Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam? - Chapter 63 - The Big Fish Takes the Bait

The day after dining at Cui Xian’s home, Ye Huaifeng decided to make his move. Taking a deep breath, he donned his County Magistrate robe, adopting the mindset of a warrior heading into battle, and set off for the Prefectural government office. Many years later, Magistrate Ye would recall this moment with a sense of heroic pride and courage.

However, unbeknownst to him, at the same time in Funiu Alley, on the way to the clan school, Cui Yu was recounting the previous night’s dinner scene with a face flushed from laughter. “That Magistrate was so awkward at first, not wanting to be on equal terms with my brother,” he chuckled. “But later, to seek my brother’s advice, he swallowed his pride and called him ‘Xian’.”

Pei Jian and the others burst into laughter. Zhuang Jin joked, “If I call you ‘Xian’, and the Magistrate calls you ‘Xian’, does that make me the Magistrate’s brother too?” Gao Qi waved his hand dismissively, “We’re all brothers here. Next time we visit the County Yamen, let’s ask our brother for a cup of hot tea.”

The four young masters exchanged glances and started laughing again. The simple joys of boyhood were infectious, and Cui Xian joined in the fun. As they neared the clan school, he lowered his voice, “Brother, everyone, in a few days, I need to return to Hexi Village. Be prepared, and no matter what happens, don’t panic. Let’s stick to the plan.”

Hearing this, the young masters stiffened, their expressions turning serious. Pei Jian whispered, “Are we ready to make our move?” Cui Xian nodded. Sometimes, it seemed crazy that a group of young lads was planning to topple a powerful Vice Magistrate. If they succeeded, they’d have stories to boast about for a year!

But Pei Jian, after some thought, earnestly advised, “Xian, I know you’re smart and don’t take unnecessary risks. But remember, do your best. If it works out, great. If not, don’t be afraid. Just make sure you and your family are safe. Leave the rest to me and the Pei Family.”

Zhuang Jin, Li Heyu, and Gao Qi all agreed, assuring him that with their families backing him, they might not be able to bring down the Zhao’s family, but they could certainly protect Cui Xian and his family.

Cui Xian felt warmth in his heart at their words. He smiled, “Brothers, I know I’m not alone in this fight. After I leave, I’ll need your help. Lean in, and I’ll tell you what to do.”

They eagerly leaned closer. After hearing Cui Xian’s plan, even the usually bold Pei Jian and his friends turned pale. Wasn’t this a bit too ambitious?

Li Heyu murmured, “If we go through with this, won’t Old Wu be driven mad?” Pei Jian confidently replied, “He’ll definitely go crazy! He might even pack up and move to the countryside like Zhao Yaozu’s Teacher did.”

Zhuang Jin swallowed nervously, asking, “Xian, are you sure this will work? Old Wu may be despicable, but do we really need to push him to the brink?”

Just as the group was stealthily discussing their plans, they happened to run into Wu Qinglan outside the clan school.

Gao Qi, with his sharp eyes, was the first to spot Teacher Wu and greeted him loudly, “Hello, Teacher!”

The others were startled and quickly followed suit, politely bowing before making a hasty retreat.

Teacher Wu watched the unusually well-behaved young masters, recalling their recent diligence in their studies, and felt gratified, “Good, very good indeed!”

Meanwhile, a significant event was unfolding in the Nanyang Prefectural government office.

County Magistrate Ye Huaifeng publicly accused Vice Prefect Wu of overstepping his authority in front of all the officials in the office!

He bluntly stated that Wu was usurping power, sitting in the Vice Prefect’s position while overseeing the County Magistrate’s duties.

He even went so far as to remove his official robe and said to Vice Prefect Wu, “Why don’t you wear both robes?”

This declaration caused a stir throughout the office.

The officials widened their eyes, excitedly watching the drama unfold.

Wow, he really went all out!

Word had it that the new County Magistrate was young and brash, but this was a bit too much!

Under the scrutiny of all, Vice Prefect Wu was caught off guard, with no preparation for such an accusation.

The Prefect, unwilling to witness this spectacle, sternly reprimanded both of them, instructing them to resolve the matter privately.

Privately, indeed.

But many heard the commotion in the Vice Prefect’s chamber.

Magistrate Ye’s voice was loud and resolute, “Are you threatening me? Is that what you’re doing?”

“Don’t bother with the nonsense. It’s my first time in office; I don’t know the rules, only reason.”

“If you want to wear two robes, I’ll report you to the Prefect! If that doesn’t work, I’ll go to Kaifeng Prefecture! If that fails, I’ll head to the Ministry of Personnel in the capital!”

“In short, I’ll report you until you’re done for!”

Hiss.

Everyone who heard this drew a sharp breath.

How brash can one be?

But after this conversation, the entire Prefectural office knew-this brash young Magistrate Ye was not to be trifled with, and it was best to steer clear of him.

Unsurprisingly, Vice Prefect Wu conceded.

He was due for promotion and transfer next year, and he couldn’t afford to be caught in such a serious scandal now.

If this escalated to Kaifeng Prefecture or the Ministry of Personnel, his career would be over.

That very day, Vice Prefect Wu relinquished his power, and the committee overseeing the County Yamen was dissolved.

Under the watchful eyes of the officials, the brash Magistrate Ye strode out of the office with pride.

Then…

In a corner where no one noticed, he clenched his fists and chuckled with excitement.

He had really succeeded!

It turns out… the intricate political battles weren’t much different from a street brawl.

Thinking of this, Ye Huaifeng felt grateful for having met Cui Xian!

This young man truly possessed great wisdom, foresight, and strategic acumen!

Though only eight years old-

No, not just eight years old.

He’s my brother in spirit, my dear Xian!

The events at the Prefectural office quickly spread to the County Yamen.

Many faces changed dramatically, recognizing the reality: the Yamen was about to undergo a major shift.

Assistant Magistrate Liu and Clerk Ma, sensing the change, quickly made their exit, waiting to see what would happen next.

Zhao Zhi was so furious that he wished he could tear Ye Huaifeng apart. However, having lost his authority, he could no longer treat Ye Huaifeng with the same disdain as before. Fortunately, the Zhao’s family remained the leading gentry in Nanyang, and even with power, Ye Huaifeng couldn’t easily take down Zhao Zhi.

While Magistrate Ye was causing a commotion at the Prefectural government office, a small incident was unfolding in Zhongjing Lane. Old Man Cui, unwilling to give up, had been stealthily trying to uncover the secrets of Old Cui’s household. And as luck would have it, he found the perfect opportunity!

On this particular day, for reasons unknown, Old Cui’s eldest granddaughter, Cui Xuan, was loitering alone at the entrance of the lane. The greedy girl was fixated on a roast chicken shop outside the lane, drooling uncontrollably. Old Man Cui gritted his teeth, bought a roast chicken, and cheerfully handed it over, speaking in a familiar tone, “Hey girl, let me ask you something…”

Cui Xuan’s eyes lit up as she took the roast chicken and began devouring it without a word. Uh-huh. Old Man Cui continued, “Let me ask you something.”

Cui Xuan replied, “I’m not full yet. I’ll talk once I’m full.”

Old Man Cui, suppressing his heartache, bought her another one. After two roast chickens, Cui Xuan burped contentedly, “I’m feeling a bit sleepy, heading home now.”

Old Man Cui: ?

He coaxed and cajoled, buying yet another roast chicken to keep the greedy girl there, quickly asking, “I heard you have a brother who’s really good at studying. Do you know why?”

This time, Cui Xuan obediently answered, “Grandmother says it’s because our family’s land has good feng shui, and smoke rose from it. She buried my brother’s birth date in the ground, and he turned into a brilliant genius.”

Huh?

Old Man Cui was stunned. While he was lost in thought, Cui Xuan took the opportunity to run away. But Old Man Cui pondered, thinking that children wouldn’t lie. Could it be that Old Cui really turned her fortunes around with those few acres of feng shui land?

No matter, he decided to report this to Vice Magistrate Zhao. He heard that Vice Magistrate Zhao’s family also had a genius grandson, and officials often believed in feng shui, so perhaps he could profit from this!

Thus, Old Man Cui went to the Zhao Mansion. Zhao Zhi, having been stripped of his power, was already angry and agitated, dining with his grandson at home. When Old Man Cui arrived and recounted the story of Old Cui’s ‘feng shui land nurturing geniuses,’ Zhao Yaozu immediately exclaimed excitedly, “I knew that kid could write poetry at eight! Turns out there’s a treasure land at home.”

“Grandfather, quickly seize the Cui family’s land! Then bury my birth date there, and I’ll become a genius too, hahaha.”

Anger can cloud judgment. Zhao Zhi was already in a foul mood, and Old Cui’s family had unwisely provoked him. Whether or not it was a treasure land, he decided to seize it first.

Thus, Zhao Zhi snorted coldly, “Don’t worry, dear grandson, grandfather will take care of it for you! Even though that Ye fellow took my power, dealing with a small Cui family is still a piece of cake for me.”