Just like in the provincial examination, seeing Sun Junyan's name directly below Tong Sanlang's took away half of Qiao Xiaomai's joy.
When she unintentionally caught a glimpse of Sun Junyan's restrained yet gleeful demeanor as he made polite conversation with those around him, her happiness was further reduced to merely a third.
"This man is so skilled at tricks and deceit, how can he pass the examination so smoothly!" Qiao Xiaomai grumbled resentfully.
"Perhaps he's just intelligent," Tong Sanlang answered indifferently, not really concerned about the matter.
What he was pondering over was the intentions of the Grand Emperor and Emperor Yongan.
According to Tong Tiehu's speculation, the Grand Emperor wanted the Tong Family to stay put and honest in Anping Village, not to try any tricks, and to faithfully farm.
But now they were permitting him to pass as a successful candidate in the Imperial Examination.