Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1341: Chapter 1293: Xu Ning at Ease

[In this way, it can balance the mindset of the scholars; if not for this final question, it’s likely Wang Yi and the others would have topped the list.] Chen Xi felt much more relieved at heart; the highest score among everyone was only forty points, and the others who scored thirty-seven or thirty-eight aren’t considered disgraceful, right.

”It’s a pity Kongming isn’t here. If he were, I wonder if he could solve it,” Li Youu remarked with a sigh, as he always held exceedingly high hopes for Kongming.

”Miss, our travel expenses are running low,” the middle-aged man who snuck out with Xu Ning said helplessly to Xu Ning. They had originally sneaked out with limited funds, and Xu Ning had bought many unique items from Liu Bei’s territory, leading to money running out naturally.

”Don’t worry, this is not a problem; we’ll find a place to stay temporarily,” Xu Ning’s eyes flashed with cleverness as she began to look for suitable candidates on the street.

Soon, a young man wearing a Confucian robe with minimal adornments, a simple jade pendant hanging alongside a folding fan on his waist, caught Xu Ning’s attention. He seemed honest and simple, an ideal target for a free meal. She planned to compensate him after finishing the exam.

”Watch me,” Xu Ning confidently mingled among the people and naturally stumbled towards the young man.

Lub Su rarely took a day off from work; he had no choice since his grandmother had dismissed his wife due to a lack of heir—a matter Lub Su preferred not to discuss further. Liu Bei noticed Lub Su’s sour mood and suggested a break, leading Lub Su to take a stroll.

During Lub Su’s stroll, a girl suddenly stumbled towards him. Naturally, Lub Su reached out and helped her up.

”Did the lady sustain any injuries?” Lub Su asked gently.

Despite his bad mood, Lub Su was naturally honest and rarely vented his frustration on others.

About the wife Lub Su had dismissed, he felt quite guilty and handed over a significant portion of his assets to her, promising to bring her back after appeasing his grandmother.

The divorce papers were still under Lub Su’s possession, which was fortunate given Lub Su’s immense influence under Liu Bei’s command. When his grandmother wished to dismiss Lub Su’s childless wife, the officials quickly informed Lub Su, ensuring the divorce wasn’t officially recorded, thereby calming both parties.

”I seem to have sprained my ankle...” Xu Ning said with a bitter smile. ”Please wait a moment, my family’s carriage will arrive shortly.” She attempted to stand but nearly fell again.

[What is happening? Encountering such an incident outside, could this be another arrangement by my grandmother?] Lub Su thought with slight suspicion.

[Why is this guy suddenly suspecting this is a setup? Could it be he often encounters such situations?] Xu Ning’s eyes sparkled slightly as she faintly sensed Lub Su’s thoughts.

”Sir, please let go; I can stand on my own,” Xu Ning showed a slightly uneasy expression, successfully dispelling Lub Su’s suspicions, just as Uncle Xu arrived driving the carriage, further eliminating Lub Su’s doubts.

Xu Ning played the part of someone with a sprained ankle, unable to board the carriage without assistance, displaying a trace of embarrassment, though she didn’t seek help from Lub Su. Lub Su was hesitant to offer assistance without invitation, fearing well-intentioned actions might turn problematic.

”Uncle Xu, go find our relatives; I’ll wait here a while,” Xu Ning instructed the middle-aged driver decisively after feigning hesitation and embarrassment.

The servant referred to as Uncle Xu by Xu Ning glanced at her, ”Is the lady’s ankle alright?”

”It’s fine; once you find someone and return, my ankle will be better. Ye City’s security is excellent; no need to worry about me,” Xu Ning calmly instructed, standing with her sprained foot barely touching the ground. The middle-aged driver hesitated briefly before driving off.

Lub Su felt a bit awkward; he wasn’t familiar with Xu Ning yet felt it improper to leave immediately. Honest people are just like that.

Lub Su, therefore, stood awkwardly with Xu Ning as a sort of unspoken guardian, while Xu Ning became slightly vigilant. Eventually, she seemed to understand Lub Su’s intent, showing a grateful look, making it impossible for Lub Su to leave.

[Geez, these people are so easy to deal with; it’s like their thoughts are written on their faces.] Xu Ning lowered her head slightly, feigning a shy demeanor.

After standing for a while, Lub Su must have felt awkward as he spoke, ”Your accent sounds a bit like someone from Yangzhou.”

”I am Xu Ning from the Xu Family of Yangzhou,” Xu Ning hesitantly revealed before speaking.

”Eastern Wu’s Xu Family, an aristocratic clan indeed,” Lub Su nodded and remarked. Only then did Xu Ning notice that Lub Su’s demeanor carried a sense of overlooking the world. ”Typically, coming from an aristocratic family like Xu, one wouldn’t be traveling alone in Ye City.”

”I came for... for the imperial exam, but...” Xu Ning expressed a sense of helplessness, her response faltering slightly, leading Lub Su to instantly understand her intention and sympathize with her.

”Do you know the exams start tomorrow? Today is the last day to register?” Lub Su mused, gazing into the distance. ”Do you know where your relatives in Ye City are?”

”I don’t know,” Xu Ning shook her head. ”Even if I can’t find them, I will stay at an inn. The security in Ye City is good; there’s no need to stay at a relative’s home.”

”Your name is Xu Ning from Eastern Wu’s Xu Family, right? You should register her for the exam. Which subjects do you wish to take?” Lub Su turned to Xu Ning and asked.

For some reason, Lub Su felt very at ease with Xu Ning’s demeanor, so he didn’t mind helping her out. With the sun already setting, given Xu Ning’s current situation, there was simply no time for her to register. For Lub Su, this task was trivial.

Xu Ning showed a hint of surprise, ”Won’t this trouble you?”

”Not at all,” Lub Su replied warmly.

”Then I’d like to take Mathematics, Jurisprudence, Politics, and Strategy!” Xu Ning’s previously gentle expression shifted to one of obvious pride.

”Politics is difficult to pass,” Lub Su turned his head to tell the guards who were already gathering around before saying to Xu Ning.

[Did I just run into a big shot? Could this guy be the chief examiner?] Xu Ning glanced at Lub Su’s expression and quickly grasped his thoughts.

”Even if it’s difficult, it applies to everyone, not just me. What is there to fear?” Xu Ning stated confidently, causing Lub Su to laugh heartily, feeling even more pleased with this newfound acquaintance.

How could he not be pleased? For Xu Ning, a significant portion of men’s thoughts seem to be written on their faces, making it almost impossible for things to not go her way.