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Jiang Mixia: “…”
The braised pork that Song Jingyun had at the examination hall was made by her.
Originally, she had prepared it for her husband’s exam day, wanting to show her support as a wife. Unexpectedly, it was Song Jingyun who ended up finding fault with it.
Upon hearing his response, Tian Zhixing couldn’t help but chuckle.
Ah, to be thinking about food during an exam, truly a food-loving individual. Someone like that, boasting about passing the exam, who gave him the courage to say such things!
Seeing Jiang Mixia’s crestfallen expression, Song Jingyun scratched his head again. “Could it be that you made the braised pork?”
“Yes.”
You guessed it right.
“No wonder,” Song Jingyun chuckled, “The braised pork you make is indeed unique.”
The survival instinct at play!
Jiang Mixia glanced at Song Jingyun. “Come on, tell me, what makes it so unique?”
“It’s very invigorating!”
Due to the generous amount of vinegar, it kept him alert. Additionally, because the flavor of the braised pork didn’t meet his expectations, he couldn’t help but think about it…
Jiang Mixia: “…”
Why did she have to ask that one extra question?
After all the students had finished the exam and seemed to be in good condition, Meng Ziting gave a brief instruction for everyone to go home, rest well, and arrive at the academy the next day an hour later than usual.
This was the first round of exams, with three more to follow, each separated by a few days.
The specific gap between exams would be indicated by notices posted by the county yamen.
After each exam, there would be grading, and the list of students advancing to the next round would be announced, eliminating a group of participants each time.
With crucial tasks ahead, Meng Ziting couldn’t afford to relax, and he made sure the students understood the importance of staying focused.
After receiving these instructions, the students dispersed and headed home.
—
Five days later, the county yamen announced the list for the second round of exams.
Meng Ziting, after checking the list and finding the names of the eight students prominently listed, breathed a slight sigh of relief.
The difficulty level of the four exams was quite similar. Passing the first one meant that with consistent performance in the remaining exams, there shouldn’t be any issues.
Tian Zhixing also examined the list, but upon noticing that two of his students didn’t pass, his brows furrowed.
“Damn fools! All they care about is food, not appreciating the hard work put into teaching them all these years!”
Three days after the list was announced, the second round of exams took place. The results were revealed on the fifth day, followed by the third round the day after…
After nearly a month, the county yamen posted the list of those who passed the county exam.
Among them were all eight students, including Song Jingyun.
Particularly noteworthy was Song Jingyun, who earned the top spot in the county exam.
“See, I told you I would pass,” Song Jingyun grinned.
“You were absolutely right,” Meng Ziting couldn’t contain his joy, with a wide smile on his face.
Having all students pass in the county exam, with one even achieving the top position, was a clear testament to the effective teaching methods of the educator, bringing a sense of accomplishment.
Tian Zhixing ‘s expression, however, was less than favorable.
With each exam his students took, fewer remained, and by the end of the last round, none of his students appeared on the list.
This indicated a complete failure.
On one side, Meng Ziting celebrated as all his students passed, while on the other side, Tian Zhixing couldn’t accept the stark contrast of his own results.
Meng Ziting noticed Tian Zhixing ‘s livid face but showed no interest in engaging with him, simply smiling.
“Don’t get too cocky!” Tian Zhixing pointed at Meng Ziting’s nose, exclaiming, “You just got lucky!”
“For a mere teacher from a small academy to have all his students pass, who knows what tricks you’ve pulled off. Is there something fishy going on here?”
After Tian Zhixing ‘s words fell, a commotion erupted among the onlookers.
Following a moment of silence, the county magistrate, Li Zhongan, descended from the platform, addressing Tian Zhixing, “Sir, if I heard correctly, did you just suggest there was foul play in this county exam? I wonder, do you have any evidence to support your claim?”
“I…”
Tian Zhixing , facing the county magistrate and sensing the scrutiny of the onlookers, felt like he was on pins and needles. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, rendering him speechless and stuttering incoherently.
“If you have no evidence, are you intentionally slandering?” Li Zhongan glared at Tian Zhixing , his tone growing stern. “Slandering others’ exams as false, slandering the fairness of the county exam?”
County exams were overseen by local county officials to prevent favoritism and cheating, with imperial inspectors conducting oversight to ensure integrity.
Any discovery of exam cheating or local officials aiding such misconduct led to severe penalties, ranging from demotion to imprisonment or exile.
Hence, county magistrates were vigilant during exams to avoid any errors.
Accusing the county exam without evidence was akin to tarnishing the reputation of the institution, and Li Zhongan was not pleased with the false allegations.
Moreover, the achievements of those who made it onto the list were the result of years of hard work and dedication. Baseless claims could ruin their reputations, jeopardizing their future prospects.
What Tian Zhixing might have considered a casual remark could potentially ruin lives.
Li Zhongan understood the power of rumors and strongly detested baseless accusations.
Filled with anger, his words to Tian Zhixing were laced with fury.
Tian Zhixing was taken aback, stuttering even more, unable to form coherent words. “I, I…”
“Spreading malicious lies, bring this man back to the county yamen and give him ten lashes!” Li Zhongan commanded.
An officer nearby approached, dragging Tian Zhixing to the county yamen, gagging him, and administering the punishment.
Amidst the sound of the beating, there was no cry of pain, only the unsettling thud of the lashes landing.
After a moment, Tian Zhixing was dragged back out and thrown onto the street.
Though receiving ten lashes might not seem overly severe, for a mere scholar of a certain age, the punishment proved too much. Now, he could barely stand.
Passersby pointed and whispered as they walked past Tian Zhixing .
“Deserved it! He’s a teacher, yet lacks moral character.”
“Too quick to speak, not afraid of a backlash.”
“I heard none of his students passed this time, so he’s jealous and spreading baseless rumors.”
“Tsk, that’s abandoning all conscience…”
Tian Zhixing , shunned and despised like a rat in the street, felt a mix of shame and anger. He attempted to stand but stumbled and fell once more.
Meng Ziting listened coldly, observing the scene, then gazed at the sun now at its zenith.
The sunlight was brilliant.
Thanks to Meng Ziting’s eight students all passing the county exam, with Song Jingyun even securing the top position, the reputation of Hongle Academy soared.