The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class

Chapter 147

Since mere persuasion wasn’t getting through to him, the only option was to let him run into a wall and learn the hard way. Once he hit that wall, he’d naturally turn back.

Pan Hongzhi was shocked and retorted, “But what if he fails the exam and just gives up on studying altogether?”

Zhao Yin replied, “...Is he really that fragile?”

From what he knew of Zong Jincheng, the boy’s mental resilience wasn’t that weak.

Pan Hongzhi didn’t dare act on his own, so he reported the matter to Xu Wan, asking if they should give the little troublemaker a heads-up.

Xu Wan didn’t hesitate and immediately adopted Zhao Yin’s suggestion.

“?!”

Pan Hongzhi suddenly had an epiphany. He realized that perhaps the reason Madam Xu hadn’t brought up the calligraphy practice was because she was waiting for this exact moment.

So he tentatively asked, “Should we still remind Jincheng?”

If they didn’t say anything at all, there was a risk that the boy might cause a scene that would be hard to manage later.

Xu Wan smiled and said, “Of course, remind him. Tell him about the different examiners and grading systems, but don’t mention that the graders might not be able to read his handwriting. If he figures that out on his own, it means he has a strong sense of crisis awareness, and I’ll be pleased. If he doesn’t, it means he’s gotten too cocky and needs to be taken down a peg.”

Whether or not this lesson would be learned was entirely up to the little troublemaker.

Pan Hongzhi nodded and went to inform both boys about the exam rules.

Zong Wenxiu, who had just entered the Child Prodigy Class, was about to face his first exam—a joint exam involving three academies, including Hanlin North Academy. The pressure instantly skyrocketed, and he became tense all over again.

The little troublemaker, on the other hand, was much more relaxed.

Pan Hongzhi had told him that he’d done better on his brother’s practice exam than his brother had at the time, and that he might even rank higher than his brother.

No pressure at all.

The carefree little rascal started daydreaming about what would happen after he joined the Child Prodigy Class. Even though he’d eventually choose to study at home like his brother, he’d definitely spend a few days in the class first to show off to Qin Ye and make sure Qin Ye knew there was a genius like him in the world. Qin Ye would surely break down in tears and beg for his mercy. Ha!

Zong Jincheng’s thoughts grew more and more grandiose, and he couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Pan Hongzhi: “...”

Well, the little troublemaker had chosen to accept the new challenge.

Zong Jincheng: “!??”

Was the sky falling? Had Xu Wan been possessed?

She was actually okay with him backing out at the last minute?

The little troublemaker had just been testing the waters, trying to stir up some drama, but she’d actually agreed??

“Are... are you serious?” he asked uncertainly.

Even Zong Wenxiu was stunned, feeling like his head was spinning.

But Xu Wan replied, “Yes, I really do think today isn’t the right day for you to take the exam, especially you.”

“Why... why not?” The little troublemaker asked, growing more and more uneasy.

He had a feeling Xu Wan was up to something.

Xu Wan said slowly, “Because I just found out that Luo Chen and Qin Shi are both taking the exam at Hanlin North Academy today. If you go, you’ll definitely run into them. Luo Chen has been holding a grudge since he lost to your brother last time, and he’ll definitely try to regain his confidence by picking on you. So even if you’re taking the twelve-year-old level exam, he’ll use his first-place ranking in the ten-year-old level joint exam to stomp all over you. After all, the difference between first place and not even making the list is like night and day—it’s even worse than being at the bottom of the list.”

Zong Jincheng’s face turned bright red.

He’d been at the bottom of the list before, and now he was about to experience not making the list at all.

If he didn’t take the exam, he wouldn’t have to face the humiliation of not ranking. Luo Chen wouldn’t have anything to mock him about.

But...!

“I’m two whole grades ahead of him! Even if I don’t make the list, I’m still better than him. How dare he try to mock me? So what if he’s first in the three-academy exam? Qin Ye was first in the four-academy exam! If Luo Chen’s so great, why doesn’t he leave the ten-year-old class and come to the twelve-year-old class? Or the Child Prodigy Class? Ugh! That jerk! How dare he mock me! I’m taking the exam! If he dares to come at me, I’ll shove the twelve-year-old exam paper in his face. If he can’t solve it, he’ll have to call me grandpa!” The little troublemaker ranted furiously, completely contradicting what he’d said earlier.

Zong Wenxiu: “...”

Little brother, you change your mind way too fast.

Xu Wan rolled her eyes and closed them, pretending to nap.

Dealing with this kid was as easy as pie.

The little troublemaker’s anger didn’t subside, and he spent the entire ride fuming, his chest heaving with indignation. Eventually, he calmed down enough to start silently reciting the key points his teachers had highlighted for the exam.

Just you wait, Luo Chen. This young master is definitely making the list this time!