Xie Jing invited a few people to come out together today in order to carefully test Jiang Shi's true strength. Although there are two more girls, Yu Tanqi and Jiang Xuan are both talented girls and will not let the atmosphere become dull.

Xie Jing had learned from his lesson yesterday and chose a different approach today. He said, "Chi Li, Su Ji, and I will be going to Beijing to take the imperial examination in two weeks. Crown Prince Jiang once studied at the Imperial Academy and is a brilliant writer. Could you please explain a few of his essays to us?"

Jiang Shi said in a gentle voice, "Thank you for your kind words, Young Master. The three of you all passed the imperial examination, while I only passed the scholar examination. I later left the Imperial College and studied at home. I'm not even a juren, so how can I be qualified to explain the article to you?"

Chi Li and Jiang Xuan looked at him in surprise.

Although they all knew that Yu Tanqi's fiancé was the son of the Marquis of Wu'an in the capital, and that he had a bad reputation, even Chi Li couldn't help but be amazed when he saw him for the first time. The boy's demeanor and temperament showed that he was a noble young man from a wealthy family.

Such demeanor made them feel that Jiang Shi might not be as mediocre as the rumors said.

But they didn't expect that Jiang Shi would be so "frank" and say that he was just a scholar.

Chi Li couldn't help but frown. He would not target Jiang Shi just because he was jealous of his identity as Yu Tanqi's fiancé, but Jiang Shi was so frank and didn't seem to be ashamed at all, which made him very unhappy.

How can such a mediocre person be worthy of Sister Tan Qi?

He couldn't help but say in a clear voice, "The Imperial College is a top institution that all talented people in the world want to attend. Why didn't Prince Jiang cherish the opportunity and leave the Imperial College to study at home? If you had stayed in the Imperial College, you wouldn't be just a scholar now."

Jiang Shi sighed softly, as if he had something to hide. "I didn't want to leave the Imperial College either, but... I'm weak and always get sick easily, so I have to take leave to recuperate at home. Too many times, I can't keep up with the progress, so I had to leave the Imperial College and study at home."

Chi Li glanced at him. The boy was a little thin, with gentle features and a slightly pale face. He did look a little weak.

Yu Tanqi then spoke up, "Prince Jiang was only forced to study at home because of his frail health, and he only passed the examination for the title of scholar. When he gets better, he can take the examination for the title of juren, and he will definitely pass."

The four people present all looked at her.

The girl has always been reserved and quiet, rarely speaking on her own initiative.

Those who know her well know that she is very kind to those close to her.

At this time, she actually spoke up for Jiang Shi. It seems that she really wants to save her fiancé's face.

But she and Jiang Shi had only known each other for three days.

Jiang Xuan saw a flash of hurt in Chi Li's eyes, but her mood became happy and the corners of her lips rose.

It would be best if Yu Tanqi really liked Jiang Shi and quickly married to the capital. That way, even if Chi Li liked her as much as he could, he couldn't have anything to do with a married woman.

Jiang Xuan decided to take another drastic measure and teased Yu Tanqi, "Sister Tanqi seems to trust Prince Jiang very much, which is good. With Prince Jiang coming to Chenjun this time, you should be getting married soon, right?"

Chi Li and Xie Jing both frowned.

Xie Jing's face darkened slightly. "Miss Jiang, please be careful with your words. Sister Tan Qi and Prince Jiang are not officially engaged yet."

The implication is that everything is uncertain.

Su Ji was enjoying the fun and said, "I think Prince Jiang and Miss Yu are a perfect match. When are they going to officially get engaged? In the capital or in Chen County?"

Xie Jing looked at him and asked, "What does 'man is handsome, woman is talented' mean?"

Su Ji explained, "Prince Jiang is very handsome, and Miss Yu is also very talented. Isn't it a perfect match?"

Chi Li said, "Don't change the words randomly. You can't use it like this. Master Xu will definitely scold and punish you if he finds out."

Su Ji snorted lightly: "I don't think I'm wrong."

He looked at Yu Tanqi and Jiang Xuan, a wicked smile on his face: "Ladies, do you think I'm right?"

Yu Tanqi felt a little embarrassed and lowered her head to act shy.

Jiang Xuan smiled and nodded, "I think what Master Su said makes sense. Sister Tan Qi and Prince Jiang are indeed a perfect match, handsome and talented."

Chi Li looked at Jiang Xuan with some displeasure. Jiang Xuan gave him a smile with her lips curved, and for a moment her smile looked very much like Yu Tanqi.

Chi Li's pupils shrank slightly and he was a little dazed.

He vaguely felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out what it was.

Jiang Xuan seems to have always been like this, a very gentle and obedient girl.

Jiang Shi, who had never spoken, looked at Yu Tanqi with a gentle gaze, and felt a warmth in his heart.

It had been a long time since someone had chosen to defend him so openly and firmly, as if no matter what he looked like, in her eyes, he was a good person.

Why does she trust him so much?

Xie Jing felt a little depressed when he saw Yu Tanqi's shy look.

Sister Tan Qi is really confused, and he can't let her stay like this.

He looked at Jiang Shi and said, "Sister Tan Qi has such faith in Prince Jiang. I hope Prince Jiang will not let her down. Although you didn't take the imperial examination, you have studied at home for many years. You are not much different in age from us, so I believe you have read about the same amount of books."

How about we each choose an article and explain our own interpretation?"

Jiang Shi nodded gently and said, "Although I am not talented, I don't want to disappoint Miss Yu. However, if I am short of words or use inappropriate words, I hope you will forgive me."

Xie Jing said, "That's fine. We're just trying to get to know each other. Chi Li is the most diligent student among us, so let him set the questions first."

Chi Li didn't refuse and took out a book: "I've been reading a book about the customs and practices of various dynasties recently. There is an article in the book that I think is quite controversial. I want to see what you think."

He unfolded one of the pages and handed it to Jiang Shi, "Prince Jiang, take a look first."

Jiang Shi reached out to take it and read with his eyes lowered.

Even when the boy was sitting, his back was still straight, his shoulders were broad, and his temperament was dignified and easy-going.

The black feather-like eyelashes drooped gently, covering the black pupils. The eyes were narrow and beautiful, the nose was high, the lips were beautiful, and the appearance was impeccable.

The hand holding the book was white and slender, with the bones of his wrist slightly protruding, like a piece of rugged snow-white jade.

Such a person, even if he only has a good appearance, is enough to make people fall in love at first sight. Looking at him day and night will make people feel good, and his inner qualities and talents do not seem to be important.

Yu Tanqi couldn't help but look at Jiang Shi, his eyes sparkling.

She was the only one present who knew that this young man, who seemed to have only good looks now, was actually a man of immense talent, both civil and military.

If Jiang Shizhen had taken the imperial examination seriously, he would have been able to pass the palace examination and be selected as one of the top three.

The title of Tanhualang cannot suppress his talent, but is only a recognition of his appearance.

After all, he is really good-looking.

"Sister Tan Qi, Sister Tan Qi?!" Jiang Xuan whispered in her ear in surprise, "This is the first time I've seen you looking at a man so intently."