Chapter 107 - Lend the Pen to Uncle?
Bai Zepei had a strong distaste for him. But there were so many people watching he could not lose his temper, so he replied with a cold face, "I’m sorry Uncle, I only have one pen. If I lend it to you, I can’t take the exam myself. I’m poor indeed, what a laughable situation."
He thought Bai Yibo would leave after hearing that. However, Bai Yibo shamelessly continued, "Uncle, you have been trying to pass the exam for so many years. Now that you finally have a chance, and since I am still young, can’t I just let you go first?"
Danliang Country valued filial piety. So, there was essentially nothing wrong with what he said. The examinees who didn’t understand the Bai Family’s situation all looked at Bai Zepei, as if he would violate the principles of Confucianism if he declined.
Bai Zepei frowned slightly. His uncle was indeed relentless, causing him trouble right before the exam.
However, he soon laughed, "Uncle, you are joking with me again. I saw you had three brushes when we visited Grandpa a few days ago. How could you be without a pen? Even Grandpa has two good pens. He would certainly not let you come to the exam place empty-handed. Are you trying to test my generosity?"
Upon hearing this, some people laughed, "This uncle must be trying to liven up the exam atmosphere, perhaps because he’s worried you’re nervous."
Bai Yibo wanted to say that he had forgotten to bring his pen, but before he could speak, Bai Zepei continued, "Uncle, I have to go to my seat now. I promised Grandpa in advance to achieve good results. If I break my promise, it would be unfilial. So I really can’t lend you the pen."
After saying that, he left straight away, leaving Bai Yibo staring blankly. Using respect for Grandpa as an excuse, there was no way Bai Yibo could accuse Bai Zepei of being unfilial.
"Just like that girl, sharp-tongued and eloquent, humph." Bai Yibo muttered under his breath and went back to his seat.
The exam started not long after. Bai Zepei was very steady, answering the questions calmly. Even the examiner couldn’t help but glance at him twice as he passed by. This was not only because his answers were rich in content, but also because his handwriting was exceptionally neat and beautiful.
Think about it, through countless hours of practicing with water on the table, reluctant to waste ink, how could a person who had worn out many brushes not have developed good handwriting? At this moment, handwriting was like a person’s appearance. If two people with the same score were to be ranked, the one with better handwriting would undoubtedly be placed first.
The exam went very smoothly. After it was over, Bai Zepei did not bother with Bai Yibo, but went straight out of the exam place to find his eldest brother. Unexpectedly, his brother was already waiting outside, his originally sun-tanned face somewhat sallow.
"Big brother, how are you doing? Are you feeling better?" Bai Zepei asked with concern.
Bai Zehao forced a bitter smile, "I’m fine, after you left, I went to Fushou Hall and took the pill. I’m much better now. It’s all my fault for being greedy and wanting to eat that osmanthus cake. I asked the shop, and they never delivered an osmanthus cake, nor could they find that waiter. It’s a good thing you didn’t eat it last night, otherwise..."
"My carelessness is to blame. I didn’t expect such sinister plots in our small town." Er Lang shook his head and spoke in a somewhat helpless tone, "Big brother, let’s hire a cart and go home. You need to rest for a couple of days."
Bai Zehao dared not act strong. His legs were still trembling, so the two of them hired a donkey cart and hurried back to the Mountain Village.
Upon arriving in the Village, a group of good-hearted people surrounded Bai Zepei, asking about the exam. Bai Zepei politely answered each of them. Then, he apologized to everyone, saying, "We were plotted against while in town. My elder brother was poisoned and has been having diarrhea. I need to get him home to rest. I’ll thank you all again another day."
After saying this, he didn’t delay any further and, supporting his elder brother, headed home. The expressions on the faces of the people behind him were particularly expressive as they started guessing who would resort to poisoning in the town. These are indeed turbulent times.
As soon as the two entered their house, Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’r hurried to greet them, asking Bai Zepei about the exam. Before Bai Zepei could reply, they noticed that something was wrong with Bai Zehao. Bai Ruozhu also came out with Little Dengdeng to chat. She had been confined for more than twenty days following childbirth, and it was acceptable for her to move around in the yard.
Just as Bai Zehao was about to speak, he saw Bai Ruozhu coming and worried that she might get upset, so he said, "I’m okay, let’s talk about it later."
What he said only made people more anxious, just like when you’re listening to a secret and you’re only told half of it, leaving you hanging in a state of discomfort.
"Big Brother, just speak up. I didn’t get upset when San Lang broke into our house and tried to hit me, so what else could possibly make me angry?" Bai Ruozhu glared at her big brother and said.
"What?" This time it was Bai Zehao’s turn to jump up. Even the ordinarily calm and somewhat obsessive Bai Zepei hurriedly turned his head to look at Bai Ruozhu, eager to find out what had happened.
Bai Ruozhu shrugged. Now she was the one who had to tell the story. Left with no choice, she simply recounted what happened when San Lang came to their house, how she had hidden, and how San Lang had played the victim when he was discovered.
"Er Lang, you need to be prepared. San Lang has ruined a lot of your books." Bai Ruozhu glanced at her second brother, and sure enough, Er Lang’s face was red with anger.
Er Lang didn’t speak, but went straight back to his own room. Bai Zehao followed him in since he also lived in that room and had some stuff in there too. Thankfully, the things that Wan Caiyue had gifted him were all on his person. If those were discovered by San Lang, who knows what kind of chaos would ensue?
Bai Zehao wanted to tidy up the room a bit, but Er Lang stopped him, saying, "Brother, don’t move anything, I need to go and see Grandpa at the old mansion."
"Grandpa is biased towards San Lang. Will going to see him do any good?" Bai Zehao showed a trace of disdain. It was unclear whether he was disdainful of San Lang or their confused grandfather.
Bai Zepei sneered, "This time is different. Ruining books is a disgrace to the sages. One of the books is written by the current emperor’s teacher. San Lang’s actions are tantamount to a capital offense."
Without paying any attention to his stunned parents, he grabbed a book and headed outside.
Bai Ruozhu watched his back with a smile, "Er Lang never changes. He quickly found the lethal point to deal with his opponent. That was fast and accurate, as well as ruthless."
Once Er Lang had gone, Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’r came back to their senses. They then asked Bai Zehao about what had happened in the town and whether it had affected Bai Zepei’s Rural Examination.
Bai Zehao recounted the incident in great detail. The old couple were chilled to the core when they heard it.
"Who could have done this? It must be the heavens protecting us. If Er Lang had eaten that osmanthus cake, today’s exam would have..." Lin Ping’r stomped her foot in frustration.
If Bai Zepei had suffered from diarrhea like Bai Zehao, even if he managed to make it to the exam, his performance would definitely have been affected because of his physical condition.
"Big Brother, did you save any of those osmanthus cakes?" Bai Ruozhu asked with a furrowed brow.
Bai Zehao hurriedly took out a small bundle from his body, which contained two pieces of osmanthus cake that he had left over.
Bai Ruozhu took a look and sniffed. She could tell that croton powder was mixed in. Although the amount was not large, it was enough to cause diarrhea upon consumption.