Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1344: Chapter 1296: Everyone’s Resentment

After finishing the first four questions, Fan Jian looked at her husband with hope. However, Chen Xi just shook his head slightly, causing Fan Jian to puff up in frustration. She had no idea how to tackle the last question. ”How am I supposed to do this?”

Xu Ning had essentially given up on the fifth question. Now she mainly focused on reading the diagram and guessing what Chen Xi was thinking by staring at his face.

[That bastard Chen Zichuan did this on purpose, knowing that many women among us could score perfect marks.] Xu Ning could already guess Chen Xi’s thoughts from his sly smile and cursed him inwardly.

Zhen Mi, Wu Yuan, Jia Yun, and Li Yuan had all stopped by then, wisely choosing to abandon the final question, and were all looking at Chen Xi with resentment.

They were familiar with Li Youu’s level, knowing he couldn’t have created such outrageous questions. With a little thought, they realized who had set the questions; only Chen Xi would be this bored.

Zhen Mi stared at Chen Xi, greatly displeased, but Chen Xi didn’t look in her direction at all. As for Wang Yi, who had previously insisted on taking all subjects, she was nearly spitting blood by now, with shadows looming large in her mind, even thinning her desire to participate in the subsequent exams.

An hour later, a scholar suddenly sighed and raised his hand, ”Marquis Chen, may I submit my paper early? The first four questions were no challenge to me, yet I couldn’t solve the last one. Even if given another day, I wouldn’t be able to do it. May I submit?”

”What’s your name?” asked Chen Xi out of curiosity, and without waiting for a response, followed with, ”Giving up so early, aren’t you afraid of disappointing your family?”

Yins Su felt like an old bitter taste was stuck in his throat, not knowing how to respond. After a long silence, he said, ”Giving up is also an act of courage, and being able to admit one’s limitations is a form of self-awareness.”

”You may leave with an extra twenty points.” Chen Xi told Yins Su with interest, causing a stir below. Had they known they could pass this way, they would have submitted their papers right after finishing the first four questions, saving a lot of time.

”Thank you, Marquis Chen.” Yins Su cupped his fists in salute and left with a spirited turn, exhibiting the demeanor of a noted scholar. An unexpected joy after everyone has abandoned the task surely brings cheer.

However, after Yins Su submitted his paper, Zhen Mi, Wang Yi, and others looked at Chen Xi with even more resentment, thinking, ”Do you really not want us to get first place?”

Wang Yi and the others had basically confirmed that probably no one present could solve this question—not even someone capable of understanding its preamble would be quite impressive.

Quickly, another group of self-abandoning individuals left, but this time without bonus points. As they walked out, they watched in anger as Yins Su enjoyed drinks leisurely at the nearby tavern, wondering how he could still get away with that.

When another hour had passed, Zhao Yun rose to collect the papers. Naturally, Chen Xi collected the girls’ papers since he was more familiar with them.

”I hate you!” Zhen Mi said disapprovingly with puffed cheeks as she looked at Chen Xi.

”I feel the same.” Fan Jian said resentfully.

”Marquis Chen, is it really so difficult for us to compete for the rankings?” Jia Yun pouted.

”Marquis Chen, this is obviously favoritism.” Li Yuan said expressionlessly.

”Are you sure you’re not just flaunting your numerology skills?” Wu Yuan said irritably.

”Argh, I’m not done with you!” Mi Zhen was already losing it.

”Who are you...” Chen Xi asked curiously, seeing that Xu Ning had also come to take the exam, a girl he didn’t even know. Truly a strange situation.

”Xu Ning from Yangzhou.” Xu Ning replied with a look of resentment, ”Marquis Chen, you don’t want us to take first place, the intent is clearly written all over your face.”

”Oh, time for collection, Second Miss, stop writing.” Chen Xi tapped on Cai Zhenji’s desk and glanced at her densely filled answer sheet, filled with many corrections, wondering if it was leading anywhere.

”What a lousy question. I refuse to believe Sunx Bin could instantaneously provide an answer, and if Pang Juan could deliver one within such a pause, I have no idea how he calculates this!” Cai Zhenji rarely showed such a distressed expression in front of others.

”Ahem, ahem, well, there’s nothing you can do sometimes; there are people you simply cannot fathom.” Chen Xi coughed twice as he replied.

”I don’t believe it!” Cai Zhenji looked expressionlessly at Chen Xi, ”I take pride in my intellect, and there’s absolutely no way anyone could instantly come up with the answer.”

”...” Chen Xi was at a loss, having no proper way to deal with such a person, thinking about how Sunx Bin instantly knew the answer was indeed somewhat monstrous. Previously, he hadn’t realized it, but upon reflection now, it was truly maddening.

Those girls familiar with Chen Xi now looked at him resentfully as he collected their papers, sharing a common sentiment against him.

”Alright, calm down, don’t overdo it.” Chen Xi said after collecting Cai Zhaoji’s paper, turning back to face this group of bright and beautiful young women, all sheltered by their aristocratic families, and clapped his hands.

”I’m so sad.” Zhen Mi said, clutching her left chest as she looked at Chen Xi.

”Alright, alright, you couldn’t answer it, it’s normal not to get this question right, and it’s precisely because you love to stir things up that I posed it.” Chen Xi said disapprovingly as he looked at Zhen Mi.

”Surely not all subjects are like this, just say if you don’t want us to pass.” Fan Jian had no fear, being Chen Xi’s wife, and stared him down.

”The final numerology question was my creation; the others were set by Wen Ru, they shouldn’t be so nonsensical, right?” Chen Xi gazed at the beam above, posing a speculative expression, causing the young women to visibly relax, knowing they needed to take exams in law, politics, and classics among others.

[He’s lying...] Xu Ning watched Chen Xi’s expression, finally determining he was bluffing.

[Perhaps I should just ditch the exams. These tests are so absurd.] Xu Ning thought with suppressed frustration, though reluctant, contemplating how the examiner nearby could solve and create questions. After all, he was only seven or eight years older than herself.

[Maybe I should heed Sister Yueying’s advice and find someone to marry instead. There’s always a freak that cramps my expressions.] Xu Ning’s spirit had fallen considerably.

”Alright, alright, it’s time for everyone to head home and rest up; there’ll be other exams tomorrow, so don’t forget to attend. Remember, the path to comprehending books lies in diligence, and hard work is the boat in the boundless sea of learning.” Chen Xi said with a smile.

”Okay...” They replied in drawn-out tones, sounding downcast.

”The rankings will be released tomorrow morning, remember to check them.” Chen Xi chuckled as he packed the papers into the prepared bag, which Zhao Yun had meticulously nurtured, ensuring it was immune to both water and fire.