Chapter 438 - 169: Dog Market
Chapter 438: Chapter 169: Dog Market
"You’re not smiling right! Tell the truth. Are you pushing us to enroll early as part of some scheme?"
De’an stared at Wang Jun’s furtive grin. No matter how he looked at it, something felt off.
His intuition told him something was up, but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what it was.
Wang Jun feigned innocence. "It takes one to know one, my friend. I’m telling you to enroll early for your own good, aren’t I? How can you twist my intentions like that? I’m heartbroken that you don’t trust me."
"Hurt my ass. I can tell you’re up to no good."
They knew each other so well by now that De’an didn’t bother putting on airs or pretending to be a gentleman in front of Wang Jun and Wang Xiao.
He crossed one leg over the other, his face a mask of disdainful disbelief. His unrestrained posture was so provocative it made you want to smack him.
But he was also genuinely sharp. He had actually seen right through Wang Jun’s little scheme, leaving Wang Jun speechless for a moment.
Wang Xiao came to his younger brother’s rescue. "He’s not telling you to enroll early out of malice, but it’s not exactly out of kindness, either. He just wants you to get over there quickly and suffer through that hellish life with him, so he’ll have some company."
At this, De’an instantly perked up. Even Zhao Jing couldn’t help but shoot a look in their direction.
Wang Xiao cleared his throat. "Surely you know that new students have to take monthly and quarterly exams? If you enroll now, you’ll not only be in time for this month’s exam, but you’ll also be able to take the quarterly exam at the end of the month."
The mere mention of exams made De’an’s head ache.
"Do they have to be so strict? An exam every month? That’s enough to burn a person out!"
Wang Jun said with a shudder, "Getting burned out is the least of your worries. It’s failing and being ’advised’ to withdraw from the school that’s truly humiliating."
"They can kick you out?!" De’an’s voice cracked.
’He only passed the Scholar exam by a stroke of dumb luck. If he entered the prefectural school, he’d undoubtedly be at the bottom of the class.’
’He’d definitely be the one to rank last. If he got kicked out, he’d bring shame upon all of Qingshui County!’
’I wonder if my sister would pay for my trip if I just headed back to Qingshui County right now.’
De’an exploded, pointing a finger at Wang Jun’s nose. "I knew you were up to no good! Is your life so miserable that you wanted me to hurry over and suffer with you? Once I take over last place, you can just kick back and relax, is that it?"
Wang Jun rubbed his nose. "I told you, don’t be so quick to judge and underestimate people. We’re brothers who’ve been through thick and thin together. I’m eager for you to pass the provincial exam and become a scholar; why would I ever wish you ill?"
"Bah! I don’t believe a single word you say."
The two bickered and roughhoused for a while, only stopping when they were both panting and exhausted.
They were as childish as little kids just starting school. No one who saw them would believe they were newly minted Scholars.
Wang Xiao couldn’t help but shake his head.
He spoke to Zhao Jing with genuine earnestness. "The head professor at the school is a former Director from the Ministry of Rites. He was demoted to this post after offending a powerful noble. His temperament is unyielding, and he’s strict with himself and others, but he is a true Champion Scholar. The other registrars and instructors are also mostly Advanced Scholars or have earned the same degree. At the school, scholars are only fit for menial tasks, and Scholars like you are the real bottom of the barrel. Say what you will, but your progress will be much faster studying here than fumbling around on your own."
He then tilted his chin, motioning for Zhao Jing to look at Wang Jun.
"My brother and I used to be at a similar academic level. But since he entered the school, my knowledge has fallen far behind his."
The words were harsh, but they were the truth.
He wanted to study at the school too, but his father was just a minor academic official.
The position of academic official sounds respectable, and back in Qingshui County, he’d be considered a top figure. But at the school, it’s truly insignificant.
His father isn’t even qualified to teach classes himself. His daily duties are limited to assisting the head professor, registrars, and instructors.
It wasn’t impossible for him to get in through his father’s connections, but once inside, how would he fit in?
’Anyone you grabbed at random there is a Scholar, but I’m not even a qualifying candidate. Attending lectures would just be asking for humiliation, wouldn’t it?’
Wang Xiao shook his head just thinking about such a difficult predicament. That was why he was still studying hard at home, preparing to take the county exam again next year.
The county exam was held twice every three years. It would be held again next year, and he was confident that he would pass this time.
Wang Xiao went on for quite some time, but Zhao Jing remained quiet.
He took Wang Xiao’s words to heart and immediately turned to discuss enrolling as soon as possible with De’an.
De’an furrowed his brow. "But weren’t we going to the Xie Family’s Book Collection Pavilion?"