With this connection, Edward Jr. Sutton felt a sense of relief.

Eldest Bolton and Oakridge Abbey only had some influence in this county; in the prefecture, they were nothing. With his own golden finger, even if things didn’t work out this time, there might still be a way forward—auditing at the prefectural academy was a good option.

Besides, with his martial arts skills, if truly pushed to the edge, spilling blood within five steps wouldn’t be difficult.

“Some people really won’t cry until they see the coffin. With such a poor and talentless look, they still have the nerve to wait for news.” Just as he was thinking this, a somewhat familiar voice suddenly sounded. Edward Jr. Sutton was slightly startled and looked over, discovering that it was Samuel Grant coming up, taking over a table. Although his gaze was hostile and his words provocative, since he didn’t name names, Edward Jr. Sutton simply ignored him.

“There are so many people here today.” George Bolton couldn’t help but sigh, “It’s one thing for us examinees to wait, but look, many of those sitting here actually paid just to watch the results, and they keep making sarcastic remarks. I really don’t know what’s so entertaining about all this commotion!”

Although Samuel Grant was actually mocking Edward Jr. Sutton, George Bolton took it upon himself.

Richard Bennett, however, was quite tolerant: “There’s not much entertainment on ordinary days. The release of the results is a big event, even a joyful one. Idle people come to see the excitement, just like watching a play.”

“A play? A monkey show?” Edward Jr. Sutton thought helplessly.

“When the results are out, those who pass will laugh, those who fail will cry. All the flavors of life are displayed before the onlookers, open to everyone’s commentary. It’s hard to say whether this is glory or absurdity.”

“But even if I didn’t come here, in my original world, most people also spent their lives busy for fame and fortune.”

“Now, even with a golden finger, I’m still just an ordinary person.”

Chapter 12: Debt Collection

As he was thinking this, his gaze suddenly caught a person wearing a cloak and a leather hat, whose flushed face showed no expression. Surrounded by several people, he entered. After coming in, he looked around, his eyes meeting Edward Jr. Sutton’s. The muscles on his cheek twitched, and he gave a cold smile before sitting down right where Samuel Grant had been.

“It’s Eldest Bolton. As expected, even the debt collector wants to wait for the results.”

Seeing the man arrive, he said nothing, just sat there drinking tea, occasionally casting a cold, sinister glance. Edward Jr. Sutton immediately understood, a chill running down his spine.

“They’re here, they’re here!” At that moment, a commotion broke out among the crowd outside, and the people in the restaurant grew excited as well.

The announcement of the exam results, called “fa’an,” involved blowing horns and posting the top five names above and the next fifteen below. Someone would also read the list aloud, usually the county yamen’s registrar.

Sure enough, when Edward Jr. Sutton looked out the open window, he saw a middle-aged man in a ninth-rank official’s robe holding a wooden tray, coming out under the protection of yamen runners.

At once, everyone looked over.

For this county exam in Linhua County, only twenty people would be admitted.

The names were read from highest to lowest. The registrar cleared his throat and began: “In the seventeenth year of Chengshou, Linhua County exam, first place… Pingmao Township, Richard Bennett!”

When Richard Bennett’s name was announced by the registrar, Edward Jr. Sutton could feel Richard Bennett breathe a sigh of relief. No matter how confident a person is, before the results are out, they’re always nervous.

“Ah, Brother Yu, you made it, you’re the top scorer in the county!” George Bolton immediately shouted.

“Heavens, so this is Richard Bennett. As expected, he’s the top scorer in the county. He’s sure to become a xiucai.” At that moment, exclamations of surprise and envy rang out in the restaurant.

Edward Jr. Sutton sat there. Although he had expected this, he still sighed inwardly and congratulated Richard Bennett: “Congratulations, Brother Yu, you truly deserve to be the top scorer in the county!”

“Actually, your level is above mine…” Richard Bennett shook his head. After ten years of study, he could see clearly, but his words were interrupted by the next name being read.

“Second place, Xunniu Township, James Howard.”

As this name was announced, a commotion immediately broke out in a corner of the restaurant. Someone excitedly muttered, “I made it, I made it!”

Congratulations rang out at once, everyone casting envious glances, then quieting down to wait for the next name.

“Third place, Anhu Township, Robert Mason.”

Edward Jr. Sutton continued to sit and listen. When he heard the registrar read out the top ten and still hadn’t heard his own name, he could feel some malicious gazes directed at him. Without looking, he knew most were from creditors also waiting for the results, as well as Eldest Bolton and his group.

Seeing the registrar cough and take a drink of water, Samuel Grant beamed and said to Eldest Bolton, “See, this Edward Jr. Sutton is hopeless! Not even in the top ten—he’s definitely failed!”

Upon hearing this, Eldest Bolton’s previously expressionless face twisted into a vicious grin. Eldest Bolton had started his career at thirteen, and after twenty years in the underworld, if he weren’t cunning, he’d have been buried long ago.

He saw through Edward Jr. Sutton’s tricks at a glance. Not only was he not angry, but he became even more wary and suspicious.

“Trying to take advantage of the county exam, with all the scholars gathered, to keep me from making a move?”

“Could Clark Jr.’s death be related to him?”

“Even if it’s not, someone this clever, and an enemy at that, absolutely cannot be left alive.” At this point, Eldest Bolton hadn’t thought of murder yet. The Great Zheng dynasty had only recently been founded; it wasn’t a time of chaos, and the government was upright. If something happened, he wouldn’t get away!

“But I can break his legs. The imperial exams value appearance—cripples aren’t allowed.” With just a turn of thought, Eldest Bolton came up with a vicious plan.