Chapter 17: Liu Fuzi’s Jaw-Dropping Shock

Shen Xiuyan scratched his head, feeling like Liu Fuzi might have misunderstood something…

Should he explain?

But before he could decide, Liu Fuzi suddenly spoke again, throwing his thoughts into disarray.

“Young man, would you like to study at our academy?”

The moment those words came out, even the shopkeeper standing by like a background prop was stunned.

The academy where Liu Fuzi taught wasn’t a place just anyone could enter—everyone there was undoubtedly the best in the county.

The shopkeeper looked at Shen Xiuyan with an expression full of shock, confusion, and admiration.

He was right—Young Master Shen’s future was limitless!

At least, Liu Fuzi clearly thought so. Otherwise, why would he break the rules to let him into the academy?

Seeing Shen Xiuyan standing there dumbfounded, the shopkeeper hurriedly prompted him, “This is a huge opportunity, Young Master Shen. What are you waiting for?”

Snapping back to his senses, Shen Xiuyan bowed deeply. “I’m willing.”

Liu Fuzi stroked his beard in satisfaction. That’s more like it.

Since this person was so young, he couldn’t be a kindred spirit—but putting him in the academy worked just as well.

With such a talent nearby, he could ask for any style of calligraphy he liked. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

As for his academic aptitude—well, that could be left to fate.

After all, he was already this age and still only a tongsheng. His comprehension skills must be abysmal. Even if he had studied at Longmen Academy before, that didn’t count for much.

Thinking this, he said again, “Report to Qingcheng Academy tomorrow morning. No need to bring the admission fee—I’ll make an exception and grant you this privilege.”

“Thank you, Fuzi.” Shen Xiuyan agreed readily, though he was puzzled. There were such privileges?

Was Liu Fuzi not worried about the academy losing money?

Normally, Qingcheng Academy’s fees had to be far higher than what his previous school charged.

Oh well—since the teacher had already said it, a sensible person like him wouldn’t question it.

A penny saved is a penny earned. Wouldn’t it be better spent buying something for his sweetheart?

And so, a beautiful misunderstanding was born—Shen Xiuyan, a poor, pitiful little guy.

And it was all Liu Fuzi’s fault for not thinking it through.

Someone who could write calligraphy like that—how could they possibly not be making money…

But at the moment, he was completely captivated by the calligraphy before him.

“Well then, we’ll leave it at that for now.” With that, he unceremoniously reached out and took the scrap papers Shen Xiuyan had left on the table.

“These, I’ll take with me too.”

Of course—he was from the same academy now. Taking things felt totally justified!

“Alright.” Shen Xiuyan watched his departing figure, thinking the teacher was truly strange.

He left the properly copied books but took those few sheets of discarded drafts?

Could he have some sort of obsession with scrap paper?

Whatever, I’ll respect it!

Meanwhile, Liu Fuzi, eager to return and carefully savor his treasures, had no idea what he had just missed…

The next morning at first light, Shen Xiuyan arrived at Qingcheng Academy looking fresh and ready.

The students of Qingcheng Academy looked down on this transfer from Longmen Academy.

Clearly, he must have pulled some strings to get out of the bottom-tier Longmen.

So everyone was cold and aloof that first day.

Shen Xiuyan didn’t mind—an academy was for studying, not for making friends.

As long as he focused on learning, that was enough.

He wasn’t like the others!

He had a beautiful dream—to pass the xiucai exam as soon as possible and marry his rich and beautiful beloved.

After a full day of classes, he was thoroughly satisfied.

Having a teacher’s guidance was so much better than blindly memorizing on his own.

Now, he didn’t just recite texts—he finally understood their meaning.

Wonderful.

In this joyful mood, after a few days of studying, Shen Xiuyan faced his first small exam.

During this time, he hadn’t seen Liu Fuzi appear at the academy even once, and had no idea where he’d gone.

Facing this exam, Shen Xiuyan was still a little nervous.

But the moment he received the test paper, he actually breathed a sigh of relief—thank goodness, it didn’t seem too difficult.

The question came from a line in The Great Learning: “The Way of the Great Learning consists in manifesting one’s bright virtue, in loving the people, and in resting in the highest good.”

He thought for a moment, formed his ideas, and began writing smoothly.

The next day, the teachers gathered to grade the papers.

“Did anyone come across a good paper this time?”

“I have one here that’s not bad. Judging by the handwriting, it looks like Qiu Heyu from Class A.”

To ensure fairness at the academy, all test papers were anonymized and shuffled.

But after a while, the top students were always the same few, and these sharp-eyed teachers could tell whose paper it was at a glance.

“Haha, that’s Old Wu’s student, right? He’s a solid one. Looks like he’ll place for sure this time.”

Wu Fuzi from Class A smiled modestly. “Not at all. I’ve got a good paper here from Shi Rong in Class B—it’s quite well written.”

“Sigh, seems like the truly talented students in this academy are just a handful. Is there really no other standout this time?”

“Wait!” someone suddenly stood up and exclaimed, “I have one!!!”

Everyone turned to look at the person who’d shouted and then fallen silent, curiosity pushing them to gather around and take a look.

At first glance, the calligraphy was excellent—already showing a unique spirit and structure. Given time, this handwriting could certainly earn renown.

On second glance, the essay’s content stood out with its distinct insight—it not only articulated the writer’s personal ambitions but also subtly expressed loyalty to the ruler and love for the nation.

Though it had a hint of flattery, examiners couldn’t help but enjoy this kind of subtle praise.

Everyone’s first impression: this person was incredibly perceptive.

Someone couldn’t help but ask, “Who is this? I’ve never seen this handwriting before.”

“Me neither.”

“Have there been any new students lately?”

“I think so. If I remember right, Class D recently got someone new… someone surnamed Shen… Shen… ah, can’t remember.”

“Why are you all chattering so loudly?” After several days of admiring calligraphy behind closed doors, Liu Fuzi finally made an appearance.

When they saw him, the teachers excitedly said, “Liu Fuzi! The academy might have another remarkable student. We just don’t know yet if it’s a stroke of luck or true skill.”

“Really? Let me take a look.” Liu Fuzi examined the paper, nodding repeatedly. “Indeed, well written. Especially the calligraphy—it’s excellent. Which class is this from? The handwriting looks unfamiliar.”

“Seems to be a new student. We don’t recognize it either.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Open it up and check the name.”

“Wait—”

Before they could stop him, Liu Fuzi had already unsealed the name section of the test paper.

The one who tried to stop him gave a wry smile. Only Liu Fuzi dared do something like this at the academy—looking at names before grading was complete broke the rules.

But no one dared say anything.

After all, Liu Fuzi was the academy’s living legend.

With a swift tear, the name was revealed.

Shen Xiuyan.

Three bold characters came into view.

What?

Shen Xiuyan?!!

Wasn’t that the person he’d personally brought into the academy just days ago…

So this was his real handwriting. No wonder—he truly was gifted. Even his script had its own distinctive style.

Excellent, excellent. He was quite pleased.

Wait! Hold on!

He’s already this old and hasn’t passed the xiucai exam—how did he write an essay like this?!!