Chapter 671 A Dream of Youth 203

White cranes break through the clouds and soar in the azure sky. Leaning against a high building, one can see the crisp autumn air, carrying with it the chill of approaching winter.

The whispers drifted away on the wind, and everyone's eyes fell on the little girl standing at the entrance of the Imperial Academy. She was dressed simply, carrying only a book basket, and stood behind a group of children.

Finally, one of the school officials couldn't help but step forward, "Xie Xiaoda... Madam, what brings you here?"

Xie Ning was still standing behind a group of children. The school official had a complicated expression on his face. Since Xie Ning was not wearing official robes, the school official did not use any honorifics, after all, this was not a formal occasion.

He knew Xie Ning. Not long ago, Xie Ning had come to the Imperial Academy with Bai Jianzheng to look for books. He had led the way and had the opportunity to listen to the whole thing.

Unfortunately, he was not good at arithmetic and knew very little about astronomy, so he only felt dizzy and confused after listening.

And it wasn't just him; it was everyone else surrounding Xie Ning as well.

Then came Xie Ning's conversation with their chief priest, which led to the later selection of female officials.

"I'm here to sign up."

The officer was stunned, clearly not understanding what Xie Ning was talking about. "Are you here to register your younger siblings?"

If he remembers correctly, Xie Ning should only have one older brother, right?

Could they be cousins?

Xie Ning just smiled and shook her head, "I'm here to register myself."

ah?

The instructor's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, so he gave a wry smile and cupped his hands in greeting, "Miss Xie, what brings you here to join in the fun?"

Seeing Xie Ning remain silent, the instructor finally realized that Xie Ning had indeed come to participate in the preliminary examination for children!

No, Xie Ning is already an official, and his rank is even higher than his. Why would he come here to take the exam?

Moreover, it was for selecting female officials, wasn't it supposed to be through the imperial examination?

Could it be that even children who are given special privileges are included in this category?

No, no, even if someone were to take the exam, it should be another young lady. Xie Ning is already an official, why would she take the exam? Is she out of her mind? Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?

The others who had been eavesdropping on the conversation looked at Xie Ning incredulously. Finally, a boy who was half a head taller than Xie Ning couldn't help but sneer, "What kind of child prodigy is a little girl taking the imperial examination here? She should go home and do her embroidery!"

Those who didn't know Xie Ning laughed along, while those who did, including the academic officers, silently looked at the boy and the mocking crowd.

Xie Ning looked back intently, "But may I ask you, young master, which law of the Great Zhou Dynasty stipulates that girls cannot participate in the children's examination? I am also under fifteen years old, within the age limit for the examination."

Moreover, since you don't understand me, you immediately dismiss me, deeming me talentless. I wonder what talents you possess, sir? Would you care to have a contest?

The young master's neck turned red from Xie Ning's provocation, and he said in a hard voice, "Let's compete! Do you think I'm afraid of you? Don't come out and embarrass yourself after only reading a little bit of 'Admonitions for Women'. I'm not going to compete with you in 'Admonitions for Women'."

Seeing that things were not going well, the instructor said with a stern face, "If you are disrupting the registration process, then please leave!"

What are we comparing?

Are you looking for a masochistic experience?

Xie Ning dared to engage in verbal battles with multiple opponents in the imperial court and even won the argument. For these young boys here, it was like a game-changer.

The young master was unconvinced, but was tugged at the sleeve by an elder behind him; they were from the prefecture and had come to the capital to participate in the selection examination.

The school official seemed to know Xie Ning well and was very respectful towards her. Perhaps Xie Ning was the daughter of some powerful family. Why offend someone like that?

The young master still glared at Xie Ning in anger, and Chen Yuncheng, who was standing next to Xie Ning and was also holding back his anger, glared back fiercely.

Don't let his chubby appearance fool you; he has big eyes, thick eyebrows, and can look quite fierce when he glares at people.

Since the instructor had spoken, Xie Ning saw no need to make things difficult for him. Seeing that it was almost his turn, he pulled Chen Yuncheng along with him.

Chen Yuncheng, who had only come along to have fun, was stunned when Xie Ning handed over his documents. Wasn't he just here to have fun?

Why do we have to take exams?

While Chen Yuncheng was in a daze, the student officer who was recording the registration looked at Xie Ning with great difficulty. He hesitated for a long time, not knowing how to refuse.

Xie Ning just made it very clear that there is no law that stipulates that girls cannot participate in the children's examination, especially since Xie Ning is of the right age.

But weren't the imperial examinations for children and the civil service examinations all implicitly for men to participate?

Who would have thought a woman would come to participate?

Although the recent selection of female officials has caused quite a stir, I haven't seen any young women from any family come out and say they want to take the exam to become female officials.

Everyone's waiting to see Xie Ning make a fool of himself.