Volume One, Chapter 15: The Face-Slapping Begins, The Assessment Commences!

Gu Xingchen used the excuse of being beaten to avoid attending classes at Luming Pavilion altogether, which allowed Gu Jingzhi to devote himself entirely to tutoring Gu Changning.

Gu Changning had never set foot in a private school, yet simply by eavesdropping from outside, she had managed to memorize the Four Books and Five Classics. Once she arrived at Qingzhu Abode, she was granted access to a vast collection of books. With fierce determination, she learned every character in the books she had already memorized, grasping their general meanings. Anything she did not understand, she recorded one by one to ask Gu Jingzhi later.

Though she had lacked formal instruction since childhood, her knowledge now rivaled that of the academy scholars; only her calligraphy and painting skills remained slightly lacking. However, she was naturally gifted and hardworking, and with a brilliant father teaching her hand-in-hand, her penmanship and painting skills improved by leaps and bounds in just a few days.

Even Gu Jingzhi, who rarely offered praise, was deeply moved. "Changning, my dear, you have already surpassed what I was capable of at your age."

"That is because I have the most wonderful father in the world," the little girl replied, her heart swelling with sweetness at the compliment, not forgetting to praise her father in return.

As the father and daughter enjoyed their time together, a messenger arrived from the Marquis’s estate. "Fourth Master, tomorrow is the day of the Gu family’s academic assessment. The Marquis sent me to remind you to bring the young master and young lady to attend on time."

Gu Jingzhi refused without a second thought. "Changning and Xingchen do not attend the private school, so they need not participate in the assessment."

The messenger tactfully persuaded him, "Fourth Master, the Marquis says that all Gu family descendants are to be treated equally. Moreover, this assessment marks the sixtieth year of the Marquis’s estate—a full cycle. Following the late Marquis's final wishes, the top prize is the 'Tianlu Ningxiang' set of the four treasures of the study, bestowed by the Emperor himself. The Marquis insists that you must bring the young master and young lady."

Upon hearing the name "Tianlu Ningxiang," Gu Jingzhi was momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Gu Changning interjected, "Tell the Marquis we will certainly be there on time."

Gu Changning had been wondering how to beg her father to take her to the assessment; this was exactly what she had been hoping for, and she accepted without hesitation.

"Changning, you have never attended a single day of private school; it is better not to join the crowd," Gu Jingzhi said, seemingly wary of letting her be exposed to the public eye.

In her previous life, Changning had heard that the late Marquis had intended to pass that set of stationery to his fourth son, Gu Jingzhi. However, Gu Jingzhi had fallen ill right after earning his title as a top scholar, and the matter was shelved. The old Marquis never got the chance to pass the treasure down before he died. Instead, he left a final request that it be awarded to the winner of the sixty-year assessment. In her past life, Gu Changning never had the chance to participate. The rare set of stationery had fallen into the hands of Gu Xingyu. This time, she was determined to see it returned to its rightful owner.

"Father, I have always envied those who can attend the private school. Please, take me to see the world," Gu Changning pleaded, tugging on Gu Jingzhi’s sleeve.

Hearing his daughter’s soft, sweet voice, Gu Jingzhi could not refuse. He replied repeatedly, "Very well, I will take you there."

***

The next day, the gates of the Gu family's private school were thrown wide open. Members of every branch of the Gu family arrived for the grand event, joined by many outsiders who had come specifically to catch a glimpse of the legendary "Tianlu Ningxiang."

The students of the school were full of vigor, eager to show off their skills. With Gu Xingyu present, they dared not hope for the top prize, but they knew that making an impression before the Marquis would be beneficial regardless.

Gu Xingchen, having no ink in his chest and still nursing his injuries, insisted on staying in bed, so Gu Jingzhi brought only Changning. Even though he could not hide his lingering pallor, Gu Jingzhi still drew everyone's gaze the moment he appeared; in his youth, he had been the undisputed top performer in every annual exam. Today, he held the hand of a doll-like little girl, making them even more eye-catching.

Some whispered, "Since the Fourth Master, the Gu family has never produced a child as talented as him. I wonder if his daughter can take the top spot like he did?"

"You know well enough that this girl is adopted. A troublesome jinx like her probably can't even outshine Miss Changle, not to mention the brilliant eldest son, Gu Xingyu."

"The Marquis arrives!" The steward’s resounding announcement brought a sudden silence to the bustling school. Gu Jinghe walked in with a solemn expression, carrying his son, Gu Xingze. Behind him, a servant followed, carefully holding the imperial "Tianlu Ningxiang" stationery set.

Gu Jinghe took his seat at the head of the room and nodded at the steward, who began to introduce the prizes: a "Nine Heavens Cloud Soul" inkstone, a "Dark Jade Dragon Marrow" ink stick, a "Green Hill Spirit" brush, and "Snow Silkworm Ice Cocoon" rice paper—each one a priceless treasure.

Glancing at his son, who was still babbling in his arms, Gu Jinghe felt a pang of regret. If only his precious son were a few years older, these exquisite treasures would certainly be his.

Suppressing his emotions, Gu Jinghe spoke with authority, "Let us begin. Let everyone see the brilliance of our Gu family descendants."

The tutor ordered the students into two groups based on age. Those under eight were judged primarily on recitation, while those over eight were required to explain the meaning of the texts and offer their own insights. Gu Changning and Gu Changle were assigned to the junior group.

Gu Jingzhi patted the top of Gu Changning’s head and whispered, "Changning, don't be afraid. It is just an attempt; winning or losing is not important."

"I know, Father," Changning replied obediently.

Across the room, Lady Song held Gu Changle’s hand, urging her repeatedly, "Changle, you must be careful and thorough. You must take first place in the junior group."

Gu Changle was brimming with confidence. "Don't worry, Mother, I will not let you down." Her father had already spoken to the tutor, and the content for the recitation was all material covered in class. As for the only part she had not yet learned, her mother had watched her recite it many times. She was certain she would win.

At the start, everyone answered fluently. After several rounds, only five children remained. To Gu Changle’s unease, Gu Changning, whom she expected to be eliminated early on, was among them.

The content shifted from the simple "Hundred Family Surnames" to the Four Books and Five Classics. By the time the final questions were asked, only Gu Changle and Gu Changning remained to answer.

"As expected of the Marquis's legitimate children; Miss Changle’s natural talent is well-known, but I never expected Miss Changning to be just as capable. They are truly evenly matched."

"Oh, Miss Changle is clearly more composed. Gu Changning is just lucky."

Compared to the poised Gu Changle, Gu Changning did indeed appear smaller and more childlike. Gu Changle was surprised by Gu Changning’s performance, but it did not affect her resolve. She did not believe Gu Changning could answer the next, more difficult questions.

"Since the two young ladies are evenly matched, I shall ask a more difficult question: 'Those who are virtuous receive much help; those who are not receive little.' What follows that?"

Gu Changle spoke impatiently, "Heaven's timing is not as good as geographical advantage; geographical advantage is not as good as human harmony." She flashed her little canine teeth in a smile, looking smugly at Gu Changning, "Sister Changning, I hope you don't mind me taking the lead."