There is a kind of bird in this world that never works hard itself, only lays an egg, and once the chick hatches, it urges the chick on relentlessly, forcing it to fly in its place.

When Ning Qingtian first heard this saying, he thought it was just a joke. After all, his own parents had never demanded such things from him.

But now, being forced by this old man like this, he finally realized that this kind of “bird” really did exist in the world.

“Father, your son is a bandit now! If you force me to take the imperial examinations and someone reports it, that’s a crime punishable by death! Do you understand!”

Ning Qingtian was helpless. Even so, he still wanted to make the seriousness of the consequences clear to this old man, so he would understand that it was absolutely impossible for him to take the exam.

But clearly, his effort did nothing. The old man exploded in anger, shouting, “Nonsense! You were kidnapped up the mountain by bandits—how does that make you a bandit? And besides, this place is remote and far from the emperor. Who would ever know you’re a bandit?”

However, his words made Wu Qianlan, who had been observing behind Ning Qingtian, show a rather strange expression.

Though she admired the old man’s loyalty to the Great Song, something about what he said felt… off.

Still, when it came to the matter of having this “bandit husband” participate in the imperial examinations, she immediately saw an opportunity.

In an instant, a plan that benefited both sides formed in her mind.

Perhaps… she could persuade this “bandit husband” to take the exam.

Although she suspected that the one currently in the palace in her place was the original owner of this body, Yan Bailu, it was only a hypothesis. She needed proof.

But she could not simply send someone to investigate without reason, or she would expose herself.

So having Ning Qingtian participate in the imperial examinations was the perfect method.

With what she had learned over these past days, she now understood almost everything about this “bandit husband.” He originally had quite the reputation in Anqing Prefecture.

If he took the exam, he would at least make it to the palace examination, and the emperor would naturally test him personally.

By then, the truth would be obvious.

If the emperor currently in the palace was indeed Yan Bailu, considering her feelings toward this man, she would undoubtedly pick him as the top scholar and keep him by her side.

And if it was not Yan Bailu, then she only needed to find Celestial Master Zhang—he would surely have a way to switch her back into her real body.

When that time came, the impostor would certainly die, and as for this “bandit husband”… he had some talent.

If he could be used, she would keep him.

If not, killing him would be no problem—she was an emperor, after all, and she had the resolve for it.

Having thought through everything, Wu Qianlan immediately stepped forward and stopped the “bandit husband,” who was still arguing with the old man.

With a smile, she told the old man, “Elder Ning, rest assured. It’s only the imperial examinations. I will personally escort my husband there myself. You may stay home and wait for the good news.”

Hearing this, both father and son stared at her in shock, completely bewildered as to what this female bandit intended to do.

Especially Ning Qingtian.

The moment he heard his wife say that, his mind went blank.

‘What was this??? Was she saying it out of anger?’

Even Ning Jin, who had pressured his son all this time, froze.

Before coming here, he had already prepared for the worst outcome—that he might be killed on the spot by this female bandit.

He wasn’t afraid. Compared to seeing his son succeed in the examinations and bring honor to the family, his own old life was worth nothing.

Yet he never expected that his son refused, while the female bandit agreed.

What kind of situation was this???

“Bah! Who’s your elder! You ignorant bandit, what scheme are you planning now? This old man isn’t someone you can fool!”

Seeing the old man glaring at her with full disdain, even Wu Qianlan’s forehead veins twitched.

Did this old man not know how to write the word “death”?

Fortunately, it was her inside this body now.

If it had been the original owner listening to him insult her as an “ignorant bandit,” she’d probably have killed him already.

But she had a plan, so she endured. After all, the insults weren’t aimed at her real self anyway.

Meanwhile, Ning Qingtian was horrified.

He knew exactly how fiery his wife’s temper was. Even if she had improved recently, she could still explode at any moment.

If she flew into a rage and slapped the old man to death, he would feel guilty.

After all, he had taken over this man’s son’s body. If he then killed the father too, what kind of person would he be?

So he hurriedly apologized to his wife, “Please calm down, my lady, calm down. The old man is cursing me, his son—not you. Don’t take it personally…”

His flustered apology made Wu Qianlan’s heart stir once more.

She hadn’t expected this “bandit husband,” who openly defied his father, to be so afraid she would kill him.

He really was quite filial!

As the sages said: A loyal minister and a fine general will always come from a filial household.

His behavior increased her confidence in taming him for her own use.

“It’s nothing. He is your father. I won’t take his words to heart.”

After soothing him, she turned to the old man and said, “If Elder still doesn’t believe me, I am willing to swear an oath. If I utter even half a false word, may I be struck by heaven and thunder.”

Then she swore immediately.

And the moment the oath was sworn, thunder cracked across the sky.

Ning Qingtian, who failed to stop her in time, swallowed hard.

This world was not like the one he came from.

If you broke an oath here, you would truly be punished.

Even Ning Jin, who despised the female bandit chief, was stunned speechless.

“Well then? Elder, do you believe it now?”

Wu Qianlan smiled calmly.

“Good… good… good. Since the Lady Bandit Chief has such courage, then when my son becomes the top scholar, he can petition Her Majesty to grant you all amnesty.”

He said three “good”s in a row, clearly satisfied.

Seeing the situation already settled, Ning Qingtian no longer wanted to listen to the old man chatter. He immediately pulled his wife away and headed up the mountain.

“Remember! The imperial examinations begin on the eighth day of the ninth month in Bianjing! Don’t miss the date!”

The old man’s loud reminder echoed behind them.