Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji and Feng Jin went in by climbing the wall, but left from the front door with a carriage lent by Wei Yuan. The journey was not quite pleasant, for the ride was not as steady as that in the Liu’s carriage and they bumped around vigorously on the road.
Feng Jin sighed. “I never imagined Meng Heng would have such a shameless legitimate brother.”
“Does that change your opinion about your friend?” she asked satirically, looking at him coolly.
“No. I just feel sorry for him.” Feng Jin was sensitive to emotions, and comprehended the discontent of Jiang Pengji. He clarified, “Lanting, you may not know it... although Meng Heng is a legitimate son, his parents neglect his living so much that one may think he is a son from a minor branch of the family. I only learned about his birth by chance.”
As Jiang Pengji turned to look at him, he continued, “In the coming exam, my friend can outshine many in terms of family background, education, temperaments, appearance, and skills, but his brother’s misdeeds will certainly affect the comments about his discipline.”
Dongqing classified its bureaucrats into different levels according to birth, personal traits, physical appearance, knowledge, abilities and skills, and moral standards. In the preliminary exam framework, the latter three criteria weighed sixty percent of the total score, the other thirty percent, and the examiner’s impression ten percent.
But then, under the influence of the houses, the criteria with heavier weight was birth, moral, and knowledge, constituting over sixty percent of the overall score. Examiners were also further empowered in score adjustment in order to act in the houses’ favor.
Meng Heng’s discipline could have reached the highest grade, but the impact of Meng Liang would drag his grade to the lowest. That was why Feng Jin was both shocked by the deeds of Meng Liang, and sympathetic towards Meng Heng.
The consequence of a grade could be immense, for most candidates came from houses and important families. In the fierce competition, Meng Heng could have ranked top three, but he would be affected by his brother and receive a mediocre overall grade instead.
Was not it a pity?
The ancient people had a weak concept about individuals, and they would judge a person together with their family. It was foreseeable how severely Meng Heng would be affected due to his close blood tie with Meng Liang.
“Why are you so worried? What can an exam prove? As long as he is the legitimate son of the Meng’s, who will really mistreat him?” Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes. “If you must find something to worry about, why don’t you help me create an excuse for our leaving Yingchun Mansion without notifying my father?”
“...” That sounded true.
Exam results only decided the candidates’ first posts in the court. Although Meng Heng was ignored by his parents, he remained the next heir of the house and stood a high chance of prospering in the future.
Jiang Pengji glimpsed at him and showed her disdain for Dongqing grew. The kingdom was already doomed by the control of the houses. The Meng’s was only a spark that would start the fire which swallowed the whole kingdom.
“We can never deceive a man like Officer Liu.” Feng Jin shook his head. He would rather be honest.
Jiang Pengji snorted. “I’ve got an idea. What about I tell my father you took me to another brothel for the bidding of virgins? I didn’t inform him because we left in a hurry and were afraid of his opposition.”
Feng Jin widened his eyes. What kind of friend she was!
“Lanting!” His cheeks were reddened with anger. He had never been teased in that way.
“I’m just kidding. Don’t you trust me?” Jiang Pengji acted as if her heart was broken.
Feng Jin knew what not to respond.
Sigh! How did they become friends?
“They say Liu She has a son dissolute in both action and speech. I’m beginning to believe them.”
“At least I’m not too old to be dissolute.” As if she could not discern his irony, she began to lecture him. “Look at you! You are so young, but talk and act like an old man! Or are you a lady? That’s why you walk in such small and light steps and speak so gently.”
She meant to live as she willed throughout her life.
Feng Jin could repress himself no longer and retorted, “I am really too gentle and soft compared to a girl like you.”
“...”
The audience, who had been quietly enjoying their fight, found the scene very sweet.
Lancui Yu Buzhe: “Hahaha! At last Feng Jin begins to fight back!”
Jinnianni Naocanlema: “Nonsense! What I see is the host spoiling Feng Jin and allowing him to say whatever he wants.”
Zaixia Yeliangchen: “The manly host and the delicate Feng Jin are my favorite couple.”
Zaixia Longaotian: “I agree. His counter-attack is just a tickle.”
Laosiji Lianmeng: “Heh-heh, childhood sweethearts! I love the indulging smile on the host’s face.”
Pindaokanni Juhuayoudu: “No way! I am the host’s true love. You don’t know how much she loves me and... how frequently. (shy)”
Witty as Jiang Pengji was, she often lost her words in front of her hyper audience.
That was the first time Feng Jin had mentioned her sex.
“Huaiyu, I’ve been wondering why you consider me a friend, even after you know about my gender.”
Feng Jin looked at her and said directly, “I can’t see anything female in you, except your appearance.”
In fact, he often forgot she was a girl and treated her like a male friend. Besides, they got along, and that was much more important than her gender.
As the viewers laughed, Jiang Pengji raised her brow. “Coarse wordings.”
“Just for you.”
“...” What was wrong with Feng Jin?
Soon, she decided to be generous and forgive him. As for her audience, she had better leave them for her own sake.