I'm coming clean: I'm the reincarnation of the God of Literature.

Li Mubai sat back down and let out a long sigh.

What he feared most was that Gu Ci, having achieved early success, would become arrogant and conceited.

But now it seems that the other party's state of mind is far more insightful than he had imagined.

"To be honest, my dear brother, I copied down the sequel to yesterday's 'Ode to Climbing the Tower' and read it no less than a hundred times after I got back."

Li Mubai paused for a moment, then said, "Every time I read it, I feel all the pent-up emotions in my heart disappear."

"Especially that phrase, 'Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures,' is simply the foundation upon which we scholars should live! I have already written a letter and sent it back to my home in the provincial capital by express courier, so that my father and my mentor can also read this timeless masterpiece!"

Gu Ang listened from the side, feeling incredibly smug.

Look, the article my brother wrote is being sent back to the provincial capital by express courier!

The two chatted about poetry, songs, and classical texts.

Li Mubai thought that since he came from a prominent family in the provincial capital and studied under famous masters, his understanding of the classics should not be inferior to that of an eight-year-old child.

But once they started talking, he realized he was completely wrong.

Gu Ci's understanding of the classics often comes from an unbelievable angle, and he can express a profound truth that enlightens him.

When discussing the "Great Harmony" society in the Book of Rites, Li Mubai was still saying, "When the Great Way prevails, the world is for all," when Gu Ci casually asked, "Brother Li, do you know what productive forces are and what relations of production are?"

Li Mubai was stunned on the spot.

What kind of insolent and lewd words are these?

I've never even heard of it!

Gu Ci then explained the relationship between social development and material foundation to him in language that was understandable in this era.

"The basic needs of the people are food and clothing; the superstructure requires economic support; class contradictions stem from unequal distribution..."

Li Mubai broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this.

He felt that all the books he had read over the past ten years had been absorbed into his mind.

This eight-year-old child's mind isn't filled with poetry at all, but with profound and complex knowledge!

This conversation was less of a consultation and more of a one-sided lecture.

Li Mubai went from admiration at the beginning to shock, and finally, only deep awe remained.

He stood up, straightened his clothes, and gave Gu Ci a deep bow.

"Hearing your words is worth more than reading ten years of books. Brother Gu, from this day forward, you will be my only true friend, Li Mu Bai!"

"If there is any need for my service, I will gladly die for it!"

That's a very strong statement.

Gu Ang, listening from the side, was filled with excitement and felt honored.

My brother is awesome!

Gu Ci helped him up: "Brother Li, there's no need for that. We get along well, so let's just be friends."

The two chatted for a long time until the sun began to set, at which point Li Mubai reluctantly got up to say goodbye.

Just before leaving, he called out to Gu Ci, his expression becoming serious.

"My dear brother, Qinghe County is shallow water; it cannot contain your true talent. Your abilities are destined to be displayed in a wider world."

Gu Ci nodded.

Li Mubai changed the subject: "But I must remind you of something."

"The literary scene in the provincial capital is a hundred times more complex than that in Qinghe County. The likes of Zhang Yan and Zhou Wenbin that you encountered today are nothing but lowly clowns who can't be brought to the table."

He lowered his voice.

"There are truly ancient families with a history spanning centuries, and powerful nobles in the imperial court. They intermarry with each other, and their students and former officials are all over the country. They regard the quota for the imperial examination as their own private property."

"Your name has spread to the provincial capital today, which is both a blessing and a curse. Countless people already secretly regard you as a thorn in their side."

These words chilled the air in the courtyard.

The smile on Gu Ang's face disappeared.

He then realized that his brother's future was far more dangerous than he had imagined.

Gu Ci remained calm.

He had anticipated these things.

Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes.

Where there are interests, there is conflict. This has always been the case.

Li Mubai took out a folding fan from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Ci.

The fan ribs are made of Xiangfei bamboo, and the fan surface is pure white and spotless.

"This fan is something I keep close to my body. If you encounter any trouble that you can't solve when you get to the provincial capital, you can take this fan and come to the Li residence in the east of the city to find me."

"As long as I, Li Mubai, have a breath left, I will not allow any villains to harm you in the slightest!"

Li Mubai is gone.

The setting sun cast his shadow long.

Gu Ci looked down at the folding fan in his hand. The fan surface was smooth and faintly exuded the fragrance of bamboo.

He knew that Li Mubai was right.

The upcoming county and prefectural examinations are merely appetizers on the road to the imperial examination system.

In mid-April, the county school officially announced the date for the children's examination.

All the scholars in Qinghe County tensed up, and all eyes were on Gu Ci.

Beneath the notice posted at the county school gate, the people weren't discussing who would pass the exam, but rather, "What rank will Gu the Prodigy get this time?"

The Gu family has entered a state of high alert.

Gu Mingzhe treated his exam experience—which he had studied his whole life but never managed to pass the imperial examination—as a family heirloom.

He carried a ruler with him every day to supervise Gu Ci's "daily routine".

One minute they say you shouldn't eat greasy food before the exam, the next they say you should cram before the exam, even if you're not quick, you'll still shine.

He was even more nervous than Gu Ci himself.

Lin even killed all the chickens in her house and stewed pot after pot of chicken soup.

"Ci'er, drink more, it'll help your brain."

Gu Ci looked at the oily chicken soup in the bowl, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Mom, my brain isn't lacking in nutrients."

"You still have to drink! Look how thin you are, you'd be blown away by the wind."

Without saying a word, Lin served him another bowl.

Gu Ang chuckled to himself, and then Lin turned around and served him a bowl as well.

"You drink too! Your brother has his exam, you have to go with him, and you need to get some extra nutrition too!"

Gu Ang: "..."

Gu Qingqing leaned over the table, watching intently.

"Mother, I want some too."

"Okay, okay, Qingqing will drink too."

Mrs. Lin smiled and served the little girl a small bowl.

The family sat around the table, drinking chicken soup, in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Gu Ci felt a warm glow in his heart as he watched this scene.

This is the taste of home.

The day before the exam, Gu Mingzhe called Gu Ci to his side and solemnly gave him instructions.

"Ci'er, remember not to be careless during the exam tomorrow."

"Although you are renowned for your talent, the imperial examination tests your knowledge of classical texts and essays, not your poetry and prose."

"You must proceed cautiously and steadily, and not underestimate your opponent."

Gu Ci nodded: "Father, I know."

Gu Mingzhe gave a long list of instructions, such as "the handwriting must be neat," "no alterations allowed," and "time must be managed well"...

Gu Ci was tired of hearing it.

But he knew it was his father's concern.

He didn't interrupt, but just listened quietly.

Only after Gu Mingzhe finished speaking did he smile and reply, "Dad, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Gu Mingzhe nodded in satisfaction.

"Okay, okay, then you should get some rest. Tomorrow morning, your older brother will accompany you to the county town."

Late at night.

Gu Ci lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

He got up, walked to the window, and opened it.

Moonlight streamed in, illuminating his thin face.

He looked up at the bright moon in the sky, pondering tomorrow's exam.

The children's test is just the beginning.

The real battle is yet to come.