That's truly what she thought. They had received years of dedicated education, top universities, renowned teachers, and financial and human support. And what did they have? Farming? Ha!

She would be more willing to lose to the sixth sister, but to lose to them?

She had taken the exam twice before and failed both times, but this time she finally passed and became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

But that doesn't mean she's convinced of their worth. Besides, her sixth sister is also resentful; she's just adding fuel to the fire.

Upon hearing this, Yang Yuyun's anger intensified.

Seeing the two people surrounded, he walked over.

Those around him made way as the third-ranked scholar walked over with a serious expression, looking on with anticipation of a good show.

"I've long heard that Miss Meng and Miss Wang Er are renowned for their talents. I wonder if they have any special skills?"

Those watching all knew perfectly well that this person had come to cause trouble. In terms of talent and fame, who could compare to Miss Yang Liu? At such a young age, her reputation as a child prodigy had spread throughout the capital.

On the contrary, it was Miss Wang Er who rose to fame in the last two years.

As for Meng Jiujiu, she's even less of a name to speak of. If she hadn't won the championship, who would even know who she is?

Meng Jiujiu remained silent. There had never been a shortage of people looking for trouble like this before. Her mind should be on national affairs, not on these mediocre people who only knew how to compete for fame and power and were jealous of others' talents.

Meng Jiujiu left immediately, completely ignoring everyone.

I have absolutely no interest in this kind of thing.

Seeing Meng Jiujiu leave without a word, completely ignoring her, Yang Yuyun was so angry she almost fainted. "You, you've gone too far!"

Upon hearing this, Meng Jiujiu turned around and glanced at her, saying, "What makes you so special that I would want to bully you?"

Even though she denied it, Yang Yuyun felt even more strongly that she was being looked down upon.

Seeing that the man was about to run out of breath, Wang Fenglun, feeling like a good person, quickly said, "Miss Yang, don't be angry. You really don't deserve to be bullied."

Yang Yuyun's cold gaze instantly turned to Wang Fenglun.

Wang Fenglun, who successfully drew hatred onto himself: That's not what I originally thought, really.

"Then you deserve to be bullied." After saying that, he realized something was wrong when he saw her expression, and quickly added.

"No, no, what I mean is that you are still too young, how could we bully you?" Wang Fenglun quickly explained.

It turned out that the explanation didn't seem to work very well. Why did Miss Yang still seem so angry?

The conclusion was that Miss Yang has a very short temper, and her health is unlikely to be good in the future.

"Well then, to answer your previous question, I don't have any particular strengths, except for taking the imperial examinations."

How can anyone respond to that? Can she possibly compete with her in the imperial examinations?

No, the competition has already taken place, and she lost.

Those around them, however, felt that these top scholars and second-place winners were not easy to deal with; they were all quite cunning.

Normally, everyone would say they are good at poetry, songs, and drinking games, so people would cheer them on and have a competition. But these two don't play by the rules.

One doesn't answer at all, and the other does, but you can't compare.

You can't force someone to do something like this, especially when they're ranked higher than you. Even if you don't compare, no one will say anything; at most, they'll just call you arrogant.

People couldn't help but look at the third-ranked scholar with pity. Why did he have to do this, making a fool of himself?

"His Majesty has arrived."

The crowd bowed and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Wei Wangqing didn't originally need to come, but she was really curious about her new top scholar and had high expectations, so she came to see him.

"Please sit down, make yourselves at home."

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty." Although that's what they said, who would dare to be casual in front of His Majesty? One careless move and they would be disrespectful in front of the emperor.

Especially these newly appointed scholars, they didn't even dare to look up at the emperor's face, for fear of offending him.

They were all as docile as quails.

Even Yang Yuyun, who had just been finding fault with everything, dared not act presumptuously in front of His Majesty.

Wei Wangqing found the scene somewhat amusing. The place became unusually quiet after she arrived, reminding her of the days when she was controlled by her homeroom teacher at school.

However, she is much more capable than the homeroom teacher.

Wei Wangqing spoke first: "The top scholar?"

“The students are here.” Meng Jiujiu stepped forward.

Because he was not granted an official position, but was a disciple of the emperor, he referred to himself as a student.

"I heard that your ancestral home is a village in Huaicheng. How did you come up with the idea of ​​taking the imperial examination?" Wei Wangqing was genuinely curious about what kind of family could raise such a visionary person.

She was born from a later era, but she wasn't, which makes her insight and perspective all the more precious.

Many people were still watching the spectacle with amusement, thinking that the Empress was trying to ridicule her.

Meng Jiujiu neither confirmed nor denied, replying, "Yes, I come from Mengjia Village, Songhe Town, Huaicheng. Some of my ancestors took the imperial examinations, but only reached the level of Xiucai and could not advance further. Therefore, this has become our family's long-cherished wish."

"It's only because my whole family supported my students that we've gotten to where we are today." He lowered his head as if embarrassed at the end.

But no one could see the look in her eyes. Naturally, she wouldn't leave any loopholes. Before she was ready to continue down this path, she had already understood and dealt with everything.

She wouldn't work hard on the front while a bunch of people drag her along from behind.

However, this statement was only half true, after all, she had once truly carried the burden of her entire family's prosperity.

Before the people around him could even show their mocking expressions, Wei Wangqing nodded: "It is indeed not easy." In this era, if a farming family wanted to support a scholar, the whole family had to tighten their belts and make ends meet.

The crowd was so frightened that they quickly withdrew their mocking expressions.

Thank goodness.

Don't try to guess what the Empress is thinking; you'll never figure it out.

"So what are your usual schoolwork like?"

"It was all self-taught."

This is genius!

This is a true genius, Wei Wangqing felt, much more real than the dubious titles of child prodigy.

But there were too many people, so it wasn't convenient to ask her some questions. I'll have to find a time to talk to her alone later.

For example, how did she come up with those groundbreaking plans?

Or, would she be willing to become the sharp blade in her hand, to carry out these policies for her and eliminate those demons and monsters?

But if she does this, she will harm those people's interests and will definitely be seen as a thorn in their side. Would she be willing to do that?

But he had to put aside all his thoughts for now, and finally said, "I am very satisfied with your examination paper. I hope you will achieve great things in the future."

The entire room was astonished.

These words, especially when spoken by a national emperor, reveal his immense expectations of her!

This top scholar is going to be extraordinary!

But what exactly did she write on this scroll that made the Empress so enamored with it?

Many people are very curious.

Meng Jiujiu finally made up her mind: "I will not fail the Emperor's grace."

She wanted to become a capable minister, but the prerequisite for that was a ruler, a wise ruler, and she felt that she was one.