Chapter 571 - Chapter 571: Chapter 558: He Who Stays near Ink Gets Black (1/2)

Chapter 571: Chapter 558: He Who Stays near Ink Gets Black

This mountain, with its water and lush trees, imbues one with a sense of vitality.

Zhuang Qingning remarked, “The scenery on this mountain is wonderful, it’s a place where talent can certainly flourish.”

“When we originally chose this location for the academy, we were very meticulous about it. Naturally, we wouldn’t settle for anything less,” Fan Wenxuan replied.

“You guys didn’t know that?”

A disdainful voice of a young woman suddenly drifted in from the side.

Zhuang Qingning and the others turned their heads and saw a young lady in red clothes surrounded by people.

The lady appeared to be three or four years older than Zhuang Qingsui, and even taller. She had rather delicate features, but her face exuded utter arrogance. Upon seeing the surprised expressions of Zhuang Qingning and others, she lifted her chin and said, “This women’s academy was originally established when the Empress passed by this place, noticed its beautiful views, and stayed here for two days.”

“During her stay, she noticed that most of the women here didn’t study, they only did needlework. Feeling regretful, she ordered the establishment of this women’s academy, so that intelligent women could also have books to read. The local officials were instructed to choose the location and build this academy.”

“If you don’t even know these facts, do you really want to take the exam? I suggest you save your energy and stop embarrassing yourselves. You should head home early.”

After stating this, the lady in red sneered at Zhuang Qingsui and the others.

It is common for those who come to take the exam, all competitors, to size each other up in secret. Yet seeing such blatant aggression from the woman in red was a first for Zhuang Qingning.

“Sister here is so knowledgeable, you must be incredibly well-read and cultured,” Zhuang Qingsui laughed.

“Obviously. While I can’t claim to have endless wisdom, I’m certainly well-educated,” the lady in red glanced down at Zhuang Qingsui, “Books, they cost a lot of silver. You, who seems so scantily attended, probably can’t afford many.”

At this, Banqing who was next to them flushed green with anger. As she opened her mouth to retort, Zhuang Qingsui laughed heartily, “Then, sister who is well-educated, should know where this phrase comes from: ‘The lights suddenly brighten as the village grows nearer, with a sudden gust of evening wind the music starts to flutter’?”

Faced with Zhuang Qingsui’s question, the red-clothed woman was taken aback. It was obvious she didn’t know where the phrase came from. Her lips, tightly pressed together, gradually turned a pale white.

Zhuang Qingsui simply gave a small laugh and remained silent, grabbing Zhuang Qingning’s hand to continue walking uphill.

Fan Wenxuan and the others hurriedly followed.

“Sister Sui, who is the author of these two lines and where do they come from?” Chu Jinzhou rubbed his ears, “I have never read this, please enlighten me.”

“Well…” Zhuang Qingsui blinked, “I made up these two lines just now; they come from here.”

As she spoke, Zhuang Qingsui pointed at her forehead, chuckling.

“I knew it.” Fan Wenxuan started laughing too, he reached out to tap Zhuang Qingsui’s forehead, “You’re getting more and more cunning.”

“It’s just a countermeasure for desperate situations,” Zhuang Qingsui stuck out her tongue, mimicking a funny face.

It is said that one reflects their company, the similarities with her sister Zhuang Qingning are unmistakable.

Firstly, Zhuang Qingning would never let herself be treated unfairly without reason. Secondly, she would never let her rivals get the upper hand. Thirdly, she would never go head-to-head in a confrontation.