Next, regardless of whether the topic was plum, orchid, bamboo, or chrysanthemum, Bai Shixi would mention Su Jingchen’s name. Su Jingchen accepted every challenge, delivering impressive remarks, and soon his name became well-known throughout the academy, recognized by everyone.
Subsequently, the girls from the Women’s Virtue Academy each showcased their talents in piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with Xiao Fangfei and Yu Wanying standing out the most.
Without a doubt, the first prize for the boys was awarded to Su Jingchen, as expected.
The second prize unsurprisingly went to Zheng Yuanfeng.
Well, the top two spots were swept by her two brothers.
After discussing with a few elders, Bai Shixi awarded the third prize to Wang Ruping.
With the boys’ academy segment concluded, Bai Shixi consulted with a few teachers about selecting the leader for the girls’ team.
Yu Xiaolian was listening attentively on the side as some teachers suggested giving first place to Xiao Fangfei, while others supported Yu Wanying. The elders couldn’t reach a consensus, and in the end, they all turned their gaze to Yu Xiaolian.
"In your opinion, who is better between the two?" Bai Shixi also looked at Yu Xiaolian expectantly.
Yu Xiaolian was initially uninvolved, but she didn’t expect to have a say in this matter.
She glanced at Yu Wanying.
If she were to face Yu Yanran in the future, wouldn’t an enemy’s enemy be a friend?
She then looked at Xiao Fangfei, feeling somewhat conflicted inside.
If she made a decision based on unfounded worries to support Yu Wanying, Yu Xiaolian would feel guilty.
Xiao Fangfei is talented and of good character, and Yu Xiaolian believed that both in terms of character and scholarship, Xiao Fangfei deserved the first place.
Yu Xiaolian whispered, "I think Xiao Fangfei is a bit better!"
Bai Shixi smiled contently, "I happen to agree."
Seeing Bai Shixi express his thoughts, the other teachers stopped arguing and quickly put Xiao Fangfei’s name at the top, with Yu Wanying second, and third place going to a girl named Zhao Pingting.
When Bai Shixi went to announce the list, a teacher with a mustache approached Yu Xiaolian and said, "Don’t you know, Yu Wanying is the daughter of the Great General of the North, while Xiao Fangfei is merely the daughter of a merchant who got in through connections. You’ve offended people without realizing it."
Yu Xiaolian’s lips trembled as she sniffled, "You asked me, so I told you. Why are you elders tricking me?"
Seeing Yu Xiaolian on the verge of tears, looking as if she might cry at any moment, the mustached teacher quickly said, "You’re not a student at the academy, so you don’t need to fear her."
"Even at the academy, there’s nothing to fear."
Su Jingchen stepped forward, taking Yu Xiaolian’s hand and shielding her, "As long as you teachers keep this to yourselves, how would Yu Wanying know that it was Miss Yu who picked the first place? Or is it that some teachers find it difficult to keep a secret?"
Facing the mustached teacher directly, Su Jingchen’s words made the teacher’s face turn red with embarrassment.
Scaring a ten-year-old girl into tears, how unbecoming of a teacher!
From behind Su Jingchen, Yu Xiaolian tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to be too harsh. After all, he would be attending Qingquan Academy in the future.
Moreover, she hadn’t really meant to cry just now, merely pretending to sob a few times to deceive the elders. How come Su Jingchen took her seriously?
The mustached teacher had already taken benefits from Yu Wanying, not only leaking exam topics to her but also intending to help her secure the first place. Unexpectedly, the teachers began to argue and ended up asking the opinion of a young girl.
And this young girl’s opinion directly opposed his. Feeling a pang of anxiety, he thought to scare Yu Xiaolian a little.
Who would’ve guessed this little one could cry on demand? Just moments ago, she was a chattering little merchant, not the type to cry easily!
The mustached teacher found himself in quite a predicament. Apologizing felt humiliating, yet defending himself risked accusations of bullying a child, especially since the girl behind Su Jingchen now looked pitiful with tearful eyes.
Yu Xiaolian pulled on Su Jingchen’s sleeve, "Brother, as long as the teachers keep silent, the General Mansion’s lady probably won’t bother me."
The other elders quickly acted as peacemakers, assuring Yu Xiaolian in a flurry of words that they would absolutely not reveal a thing.
Su Jingchen, led by Yu Xiaolian, walked out of the pavilion, "You don’t need to stick up for me in the future. These elders will be your teachers, and if you offend them, there’s a risk they’ll make things difficult for you later."
Su Jingchen hesitated, "But...you were crying! Didn’t we agree that I’d support you in the future? At times , of course, I have to protect you."
Yu Xiaolian began to doubt if the enthusiastic and articulate person from earlier was truly the boy in front of her. How could he sometimes be so wise and sometimes so clueless?
"They’re just elders. I can handle them. Even if I offend them, it doesn’t matter. But you’re different. You’ll study at Qingquan Academy, and offending the teachers won’t benefit you."
"If this counts as offending, I’ve probably offended countless people by now." Su Jingchen replied indifferently.
Yu Xiaolian was speechless; this guy was your typical sharp-tongued man, not one to take a hit.
After Bai Shixi announced the top three female winners, Yu Xiaolian began distributing the prizes to them.
Xiao Fangfei happily took away the grand prize; Yu Wanying reluctantly accepted a bar of soap, while Zhao Pingting, who received an air freshener, beamed like a flower.
Those who won prizes were pleased, while those who didn’t were restless. Once the teachers dispersed, the girls from the Women’s Virtue Academy swarmed around Yu Xiaolian.
"I want to buy the soap!"
"I want the hair wash."
"I’ll pay double; sell it to me first."
Yu Xiaolian had indeed brought quite a few items today, but they were quickly snapped up. Fresh chapters posted on N0velFire.ɴet
Many girls who couldn’t buy anything were visibly displeased, pouting.
"You can place orders! Orders over fifty taels receive a complimentary eyebrow pencil."
Yu Xiaolian produced a dark gray eyebrow pencil and demonstrated on the back of her hand like a store sales assistant.
"This eyebrow pencil offers a very natural tint, with the color intensity just right for all skin tones. It lasts for a whole year. It costs one tael of silver to import from the West, but today it’s yours free with orders over thirty taels."
"Um...can I buy an eyebrow pencil separately?" Zhao Pingting asked shyly.
Yu Xiaolian nodded, "Sure, two taels of silver for each. You can test it on the spot and only buy if you’re satisfied."
She called out to Zheng Yuanfeng to come help, but he merely shrugged her off and walked away.
Left with no choice, Yu Xiaolian called for Su Jingchen.
Su Jingchen came over, yet surrounded by a group of girls, he seemed a bit at a loss.