Chapter 051 051

The examination officer sighed, “So that’s how it is, what a pity.”

“Although she has experienced some setbacks, it may not be a bad thing to be tempered by them,” the fellow officer said. “Not making a sound for three years, then suddenly making a stunning debut – haven’t we seen many examples of this kind of accumulating knowledge and then achieving overnight success?”

The examination officer laughed, “You have a point.”

Yan Jin was still unaware of the officers’ earnest expectations for her. Right now, she was packing luggage with Yu Shu to take to the academy.

“Qingsong Academy is not too far from home, so why are you staying at the school instead of at home?” Yu Shu was a little glum as he helped Yan Jin organize her book case. “If you think the journey is too long, we could hire a horse carriage in the mornings, it wouldn’t take too much time.”

If she had a choice, Yan Jin wouldn’t want to stay at the school either. But firstly, she was unfamiliar with the imperial examination system, so staying at the school would help her adapt faster; secondly, there was Yu Shu to consider.

Yan Jin glanced at Yu Shu inconspicuously. Yu Shu’s feelings for her were likely just a habitual dependence developed from living under the same roof. Now that they would be separated, given enough time, Yu Shu would realize that he didn’t truly like her.

Since they hadn’t completely laid things out in the open, they hadn’t entirely fallen out either, so they could still get along well and be lifelong friends.

[Although I really want to see an ancient academy, when I think about not being able to see their banter anymore, I feel empty inside.] [Don’t always think about petty romances, the experience of seeing firsthand how an ancient academy operates is extremely precious.] [To be honest, ever since the live broadcast room opened, the history bigshots at our school immediately convened a meeting. They now camp out in the live room every day, and asked us to find similarities between An Country and our ancient times.]

…

[I originally thought that no matter what, An Country couldn’t compare to our country, so they’d have a chance to come back. But now I think it’s quite good for them to settle down there.] [Hahaha, I agree. If they really came back, they would be the ones to experience the ultimate social death.] [This would really be the social death of the century, with the entire nation watching their romance unfold. Just thinking about it makes my toes curl from the cringe.]

Qingsong Academy was far from the town center, situated on the mountainside of Min Mountain. The academy blended charmingly with the lush forest behind it, looking tranquil and elegant.

Although it was located on the mountainside surrounded by trees, as Yan Jin and the others climbed the steps on the path leading to Qingsong Academy, they didn’t see a single fallen leaf.

At the entrance of Qingsong Academy hung a couplet that read “Only Chu has talents, here they flourish” ①. The calligraphy soared like a phoenix in flight, the brushstrokes dynamic, exuding a vast and mighty aura.

Zhou Nongyun, who had come together with Yan Jin, seeing Yan Jin pause to look at the couplet, explained, “This couplet was composed by Her Majesty.”

Today was also Zhou Nongyun’s first day back at school. Worried that Yan Jin wouldn’t be able to find the way, Zhou Nongyun had volunteered to come to the academy together with Yan Jin.

Yan Jin: “Her Majesty?”

“That’s right.” Zhou Nongyun nodded, “When Headmaster Gu retired, Her Majesty knew she wanted to return to her hometown to open an academy, so she composed this couplet for her.”

“Everyone was already drawn to Headmaster Gu, but after learning that the couplet at the academy entrance was composed by Her Majesty, people flocked to Qingsong Academy even more.” Speaking of this, Zhou Nongyun lowered her voice, “Because Qingsong Academy has limited enrollment, the scholars inside especially look down on those of us who got in through connections.”

“Understandable,” Yan Jin said. “After all, they got in through genuine talent and learning.”

“But even though they’re arrogant, if you can beat them in exams, they’ll still exchange a few words with you,” Zhou Nongyun said sheepishly, rubbing her nose. “But I can never beat them in exams, so some of them look at me like I’m beneath them whenever they see me.”

Zhou Nongyun patted Yan Jin’s shoulder, “Luckily you’re here now Ah Jin, so I have a companion.”

Before Yan Jin could respond, Yu Shu leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Smile, I believe in you, you can definitely beat them.”

Yan Jin: …

Can you two get your stories straight?

[Friend: Let’s flop together babe! Love interest: I believe you can do it!] [Yan Jin’s expression is like that of a son caught in the middle when his mother-in-law and wife-master are arguing (whispers)]