ntaloupe seeds.To be honest, she didn't expect it to sprout. After all, the watermelon seeds were from years ago, when she had tossed them against the wall. They were shriveled and looked nothing like...Whether it's to make students maintain a simple and austere lifestyle, or perhaps the senior officials who have already taken office want their juniors to experience the hardships they once endured.

Although the Imperial Court is now wealthy, the Gongyuan remains dilapidated and has never been repaired.

Each cubicle was low and cramped, so much so that even a slightly larger student would have trouble turning around.

Whether it's drinking water or making congee for yourself, be extra careful, otherwise you're likely to dirty the carefully written test paper.

If you're unlucky, you might get a particularly run-down room. During the rainy season, you'll have to worry about leaks...

After years of diligent studying, students still face many challenges and hardships as they approach the final stage of their academic journey.

This time, Jiaren and Liguer, Luzong and Jiaxu were all in the ranks of scholars.

Lu Cong and Jia Ren were assigned rooms next to each other, separated by a corridor over a zhang wide. Across from them was Li Ge'er, while Jia Xu was three rows away. Even when using the restroom, they didn't have a chance to see each other.

But Jia Xuelang's knowledge was solid, and his preparation was thorough, so everyone was not worried about him.

At this point, Jiaren had finished writing today's exam paper and didn't want to continue burning the midnight oil. He neatly put it away, placing it in a waterproof oiled paper bag, and then began preparing meat porridge.

The ingredients for congee are all prepared at home.

Rice and dried minced meat, vegetables, mixed together simmered, just add a little bit of fine salt, the taste is very good.

On a chilly night in early spring, the biting north wind made people's hands and feet numb with cold.

At this time, a bowl of hot porridge was simply a lifesaver.

Next door, Lu Cong put down his pen and started getting himself something to eat.

The boy across from him, Li Ge'er, had learned quickly and was already holding up his bowl of porridge.

Perhaps the aroma of congee was too enticing, for two soldiers on patrol stopped nearby and began whispering to each other.

"The adults have all gone to eat, and I don't know when it will be our turn."

"It should be ready soon, I hope there's some hot food left for us. Even if there's no meat, it would be nice to have something warm our stomachs. The weather is just too cold."

"That's right, I'll go take a look in a bit and save some of our food for us. My cousin is a chef, so that comes in handy."

"Haha, you're quite the kid, with such a wide network of contacts. Brother's lucky to be associated with you."

"Well," the soldier said proudly, "at noon I chatted with my cousin for quite a while. You see, something big has happened outside! We're stuck in here and clueless, but it's already caused quite a stir!"

"Big deal What big deal It's not like barbarians invaded Jiangnan, is it" Another soldier scoffed, clearly unconcerned.

The soldier glanced at the commoner drinking porridge, seemingly nonchalant. He didn't lower his voice and said, "It’s not that serious, but it's a big deal! You know about rootless wind sickness, right"

"I know," another soldier replied with a sullen face and a frown, "What do you want to bring this thing up for You might get yourself in trouble!"

"The soldier waved his hand, "It wasn't me who mentioned it, but word has spread from the new capital. Several of our clan's elder ladies went to the palace to speak with the Empress Dowager. After returning home, they all fell ill with a strange and incurable disease! I hear that Shoukang Palace was sealed off directly, and even Zhilan Palace is under quarantine!"

"Zhi Lan Palace" another soldier asked, "Isn't that where the third princess lives Why is it sealed off Has the disease spread within the palace"

Jia Ren, who was at home not far away, had not paid attention to the two soldiers talking at first. But one sentence after another, each seemed to be addressed to him.

The bowl of porridge in his hands slipped, and he dropped it. He stared coldly at the two soldiers.

Even the neighbor, Lu Zong, had noticed something was amiss.

That soldier who started the conversation, with a glint in his eyes as he watched them, seemed to have a hint of smug satisfaction.

He tugged at his companion's sleeve, as if just realizing the situation was amiss. "Come on," he said hastily, "Let's find a warmer place to talk."

His companion was dangling in mid-air, still wanting to ask questions, occasionally turning his head to see that Jia Ren and Lu Zong both had icy expressions. Suddenly, he came to his senses.

These two are celebrities in Xindu as well, at least among this year's students. They are top contenders for the title of champion, so he naturally knows them.

Among them, Jia Ren, the eldest son of Zhong Shan Bo Fu, is even more favored by many.

Now, Conle County Princess, who is also Jiar'en's younger sister, resides in Zhi Lan Palace.

What I just said must have distracted Jiarren...

He's using people as his pawns!

Thinking this way, he grabbed the companion who had started the conversation and hissed, "I've always treated you well, and you would betray me like this"

The soldier who started the argument felt uneasy, but he tried his best to defend himself, "Brother, what are you talking about I don't understand! We were just chatting casually!"

Besides, Zhilan Palace has been sealed off. No one is allowed in or out. At this time, I'm afraid everyone inside is dead. Such a big event will be known throughout the entire new capital immediately. What's wrong with me telling you a few words about it

Even at that moment, he didn't forget to continue causing trouble. You have to admire his dedication.

Then his companion's eyes turned red with anger, he grabbed his collar and punched him!

Two people instantly grappled with each other, attracting the attention of all the surrounding students who craned their necks to look out.

For a time, the usually quiet Gongyuan was bustling like a marketplace!

Luckily, soon an on-duty official arrived and bound the two soldiers, intending to beat them.

At this point, Lu Cong spoke up, "Sir, these two soldiers came to us and gossiped about a nameless illness spreading in the palace. And our sister is currently inside the palace!"

They harbor malicious intentions, aiming to disrupt our minds and cause us to perform poorly on the exam. Their actions are truly sinister and they must be thoroughly interrogated!

Jiarén also chimed in closely, "Please have this official handle the matter impartially. Additionally, please dispatch someone to inform us of the results. We need to know the state of affairs within the palace. Otherwise, worrying about our family's safety will affect our ability to answer questions, which is truly unfair!"

The on-duty officials were getting headaches from it, and they were gritting their teeth in anger.

He didn't know who was scheming against the Li family, he didn't want to intervene, nor did he want to get involved.

But the person behind this obviously found a fool. Things got done, but it caused a huge uproar throughout the city.

The Lee family won't let themselves get taken advantage of...

Unable to do otherwise, he could only say, “Silence! You all just focus on answering the questions. I will investigate this thoroughly and report it upwards. Those in authority will make the final decision!”

Having said that, he took the two soldiers down.

Lu Zong and Jia Ren were separated by a wall, unable to see each other, yet they both knew the other was worried because neither of them had lifted their bowls of congee.

The young master opposite was quite a distance away, so I only caught a few scattered words.

What is Zhilan Palace, what is the Rootless Wind, and what is deliberate framing

What on earth happened at home What's wrong with my sister!

He was even more anxious, pacing back and forth!

But some students seized the opportunity, writing with the zeal of a thousand suns, eager to snatch the top spot like they were already wearing the laurel crown of champion!

Time passed by minute by minute, and the night grew deeper.

Not until three o'clock in the morning did the on-duty officials arrive...

Today's update is here!pon looking into the garden, he said, “It should be the three sons of the Li family from Suijin Beach, two from the Liu family, one from the Jia family, and the prince of Zhennan. The thinnest one is...