Chapter Sixty-Two: The Top Scholar

Books, mathematics, and etiquette were trifles for Jiang Li, matters she could handle effortlessly.

The academy in Tongxiang was not as grand as the Mingyi Hall, yet it was by no means shabby. On the contrary, Jiang Li believed that learning was not the privilege of noble families alone, who possessed refined methods of study, but also belonged to ordinary households, each with their own approach. Although she did not have the palace tutors instructing her personally, under Xue Huaiyuan’s patient guidance, she felt she lacked nothing. Indeed, Xue Huaiyuan never hesitated to broaden her horizons and grant her freedom, so much so that her vision surpassed even the ambitions of men.

Otherwise, back when she first arrived in Yanjing, how could she have earned the title not only of the city’s greatest beauty but also its foremost scholar?

Thinking, writing, and composing her answers seemed to flow as naturally as breathing. Now, freed from the shackles of being “the wife of the top scholar,” and perhaps emboldened by having died once, Jiang Li found her mind even clearer, her writing more assured. The examiner patrolled the room, startled by her swift, unhesitating strokes, as if inspiration flowed through her hand.

Time slipped by quickly, and when the three sections were completed, the examiner carefully gathered the best scroll, offered some important instructions, then departed. All that remained now was to wait for the results to be announced five days hence.

As Jiang Li stepped out of the courtyard of Mingyi Hall, Jiang Youyao hurried after her, calling from afar, “Second Sister, are you all right?”

“I am quite well,” Jiang Li replied with a smile.

“Second Sister, you needn’t force yourself,” Jiang Yuer seized the chance to mock, “Surely you exhausted your wits today, worn out by the exam. You should rest well at home these next few days. When the results are posted, we’ll all help you look.”

“Thank you for your trouble,” Jiang Li nodded.

Seeing that Jiang Li showed neither anger nor fatigue, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yuer were a little displeased, but then, thinking she must be feigning calm, their spirits were restored.

Meng Hongjin stood at the gate, feeling confident after her own exam. She smiled provocatively at Jiang Li and said, “Second Miss Jiang, don’t forget our wager. On the day the results are posted, we must both appear at the Mingyi Hall entrance. Don’t try to make excuses and avoid it then, or you’ll be branded as false and ridiculed by all.”

“The same goes for you,” Jiang Li remained unruffled.

Meng Hongjin snorted coldly and turned away. Willow Floss looked at Jiang Li with concern, asking, “Was it difficult for you just now?”

“If I say it wasn’t, you won’t believe me,” Jiang Li patted her hand. “Don’t worry. These next few days, just rest freely. We’ll meet again in five days.”

She smiled and walked off with Tong’er and Snow.

As she neared the carriage, Jiang Li even spotted Ye Shijie standing at the gate of the National Academy from a distance. Ye Shijie was chatting with those beside him, his relaxed demeanor suggesting he had performed well. Snow asked, “Miss, will you greet Young Master Ye?”

“No need,” Jiang Li smiled gently. “Too many eyes here. We’ll see each other on the day the results are announced.”

When Jiang Li returned to the Jiang household, Jiang Jingrui came to Fragrant Blossom Courtyard to pester her, demanding to know how she had fared that day. After she managed to send him away, Lady Ji sent over some melons and fruits, saying they were for Jiang Li’s refreshment.

The next few days passed peacefully in the Jiang residence. The Old Madam and Jiang Yuanbai avoided discussing her exam, likely on purpose. Jiang Jingrui fretted constantly that Jiang Li would lose face at the Mingyi Hall’s gate, but Jiang Li herself was unhurried, living leisurely as if she cared nothing for her wager with Meng Hongjin.

One day, two days, three days, four days, five days. On the morning of the fifth day, the gambling houses on every street opened early to welcome guests. The gamblers came in droves, crowding the entrances so tightly that not a drop of water could pass through. Tea houses and wine shops were bustling, packed with guests, even the usually empty and shabby taverns were crowded with diners.

Everyone was abuzz with one topic: today’s results.

“The National Academy posts its results today. Who knows which young talents will shine in Yanjing this year?”

“Mingyi Hall is posting as well. The noble ladies are all gifted and beautiful. Who will win the highest praise this year?”

But most of all, people talked about “Meng Hongjin” and “Jiang Li.”

“I say, the best spectacle today is the Mingyi Hall’s list. Don’t forget, before the exam, the daughter of the Imperial Envoy’s household and the Prime Minister’s young lady made a wager. Whoever loses must kneel at the Mingyi Hall gate and apologize. What National Academy scholars, what Mingyi Hall talents—none have as much spirit as this wager. Don’t you all agree?”

Everyone raised their cups in agreement. Someone shook their head thoughtfully, “A pity for the Prime Minister. Such a distinguished family, now to be disgraced by his venomous legitimate daughter.”

“Alas, alas,” someone sighed.

“Isn’t there a Third Miss in the Prime Minister’s family? She is a true lady. So the Prime Minister isn’t entirely shamed.”

“That’s the difference. The Third Miss’s mother is the daughter of Deputy Censor Ji—a woman of learning and virtue. But the Second Miss’s mother was a merchant. So, they say, marry wisely. See how the daughter of a merchant is so unpresentable…”

At that moment, Ye Shijie was sitting among the guests of the largest restaurant in Yanjing, Wangxian Pavilion, his ears filled with such chatter. When he heard “merchant,” Ye Shijie clenched his fists.

A friend beside him asked, “It should be time for the results, why is there no news yet?”

Just as he finished speaking, the crowd by the window suddenly erupted, someone cried, “They’re here!”

The officials arrived to post the red lists.

Those waiting outside surged forward. Guards held back the crowd as the red lists were posted on prominent stone walls. As soon as the officials departed, the eager crowd rushed in.

Those unable to squeeze through jumped anxiously outside, trying to catch a glimpse, asking those inside, “Can you see? Who’s at the top?”

Those inside struggled as well. A nimble, short fellow squeezed his way to the very front and shouted, “Top of the National Academy: Ye Shijie!”

A stir rippled through the crowd. The name Ye Shijie was unfamiliar, seemingly unrelated to any official family in the capital.

“What about Mingyi Hall?” Amid the chaos, some cared more for other news, “Who’s at the top of Mingyi Hall?”

The short fellow, now a herald, drew out his voice, “The top of Mingyi Hall is, is—” His words abruptly ceased, replaced by a long, sharp intake of breath.

Those around grew more agitated, their curiosity piqued, urging and cursing, “Hurry up! Stop keeping us in suspense, who is it?”

Shoved several times, the little man regained his composure, turned back with a scowl, and spat out a name.

“Jiang Li!”

Jiang Li?!

The crowd exploded.

－－－－－－Extra－－－－－－

Top scholar Ali ╮(╯▽╰)╭