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Luo Jisheng grew increasingly uneasy as he listened, “Impossible, impossible. How can someone come up with such a couplet after reading books for just one night? It’s impossible.”

Zeng Ruijie spoke seriously, “Others might not be able to, but Chu Qingzhi can. Have you ever seen someone make a horse fly?

“Yesterday morning, Chu Qingzhi was riding with the young crown prince when the horse got out of control. She managed to ride the horse over everyone’s heads, won a competition in the process, and identified a suspect just by smelling a silver ingot. Then she caught the suspect. Underestimate anyone, but never Chu Qingzhi.”

Everyone was astounded, thinking this must be divine rather than human.

Luo Jisheng, sweating with anxiety, wondered, “What do we do now? I never thought I would get a couplet written by Chu Qingzhi. If I had known, I never would have acted. What do I do now?”

Yan Jingkui shouted, “What are you panicking for?! She doesn’t even know that you took it. Just brace yourself and deny it.”

Luo Jisheng was still nervous, “But, but…”

Yan Jingkui forcefully interrupted, “No buts. Just lay low and hide somewhere. We’ll all act as if we’ve never seen you.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Luo Jisheng was at a loss and immediately walked out.

Zeng Ruijie stopped Luo Jisheng, suggesting, “Chu Qingzhi is exceptionally skilled at solving cases. If she finds out, she’ll be even more upset, right?”

At this moment, Luo Jisheng was completely flustered. The regret in his heart almost overwhelmed him. “Then what do you suggest?”

Zeng Ruijie thought for a moment and advised, “Maybe you should confess to Chu Qingzhi and seek leniency?”

Yan Jingkui strongly opposed, “We are students of the Imperial College. Taking her couplet was a sign of respect for her. To humble ourselves and beg a woman for mercy would ruin our dignity. Could we ever hold our heads high again?”

Luo Jisheng felt that what Yan Jingkui said made sense. He said firmly, “I’m a man. I definitely won’t beg a woman for mercy.”

Zeng Ruijie didn’t insist further, simply saying, “Then consider the consequences.”

“I know.” Luo Jisheng left in a hurry. He planned to listen to Yan Jingkui and find a place to hide. Once the afternoon was over, this matter would pass.

The other students didn’t want to get involved and left one after another.

Yan Jingkui looked at Zeng Ruijie, who was standing at the side, and his expression was very ugly. “Why aren’t you leaving?”

Zeng Ruijie took a few steps, then turned back, saying, “Actually, you shouldn’t have taken someone else’s couplet and passed it off as your own. One mistake leads to another. You might regret it for the rest of your life.”

Yan Jingkui did not listen to a single word. “We’ll see.”

He snorted inwardly, thinking that if everything had to be about right and wrong, how could the founding emperor have risen in rebellion? It’s all about winners and losers

Zeng Ruijie sighed and left.

At the Imperial College.

As the Poetry and Rites Competition neared its end and the time to announce the competition results approached, many people gathered in front of Bitong Hall, waiting for the Emperor’s arrival.

The students of Yunfei Academy entered the Imperial College in groups. Many of them had won first places, chatting and laughing happily.

“How dare they show their faces at the Poetry and Rites Competition after such a disgraceful act. If it were me, I would have slinked away in shame.”

“That’s right. He’s using a couplet that even he can’t answer to test others. Those who don’t know better would think that he’s amazing!”

“They’re just seeking fame and reputation. Truly talented people are very low-key.”

Hurtful remarks from the Imperial College students filled the air, causing a stir and pointing fingers. Some students from Yunfei School, with thinner skins, already lowered their heads in embarrassment.

Chu Xuyao clenched his fists and stormed over, launching a verbal barrage, “1 remember you got eliminated in the first round of the Go competition, right? If I were you, I would indeed slink away in shame.”

The targeted student lowered his head in embarrassment, unable to say a word.

“And you, that couplet wasn’t written by him; it was stolen. Stealing is far more despicable than presenting a blank one, right?”

The student, feeling guilty, wanted to retort but eventually retreated into the crowd, not daring to argue back.

“Who is seeking fame and reputation? My senior brother Yuyan may not be able to answer his own couplet, but he didn’t cheat. Compared to you lot, he is ten times better.”

The students from the Imperial College were stunned into silence by Chu Xuyao’s words, forgetting to retort.

The students from Yunfei School, buoyed by Chu Xuyuan’s strong showing, became more confident. They had done nothing wrong and were upright. There was nothing to be ashamed of!

Chu Qingzhi, who was standing at the back, could not help but smile when she saw how amazing her ninth brother was. Her training had been successful!

Xu Guannan beckoned Chu Xuyao, “Xuyao, come back.”

Chu Xuyao glared at the students of the Imperial College and rejoined the group.

Subsequently, the Imperial College students toned down their behavior. Although they still looked down on Yunfei School students, they refrained from openly mocking them.

The students from Yunfei School chose a corner to wait, preferring to keep a low profile and avoid further trouble.

Chu Qingzhi, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed, was lost in thought.

Zhuang Yuyan approached her with an apologetic expression, “Miss Chu, I’m sorry for the trouble our oversight caused.”

Chu Qingzhi, who was clear about right and wrong, replied, “It’s not your fault. There’s no need to blame yourselves.”

Zhuang Yuyan slightly bowed his head, “We should have been more careful. If we had been there to pick up Xuyao and Xuyuan, none of this would have happened.”

Chu Qingzhi slightly raised an eyebrow, appreciating his self-reflecting attitude, “Consider this a lesson learned. Be more careful next time.”

Zhuang Yuyan nodded in agreement, “I will remember this.”

A moment later, a young voice came through…

“Miss Chu, I came to thank you.” Yuan Baozhang bowed deeply to Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “What place did you get in calligraphy?”

“A-Upper.” Yuan Baozhang was still young. Even though he wanted to control his joy and be calm, one could tell from his smiling eyes that he was happy.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Yuan Baozhang gratefully said, “It’s ail thanks to your guidance. Otherwise, I couldn’t have achieved this result.”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “No need to be so formal. You’re talented. Keep practicing and you can become a master calligrapher.”

Being recognized as a ‘master’ in the literary world was the ultimate goal. Yuan Baozhang, hearing this, was overjoyed, “I will work hard.”

“Good.”

This little interaction unknowingly laid the foundation for a good relationship between Yuan Baozhang and Chu Xuyao and Chu Xuyuan, with Yuan Baozhuang helping them significantly in the future.

Chu Xuyuan approached Chu Qingzhi, whispering, “Fifth sister, hasn’t Luo Jisheng come?”

“It’s okay if he doesn’t show up. There are others who know the truth. As long as one of the students from the Imperial College speaks up, the effect will be the same. Moreover, Luo Jisheng’s reputation will suffer even more.”

The more Chu Xuyuan thought about it, the more he felt that it was right. “I think so. Apart from stealing couplets, he’ll also be labeled a fugitive.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Exactly..”