Chapter 92 - 85: My Deskmate Qin Wanyue

Chapter 92: Chapter 85: My Deskmate Qin Wanyue

"Starting four hundred years ago, the imperial examinations of our Great Saint Dynasty no longer centered on written essays. Instead, we use the Illusion Array of the Profound Array Department, allowing scholars to demonstrate their abilities within it."

Hmm? Zeng Anmin paused in slight surprise, blinking.

He had truly never looked into the imperial examinations of this world. Since crossing over to this world, he had spent all his time either solving cases or rushing about killing people. In total, he had only stayed at Shuidu Academy for five days. Therefore, taking the examination route had never even been within the realm of his consideration.

"An Illusion Array Examination?" Zeng Anmin muttered to himself.

But the thing was, this actually made perfect sense! In an Immortal World, who would still use the antiquated format of written test papers for imperial examinations?

"Yes," his father nodded. Slowly shifting his sitting posture, he spoke with a dignified expression.

"Theoretical knowledge will always prove shallow.

"As early as four hundred years ago, a Great Confucian Scholar and the Profound Array Department jointly hosted the first Illusion Array Examination.

"When scholars enter the array, their test topics vary endlessly—it could be controlling floods, solving crimes, governing the people, or leading an army.

"Throughout history, the examinations were mostly based on written papers. Without personal experience, even if the scholars could write about these things, it would be difficult for them to put it into practice.

"But entering an Illusion Array is different.

"The Illusion Array can simulate all kinds of test scenarios for scholars to experience firsthand."

Only after explaining all this did his father turn his gaze toward Zeng Anmin, his eyes narrowing slightly. "However, while the Illusion Array Examination focuses on practical matters, you have also seen its drawbacks..."

Zeng Anmin nodded. He stood up, stretched lazily, and said nonchalantly, "It will expose the true nature of those with poor character."

"Correct," his father’s voice was tranquil. "That is why the written examination has not been completely abolished. Before the exams, scholars are allowed to choose for themselves.

"The majority of scholars still choose the written examination, but a small number will opt for the Illusion Array.

"However, your memory is not suppressed by the Illusion Array, so the Illusion Array Examination, for you..."

His father left the sentence unfinished. But Zeng Anmin’s eyes gleamed brightly as he finished the thought, "Will be a breeze."

"Therefore, taking the imperial examination route will take you much further than being an Imperial Tutor in the Eastern Palace."

His father slowly nodded as well.

"Since that is the case..." Zeng Anmin narrowed his eyes and looked out the window. "Then I will give it a try."

To participate in the imperial examinations, one had to have an academy’s recommendation. Thus, just two days later, his figure appeared in the capital’s most prestigious academy—the Imperial College.

Located in the western part of the Imperial City, it covered an area of at least six thousand square meters. Zeng Anmin, using his status as the son of the Minister of the Ministry of War, entered the Imperial College to become a "Shadow Imperial Scholar."

Anyone who entered the college to study under the qualification of an Advanced Scholar was called an Advanced Imperial Scholar. Those who entered under the qualification of a tribute student were called an Imperial Scholar. Children of officials who acquired their student qualifications without going through examinations were called Shadow Imperial Scholars.

Therefore, a chain of contempt existed within the Imperial College. The Imperial Scholars looked down on the Advanced Imperial Scholars. The Advanced Imperial Scholars looked down on the Shadow Imperial Scholars. And the Imperial Scholars, Advanced Imperial Scholars, and Shadow Imperial Scholars all collectively looked down on the Imperial Prison.

Those of commoner status who purchased their student qualifications were categorized as the Imperial Prison.

Within this hierarchy of disdain, two types of people could ignore the rules. The first was a Confucian Dao genius. The second was someone of extraordinary literary fame. As it happened, Zeng Anmin perfectly fit both categories.

Fortunately, he entered the hall right when the scholars were on a break. He followed a master into one of the Imperial College’s classrooms.

His father’s words surfaced in his mind: "Once you enter the Imperial College, study with peace of mind. The Imperial College has six Doctors, each excelling in one of the Six Arts. In their respective fields, they are all at the pinnacle of the current era. Your opportunity to break through to the Fifth Grade of the Confucian Dao lies with them."

As students of the Imperial College, even during breaks, they would take out their books and sit in their seats to read. And as a transfer student, the first thing Zeng Anmin received was the curious gazes of all his classmates.

"Just pick an empty seat and sit down," the master who had brought Zeng Anmin for enrollment said with a chuckle. After leading him into the seating area, the master turned and walked out.

"Understood," Zeng Anmin nodded, then prepared to choose an empty seat.

However, as his gaze swept over the empty seats, his expression turned peculiar. There were forty seats before him, but only three were empty. Next to one of those empty seats sat none other than Qin Wanyue!

Today, Qin Wanyue was dressed in a white scholar’s uniform. The uniform stood out strikingly on her, and coupled with her quiet demeanor, it highlighted the ethereal presence of a pure white lotus. (And in this context, the white lotus was a purely positive descriptor.)

Qin Wanyue wore a smile on her face. Her eyes, clear as autumn waters, had been fixed on Zeng Anmin ever since he appeared.

An acquaintance!

Upon seeing Qin Wanyue, Zeng Anmin did not hesitate at all. He chuckled and walked straight toward her.

Watching his actions, all the other scholars froze. Was this guy going to... sit next to Ms. Wanyue??

Then, the gazes of all the scholars turned weird. Although Ms. Qin was a new scholar, her literary talent was profound, and she was highly valued by many masters. Her father was none other than the newly appointed Imperial College Doctor and Supervisor, Qin Shoucheng.

Over the past two days, there had been no shortage of confident scholars who wanted to share a desk with Ms. Wanyue. But all of them had been politely rejected by Ms. Qin on the grounds that she wished to "focus on her studies."

Those who refused to accept this and tried to debate classics with Ms. Wanyue on the spot were all left speechless by her arguments, ultimately forced to flee in embarrassment. And now, here came another person overestimating his own capabilities.

A flurry of whispers broke out.

"Heh, another self-righteous fool."

"Shh, keep your voice down. Let’s just watch him make a fool of himself."

"Heh, we should focus on our reading and not let such trivial matters distract us."

Everyone cast glances at Zeng Anmin, fully expecting a good show. However, in the very next moment, they were all dumbfounded.

They saw Zeng Anmin arrive beside Ms. Wanyue’s seat, smile brightly, and say, "So, I’ll sit here?"

His magnetic voice echoed in the hall.

"Make yourself at home, Quan Fu," Ms. Wanyue replied, her smile unwavering. Her pointed chin bobbed slightly, like a butterfly in motion. She even took the initiative to shift her body, making room to give Zeng Anmin a more spacious area.

The scholars who saw this were completely stunned, blinking in bewilderment.

After Zeng Anmin sat down, he looked at Qin Wanyue with a smile and said, "Ms. Wanyue, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?"

"Yes, it has been four days." Qin Wanyue’s face still carried a smile.

As the two were chatting, another figure suddenly appeared at the doorway of the classroom.

"Why is there another new scholar?"

"There are certainly quite a few Shadow Imperial Scholars today."

"They’re all just guys relying on their parents’ power."

"Keep your voice down."

The figure at the door first swept an anxious glance across the classroom. When his eyes landed on Zeng Anmin, a look of wild joy abruptly erupted on his face. Then, without the slightest hesitation, he marched over toward them.

"Quan Fu, it’s been a long time!! I’ve missed you so much!!"

The newcomer walked with exceedingly fast, brisk, squared-off steps, and the way he looked at Zeng Anmin was as if he were reuniting with his own long-lost father...

Seeing the figure rapidly approaching him, Zeng Anmin looked momentarily taken aback. Staring at the familiar chubby face in front of him, the corner of his mouth twitched uncontrollably. "Why are you here?"

The owner of the figure standing before him was none other than the current Crown Prince, Wang Yuanzhen!!

"I just reported to my master at home, and he agreed to let me come here to experience the atmosphere." The Little Fatty Crown Prince revealed a shy smile and pointed a chubby little finger behind Zeng Anmin. "Um, I’ll just sit right behind you!"

A bright smile spread across Wang Yuanzhen’s clean face, his eyes shining with clear, innocent sincerity.

"Sit wherever you want." Zeng Anmin softly exhaled. He couldn’t be bothered to say much more.

It was obvious that the Crown Prince still hadn’t given up on him. Zeng Anmin gently stroked his chin with his fingers.

"The master is here."

Someone called out, and instantly, all the scholars sat up perfectly straight, casting solemn gazes toward the lecture podium.

At the doorway, Qin Shoucheng walked into the hall expressionlessly, holding a book.

"Today, we will discuss Yi Zi."

Just like always, he slowly made his way to the podium and unhurriedly flipped open the book on the desk. Then, he casually raised his head and swept his gaze across the classroom.

Coincidentally, his eyes met Zeng Anmin’s.

Zeng Anmin blinked his eyes twice in sheer innocence.

Qin Shoucheng’s face stiffened.