Chapter 33: How Dare You Trick Me!

Unlike them, who are under a lot of pressure from their families.

“Enough about us. How did you do in the exam Jianming?” Cheng Jianfeng asked again.

“Not bad.” Wei Jianming snapped open his folding fan, fanning himself confidently. “I haven’t thought much about my rank, but I’m pretty sure I’ll pass.”

“And what of the one staying at your residence?” Liang Shigang nodded towards the window.

“That good-for-nothing?” Wei Jianming scoffed at the mention of Shen Shilang. But, recalling how Shen had single-handedly defeated all the men in their mansion that night, he added, “Well, perhaps not entirely useless—he does possess some martial skill.”

“But what’s the use of just martial art skills alone? He’s terrible at studying. In the end, he’ll amount to nothing, neither scholar nor warrior,” Wei Jianming dismissed. “That loser can’t even answer basic questions properly. Even if he knows something, his responses are mediocre at best. Whether he passes is still up in the air.”

Liang Shigang raised his cup. “Regardless, let’s toast to good fortune. May we all succeed in the exam.”

Everyone lifted their cups in unison. “Yes, to all of us passing!”

That evening, Shen Shilang also ventured out to unwind, primarily because he had some free time and wished to show Su Jinshi the vibrant night scene of Chong’an City.

For Su Jinshi, the liveliness of an ancient city was best captured in the painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival.” However, that was merely a picture on paper, lacking the immersive experience of reality.

This was Su Jinshi’s first time witnessing the bustling nightlife of an ancient city. The lively atmosphere here was quite different from that of a modern night market with each possessing its own unique charm.

As they strolled, they happened to see Wei Jianming and his companions coming out of Huizhen Restaurant.

Shen Shilang hesitated momentarily, intending to blend into the crowd and avoid detection.

However, Wei Jianming spotted him and called out, “Shen Shilang!”

Shen Shilang raised an eyebrow slightly but turned to face Wei Jianming.

Wei Jianming strode over. “Well, well, out enjoying yourself tonight? Did the exam go well for you?”

Liang Shigang and the others followed, all looking at Shen Shilang with mocking expressions.

Shen Shilang raised an eyebrow. “It was alright.”

“What? You truly believe you’ll pass?” Wei Jianming laughed, glancing at his companions.

Shen Shilang smiled faintly. “I’m quite confident about this exam. My ranking should be decent.”

“You?” Wei Jianming’s face was filled with ridicule. “You seem pretty confident. If you can pass, I must be destined for the top scholar position!”

Shen Shilang shook his head. “Believe what you will, but don’t accuse me of lying when I do pass.”

“Hahaha!” Wei Jianming remained unconvinced. “Do you truly think I’m unaware of your capabilities? Even with last-minute cramming, you still wouldn’t pass!”

Wei Jianming stepped closer to Shen Shilang, sneering through gritted teeth. “You’re a failure, and always will be. Do you think you can change your fate through the imperial exams? Keep dreaming!”

Wei Jianming took a half-step back, his voice turning cold. “The gulf between us is vast and will only widen. In this life, you’ll never surpass me. Even if you manage to pass this time by some stroke of luck, your rank will still be far below mine. You’ll forever be looking up at me! You’re not even fit to carry my shoes!”

Shen Shilang found Wei Jianming’s confidence amusing and suddenly raised his hand.

Wei Jianming, acutely aware of Shen Shilang’s martial prowess, knew he was no match in that area.

Startled by Shen Shilang’s gesture, he hastily retreated.

Shen Shilang let out a light scoff and merely brushed his sleeve. “What are you afraid of?”

“You!” Wei Jianming realized he’d been played. He raised his hand to grab Shen Shilang’s collar but, midway, recalled Shen’s strength and awkwardly withdrew, his bravado deflating. “You dare make a fool of me!”

Shen Shilang raised an eyebrow. “How have I made a fool of you?”

Then, as if struck by realization, Shen Shilang added, “You didn’t actually think I was going to hit you, did you? Is that why you backed off?”

“You!” Wei Jianming was seething but knew he couldn’t win in a physical confrontation. He found himself in an awkward position, unable to advance or retreat.

Fortunately, Liang Shigang and the others swiftly intervened to defuse the situation.

The three pulled Wei Jianming back. “Brother Wei, why stoop to his level?”

“Hmph!” Wei Jianming seized the opportunity to step back, shooting Shen Shilang a venomous glare before turning away.

Cheng Jianfeng said, “No need to get angry, brother Wei. Once the results are out, he’ll be the one crying. Let him be arrogant for now.”

“Exactly. Besides, why dirty your hands? Just find some people to teach him a lesson,” Liang Shigang suggested.

“But how does that useless guy know martial arts?” Zhang Tianran questioned, puzzled. “Isn’t he usually spineless and useless? And didn’t you say he tolerated being beaten and scolded at your mansion? If he knew martial arts, how could he have endured such treatment?”

Zhang Tianran was too embarrassed to directly ask how Shen Shilang could have let himself be beaten by Wei Jianming

The mention of this only fueled Wei Jianming’s anger. “That coward is cunning and deceitful, wasting his talents on scheming. He hid the fact that he could fight all along, even enduring my whippings without retaliating, just to set me up. He made sure my brother caught me in the act, got me punished by my father, and left me in trouble.”

The more Wei Jianming thought about it, the angrier he became. “No, I have to make him pay for this!”

“Do you know any skilled fighters?” Wei Jianming asked. “From what I observed, his abilities are formidable. Ordinary individuals wouldn’t stand a chance. We need to enlist several skilled martial artists to deal with him, just to ensure success.”

“Surely your family has connections to such people? And you have numerous guards at your disposal,” Ke Hongbin suggested.

Wei Jianming replied bitterly, “None of them are his equal. He single-handedly defeated all the guards at my residence. Even when they attacked en masse, they were no match for him.”

“That strong?” Zhang Tianran exclaimed in surprise.

Liang Shigang pondered for a moment before saying, “Finding skilled fighters shouldn’t prove too challenging. Especially given our proximity to the border, there are fewer regulations here than in the capital. Various types of individuals pass through. If we’re determined to find suitable candidates, it’s certainly possible.”

Ke Hongbin chimed in, “Isn’t Li Dahuzi in the southern part of the city well-connected in those circles? You could send someone to make a deal with him.”

Wei Jianming fell silent, deep in thought.

Time seemed to pass quickly.

The exam candidates waiting for the results became more and more anxious, wishing the results would come out soon, regardless of whether they passed or failed, just to get it over with.

But as the release of the results approached, everyone started feeling nervous.

Su Jinshi could palpably sense the growing anxiety permeating the Wei Mansion over the past few days.

Naturally, no one spared a thought for Shen Shilang’s performance.

Madam Wei burned incense daily in the family shrine, fervently praying for Wei Jianming’s success.

She even ordered everyone in the mansion to be careful with their words—no one was allowed to say anything that even hinted at failure or loss.

Anyone who slipped up faced a monetary fine.

The entire Wei mansion grew increasingly tense and vigilant, each member fearful of a careless word that might cost them.

…

T/N: You can click on the link below to see the ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’ painting if you’re interested.

Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting

_steamedbun💞