Jingchen Hall, after Meng Zhengjun finished organizing the examination results and led many female students out to post the Red List, the hall became empty and quiet without the vibrant presence of the youthful girls.

It was still early for lunch, and the teachers weren't in a rush to leave, opting to chat, drink tea, or continue grading the exams.

Teacher Chen, who had been quiet so far, seemed a bit pensive, turned to Mr. Zeng as if to ask, but the elderly man simply sipped his tea as usual, remaining silent.

Thus, no one knew the opinion of the 'Academy Elder' who set the Classics Trial Policy questions about the reaction to the paper from candidate number 13 with the ren character, but since it was unexpectedly yet understandably awarded full marks, it must be an appreciative attitude.

Mr. Zeng glanced at the seat by the window in the great hall where a female teacher was quietly reading, as serene as an orchid.

Elsewhere, a few new junior teachers, taking advantage of a leisure moment, gathered to chat, and inevitably the topic turned to the student who was 'nominated with vermilion brush' at the top of the Red List by Meng Zhengjun.

"In fact, what I admire the most isn't the painting skills of the candidate ren number 13 who applied perspective to figure painting; this beauty painting is stunning, and the handling of light and shadow is refreshing, but that's not the main point."

"I most appreciate his boldness to paint this seemingly unorthodox piece during the examination, and even propose such astonishing remarks praising the beauty. It truly resonates with me," Duan Jiuling exclaimed in surprise to his colleagues, "Ren number 13 Zhao Ziyu... it seems he's just like me, a lover of 'beauty'. It's unexpected to find such a student in Shuaixing Hall who suits my taste. I hadn't noticed during classes before, a oversight."

Originally uninterested in the casual chat, Su Changfeng stopped perusing a paper and frowned, "Your admiration is no different from mocking him, isn't it? If Zhao the student knew, he'd probably avoid you."

"Hahaha, how could that be, Su brother? I tell you; just by looking at his painting, I can understand his character completely. We call this making friends through painting, sharing the same interests; it's unmistakable," Duan Jiuling patted him on the shoulder, speaking confidently.

Su Changfeng distastefully wiped his shoulder, "Don't corrupt the excellent students of the academy."

The teachers all chuckled.

Duan Jiuling then turned to Zhu Yourong not far away and asked:

"Daoist Zhu, how come we didn't hear from you before that this ren number... Zhao Ziyu student also scored full marks in your calligraphy class?"

Zhu Yourong casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leisurely marked her place in the rare volume on dragon descendants cultivation with a red maple bookmark, then raised her eyes, appearing relaxed and said, "Ziyu is my calligraphy assistant teacher, has long been the chief of calligraphy within the Six Halls, it's naturally not surprising."

She smiled, "If he wasn't the first in calligraphy, then I'd have to look for him."

After pausing, she explained further: "But I didn't pay attention to his candidate number before. When everyone mentioned ren number 13, I didn't realize it was him, so I didn't bring it up."

Duan Jiuling's colleagues exchanged glances, and Su Changfeng also couldn't help but put down his pen and look sideways.

With curiosity, Duan Jiuling said, "I didn't expect Daoist Zhu had known this student early on and even made him the assistant teacher for calligraphy class; truly, sharp-eyed indeed."

Su Changfeng also couldn't help but interject, "Mr. Zhu's discernment is indeed excellent. We've overlooked such a talented student in the classes we've taught for so long."

Good judgment in choosing students... Zhu Yourong felt pleased and gratified inwardly, but outwardly maintained the same demeanor, even adding a bit of playful disdain:

"A little compliment is fine, but don't praise him in face to face, otherwise this kid could bring chaos. Besides, I wasn't too satisfied with his calligraphy exam... I told him to write 'window' properly, but what did he scribble instead? Hmm, initially didn't want to give him full marks... but given he seemed to have devoted most of his energy to your art studies, having scored full marks in all Six Hall art studies and casually claimed the academy's top spot, it's understandable, perhaps I won't knock on his head in the next class."

After pausing the talk, observing this eclectic female teacher's worrisome pout, the surrounding teachers were puzzled.

My goodness, is that a critique or praise, why does it feel like there's an indescribable bias and boasting there, are you sure you're not showing off?

Duan Jiuling rubbed his bare head, exchanging a helpless look with Su Changfeng.

Soon after, they exchanged knowing glances, quite aware that Zhao Ziyu should be regarded as Mr. Zhu's 'favorite' student, given that every teacher usually has a few excellent students they find very pleasing to work with, either cute and obedient or spirited and energetic, likable, often casually mentioned in private chats with other teachers at Jingchen Hall, such as, how's that fish girl from Shuaixing Hall... how's that Chen kid from Guangye Hall...

So it's not complaining, clearly there's an uncontainable smile in one's eyes while talking, and if the listeners truly believe and start picking faults, the teacher would definitely turn hostile and get cross with you.

Teachers Duan Jiuling and Su Changfeng laughed, exchanged looks, tacitly understood, albeit with some surprise, not expecting such a reserved and elegant Mr. Zhu to have a favored student. But thinking of her dedicated love for calligraphy, coupled with Zhao Ziyu's perfect scores in calligraphy, surely his writing must deeply resonate with Mr. Zhu.

Regarding this, Duan Jiuling and Su Changfeng both deeply understand Zhao Yourong's motivations at this moment, without any doubt. They are also quite curious and appreciative of Zhao Rong's ability to paint and write the "Beauty Painting" and "Divine Woman Ode".

Indeed, after verbally 'criticizing' the students, Zhao Yourong immediately took out a scroll from her sleeve.

"This calligraphy is mediocre, anyone interested can take a look and offer critiques." The female teacher casually handed Zhao Rong's calligraphy to the teachers in the hall. Upon seeing this, everyone chuckled but accepted it out of curiosity, and began to pass it around.

Among the teachers, including some young teachers like Su Changfeng, they glanced more than once at Zhao Yourong's slightly curved lips and silently repeated 'Shuaixing Hall's Zhao Ziyu', keeping it in mind.

"Speaking of Zhao Ziyu, I have a strong impression. At that time, he hadn't yet entered the academy and was still one of the Confucian scholars seeking knowledge outside the academy's side gate..."

Nearby, Teacher Shen, having finished his tasks and taking a sip of tea, couldn't help but interject emotionally upon hearing the conversation among Zhao Yourong, Duan Jiuling, and other young teachers.

Everyone was stunned, and they began to ask curiously.

"Speaking of that day around noon, which is about the same time now, I just happened to be going into town for some wine, and upon leaving, I encountered..." Teacher Shen paused, seemingly recalling something, and glanced at Zhao Yourong who was smiling.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yourong took the initiative to speak first, revealing the misunderstanding and conflict between her mischievous blue-clothed attendant student and Zhao Rong that day, and how she later went to Teacher Yan's place to apologize on behalf of her attendant, leading to her acquaintance with Zhao Rong, whose calligraphy was so excellent that he became an assistant for the calligraphy class.

Of course, there were some minor irrelevant details in between that Zhao Yourong didn't mention, using a few words to deftly gloss over them.

The teachers in the hall were quite moved upon hearing this 'wise mentor recognizing a talented horse' type of story, and couldn't help praising it.

Back then, Teacher Shen, who almost took Zhao Rong while going out for some wine, silently observed Zhao Yourong being surrounded by those inquiring about Zhao Rong. He suddenly reached over, opened the perfect score Classics scroll on the table, and looked down, sighing in his heart, "A truly excellent seedling..."

Before long, Zhao Rong's calligraphy exam paper had circulated among the teachers in the hall and returned to Zhao Yourong's hands. The female teacher smiled faintly and put it away, and Duan Jiuling rubbed his hands, grinning at Zhao Yourong and everyone, "Now let's take a look at mine. This painting is the Beauty Picture drawn by Zhao the Scholar."

As soon as Zhao Yourong saw him take out the Beauty Picture, she instinctively felt a bit wary—an inexplicable wariness. Her typically calm gaze was also briefly troubled, yet Duan Jiuling had already happily drawn out a scroll and passed it along, lauding, "Although the beauties in this painting are unknown, judging by his inscriptions, these should be the top three fairy beauties in Zhao the Scholar's eyes..."

A certain woman was increasingly flustered in her heart, yet at the same time, her smooth white cheeks gradually showed a faint blush. Taking advantage of the moment when everyone hadn't reacted, she quickly reached out to be the first to grab the Beauty Picture and opened it, lowering her head and looking through it.

"But we don't know what relationship these three unparalleled beauties in the painting have with him. Named 'Three Beauties of Qi Family,' are they wives or red-faced confidantes? Or perhaps fairies encountered by chance..." Duan Jiuling teased good-naturedly, about to wink into the curious crowd. Seeing Zhao Yourong's reaction, he hesitated, "Is Zhao Yourong feeling unwell, why does her face look a bit pale?"

"No...nothing, I've encountered a slight obstacle during recent meditation cultivation, occasionally my energy-sustaining blood is a little off, it's nothing serious." As everyone turned their gaze, Zhao Yourong looked away from the scroll and waved her hand while speaking.

Su Changfeng frowned and sighed, "Well, that's good, but Zhao should take care too. Cultivation is no small matter, health is most important, completing exams is secondary. You can just stay in Yilan Pavilion to grade, if something comes up you can send an attendant to inform, no need to come personally."

Zhao Yourong tasted a mix of emotions in her mouth, nodding and saying, "Thank you for your concern, Su. ... Su's right, I shouldn't have come today."

As she spoke, this female teacher didn't look at the scroll, handing it casually to curious colleagues beside her.

A certain bald painter was quite oblivious, expectantly asking, "How does Zhao Yourong feel about Zhao the Scholar's depiction of these three beauties?"

"Very well done," Zhao Yourong replied, somewhat piqued.

"He's always been good at such things...yes, really knows how to paint." The female teacher turned her head, as if casually facing the academy where someone was, repeatedly praising.

"Does Zhao Yourong know the three beauties depicted in the painting?" Duan Jiuling heard and grew more curious.

"I do know them...they are three sworn sisters of mine," the female teacher said seriously.

"Zhao Yourong's sworn sisters? All three?" Duan Jiuling was somewhat surprised, but before he could think more, Zhao Rong's scroll had already completed a round, returning to his hand, and after seven or eight teachers had reviewed it, they were laughing and praising, so Duan Jiuling didn't dwell on it further.

...

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