Chapter 34
Both the martial arts and civil service exams have ended, and today is the day the results will be announced. The teacher instructed people to post notices outside the school, and early in the morning, a large number of people gathered around, all looking for their names.
There were too many people, and the small courtyard was packed with people. Yin Qiuli stood on tiptoe for a long time on the outside, but could only see a sea of people.
Soon it would be time to go to class. Yin Qiu wanted to find out her exam results as soon as possible, so she gritted her teeth and squeezed into the crowd. However, Yin Qiu was small and not very tall, and she couldn't move forward for a while. Just as she was worrying, she saw Fu Xiang push through the crowd and walk towards her, beaming with joy, "Yin Qiu! I saw it for you! The third-place scholar!"
Upon hearing this, Yin Qiu quickly stepped forward and asked, "Really? Third place?"
Fu Xiang seemed even happier than her: "Incredible! Even I only got eighth place. You really are cut out for studying."
Yin Qiu had only been enrolled for a short time, and there were many students in the classroom who had arrived before her. It was truly not easy for her to get third place. Yin Qiu smiled and said, "Our classrooms are different, and we learn different things. Your eighth place is much better than my third place."
The two left the crowd and walked to the corridor. Fu Xiang looked smug: "If that's the case, then I'm still number one in the martial arts competition. Compared to that, you still need to work harder."
Yin Qiuwu got fifth place, which is already quite good. How can she compare to Fu Xiang?
The surrounding area was filled with the chattering of the disciples. Fu Xiang led Yin Qiu to a quieter place and asked, "By the way, how did things go yesterday? I was originally waiting for you in the courtyard, but when I saw that Uncle Man had brought you back, I didn't want to disturb you. Tell me about it."
Mentioning this, Yin Qiu was slightly speechless and said, "Don't mention it. Luckily, my martial uncle was there yesterday, otherwise I would have been extremely anxious."
Fu Xiang's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Yin Qiu and laughed, stroking her chin as she said, "Your reaction is quite interesting... Don't say anything yet, let me guess." She circled Yin Qiu twice, looking very interested, "I bet that when Senior Sister Ding sees you, she'll completely forget about me, right?"
Yin Qiu was taken aback and looked at her suspiciously: "How did you know?"
“Of course I know,” Fu Xiang smiled slyly, “otherwise I wouldn’t have asked you to go in my place.”
Yin Qiu pondered her words for a moment: "What do you mean?"
Fu Xiang leaned leisurely against the corridor pillar and said, "What else could it mean? Senior Sister Ding likes pretty girls. I'm not exaggerating when I say that, anyone who sees your face would be tempted. How could Senior Sister Ding not like you?"
Yin Qiu immediately realized what was happening and angrily said, "So you knew all along! You deliberately sent me there!"
Fu Xiang said, "Besides you, I can't find anyone else in this courtyard to help me. Besides, you blamed me for the medicine bottle, so shouldn't you repay me? This was something you did voluntarily."
No wonder she was so confident before, saying that as long as Yin Qiu took action, it would be a sure thing. It turns out that she had planned it all out from the beginning and was just waiting for Yin Qiu to agree.
"I'm ignoring you!" Yin Qiu snorted and walked away.
"Hey! Don't be angry!" Fu Xiang quickly grabbed Yin Qiu and said with a smile, "I had no choice but to do it."
"You're just using me!" Yin Qiu was furious. "If you had told me earlier, it would have been fine, but you knew that Senior Sister Ding might be clinging to me, yet you treated me like a fool and shielded me from unwanted suitors. I genuinely wanted to help you, so why did you do this?"
Fu Xiang had never seen Yin Qiu lose her temper before, and she panicked, saying, "How can this be considered taking advantage of someone? This is called good friends helping each other!"
Yin Qiu pushed her away, stomping her feet angrily: "You have a bunch of twisted logic, I can't argue with you, I'm not going to be friends with you anymore!"
"Hey, stop!" Fu Xiangfu grabbed Yin Qiu again, grinning, "I didn't force you. You agreed to it yourself. Besides, didn't you say that Uncle Man was there? So nothing must have happened, right?"
Yin Qiu glared at her: "You're still laughing! What if my martial uncle wasn't here yesterday? What am I supposed to do then?"
“She couldn’t possibly be absent,” Fu Xiang said seriously. “I heard that a newcomer came to the courtyard the day before and got into a fight with you. Although Uncle Man didn’t show up, he specially called a senior sister to come and help you out. This shows that Uncle Man cares about you. So she will definitely be there during the martial arts test. First, to see if that newcomer will cause you any more trouble, and second, to see how you perform in the test. She will come no matter what. Seeing that you were taken away by Senior Sister Ding, how could Uncle Man not care about you?”
Hearing this, Yin Qiu was astonished that Fu Xiang was so meticulous. She not only anticipated Ding Lianzhen's reaction when she saw Yin Qiu, but also included Man Jiangxue in her scheme. Although she did not personally participate in the whole process, she was fully aware of any possible changes and achieved her goal effortlessly.
Yin Qiu felt increasingly uneasy. She realized that since meeting Fu Xiang, she had always had a very good impression of her and considered her her only friend. She never expected that Fu Xiang, who was usually carefree and unconcerned with details, had such a deep heart. Yin Qiu suddenly felt that she still knew very little about Fu Xiang, as if she had never really understood her.
Even though it wasn't a big deal, Yin Qiu couldn't help but feel uncomfortable, as if she had unwittingly fallen into Fu Xiang's trap without realizing it at all.
As the bell rang, it was time for the hour of Chen (7-9 AM). The disciples in the courtyard began to head towards the classroom. Yin Qiu, with a sullen face, turned his head away and said, "I'm not going to say anything more. Go study."
Seeing that she was upset, Fu Xiang knew that Yin Qiu must be unhappy, so she followed her and said, "Good Xiao Qiu, don't be angry with me. Look, you have Uncle Man to protect you, but I'm all alone. When I encounter problems, I can't rely on others and can only find my own way. I really didn't lie to you on purpose. Please forgive me."
Upon hearing this, Yin Qiu slowed down.
In an instant, she thought of Fu Xiang's background and how Fu Louzhu had neglected her, leaving her to fend for herself in Yunhua Palace. He hadn't cared about her for so long. If Fu Xiang did well in her studies, she could go back. If she didn't, she would probably have to stay in Yunhua Palace for the rest of her life. Yin Qiu still had Man Jiangxue to take care of her, but Fu Xiang had nothing. In some ways, she was actually more pitiful than Yin Qiu.
Looking into Fu Xiang's earnest eyes, Yin Qiu's heart softened, and she said dryly, "I'm not angry with you."
Fu Xiang immediately felt relieved, put her arm around Yin Qiu's shoulder, and coaxed her, "It's good that you're not angry. Don't really ignore me. You're my only good friend. If you ignore me, there's no point in me living. I'll just want to find a block of tofu and kill myself."
Yin Qiu was amused by her and said, "With skin as thick as yours, it would be strange if you could die from hitting a tofu head-on."
"Then I'll go bang my head against the wall!" Fu Xiang pretended to look for a wall.
"Alright, stop fooling around," Yin Qiu said, shoving Fu Xiang's hand away. "If you don't go into the classroom, the teacher will punish you!"
After she finished speaking, she rushed into the hall. Fu Xiang watched her back and slightly raised the corners of her lips.
·
Yin Qiu had just entered the classroom when the teacher followed closely behind. The students all bowed and greeted the teacher. The teacher praised the top three students about the announcement of the results, and then said to the door, "Come in."
Under the curious gazes of the crowd, Meng Jing stood expressionless by the door, dressed in his brand-new disciple robes.
"This is our new classmate, he is twelve years old and his name is Meng Jing. He will be studying with you from now on, so please take good care of him."
Upon hearing Meng Jing's name, all the students in the room immediately understood. The news of his beating up Yin Qiu a few days ago had spread throughout the new disciples' courtyard. Although many had not witnessed it firsthand, they had all heard of Meng Jing. In an instant, the students began to whisper among themselves.
"It's him? The one who caused trouble just two days ago."
"I heard that his parents were killed by the Ziwei Sect, and he insisted that Yin Qiu was responsible. He even beat Yin Qiu in front of several of his fellow disciples."
"How did such a scoundrel end up in our classroom?"
"Where else would he go if not here? He's obviously illiterate; how could he understand anything in the other classrooms?"
...
Hearing the fragmented words, Meng Jing felt uneasy and secretly clenched his fists.
"Quiet!" the Master shouted, looked around for a moment, and pointed to the disciple next to Yin Qiu, saying, "You, go sit in the back. Meng Jing, go and take his place."
The disciple was taken aback. He glanced at Yin Qiu, who was equally astonished, and didn't say anything more. He obediently put away his writing brush and ink and offered his seat.
Meng Jing looked up at Yin Qiu, his expression instantly changing, and said coldly, "I don't want to sit at the same table as her."
"You have no right to speak!" the teacher said succinctly. "I told you to sit, so sit down. Don't delay my lecture, get out of here!"
Meng Jing gritted his teeth, reluctantly walked to Yin Qiu's side, slammed down the pen and ink, and sat down.
The students looked at each other with puzzled expressions, seemingly not understanding the teacher's intention.
"Once you enter the school, you are classmates. You must forget any deep-seated hatred you may have had in the past. My rules are clear: I don't expect you to be genuinely friendly, but at least in my class, anyone who dares to cause trouble will not be spared!" The teacher looked down at everyone, not focusing on Meng Jing and Yin Qiu, and said loudly, "Take out your books and read aloud!"
Soon, the sound of pages turning filled the room as students sat up straight, holding their books high in front of them, and began to read aloud in unison.
Yin Qiu never expected that Meng Jing would be in the same classroom as her, and even become her deskmate. This situation was incredibly awkward. Yin Qiu felt a mix of emotions, like she was sitting on pins and needles, and couldn't help but feel restless. She couldn't even concentrate on her textbook.
Fortunately, the morning passed without Meng Jing provoking her. Perhaps the teacher had warned him beforehand. Although his face was extremely unpleasant, he did not deliberately provoke Yin Qiu. He remained silent in his seat, like a wooden stake that could not move.
After class ended at noon, the students went to the cafeteria for lunch as usual. Fu Xiang knew she felt guilty towards Yin Qiu, so as soon as she heard the bell, she rushed over to wait for her.
When the two met, Fu Xiang put on quite a show, telling Yin Qiu many jokes, but Yin Qiu was in low spirits and depressed.
"What's wrong?" Fu Xiang asked Yin Qiu. "Are you still angry with me?"
Yin Qiu shook her head and glanced back into the classroom.
The disciples had all left, but Meng Jing remained seated at the table. Since everyone had a bad impression of him, no one took the initiative to speak to him, and they all tacitly treated him as if he were invisible.
"Who is that?" Fu Xiang peeked out. "He looks unfamiliar."
Yin Qiu said, "It's Meng Jing."
Fu Xiang drawled out an "Oh": "You mean the new guy?"
Yin Qiu said, "Mm."
"How did he become your deskmate?" Fu Xiang said. "I haven't had a chance to ask you these past few days. How could a newcomer like him get into an argument with you?"
Yin Qiu looked at Fu Xiang with a complicated expression and said, "Do you remember when we were in Qingluo City, my uncle and I asked you about someone?"
Fu Xiang said, "I remember," she glanced at Meng Jing's back again, "Could it be him?"
Yin Qiu sighed softly, and on her way to the canteen, she recounted in detail what had happened between her and Meng Jing.
After listening to her explanation, Fu Xiang suddenly realized and said, "No wonder he hit you... But you didn't kill his parents, so why does he keep bullying you?"
Yin Qiu said, "But in his heart, I am the one who killed his parents."
“That’s because he can’t distinguish right from wrong,” Fu Xiang raised an eyebrow. “His parents clearly wanted to kill you to make money, but they ended up being killed by the Ziwei Sect instead. What does that have to do with you? Instead of seeking revenge against the Ziwei Sect, he bullies you. He’s not acting like a man at all!”
Yin Qiu sighed again: "His parents could have avoided dying, but the people of the Ziwei Sect mistook him for me and chased after him all the way... That's why he hates me so much."
Fu Xiang paused, then sighed along with Yin Qiu, "In that case, while his parents deserved to die for their greed, Meng Jing wasn't really wrong; he's a pitiful person too." She patted Yin Qiu's shoulder, comforting her, "But even so, don't blame yourself. We can't control whether he hates you or not, but you absolutely cannot take the blame upon yourself. You're not wrong either. It's fine to sympathize with him, but don't tolerate him. If he dares to lay a hand on you again, I'll be the first to deal with him!"
Yin Qiu nodded sullenly and said, "I understand."
·
The two of them received their food together, and only when they left the dining hall did they see Meng Jing walking alone. By then, there was hardly any food left in the dining hall. Under everyone's gaze, Meng Jing scooped up some leftovers, chose a corner seat, and sat down with an unusually cold expression, not looking at anyone.
When it was time for martial arts class, the disciples practiced swordsmanship as usual with their instructor. While everyone was sweating profusely, Meng Jing sat on a small stool outside the training ground, still not looking at anyone. His expression was blank, his eyes were unfocused, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
The entire training ground was filled with disciples practicing swordsmanship, but Meng Jing sat on the side watching, which made him appear even more lonely and desolate.
Seeing this, the disciples couldn't help but whisper among themselves again.
"Why isn't he practicing his sword? He has no background or status, yet the instructor allows him to slack off in public."
"That's right. When we first came here, it was tough and tiring. How come he has such a leisurely life?"
"In my opinion, it's not that the instructor is protecting him, but look at the way he looks. He doesn't look like a boy at all. He's so effeminate, he's probably just weak and unable to lift a sword!"
The disciples burst into laughter at this point.
"What's so funny!" The instructor came running at the sound, cracking her whip. "If I hear you laughing again, I won't hold back!"
The disciples had all experienced the formidable power of their senior sister, so upon hearing this, they quickly suppressed their smiles and remained silent. However, one of the male disciples stepped forward, pointed at Meng Jing, and said, "Senior Sister, we disciples simply don't understand why he can sit and rest on the side. Isn't this unfair? We beg Senior Sister to give us an explanation!"
Yin Qiu turned her head and recognized the male disciple as the one who had fought with Meng Jing that day.
Surprisingly, the instructor sister did not get angry upon hearing his words. She merely glanced at Meng Jing and said calmly, "He has a heart ailment and cannot practice martial arts." Then, she immediately added fiercely, "Why do you care about others! Go and practice your own sword!"
Upon hearing this, the male disciple chuckled at Meng Jing and returned to the group. Hearing that Meng Jing suffered from a heart ailment, the disciples were surprised and began to whisper among themselves.
"No wonder, he was sickly."
"Don't underestimate this sickly guy, he's more ruthless than anyone else when he gets into a fight."
"Then we should stay even further away from him in the future, so that if he gets sick one day, he won't blame us and we won't be able to clear our names no matter what."
"that is!"
...
With the disciples' voices filling their ears, Yin Qiu and Fu Xiang exchanged a glance but did not respond, silently continuing their sword practice.
Meng Jing sat alone. Although he couldn't hear what the people around him were talking about, he could clearly see the pairs of eyes that were being cast at him. He felt both sad and angry, but mostly desolate.
He will never learn martial arts in his life and can only be a useless scholar. Even whether he can study well is still unknown.
Back in Qingluo City, he had Lu Huaiwei who took good care of him, but now Lu Huaiwei was seriously injured and had been unconscious for several days. Meng Jing could hardly even visit her. In addition, he had become the target of public criticism, and no one wanted to associate with him. On the other hand, Yin Qiu had a group of friends, and many people protected her and felt sorry for her. Meng Jing was both jealous and envious.
Thinking of the days since his parents passed away, and of the heartbreaking cries he shed in the middle of the night that no one knew, Meng Jing sat on the small stool, feeling as if the cold wind around him was like knives, scraping him painfully, yet he was powerless to escape it.
Looking at the disciples in the training ground, he couldn't help but think: Their swordsmanship is truly beautiful.
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