The distance between the prefectural city and the county was nearly a hundred li.
By the time dusk fell, Wei Tu and Wei Fei managed to reach the county gates with two-quarters of an hour to spare before they closed.
At a fork in the road, the two bid each other farewell and went their separate ways.
Wei Tu did not linger in town. He led his Qingcang horse directly toward Li Manor.
This time, unlike his previous visit, the entrance of Li Manor was far less lively. The usual crowds of visitors, the steady flow of carriages and horses—gone. The place seemed noticeably quieter.
Wei Tu waited by the side gate for a short while before Chunlan, one of the manor's maids, led him into the inner courtyard.
—
"Wei Ge'er, did you place in the Dao examination?"
After walking a short distance, Chunlan suddenly stopped in her tracks. She turned back slightly to glance at Wei Tu, lowering her head as she asked in a small voice.
"Ranking…"
Following her voice, Wei Tu looked at Chunlan's face.
He did not see any hint of jealousy or joy. Her expression remained calm, but her fingers, which were lightly grasping a silk handkerchief, trembled ever so slightly.
Ever since his martial arts training had reached a certain level, he had become keenly observant of people's subtle expressions and micro-movements.
"Twelfth place in the Dao examination, second-class Martial Scholar."
Wei Tu answered.
He could roughly guess Chunlan's feelings. She had likely been shaken by the reality of his sudden rise in status.
—They had all once been mere servants in Li Manor.
However, Wei Tu held no resentment toward such thoughts.
It was only natural for people to feel this way.
If the roles were reversed, he might feel the same.
As long as Chunlan harbored no ill intent, there was no need to dwell on it.
—
"Second-class Martial Scholar…"
Chunlan's face showed surprise, but upon further thought, she realized it was not unexpected.
Two months ago, she and the other maids close to Xinghua had already heard about Wei Tu's achievements in the Prefectural examination.
First place in the County examination.
Sixth place in the Prefectural examination.
With such results, securing a place in the Dao examination was not unthinkable.
A short silence followed before Chunlan snapped back to reality.
With a slight bow of her head, her expression turned apologetic.
"Wei… Laoye…"
She had changed the way she addressed him.
Although Wei Tu had no wealth to his name, with the status of a Martial Scholar, he had already ascended to a rank far above that of a mere servant. She could no longer address him so casually.
"Just call me Wei Ge'er. We've known each other since childhood."
Wei Tu shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure.
Hearing this, Chunlan felt a trace of warmth rise in her heart. She nodded, dropping the formal address and continuing to call him Wei Ge'er.
"Wei Ge'er, the Young Master also took part in the Dao examination, but he failed. He returned home this morning. When you enter the inner courtyard later, be careful not to mention it…"
Chunlan, who had grown used to looking out for Wei Tu, reminded him out of habit.
But midway through, she suddenly paused, let out a self-deprecating laugh, and said, "Ah, I'm speaking out of turn. You're different now, Wei Ge'er. You no longer need to tiptoe around Laoye and First Madam's moods."
People were treated differently.
A servant who angered the household could expect scolding at best, and punishment at worst.
But a guest of equal standing? That was another matter entirely.
Even if the masters of the house disliked it, they would have to swallow their grievances.
—
"Li Xingye failed the examination?"
Wei Tu was more intrigued by this news than anything else.
"No wonder Li Manor feels so empty today."
Now it all made sense.
The Imperial Academy and Martial Academy released their examination results only a few days apart.
Given the timing, the news of the Academy examination rankings would have just reached Qingmu County.
If Li Xingye had succeeded, Li Manor would have been bustling with guests and well-wishers.
But now?
The silence spoke volumes.
If Li Xingye had placed in the Dao examination, Li Manor would be livelier than ever—far grander than when the County examination results were posted.
After all, the County examination was just an entry-level test, while passing the Dao examination meant securing an official title and rank.
"Given Li Xingye's age, earning a Scholar title before thirty shouldn't be difficult. But… people tend to elevate the successful and trample on the fallen."
"Failing this time means his potential in the eyes of the world will take a sharp hit."
Wei Tu sighed inwardly.
If he had failed this examination…
His fate would likely be far worse than Li Xingye's.
The Dan Family, Li Manor, Huang Family—whether they would continue treating him the same was uncertain.
"Thank you for the reminder, Chunlan."
After a brief moment of thought, Wei Tu adjusted his emotions and expressed his gratitude for Chunlan's warning.
"I'll keep it in mind when I meet Master Li and First Madam in the hall."
—
Entering the guest hall, before Wei Tu could even speak, Li Yaozu was the first to address him.
"Wei Ge'er, you've returned from the prefectural city. Are you planning to stay at Li Manor for a few days? If so, there is no issue."
As soon as the words fell, Wei Tu's brows furrowed slightly—almost imperceptibly.
He sensed something off in Li Yaozu's tone. It carried an air of condescension, as if granting charity rather than offering hospitality.
This time, his visit to Li Manor wasn't for lodging.
He had come to share his good news with Xinghua and to discuss her redemption with Master Li and First Madam.
—During his time in the prefectural city, aside from training, he had also taken on commissioned letter-writing work with the help of Dan Wu Ju, earning a small sum.
It wasn't much—barely over a tael of silver.
Not enough to buy Xinghua's freedom.
But more than sufficient to pay for an inn stay.
Moreover, in the martial examination, the inner court's military strategy section also assessed handwriting.
Poor calligraphy wouldn't lead to immediate disqualification like in the literary examination, but it would affect one's score.
Just as Wei Tu was about to clarify his reason for coming, he recalled Chunlan's earlier reminder.
So, he held back.
No need to push the issue.
After all, the Li Family had helped him before.
There was no need to provoke them when they were already upset.
He wasn't so petty as to gloat over their misfortune.
Discussing Xinghua's redemption could wait for a more suitable time.
Besides, he had just earned his title—if he immediately turned around and pressed his former patron, it wouldn't look good.
"A place to stay—thank you for your kindness, Master Li."
After a moment of deliberation, Wei Tu rose and cupped his hands toward Li Yaozu, offering his thanks.
"I won't disturb you both any longer tonight."
With that, Wei Tu took his leave.
He had just walked a few steps when he suddenly ran into Li Xingye heading toward the hall.
—
Li Xingye looked disheveled—his hair was unkempt, his face haggard. His scholar's robe was sloppily worn, unbuttoned at the chest, with his belt carelessly draped over his waist.
"You disgraceful fool! What is the meaning of this?"
Li Yaozu, upon seeing the sight, immediately erupted with anger, rising from his seat in fury.
Proper etiquette begins with presenting oneself with dignity—maintaining one's posture, composure, and speech.
Li Xingye's current appearance was disgraceful.
If seen by outsiders, at best it would be considered inappropriate conduct.
At worst, it would be evidence of the Li Family's deteriorating discipline and failure to uphold their scholarly heritage.
"What does it matter…"
Li Xingye yawned, flopping lazily onto one of the straight-backed chairs in the hall.
Seeing this, Li Yaozu could only shake his head in frustration.
He assumed his son was still wallowing in disappointment from failing the examination, and so he held back his temper.
But just then—
A young maid came running in.
Her clothes were disheveled, her eyes red with tears.
She fell to her knees before First Madam Li Tongshi, trembling as she bit her lip, saying nothing.