Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1349 - 1301: Forfeiting the Exam

Lu Yu was unsure whether to share with Jia Xu, but after pondering, he realized that the blows from Lul Xun were sufficient, so he began to vent his frustrations to Jia Xu.

Jia Xu listened expressionlessly and glanced at Lu Yu, "Is that all?"

Lu Yu scratched his head and felt much better after speaking, "Master, could you pretend you heard nothing earlier?"

"Go home and study. If you fail the political and legal exams this afternoon, I’ll deal with you," Jia Xu said, still expressionless, sending Lu Yu running away in fright.

After Lu Yu left, Jia Xu frowned, realizing that Lu Yu was of marriageable age. Although not yet at the age for marriage, it was time to consider a suitable match.

"The Lu Family doesn’t have an elder capable of managing Zijia, which means this matter falls to me," Jia Xu realized, feeling he might have neglected his disciples’ personal affairs.

[I should find some time to see which family has a marriageable daughter. Such is the role of a teacher.] Jia Xu thought to himself, acknowledging the closeness of the ancient master-disciple relationship, often more intimate than blood ties.

The political and legal exams were held in the same place as the last time. The difference was that more people took these than the math, as these exams were considered crucial.

Thus, three more proctors were added: Lub Su, Xun Yue, and Hua Xiong. Naturally, Chen Xi and Zhao Yun were professional proctors.

Chen Xi was typically idle, while Zhao Yun’s military role hardly required front-line presence without significant battles, often heading where help was needed.

Recently, the Southern Youzhou area saw Sheni Pei’s military maneuvers. Liu Bei intended to counter Youzhou’s forces, so there was no need for Zhao Yun and Hua Xiong to lead elite cavalry into battle.

As exam time approached, scholars began entering, much like yesterday. Female candidates again entered as the last group, but this time, the previously rowdy scholars suddenly quieted.

Those who didn’t understand the silence turned to see Cai Yan and her group enter the exam. No one dared underestimate them, especially after Cai Yan’s perfect score yesterday and several others scoring in the forties.

"Dong!" A deep bell sounded, and Chen Xi stepped forward, "The political and legal exams will last for an hour and a half. Scores will be combined, with the political exam worth seventy and the legal exam thirty..."

Before Chen Xi finished, a wail arose from the crowd. Those who took yesterday’s exam knew the terror of Chen Xi’s words, and those who hadn’t heard from others about the merciless nature of the math exam. Would today be another massacre?

Having scored forty yesterday, Wenn Hui wished to leave, fearing another session sitting with Great Scholar Cai. All scholars, men and women alike, stared at Cai Yan with resentment, even Zhenn Ji, with tensions palpable.

"Ahem, what are those looks for?" Chen Xi coughed, "Zhaoji, ahem, Great Scholar Cai scored perfectly yesterday. Is that worth such a reaction?"

Resentment grew in their gazes, even making Cai Yan awkward.

"Perhaps I should ask for opinions." Feeling the tension had peaked, Chen Xi turned to Cai Yan, "Zhaoji, maybe you should just invigilate. Competing with you feels unfair."

Cai Yan’s eyes softened, her cleverness picking up Chen Xi’s intention. Though she preferred staying home, she was willing to pave a path for future women, especially if it only required her assent.

"Alright." Cai Yan nodded and stood, "I’ll refrain this time. I hope everyone achieves their best result."

Most candidates, men and women alike, visibly relaxed with Cai Yan’s withdrawal. Cai Yan’s perfect score had genuinely intimidated everyone, proving the seriousness of thorough study.

"Alright, begin distributing the papers." Seeing the relaxation of most scholars, Chen Xi couldn’t help but grin. Generosity from the strong leaves an impression.

Scholar candidates previously dominated by Cai Yan would not easily dismiss women’s potential for official roles, recognizing Cai Yan’s exceptional prowess and her magnanimous gesture of offering a chance.

Such kindness is rare, and based on Cai Yan’s earlier display of combat power, taking the top spot would be unsurprising. Challenging questions could solidify Cai Yan’s reign without dispute.

With Cai Yan’s departure, she plans not to partake in the exams, but this considerate gesture obliges others. If a woman tops the exam by a narrow margin, no one will criticize, acknowledging their own shortcomings.

"Marquis Chen, are you sure I could solve that problem?" Cai Yan finally understood Chen Xi’s scheme and asked curiously.

"I recall writing about prime numbers in one of my books, and since you comprehended it fully, I suspected you could solve it. However, Zhao Junqing surprised me by deducing not only prime numbers but adding his unique definition," Chen Xi noted with admiration.

"I see." Cai Yan felt unexpected support from Chen Xi, surprising even herself.

"Still planning to stay at home?" Chen Xi asked while proctoring, utilizing Voice Transmission.

"Yes, I lack the competitive spirit they have," Cai Yan pointed to Wang Yi and Xu Ning, indicating her awareness of their firm resolve.

"There’s nothing to be done about it. Everyone has their own way of life," Chen Xi remarked, recognizing Cai Yan’s reluctance.

"If there’s something I can manage without too much interaction, I’ll help." Cai Yan sighed softly, using Voice Transmission with Chen Xi, feeling obliged under Liu Bei’s governance.