Qian Yu chose to stay at a pillar close to where the target group was lounging around. These boys are very boisterous, perhaps to flaunt their presence. Looking at the expression of other people, it is easy to see that they are quite envious of some sort toward this group, yet are clearly uncomfortable getting close. Qian Yu heard earlier that the group is composed of the second or third sons of several high ranking military men. Heirs who are expected to follow in their parent's footsteps wouldn't be allowed to mingle with common conscripts. After all, they are the cream of the crop who are nurtured since their birth. It is only natural for these heirs to follow behind their fathers as they can learn more skills, tactics, and leadership experience that way.
Knowing her target, Qian Yu nonchalantly eavesdropped on their conversation. However, her calm exterior does not betray her intentions. She also didn't attempt to hide herself too much as she plans to catch their attention too. Perhaps, if she can ingrain herself within the group, more valuable information will flow into her hands.
"The conscripts will probably be examined the same way as last year.", one of the more low-key members of the group shared. "If we just followed what we practiced for the past few months, we are bound to pass the draft."
"Yes, it won't take long before we can be officially part of the army."
'Hmmmm… so even in the ancient times, there is an examination before one can be admitted to the army?' Qian Yu thought to herself. 'I guess they don't just stuff men into their ranks to buff up the numbers for the war. While I don't want to be in the army but I guess I have to participate if I want to get to know more important people.'
"Great General Chu will personally oversee the last day of the examination.", another one shared. "We must do our best to stand out if we want him to notice us."
Hearing her husband's name, Qian Yu's heart skipped a beat. It isn't because she is a lovestruck fool or whatnot; that's not it. It is just because she felt that the challenge before her just increased by a tiny wee bit. Moreover, she felt a bit of guilt in the corner of her heart for she is not supposed to be here but inside the manor.
She mentally wiped the sweat off her forehead. Let's throw the guilt out of the window for now. She, Qian Yu, isn't one to back down when it comes to a good challenge to her martial arts. She is actually anticipating this exam!
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As today was just the registration of those who want to participate in the exam and the start of the exam won't be until tomorrow, Qian Yu simply signed herself up and then left to go home. She thought that she'd probably not get anything of value to her mission today as most of the trainees are chattering about the exam, who is most likely to pass, and so on.
After arriving home, Qian Yu's maidservants breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing their mistress unharmed finally allowed them to put down their worries. They also feel safer now that their mistress has come back ahead of her husband.
"Prepare the bath for me.", Qian Yu ordered as she waltzed inside her room.
"Yes, mistress."
The three maidservants busied themselves on what they are supposed to do after acknowledging Qian Yu's orders. After drawing the bath, they immediately informed her. As Qian Yu didn't want people to wait on her while she's bathing, she gestured for the maidservants to leave the room for a while.
Liu Yue entered the room after she heard her mistress getting into the bath. She picked up the men's clothes on the ground.
"Mistress, shall we dispose of the men's clothes you've worn?", Liu Yue called out to Qian Yu. "It will be terrible if the Master sees these clothes. He may misunderstand."
"Indeed, it will be bad if my husband sees those clothes.", Qian Yu answered back. "However, there is no need to dispose of those clothes. Just hide them somewhere. I will be using those clothes in the following days."