The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Xiao Yuan finished the day’s exam papers, and it was nearly dark.

He placed the exam papers into a designated box, covered it with oilcloth, and then proceeded to wash his hands to prepare a meal.

The examination venue did provide some food, but it was hard to swallow.

Moreover, the water provided at the venue was cold.

In such cold weather, the candidates wore thin clothing and were already shivering; drinking cold water would only make things worse.

This was just the first day; most people could endure it, but by the second and third days, some would be dragged out due to being overwhelmed by the cold, sometimes resulting in fevers or even fainting.

Xiao Yuan avoided drinking the cold water provided at the venue; he stored it instead, needing it now to make noodle soup.

He first placed dried vegetables, stewed meat, stewed eggs, and flatbread into a container specially prepared by Anning, then added hot water and covered it.

He then placed a heat pack at the base, added cold water, and swiftly positioned the top container; afterwards, he stood up to stretch.

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, Xiao Yuan opened the lid to eat.

As soon as the lid was opened, a fragrant aroma spread everywhere, causing those eating dry biscuits and drinking cold water to swallow hard.

Xiao Yuan picked up his chopsticks, first taking a bite of egg, followed by meat, then the rehydrated vegetables, including dried radish, dried cabbage, and mushrooms; after some vegetables, he started on the noodles.

Before, he didn’t find this particularly tasty, but in the current setting, it felt like a feast.

The aroma and taste delighted him, while those nearby were left dissatisfied with their dry biscuits.

Having eaten his noodles and drank his soup, he felt full and satisfied enough to rest well.

As for others, he cared not.

After nine days of exams, once the papers were submitted, Xiao Yuan packed up his belongings to leave.

After a few steps, he was stopped by several candidates.

These people looked at Xiao Yuan with envy and resentment.

”Brother, please wait.”

Xiao Yuan stopped: ”What is it? Is there a problem?”

They scrutinized Xiao Yuan: ”Brother, what food did you have at the venue? It smelled truly delicious.”

Faced with gourmands, Xiao Yuan couldn’t help but laugh: ”I’m not sure; it’s something my Lady prepared, but it was indeed tasty. I’ll ask her when I get home and let you know.”

The group walked out together, chatting along the way, and by the time they left the exam hall, they were quite familiar.

Anning had taken the house servants and waited outside the exam hall since morning.

Bai En had also taken leave to wait at a nearby restaurant.

Seeing Xiao Yuan emerge, they breathed a sigh of relief.

Anning quickly asked the attendant to help Xiao Yuan with his belongings and urged him to get into the carriage.

After staying in the cramped room for nine days, Xiao Yuan felt uncomfortable; he believed everything smelled, and his clothes were foul. He bid farewell to the other candidates and climbed into his carriage.

Anning instructed the driver to hurry home.

On the carriage, Xiao Yuan fell asleep.

When he awoke at home, the first thing he did was bathe and change clothes.

After his bath, Bai En arrived.

Seeing that Xiao Yuan was in good spirits and not overly tired, he felt relieved.

Later, Xiao Yuan slept while Bai En spoke with Anning.

”Ayuan mentioned wanting an official post. I’ve found him some options. When he wakes, ask him where he wants to go, and let me know his choice to arrange it.” Bai En advised Anning gently.

”If Ayuan takes a post, go with him. Do not stay home with the old and young; it won’t win favor and might drive a wedge between you and your husband.” Bai En emphasized to Anning.

Anning nodded promptly: ”Father, I understand. I’ll definitely go with Ayuan; I won’t stay at the Wei Family to serve them. Without Ayuan, I wouldn’t even know them. Besides, those two children aren’t mine; I won’t care for them.”

For those valuing propriety and virtue, they would certainly criticize Anning for disrespecting elders and neglecting young ones. But Bai En was no such person; decorum held little sway over him.

He just wanted his daughter to live comfortably, and that was all that mattered.

He cared not for others; as long as his daughter was well, he cared not whether others lived or died.

”Good, indeed my daughter.” Bai En happily patted Anning’s head: ”I worried you might be easily swayed by flattery. It’s good to see you are resolute.”

Laughing, Anning leaned against Bai En: ”Father, I’ll make sure to have a child while Ayuan is stationed away. That way, Ayuan will focus on me and the child, and his feelings for those two not raised with him will fade. I won’t want anything from the Wei Family; what you give me is more than enough. I’ll leave everything for my child, not sparing those two a cent.”

Bai En laughed again: ”Indeed, those little ones’ maternal family are our sworn enemies. It’s generous enough to let them live; how well they live is no concern of ours. Besides, you bear no malice; their character depends on the Wei Family’s upbringing.”

Bai En thought to himself that had those two not been his son-in-law’s children, he might have settled their fate long ago.

Once Xiao Yuan awoke, Anning shared these matters with him.

The couple discussed and decided to first take a post as a county magistrate in the eastern coastal region.

Anning conveyed their plan to Bai En, and once arrangements were made, it was time for the results to be announced.

Xiao Yuan and Anning didn’t go to see the list but rather sent a servant.

Just as expected, Xiao Yuan’s rank wasn’t too high or low; he was around twentieth place.

After some time was the imperial examination.

After that, Xiao Yuan ranked sixteenth in the second class, a commendable result.

Of course, this was Xiao Yuan deliberately being reserved.

He wasn’t aiming for top scorer; he preferred to take a stable post for a few years, thus aiming for this result.

With the results announced, they began networking for good posts or considering the scholar examination.

Meanwhile, court holidays were announced for the new advanced scholars.

Anning visited Noble Consort Chu in the palace to bid farewell.

Upon departing, Anning took her pulse once more, assured of her good health.

Thus, after bidding Bai En goodbye, they sailed back to Wuyuan.

Though yet to return, news of Xiao Yuan passing the Imperial Examination reached Wuyuan.

Xin Lan was jesting in the Old Madam’s chambers, where Wei Xing and Wei Susu were also present, having been drawn in by Xin Lan recently.

In Anning’s absence, Xin Lan took care to treat Wei Xing and Wei Susu well.

Previously, Mr. Wei had dispatched Miao Family’s servants, some sold, others paired off, and some sent to the Manor, leaving no one to speak ill to the children.

Xin Lan staffed caretakers to speak positively of her to the children, teaching them to distance from Anning and favor her.

Wei Xing and Wei Susu, having heard this often, trusted Xin Lan and grew close to her.

Xin Lan crafted a nurturing image for herself, treating the children well, so much so that Mr. Wei believed she truly cared for them, while the Old Madam became reassured, often trusting her guidance.

Xin Lan cradled Wei Susu, while a maid brought water for Wei Xing and chatted with the Old Madam: ”Judging by the time, the Imperial Examination has concluded. I wonder when our Master and Granny will return?”

The Old Madam smiled: ”I suspect soon.”

Wei Susu pouted: ”Father returning is one thing, but why that woman?”

Wei Xing added: ”No other family does this; ours is different. She insists on staying by Father’s side—it lacks propriety.”

The Old Madam glanced at Wei Xing.

She also felt Anning’s insistence on accompanying Xiao Yuan, rather than staying home, seemed improper, yet dared not voice criticism.

After all, she knew Anning was a court-appointed Commandery Princess, not someone she could challenge.