Episode 5 recap: Jiang Xue Ning passed the cultural examination.
Next, Nanny Rong began teaching Jiang Xue Ning how to make spices. Jiang Xue Ning knew that no matter how poorly she performed, Nanny Rong would not be able to drive her away. So she decided to earnestly learn how to make spices. As she watched the plum-shaped spices she made, Nanny Rong praised her greatly. However, Jiang Xue Ning couldn't help but mutter to herself. Could she really not make them well? In her previous life, she was often beaten by Nanny Rong because of this matter.
While waiting for the cultural examination, Jiang Xue Ning accidentally overheard a conversation between Miss Yao and You Fang Yin's sister, You Yue. Miss Yao tearfully told everyone that she was engaged to Zhang Zhe, but now Zhang Zhe had offended the emperor and had no future. Zhang Zhe's family was originally poor, and as a noble young lady, she didn't want to marry someone like him. After hearing Miss Yao's grievances, You Yue advised her that she had heard Zhang Zhe had been engaged twice before, but both engagements were broken off. In one of the engagements, the bride even passed away. You Yue suggested that if Miss Yao used this as a reason and spread the news that Xie Wei divorced his wife, even if Miss Yao broke off the engagement, no one would ridicule her. Everyone praised You Yue's idea when suddenly Jiang Xue Ning burst into the room and walked straight to You Yue, saying she needed to talk to her about something.
You Yue followed Jiang Xue Ning to the courtyard and was about to ask what was going on when Jiang Xue Ning suddenly pushed her head into the water of the fire prevention basin at the entrance. The commotion outside caught everyone's attention, and they were all shocked by Jiang Xue Ning's actions. After letting You Yue get enough water, Jiang Xue Ning pulled her out of the basin. Everyone criticized Jiang Xue Ning for going too far. Jiang Xue Ning coldly told them that if anyone thought she went too far, they could report her. A group of young girls who didn't behave well actually conspired to tarnish someone else's reputation. If this matter were to be spread, they wouldn't know who would end up embarrassing themselves. After saying this, she left.
Back in the room, Jiang Xue Ning couldn't help but recall her past with Zhang Zhe. In order to avoid the rebels, Zhang Zhe had once risked his life to save her. After Zhou Yin's party was arrested, Jiang Xue Ning had pleaded with Zhang Zhe to save Zhou Yin. Although Zhang Zhe didn't agree verbally, he ended up reporting Zhou Yin. Zhou Yin's report was considered meritorious, and not only was he released, but he was also promoted. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhe was imprisoned.
Before the cultural examination, everyone realized that Jiang Xue Ning seemed to have some connections. They approached her voluntarily to inquire about Xie Wei's preferences and the books he usually read. In order to allow these people to surpass her, Jiang Xue Ning simply leaked the questions she knew from her past life and reminded them that Xie Wei liked neatly written answers.
Those young ladies were originally ignorant and incompetent, but after hearing Jiang Xue Ning's words, they hurriedly searched for relevant information. Only Xue Shu, the daughter of the Xue family, didn't believe her because she had her aunt, who was a imperial concubine, supporting her. Her aunt had already paved the way for her. After avoiding the crowd, Xue Shu used her connections to obtain the examination questions. To her surprise, the test questions she received were exactly the same as Jiang Xue Ning's.
The exam began, and Jiang Xue Ning not only wrote sloppily but also intentionally made alterations. After completing her paper, she even drew a small turtle on the back. After everyone finished their exams, Xie Wei collected the papers. When he finished reviewing them, he announced the results, which came as a surprise to Jiang Xue Ning. Xie Wei actually rated her paper as excellent. She stood up to question it, and Xie Wei asked her to come find him later. Seeing Xie Wei's unusual behavior, Jiang Xue Ning realized that she had overplayed her hand and decided to take a risky move.
When she finally met with Xie Wei, she straightforwardly asked him about his purpose for keeping her in the palace. She asked if he was afraid that she would reveal his episodes of losing consciousness. Upon hearing Jiang Xue Ning's inquiry, Xie Wei recalled the scene where she saved him using her own blood when he fell ill. He then clearly told her that he did have concerns, but he was not an ungrateful person. The conversation between the two seemed casual, but it actually concealed a hidden threat. After leaving Xie Wei, Jiang Xue Ning couldn't help but secretly rejoice. Although she was forced to stay in the palace, at least there was no immediate danger of losing her life.
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