NOVPUBLaw was Li Nuo’s strong suit. He had reviewed the questions from previous Imperial Examinations and found that as long as he was well-versed in Daxia Law, it was unlikely that he would encounter any issues in this subject.
The last item was Composition.
This subtopic started with an examination item where candidates were required to write a poem based on a given topic. This wasn’t a problem; even if one couldn’t write, one could still copy.
But poetry only constituted a small part of Composition; the key part was the political essays.
Political essays involved current affairs, economics, military affairs, history... They tested the candidates’ ability to govern and administer. Candidates were not only required to have comprehensive insights but also to express these on paper, crafting splendid compositions.
This was not something that could be achieved overnight. Without a doubt, he would need to rely on the Law Code.
After all, he was just an ordinary person without the dazzling talents others possessed.
Fortunately, he had a unique advantage.
No matter whose talent it was, the moment they broke the law, it became his talent.
In the Imperial Examination covering the Six Arts, one need not be first in every category, but they couldn’t have any obvious weaknesses either.
Even though the number of candidates had greatly decreased in recent examinations, there were still a hundred thousand participants. Being significantly weak in any subject could result in being pushed off the narrow bridge...
Li Nuo pondered for a while.
To be completely secure, he still needed to ask Lord Father-in-law for help.
He needed to get a list of Advanced Scholars from the last Imperial Examination.
The officials who ranked high in the most recent Imperial Examination were definitely masters proficient in the Six Arts; he might just need to target one person to gather all six skills.
The further back the Advanced Scholars were, the more likely they had neglected the Six Arts.
After all, the Six Arts were only tested during the Imperial Examination. Once one had passed and became an Advanced Scholar, there was no further use for these skills.
Very few officials continued to practice the Six Arts after passing the exam.
It was like asking college graduates to take a college entrance exam; few would pass.
He should visit Lord Father-in-law, preferably with his wife.
However, he and his wife were still giving each other the cold shoulder; she was unlikely to bother with him.
If necessary, he could go alone.
As Li Nuo hesitated, in another courtyard of the Song Residence.
Song Mu’er asked with some concern, "Jiaren sister, did you have a fight with Brother Li Nuo?"
Spending every day together, she had clearly sensed something was off between them the previous day.
Jiaren sister had slept in her room last night.
There must be a reason for that.
Song Jiaren shook her head and said, "No."
Mu’er was only six years old; some matters, even if explained, would not be comprehended by her.
After thinking it over, Mu’er seemed to understand something and asked, "Did you get mad because those two beautiful sisters came to see Brother Li Nuo yesterday?"
Song Jiaren looked at Mu’er and shook her head slightly.
Mu’er’s small face showed a look of conviction as she asserted, "You are mad!"
She took Song Jiaren’s hand and earnestly persuaded, "How can you believe what random people say? Brother Li Nuo treats you so well. He draws for you, teases the teacher to defend you, and even brings back beautiful flowers he sees outside. Your doubt hurts him; spouses should trust each other..."
Song Jiaren lowered her head, recalling what Mu’er had mentioned, and felt some regret.
She asked subconsciously, "Then what should I do?"
After pondering for a moment, Mu’er suggested, "Do this first; then do this..."
...
Li Nuo was in the courtyard practicing the Health Care Skill.
The subjects of riding and shooting required not just skill but also physical strength.
With his frail body, mere skill would not allow him to perform properly.
He needed to strengthen his exercise regimen over the next six months, at a minimum enhancing his physical and strength levels.
Even if he possessed excellent archery skills, it would be embarrassing if he couldn’t even draw the bowstring.
Although he lacked Martial Path talent, practicing this skill several times a day would strengthen his body, more effective than any modern exercise method.
As Li Nuo practiced, a figure walked in from outside.
Song Jiaren came up next to Li Nuo, unfolded his tightly clasped fist, and explained, "This should be a palm, not a fist. Also, you should exhale when you strike and inhale when you retract. That’s the correct breathing method. If you breathe incorrectly, practicing for a long time won’t be effective..."
Li Nuo replied blankly, "Oh…"
Weren’t they still giving each other the cold shoulder?
What did this mean?
Could it be that he had misunderstood and she wasn’t angry after all? Was she just tired yesterday?
The fact that she had slept with Mu’er last night wasn’t meant to target him?
A hint of shame crossed Li Nuo’s face. As a grown man, to suspect the generous heart of another – that was truly inappropriate.
As he trained, Song Jiaren helped correct his movements and breathing mistakes. After practicing with the correct method, he truly felt different.
Though his whole body was drenched in sweat, he felt stronger.
After taking a bath and changing his clothes, it was just in time for lunch.
Aside from Song Residence’s family feasts, he usually dined with his wife and Mu’er.
Before lunch, Li Nuo explained the issue from yesterday.
During the meal, he peeled several shrimp and placed them in a jade bowl in front of his wife.
Having frequently dined together, Li Nuo had observed that if the dish was peas or walnuts with diced shrimp, she enjoyed it.
However, if it was plain boiled shrimp, she wouldn’t touch it.
It wasn’t hard to deduce that she liked eating shrimp but disliked peeling them.
Song Jiaren picked up one of the peeled, plump white shrimp from the jade bowl. Instead of eating it herself, she placed it in Li Nuo’s bowl.
She offered the second shrimp to Mu’er.
Only then did she serve herself.
Mu’er sat between the two adults, glancing at Brother Li Nuo and then at Jiaren sister. Finally, her heart settled.
Thank heavens, they had really made up...
Jiaren sister and Brother Li Nuo really acted like children sometimes, giving each other the silent treatment when upset.
Without her, what would this family do?
