The summer heat had not yet dissipated when Zhao Yan sent Zhao Xuanzhi off in a carriage back to the Prefecture City. The Provincial Examination required taking the tests in the Prefecture City of one's native place, and with mountains to cross and rivers to span, the long journey was bound to be exhausting. To ensure Zhao Xuanzhi would be in top condition for the Provincial Examination, setting off early was the best approach, avoiding any issues with the local climate and water. Although Zhao Xuanzhi had already been to Ningyuan Prefecture for the Prefectural Examination, Zhao Yan still felt uneasy in his heart.
If official duties had not kept him tied down here, he certainly would have accompanied his son to the exams. But trapped by government business in the Capital, he had no way to go along, so Zhao Yan could only hire the most renowned escort agency in the Capital to protect them all the way. This was hardly a peaceful era; bandits and wandering outlaws were everywhere. Had there been no armed escort to safeguard the way, Zhao Yan would never have dared let Zhao Xuanzhi travel alone.Zhao Yan took charge of listing a few precautions, such as how to ease dizziness on the road, which acupoints were most effective to press, and how to respond to emergencies in the Examination Hall. This was the first time Zhao Xuanzhi discovered that Zhao Yan could be so naggy, yet he found it immensely comforting.
"Did you commit that to memory, Xuanzhi?" Zhao Yan's throat was hoarse b…
Chapter 686