The Path of the Sage

Shi Dehong saw that Fang Yun did not dare to answer, and became even happier. He said to Tong Li, "Tong Li, how is your talent in classical studies?"

Tong Li was clearly very happy, but still pretended to be indifferent and said, "My talent is far inferior to Fang Yun's. However, I have a deep understanding of 'rituals' in my studies, and my talent in classical studies is one foot and six inches."

Fang Yun looked at Tong Li in astonishment. He knew that Tong Li had good talent, but his level of classical studies was only barely at the county level before. But now, he actually had a talent of one foot and six inches, which meant that he had made great progress in addition to being very lucky.

Shi Dehong immediately laughed and said, "Tong Li, you are amazing! Jing Kingdom is truly a hidden dragon and crouching tiger. When I was an accomplished scholar, my talent in classical studies was only one foot and four inches! How about your talent in impromptu speeches and poetry?"

Tong Li humbly said, "My poetry has not been recognized at the county level, so my talent has not been revealed. As for impromptu speeches, this year's topic is really strange. I can't possibly get a grade B, probably only a grade C."

Shi Dehong immediately said, "Tong Li, you are wrong! Your impromptu speeches are not as good as Fang Yun's, and your poetry is not as good as Fang Yun's. But your talent in classical studies is outstanding. If Fang Yun's talent in classical studies is not as good as yours, then what will happen? Fang Yun's literary reputation will become a mere illusion. No, Fang Yun, you must publicly present your talent in classical studies and compare it with Tong Li's! I believe that your talent in classical studies must be better than his!"

While Shi Dehong was speaking, he gave Tong Li a signal to reassure him.

Tong Li understood and knew that poetry mainly relied on talent and talent, while classical studies were different. Classical studies not only required understanding the ideas of all the saints, but also required long-term thinking and contemplation, as well as life experience and knowledge. Even if Fang Yun had great talent, it would be impossible for him to write a county-level classical study in just three months.

Tong Li now regretted it a bit. He also thought that his talent in classical studies could reach the county level. If he had known that he had such a high talent in classical studies, he should not have worried about Fang Yun. The position of a talented scholar was definitely his. But when he thought about how he had made such a big fool of himself, kowtowing to Fang Yun in front of so many people, Tong Li felt even more hatred towards Fang Yun.

"Brother Fang, although we made a bet, I still admire you. Why don't you recite your classical study in public and let us see it? The Prefecture Academy releases excellent classical studies every year for other students to learn from, and yours will definitely be among them," Tong Li said.

"Yes, Fang Yun, are you afraid?" Shi Dehong said.

Fang Yun said, "My results will be revealed on the day the rankings are announced. No matter how much I say here, it won't increase or decrease my talent in poetry and literature. It's useless to say more. Goodbye!"

After Fang Yun finished speaking, he walked towards the exit, and the passersby immediately made way for him. Shi Dehong wanted to follow Fang Yun, but the path that Fang Yun had cleared suddenly closed, and everyone stared at Shi Dehong without any fear in their eyes.

Shi Dehong and Tong Li felt annoyed. They didn't expect Fang Yun to be so popular that even so many commoners were not afraid of a presented scholar and a future talented scholar. They could only slowly squeeze their way out.

Fang Yun quickly walked out of the street of the Prefecture Academy and saw his own carriage parked in the same place as three days ago.

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Not only was Yang Yuhuan there, but Zhao Hongzhuang, who was still dressed as a man, Qian Juren, and the person who had competed in the dragon boat race that day were also there. Of course, there was also Pang Juren, who was protecting him, and his uncle Fang Shouye, who was dressed casually, standing on the side.

When the crowd saw Fang Yun approaching, they immediately smiled. Nu Nu rushed over quickly and jumped into Fang Yun's arms, constantly wriggling her body to get closer to Fang Yun.

While caressing it, Fang Yun walked towards the crowd.

The others continued to smile, but Fang Shouye noticed that Fang Yun's expression was different. His smile gradually faded.

"Fang Yun, how did you do in the exam?" someone asked.

Qian Juren immediately said, "He must have gotten a double A. It's a piece of cake for him. By the way, what was the topic for the classical study this year?"

"Improper rituals," Fang Yun said.

"Did you intercept the topic? It's harder than last year," someone immediately said.

Qian Juren said, "Come, let's walk and talk. Tell me about your train of thought. This topic is extremely difficult, and I couldn't make head or tail of it after listening to it."

Fang Yun remembered the vision he had during the classical study and sighed helplessly, saying, "I won't talk about the classical study today. Everything will be revealed when the rankings are announced tomorrow."

The originally joyful crowd's expressions changed, especially Yang Yuhuan, who nervously looked at Fang Yun.

Fang Shouye asked in a deep voice, "What's wrong? Did you make a mistake or go off-topic? Or did you misunderstand the meaning of the Great Scholar? I have ink and paper in my carriage. Write it down and let us see."

"It's not convenient to write it down. Let's wait until tomorrow," Fang Yun shook his head.

The atmosphere around them became even more solemn. Fang Yun didn't even dare to write it down, which meant that there might be a big problem. It was highly likely that he would get a grade D and lose his qualification for the rankings. If Fang Yun couldn't even pass the talented scholar exam, let alone the talented scholar exam, he wouldn't have to do anything from now on and could only wait for the collapse of the Palace of Literature.

"How could this happen?" Fang Shouye's eyes showed a hint of sorrow. If Fang Yun really failed the exam, the human race would lose a talented individual, and Fang Yun would fade away like a shooting star, shining brightly in the night sky but ultimately being forgotten by people.

Zhao Hongzhuang sighed lightly and said, "Fang Yun, maybe you're just too tired and thinking too much. I know your talent. Even if you can't get a grade B in classical studies, grade C is not a problem, and grade D is impossible. Don't think about anything and go home to sleep first. Wait until tomorrow when the rankings are announced, everything will be clear."

Yang Yuhuan smiled and said, "Little Yun, don't scare yourself. Let's go home together. I have prepared many dishes for you to taste my cooking."

"Okay!" The crowd forced a smile.However, Shi Dehong and Tong Li had already squeezed out of the crowd, clearly observing everyone's expressions. Considering Fang Yun's previous words and actions, the two exchanged a glance, both seeing a wild joy in each other's eyes.

Shi Dehong immediately shouted loudly, "Fang Yun, don't leave so quickly. I still want to invite you to dinner and ask you about the interpretation of this prefectural examination."

At his shout, all the people around looked over. Fang Yun was already very famous for his literary talent. Ever since he shone brilliantly at the Dragon Boat Literature Festival, making the people of Yu Huan proud, Fang Yun's name had become a household word.

Fang Shouye, the general of Yu Huan Prefecture, saw that the situation was not good and immediately said, "Fang Yun, get in the carriage and leave immediately!" Then he looked at Shi Dehong.

"Shi Dehong, this is Jing Kingdom, not Qing Kingdom, you'd better be careful!" Fang Shouye had been feeling a pent-up anger, and now seeing Shi Dehong looking for trouble, he did not hide his murderous intent. He had killed thousands of demons with his War Poetry, and once his talent was stimulated by the intent to kill, combined with the Courage to Write, it immediately formed a powerful mental force that spread in all directions.

Hundreds of horses suddenly knelt on the ground, their heads down, motionless, while the horses in the distance were frightened, walking around non-stop, and the coachmen could not calm them down.

Shi Dehong was frightened and took a half step back, while Tong Li, even more unable to bear it, quickly hid behind Shi Dehong.

Tong Li, the grandson of the Minister of War, knew the generals of Yu Huan City very well. Although Fang Shouye was not as decisive as Li Wenying or as ruthless as Zhang Poyue, he was also a tough character who was not afraid of death.

Tong Li clearly remembered that Fang Shouye had made his name five years ago. That day, Fang Shouye had single-handedly covered the retreat, consuming his lifespan to activate the Jade Blood Danxin, blocking three demon generals, allowing his comrades to escape safely, and finally being saved by Zhang Poyue.

A demon general was equivalent to an Imperial Scholar, and Fang Shouye was also an Imperial Scholar, but he alone blocked them, not relying on strength, but a spirit of dying together with the enemy, which scared the three demon generals from fighting to the death, so he could hold on to the end. Afterwards, Zhang Poyue obtained a longevity fruit, which allowed Fang Shouye to recover his lifespan.

Tong Li even suspected that if he said half a word wrong, Fang Shouye would dare to beat him to a pulp in the street.

"Be careful, he is General Fang Shouye of the Prefecture!" Tong Li hurriedly whispered.

Shi Dehong had naturally seen Fang Shouye at the banquet, but Fang Shouye had completely ignored him, and the two had never spoken. Shi Dehong immediately bowed to Fang Shouye and said solemnly, "So it's General Fang Shouye, who faced three enemies alone without fear. I have heard of your bravery in Qing Kingdom and I am greatly impressed. It is my honor to meet you today."

Fang Shouye sneered and said to Fang Yun, "You guys get in the carriage and leave first. His tricks won't fool me."

Shi Dehong's face turned pale and then green. He had originally wanted to flatter Fang Shouye to dissipate his anger, and then find a way to get Fang Yun to write the interpretation, but he didn't expect Fang Shouye to see through his intentions.

Fang Yun nodded and got into the carriage with Yang Yuhuan.

Just as Shi Dehong was about to speak, Fang Shouye suddenly opened his mouth, and a white light flickered in his mouth. Shi Dehong closed his mouth and didn't dare to say a word.

"You're smart!" Fang Shouye snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Tong Li whispered, "What should we do?"

Shi Dehong laughed and said, "Why are you still worried? Although it's too noisy here to hear what they were saying earlier, didn't you see their faces? They were extremely happy at first, but their faces changed drastically after Fang Yun spoke, especially Fang Shouye, who had a hint of sorrow in his eyes. What else could it be, other than a major problem with Fang Yun's interpretation that would prevent him from entering the top ten of the Accomplished Scholars? If it wasn't for this, why would he have such a strong killing intent towards us? He knows that Fang Yun is finished, and he is instinctively protecting Fang Yun!"

"That makes sense!" Tong Li knew Fang Shouye's temper too well, so he was scared and confused. After hearing Shi Dehong's analysis, he suddenly realized and couldn't help but laugh.

"Tomorrow we'll keep a close eye on Fang Yun! He can't possibly not come to see the results. Once he's scared, once he doesn't even dare to look at the golden list, he's essentially admitting defeat in the bet. His literary palace will gradually crack and eventually collapse."

"Right! Right! Right!" Tong Li said excitedly three times, because once Fang Yun's literary palace shattered, his own literary palace and literary position would be preserved. However, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. His grandfather, Minister Tong, was always upright. If he found out that Fang Yun's literary palace had collapsed because of him, he would definitely punish him severely, and in the worst case, he might even destroy his own literary palace.

"Let's go, I'll treat you to Jinghai Tower! They had a great time at Jinghai Tower that day, but unfortunately, the wheel of fortune turns, and now it's our turn!" Shi Dehong was extremely pleased. If he could ruin the future Great Scholar of Jing Kingdom, he would certainly receive a grand reception when he returned to Qing Kingdom, and he might even be granted a title.

"The examiners have started grading the papers, haven't they?" Tong Li asked.

"They should have started." Shi Dehong smiled and looked back at the literary institute. (To be continued.)

PS: The third update will be before midnight.