On the stage, Gao Yan finally finished reciting the "Conduct and Law Strategy."
The surroundings fell silent at first, then erupted into hushed discussions. The students didn’t yet grasp the deeper meaning of this treatise, only recognizing its ornate references to classics. However, the adults in the men's seating area understood its profound implications. The treatise seemed casual, yet it pinpointed the loopholes in Ming Qi’s current legal system and proposed ingenious remedies. For a student, this was truly extraordinary.
The examiners on stage likely hadn’t expected Gao Yan to be so remarkably capable. But rules were rules—once a student’s results were questioned, they had to be tested. For instance, Shen Miao’s painting earlier. Objectively speaking, this "Conduct and Law Strategy" surpassed Shen Miao’s painting in both literary brilliance and practicality. The examiner thus asked, "As mentioned in your treatise, Ming Qi’s legal system is vast and encompassing. You propose a detailed division—how exactly would you implement this division?"
Gao Yan’s heart swelled with joy. The manuscript he had received not only contained this "Conduct and Law Strategy" but also included a question that matched the examiner’s inquiry perfectly. He felt immense gratitude toward the person who had written it for him, resolving to reward them generously later. Thus, he straightened his posture confidently and answered according to the script: "Divide it into three layers—commerce, governance, and civil affairs should each be addressed separately..."
Below the stage, the Capital Archivist, Lord Gao, was grinning from ear to ear. His rise in the officialdom had relied solely on the emperor’s favor and his extensive network. But when it came to genuine talent, he had none. Fortunately, he had a capable eldest son, Gao Jin, who had helped him handle many affairs from a young age. Now, his second son, Gao Yan, was also displaying such extraordinary ability. He’d have to burn incense in the ancestral hall to thank his forebears.
Gao Jin, sharper than his father, couldn’t quite believe his younger brother possessed such wisdom. Yet, seeing Gao Yan answer the examiner’s questions so fluently, he couldn’t dismiss it as mere bribery. He found himself torn.
Pei Lang picked up his teacup and took a sip, his hand trembling slightly. For some reason, every word Gao Yan spoke seemed to imprint itself in his mind. The familiarity of it all felt absurd, and his inner turmoil refused to settle.
Su Minlang had just dozed off. Noticing the admiring looks directed at Gao Yan on stage, he tugged at Master Su’s sleeve and asked, "Father, is he really that good?"
"A young prodigy," Master Su replied bluntly.
Su Minlang pouted, clearly unconvinced. After scanning the crowd and failing to spot Su Mingfeng, he asked, "Why hasn’t Brother returned yet?"
Master Su coughed lightly. "Your elder brother is still weak. It was already a stretch for him to come today. Let him rest a while longer."
Fu Xiuyi overheard the exchange and glanced at Master Su. Noticing the lingering gloom in Master Su’s expression when mentioning Su Mingfeng, he withdrew his gaze thoughtfully.
Regardless, Gao Yan had fought an impeccable battle today. His effortless responses to the examiner’s questions dispelled any lingering doubts. Unsurprisingly, he was awarded "First Class." The ranking was secondary—what mattered was that from now on, when people spoke of the Capital Archivist, they wouldn’t just mention Gao Jin but also his brilliant second son.
Gao Yan descended the stage triumphantly. This round of the "Selection" concluded, and the women’s "Selection" began.
Feng Anning didn’t take the stage. She excelled in the "qin" category, and since she had already been assigned to it in the earlier "Drawing," there was no need for her to participate in other categories. Shen Qing chose "chess"—she was skilled in calculations, and chess required just that, giving her a slight edge. Shen Yue, unsurprisingly, selected the "qin."
Shen Yue had always favored pursuits that highlighted her ethereal grace. Chen Ruoqiu had been an accomplished qin player, not only performing but also composing melodies and lyrics. Shen Yue had mastered this art impeccably. She won "First Class" every year, and this annual event was her moment to shine.
In the women’s group, once Shen Yue participated, others typically avoided the "qin" category to spare themselves humiliation. Shen Qing had put in the effort and secured "First Class" in "chess."
When it finally came to the "qin," the crowd buzzed with anticipation once more.
Shen Yue ascended the stage gracefully, burning incense and washing her hands. Her delicate, rosy attire and gentle demeanor were enchanting. With a faint smile gracing her lips, she truly resembled a celestial maiden.
She played "Ode to the Moon."
"Ode to the Moon" was an exceptionally challenging piece, depicting a wanderer’s longing for homeland and loved ones. It began softly melancholic, then surged into passionate sorrow, ending in poignant lament. Its transitions demanded technical mastery, and its emotional depth was profoundly moving.
In her past life, Shen Yue had stolen the spotlight with this very piece, leaving everyone in awe. In contrast, Shen Miao had been utterly eclipsed. Looking back now, it seemed every bit of Shen Yue’s acclaim had been built upon Shen Miao’s humiliation.
Shen Miao gazed at the young girl on stage.
Shen Yue had begun. Her fingers danced across the strings as if they had a life of their own, weaving a melody so ethereal it seemed to float into the ears of every listener. Her hands fluttered like butterflies through a sea of flowers, each transition seamless and natural.
Feng Anning bit her lip. Even though she disliked Shen Yue, she had to admit her qin skills were exceptional. Compared to this, her own "First Class" performance earlier seemed crude and clumsy.
This was a song of longing for home and family, yet it only tightened Shen Miao’s fists.
Even after rebirth, the dead could not return. Wan Yu and Fu Ming would never reappear. Shen Yue’s melody felt less like a comfort and more like a funeral dirge of vengeance. To Shen Miao’s ears, it carried not solace, but blood-soaked hatred.
Cai Lin had slipped out of his seat, edging closer to the stage to catch every nuance of his beloved’s performance. Enraptured by the music, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by a whispered conversation.
"Second Young Lady is so unlucky. She’s never placed second before, yet Fifth Young Lady used underhanded tricks to steal her 'First Class,'" said a slender maid. Cai Lin recognized her as Shen Yue’s personal maid, Shuxiang, and instinctively turned to listen.
"Exactly! And Fifth Young Lady didn’t even participate in the 'Selection'—she’s clearly targeting Second Young Lady," another maid chimed in.
"Ah, but our Second Young Lady is too kind. Who knows how much she’s suffered in private because of Fifth Young Lady? Fifth Young Lady only dares to act this way because she has the grand lord’s backing. Second Young Lady is so pitiful—after all her preparation, someone else snatches her glory."
"If only someone could stand up for Second Young Lady... Like challenging Fifth Young Lady during the 'Challenge' round?"
"Don’t talk nonsense," Shuxiang cut in. "Everyone knows Fifth Young Lady is hopeless in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Challenging her would only lower one’s own status. I doubt any girl would do it. But if a boy challenged her, now that would teach her a lesson."
The voices faded. Cai Lin’s eyes flickered as he glanced at Shen Yue on stage, an idea forming in his mind.
Author’s Note:
Heads up—the brat’s about to cause major trouble!
...
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