Chapter 58: On the Eve of the Prefectural Exam Results

“Most likely he knows his own limits, so he’s embarrassed to show himself. If he runs into someone who knows him and they bring up this matter, how awkward would that be?”

“If he doesn’t have the ability, how dare he claim he’ll be first in the prefectural exam? Judging by how things look now, he might not even pass the test.”

Ye Wenshu spoke indifferently, “He probably just wants to attract attention. Let’s not talk about him anymore.”

The group’s conversation soon shifted to which books they were currently reading.

By now, Ye Wenshu already considered the top spot in the prefectural exam as something firmly within his grasp. He had great confidence in his abilities and believed he had answered the questions well.

…

Because Li Su hadn’t appeared, the scholars outside all said he must have done poorly and likely wouldn’t make the list.

Some scholars who had exchanged addresses with Lin Ze and Qin Ming would occasionally visit to spend time together. Hearing the rumors outside, one of them quietly asked, “Brother Lin, how did that Li Su who came with you do on the exam? I heard you’re on good terms, so you should know, right?”

“Brother Su never talks about his results after the exam. He says once it’s over, you should put it behind you and not let it affect your mood,” Lin Ze replied.

In truth, Li Su had told them this simply to encourage them not to let the exam weigh on their spirits.

The few scholars exchanged glances—judging by that, it must mean he hadn’t done well.

“Although you’re from the same county, let me be frank: you’d better distance yourselves from him, or you’ll end up ostracized along with him,” one scholar advised Lin Ze and Qin Ming, believing himself honest and well-meaning.

If someone capable claims to vie for the top spot, that’s confidence; but bragging without the skill only earns contempt and exclusion. No one respects or wants to associate with such a person.

They only gave this advice because they shared common interests with Lin Ze and Qin Ming.

Lin Ze and Qin Ming’s expressions changed instantly. Qin Ming said coldly, “You’re not welcome here. Leave, and don’t come back.”

Otherwise, he truly couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t resort to violence.

To dare to sow discord between them and Brother Su—an unforgivable offense!

These people would never understand the bond they shared with Brother Su.

Ostracized? They weren’t afraid. Even if all these scholars banded together, none of them could compare to Brother Su’s abilities.

Did they know what it meant to have a photographic memory? Did they know what true genius was?

When the results were announced, even if these people begged to be friends, they wouldn’t spare them a second glance.

Lin Ze and Qin Ming were fuming; it was only their remaining self-control that kept them from erupting in curses.

“What do you mean by this? We’re only looking out for you! If you stay close to him, no one will befriend you,” one of the scholars protested.

Qin Ming slapped the table. “As if we care! Get out, now!”

“Yes, get out,” Lin Ze echoed.

The others left in a huff. They’d only meant to help, but since the offer wasn’t appreciated, they wouldn’t waste their warmth on such cold shoulders.

Even after the group had left, Lin Ze and Qin Ming were still seething. Lin Ze said, “Just two or three days until the results are out. Let’s see these fools’ jaws drop!”

Qin Ming nodded emphatically. “Brother Su still tells us to make friends, but these people believe every rumor and lack any judgment of their own. There’s no point befriending them.”

A glimmer flashed in Lin Ze’s eyes. “No, I think we should still go and hear what they have to say. That way, when the results come out, they won’t be able to deny their words and come crawling back to curry favor with Brother Su.”

“Right. Let’s note down all the ones who slandered Brother Su.”

With resentment still simmering inside, Qin Ming and Lin Ze headed out. Ren Shuhua saw them storming off and asked in confusion, “What happened?”

Lin Ze recounted what had just happened and their plan. Ren Shuhua’s face immediately darkened in anger.

These scholars weren’t much at studying, but they were sharp-tongued gossipmongers. No wonder talent was scarce in Tanzhou—everyone spent their energy on this nonsense, corrupting the atmosphere. “I’ll go with you.”

The three of them set out, bristling with righteous indignation, while Li Su later discovered all three were gone.

Li Su: “???” Well, well, they’d gone out to have fun without him!

Meanwhile, Lin Ze and the other two had quietly blended into the crowd of scholars.

Not everyone spoke ill of Li Su; some felt it inappropriate to gossip behind others’ backs, and even if he failed to win the top spot, his ambition had nothing to do with them.

Still, there were plenty of self-righteous fence-sitters, who seemed to use Li Su’s situation as a pretext for socializing.

Li Su couldn’t understand this. To him, gathering with fellow scholars should be about improving one’s knowledge, not wasting time talking about others.

The trio didn’t argue; they simply noted in their little book who said what about Brother Su.

Their pens moved with more zeal than when answering exam questions.

When Li Su saw the three return, cheeks puffed with indignation, he asked in puzzlement, “What’s wrong with you all?”

All three shook their heads in unison, clutching their little notebooks as they headed into Lin Ze’s room and promptly shut the door behind them.

Li Su: “???” What on earth were they up to behind his back?

Unable to figure it out, Li Su simply dropped the matter. Those three weren’t exactly the secretive type—between them, they didn’t have half a schemer’s mind.

Sure enough, at dinner, as soon as Li Su pressed them, they confessed everything.

Li Su couldn’t help but laugh and cry at once. “So that’s what you went to do? And then got yourselves all worked up? Let me see your notes.”

The three handed over their notebooks obediently, like schoolchildren caught misbehaving.

Suppressing a smile, Li Su flipped through them; it was all the same old malicious gossip.

Qin Ming slapped himself in remorse. “It’s all my fault—if I hadn’t mentioned that Brother Su was aiming for the top spot, none of this would’ve happened.”

He deeply regretted his careless words, blaming himself for the trouble that had befallen Brother Su.

“Don’t worry about it, Xiao Ming. The uglier their words now, the more it’ll sting when the results are posted,” Li Su reassured him. He didn’t blame Qin Ming at all—he had come with this goal in mind anyway. Some scholars just had too much time on their hands. Perhaps they weren’t under enough pressure?

“And that Ye Wenshu fellow,” Qin Ming added, “he acts as if the top spot is already his. He’s even planning to host a dinner for everyone before leaving, once the results are out.”

Ye Wenshu’s idea was to use this dinner to receive congratulations and to befriend those who also made the list, especially those who ranked high—a little networking never hurt, after all.

“A dinner party? That’s fine. We can enjoy a free meal,” Li Su said, though he wondered whether the others would be able to eat with him present.

Lin Ze asked, “Are we going too?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t we?” Naturally, they had to go. How else could they witness everyone’s expressions in person? Such drama was right up Li Su’s alley. He might not always seek out excitement, but he certainly wouldn’t miss the show when the stage was set at his own doorstep.