The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

But all of this was left to Meng Yunzheng to handle, while the Lu family gathered the household and Granny Fang to have a family reunion dinner at the prefecture the next day.

Someone even jokingly asked the old lady why she didn’t throw a banquet, to which the old lady just said there was no rush.

The guests understood it was waiting for next year’s Imperial Examination. Like the old lady, everyone didn’t think Meng Yunzheng would fail. He was no ordinary scholar, having been the Top Scorer in the county examination, prefecture examination, academy examination, and even in the provincial examination.

Achieving ’Top Scorer’ four times in a row, even if he doesn’t become the top scorer, he should certainly have no problem becoming an Advanced Scholar. Otherwise, if he, as the Top Scorer from Changjin Prefecture, couldn’t make it, what hope would there be for the others in Changjin Prefecture?

However, the Imperial Examination is in early February next year, and it’s already mid-October now. Those slightly more anxious scholars are already headed to the Capital to take the exam, primarily to familiarize themselves with the environment, feel the atmosphere of the capital, find accommodation, and also to take the opportunity to meet some litterateurs and scholars, visit the great scholars of the current dynasty, improve their studies, increase their confidence for the exams, and have a chance to make an impression.

Speaking of which, our Top Scorer from Dongan Province headed to the capital a month after the announcement of the results.

This Scholarly Man Meng, however, hasn’t taken off, still coming from Changjin Prefecture to visit County Lord Lu in Jiangyuan County. It seems the rumors are true; these two are indeed deeply in love, with good news soon to come.

Thinking this way, everyone rushed to visit while Meng Yunzheng was back.

Most were those who had heard of his reputation. Whether they knew him or not, all wanted to seek advice on their studies from him.

In just a few days, not only students from Jiangyuan County but also from nearby county towns and the prefecture flocked over.

Originally, people didn’t hold much hope since he was the Top Scorer; they expected him mostly to greet politely and decline, just like the Top Scorer from Dongan Province, whose house was overwhelmed when he graduated, people visiting every day.

However, that Top Scorer only met with a few acquaintances or well-known figures, pushing the rest away.

Meng Yunzheng was different from ordinary Top Scorers; after all, he was the fiancé of the County Lord. Everyone figured he would similarly receive people selectively but approached with the attitude to give it a try nonetheless.

Who would have known, Meng Yunzheng not only didn’t refuse but even had a message passed saying there would be a poetry meeting in a few days, inviting students from various places and interested friends to participate and exchange ideas.

And the location was the villa intended for the academy.

Upon hearing this address, Shu Yu immediately had an epiphany. It made sense; Meng Yunzheng wasn’t a person fond of socializing, how could he suddenly seem like a changed man, accepting everyone.

”So, you’re promoting your future academy, huh.”

Meng Yunzheng chuckled, ”After the Palace Examination, I’ll return for official enrollment. Before that, I’m just doing... what you’d call a warm-up?”

After coming back, he and Shu Yu went to see the villa, which, under Shu Yu and Lu Erbai’s arrangements, had been thoroughly renewed. Its former grand and luxurious look transformed into an elegant and serene atmosphere, showcasing a cold yet vibrant aesthetic everywhere.

Unfortunately, the sunflower field was only half-grown with flowers yet to bloom. Otherwise, standing atop the academy overlooking the scene would indeed be breathtaking.

Fortunately, inside the academy, plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—the four gentlemen—had been planted. This season was just right for chrysanthemum blossoms, making it a fine affair for everyone to appreciate and compose poetry.