The Double

Chapter 60: Academy Examinations

Ten days passed neither quickly nor slowly. For the residents of Yanjing City, however, it was a momentous occasion. Firstly, it was the day of the Imperial College examinations, where talented young scholars could distinguish themselves, and secondly, it was also the day of Mingyi Hall’s examinations, where young ladies from official families would showcase their abilities.

This occurred every year, but this time, there was an even greater spectacle: the wager between Second Miss Jiang, daughter of the Grand Secretary, and Miss Meng, legitimate daughter of the Chengxuan Lang family. The loser would have to kneel and apologize publicly—a spectacle Yanjing City hadn’t witnessed in years. Eager for drama, everyone from officials to commoners awaited the outcome.

Among the onlookers, most sided with Meng Hongjin, and for good reason: anyone with sense and sight wouldn’t bet on Jiang Li. Miss Meng’s past achievements at Mingyi Hall were outstanding, while Second Miss Jiang, to put it bluntly, was barely more advanced than a child just starting her education. How could she possibly compete?

A few went against the tide and supported Second Miss Jiang. When asked why, one man stroked his chin and grinned lewdly, “If Second Miss Jiang wins, Miss Meng will have to remove her outer robe and kneel in apology at the Imperial College gates. Miss Meng is a noble young lady—getting to see her disrobe would be quite a treat. So, of course, I’m rooting for Second Miss Jiang!”

His reasoning was utterly vulgar, and the crowd spat in disgust, ignoring him thereafter.

As Meng Hongjin’s carriage passed through the streets, she could hear people discussing her. Furious, her hatred for Jiang Li deepened.

Jiang Li’s three wagers, especially the last one, had become the talk of the town. But the public’s fascination with whether an unmarried noble lady like her would remove her outer robe was itself damaging to her reputation. Enraged, her father had reprimanded her severely. Meng Hongjin had never suffered such humiliation before the examinations even began, leaving her at a disadvantage from the start.

“I’ll make sure she’s utterly disgraced!” she vowed.

Meanwhile, the Jiang family’s carriages were also on their way to Mingyi Hall.

Surprisingly, Jiang Youyao had waited for Jiang Li this time. Though they didn’t share a carriage, the two vehicles departed one after the other, leaving the estate together.

Jiang Yuanbai, likely preferring to avoid the situation, didn’t even see them off. Instead, Old Madam Jiang sent a maid to relay a few words to Jiang Li, advising her to do her best without taking the outcome too seriously—a gesture that somewhat surprised Jiang Li.

Jiang Jingyou and Jiang Jingrui were also participating in the Imperial College examinations and had left early. Jiang Jingyou wasn’t particularly close to Jiang Li, and as for Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Li guessed he was only going through the motions, expecting to rank at the very bottom.

Sitting in her carriage, Jiang Li wondered what rank Ye Shijie would achieve in the examinations. If he performed exceptionally well, he could be recommended for an official post directly after the Imperial College exams, without waiting for the spring imperial examinations the following year. While achieving the top scholar title was prestigious, securing a position through the Imperial College route was more reliable. After all, many top scholars in the past had not necessarily enjoyed smooth official careers.

Shen Yurong was an exception, but his current status might not have been attained without Princess Yongning’s support behind the scenes.Thinking of Shen Yurong, Jiang Li's gaze darkened slightly.

Tong'er, mistaking Jiang Li's concern for worry about today's examination, took a piece of honeyed jujube pastry from the snack box and handed it to her, comforting, "Miss, there's no need to worry. The Old Madam has said that this examination isn't something to take too seriously. Besides, the Master will arrange everything properly. Remember, you are the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, the precious daughter of the Grand Secretary. No one would dare to do anything to you."

This meant that even if Jiang Li lost, she could still refuse to honor the bet.

Jiang Li accepted the pastry and smiled as she patted Tong'er's head. Tong'er was still too naive. Regardless of whether this approach would work, Meng Hongjin's father, Official Meng, the Chengxuan Lang, seemed to have close ties with the Right Prime Minister's Li family. Anyone associated with the Right Prime Minister was an enemy of the Jiang family. How would the Meng family let go of such an opportunity? If Jiang Li lost, Jiang Yuanbai could indeed use his power to suppress the matter, but the Meng family would surely submit a memorial behind the scenes, embarrassing Jiang Yuanbai in court.

For both the Meng and Jiang families, this was not merely a bet between two young ladies showing off their fierceness. The deeper implications and reputation behind it were far more significant than the bet itself.

"I know," Jiang Li said, taking a bite of the pastry. The sweet taste made her smile even sweeter. "I'll do my best."

When they arrived at the entrance of Mingyi Hall, many people had already gathered outside the examination room. Seeing Jiang Li approach, they looked her up and down, occasionally bursting into laughter. There was no need to guess—they were mocking her.

The examination on the Six Arts—Calligraphy, Rites, and Mathematics—would be conducted in the examination room on paper, with results posted five days later. The subsequent tests—Archery, Charioteering, and Music—would be held publicly on the examination grounds of Mingyi Hall, with results announced on the spot.

Thus, the examinations at Mingyi Hall were considered fair and impartial, leaving no room for favoritism.

Meng Hongjin spotted Jiang Li and walked over with a feigned sigh of relief, saying, "Second Miss Jiang, you're so late. I thought you might not dare to come."

"How could that be?" Jiang Li smiled. "I take my bet with Miss Meng very seriously."

"Good," Meng Hongjin replied with a vicious smile. "I hope Second Miss Jiang achieves outstanding results and lives up to everyone's expectations."

She emphasized the words "lives up to everyone's expectations," and everyone knew that "everyone's expectations" certainly did not include Jiang Li.

Jiang Li nodded with a smile, as if unfazed by Meng Hongjin's words. Jiang Youyao approached with Jiang Yu'e, looking at Jiang Li with concern. "Second Sister, you haven't practiced at the residence these past few days. Today... don't push yourself too hard."

The surrounding crowd snickered at the mention of her lack of practice. Jiang Li's chances of winning seemed even slimmer, and some were eagerly anticipating how miserably she would lose.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "Third Sister has been practicing diligently every day. I hope today's examination rewards your hard work and brings you the results you deserve."

"Thank you for your kind words, Second Sister," Jiang Youyao replied, unable to suppress a sweet, triumphant smile. For this examination, Ji Shuran had invested great effort in training her, aiming to showcase Jiang Youyao's talent against Jiang Li's coarseness in front of everyone. The thought of stepping on Jiang Li to pave her own way filled Jiang Youyao with anticipation.Jiang Yu'e looked at Jiang Li, unable to conceal the arrogance in her gaze. Although her status was inferior to Jiang Li's—not being Jiang Yuanbai's daughter—in terms of talent and intelligence, Jiang Li was far from matching her. This time, Jiang Li was bound to be thoroughly humiliated.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, as the appointed hour approached, everyone entered the examination hall and took their seats on the chairs, awaiting the arrival of the chief examiner.

It was a battle where the victor would reign supreme and the loser would be cast aside.

(End of Chapter)