The Daily Life of a Rich Peasant's Boy in the Imperial Examination

Amidst the pleasantries, Prefect Liu arrived late.

Upon seeing this, everyone quickly stood up, bowed, and greeted them.

After catching Sun Shan, this fat sheep, Prefect Liu was in an exceptionally good mood.

Upon seeing everyone, he smiled broadly, appearing as a refined and cultured scholar.

He said in a gentle and refined manner, "Please have a seat, everyone. It's a pleasure to see you all again."

A quick glance revealed that Sun Shan had no expression on his face.

Hehe, it's normal to be in a bad mood. I'll forgive you for what you've done, Magistrate Sun.

The happiest person present, besides Prefect Liu, was Magistrate Zou.

They quickly stepped forward, cupped their hands in a respectful bow, and said, "We are also very happy to be here with you, sir."

Actually, I wasn't happy at all. I lived in the same county as Prefect Liu and we met every few days, so there was nothing new about it.

Having finally escaped being fleeced, he felt incredibly happy and even felt a special warmth towards Prefect Liu.

When Magistrate Zou said this, the other magistrates echoed his sentiments.

They all expressed their deep honor at being able to meet Prefect Liu again.

Even Sun Shan, whose mood had plummeted, still had to maintain proper etiquette and exchange polite greetings.

Prefect Liu continued, "Our Chenzhou Prefecture has been peaceful this year, thanks to everyone's hard work. I must say thank you for your efforts."

The county magistrates, led by Magistrate Zou, all said they were not tired.

Prefect Liu stroked his beard with satisfaction and said with a smile, "We have good news this year. There is one more person from our Chenzhou Prefecture who has passed the imperial examination than in previous years. Congratulations!"

As she said this, she looked at Magistrate Shen of Mayang County.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Shen straightened his back and beamed with pride.

He looked at everyone with an expression that said, "My progress in this year's provincial examination is all thanks to me."

Prefect Liu continued, "I am very pleased that a student from Mayang County passed the imperial examination this year. Magistrate Shen has done a very good job in education."

Magistrate Shen grinned, chuckling modestly yet proudly, and said, "Your Excellency flatters me; this is all I should do."

After being scolded by Prefect Liu so many times, he finally received a compliment.

Magistrate Shen was instantly filled with joy and happiness, as springtime arrived.

Prefect Liu waved his hand and said with a smile, "Everyone should learn from Magistrate Shen and see how to improve education and the imperial examinations. Mayang County has not produced a successful candidate in the provincial examinations for many years, but now a student has finally passed. I am very happy. If one can succeed, ten will follow. I hope Magistrate Shen will continue his efforts to cultivate more talents for the court."

Magistrate Shen chuckled and said, "Yes, sir. I will strive to cultivate talent."

When Magistrate Liu saw that Magistrate Shen had not managed to bring up any praise for his superior, he immediately lost interest and dropped the topic.

This Magistrate Shen just got lucky. The student passed the imperial examination, which is the student's exceptional talent. What does it have to do with the mediocre Magistrate Shen?

If it weren't to highlight that his superior also had merit, Prefect Liu wouldn't have praised Magistrate Shen.

Forget it, let's change the subject. It's pointless to talk to that idiot Magistrate Shen.

After discussing the imperial examination system and its educational aspects, Prefect Liu then addressed the issue of public security in Chenzhou Prefecture.

He nodded in satisfaction: "You all did a great job in criminal matters this year. There were no major cases. Keep it up and make sure there are no more murders in Chenzhou Prefecture."

Judicial and criminal matters were assessed not only by the county magistrate but also by the prefect.

This year, Chenzhou Prefecture has been peaceful, with no serious murder cases occurring.

The people are enjoying a peaceful and harmonious time, which is truly a cause for celebration.

The county magistrates, led by Magistrate Zou, responded repeatedly, "It is all thanks to your excellent guidance, sir. We will continue to work hard to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of our county."

After hearing the compliments, Prefect Liu felt much better.

Apart from Magistrate Shen, who was like a wooden puppet in Mayang County, all the other magistrates present were shrewd and perceptive.

They speak eloquently, and their flattery is incredibly scathing.

Prefect Liu looked at Sun Shan and said with a smile, "A series of murders occurred in Changde Prefecture next door, and the fugitive fled to our Chenzhou Prefecture. Thanks to Magistrate Sun's sharp eyes and intelligence, he recognized the criminal at a glance, preventing the people from suffering again. Magistrate Sun, I must thank you on behalf of the people of Chenzhou Prefecture."

Sun Shan quickly stood up, humbly waving his hand and saying, "Sir, these are all my duties. It is thanks to your guidance that I was able to catch the criminal. Without you, sir, I would not have been able to bring the murderer to justice."

Prefect Liu nodded repeatedly, very satisfied with Sun Shan's words.

He chuckled and said, "Magistrate Sun, you're too modest. Hehe, in short, this matter was handled very well. Changde Prefecture is very grateful to Chenzhou Prefecture for bringing the murderer to justice. Hehe, everyone should learn from Magistrate Sun, especially during holidays, we must do a better job in maintaining public order."

Upon hearing this, the county magistrates repeatedly expressed that they would listen carefully to Magistrate Liu's teachings and also learn from Magistrate Sun.

However, when it comes to the serial murder case at the beginning of the year, everyone has to look at Sun Shan with a "strange" gaze.

Because this is just too amazing.

This Sun Shan seemed to have the ability to predict the future; with a casual grab, he uncovered three fugitive murderers.

What kind of magic and luck could produce such a wonderful result?

Unfortunately, most of the credit went to Prefect Liu, while Magistrate Sun could only get the leftovers.

Having discussed public security management, let's move on to the most important topic: the collection of taxes and provisions.

Prefect Liu stared intently at each of them and said sternly, "Gentlemen, you must pay your taxes this year as soon as possible, and do not delay."

He then pointed to Sun Shan and said admiringly, "Gentlemen, you should all learn from Magistrate Sun. He is always the first to hand over his work and always completes his quota on time. If you could all be as conscientious as Magistrate Sun, I would be even more pleased."

All the county magistrates turned to look at Sun Shan as if he were a complete idiot.

He muttered to himself: "Oh, no wonder Prefect Liu took a liking to him. He's just a hothead, a troublemaker."

Hehe, I'll let you be the first to submit your share, so you can complete your submission.

Hehe, that proves you have money and food there, so who else would we arrest if not you?

Magistrate Shen stared wide-eyed at Sun Shan, his eyes twitching.

It's as if they're asking: Brother Sun, have you fallen under Magistrate Liu's spell and found yourself the first to pay taxes without even realizing it?

Oh dear, this is really bad! Why are you paying your taxes so punctually? Brother Sun, you're still too inexperienced. You always strive to be first in everything, but when it comes to "taxes," you're always last. Why are you so eager to empty your pockets?

Brother Sun, why didn't you come over sooner to ask your brother how to handle this? Oh dear, you've suffered a great loss now.

Sun Shan was filled with regret, but since the money was destined to be lost, he had to maintain his good image.

So he stepped forward and said with great integrity and uprightness: "Sir, it is the duty of every county magistrate to pay taxes on time, and it is the responsibility and duty of every county magistrate to pay taxes voluntarily."

I, Sun Shan, as the magistrate of Chenzhou Prefecture, am honored to pay taxes. Your Excellency, this is all my duty, my inescapable mission and responsibility.

Prefect Liu & County Magistrates:.......