High-class maid

Shen Xing'er has been extremely anxious these past few days. Counting the days, Song Wenyang should be returning to the capital soon. She wonders if the two of them can meet before he takes the imperial examination.

She was anxious, but there was nothing she could do except wait patiently.

Three days before the start of the imperial examination, someone threw a stone at Shen Xing'er's window.

"It's Brother Song!" Subconsciously, Shen Xing'er felt that Song Wenyang had come to see her. She dressed and tiptoed to open the door.

Shen Xing'er guessed correctly. Song Wenyang was standing nervously at the Shen family's door. He wasn't sure if Xing'er was asleep or if she would come out, so he had to take a gamble.

Squeak.

The sound of the door opening was so jarring in the silent night. Song Wenyang looked up in surprise and saw the girl he had been longing for day and night.

"Xing'er, you're still awake? I was worried you were asleep." Song Wenyang smiled and walked towards her, naturally taking Shen Xing'er's hand to warm it, his bright white teeth standing out in the darkness.

Shen Xing'er's face flushed red to her ears. She tried to pull her hand away, but found that the other person was holding it very tightly.

"Let's go to the same old place!" Having learned his lesson last time, Song Wenyang led her directly to the place where they had talked before.

The two stood beside the carriage, and only then did Shen Xing'er have a chance to look at him.

"You've lost weight," Shen Xing'er said with concern.

"Really? Maybe it's because the scientific expedition is just around the corner, and I'm not in the mood to eat." Song Wenyang touched his face and smiled shyly.

"Where are you living now? The scientific expedition is about to start, how can you still be out here? Will something happen to you?"

After the initial surprise, Shen Xing'er was filled with worry. She had heard that the students taking the scientific expedition were all staying at an inn. Had Brother Song climbed over the wall in the middle of the night to come out?

"Don't worry, I'll go back right away after seeing you." Song Wenyang looked at Shen Xing'er, his eyes not even blinking.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. It would be great if you could pass the exam, but if you don't, consider it a learning experience," Shen Xing'er comforted her.

"Why are you all saying the same thing? The Master said the same thing. Don't be afraid, have faith in me." Song Wenyang comforted Shen Xing'er with a smile.

"Oh, right, these are the knee pads and gloves I sewed for you. Even though it's spring now, the nights are still cold. Wearing them is better than not wearing them at all."

Shen Xing'er took out the knee pads and gloves she had secretly sewn over the past few days. Although the workmanship was appalling, the materials she used were top-notch, soft and warm, and stuffed with thick cotton.

Holding the soft equipment, Song Wenyang's heart softened as well. Having lived two lives, this was the first time someone had cared for him so much, and he was so moved that he couldn't speak.

"Well, although it's not very pretty, it's warm, so I won't feel bad throwing it away when I'm done using it," Shen Xing'er hurriedly explained shyly, thinking the other person was disgusted by her workmanship.

"I would never throw it away! I want to keep it and wear it every day!" As soon as Shen Xing'er finished speaking, Song Wenyang hurriedly said. He was joking, he was too busy collecting it to bear throwing it away.

"I didn't know if I'd be able to see you, so I only made these few. Otherwise, I was planning to make you some easy-to-digest and convenient food, but it seems there's no chance now," Shen Xing'er said regretfully.

She originally planned to make some modern rice balls for Song Wenyang, which would be easy to handle and store, and would be healthier if made by herself. However, she was unsure if she could see Song Wenyang before the scientific expedition, and she was also afraid that if she made them in advance, they would spoil, so she had to give up the idea.

"It's enough that Xing'er has this thought. How about you make it for me after I take the imperial examination?" Song Wenyang couldn't bear to see her frown, so he reached out and gently smoothed her brows, comforting her softly.

"It's my fault. I was trying to put your mind at ease, but you've ended up comforting me instead." Shen Xing'er was a little embarrassed and quickly gathered her thoughts.

“It’s alright. The fact that you’re willing to worry about me proves that you care about me. I’m overjoyed,” Song Wenyang said.

"Alright, alright, let's go back quickly. It would be a loss if the teacher found out." Shen Xing'er turned her head away as the other person's face got closer and closer.

The man, though failing to steal a kiss, wasn't annoyed. He squeezed Shen Xing'er's hand and said, "I'll take you."

After watching Shen Xing'er enter the house, Song Wenyang wanted to go to the courtyard to greet Uncle He, but when he looked at the dark sky, he gave up the idea.

"Never mind, it's the same as going back after the imperial examination." Song Wenyang muttered to himself, then turned and disappeared into the night.

Three days later, the imperial examination was held as scheduled. The entrance to the examination hall was crowded with elders and relatives who came to see them off.

Song Wenyang and the other students in the academy lined up to wait for the inspection, while the students from the capital came directly from their homes.

"Please don't be nervous, everyone. This spring examination is divided into three sessions, each lasting three days. If you have anything to say, please raise your hand. Please do not make any loud noises." The examiner looked at the seated students and loudly explained the rules of the examination room.

Looking at the small stone house, Song Wenyang knew he would be spending nine days and nights with it. The imperial examinations of his previous life were still vivid in his mind. He took a deep breath, picked up his pen, and began to answer the questions.

On the upper floor of the palace, the emperor held a telescope, a gift from the Westerners, and stared intently in the direction of the examination hall.

"Are the students taking the imperial examination today?" the Emperor asked.

“Indeed, there were over 1,600 people taking the imperial examination this time, and I reckon they have already passed by now,” said Eunuch Su.

"Is that young master from the Song family also in this imperial examination?" the Emperor asked, seemingly casually.

Eunuch Su secretly pursed his lips. Luckily, he had inquired beforehand, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to guard against the Emperor's unexpected question!

"Your Majesty, Young Master Song is in the third room of the second row. The sun shines there in the afternoon, so it won't be too cold," said Eunuch Su.

"Oh? This was your idea?" the Emperor asked.

Eunuch Su was unsure of the Emperor's meaning—was he satisfied or dissatisfied? He carefully considered his reply.

"Yes, this servant saw that Young Master Song liked it, so I secretly asked someone to take care of it for him. This servant will not dare to do it again next time!"

Never mind, I'll just confess first.

"Yes, this matter has been handled very well," the Emperor said.

Behind him, Eunuch Su stared wide-eyed. Had he actually managed to flatter him successfully?

"Give the order that Young Master Song's article be delivered to me immediately," the Emperor said.

"Yes." Eunuch Su turned and went to make the arrangements.

The Emperor squinted at the examination hall, recalling its simple conditions, and felt a pang of heartache.

If he were truly his own son, why would he have to suffer like this? Nine whole days! That rebellious third son wouldn't have been able to stay for even a day, but he insisted on staying for nine!

Unbeknownst to Song Wenyang, the Emperor was overflowing with paternal love. But even if he knew, he would disregard it, for his world no longer needed paternal affection.

After a day of exams, the examiners collected the papers, and Song Wenyang picked up a dry sesame seed cake from his package and started eating it. The exam papers in this life were the same as in the previous life, so he was confident. He even made some slight modifications based on his previous life's work, making the answers even more perfect.