The days passed quickly, and before Bo Xi could properly calm her heart, the time for the civil–military examination had arrived.
She woke before dawn and carefully checked everything she had prepared: her brush, inkstone, dry food, change of clothes, and identity token. Only after confirming everything was in place did she step into the long line of candidates outside the examination yamen.
The officials were extremely strict.
Each person was searched from head to toe. The yamen officers even tore apart the buns and pancakes Bo Xi had bought in the city, checking for hidden notes. Her sleeves were shaken, her shoes pressed, and even her hair was loosened and examined. She had to remove her outer clothes and turn in a slow circle.
Only when they were satisfied was she finally allowed inside.
Bo Xi exhaled softly.
She was led to a narrow exam cell, bare stone walls, a small window, a wooden table, and a board that would later serve as a bed. She looked around carefully.
Her luck was good.
The roof showed no signs of leaking, and the latrine was far from her room, so the air was not unpleasant. For the next three days, this small space would be her entire world.
She sat down quietly, waiting.
Soon, two yamen carried in a massive scroll. They hung it at the front, and each candidate had to copy the questions by hand.
Bo Xi lifted her head to read.
Scenario:The western border city of Qingshui is surrounded.Supplies will last seven days.Reinforcements are twelve days away.The enemy force is twice your size.
A simple map was drawn below.
Bo Xi's heart finally settled.
She took out her draft paper and studied the map carefully. Her eyes traced the mountain pass, the river bend, and the narrow forest road.
Then she began to write.
She proposed false beacon signals to suggest reinforcements were near.She described floating empty grain sacks downriver to mislead scouts.She suggested quietly evacuating civilians at night to save food.She planned a small ambush unit through the mountain path to destroy enemy supplies.
And finally, she concluded:
The goal is not victory, but delay. Survive until reinforcements arrive.
She moved on to the second question, then the third.
By the time she put down her brush, evening shadows had already stretched across the courtyard.
The wooden table was turned into a bed. She arranged her blanket, ate her buns with hot water, and fell asleep almost instantly.
The three days passed in a blur.
When the final gong sounded, her heart pounded as she stepped out through the heavy gates. Outside, families crowded the street, calling names and searching for loved ones.
Bo Xi returned to the inn and finally allowed herself to rest. She washed away the dust and tension, then lay down with a tired smile.
The next morning came the second trial.
All the candidates gathered in a wide training field. There, archery, horse riding, and stamina endurance were tested. They ran under the sun, mounted restless horses, and drew bows with shaking arms.
It lasted the entire day.
When Bo Xi finally returned to the inn, her legs felt like stone.
The driver and bodyguard were waiting.
"How does it feel, sister?" the driver asked kindly.
"I've done my best," Bo Xi replied with a tired smile.
"Don't stress too much," the bodyguard said, gently patting her shoulder. "The results will be out soon."
Bo Xi looked up at the darkening sky.
Whatever awaited her next, she knew she had taken her first true step forward.
When the final gong marked the end of the examinations, the city felt as if it had exhaled.
A small celebration spread through the inns and teahouses, with laughter and tired relief filling the streets. Bo Xi spent the following days resting at the inn, washing away the dust of exhaustion, and wandering through the markets. She bought dried fruits, cloth, herbs, and a small carved hairpin—gifts to bring home.
Each night, she counted the days until she could see Han Fei again.
At last, the morning arrived when the results would be posted.
Bo Xi had already slipped coins to the inn servants, asking them to check the notice board for her. The crowd outside the yamen was so thick that even breathing felt difficult. People pushed, shouted, and climbed onto carts just to glimpse the list.
Bo Xi stayed in her room, pacing, her hands clasped tightly.
The sun climbed higher. One cup of tea. Then another. By the third, her nerves were stretched thin.
Finally, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.
"The name is on the list!" the servant cried. "Third in the written test, and first in the physical!"
Bo Xi froze, then slowly let out a long breath she felt she had been holding for months. Her shoulders trembled, and her eyes stung with tears.
She pressed several copper coins into the servant's hands, who bowed gratefully and rushed off to share the news.
Soon, other guests surrounded her, offering smiles and congratulations. Though embarrassed, Bo Xi thanked them sincerely before retreating to her room.
There, she finally allowed herself to smile freely.
Tomorrow, she would return home.
She could already imagine Han Fei's face when she told him.
That evening, the Prefect hosted a banquet for the top candidates. Lanterns glowed across the hall, and warm wine was passed around. When the guests learned Bo Xi was already married, many sighed in pity. Some had even thought of giving her a concubine.
Bo Xi only smiled and refused politely. Their words did not matter.
The banquet lasted until late into the night, but her heart was already on the road home.
On the other side of the countryside, Han Fei sat alone beneath the dim lamplight.
"The exams should be over by now," he murmured to himself. "She will be back soon."
He stared at the door, hoping that when he looked again, Bo Xi would be standing there.
More than anything, he only wished for her safe return.