Zhongyuan gritted his teeth. “Zhao’s family is too arrogant! Brother, tomorrow we should go to the County Yamen and report this.”

Cui Boshan nodded firmly.

The two daughters-in-law and Cui Xuan looked pale, but they managed to remain composed. It seemed they had grown over time, albeit slowly, yet far better than before when they would burst into tears at the slightest trouble.

Cui Xian wriggled free from his grandmother’s embrace and said, “Father, Eldest Uncle, Zhao’s family wields immense power. If we rashly report to the authorities, we’ll end up suffering.”

“I chose to speak up today because I’ve devised a strategy to uproot Zhao’s family.”

Goodness!

Uproot Zhao’s family?

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. That was Zhao’s family!

Under the dim light, Xian-Ge’er still had a youthful face, yet there was an unexpected air of boldness about him.

“I promised Grandmother to bring glory to the Cui Family. How can I let Zhao Zhi hinder our bright future?”

Then, Cui Xian detailed his investigation into Zhao Zhi with his group of young friends.

The family listened, their hearts pounding with fear.

Xian-Ge’er truly had guts!

Cui Xian continued, “Regarding the land annexation, since we’ve caught him red-handed, we have room to maneuver.”

“But Zhao Zhi holds power and stands behind the scenes. Failing to frame us, he will surely try again. That’s what we need to be wary of.”

“Unknown dangers are the most frightening.”

“Therefore, we must take the initiative, guide Zhao Zhi to ‘persecute’ us, and turn unknown dangers into known ones.”

His words were clear, his logic smooth, and his expression carried a confident assurance.

Unconsciously, everyone in the Main Hall felt much more at ease.

Old Cui said, “Xian-Ge’er, go on, tell us your plan.”

Cui Xian raised his head, “Our family’s thirty acres of land-let’s find a way to let Zhao Zhi seize it. First, to control the risk, and second, I need to intervene in the land annexation case as a victim to challenge Zhao’s family.”

Gasp.

Upon hearing this, the whole family drew a sharp breath.

They had just moved from the countryside and hadn’t yet completed their social ascent.

The land was their lifeline!

So no one spoke up.

After a long silence.

Old Cui gritted her teeth, “Alright. Xian-Ge’er is right; known dangers are better than invisible unknown ones that keep us on edge.”

Cui Xian was surprised by his grandmother’s resolve.

Then.

He continued, “As for how to make Zhao Zhi target our land, let’s use Old Man Cui next door to ‘help’ us.”

“We’ve already separated from him, and to prevent him from taking advantage in the future, it’s best to draw a clear line early.”

“Our Cui family doesn’t need these so-called relatives. We’ll establish our own family tree.”

What a bold move to establish their own family tree!

Facing such a formidable enemy as Vice Magistrate Zhao, eight-year-old Xian-Ge’er showed no fear.

Instead, he planned strategically, ready to engage in a battle of wits!

Such youthful courage was truly admirable.

But, the enemy was Zhao’s family!

Old Cui, though having made a decision, still trembled as she asked, “Xian-Ge’er, are you confident?”

Under the oil lamp.

Her young grandson smiled brightly, his eyes clear and confident, “Within a month, Zhao Zhi will surely meet his end!”

This…

What audacity!

Before the family could speak.

Cui Xian suddenly turned to Cui Yu and asked with a smile, “Brother, how was your visit to Zhao Mansion today?”

Cui Yu replied, “I didn’t see inside, but the outside was very luxurious, the entrance especially grand.”

Then.

Cui Xian raised an eyebrow and smiled at the family, “Establishing our own family tree, how can we do without a grand mansion? This courtyard is too small, and we have to pay rent; it’s inconvenient for long-term residence.”

“If that’s the case, let Zhao’s family turn to dust in the wind, and we’ll replace it with the Cui Family plaque!”

“What do you say, Grandmother, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Father, Mother? Shall we join forces and fight Zhao Zhi for a bright future for the Cui Family?”

Heavens!

Just one simple sentence ignited the blood of the entire family.

Xian-Ge’er, this child, truly possessed courage and vigor!

A moment ago, the whole family was tense and fearful.

Now, they were no longer afraid!

Instead, each of them was energized, ready for ‘battle.’

Zhao’s family has gone too far; the Cui Family will unite, join forces, and fight to protect our own!

Old Cui looked at her grandson with flushed cheeks and made the final decision, “Xian-Ge’er, you lead, and our whole family will follow your command!”