As everyone expected, Huang Shijie remained the top scholar in the third examination, becoming a remarkable figure.
After the imperial examinations, many people sent him invitations for various banquets, all of which Huang Shijie declined. He only attended the Lu Ming Banquet hosted by the county magistrate, as he would continue to live in the county town and didn't want to worsen his relationship with them.
At the banquet, Huang Shijie was the center of attention. The county magistrate and his deputy praised him extensively. Facing the envious gazes of the crowd, he remained neither arrogant nor impatient, which impressed them even more. The county magistrate secretly regretted not realizing sooner what kind of person he was. Now, he knew that dealing with Huang Shijie wouldn't earn him genuine respect, especially given the long-standing animosity between his grandson-in-law and Huang Shijie.
The county magistrate was well aware of the affairs in the county. Although Li Zixin had suppressed the matter of Feiyun, he still learned the inside story. Wasn't Feiyun in prison? He could interrogate him whenever he pleased. The moment he asked, Feiyun confessed everything. The county magistrate truly didn't know what to say about Li Zixin, feeling for the first time that his nephew-in-law was incredibly foolish.
With such a capable individual appearing in the county, instead of fostering good relations, he obstructed him. Today's meeting further convinced him that this person was extraordinary and destined for a bright future.
The banquet lasted until late at night. Throughout, Huang Shijie adhered to the principle of speaking little and eating more, avoiding excessive interaction with anyone.
Before long, he traveled to the capital alone to gather many books and materials. He studied them at home, preparing for the imperial examinations three years later. The reason he didn't go to an academy was that he himself had been a great scholar before; he only needed to pick up his books again. He had attended academies in the past because Huang Shijie had studied at an academy for many years without achieving anything. He wanted to make a name for himself at the academy, to be admired by others. Then, if he topped the examination, no one would suspect him of cheating, saving him trouble.
This time, he didn't need to consider others' opinions. After the Xiu Cai examination, everyone knew he was the reincarnation of the God of Literature. Therefore, if he studied diligently at home and topped the Ju Ren examination, it wouldn't be considered strange.
The couple felt a sense of urgency. Having established themselves in this world, they began to cultivate their own personnel, as staying informed was always crucial.
Time flew by, and soon a year passed. This time, Wu Caiwei, as usual, went to the shop where she regularly ordered daggers to collect her finished products.
She had expected to receive her sharp, self-defense daggers today. To her surprise, the shop owner looked at her with a guilty expression. "Shopkeeper Wang, based on our years of friendship, I should have finished your order by the agreed time, especially since you paid a deposit. But now, circumstances have changed, and it has to be postponed."
Wu Caiwei was sensitive to such information and immediately sensed that there was more to it. She quickly asked in a low voice, "Can you tell me why?"
The shop owner hesitated for a moment before stammering, "It's not that I don't want to tell you, but I've been instructed from above. This is a secret. I can only say that we are working overtime to produce the weapons required by the higher-ups. I can't say more. Please, Shopkeeper Wang, keep my secret."
Wu Caiwei quickly thanked him, "Don't worry, we are both in business. What I heard here today, I will forget once I leave this door. Since Shopkeeper Wang has other matters, there's no need to rush my daggers. When they are ready, send someone to inform me, and I will come to collect them."
Shopkeeper Wang quickly bowed and saw her out with a worried expression. He regretted having revealed a little information to her earlier. However, thinking that her husband might pass the Ju Ren examination and possibly become an official in the future, it was not unreasonable to do her a favor. He felt much better.
Wu Caiwei browsed the streets as usual, then checked the accounts at her shop, and leisurely returned home. Upon arriving, she went to Huang Shijie's study, and the two whispered together.
That night, they donned their dark clothing and stealthily entered the county magistrate's mansion. They removed roof tiles and searched room by room in the main courtyard for him. Finally, they found him in a room resembling a study.
He was currently bent over his desk, writing furiously. The two sat on the rooftop, watching the stars and the moon.
They waited for a long time, thinking there would be no fruitful outcome that night. Suddenly, someone entered the courtyard from outside, walking hurriedly, clearly with an urgent matter. The two immediately became highly alert.
The steward approached the county magistrate, his face beaming with joy. "My Lord, I just received news that the Great General is already a hundred li away from our county town. They are traveling at full speed and will arrive by tomorrow afternoon."
The county magistrate clapped his hands excitedly. "Excellent, that's wonderful! How is the weapon crafting progressing?"
Upon hearing this, the steward couldn't help but frown slightly and hesitated. "The time is too tight. Although we've contacted all the blacksmiths in the county to work together, we've only completed half of the planned amount."
The county magistrate sighed. "We can't worry about that anymore. The Great General's men are the main force, and our people are only responsible for logistical support. We'll issue them whatever weapons we have. Those without weapons will have to make do with any iron implements they can find. We'll leave it to fate. This time, no matter what, we cannot be a burden; we must apprehend that group of people."
"What if they speak carelessly when they are captured?"
The county magistrate smiled inscrutably upon hearing the steward's words. "Your master is not such a foolish person. When I contacted the court, I had already informed them that in order to appease these bandits and prevent them from harming the people, I had dared to establish some contact with them."
The steward quickly gave a thumbs-up. "Brilliant, truly brilliant! My Lord considers everything thoroughly."
"Did the Great General say anything else? When will the operation commence?"
"He said that as soon as they arrive tomorrow night, they will act, catching them off guard. He fears that if so many people arrive in our county, the news might leak, allowing the bandits to prepare."
"Good, tomorrow night I will personally lead my men to rendezvous with the Great General," the county magistrate vowed. Their success or failure hinges on this. Once that group is dealt with, my major concern will be eliminated, and no one will know that I collaborated with them for so many years, nor will I be under anyone's control anymore.
Having obtained the information they desired, the two parted ways. Wu Caiwei returned home to sleep, while Huang Shijie scaled the city wall and arrived at a small courtyard in the suburbs, then rode away on his horse.
At this moment, the mountain stronghold was silent. The bandits guarding the gate were immediately startled by the sound of hooves. They grabbed their swords and looked sternly at the approaching figure. Another bandit immediately fired a signal flare.
Hearing the commotion, the others got out of bed, grabbed their weapons, and headed towards the gate.
"Who are you? Why are you visiting so late at night? State your name quickly!" a bandit leader shouted sternly.