Chapter 559: A Pavilion Close to Water

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Old Madam Yu asked curiously, “Tell me what it is.”

She did not agree immediately, nor did she say no.

Song Mingzhao did not want to leave someone hanging anymore and went straight to the point. “Next, there’s a second examination in front of the hall.

The palace examination only tests strategy questions and not scripture theory. I’m not proficient in strategy questions, so I want to borrow the Yu Residence’s precious land. In the next period of time, I hope to go to the Yu Residence and learn from Mr. Hu Shan.’

Although the strategy question was also an essay, there were many particularities in the writing and calligraphy. There were also many tricks involved. Mr. Xian Yun was a carefree person to begin with. In terms of knowledge, few people in the world could compare to him. However, in terms of the imperial examination questions, he might not be good, and Mr. Xian Yun had never taught him the strategy questions.

Of course, just because Mr. Xian Yun did not teach him did not mean that Song Mingzhao did not know how to do it.

On the contrary, he often studied the strategies of many famous ministers in the past dynasties. He was also familiar with the strategies and did not need to deliberately learn them.

Yu Youyao was a little surprised. She really did not expect Song Mingzhao to make such a request.

A few days ago, Xia Tao had mentioned that Song Mingzhao had shocked everyone in the examination. There were many rumors in the capital. Some people even said that if Song Mingzhao would definitely be the top scholar.

Could it be that Song Mingzhao was affected by his public reputation and did not have the confidence to score in the next two imperial examinations?

Yu Youyao felt that it was very likely.

It wasn’t that she had underestimated Song Mingzhao, but there were many variables in the imperial examination. Just because one was talented didn’t mean that everything would be fine. One’s heart was unpredictable. Who could guarantee what the emperor would come up with in the palace examination?

Three years ago, the words “ruling the vassal state” had stumped countless students who had been carefully nurtured by the aristocratic families and shocked the world in the imperial examination.

Song Mingzhao was Mr. Xian Yun’s disciple and had a shocking reputation.

Now, the more famous he was, the greater the pressure was on Song Mingzhao. Almost everyone in the world was paying attention to Song Mingzhao’s examination results.

If he failed the examination or did not meet the expectations of others, it would be a huge blow to his reputation and the reputation of the Zhenguo Marquis Residence.

In the future, even Song Mingzhao would be affected when he entered the royal court.

Naturally, if he was proficient in some questions, his confidence would be greater.

Mr. Hu Shan was very proficient in strategy questions. His reputation was not inferior to Mr. Xian Yun’s. Listening to him was better than studying for ten years. It was only right for Song Mingzhao to want to ask Mr. Hu Shan for guidance on strategy questions.

As for what Song Mingzhao thought of her, Yu Youyao had never thought about it, nor would she.

As a man, Zhou Linghuai knew very well that it was impossible for him to tell Yu Youyao.

With that nightmare, Yu Youyao would definitely not be so narcissistic as to think that Song Mingzhao would have any thoughts about her. Although she did not hate Song Mingzhao, she still kept a respectful distance.

Even Yu Youyao thought so. Old Madam Yu’s thoughts were not far from hers.

Zhou Linghuai, who had his head lowered as he drank his tea, immediately had a cold gaze. “The last test of the examination is a theory of strategy. Since Heir Song can stand out from tens of millions of students and become famous throughout the world, I think his strategy and essays are incomparably exquisite. If you say that you’re not proficient, you’re really too humble.”

The talented Song Mingzhao still needed to go to the Yu Residence to learn essays before the examination?!

Saying that he wasn’t proficient in strategy questions was simply nonsense.

It was obvious that he had an ulterior motive.

Although his tone seemed casual, Song Mingzhao could also hear a hint of mockery. He said calmly, “There’s no end to learning. Mr. Hu Shan has been virtuous for a long time. If I can learn from him, this will also be a rare opportunity.”

Mr. Hu Shan was a contemporary Confucian who was as famous as Mr. Xian Yun. He had even participated in the compilation of the Book of Law. It was only right for him to take the opportunity to learn from Mr. Hu Shan.

No one could find fault with this.

The Song and Yu families were family friends and were close. The interests of the two families were closely related. There was no reason for the Yu Residence to refuse his request.

A faint sneer appeared on Zhou Linghuai’s lips. “I see.”

Great—

Song Mingzhao, right—

He wanted to enter and leave the Yu Residence openly and take the opportunity to get close to Yu Youyao so that he could enjoy the benefits of a favorable position?

Had he asked him for permission?

If it weren’t for the fact that the Song and Yu families were family friends and their interests were closely related, he would have killed Song Mingzhao countless times over the past two years.

Now, his plan was really working!

Song Mingzhao’s expression remained the same. “I often hear Mr. Xian Yun mention that Young Master Zhou is a rare genius in the world. His knowledge is not inferior to his. The Eldest Young Master of your residence admires Young Master Zhou, his cousin, even more. I yearn to learn from him. Young Master Zhou, please enlighten me.”

His words were very humble, indicating the reason why he wanted to study in the Yu Residence. Firstly, the Yu Residence had a good teacher, and secondly, the Yu Residence was a friend that could benefit. This was something that all the scholars in the world dreamed of.

Just this sentence blocked Zhou Linghuai’s subsequent words. Not only did he have no reason to object, but he also had no excuse to be dissatisfied.

Zhou Linghuai’s thin lips curled up slightly. “My mere crippled body doesn’t deserve Heir Song’s praise. I can’t teach you much, but it’s fine for us to spar with each other.”

Heh, he wanted to ask him for guidance?

That would only happen if Song Mingzhao came to the Yu Residence.

Song Mingzhao cupped his hands. “Young Master Zhou, you’re too modest.”

In the past two years, he had often entered and left the Yu Residence, partly because he wanted to find out the truth about Zhou Linghuai. After interacting with him for two years, he knew very little about him. He really echoed his father’s words. “Those who are good scholars in ancient times are subtle and mysterious, deep and unrecognizable. We can decipher them so we are forced to tolerate them.”

He knew that this person was deep and unfathomable. He could not guess his words and actions so he could only forcefully figure it out.

His deepest impression of Zhou Linghuai was that this person had a deep relationship with Yu Youyao and they were very close. Although there were outsiders present and they were very polite to each other, the way they occasionally looked at each other revealed a tacit understanding that no one else could interfere. Therefore, he was very wary of Zhou Linghuai.

He knew very well that Zhou Linghuai’s crippled body was not a threat to him. Even if his body was fine, just based on the fact that he was Old Madam Yu’s grandnephew and was considered close to the Yu Residence’s bloodline, it was not appropriate for him to get married.

Even so, every time he saw Yu Youyao look at Zhou Linghuai with affection and joy, Song Mingzhao felt very uncomfortable.

For some reason, every time he faced Zhou Linghuai, he felt like he was an old enemy.

It was as if the two of them were natural enemies.

Old Madam Yu admired Song Mingzhao very much and they were close. However, she treated Zhou Linghuai as family. When she heard Song Mingzhao praise him, her smile deepened..

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