When the hall of Leshan Residence was packed with people, Zhan Feiyu had already finished breakfast and was looking at the poems and articles pasted on the wall.
Sunlight slanted in through the window, and the little girl, looking up, was bathed in a soft glow, as serene and beautiful as a figure in a painting.
"She doesn't look like a country bumpkin," the young gentleman in brocade couldn't help but murmur. Before seeing her, he had thought she was a crude girl seeking attention, but now, seeing her, she lived up to the saying that true talent shines through.
"Don't just echo what others say," his companion standing beside him chided with a smile.
Regardless of whether Scholar Gu had taken a disciple, judging by the protection Zhan Feiyu received from Magistrate Chen, the county's instructor, the teachers, and the students, it was clear the young girl was no ordinary person.
Those true and false rumors were likely spread intentionally by someone with an agenda.
Zhan Feiyu had deliberately chosen a light blue ruqun that day, making her round face appear like an immaculate jade disc. Her dark eyes were bright and lively, and she wore white jade butterfly hairpins on both sides of her bun, elegant yet retaining a childlike charm.
The young gentleman in brocade surveyed the surroundings and couldn't help but laugh, "People respect fine clothes before respecting the person. Before, these people spoke so harshly, but now they're all like shut clams, afraid to speak."
"Look at the kingfisher hairpin on her head, the earrings, and the jade pendant at her waist. They're clearly a set made of Hetian jade. If she couldn't afford them, it must be a gift from an elder," the young man agreed with a nod.
This set of ornaments was worth over a hundred taels, and judging by the design and craftsmanship, it was clearly made by a master. Even the best jewelry shops in Nanxuan Prefecture might not be able to acquire it. It was likely from the capital, which meant it could only be a gift from Scholar Gu.
The scholars present were not fools. If Zhan Feiyu had appeared shabby, the hall would not have been so quiet.
"Brother Wan is here." Someone shouted, and in an instant, everyone turned to look at the entrance, then made way.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Wan Yunhao, who was walking over. A bright smile bloomed on her fair, plump face, but her crisp voice could infuriate people to death, "I heard that Scholar Wan is a sore loser, so he spread rumors to slander my teacher, claiming that my teacher has already revealed the questions for tomorrow's competition to me and has even prepared my poems and essays."
Wan Yunhao's handsome face showed a hint of helplessness. "Young Scholar Zhan, you worry too much. Rumors stop with the wise. Scholar Gu has noble character; how could he act in such a manner?"
"Then I am relieved. It seems Scholar Wan will accept defeat gracefully, rather than finding excuses to absolve himself," Zhan Feiyu said, clasping her hands behind her back with satisfaction. Her confident, victorious posture made it seem as though she was already guaranteed to win.
Wan Yunhao's expression stiffened slightly. Even with his eloquence, he didn't know what to say. Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was short but exuded great presence, Wan Yunhao inexplicably felt an urge to kick her away.
"Zhan Feiyu, don't spout wild talk!" Qin Ye's angry retort rang out. He strode forward and argued loudly, "My brother-in-law is a scholar. How can you, a child who has only studied for less than a year, possibly win!"
Qin Ye, with his eyes red with anger, was only thirteen years old. His impolite words could be forgiven. "If you truly have ability, you shouldn't have Scholar Gu set the questions and judge the papers. If Scholar Gu recuses himself, can you still win?"
In terms of true talent, none of the dozens of scholars in the hall of Leshan Residence believed Zhan Feiyu would win. However, she was Scholar Gu's disciple. As the saying goes, one looks at the monk as well as the Buddha. Would the judge dare to let Zhan Feiyu lose?
Furthermore, Zhan Feiyu was young, and the competition questions would likely be tailored to her. If it was about classical texts or arithmetic, even if it was poetry, with Scholar Gu's revisions and improvements, how bad could Zhan Feiyu's poetry be?
Zhan Feiyu's plump face remained impassive, her brows furrowed slightly in displeasure at Qin Ye's provocation.
With a flicker of her eyes, Qin Ye raised his chin and aggressively questioned, "Speak not what is against propriety, act not what is against justice. Zhan Feiyu, do you dare to compete with my brother-in-law fairly and justly?"
"Yes, by rights, Scholar Gu should recuse himself," someone in the crowd quietly agreed.
"What's the use of recusing himself? With Scholar Gu's reputation, no matter who sets the questions or judges the papers, the result will be the same," a sigh filled with a hint of helplessness.
"Then Brother Wan is bound to lose! No wonder Zhan Feiyu dares to issue the challenge!" the speaker said indignantly, but he was quickly silenced by his companion. Offending Scholar Gu would ruin his future.
The young gentleman in brocade was surrounded by the scions of prominent families from Nanxuan Prefecture. Hearing the discussion, they exchanged glances, their understanding of Wan Yunhao's scheme becoming clear.
"Hmph, is Wan Yunhao a sore loser?" the young gentleman scoffed. Wan Yunhao was clearly using public opinion to build his momentum and put himself in an invincible position.
Even if he lost, it would be due to unfair competition. If he won, well, that went without saying.
The young man felt no indignation or dissatisfaction. He said with a smile, "Wan Yunhao comes from a humble background and is the youngest scholar in Nanxuan Prefecture. If he were to become Scholar Gu's disciple, those who are friendly with him today might receive his patronage in the future."
Seeing the situation turning in their favor, Qin Ye once again pressed aggressively, "Zhan Feiyu, do you dare?"
"Ah Ye, don't be rude!" Wan Yunhao reprimanded with feigned anger, then said gently to Zhan Feiyu, "Young Scholar Zhan, you don't need to listen to Ah Ye's nonsense. Regardless of the outcome, I will honor the bet."
Compared to the arrogant Zhan Feiyu, who seemed to be bullying others with her status, and the young scholar who appeared refined and learned but was being forced to give up his pen and could only engage in business or farming in the future, the scholars present, especially those from humble backgrounds, were instantly enraged.
They had studied diligently for decades, all for the sake of achieving success in the imperial examinations one day. But what was the point of enduring so much hardship? An eight-year-old girl could push them to the brink. Heaven was unjust!
Wan Yunhao's expression was calm, but his clenched fists at his sides and his slightly trembling arms revealed that he was suppressing grief and helplessness.
Facing the angry gazes of the crowd, Zhan Feiyu finally spoke, "Scholar Wan, there's no need for hypocrisy. You keep saying my teacher has noble character, but in reality, you don't believe the competition will be fair and just. You've even incited everyone to think that my victory is due to cheating."
Without giving Wan Yunhao a chance to retort, Zhan Feiyu smiled, "Years ago, Scholar Wan betrayed his mentor to curry favor with the Qin family. For a hypocrite and a true villain like you, if I am to win, I will not let you find any excuses."
"I have already told my teacher that the competition will be postponed to June 20th. My teacher will not set the questions or judge the papers. The question setters will be Prince Yu, Lord Liu Jian, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, and Professor Qin of Nanxuan Academy."
After Zhan Feiyu finished speaking, she looked at the stunned Wan Yunhao with a mocking and cold smile. "Now Scholar Wan can be at ease. June 20th, I await the chance to compete with Scholar Wan!"
In less than fifteen minutes, Zhan Feiyu left so潇洒ly.
The scholars in the hall fell into deep thought. Some with limited vision couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong with these four officials?"
Most of the disciples from humble backgrounds were confused, but the young gentleman in brocade and his companions knew the inside story. Seeing someone ask, the young gentleman glanced at Wan Yunhao and explained to everyone in a clear voice.
"Prince Yu is the current emperor's uncle, a prince with no official duties, who has always stayed out of state affairs. However, there are rumors that Prince Yu and Scholar Gu had a conflict, which the emperor mediated."
In fact, Prince Yu had intended to marry his daughter to Gu Qingzhou back then, but Gu Qingzhou refused, enraging Prince Yu to the point where he almost went to beat him up.
This was not a secret; anyone who inquired would know. Therefore, Prince Yu would absolutely not favor Zhan Feiyu.
"Lord Liu Jian is the Left Censor, a second-rank official of the imperial court." The established families of Nanxuan Prefecture all knew that Tong Tongzhi was a follower of Liu Jian's faction.
Moreover, the imprisonment of Sun Fu this time and Tong Tongzhi's loss of power to Prefect Zhang were all instigated by Zhan Feiyu. Lord Liu would be lenient if he didn't crush Zhan Feiyu.
Furthermore, Magistrate Chen had shown great favor to Zhan Feiyu, and Liu Jian detested Chen Weibin. With these factors combined, Lord Liu would only help Wan Yunhao.
Imperial Guards? These three words represented everything; they only obeyed the emperor.
And last year, the newly appointed top scholar impeached the Imperial Guards. That memorial was submitted from the Hanlin Academy. Could the Commander of the Imperial Guards be friends with Scholar Gu? Of course, this matter was not known to most established families.
As for the last question setter, Professor Qin, there was no need to mention him. He was the professor of Nanxuan Prefecture School and Wan Yunhao's father-in-law. Even if he were fair and just, he would not help Zhan Feiyu.
After hearing the backgrounds of these four officials, someone couldn't help but say, "So this competition will absolutely not favor Zhan Feiyu?"
The young gentleman in brocade couldn't help but roll his eyes and retort, "Isn't that obvious?"
Favor Zhan Feiyu? It would be good if they didn't favor Wan Yunhao. Setting aside Professor Qin of the Prefecture School, the other three had some animosity towards Scholar Gu. They might even do more harm than good.
At this, the expressions of the scholars in the hall twisted slightly. Before, they had all criticized Zhan Feiyu for relying on Scholar Gu's status to win, but now, the situation clearly favored Wan Yunhao.
"Brother-in-law?" Qin Ye was somewhat stunned, his mind in a mess. This was not what they had envisioned.
Wan Yunhao also did not expect Zhan Feiyu to act this way, or rather, for Scholar Gu to go this far. If he won this competition, it would be fine, but if he lost...
In an instant, the rumors in Shangsi County vanished without a trace.
June 18th, night.
After a long journey, Liu Jian arrived at Shangsi County and did not stay at the county yamen. Instead, he went directly to the county school.
"My lord, Tong Tongzhi requests an audience," the servant reported in a low voice. His lord was exhausted from the journey, and the competition between an eight-year-old child scholar and a scholar was already a farce, yet it required his lord to put aside his official duties and rush to Shangsi County to handle it. It was no wonder his lord's expression was grim.
In the dim candlelight, Liu Jian's face was cold, and he did not speak.
His body was almost falling apart from the bumpy journey. Thinking of Chen Weibin being suppressed in Shangsi County for seven years yet still causing trouble, a murderous intent flickered in Liu Jian's gloomy eyes.
A moment later, Tong Tongzhi and Tong Xu entered the study, led by a servant. The father and son bowed respectfully, "Greetings, my lord."
"Alright, why are you here to see me so late?" Liu Jian sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on the official document in his hand, not looking at the Tong father and son.
Tong Tongzhi, who had lost his value, was not worthy of his attention. Thinking that he had been disgraced by a mere girl like Zhan Feiyu, Liu Jian became furious.
"My lord..." Tong Tongzhi knelt down with a thud and reported in detail about Zhan Feiyu, Sun Fu, and the movable type printing. Then he kowtowed and begged for forgiveness, "Please, my lord, give me another chance."
Without Lord Liu's support, Tong Tongzhi, in his current situation, could not possibly overthrow Prefect Zhang and seize power. He could only endure a few more years in the position of Tongzhi, then retire, and the Tong family would fall.
Liu Jian finally looked up. His face was thin and gaunt, his eyelids drooped, making his eyes appear even colder and more malicious. "I heard that the Qin family has already pledged allegiance to Zhang Chengli?"
"Reporting to my lord, Qin Ming is merely a sycophantic scoundrel," Tong Tongzhi immediately disparaged the Qin family as utterly worthless.
Back then, when Prefect Zhang had not yet established a foothold in Nanxuan Prefecture, the Qin family chose to remain neutral, not siding with either party. But now that Tong Tongzhi had fallen, the Qin family immediately pledged allegiance to Prefect Zhang, merely wanting to use Prefect Zhang's influence to crush the Tong family and replace them.
As established families in Nanxuan Prefecture, if the Tong mansion were to fall, the Qin family would be the true beneficiaries. As for Prefect Zhang, he would be transferred once his term was over.
Liu Jian looked at Tong Xu, who was kneeling beside him, and said coldly, "This is your eldest son. He is only a scholar now. Do you think Gu Qingzhou would accept him as a disciple?"
A hint of mockery appeared on Liu Jian's thin face. In the capital, many talented young men who wished to become disciples of Gu Qingzhou were rejected. Tong Xu was already twenty-one years old and merely a scholar with mediocre talent, yet he dared to dream of becoming Scholar Gu's disciple.
What Liu Jian didn't say was that he himself had wanted his son to become a disciple back then, but his intention was rejected as soon as it was revealed. Now, Liu Jian looked at Tong Xu with a degree of resentment and displeasure.
"My lord, Scholar Gu accepted Zhan Feiyu because of the movable type printing. Since Scholar Gu accepts disciples, if my son wins, in full view of everyone, Scholar Gu will surely not refuse," Tong Tongzhi was at his wit's end.
For the Tong mansion to recover, they needed Lord Liu's support. But similarly, if Tong Xu could become Scholar Gu's disciple, it would be equivalent to having a great backer. Would they still need to fear Zhang Chengli? As for the Qin family, who knew who would annex whom.
Tong Xu, kneeling on the ground, kowtowed again, his attitude extremely humble, his forehead touching the cold ground, "I implore my lord to give this student an opportunity."
Liu Jian pondered. He had no enmity with Gu Qingzhou, but if Zhan Feiyu became Gu Qingzhou's disciple, it would mean an additional troublesome person. The young girl was not to be feared, but the key was that she had Gu Qingzhou and the entire Hanlin Academy behind her.
"Tell me about Wan Yunhao. Why did Zhan Feiyu choose him?" Liu Jian asked Tong Tongzhi and Tong Xu to rise. Compared to Zhan Feiyu becoming Gu Qingzhou's disciple, Tong Xu was naturally better, as he was from Liu Jian's own faction.
Outsiders only knew that Wan Yunhao betrayed Tutor Zhao to curry favor with the Qin family, but Tong Tongzhi knew the inside story. "Reporting to my lord, back then Zhao Changqing had intended to marry his granddaughter to Wan Yunhao..."
If it were just about becoming a disciple, Tutor Zhao would not have hated Wan Yunhao so much. There was also a life involved, the life of his granddaughter. However, Tutor Zhao, for his granddaughter's reputation, did not reveal this matter, and the outside world naturally did not know.
Liu Jian nodded after listening. In the end, Wan Yunhao was just an ungrateful villain. Not only did he become a disciple of the Qin family head, but he also married the Qin family's daughter. As for Zhao Jiaojun's granddaughter, she eventually died of illness at home.