79 The sAcademic Discussions in the Twiligh (1/2)

Chapter 79: The ”Academic Discussion” in the Twilight

Translator: TransnEditor: Transn

As dusk approached, the golden rays of light illuminated the mountain behind the Academy, so much that it resembled a high altar. The bluestone tiles on the pavement seemed to exude warmth, hurrying those outside home. However, the candidates who had already found out their results have yet to leave. They gathered in a corner and eyed the young candidate who seemed extremely normal. They would on occasion, also look at the handmaiden before murmuring in low voices.

Their gazes held many conflicting emotions. Some were puzzled while others were much surprised. There was a candidate who managed to score three A-pluses in the entrance exam, beating third young master Xie from the South Jin Kingdom. Furthermore, no one had heard of this unknown young man. It was perfectly logical for the lad to be the top scorer in archery and equitation. After all, he had been recommended by the Military Ministry and might have polished his skills on the grasslands of the frontier. But he had managed to score an A-plus in Math, beating the predicted top scorers, Xie Chengyun, Zhong Dajun and Wang Ying, who had all only managed an A grade.

A candidate who could no longer suppress his curiosity wondered aloud. Situ Yilan adjusted her wrinkled robe and asked Ning Que, ”How did you manage to score so well in math?”

The question was pregnant with doubt, and her tone disaffected which displeased Ning Que. He looked at the girl and decided that she had no ill intentions, but was merely surprised by the news and was slightly confused. He spread his hands and smiled innocently without saying anything.

There were many from Chang'an who were displeased by the number of candidates recommended by the Military Ministry. Now that Ning Que had emerged as one of the top scorers and overshadowed the other candidates, and yet did not reply to the question, the young people of Chang'an started to discuss the issue frenziedly

The candidates from the frontier and military camps were certainly proud that a candidate recommended by the Military Ministry was the top scorer for three subjects. However, they were also older than the average candidate and were more discreet. They were in no hurry to speak up even though they supported Ning Que in their hearts.

There was, however, a young master from Chang'an who could not bear to watch any longer.

Chu YouXian walked to Ning Que's side, waving his fan. Slinging a hand around Ning Que's shoulders, he glared at the other students. ”What are you all upset about? Ning Que is my friend. Do you know who he is? He doesn't need to pay when he drinks and visits the ladies at the House of Red-Sleeves! Is there anything in the world that he can't do?”

It didn't matter if you came from a family of officials or from a wealthy family. In an open-minded society like the Great Tang, your social status and wealth might change anytime, and it is just crass to compare like that. What is more important is a person's talent, reputation, and contacts.

There was no doubt that one's family background plays a part in their contacts. But there were places like the House of Red-Sleeves that cared naught about that. A person who could come and go freely in a place like that is a person to be in awe of.

Chu Youxian did not intend to shame Ning Que by saying that he did not need to pay when drinking and visiting the ladies at the House of Red-Sleeves. He was in fact, boosting his reputation. Not surprisingly, the expressions on the youths of Chang'an changed and they looked at Ning Que with respect.

Not everyone was calmed by Chu Youxian's proclamation. Sangsang's watched Chu Youxian's shaking hand that was on her young master's shoulders with furrowed brows. She was displeased hearing about her young master's exploits at the brothel. Situ Yilan was looking at Ning Que oddly as well.

”I'm still dissatisfied. There was only one question in the math exam. If you're right, you're right. If you're wrong, you're wrong. How many answers can there be to the question of how many jugs of wine did the headmaster drink and how many pounds of plums did he gather? How is it that you got an A-plus while the third young master Xie only got an A?”

Situ Yilan held onto Jin Wucai's hand and said that loudly in dissatisfaction.

She wasn't an unreasonable person, but she was aware that her friend Jin Wucai had a crush on the third young master of the South Jin Kingdom. Jin Wucai was upset about the third young master being overshadowed by Ning Que and Situ Yilan could not bear to see her friend's crestfallen expression. That, and there was a more important reason for her kicking up a fuss, but she probably had not realized it.

She had been tossed off the horse in the driving exam and had almost been trampled by it. As the daughter of General Yunhui, it was an embarrassment that she couldn't even control a horse. Ning Que how had gone on the course after her had managed to control the dark horse easily and even managed to score an A-plus for that exam. This was unfathomable to her. The A-plus on the math exam baffled her even more. It was difficult for her to accept.

At this moment, a hoarse voice rang out behind the crowd.

”He was the first to submit the paper in the math exam. It was such a dumb question, we were practically giving away the marks for free. Those who cannot answer the questions are worse than idiots. It really depends on your reading speed. He answered the question before I could even get my ink ready to mark the papers. That is why he got an A plus. Excuse me, please let me pass.”

An old woman wearing a blue cloth gown appeared from a corner, holding a bamboo broom. She swept at the dust under the crowd's feet and walked out slowly, back hunched.

…

…

The candidates were speechless as they watched the figure of the old woman disappear into the depths of the Academy. In actuality, there were four-fifths of the candidates who could not answer the question in the math exam. And yet, the old woman said that it was a question that even idiots could answer. Someone said angrily, ” Who does she think she is?”