Yan Jin shook her head. “This method wasn’t researched by me. I’m just borrowing others’ wisdom.”

　　County Magistrate: “Then what is the researcher’s name and place of origin? If white sugar can be successfully produced, this official will definitely report to the court and reward her handsomely.”

　　”An unnamed Taoist priest passing by saw that I had a special connection with her and gifted me this recipe,” Yan Jin said. “The Taoist priest’s whereabouts are unpredictable, and I don’t know her name either.”

　　”This official knows Miss Yan doesn’t chase fame and fortune, but what should be yours will always be yours.” The county magistrate smiled and immediately drafted a notice, specifically writing that the white sugar production method was devised by Yan Jin. “I am, after all, the Number One Scholar personally appointed by Her Majesty. I at least have the magnanimity to tolerate others to this extent.”

　　”Your Excellency, you misunderstood,” Yan Jin emphasized. “This really wasn’t a method I thought of.”

　　”Don’t worry.” The county magistrate gave Yan Jin a reassuring look. “Although I’m just a small county magistrate, I can still protect you from being eaten by those aristocratic families.”

　　Yan Jin’s white sugar trade with the county magistrate was just for the convenience of getting an entry ticket to the imperial exams. She didn’t want to make enemies for herself so early on.

　　”My family motto is to do good deeds without leaving a name. Last time was already a violation of the family motto. If I make a fuss again this time, when burning incense during the New Year, I won’t be able to face my ancestors.”

　　”You’ve given Yongning County such a generous gift. If we only express our gratitude with material things, it would be too perfunctory and disrespectful.” The county magistrate pondered for a moment and asked, “Is there anything you want? As long as it doesn’t violate the law and principles, this official will make it happen for you.”

　　Seeing that the opportunity had come, Yan Jin said solemnly, “I want an admission to Qingsong Academy.”

　　”You plan to take the imperial exams?” The county magistrate was surprised.

　　Yan Jin was very straightforward. “It’s boring to idle at home anyway, so I’m finding something to do for myself.”

　　The county magistrate pondered for a while, secretly thinking that the ideas of young people nowadays were really unfathomable. Instead of enjoying a high bed and soft pillow, she wanted to come to this poor and remote place to take the imperial exams.

　　With this thought, the county magistrate still wrote a letter of recommendation for Yan Jin in the end.

　　After stamping it with his personal seal, the county magistrate couldn’t help but comfort Yan Jin. “Although our Yongning County is small, Qingsong Academy is full of talents and is not inferior to those provinces with a strong academic atmosphere. It’s normal to not be as good as others. Miss Yan, don’t take it too much to heart.”

　　After all, others are going in with a sincere desire to take the exams, while you might just be going to play around.

　　[This county magistrate is so kind and amiable. No wonder she was personally appointed as the Number One Scholar by the emperor for her beauty. She’s so elegant and makes people feel like the spring breeze.]

　　[I, who is used to being a salted fish, really admire Yan Jin’s ability to find things to do for herself.]

　　[If I transmigrated to a female-dominant world and had both money and free time, I would feel like I was wasting my life if I didn’t get three husbands and four attendants.]

　　Knowing that Yan Jin successfully obtained a recommended spot at Qingsong Academy, Yu Shu enthusiastically rolled up his sleeves. “This is your first step in the imperial exams. We have to celebrate it properly.”

　　Seeing Yu Shu roll up his sleeves, Yan Jin secretly thought it was bad. Just as she was about to stop Yu Shu from speaking, Yu Shu opened his mouth. “This is a great thing. I’ll cook dinner tonight. I learned a few signature dishes from Ah De. I guarantee you’ll have your fill with varying flavors.”

　　The usually calm Yan Jin was in a panic, her hands almost waving into afterimages. “No need, really no need.”

　　[I originally wanted to see Yan Jin panicking. But that doesn’t mean I wanted to see Yan Jin so scared by Yu Shu’s cooking that her expression turned into an emoji.]

　　[To be honest, after the live stream ended yesterday, I couldn’t help but recreate Yu Shu’s fish slice porridge. No exaggeration, no negativity, let me just say one thing: “If I were Yan Jin, I would also frantically stop Yu Shu from entering the kitchen.”]

　　[To the one in front, if you’re a passerby, that’s fine. But if you’re Yu Shu’s fan, I just want to advise you: “Don’t try everything he does.”]

　　Yan Jin’s intention to stop Yu Shu from cooking was so obvious that even Yu Shu noticed. He asked suspiciously, “Why are you stopping me from entering the kitchen?”