Chapter Sixty-One: The Entrance Exam

Ten days—neither swift nor slow—passed, yet for the people of Yan Capital, it was a momentous occasion. Not only was it the day of the Imperial Academy’s examinations, when young talents would shine, but also the exam day at Mingyi Hall, where noble ladies displayed their prowess.

This annual event was always anticipated, but this year brought an even greater spectacle: the wager between Second Miss Jiang, daughter of the Chief Minister, and Miss Meng, the legitimate daughter of the Chengxuan Scholar’s household. The loser would kneel in public and beg forgiveness—a scene not witnessed in Yan Capital for many years. Eager for drama, everyone from high officials to common folk awaited the outcome.

Most onlookers favored Meng Hongjin. The reason was clear—anyone with sense would not choose Jiang Li. Miss Meng’s past performance at Mingyi Hall was outstanding, while Second Miss Jiang, to put it bluntly, was barely beyond the level of a child just beginning her studies. How could she compete?

There were a few contrarians who insisted on supporting Jiang Li. When asked why, one man stroked his chin and gave a lewd grin: “If Second Miss Jiang wins, Miss Meng must remove her outer robe and kneel at the Academy gate to apologize. Miss Meng is a distinguished lady—seeing her shed her robe would be a rare treat. Clearly, it’s more worthwhile for Jiang Li to win. I choose her!”

Such vulgar reasoning drew disgust—people spat at him and ignored him thereafter.

As Meng Hongjin’s carriage passed by, she heard the crowd’s commentary about her, fueling her anger and deepening her hatred toward Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s three wagers, especially the last, were discussed with relish, yet few considered that the city’s collective gossip about whether a noble lady would remove her robe was itself damaging to her reputation. The Meng family patriarch was furious and rebuked her; Meng Hongjin had never suffered such humiliation. The exam had not yet begun, and she was already at a disadvantage.

“This time, I’ll see her name ruined!” she swore.

Meanwhile, the Jiang family’s carriage rolled toward Mingyi Hall. For the first time, Jiang Youyao waited for Jiang Li, although they still rode in separate carriages, one following the other, together leaving the manor.

Jiang Yuanbai, perhaps preferring not to witness the spectacle, did not see them off; instead, the old matriarch sent a maid with a few words for Jiang Li, telling her to do her best but not to take it too much to heart, which surprised Jiang Li.

Jiang Jingyou and Jiang Jingrui were also headed to the Academy exams, having left early. Jiang Jingyou was not close to Jiang Li, and Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Li surmised, was only participating for the sake of appearances, expecting to achieve the lowest possible rank.

Seated in her carriage, Jiang Li wondered what rank Ye Shijie would earn in the exam. If he performed exceptionally, he could be promoted and appointed to office after the Academy exam, without waiting for next year’s imperial examination. Though winning first place in the imperial exam was prestigious, the Academy route was steadier. Many past top scholars had found their careers less smooth after entering court.

Except for Shen Yuyong, but his current status likely owed much to the support of Princess Yongning.

Thinking of Shen Yuyong, Jiang Li’s gaze dimmed.

Tong’er, mistaking Jiang Li’s mood for anxiety over the exam, took a piece of honey date pastry from the box and offered it to her, comforting: “Miss, don’t worry. The old lady said this exam need not weigh on your mind. Besides, the master will arrange everything. Remember, you are the Chief Minister’s legitimate daughter. No one dares to harm you.”

In other words, even if Jiang Li lost, she could refuse to fulfill the wager.

Jiang Li took the pastry, smiling as she patted Tong’er’s head. Tong’er was still too naïve. Whether such a solution would work was questionable. Chengxuan Scholar, Meng Hongjin’s father, seemed to have close ties with the Right Chancellor Li’s family. That connection made them enemies of the Jiang family. The Mengs would not let such an opportunity slip by. If Jiang Li lost, Jiang Yuanbai might use his power to suppress the matter, but the Mengs would surely retaliate, making things difficult for Jiang Yuanbai at court.

For both families, this was more than a wager between two young ladies—it carried deeper significance and reputation far beyond the bet itself.

“I understand,” Jiang Li replied, biting into the pastry, its sweet flavor making her smile even brighter. “I’ll do my best.”

Arriving at Mingyi Hall, crowds had already gathered outside the examination room. Seeing Jiang Li, they sized her up, laughter frequently erupting—clearly mocking her.

The exam covered the Six Arts: writing, ritual, and arithmetic were tested inside the examination room, with results posted five days later. Archery, charioteering, and music were performed publicly in the hall, with instant results.

Thus, the Mingyi Hall exam was considered fair and impartial, with no room for favoritism.

Meng Hongjin approached Jiang Li, feigning relief and saying, “Second Miss Jiang, you’re so late—I thought you might not dare to come.”

“How could I?” Jiang Li smiled. “I take our wager to heart.”

“That’s good.” Meng Hongjin’s smile was fierce. “I hope you achieve excellent results and live up to everyone’s expectations.”

Meng Hongjin emphasized “live up to everyone’s expectations,” knowing full well that it was not Jiang Li whom the crowd expected to win.

Jiang Li nodded, as if unfazed by Meng Hongjin’s words. Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yuer joined them, Jiang Youyao anxiously addressing Jiang Li: “Second sister, you haven’t practiced at home these days—today… don’t push yourself too hard.”

Her lack of practice at home drew snickers from those around—Jiang Li’s chances of winning seemed nonexistent, and some eagerly awaited her humiliating defeat.

Jiang Li smiled: “Third sister, you practice every day. I hope today’s exam rewards your diligence.”

“Thank you for your kind words, second sister.” Jiang Youyao couldn’t help but beam, feeling proud. This exam was the result of much effort by Ji Shuran, who had trained her extensively. Before the crowd, Jiang Li’s ineptitude would highlight her own talent—trampling Jiang Li was a stepping stone she eagerly anticipated.

Jiang Yuer looked at Jiang Li with unconcealed arrogance. Though her status was lower—not being Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter—she considered herself far more talented and clever. This time, Jiang Li’s disgrace was inevitable.

After a few polite exchanges, the hour approached and everyone entered the examination room, seated and waiting for the examiner.

It was a battle where victory or defeat would decide all.