Chapter 030: The Troll’s Answer Sheet

Recalling what You Fangyin had said about the world she came from in her previous life, and then thinking about the place she was in now, Jiang Xuening couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy. So, she buried her head and stared at the questions posed by these gentlemen, finding them increasingly displeasing.

Originally, she had planned to act like a useless person with no ambition.

But now, as she stared at the questions, she felt a bit rebellious: After all, she wasn’t staying in the palace, so why worry about offending these old men?

Jiang Xuening’s slender fingers twirled the pen in her hand, and a smile suddenly appeared on her lips.

The entire test paper, as Xie Wei had mentioned earlier, wasn’t particularly difficult. Most of the questions were about Confucian and Mencian doctrines, along with some poetry, rhythm, and music theory.

She had already answered half of it with her messy handwriting.

As for the remaining half…

“Confucius said: ‘The commander of the three armies can be taken away, but the will of a common man cannot be taken away.’ What does this mean? How would you discuss ‘A gentleman values determination’?”

Jiang Xuening carefully drew a turtle on the answer sheet and then wrote: “One interpretation is, ‘When a common man is insulted, he draws his sword and fights, but this is not true courage.’ Another interpretation is, ‘When a common man is enraged, blood splatters within five steps.’ Since he is a ‘common man,’ he is mediocre, so how can he have ‘determination’? Without determination, what is there to take away? I don’t know how to interpret this, but I understand one thing: Even sages can talk nonsense!”

“Confucius said: ‘Heaven gave me virtue; what can Huan Yu do to me?’ Please discuss the word ‘virtue.’”

This means that Confucius said, “Heaven gave me such virtue; what can Huan Yu of the Song State do to me?”

It is said that when Confucius was passing through the Song State on his way to the State of Chen, the Song State’s Sima Huan Yu heard about it and tried to harm Confucius. At that time, Confucius was teaching his disciples about the Zhou rites under a big tree, and Huan Yu brought people to cut down the tree, intending to kill Confucius.

This was what Confucius said while fleeing.

Scholars have always revered Confucius as a “sage,” and whatever the sage said was considered correct. Even if it was nonsense, they could come up with a bunch of reasons to justify it.

Jiang Xuening almost rolled her eyes to the sky when she read this sentence.

Does having “virtue” mean one can avoid danger and not fear others’ harm? What nonsense. And this is describing himself, boasting without blushing.

She had a lot of “arguments” she wanted to make for this question.

So she started writing vigorously on the answer sheet again.

Apart from the ugly handwriting, there were no major problems.

An hour and a half passed quickly.

By this time, most of the others in the hall had stopped writing, and the palace attendants rang the bronze bell in the hall and came to collect the papers.

When they reached Jiang Xuening, she was still lying on the desk, writing away.

A palace attendant coughed and said, “Second Miss Jiang, it’s time to hand in your paper.”

Jiang Xuening didn’t move and didn’t even look up at her. She just said, “Oh, let me finish the last sentence.”

The palace attendant felt a bit awkward and instinctively turned to look at Xie Wei, who had already stood up and was looking in their direction.

Xie Wei didn’t say anything.

So the palace attendant had no choice but to stand quietly by Jiang Xuening’s side, waiting for her to finish writing. However, this “last sentence” seemed particularly long, as she continued to write for quite a while.

Everyone’s eyes were on her, and they were all puzzled: It shouldn’t be like this. The questions Jiang Xuening had predicted for them seemed to have all appeared on the test, indicating that she was well-prepared. The test paper wasn’t very difficult either. People like Xiao Shu and Fan Yilan had actually finished their papers in just an hour but didn’t want to stand out, so they didn’t hand them in early. Why did she take so long?

Finally, she put down her pen, lifted the densely written test paper from the desk, blew on the ink, and handed it to the waiting palace attendant. “Thank you.”

The palace attendant secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She thought that Second Miss Jiang was particularly serious about the exam and knowledgeable, which was why her paper was so full. But when she took the paper and saw the messy handwriting, she wondered if this was serious. And she had written so much…

Cold sweat almost broke out on her forehead.

The palace attendant didn’t dare to say much, so she collected all the test papers, organized them, and presented them to Xie Wei.

At this point, the exam was considered complete.

Everyone relaxed a bit.

Fang Miao, who was sitting closer to Jiang Xuening, watched as Xie Wei took the test papers and spread them out on the desk. She leaned over to Jiang Xuening and asked, “Why did you take so long? Was there some hidden trick in the questions?”

There was no hidden trick.

If there was anything, it was the wisdom of a troll.

Jiang Xuening glanced up at Xie Wei, who wasn’t paying attention to them, then turned and whispered, “I’m just a bit slow, so it took me longer.”

Slow?

Did she look like someone who was slow?

Fang Miao instantly didn’t want to talk to her, feeling that she was being hypocritical by pretending to be humble despite being very capable. She gave Jiang Xuening a look and said, “You can keep pretending.”

Jiang Xuening saw that she didn’t believe her and didn’t bother to explain further.

After finishing the test, she felt completely relaxed.

This time, her answers were tailored to provoke. Those old men would probably be so angry that they’d blow their beards and glare, maybe even spit blood. She wasn’t worried about not being able to leave the palace!

So she quietly began to observe Xie Wei.

The topmost test paper on the desk was from Xiao Shu, the eldest daughter of the Chengguo Duke’s Mansion.

Her small regular script was extremely beautiful, indicating long practice.

After looking at it, Xie Wei nodded slightly, then set the paper aside and picked up a new one, his expression still indifferent. The people sitting below couldn’t discern anything from his demeanor.

But when he reached the fifth test paper, his eye twitched almost imperceptibly.

Jiang Xuening, who was closely watching his expression, felt a jolt in her heart: It’s mine, it’s mine!

Thinking of Xie Wei from her previous life.

He was well-versed in the classics, proficient in various schools of thought, wrote beautifully, and played the qin skillfully. She wondered if he would be furious upon seeing her test paper.

How thrilling would it be if he changed his expression on the spot?

Only heaven knew how shocked Xie Wei was when he suddenly saw the densely packed, messy handwriting on the fifth test paper after the neat ones before it.

The lines were crooked, and the strokes were askew.

It looked like a Taoist drawing talismans, even children in school could write better!

For a moment, his brows furrowed, and he raised his hand as if to throw the paper to the ground.

But then he saw the name “Jiang Xuening” at the top. Xie Wei’s grip on the paper tightened, and he looked up towards the corner of the hall, now brightly lit by the outside light, and saw Jiang Xuening secretly watching him. Her eyes, clear and bright, had a cunning gleam like a fox. But as soon as his gaze shifted, that gleam vanished completely, replaced by an awkward and timid look. She quickly lowered her head, as if knowing how poorly she had done and feeling very anxious about it.

Xie Wei stared at her for a long moment.

Jiang Xuening thought he would look away after a glance, so after lowering her head for a while, she looked up again to see his reaction.

But to her surprise, she met his unwavering gaze.

In an instant, her hair stood on end!

Although Xie Wei’s face showed no severe or stern expression, appearing calm like a serene sea, Jiang Xuening felt there were turbulent undercurrents beneath, making her heart tremble.

The calmer the surface, the more turbulent the inside.

She felt a chill at the back of her neck, resisted the urge to run, and slowly lowered her head again, not daring to look up this time.

Only then did Xie Wei slowly withdraw his gaze and look at the test paper again.

The hall suddenly became very quiet.

Because all the other noble ladies who were also secretly observing Xie Wei’s expression were very surprised to find that Master Xie, who usually didn’t need more than a moment to review a test paper, had been looking at this fifth test paper for a whole quarter of an hour.

Although his expression was unreadable, it inexplicably made people feel afraid.

Everyone became a bit anxious.

First, they prayed that this test paper wasn’t theirs, and second, they couldn’t help but wonder what shocking content was on this test paper that made Master Xie, the Crown Prince’s tutor, look at it for so long.

At this moment, the three old scholars from the Hanlin Academy who had gone out earlier strolled back in. Seeing that everyone had finished their tests, they walked up to Xie Wei and smiled, “Reviewing the test papers? Come, let’s help with the remaining ones.”

As they spoke, they reached for the test papers on the desk.

Xie Wei’s eyelid twitched slightly, but he calmly pulled Jiang Xuening’s test paper from the top and naturally handed over the remaining papers, saying, “Thank you, gentlemen.”

The old scholars didn’t notice this subtle action. They took the test papers and each reviewed two or three, commenting as they went, “This one is completely off-topic! And this one too, writing a thousand words but missing the point entirely! Can’t even interpret Mencius’ ‘Born in sorrow, die in comfort,’ how can they be a companion reader in the palace…”

Several noble ladies in the hall turned pale.

Jiang Xuening felt slightly relieved, thinking that these old men had finally returned. When they saw her test paper, they surely wouldn’t select her. Thus, her plan was succeeding!

Soon, the scholars finished reviewing the papers and selected four, shaking their heads at Xie Wei.

This indicated that these four were not acceptable.

Xie Wei took a look and, without saying much, nodded and placed all the test papers together again. He then addressed everyone, “We have reviewed the test papers with the gentlemen, and the results are in.”

Everyone tensed up, holding their breath.

Jiang Xuening quietly clenched her fists, waiting to hear her name.

“Xiao Shu from the Chengguo Duke’s Mansion, excellent, can stay;

“Chen Shuyi from the Grand Academician’s Mansion, excellent, can stay;

“Yao Xi from the Minister Yao’s Mansion, above average, can stay;

“Fang Miao from the Supervisor Fang’s Mansion, average, though her knowledge is lacking, her handwriting is neat and diligent, showing a strong desire to learn, can stay.”

Xiao Shu, Chen Shuyi, and Yao Xi were not worried about passing, so they were only slightly excited when they heard the results, feeling a sense of expected relief.

But Fang Miao was anxious.

When she heard “can stay” from Xie Wei, she almost jumped up in joy and quickly stood to bow to Xie Wei, “Thank you, sir, for your guidance. I will strive to learn and be a good companion reader for the Princess!”

Thus, four people were selected.

The remaining people, hearing how smoothly things went, thought the requirements were quite lenient and hoped they might pass even if their knowledge wasn’t great.

But no one expected that the next three names Xie Wei read were all rejected!

He glanced down and saw the noble ladies whose names were called, all pale and on the verge of tears, and said, “Your test papers are not without merit. Compared to ordinary girls, you are already quite knowledgeable. However, since this is to select a companion reader for the Princess, we must consider the overall knowledge of others as well. So, don’t take it too hard.”

The three stood up and thanked him.

At least outwardly, they seemed convinced, but who knew what they thought inside.

Seven results were out.

Five remained.

Jiang Xuening felt that it would soon be her turn.

At this moment, Xie Wei picked up the eighth test paper but didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he looked at it for a while, seemingly contemplating something.

Jiang Xuening thought this one was hers.

But unexpectedly, the next moment, Xie Wei asked, “Who is Fan Yilan?”

Fan Yilan was startled and stood up to bow, “Replying to Master Xie, I am.”

Xie Wei’s gaze fell on her, scrutinizing her for a long time before saying, “Top grade.”

Everyone, including Xiao Shu, widened their eyes in surprise.

However, the next moment, Xie Wei said, “But you cannot stay.”

Cannot stay?!

Everyone was dumbfounded, their previous expressions of surprise still not fully retracted.

Fan Yilan herself hadn’t reacted yet.

Xie Wei didn’t explain further, simply handing her the test paper, “Take back your test paper.”

Previously, the results were announced without returning the test papers.

Fan Yilan, seeing this, thought she must have made some mistake in her test paper and felt a bit uneasy.

She walked forward and respectfully took back her test paper.

At this moment, Xie Wei said to her indifferently, “There are no good poems in the palace.”

Fan Yilan was suddenly shocked, and countless thoughts surged from the depths of her heart like a river, impossible to stop.

She held her test paper, standing there in a daze for a long time.

Finally, she bowed deeply to Xie Wei, “Yilan will remember your guidance!”

Others didn’t quite understand this seemingly random conversation, but Jiang Xuening, watching Fan Yilan, had a slightly complex expression: Fan Yilan had a talent for poetry, and Xie Wei saw her spirit and talent in her test paper. So even though her test paper was top grade, he didn’t keep her as a companion reader.

Because to write good poetry, one couldn’t stay in the palace.

In her previous life, Fan Yilan later traveled to famous mountains and rivers, indeed writing many admired and celebrated poems.

In her previous life, Jiang Xuening scoffed at this, not understanding why someone would give up wealth and honor, nor did she question Xie Wei’s actions. But in this life, she realized how much she envied such free and tranquil wandering.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice until she heard a sudden “Ning—”

But only one word came out before it stopped.

Jiang Xuening looked up to see Xie Wei looking at her from above. For some reason, she felt a bit anxious despite her previous confidence—

Maybe Xie Wei was too intimidating.

She stood up, waiting quietly for him to announce the final result.

Xie Wei started to say “Ning,” then realized it was inappropriate for the occasion, and with a slight shift in his gaze, he calmly corrected himself, “Jiang Xuening from the Minister Jiang’s Mansion—can stay.”

Jiang Xuening instinctively bowed, “Thank you for your guidance, Master Xie. When I return home, I will…”

Wait a minute!

Jiang Xuening, can stay?!!

Her mind suddenly exploded like thunder, and she abruptly raised her head. She was so shocked that she forgot to hide her sharp, bright gaze and looked directly at Xie Wei!

What a joke!

She knew exactly what she had written on her test paper. It wasn’t suitable for selecting a companion reader for the princess, and even a private tutor might refuse to teach her!

Fang Miao, hearing her say “return home,” couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh, “Look, our Second Miss Jiang is so happy to get the last spot that she’s talking nonsense!”

Xie Wei looked at her calmly, “Second Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Xuening’s scalp tingled. She couldn’t understand how things had suddenly spiraled out of control. Her mind raced.

When did the princess manage to influence Xie Wei?

Yin Lin was even less likely.

So, Xie Wei wanted to keep her under his watch to see if she was pretending to be foolish?

No…

She couldn’t stay in the palace under any circumstances.

Especially not as Xie Ju’an’s student!

That would be courting death!

Desperation breeds ingenuity. Jiang Xuening’s eyes darted around, and even though she knew it might draw more attention from Xie Wei, she had no choice but to say, “Master Xie, I have a question. If the gentlemen are reviewing the papers on the spot, why couldn’t Miss Fan, who scored top grade, be selected? And why was only her test paper returned, while we can’t see our own or others’ papers? Although I was selected, I think the others who weren’t might not understand why. Why not distribute all the test papers so that those who weren’t selected can be convinced?”

To be honest, Jiang Xuening’s words made the previously rejected girls consider the idea.

Reviewing the papers wasn’t a bad idea.

What if someone worse than them got through?

However, Xie Wei just glanced at them, his tone unchanged, “Second Miss Jiang makes a good point. Although we explained why the rejected papers weren’t selected, it was brief, and many flaws weren’t detailed. If the ladies are eager to learn, I can stay a bit longer to explain each paper in detail.”

Explain in detail…

That was no different from public humiliation.

The girls, who had initially wanted to support Jiang Xuening, now feared their poor test papers being scrutinized in front of everyone, which would be utterly embarrassing!

Their initial interest vanished completely!

They all said, “We are convinced and grateful for your guidance, Master Xie. We dare not trouble you further!”

Jiang Xuening: “…”

Her plan was thwarted by Xie Wei’s cleverness!

Couldn’t these silly girls have a bit more backbone? Didn’t they realize they were giving up a great opportunity to stay in the palace? No one could have done worse than her!

Xie Wei turned his gaze to Jiang Xuening, “Does Second Miss Jiang have any other questions?”

Jiang Xuening’s eyelids twitched, “I, but I…”

Xie Wei’s fingers lightly pressed on the turtle she had drawn on the test paper, next to her rebellious answers, and he interrupted her expressionlessly, “Perhaps Second Miss Jiang should stay behind, and I will explain it to you privately?”

Jiang Xuening felt a chill down her spine, almost turning green with fear.