Chapter 41: Seeds of Manipulation

On stage, Gao Yan finally completed his recitation of "Code of Conduct."

Silence fell first, followed by murmured discussions. The students couldn't grasp the essay's deeper implications; they recognized only its elegant citations and classical references. However, the gentlemen in the male guests' section understood its significance. This essay, seemingly effortless, identified loopholes in Ming-Qi's current legal system with precision and cleverly proposed remedies. For a student, it was truly extraordinary.

The examining officials on stage likely hadn't expected Gao Yan to possess such brilliance. Nevertheless, rules demanded adherence—when doubt arose about a student's results, testing was mandatory. Just as Shen Miao's painting had been scrutinized earlier, fairness required examination. The "Code of Conduct" essay surpassed Shen Miao's painting in both literary excellence and practical application. The examining official asked, "Your policy essay states that Ming-Qi's code of conduct is too broad and requires careful division. How would you subdivide it?"

Gao Yan felt delighted. Beyond the "Code of Conduct" essay, the manuscript included a question matching exactly what the examining official now asked. He felt profoundly grateful to whoever had written the manuscript, resolving to provide a generous silver reward later. Standing tall with chest raised, he answered calmly according to the text: "Divide it into three levels—commercial, official, and civilian paths should all be separated..."

Below the stage, Imperial Court Historian Gao beamed with satisfaction. His current position in officialdom relied solely on the Emperor's support and his extensive network of connections. He lacked such genuine ability himself. Fortunately, he had his capable son Gao Jin, who despite his youth could handle many matters. Now his second son Gao Yan was displaying such extraordinary talent—he would need to visit the ancestral hall to burn incense and express gratitude to their ancestors.

Gao Jin possessed greater intelligence than his father and simply couldn't believe his brother commanded such wisdom. Being able to answer the examining official's questions so eloquently—surely the examining official couldn't have been bribed as well. Therefore, uncertainty troubled him.

Pei Lang lifted the teacup from the table and took a sip, his hand trembling slightly. Somehow, every sentence Gao Yan spoke seemed to imprint itself in his mind. That familiar feeling seemed absurd to him, and the anxiety within his heart refused to settle.

Su Minglang had briefly dozed off. Seeing everyone around him regarding Gao Yan with admiration, he tugged at Old Master Su's sleeve. "Father, did he speak well?"

"A talented youth," Old Master Su replied directly.

Su Minglang pouted, seemingly unable to comprehend. Looking around without seeing Su Mingfeng, he asked, "Why hasn't elder brother returned yet?"

Old Master Su coughed lightly. "Your eldest brother's health is still weak. Coming today already pushed his limits—let him rest longer."

Fu Xiuyi heard the commotion and glanced at Old Master Su. Noting the unchanged grimness between Su's brows when mentioning Su Mingfeng, he thoughtfully withdrew his gaze.

Regardless, Gao Yan had fought this battle exceptionally well today. His smooth responses to the examining official's questions dispelled everyone's doubts. Without further discussion, he naturally received "First Rank." The ranking itself was secondary—in the future, when people mentioned the Imperial Court Historian, besides Gao Jin, they would know he had a second son who was a talented young scholar.

Gao Yan descended from the stage triumphantly. This round of "selection" thus concluded, and the women's "selection" began.

Feng Anning didn't take the stage. She had always excelled in the "zither" category and had already drawn it earlier. Since she wasn't outstanding in other areas, participating seemed unnecessary. Shen Qing chose chess—she possessed strong calculation skills, and chess also required calculation, making it somewhat her strength. Shen Yue, unsurprisingly, chose the "zither."

Shen Yue had always favored activities that made her appear ethereal and otherworldly. Since Chen Ruoqiu originally played the zither beautifully—not only performing but also composing melodies and writing lyrics—Shen Yue had learned this skill exceptionally well. Every year she received first rank, and every year this provided an opportunity for everyone to appreciate her zither mastery.

In the women's group, when Shen Yue participated, others avoided choosing the "zither" category to spare themselves embarrassment. Shen Qing naturally demonstrated effort and received first rank in the "chess" category.

When the "zither" category arrived, discussions rippled through the audience again.

Shen Yue ascended the stage gracefully, burned incense, and washed her hands. She possessed natural delicacy and gentleness, her pink garments soft and charming. With a faint smile gracing her lips, she truly embodied a fairy's appearance.

She played "Ode to the Moon."

"Ode to the Moon" was an exceptionally difficult piece about a traveler far from home missing their homeland and relatives. The beginning flowed gentle and melancholic, followed by intense sorrow, ending with sighs. The progression tested zither skills significantly and proved emotionally stirring.

In her previous life, Shen Yue had gained fame with this very piece, becoming unrivaled for a time. In comparison, Shen Miao had been even more unbearable. Reflecting now, it seemed each of Shen Yue's praises came from stepping on Shen Miao's misery.

Shen Miao observed the young woman on stage.

Shen Yue had already begun. With one pluck of the strings, they seemed to awaken, becoming infinitely soft and flowing beneath her hands. The melody floated ethereally, with lingering charm that drifted into every listener's ears. Her fingers danced over the strings like butterflies flitting through a sea of flowers, each transition naturally perfect.

Feng Anning bit her lip. Though she disliked Shen Yue, she had to acknowledge her cousin's outstanding zither skills. In comparison, the piece for which she had received "First Rank" earlier seemed extremely clumsy.

It was a song about missing relatives and homeland, yet it made Shen Miao's fists gradually clench.

Even in this second life, the dead could not be revived. Wanyu and Fu Ming would never appear again. Shen Yue's song became a funeral bell of vengeful lament. To Shen Miao, it offered no comfort—only blood vengeance.

Cai Lin wandered outside the seating area, trying to position himself closer to the high platform to catch every expression of his beloved. He was immersed in the beautiful zither music when suddenly his concentration shattered.

"Second Miss is so unfortunate. She never placed second, but Fifth Miss used some scheme to snatch first rank from her." The speaker was a slender girl. Cai Lin recognized her as Shuxiang, Shen Yue's maid, and unconsciously looked in that direction.

"Indeed, and Fifth Miss didn't even choose a 'selection,' clearly intentionally opposing Second Miss," another maid said.

"Our Second Miss is so kind-hearted, yet has privately endured so much from Fifth Miss. Isn't Fifth Miss just relying on the First Master to dare treat Second Miss this way? Poor Second Miss prepared for so long, only to have her achievements stolen by someone else."

"If only someone could avenge Second Miss, like... during the 'challenge' round, making Fifth Miss go on stage?"

"What nonsense are you talking?" Shuxiang interrupted her. "Everyone knows Fifth Miss doesn't understand zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting. Challenging Fifth Miss would only lower one's status. I think it's impossible in the women's group. If someone from the men's group challenged her—that would truly avenge Second Miss."

The conversation gradually quieted. Cai Lin's eyes moved slightly as he looked at Shen Yue on stage, an idea forming in his mind.