The examiner stayed up all night grading papers yesterday, and the rankings for today's quiz should be revealed.
Tianyun gently placed the bundle on the table, and Xie Wuyun turned around, eagerly asking, "Tell me quickly, who do you think will win, Miss Mu or Miss Yu?"
Tianyun pondered for a moment, then said in a calm tone, "I think... Miss Mu has a better chance of winning."
"Why?" Xie Wuyun tilted her head, somewhat curious.
When she fiercely mocked the girl yesterday, she was full of confidence and showed no fear, which suggests that she was very confident in her paintings.
Most importantly, she may also have the "female lead halo" as a cheat code.
Tianyun smiled slyly and took out a few hand warmers from his bundle, giving them to her: "Try these warming plasters and see if you need them." He then replied, "As the ancients said, 'If you're unlucky in love, you'll be lucky in exams.' Surely one of these two things should apply, right?"
Although Xie Wuyun had never heard this ancient saying before, she felt it made sense. So she leaned closer to Tianyun and whispered in her ear.
"That's true. Yesterday, in front of everyone, His Highness the Second Prince put Miss Mu in such an embarrassing situation..."
Xie Wuyun took the plaster and looked in Mu Yaozhi's direction. She saw that Mu Yaozhi's eyes were red and swollen and her face was haggard. She must have cried all night.
Tianyun chuckled and rubbed her forehead, surprised that she still had the energy to care about others, and unaware of her own ranking. She had submitted a sketch yesterday without coloring it, and wondered how the instructor would rate it.
Fine, as long as it's not the last place Yu Lan mentioned!
Yu Shanlai, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Mu Yaozhi. Her complexion was fair and rosy, and she had a gentle smile on her lips. Her slender fingers would occasionally touch the exquisite pearl earrings at her temples. Anyone could tell that she was in a good mood at the moment.
Fortunately, at that moment, the instructor walked in carrying a thick stack of scrolls.
Mu Yaozhi took a deep breath, silently calming her grievances. She straightened her back and regained her haughty and aristocratic demeanor.
The Director of Studies, maintaining order at the head of the table, called out, "Silence!"
Mu Yaozhi sat upright, carefully smoothing out a wrinkle on the hem of her dress.
"Now announcing the rankings of the male students in the drawing quiz."
"First place in Class A: Xiao Ziyan."
...
"Category A, 8th: Xiao Ziwu."
Tianyun straightened her expression and listened attentively to the names being called. She heard the boy's name at the eighth position and couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. Even the name was so auspicious!
"These are the complete rankings for the men's section."
The men's rankings this time were largely unchanged from previous rankings, with no suspense whatsoever.
Xiao Ziyan remained calm and, under the man's flattery, humbly replied, "It was just luck."
The instructor straightened his expression: "Next, I will announce the rankings for the female students in the painting quiz. First place in Class A—"
Mu Yaozhi frowned and met Yu Shanlai's gaze, while invisible sparks crackled around them.
Everyone around had expressions of anticipation and amusement.
Regardless of which of the two wins, a fierce battle is inevitable!
Amidst a chorus of unreadable glances, Siye slowly spoke, calling out a name that was not what they expected.
"Shangguan Tianyun".
All the arrogance on Mu Yaozhi's face vanished, replaced by the collapse of despair after being dealt a heavy blow. She exclaimed in surprise.
"What?!"
Xiao Ziwu paused slightly, put down his pen, and looked up.
Whispers arose from the crowd: "When did this person get into the classroom?"
"Judging from the name alone, it sounds more like it's from the men's section."
"Has the Director of Studies made a mistake? Shouldn't it be Yao Zhi First?"
Not to mention them, even Tianyun herself was quite astonished. How could this be? She had only drawn a sketch of light and shadow, without even adding color. How could she be number one?
Xie Wuyun looked at Tianyun with a knowing expression that seemed to say, "So this is what you're really capable of," and winked at her.
Tianyun looked back at her helplessly; this ranking was completely unexpected.
Overwhelmed by these successive blows, Mu Yaozhi could no longer hold back her tears. She bit her lower lip tightly and asked urgently, "Siye...you, you really haven't made a mistake?"
The instructor seemed unable to bear seeing his prized student in such a sorry state, but the painting was simply too outstanding, as if the real thing were right before his eyes. Although it was only in black and white, it was still very impressive.
He told the truth: "There is no mistake. This ranking was agreed upon by several instructors and several masters of calligraphy and painting."
"Second Place, First Class: Mu Yaozhi"
"Third Class A: Yu Shanlai"
...
Mu Yaozhi's body went limp for a moment. Beside her, Yu Shanlai said softly, "It seems that Miss Mu was so anxious that she forgot that this is a competition that His Majesty attaches great importance to. He must be taking it very seriously and there is no way that she would make a mistake."
This was the first time she hadn't been defeated by Mu Yaozhi, yet it had brought her immense joy! Look at that expression on her face, like she'd swallowed a fly. Ah, even the sky seemed a little bluer now.
"Why should you be so smug? I'm second, so you're third. No matter what, you'll still be trampled under my feet. Just wait, at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, I'll show you!" Mu Yaozhi's eyes were bloodshot as she glared fiercely at this gloating scoundrel.
Unwilling to accept it, she tightened her jaw and gritted her teeth, saying, "Master, I have objections to this ranking. I have never heard of such a person in the classroom, nor have I ever witnessed her skills."
"If I may be so bold, may the Director of Studies exhibit her paintings so that the students can choose one of the two?"
As soon as these words were spoken, a few scattered voices echoed them.
Amidst the clamor of opinions, the Director of Education pondered for a moment and then agreed to her request, stipulating that the ranking should be one that could convince the public.
Since some people have raised questions, it is reasonable to use the paintings as evidence. Besides, Lord Mu's position in the court is extremely high, and he cannot be easily offended.
But we still need to consult the other party involved: "Since everyone has doubts, Shangguan Tianyun, would you be willing to exhibit your paintings and let all the students here vote again?"
But rest assured, to ensure fairness, this vote will be anonymous, and you don't need to worry about anything else; simply choose based on the quality of the artwork.
Anonymity means that even if someone tries to curry favor with Mu Yaozhi by voting for her, Mu Yaozhi will have no way of knowing and will not appreciate it.
Conversely, those who wish to submit to Tianyun but fear offending Mu Yaozhi can also rest assured.
This approach is impartial and fair. Tianyun felt somewhat relieved and bowed slightly, saying, "I will follow the Director's arrangements."
This time, it's no longer possible to go back to being an unknown nobody.
The young girl wore a flowing, sheer gauze dress, her slender waist so delicate it seemed it could be grasped with a single hand. A jade hairpin with tassels of azure and orchids adorned her hair. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes held the limpidity of autumn water; she was truly extraordinary. She resembled a fairy from the heavens, descended to earth from the misty riverbank at dawn, amidst the light and shadows of the sky.
Her radiance was so dazzling that everyone was stunned for a moment, and it seemed that the darkness around her was dispelled.
Xiao Ziwu lowered his eyes indifferently.
Xiao Ziyan, standing to the side, raised an eyebrow and watched intently, his interest growing stronger.
It was her.
His enthusiastic demeanor stirred a sense of unease in Yu Shanlai, who was constantly watching him. It's human nature to be fickle, but how long would this interest last?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
