As night fell, after finishing the "University Chapters," Zhan Feiyu took out paper and brush to practice writing, both to deepen her memory and to refine her calligraphy.
Although the imperial examinations did not restrict calligraphy styles, and a few years prior, a candidate had answered questions using wild cursive script—akin to writing an essay in classical Chinese for the modern college entrance examination, which might have pleased the examiners—Zhan Feiyu did not intend to take such a risk. She was currently copying the "Duo Bao Ta Bei" (Precious Pagoda Stele).
Gently grinding the ink, carefully dipping the brush... Zhan Feiyu held her wrist steady, and lines of neat characters appeared on the rough yellow paper. The script was dark, dense, square, and tight. At first glance, it appeared constrained and rigid, lacking the spirit and individuality of a scholar, but it was standardized, neat, and aesthetically pleasing, making it most suitable for the imperial examinations.
Time trickled by. The Zhan family had retired early. The only other scholar, Zhan Dalang, was still in his study, engrossed in "The Analects." However, a closer look would reveal that it was merely a popular novel with "The Analects" as its cover.
Only when her wrist grew sore did Zhan Feiyu put down her brush to rest for a moment. After reciting "The Analects" from memory, she then picked up Zhu Xi's "Collected Annotations on The Analects" and began to read.
A quarter of an hour before midnight, at which time Zhan Feiyu would normally be preparing for bed, the gate of the Zhan family courtyard was gently pulled open, creaking as if moved by the wind.
As the weather turned cold after entering October, Zhan Feiyu, with her short legs, quickly walked towards the mountain forest behind the village.
"The chubby girl is here." Seeing the short, plump figure bathed in moonlight, Chong Guang couldn't help but smile.
Not to mention the wild beasts in the forest, she had personally ended the Jade-Faced Gentleman's life at dusk. To dare to come out alone at night, was she a fearless newborn calf?
Yin Wuyan did not speak but walked down the mountain.
Chong Guang was about to follow and join the fun when a cold gaze swept over him. Chong Guang's steps faltered, and he froze in place, watching Yin Wuyan walk onto the field ridge. Zhan Feiyu also stopped.
Zhan Feiyu rubbed her cold little paws. Coming out so late at night was truly suffering, but compared to her life, it was nothing!
"Big brother, I'm here." Tilting her head, her large eyes blinking, she smiled with extreme obsequiousness. Zhan Feiyu adopted the attitude she would use when facing a demanding client in her previous life.
"You've already reached 'The Analects'?" a slightly hoarse voice sounded. Yin Wuyan looked at the little girl, who barely reached his leg. Such a fawning and ingratiating demeanor would normally earn no attention from Yin Wuyan.
However, Zhan Feiyu, benefiting from her chubby face, or perhaps due to the extraordinary clarity and purity of her eyes, despite her timidity, did not possess a detestable, petty demeanor.
Seeing Yin Wuyan instantly transform from a demanding client into a disciplinarian, Zhan Feiyu immediately adopted the attitude of a model student. "Yes."
"Zigong said: 'The man who is filial and fraternal, yet fond of offending his superiors, is rare...'" Yin Wuyan looked at Zhan Feiyu. Starting her education at seven was three to four years late, but in less than two months of attending private school, she was already reading the "Four Books." This talent far surpassed that of noble scions.
Could Big Brother be impressed by her talent and intend to cultivate her? Zhan Feiyu glanced at Yin Wuyan's stern expression, her scalp tingling. If she were truly a genius, it would be fine, but she was merely benefiting from her past life.
Zhan Feiyu knew her own capabilities well. Her young age made her appear like a child prodigy, but in ten or eight years, she would blend into the masses! Would her life still be safe then?
She would deal with the current situation first. Zhan Feiyu withdrew her thoughts, and a clear childish voice rang out, "This sentence means that a person who is filial to their parents and respectful to their elder brothers, yet likes to offend those in superior positions, is rare; one who dislikes offending superiors but likes to cause trouble will not exist. A gentleman acts with a focus on the root; once the root is established, the Way emerges. Filial piety and fraternal respect are the root of benevolence!"
Chong Guang craned his neck to peek. His handsome face wore an extremely ambiguous smile. Seventh Master seemed to be having a secret meeting with his "childhood sweetheart." But upon hearing the dialogue filled with classical phrases, Chong Guang's expression cracked, and he felt a strange pain in his palm.
Recalling the past, his handwriting was too ugly, resulting in ten strokes of the cane; his recitation of books was not fluent, resulting in ten strokes of the cane; his essays were nonsensical, resulting in ten strokes of the cane... His left palm had never healed from those days, and he could use a bottle of swelling reduction ointment a day.
Unlike Chong Guang, who was a poor student, Zhan Feiyu, the "fake scholar," could still hold her own.
After the exchange, feeling Yin Wuyan's satisfaction in his eyes, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but show a smug little expression. She could still outshine all her classmates under the age of seven!
"Have you met the Jade-Faced Gentleman?" The sudden change of topic caused Zhan Feiyu's smug expression to freeze. She looked as if she had been struck by lightning. A barely perceptible smile flickered in Yin Wuyan's eyes.
Why did the scene shift from a campus drama to a crime investigation drama! Zhan Feiyu's little heart was once again in her throat. She absolutely dared not lie. Although she secretly mocked Yin Wuyan's croaky voice, considering him in modern times, he was just an angry high school student!
But looking at his young, cold, handsome face, especially those indifferent phoenix eyes radiating killing intent and bloodlust, Zhan Feiyu cowered. No matter what, whether it was reincarnation or a hidden golden finger, she would never speak.
"The person who startled the Zeng family's carriage on South Street earlier was a limping beggar. He pushed my mother at the time, and I thought it was an accident." Zhan Feiyu only remembered something was amiss when she saw Hou Fei.
The limping beggar, having incurred public wrath, fled, and in his haste, he dropped his crutch. The greedy, pockmarked aunt picked it up. Zhan Feiyu then recalled that although the crutch looked dirty, its foot had little wear, indicating it was not used frequently. His limp was also fake.