Chapter 726: Chapter 726: Arrival at the Prefecture City
Two letters came in succession, one asking if the quality of agricultural products could always be guaranteed.
The other was to inform Qiao Xiaomai that Yang Wang was still harbouring ill-intentions, advising her to be prepared, because who knows when Cen Hong could stir up trouble.
These two matters, one good and one bad.
Qiao Xiaomai wavered between joy and frustration.
She immediately informed Xiaoyang, the guard, that quality can indeed be guaranteed, asking him to notify Yang Ye. She would be more than willing to exclusively supply the royal family, and she responded with a heap of gratitudes for the Emperor’s favor.
She sincerely held these sentiments.
Yang Ye made it clear in his letter that if supply to the royal family was confirmed, a team of royal guards would be dispatched to protect the manor.
With royal guards present, actions like Qiao Chang’an burning wheat would never occur again in the future.
Plus, there’d be no fears about crops being stolen; even the most unscrupulous locals wouldn’t dare to mess with the royal possessions.
So, she would have many fewer worries and simply needed to water the crops with the Spiritual Spring water on time.
Moreover, after harvesting, the royal family wouldn’t receive their share for free, silver would be paid at the market price.
The referred market price is that of regular crops, which is not as high as the exorbitant price she has set now.
However, it’s certainly better than nothing.
Furthermore, for the surplus supply to the royal family, she would be able to sell it for even higher than the current exorbitant price.
In any case, she wouldn’t lose out on this matter.
Truthfully, this was a reason to rejoice!
However, having to deal with Yang Wang was a big nuisance indeed.
In the carriage, Qiao Xiaomai patted Tong Sanlang’s shoulder heavily, “You must pass the exam and become a recognized scholar!”
Yang Wang, far away from the Emperor’s reach, couldn’t always lurk around in Bailu Town. And although Cen Hong is currently only a county magistrate, if Tong Sanlang managed to become a recognized scholar, then Cen Hong will have to carefully consider before causing any more trouble.
What else could Tong Sanlang say? He wouldn’t know the exam questions beforehand, so all he could do was to hastily study as much as possible.
Thus, on the following journey, disregarding the shaky ride, he constantly read his book.
Qiao Xiaomai tried to dissuade him, as it would strain his eyes. If he ended up becoming nearsighted, that would be troublesome.
He was unfazed though, “It’s alright, my eyesight is excellent.”
Being a martial artist, the bumpiness was nothing to him. He was able to observe his surroundings and listen to multiple sounds effortlessly.
After staying at two extremely modest inns and passing through two county towns, five days of wandering later, they finally arrived at the prefectural city of Changyi Prefecture — Ningkang.
Ningkang, as the prefectural city of Changyi Prefecture, had city gates reaching a height of five meters, with fully armed soldiers on top and a bustling crowd below, with a continuous stream of people entering and leaving the city.
The examination was held at the Prefectural Government Office, so the coachman drove straight there. Follow current novels on novel⸺fire.net
The Prefectural Government Office was located at the heart of Ningkang City. The area surrounding it was inhabited by civilians, and although there were inns and restaurants, they were not many. As for the most bustling and prosperous place, it was located in the rich district to the east of the city.
However, being in the civilian district could have its advantages. Even with the increase in house prices due to the exam, the rise wouldn’t be too drastic.
After getting off the carriage and settling the fare with the coachman, the two of them checked into an inn.
They arrived at just the right time, neither too early nor too late, with some rooms left in the inn. They only booked two nights though, as they planned to find a courtyard the next day.
The inn was just an ordinary one, even its best room was mediocre, with a bed, a dining table, a dressing table, a wardrobe, a desk, and nothing else.
Qiao Xiaomai pushed open the window, stretching by the window, “Traveling at this time really is a hardship.”