Chapter 30: The Second Line

Seeing three peerless beauties standing by Chen Fan’s side had already stirred deep envy and jealousy among the scholars nearby. Upon hearing the remarks from Zhao Hongwei and Chen Hao, the crowd immediately began pointing fingers at Chen Fan in a retaliatory mood.

"How truly shameless this man is."
"I have never seen such a brazen and impudent person."
"To dare utter such words—he does not fear heaven's retribution."

Listening to the surrounding accusations, Zhao Hongwei and Chen Hao wore smug, triumphant smiles. The two sisters and Su Wenqi, however, were filled with indignation.

"Are you suggesting that Prime Minister Fan changed his mind because of you?" Chen Fan asked with a smile. "Has the Imperial Academy become so influential now? That a mere student could cause Prime Minister Fan to reverse his decision? I wonder if the masters at the Imperial Academy are aware of this. Shall we go inside and ask Director Liu?"

At these words, Zhao Hongwei’s complexion shifted instantly. If Chen Fan were to question Director Liu, his lies would be exposed. Not only would he lose face, but more importantly, he would leave Director Liu with the impression that he was nothing more than a braggart.

"Hmph," Zhao Hongwei snorted awkwardly. "The Scholars' Assembly is about to begin. I have no time to waste on you." With that, he turned and walked away.

"Bah! How utterly shameless," Yingxia said, making a face at his retreating back.

"My husband is incredible! With just a few words, he sent that hypocrite scurrying away," the sisters said, gazing at Chen Fan with adoration. Although Su Wenqi remained silent, her eyes held a new glimmer of admiration as she looked at him.

"Let’s not let that man ruin our mood. The assembly has begun; let’s go and see," Chen Fan said.

Inside a garden, Director Liu and Magistrate Zhao Da sat in the seats of honor, flanked by the most prominent scholars of Dongyang County. Zhao Hongwei and Chen Hao sat in the front row. The area was packed with other scholars who, lacking the status to be seated, were forced to stand. Chen Fan and his group were among those standing to the side.

"We are grateful to Director Liu for visiting our Dongyang County; this is truly an honor for our students!" Magistrate Zhao Da said with a beaming smile. "Everyone, you must perform well and show Director Liu the talent of our Dongyang scholars."

With that, the Scholars' Assembly commenced.

"Gentlemen, allow me to make a fool of myself," Chen Hao said, standing up to represent the students of Dongyang. "I have a couplet, and I would like to see if anyone can provide the matching line. My opening line is: 'South Tongzhou, North Tongzhou, South and North Tongzhou connect South and North.'"

As soon as the line was spoken, the scholars present immediately furrowed their brows in deep thought. Director Liu, watching from the side, gave a silent nod and remarked, "Not bad."

Hearing the Director’s praise, Chen Hao was filled with excitement. He had spent months agonizing over this line, preparing specifically for the Imperial Academy’s examination. Seeing the effect it had, he felt secure in his admission to the Academy.

"Though Chen Hao’s character is poor, he does possess a certain talent," Yingxia whispered, frowning.

The two sisters were racking their brains, yet they could not come up with a response. "Aunt, you were once a talented scholar yourself—can you think of the matching line?" they asked Su Wenqi.

Su Wenqi offered a bitter smile and shook her head. "Chen Hao is worthy of being Dongyang’s youngest Xiucai; this line is far too difficult. I cannot solve it."

"Can anyone here provide the matching line?" Magistrate Zhao Da asked, looking around with a smile. The surrounding scholars lowered their heads in shame.

"I have heard that everyone has been reading a storybook about a Monkey King lately," Zhao Hongwei said, standing up with a smirk. "Director Liu and I have both read it, and it is written exquisitely. The author must be a person of immense talent. I wonder, can the author provide the matching line?"

"Where is this author?" Zhao Da asked, clearly intrigued. The surrounding scholars were also curious, as they had all read the book but did not know who had written it.

With a wicked grin, Zhao Hongwei pointed at Chen Fan. "The author is him."

Everyone turned their gazes toward Chen Fan, their expressions filled with disbelief. Such a brilliant book—they knew they could not have written it themselves; how could a poor boy like Chen Fan have done so?

Magistrate Zhao Da looked suspicious as well.

"Chen Fan, since you are so talented, this matching line should be easy for you, shouldn't it?" Zhao Hongwei sneered. "Why don't you try? Or were you lying to Director Liu when you claimed to be the author?"

Hearing that Chen Fan had deceived the Director, Zhao Da’s expression turned sour. The Director had already been dissatisfied with his arrangements; if he were now seen as someone who let people deceive the Director, he would surely be held accountable. Though the Director’s authority was limited to the Imperial Academy, the Academy was the cradle of officials, and Zhao Da’s own superior was a former student of the Director.

"Guards! Seize this fraud and give him thirty lashes," Zhao Da commanded, his face turning ashen.

Several bailiffs moved toward Chen Fan. The sudden turn of events terrified Yingchun and Yingxia. Chen Fan had not expected the magistrate to be so foolish as to order a punishment without any investigation. Thirty lashes could easily kill a man.

"Wait!" Chen Fan shouted. "How can you, sir, be so sure that I am not the author? Based solely on the words of your son, Zhao Hongwei?"

Zhao Hongwei’s expression darkened further. "Chen Fan, since you claim to be the author, then provide the matching line! Only then will you prove your claim; otherwise, you are nothing but a common swindler," he challenged with disdain, never believing Chen Fan could solve it.

"Husband..." the sisters and Su Wenqi looked at Chen Fan with concern. They knew he was capable, but Chen Hao’s couplet was notoriously difficult.

"Such a simple opening line—I hadn't intended to bother responding, but since you insist, I shall show you," Chen Fan said with a confident smile.

"Hahahaha!" Chen Hao laughed dismissively. "You don't fear biting your tongue with such grand boasts?" He was certain that since he had spent months crafting the line, Chen Fan could not possibly solve it in such a short time.