Chapter 34: Victory

                               

On stage, the examiners deliberated the results, while below, the students whispered among themselves.

Shen Miao’s flawless performance today not only made the evaluation appear less dramatic but also caught the attention of her peers—those who had never given her a second glance now regarded her differently. How curious it was: a single sign of improvement could entirely reverse others’ perceptions.

Feng Anning fidgeted nervously, her gaze darting to the stage, sensing some subtle dispute among the officials.

“It seems today’s competition is quite intense,” Fu Xiuan remarked with a smile. “But for young ladies, why so serious? They won’t enter official service anyway.” His arrogance was deliberate, testing whether his remarks might draw displeasure from nearby fathers of contestants.

“Evaluation opportunities are rare,” Fu Xiuyi countered. “They should make the most of them.”

Fu Xiuxuan sipped his tea with a measured air, probing subtly, “If some young ladies are remarkable, Ninth Brother might take note.”

Fu Xiuyi shook his head. “My marriage is determined by Father Emperor. It is not my place to intervene.” His usual docility masked the perceptiveness that only a few could see.

Prince Jing Fu Xiuxuan smiled knowingly. “In life, one must sometimes take a gamble. Choosing a wife is no different—until the end, who knows the outcome?”

Prince Zhou observed quietly, catching the subtle probing, but stayed silent.

Soon, the examiners announced the results.

In the zither category, Feng Anning took first place, easily surpassing her group. She accepted the flower card gracefully, delighting Madam Feng, who saw in this honor a reflection of cultivated refinement.

In chess, Bai Wei triumphed. Her meticulous approach ensured victory, though at times it slowed her progress.

Shen Qing secured second in calligraphy, while first place went to Yi Peilan, whose chrysanthemum ode subtly expressed longing—a daring yet elegant choice, raising the standard for female competitors.

Finally, the painting results arrived. The examiners’ expressions varied, hinting at a heated debate. Everyone expected a contest between Shen Yue and Qin Qing—stalwarts of Guangwen Hall.

Shen Yue, confident in her composition and artistic conception, glanced at Shen Miao, anticipating embarrassment.

The examiner’s voice rang out:

“Painting group, first rank—Shen Miao—”

Shen Miao. First place.

The hall erupted. Murmurs and astonishment drowned out the remaining announcements.

Shen Yue froze, her disbelief evident as she whispered to Chen Ruoqiu, “Mother… who was first?”

Chen Ruoqiu, calm and experienced, pinched her arm gently, signalling that composure was more dignified than shock.

Even Shen Qing and Ren Wanyun, while enjoying Shen Yue’s rare discomfort, were taken aback—it seemed impossible that Shen Miao, the perennial underdog, had triumphed.

Discussion erupted across the attendees, male and female alike. Cai Lin and his classmates doubted their ears. Su Minglang leapt with joy, while Su Mingfeng cursed his lost silver wager on Shen Yue.

Pei Lang, however, did not turn to the stage. His gaze rested on the purple-clad Shen Miao, whose calm, unshakable composure betrayed no hint of surprise—she had known victory all along.

Next