In years past, when registration numbers were low, there had even been times when fewer than twenty candidates passed.

This year, due to the high number of applicants, the number of those who passed had also increased proportionally. To many, this signaled a higher chance of success, and so everyone wore a smile.

But soon, their smiles vanished.

Because the red announcement list was posted.

The list consisted of exactly four sheets, with fifty-two names on each.

In truth, however, there was no need to look at the last two sheets. Barring a miracle, the students listed on them would surely fail the final stage.

Thus, most of the curious onlookers focused their gazes on the first two lists.

But their looking was in vain, as the list didn’t display names at all, but rather seat numbers.

Why use seat numbers instead of names? To prevent vile individuals from plotting targeted assassinations.

The top scorer this time was seat number thirty-five of the Xuan section in the East Literature Field.

When a constable called out the number of the top scorer, the crowd instantly erupted.

"Why the East Literature Field?"

"The Wang Family’s young master, the Chu family’s Chu Xun, and Li Cun—all three favorites for first place were from the West Literature Field."

"Gasp, to think someone’s literary talent is even greater than theirs, enough to beat them and take first place?"

"Come now. While our Qingshui County might not be teeming with hidden masters, it certainly has its share of talent. Perhaps some old scholar, after years of dedicated study, decided to take the exam and swept the top spot. The likes of Wang and Chu, talented as they are, are still young. Their accumulated knowledge can’t possibly compare to a veteran’s. It’s perfectly understandable that they were surpassed."

"You have a point..."

The scholars all agreed that whoever beat the likes of Wang, Chu, and Li had to be an old scholar with years of examination experience. If not, then it must be someone already well-known in Qingshui County’s literary circles, like Ding Shutian of the Ding Family, Huang Chen of the Huang family, or Zhao Songhe of the Zhao Family.

These were all scholars of considerable renown who, for various reasons, had yet to pass the Scholar exam. But with their deep reserves of knowledge, how could they possibly fail to make their mark this time around?

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, and no one noticed that at the mouth of a secluded alley, Chen Wanqing was tightly gripping Zhao Jing’s sleeve.

"Jing, what was the seat number the constable just called out for first place?"

"East Literature Field, Xuan Section, Number Thirty-five."

"What’s your seat number?"

"East Literature Field, Xuan Section, Number Thirty-five."

Genuine joy blossomed on Chen Wanqing’s lovely face. Her eyes, dark and lustrous as polished lacquer, brimmed with incomparable delight.

’I want to congratulate Jing out loud, but then I realized... this place is packed. If people find out he took first place, what if someone tries to harm him?’

At this thought, she pulled Jing deeper into the alley. "Jing, you got first place!"

Zhao Jing looked at the lovely face before him, saw the deep smile in her eyes, and his throat tightened.

After a moment, he stared straight at Chen Wanqing and said, "Yes. I didn’t disappoint you. I successfully took first place."

"Jing, you’re amazing!"

"I have to stay amazing. Otherwise, this will all be for nothing."

"You will. You’ll continue to be amazing, in every way."

Zhao Jing’s voice was slightly hoarse. "Alright. I will do as you wish."

As they spoke, they heard the constables continue to call out seat numbers. One of the numbers was particularly familiar—it was De’an’s, wasn’t it?

Sure enough, a moment later, they saw Xu Su Ying approaching, pulling along a grinning Chen De’an.

"This is incredible! This stinky brat actually placed fifteenth!"

Chen De’an feigned regret. "I thought I’d at least make the top ten."

"Oh, please! Don’t you know your own skill level? Top ten? Why didn’t you just get first place for me while you were at it?"

"It’s not impossible. All you have to do, Mother, is give a packet of poison to everyone who ranked ahead of me..."

Xu Su Ying clamped a hand over his mouth.

She glared at her reckless son. "Don’t make me kick you on my happiest day!"

Chen De’an threw his hands up in surrender. "I’ll stop, I’ll stop! I won’t spout any more nonsense."

Chen Wanqing came to her brother’s rescue. "Should we go home now, or go back to the list to confirm one more time?"

With a wave of her hand, Xu Su Ying said happily, "We’re going home now! I’ll come back this evening to take a look when there’s no one around."

"Then let’s go home."

The group went home in high spirits, leaving all the sounds of joy, grief, and indignation behind them.

That afternoon, Zhao Jing and De’an spent the whole time reading in De’an’s room. When Chen Wanqing occasionally brought them tea, she could see Zhao Jing instructing De’an on his choice of words and phrasing.