It was amusing that when Qiao Xuan accompanied Shao Yunduan to the capital for the examination, Ms. Niu and Second Uncle were constantly making sarcastic remarks from outside.
They would mock the first branch of the family for their recklessness, questioning how they could allow Qiao Xuan, a woman, to venture out with a man. Or perhaps they wanted to take the examination themselves? They believed it would bring bad luck if a woman joined them. It was already surprising enough that she wanted to participate in the examination at all.
While others might not have been familiar with Shao Yunduan's character and abilities, they were from the same village. Being an intermediate recommended candidate was already an impressive achievement; it was like being an advanced incense burner! The intermediate Provincial Champion had been a stroke of luck and happenstance. Becoming an Advanced Scholar was no easy feat.
