"Can you still eat?" Gu Yuan glared angrily at Zhan Feiyu, who was feasting, wishing she could snatch the chopsticks from her hand at the thought of her challenging Wan Yunhao.
"Little Yuan Ge, it's rare that there are no teachers snatching food, so I naturally have to eat more," Zhan Feiyu smiled, her expression filled with the satisfaction of enjoying delicious food alone.
Her lips were already burning with anger, and she was still thinking about eating! Gu Yuan, furious, spoke without thinking, "Do you know that Wan Yunhao is a Juren! If you lose, will the Master have to take him as a disciple? No, you will definitely lose! You are simply making a mockery of the Master's reputation!"
Zhan Feiyu was smart and talented, and also diligent in her studies. Gu Yuan had finally accepted her as Gu Qingzhou's disciple. Who would have thought that after Gu Qingzhou left for only half a day, Zhan Feiyu would have caused such a great disaster?
"As the Master's disciple, how could I lose?" Zhan Feiyu declared with certainty, tilting her chin up.
Unfortunately, Gu Yuan did not believe her at all. She glared at her fiercely and left in a huff, hoping that Gu Qingzhou would return quickly to deal with the trouble Zhan Feiyu had caused.
Everyone believed that Zhan Feiyu was seeking attention and that the scholar Gu had not accepted her as a disciple. Otherwise, would she be willing to give up Master Gu as her teacher for the sake of a dispute?
Compared to Zhan Feiyu, who started reading again after dinner, Wan Yunhao, who had rented a small courtyard, was restless. The path to success was right before him, yet Wan Yunhao felt inexplicably uneasy.
"Brother-in-law, isn't Uncle here yet?" Qin Ye asked with a stern face, glancing at Wan Yunhao, his jealousy evident and unhidden.
After the news of the challenge spread, the scholars in Shangsi County wished they could replace Zhan Feiyu. As long as they defeated Zhan Feiyu, they could become disciples of the scholar Gu, a dream they had never dared to have!
Qin Ye was the most talented junior in the Qin family and was highly regarded by the family. After all, no matter how talented Wan Yunhao was, he was only Qin family's son-in-law, an outsider.
Before Qin Ye could grow up, the Qin family would cultivate Wan Yunhao, but this was just paving the way for Qin Ye. In the future, the family's resources and connections would only be placed on Qin Ye.
Resources and connections could be retrieved, but if Wan Yunhao were to become Gu Qingzhou's disciple, Qin Ye would never catch up, even if he tried his best. How could he not be jealous?
As if not noticing the jealousy and dissatisfaction in Qin Ye's eyes, Wan Yunhao said gently, "My father-in-law is old and can only travel by carriage. He should be here soon."
After less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a servant rushed in to report. Qin Ye stood up abruptly and ran out before Wan Yunhao.
"Uncle." Qin Ye looked joyfully at Qin family head, who was getting out of the carriage. Although he was young, he had been taught by his father and uncle. He was close to Wan Yunhao but also guarded against him. Moreover, with the matter of discipleship creating a rift, Qin Ye felt like he had found his backbone upon seeing the Qin family head.
The Qin family head was tall and thin, with a short beard. His every move exuded the elegant and calm demeanor of a scholar.
"Father-in-law." Wan Yunhao, who walked in behind, bowed respectfully. "You must be tired from your journey. Have you had dinner?"
"Let's talk inside." The Qin family head glanced thoughtfully at Wan Yunhao, affectionately patted Qin Ye's head, and the group entered the courtyard.
Normally, the Qin family head would take at least half an hour to wash up. However, today, he had matters to attend to. Fifteen minutes later, the Qin family head went to the small reception hall. "The day after tomorrow is the sixteenth of June. Do you have a plan for this competition?"
"Uncle, can Zhan Feiyu really win?" Qin Ye asked eagerly, wishing he could compete in place of Wan Yunhao. After winning, the scholar Gu could accept him as a disciple.
The Qin family head looked at Qin Ye with a deep gaze. "A mountain collapses before you, but your expression does not change. A deer rushes to your left, but your eyes do not blink. Ah Ye, be patient and not arrogant!"
"Yes, Uncle, I've noted it." Qin Ye, who had been so impatient, seemed to have been struck by a sudden realization. Although he was still jealous of Wan Yunhao's good fortune and eager to become a disciple of the scholar Gu, he calmed down a bit at this moment and lowered his head to admit his mistake.
The Qin family head was very satisfied with Qin Ye's attitude and continued, looking at Wan Yunhao, "Zhan Feiyu's schemes and foresight are stronger than ordinary people. Since she dared to issue a challenge, she must be confident of victory."
Wan Yunhao had pondered for several hours and had the same opinion. "The challenge did not specify what the competition would be. But I am a Juren, and Zhan Feiyu is just a child who has been studying for less than a year. If I win, it would be an unfair victory; if I lose, my reputation will be ruined."
This challenge was not a good thing for Wan Yunhao, but the key was that he could not refuse the stakes. If he won, he could become Gu Qingzhou's disciple, and from then on, he would not have to deal with the Qin family insincerely. He would be free to soar like a bird in the sky and a fish in the sea!
"Brother-in-law, you are boosting others' morale and dampening your own! The so-called competition would be nothing more than essays on the Four Books, poems with five characters and eight rhymes, essays on the Five Classics, and policy questions, or edicts, judgments, memorials, and proclamations. No matter which one it is, you cannot lose to Zhan Feiyu."
Qin Ye did not think Wan Yunhao would lose at all. In fact, he was sure to win, otherwise Qin Ye would not be so jealous.
"Zhan Feiyu is proficient in mathematics. Even Master Niu of the county school admits his inferiority." Wan Yunhao's mathematics was average. The reason he only achieved second place in the provincial examination was due to a mathematics problem.
The Qin family head picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea. He had always known that his son-in-law was steady and calm, and it seemed to be true now. "If it's just mathematics, it would be an unfair victory for Zhan Feiyu. She boldly sent a challenge, and her true purpose is to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, to gain fame by stepping on you, the youngest Juren in Nanxuan Prefecture."
"Perhaps it's also because of the feud between me and Instructor Zhao." Wan Yunhao smiled bitterly. He had already sensed Zhan Feiyu's undisguised hostility before. She had never shown such animosity towards Tong Xu.
"Zhan Feiyu has a photographic memory. Setting aside mathematics, if it's about classical texts, your chances of winning are not high either," the Qin family head said, returning to the topic of the competition.
Wan Yunhao had been actively preparing for the imperial examinations. Although he had read extensively, he had been studying for twenty years since his enlightenment. It was not difficult for him to compose a poem or write an essay or a policy question on any given topic. However, if it were a classical text question, Wan Yunhao could not guarantee writing it out without a single mistake.
Classical text questions were like fill-in-the-blanks or dictation in modern exams. The examiner would select a page from the classics and extract a line to be printed on the exam paper. Based on this line, the candidate had to fill in the preceding and succeeding context.
Qin Ye, who had always believed Wan Yunhao was sure to win, widened his eyes in shock. If he had to answer dozens or even hundreds of classical text questions within a limited time, in terms of proficiency, he estimated that he would not be able to defeat Zhan Feiyu, who had a photographic memory.
"Uncle, does this mean that if it's mathematics and classical texts, Zhan Feiyu has a greater chance of winning?" Qin Ye's expression turned a little grim. "Then, if it's about composing poetry, and Zhan Feiyu has the scholar Gu help her, won't brother-in-law be sure to lose?"
No matter how talented Wan Yunhao was, he was still far from Gu Qingzhou. If Zhan Feiyu was shameless enough to have the scholar Gu write poems for her in advance.
The Qin family head's expression was solemn. Even though he was wary of Wan Yunhao, he was still the Qin family's son-in-law. Their honor and disgrace were shared. If Wan Yunhao lost to Zhan Feiyu, it would also be a disgrace to the Qin family.
"Zhan Feiyu is young and has been studying for a short time. It is basically impossible to test her on official documents like edicts, judgments, memorials, and proclamations," the Qin family head estimated that even if there was a competition, it would only be on essays, and the possibility of policy questions was unlikely, as policy questions tested strategies for national economy and people's livelihood, not academic talent.
"Father-in-law, if the scholar Gu favors Zhan Feiyu, my chances of winning are slim to none." Wan Yunhao had not expected that a challenge letter would push him into such a desperate situation.
He could only be stronger than Zhan Feiyu in essays. But if he lost in mathematics, classical texts, and poetry, the final result would still be his loss. At this moment, Wan Yunhao finally understood Zhan Feiyu's ruthlessness.
Meanwhile, in a guest room at Taifu Wine House.
"Father, if Zhan Feiyu's challenge letter was sent to me, how good would that be! Once I become Gu Qingzhou's disciple, how dare Prefect Zhang obstruct us everywhere!" Tong Xu paced back and forth in the room, anxious and uneasy, his expression eager, wishing he could compete in place of Wan Yunhao.
Tong Tongzhi's face was gloomy. He had not slept well these days, and today, after receiving the news, he had rushed to Shangsi County. He was covered in fatigue, and his voice was hoarse and unpleasant. "Utterly foolish!"
"Huh?" Tong Xu, who was being scolded, was stunned.
"Zhan Feiyu gave the movable type printing technique to the court in exchange for the opportunity to become Gu Qingzhou's disciple. Do you think such a cunning little girl is stupid? Why does she dare to challenge Wan Yunhao? It's because she's sure she won't lose!"
Tong Tongzhi looked coldly at his dull eldest son. He had some talent in his studies, but in terms of cunning and foresight, he was no match for Wan Yunhao, let alone a little girl!
Tong Xu thought for a moment and, under Tong Tongzhi's stern gaze, asked, "Father, how could Zhan Feiyu possibly win? Even I cannot defeat Wan Yunhao."
No matter how much he disliked Wan Yunhao, this hypocrite, Tong Xu knew that he was learned and talented. How could Zhan Feiyu, even if she were Confucius himself, win against Wan Yunhao, who was already a Juren, after studying for less than a year?
After the news of the challenge broke out, almost everyone believed that Wan Yunhao would surely win. However, some intelligent people, after calming down, also noticed the hidden clues.
...
June 14th, Sunny.
"A common man can be a teacher for a hundred generations, and a single word can be a law for the world." Gu Qingzhou looked at Zhan Feiyu, who stood before him, and said with a smile, "If this competition is only about the opening of essays, I think you are sure to win."
"Wouldn't that be an unfair victory?" Zhan Feiyu raised her eyebrows smugly and said with a smile, "Since I want to win, I must make Lord Wan accept it wholeheartedly. Anyway, it's four choices out of three. As long as you help a little, Teacher, I will surely win."
Setting aside mathematics and classical texts, poetry was Zhan Feiyu's weakness. Gu Qingzhou put down his book and said meaningfully, "Are you asking me to reveal the topics of the essays?"
Gu Yuan, standing in the corner, had a conflicted expression. This was cheating! If the news spread, the Master's reputation for a lifetime would be ruined.
But if the topics were not revealed, Zhan Feiyu would surely lose. Would the Master have to accept Wan Yunhao as a disciple?
Zhan Feiyu shook her head and laughed, feigning mystery. "No, no."
"Speak properly!" Gu Qingzhou slapped Zhan Feiyu on the forehead. She was not old, but she was causing trouble.
"I will definitely lose if we compete in essays!" Zhan Feiyu had this much self-awareness. She pulled over a chair and sat beside Gu Qingzhou. "Teacher, why don't we compete in policy questions this time? I have a method."
Gu Qingzhou narrowed his eyes. A method that could make this mischievous child so smug must be a big deal.
Gu Qingzhou made a subtle gesture and then asked, "If you want me to cheat for you, it depends on how valuable this method is."
"The price of salt, which is fifty wen, is reduced to five wen. Teacher, why?" Zhan Feiyu smiled, her words definitely shocking.
Gu Qingzhou stood up abruptly, suppressed his fluctuating emotions, and after a moment of thought, understood. "Do you have a new method for making salt?"
Although the imperial court replenished the national treasury by collecting salt taxes through the issuance of salt permits, the salt merchants controlled the price of salt. If they colluded with corrupt officials and unscrupulous merchants, the price of salt could even reach one hundred wen per jin.
Compared to the money earned by salt merchants raising salt prices to exploit people, the salt tax collected by the court was only one-tenth. However, the salt merchants were backed by court officials or local gentry. Any move would affect the whole situation. Moreover, all salt merchants shared information and colluded together like an iron plate, making it impossible for the court to break them.
In the previous dynasty, Emperor Min lamented the hardships of the people, who could not even afford salt. He once executed a group of salt merchants, which led to a river of blood, and the price of salt plummeted.
However, in less than a year, the price of salt slowly rose again. Money could make the world go round, and new salt merchants, in order to make money, became demons exploiting the people again.
"If this policy question is about salt merchants and salt prices, I can definitely write a good policy proposal." Zhan Feiyu straightened her small body. She was determined to cheat.
"Teacher." Looking at the thoughtful Gu Qingzhou, Zhan Feiyu lowered her voice. "Actually, for the sake of fairness, you shouldn't be the one to set the questions. Why don't you pick a political opponent?"
Looking at the sly Zhan Feiyu, Gu Qingzhou laughed heartily. "You're right. Teacher should avoid suspicion. Let those old stubborn people set the questions."
The master and disciple looked at each other and smiled. Their expressions were as sinister as they could be. As adults, it was best to have both fish and bear's paw! Achieving both fame and fortune was the best strategy!
...
The competition was originally scheduled for June 16th. In the past two days, rumors began to spread that Zhan Feiyu dared to issue a challenge simply because she knew the competition topics from the scholar Gu and was sure to win.
Doctor Ji looked speechlessly at Zhan Feiyu, who was leisurely eating breakfast in the lobby of Leshan Residence. "You still dare to come here? Aren't you afraid of being torn apart?"
"A gentleman uses his mouth, not his hands. Everyone is a scholar, they won't be so rude," Zhan Feiyu said, taking a sip of soy milk and then dipping a fried dumpling in vinegar, continuing to eat slowly and methodically.
Doctor Ji was too lazy to care. Since he was here, he would not let those people harm the little girl.
The news of Zhan Feiyu's presence in Leshan Residence spread like wings throughout Shangsi County. In inns and residences of all sizes, everyone no longer cared about breakfast and rushed towards Leshan Residence, creating a sensation as if the whole town had emptied out.