The Double-Chapter 59 - 57 Three Bets

59: Chapter 57 Three Bets

59 -57 Three Bets

Xiao Deyin began teaching as soon as she entered Mingyi Hall.

Jiang Li watched her familiar figure, her thoughts flying far away.

After Shen Yurong won the title of top scholar, Jiang Li had encountered the Mingyi Hall teachers, who instructed in the Six Arts, on several occasions.

Aside from Jin Luo, who held considerable hostility towards her, the rest of the teachers each had their own temperaments.

Among them, Xiao Deyin was the one Jiang Li felt most akin to.

Since Xiao Deyin was the most gentle by nature, she always came to smooth things over whenever Jin Luo intentionally targeted Jiang Li.

Jiang Li likewise admired Xiao Deyin’s talent.

As Yanjing City’s foremost female musician, her skill with the Seven-tone Zither was mesmerizing, and she had almost been summoned into the palace by the Empress Dowager because of this talent.

However, Xiao Deyin preferred not to be a court musician, choosing instead to be a modest female teacher in Mingyi Hall.

Jiang Li’s own zither skills were also excellent, and the two often exchanged pointers, each time feeling a deep mutual understanding akin to the legend of ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’.

Yet this very soulmate had never once visited her after the scandal of Jiang Li’s private affair came to light.

Perhaps this was because Xiao Deyin cherished her reputation and refused to associate with someone as shameless as her.

But Jiang Li distinctly recalled an incident, on the day of Mother Shen’s birthday celebration, Xiao Deyin was among the guests and had sat next to her.

Xiao Deyin had urged her to drink frequently, and it was Xiao Deyin who had helped her back to her room to rest.

However, when she awoke to a world turned upside down, Xiao Deyin merely claimed that halfway back, Jiang Li was taken away by her personal maid.

There was no evidence to show that Xiao Deyin was involved in the incident on Mother Shen’s birthday, but Jiang Li’s intuition told her that Xiao Deyin might have played a part.

She just couldn’t fathom why, considering Xiao Deyin had rejected the opportunity to serve as a court musician, showing no inclination for wealth and status.

And since Xiao Deyin bore no grudge against her, why would she aid and abet the evildoers?

It didn’t matter if she couldn’t figure it out.

Now that she was in Mingyi Hall, if Xiao Deyin truly harbored ulterior motives, she would eventually reveal some trace.

Moreover, should Xiao Deyin have truly been involved in the incident on Mother Shen’s birthday, she would serve as a perfect witness when the truth eventually came to light.

Jiang Li pondered slowly.

During the lesson, Jiang Li was distracted by other thoughts, appearing to others as though she was unfocused and unlearned.

Liu Xu intended to advise her to pay more attention, but seeing Jiang Li’s smile and unchanging demeanor, she gave up helplessly.

Not until Xiao Deyin announced the end of the lesson and specifically mentioned the upcoming school examination in a few days’ time.

Xiao Deyin said, “This year, the top achiever in the school examination will be granted an audience and awarded at the palace banquet.

This is an excellent opportunity for you all.

Receiving a prize directly from the Emperor himself is highly beneficial for your future prospects, so I hope that everyone will give it their all.”

An audience with the Emperor himself!

The women of Mingyi Hall immediately burst into excited discussion.

“Likewise, those with poor examination results will certainly lose face.

Having spent several years with you all as teacher and student in Mingyi Hall, I naturally do not wish to see anyone expelled from our institution.” Xiao Deyin continued, “So, with just a few days left, I urge everyone to practice diligently.

Mingyi Hall will not hold lessons these coming days, awaiting only the day of the examination so that you can take your tests.

The details of this exam will be posted before class dismissal, make sure to take a look.” After saying this with a smile, Xiao Deyin left with her zither without giving Jiang Li a single glance.

Seeing her act this way, Jiang Li had some thoughts.

After Xiao Deyin’s departure, the spirited atmosphere in Mingyi Hall persisted.

Once a servant posted the details of the school examination, the women gathered in small groups to take a look.

Liu Xu tugged at Jiang Li’s sleeve, excitement evident in her eyes, and said, “Let’s check it out too.”

Unable to resist, Jiang Li followed her to the front of the hall.

Jiang Youyao and Meng Hongjin were also there.

Liu Xu examined the details closely and sighed, “Whoever comes out on top in this year’s school examination will certainly bask in glory.

If only I could…

even just one category, my father would be overjoyed beyond compare.”

Jiang Li saw Liu Xu’s enthusiasm and responded with a smile, “Indeed, receiving a prize from the Emperor brings infinite honor.”

“Oh?” An abrupt voice interjected—it was Meng Hongjin, who glanced at Jiang Li and remarked, “Miss Jiang the Second also dreams of being awarded by the Emperor, huh?

You really dare to dream.

From the looks of it, you seem especially keen on topping the list.”

Liu Xu frowned, “Meng Hongjin, your words are too harsh.”

Seeing that it was Liu Xu, Meng Hongjin immediately raised her eyebrows in a frown, her father held a lower official rank than Jiang Yuan Bai, but was still above Liu Xu’s.

She said without hesitation, “I was wondering who it was, turns out it’s Miss Liu.

What, are you trying to imitate Miss Jiang the Second’s ‘words in defense of justice’ from yesterday on the street?

Liu Xu, just a reminder, you’d better think carefully about who you associate with.

Miss Jiang the Second has a Grand Secretary as a father, but you don’t, and I heard that Lord Liu has been encountering some trouble lately…”

Liu Xu’s face turned pale instantly.

Though Jiang Li did not know what exactly had happened to Liu Yuanfeng, she realized that Meng Hongjin’s words must be true, or else Liu Xu’s reaction would not have been so strong. freeweɓnøvel.com

Liu Xu gritted her teeth and said, “Meng Hongjin, don’t just talk nonsense…”

“If you’re accusing me of talking nonsense, then so be it.” Meng Hongjin smiled smugly, “I’m just curious, why would you offend your classmates for someone who’s destined to leave Mingyi Hall?”

“Who says she’s destined to leave Mingyi Hall?” In a moment of heated impulsiveness, Liu Xu blurted out.

“Isn’t that the case?” Meng Hongjin widened her eyes, glanced at her surrounding classmates, all of whom were giggling, while Jiang Youyao looked embarrassed as if she wanted to step forward and mediate, yet seemed quite timid.

Meng Hongjin said with a coy smile, “Shall we dare to bet?

Let’s bet whether Jiang Li will leave Mingyi Hall after the academic examination, and if you lose, you must kneel before everyone in Mingyi Hall to apologize to me!”

Liu Xu was startled, then showed an angry expression as she bit her teeth in silence.

If she accepted, it was very likely that Jiang Li would end up at the bottom, just starting at Mingyi Hall.

Yet, if she declined, she would publicly slap Jiang Li’s face.

She was caught between a rock and a hard place!

Meng Hongjin watched her confidently, while the mocking gazes of those around her focused on Liu Xu, making her feel trapped.

Jiang Li watched and sighed inwardly, Liu Xu was, after all, just a young girl who could easily fall into other people’s traps in a burst of impulsiveness.

After struggling internally for a while, Liu Xu’s gaze shifted to Jiang Li, who was silently watching her with no plea in her eyes.

Liu Xu gritted her teeth, steeled her heart, and was about to say, “The bet is…”

“The bet is on.” Before she could finish, Jiang Li interrupted Liu Xu and took over, “There’s no need for Liu Xu, I’ll bet with you.

If I must leave Mingyi Hall due to my examination results, then I will kneel and apologize to you.

Otherwise…”

“Otherwise, I will apologize to you,” Meng Hongjin said quickly, unable to contain her delight.

“That’s not all,” Jiang Li said with a faint smile, “If I remain in Mingyi Hall, you must kneel and apologize to me.

And if my examination result is better than yours, you must add another condition—you will kneel at the entrance of the Imperial College to apologize to me.”

“You!” Meng Hongjin was furious.

But Jiang Li hadn’t finished speaking, she continued, “If my examination result is not only better than yours, but also ranks first…”

“Then you must strip off your outer garments at the entrance of the Imperial College, carry a bundle of thorns on your back, and kneel to apologize to me!”