Bai Ruozhu saw Du Zhongshu looking particularly happy, and she was quite puzzled but did not think too much of it. She merely assumed that Du Zhongshu was hospitable, or perhaps he found it interesting to travel with her second brother.
Meanwhile, within the backyard of the County Government Office, the deputy examiner was discussing matters with the Royal Commissioner, the main examiner, while Li Shunsheng was standing by awaiting instructions.
"Sir, while it's true that Bai Zepei is indeed a scholar of considerable ability, far surpassing the second-place candidate, his uncle was involved in a grave cheating scandal. Would it not be inappropriate to recommend him as the top candidate?" asked the deputy examiner.
Upon hearing this, Li was taken aback. He wondered about the deputy examiner's motives. Had Bai Zepei offended him in some way?