Chapter 287 - 195: Ten Thousand Demon Nation
Chapter 287 - 195: Ten Thousand Demon Nation
The low-profile Feng Qing’an quickly entered the city and found the residence that Zhao, the housekeeper who had arrived before him, had prepared for him. It was just a simple house with three entrances and three exits.
‘What? The imperial examination has been postponed?!”
Feng Qing’an, who had just settled in, quickly received news that left him stunned. This news naturally came from Zhao, the housekeeper who had already established a footing in Fengtian Prefecture City.
“Yes, the timing of the imperial examination was postponed by a month, to be held in the first half of next month, but the specific date has not been set.!”
Housekeeper Zhao respectfully reported.
“What happened? Has such a thing happened in Da Jin before?”
Feng Qing’an was somewhat shocked when he heard about the postponement of the examination. If he had known about the delay, he would have taken his time travelling and eating along the way, rather than rushing here and missing out on many delicacies.
“This is the first time in this dynasty that this has happened. The scholars who came to take the exam had already surrounded the official residence several times. ”
Although it was a bit presumptuous to inquire about the imperial examination from a two-hundred-year-old old warrior, the postponement of the examination was indeed unprecedented, and the scholars who had come to take the exam were already raising a ruckus.
Many examinees represent not only themselves, but also their parents, bearing the heavy expectations of their entire family. A sudden delay of one month is a test of their mental state.
It would be acceptable if it was just a delay, but they didn’t even announce the exact examination date. This made people anxious. If the time was almost up, but they postponed it again, who could bear it?
“Didn’t the government issue an official document explaining the reason?”
“Not yet!”
Zhao, the housekeeper, cautiously looked at the young master, whose face still carried a hint of regret and dissatisfaction. There was a touch of awe in his eyes.
Over the past few months, riding on the coattails of the young master, he had naturally integrated into Fengtian Prefecture City and established some special information networks. The reason for the postponement of the examination was mentioned in a rumor, but without confirmation, he didn’t dare to speculate.
“However, among the nobles in the city, one rumor is circulating!”
“The Nobles?”
Feng Qing’an perked up when he heard this. He looked at the old housekeeper with the white hair in front of him and complimented him,
“Impressive! In such a short time, you’ve managed to mingle with the nobles of Fengtian Prefecture, and even been able to glean information from them! Well done!”
“I dare not take credit for it. It’s all thanks to your reputation, young master.
Those nobles were the ones who sent people to contact me!”
Upon hearing such praise, the housekeeper Zhao sincerely replied.
He couldn’t take credit for this achievement; he knew his standing.
Although in the martial world, he was highly respected as an old veteran, to young and inexperienced martial artists, he was a rare and extraordinary figure.
Even if he was to join the government, he could seek a minor official position. With some effort, high-ranking officials and posh offices would be within reach. However, to the noble class of Da Jin, he, a mere warrior, was hardly considered much.
At best, he was considered a strong enforcer. Without a notable reputation, an old and declining warrior like him didn’t have the privilege to interact with them, let alone qualify to serve at their door.
“My reputation? Hmm, interesting!”
Feng Qing’an, having heard this, picked up on the hint. He decided to return to the original topic,
“Talk about the rumor!” “It has something to do with you, young master!” (What) “With me?”
Feng Qing’an’s eyebrow rose with interest,
“How so? How could the exam postponement be connected to me?”
“Because you’re taking the examination.The exam was postponed, so as not to delay you and shackle you to wait for another three years!”
“Nonsense! I only set out the day before yesterday, heading for Fengtian City. Before that, I had been staying in the middle of the Wave River. If I didn’t come, would they have postponed the exam indefinitely? They might as well cancel it!”
Hearing this reason, Feng Qing’an instantly dismissed it. He took the examination more as a lark, something he could give up at any time. He didn’t aspire to join the government. After seeing so many corrupt officials, his interest in becoming one waned increasingly.
Hence, he admired his elder brother, who was willing to serve in the government alongside such a bunch of beasts in human clothing. He wondered how his brother put up with these guys.
Corrupt officials will always exist. As long as there is power, there will be corruption. This is human nature, ineradicable. Thus, small acts of corruption could only be ignored.
“Please don’t be angry, Master. I’ve already said that this is just an unconfirmed rumor. I find it absurd too. But since it concerns you, Master, I thought it fit to inform you!”
“Alright, I have been traveling for days and am quite weary now. You may go.
You have had a hard time these days!”
‘Yes!”
Watching the visibly nervous old warrior leave, Feng Qing’an couldn’t help but fell into thought. Although he found the rumor too preposterous, he thought it might have something to do with him.
However, after giving it some thought, Feng Qing’an shrugged off the rumor. Normally, the Da Jin court would never make such a brainless move.
When the examination date was near, he had been staying in the middle of the Wave River without any intention of rushing for the exam. If the postponement was because of him, would they continue to postpone if he decided not to take part?
What then would become of the examinees of the current imperial examination? Wouldn’t it be self-defeating?
The next day
Feng Qing’an left his new house with Black Mountain and Bai Yao and came to the streets of Fengtian City. As per the usual practice, he wanted to first try the local specialties on arriving somewhere new.
Fengtian City was more bustling and lively than any other city he’d seen before. The street he was walking on could accommodate eight horse-drawn carriages side by side, making it broad and smooth..