After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

The official examinations finally concluded, and the tense atmosphere gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of relaxation and anticipation. Following this period, the Imperial College's enrollment period was about to begin. Every May, the Imperial City would host a grand celebration, with candidates from all prefectures pouring into the city to compete in a fierce selection process for a precious spot in the Imperial College.

As a powerful and aristocratic family, the Duke of Tang's mansion had one student admitted to the Imperial College every three years. Tang Zipan, from the first wife, and Tang Zideng, from the second wife, had already successfully entered the Imperial College. Tang Zipan, in particular, had graduated from the Imperial College the previous year and, with the recommendation of his teacher, had successfully entered the Dali Temple, becoming a ninth-rank official. Despite his humble position, he was the first among the younger generation to enter the officialdom, attracting much attention wherever he went. The younger members of the Duke of Tang's mansion even regarded him as a role model, aspiring to emulate his path to glory.

Tang Qi, from the third house, was supposed to be admitted this time, but Tang Zichan demanded that his place be revoked, claiming he was an illegitimate child. Tang Zhengrong, from the third house, was still young and did not meet the admission requirements. Just as Duke Tang was feeling apprehensive, Tang Qi offered to determine the quota through fair competition. Everyone would take the Imperial College exam together, and whoever passed would be the best. If no one made it, the highest scorer would receive the quota. This proposal was unanimously approved, as it would give everyone a chance to participate and compete for admission to the Imperial College.

You know, admission to the Imperial College isn't easy. Every year, thousands of candidates flock from every province to compete for just one hundred spots. And that's even counting the ten spots granted to members of aristocratic families each year. Even so, competition remains fierce. After all, the Imperial City is home to numerous aristocratic families, each with numerous children of college age, so internal competition is incredibly fierce.

At this point, Tang Qi and his companions hadn't even taken the imperial examination. While nobles could directly qualify as scholars without taking the Tongsheng exam, the people in the Tang Guogong Mansion, who weren't even scholars yet, had to take the selection exam alongside Juren from across the country. Initially, they enthusiastically hoped to achieve excellent results or even pass the exam directly into the Imperial College. However, upon learning that their competitors were all Juren, the very best among the best, they immediately became dejected.

"What are you afraid of! As long as we can get the first place in the provincial examination, we can also enter the Imperial College and study with those Juren. After graduation, with the help of our family's connections, our development will definitely not be inferior to those Juren." As the elder brother, Tang Zipan encouraged his younger brothers in a firm tone.

On the day of the exam, the academy was closed for the day, and Tang Wenshu and Tang Zhengrong accompanied Tang Qi to the exam hall. Along the way, they kept reminding Tang Qi, "Try to make sure you don't make mistakes on the questions you know how to answer. It's okay if you don't know the answers, and eat more..." Finally, as Tang Qi stepped off the carriage, Tang Wenshu handed him a basket filled with all sorts of delicious treats made by Nanny Rong.

"Sister, I'm only taking the exam for one day, so I'll only have one lunch. It's not like the imperial examination takes nine days, so I don't need so much. One pancake will be enough." Tang Qi looked at the basket Tang Wenshu handed him, smiled and shook his head, reaching out to pull out a pancake. He knew the exam was tight, so a pancake would be enough to keep his mind clear, without wasting too much time.

However, when Tang Qi reached the entrance, he was stopped by the invigilators. They solemnly informed him that the Imperial College had strict regulations prohibiting candidates from bringing anything other than their own bodies into the examination hall. The academy would provide all the necessary pens, ink, paper, and inkstone to ensure the fairness and integrity of the exam. Tang Qi smiled helplessly, thinking that the Imperial College, truly a leader among academies, had considered even such details so thoughtfully. However, he couldn't help but sigh at the sheer scale of this massive exam, involving tens of thousands of people.

Tang Qi then learned that a 500-wen examination fee was required to enter the examination hall. An additional 10 wen were required to dine inside. Lunch consisted of a simple sesame seed bun and a bowl of cold water.

After paying, Tang Qi entered the examination room. However, Tang Wenshu couldn't help but lower his voice and complain to Tang Zhengrong beside him, "Second brother, the Imperial College is such a shrewd businessman! How can these pens, inkstones, and paper be worth so much? In my opinion, they're only worth fifty coins at most. And a sesame seed bun only costs two coins outside, but they're charging ten times that here. They're such a shrewd businessman!"

After hearing this, Tang Zhengrong also agreed softly, "Yes, that's really too much! After the assessment is over, they will collect the pens, inkstones, and paper and save them for the next assessment."

"Too shady!" Tang Wenshu couldn't help but sigh again, "Swindlers! So shady!"

"Am I dark?" A voice suddenly came from behind her, tinged with a hint of teasing and curiosity. Tang Wenshu subconsciously turned her head and saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince slowly approaching. A hint of surprise surged in her heart, but she quickly calmed down.

It turned out that Her Royal Highness had come specially today to inspect the examinations. Every year during the Imperial College examinations, she would personally attend, firstly to let the examinees feel the court's high regard for the Imperial College; secondly, to observe if there were any talented individuals available.

"No, no, no, you're so handsome, how could you be dark?" Tang Wenshu quickly waved her hands, a flattering smile on her face. But then, as if she had thought of something, she widened her eyes and asked, "Wait, did you arrange for the Imperial College to do this?" She couldn't believe her own guess. She was shocked that the Crown Princess, at such a young age, already had such a brilliant business acumen.

"Well, when I participated in the first inspection three years ago, I found that the candidates each brought their own writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones, which made management difficult and increased the difficulty of inspection. So I came up with this method. Part of the money obtained will be used as taxes, and part will be used for the construction of the Imperial College. It kills three birds with one stone." Zhao Rui said.

"Wow, Brother Crown Prince is amazing!" Tang Wenshu said admiringly. She looked at His Royal Highness with twinkling stars in her eyes, as if she had seen a shining idol. She was full of admiration and worship for His Royal Highness, thinking that she was not only beautiful, but also smart and wise, with an extraordinary business acumen.

After the two chatted for a while, everyone taking the exam had already entered the examination room, even the Crown Prince. Tang Wenshu and Tang Zhengrong had no intention of returning home. Instead, they found a restaurant on the street, ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, and sat there, chatting leisurely while patiently waiting for Tang Qi's exam to end. They were filled with anticipation for Tang Qi, hoping he would pass the exam successfully.