Shocking! In this matriarchal society, every man wants to marry me!

Zhongtian sensed that Yue Xingxi's words had a hidden meaning, but Yue Xingxi quickly changed the subject: "I received a message from the palace."

Le Xingxi grew up in the palace and had some connections there.

Zhongtian composed himself and asked, "Do you know why His Majesty suddenly had this idea?"

"His Majesty suspects someone of cheating in the imperial examinations!"

"..."

Le Xingxi continued, "In the past two years, all the successful candidates in the imperial examinations have come from aristocratic families. There isn't a single scholar from a poor family. Although it's true that students from poor families have limited opportunities to study, the fact that there isn't a single one is too outrageous and strange!"

"Your Majesty wishes to come down and see for yourself whether it is truly that there are no pillars of society in humble families, or whether someone is sabotaging things?"

Nakata understood the situation perfectly well; as long as His Majesty didn't actually want to participate in the imperial examinations, that would be fine!

What Nakata needs to do is to fabricate a false identity for His Majesty.

This status cannot be too high, otherwise it will attract attention; if it is too low, it will cause unnecessary trouble.

After thinking for a moment, Nakata described His Majesty as his cousin, a bookworm who only cared about studying.

Nakata consulted His Majesty, and His Majesty agreed.

Zhongtian first spread the word that his cousin was preparing for the imperial examination.

This cousin is the only child in her family, which is quite wealthy. She is extremely willing to spend any amount of money to help her get into university.

Some people saw large amounts of gold and silver being carried into the Zhong residence. According to leaked rumors, it was all intended to bribe officials from various departments.

Someone's gaze was quietly fixed on the Zhong residence.

Three days later, the fish took the bait!

When Shi Shu and Xia Muning returned from shopping, a slip of paper with only an address was secretly slipped into their arms.

At night, Nakata arrived at this address.

Someone appeared behind her and whispered, "Close your eyes, don't resist!"

Zhongtian suppressed his physical instincts and closed his eyes. A black cloth was placed over Zhongtian's eyes. Zhongtian stretched out his fingers, but not a single ray of light shone through.

Nakata was led to a room, where the blindfold was removed. He looked around and found the room empty except for a table and two stools.

Fifteen minutes later, a woman finally came out.

Her face was covered with a black cloth, and nothing could be seen except for her eyes.

Nakata said with some dissatisfaction, "Did you make me wait this long, sir?"

"I need to make sure Manager Zhong comes alone. It's a business that could cost you your life, so you have to be careful. Didn't your cousin come with you?"

Zhong Tian smiled and said, "My cousin is oblivious to everything else and only focuses on studying. My aunt entrusted me with the entire responsibility, so don't worry, I can make the decision!"

"That's good. Did you bring your cousin's article?"

Zhongtian nodded and took out an article from his pocket. This article was of course not His Majesty's calligraphy, but Zhongtian's own writing.

The mysterious woman looked at it for a while before she managed to control her urge to turn around and leave. What utter nonsense was this article?

Zhongtian was also helpless. As a modern person who has been writing in vernacular Chinese for many years, it was already very difficult for him to write sentences in classical Chinese. Xia Muning initially wanted to polish the article, but gave up after reading the first few sentences. She was not a talented woman.

The mysterious man couldn't help but ask, "Did your cousin really study for many years?"

"Yes, I am naturally dull-witted."

Your Majesty, I am sorry! I have insulted your reputation.

"Why not consider another path?" the mysterious woman couldn't help but advise, "Some people are just not cut out for the imperial examinations."

Zhongtian feigned helplessness: "My aunt is determined to have her daughter take the imperial examination route, and she's willing to spend any amount of money!"

"Okay, but this deal will cost extra!"

For Nakata, who is now financially powerful, "No problem."

The mysterious man then calmly sat down. "We have two methods."

The first method: forcefully promote your cousin's article. However, your cousin's level of writing must not be seen by His Majesty, so in order to avoid attracting attention, she can only be placed at the bottom.

Zhongtian shook his head: "My aunt is definitely not willing. My aunt holds my hand all day long and says that my cousin is a top scholar and will become the top scholar."

The mysterious man chuckled dryly twice and said, "Your aunt is quite humorous, but we have a second option: simply replace her."

"How do we change it?" Zhongtian's expression turned serious.

The mysterious man pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. "What do you think of this article?"

Zhongtian took it and examined it carefully. Although Zhongtian couldn't write, he still had a basic level of appreciation. This was a rather excellent article. From its sharp words and clear viewpoints, Zhongtian could tell that it was written by someone with the talent of a top scholar!

Whose article is this?

"One examinee," the mysterious person naturally wouldn't reveal.

The mysterious man asked with a hint of smugness, "How is this article?"

"That's excellent!"

"If Manager Zhong's cousin writes an article like this, why would she worry about not achieving the highest honors in the imperial examinations?"

Nakata understood. Change the exam papers!

Zhongtian examined it carefully for a few moments and asked, "Could I take this article back to my elders at home for a look?"

The mysterious man shook his head warily: "That's impossible. There are several other families who have also taken a liking to the owner of this article."

Nakata cursed inwardly: This is just a competition to see who can bid the highest!

Zhongtian asked, "If my cousin could exchange for such an article, how much money would it cost?"

"Ten thousand taels of gold."

Zhongtian gasped; this price was quite high.

"This...this amount is huge, I need to go home and discuss it with my elders!"

"...Okay, give me an answer within three days. If it's late, it will be too late!"

How can I contact you?

"Go to this pawnshop and find a woman named Sun Liu. She will take you to see me!"

Nakata tentatively asked, "I doubt anyone else could afford this price except me!"

The mysterious man smiled and said, "That's not necessarily true!"

Nakata's eyes were covered with a black cloth again. When he opened his eyes, he was already on a busy street.

Zhongtian calculated the distance in his mind; it should be about half an hour's journey from here.

Zhongtian knew he was not good at writing and never thought of taking the imperial examination. He never knew that the imperial examination was so complicated and that it was like a commodity with a price tag on a shelf.

She arrived at the Zhong residence and suddenly noticed something different about the gate. The guards at the gate had been replaced by completely unfamiliar women. Shi Shu was standing at the gate, anxiously waiting for her. When she saw her return, her eyes lit up.

"Master, His Majesty has arrived!"

She suddenly had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, she went inside and saw His Majesty standing in the hall, looking at the cotton doll on the windowsill.