Chapter 581: Getting Lower A

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The scoring process on the square proceeded in an orderly fashion, with a calm atmosphere on the square itself. However, outside the square, the atmosphere was extremely tense, both among the contestants and their family.

Yan Yanyong glanced at Chu Qingshuang and said maliciously, “Big brother, I’m not sure about the others, but defeating Chu Qingshuang is certain.”

Yan Helin’s gaze flickered slightly, lacking confidence, “We’ll know soon.”

Yan Yanyong had great confidence in Yan Helin, who had been renowned since childhood, “Big brother, don’t be modest. You will definitely beat Chu Qingshuang.”

Yan Helin nodded but thought to himself, ‘Difficult!’

Li Shaoliang looked displeasedly at the Yan family and then turned to ask happily, “Dad, where shall we celebrate later?”

Li Zhenzong glanced at Li Shaoliang, “What celebration? It seems like you’re just craving for treats.”

Li Shaoliang said mischievously, “Dad, why did you say that? You should have confidence in your disciple in winning the competition.”

If they were not in public, Li Zhenzong would have wanted to smack his younger son on the back of his head. Is there something wrong with him? “After we get back, 1’11 have your older brother train you properly. You always act so childish!”

His eldest son was too mature, leaving him no room to intervene, while his younger son was too childish, feeling like a child who would never grow up.”

Li Shaoliang immediately made a pitiful face, “Dad, if you throw me to my brother, I’ll go complain to Mom.”

Li Zhenzong said lightly, “Sure, but if you do that, you can forget about coming to the porcelain workshop and seeing Qingshuang.”

Li Shaoliang stared at Li Zhenzong with his eyes wide open, “Dad, you are so cruel.”

Li Zhenzong felt no guilt, “1 learned it from you.”

Li Shaoliang laughed bitterly. Indeed, a man should never have a weak spot. Once you have one, your entire life could be manipulated.

Li Qingyu said, “Qingshuang, don’t worry. If it doesn’t go well, it just means there’s room for improvement. You can slowly enhance your skills and participate again next year.”

Hearing this, the nervous Chu Qingshuang felt her psychological pressure greatly reduced, “Mom, I understand.”

Everyone took turns comforting Chu Qingshuang.

No one would blame her for not achieving good results. As long as she works harder in the future, that’s enough. With everyone’s support, Chu Qingshuang gradually relaxed.

Porcelains were brought up one by one for the judges to score and then taken away to be placed in designated areas.

The square was divided into sections according to the grades: A (Upper, Middle, Lower), B (Upper, Middle, Lower), C (Upper, Middle, Lower), and D (Upper, Middle, Lower). Each section was clearly marked, with porcelains placed in the area corresponding to their score.

Besides the A section, every other section had porcelains placed, with the B section having the most.

Suddenly, the third judge softly exclaimed in surprise, showing a look of astonishment mixed with joy, apparently having seen a fine piece of porcelain. “This porcelain is good. Its surface is smooth and shiny, and its shape is well-proportioned…”

He gently tapped the body of the porcelain with his finger, “The sound is crisp and pleasant to the ear.”

The judges next to him stretched out their neck to take a look, and after a glance, they held the porcelain piece and praised while examining it, “This is really good!”

The judge wrote down a ‘Lower A’ rating on a piece of paper and placed it inside the porcelain. “Finally, we have an A grade piece.”

The servant then took the porcelain away, washed off the dye from the bottom of the piece, checked the rating slip, and placed the porcelain in the ‘A’ section.

This scene stirred up discussions in the quiet surroundings.

“Look, there’s a piece in the A section.”

“With so many pieces, finally, one has made it to the A section.”

“I wonder whose piece it is?”

Chu Xuyuan tugged at Chu Qingshuang’s sleeve, “Sixth sister, is that the porcelain piece you made?”

Chu Qingshuang shook her head, “It’s too far away, I can’t recognize it.”

Chu Xuyao said rationally, “Don’t worry, we will know when the results are announced.”

Everyone waited patiently again.

After about twenty minutes, a porcelain piece was placed in the Middle A section.

“Middle A, Middle A, whose is this?”

“It must be one of those top-notch families. They say their porcelain making skills are on par with imperial merchants.”

“Then it must be one of the Cai, Zhang, or Yang families, right?!”

The crowd buzzed with discussions again, and the atmosphere became lively for a while.

Before long, a piece was also placed in the Upper A section, and this time, everyone boiled with excitement. This was currently the only piece in the Upper A section.

As time went on, the grading entered its final stage, and no more pieces were selected for the A grade.

Meaning, the top three were undisputed.

Cai Yuting once again took the stage, “The porcelain grading is complete, and we will now announce the results.”

Everyone was only interested in the A grade porcelain pieces, not caring about the others. The announcement of results started directly with the A grade.

A servant lifted the Lower A piece, showing the bottom part towards Cai Yuting. Cai Yuting checked the number, “Twenty-seven! Who is number twenty-seven?”

Chu Qingshuang was startled, twenty-seven was her number. Realizing this, she excitedly raised her hand, “Me, me…”

Everyone turned their gazes towards her, filled with disbelief. “Is this young girl only thirteen or fourteen years old? She actually made an A grade porcelain piece. That’s incredible!”

Li Zhenzong was overjoyed, “Qingshuang, quickly take your number and go to the square.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingshuang ran towards the square.

All eyes followed her until she reached the square.

It was the first time in the porcelain competition that such a young girl received an A grade rating. Cai Yuting, looking at the little girl running towards him with a slightly flushed face, was also somewhat incredulous, “What’s your name?”

Chu Qingshuang politely answered, “Hello Master Cai, my name is Chu Qingshuang.”

Cai Yuting smiled and handed her a purse and a commemorative jade plaque, “Congratulations Chu Qingshuang for achieving the Lower A. Congratulations!”

Chu Qingshuang took the items and bowed slightly, “Thank you.” Then she ran back to her family.

Yan Yanrong watched the triumphant Chu Qingshuang, feeling a complex mix of emotions. It was hard to tell whether it was discomfort, jealousy, or envy. It was complicated, like a tangled mess.

Yan Helin sadly lowered his head. He was highly praised in Shuiyun County, but only in the capital did he realize there were many talented people, and he was just an ordinary person.

“Father, our Qingshuang is amazing, right?” Li Shaoliang looked even happier than Chu Qingshuang.

Li Zhenzong straightened his back, proudly saying, “Of course, she’s amazing.”

The Chu family was even more delighted. Everyone surrounded Chu Qingshuang in a circle, congratulating her.

“Qingshuang, congratulations.”

“Qingshuang, congratulations.”

“Sixth Sister, congratulations.”

After speaking with her family, Chu Qingshuang approached Li Zhenzong and gratefully said, “Master, thank you for your guidance.”

Li Zhenzong was extremely gratified, “It’s the result of your own hard work, but don’t slack off. Strive to achieve Upper A next year.”

Chu Qingshuang nodded vigorously, “Yes, Master.”

The people from the Zhang and Yang families looked over, surprised that such a skilled young girl came from a small place..

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