Chapter 611: Beautiful Moon

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

On the morning of the sixth day of the scientific examination, the last segment of the Six Arts of the Gentleman was riding and archery.

For five consecutive days, they had been curled up in the narrow examination hall. The examinees were listless and couldn’t muster any energy.

Those who came from better families and ate well could still hold on. A portion of the examinees were not in good health, did not eat well, and did not sleep well. They were very weak.

Scholar Lu was in the middle. His physique was very ordinary, and he could not withstand it even if he ate well.

When he arrived at the horse range, he felt as though he was floating. When he thought of the upcoming riding and shooting exam, he felt even more sorrowful.

The Six Arts of the Gentleman accounted for 30% of the Imperial Examination. Among them, riding and archery only accounted for a fifth of the points out of 30%.

Even so, the examinees didn’t dare to slack off.

If they failed this, they might fail the entire exam.

Most of the examinees would return home after the imperial provincial examination. They would wait two or four years before attempting the imperial civil service examination.

Very few examinees would continue to take the imperial civil service examination in one go. Those who did either had very solid foundations in their academic abilities, or their families couldn’t hold on for too long. They valued the overall score even more.

If their scores were not good enough, they would not be able to continue taking the exam.

Scholar Lu’s legs began to tremble when he saw the snorting horses.

He was not good at riding and shooting.

Qin Huai’s condition was very good. He practiced martial arts to begin with, so his physique was different from ordinary people.

Coupled with the fact that the young man was very energetic and had the help of Ah Yu’s spiritual water, he was in the best condition.

He was the seventh to go on the range. Of the first six, two barely hit the target, and the other four missed completely.

Riding and archery were divided into two categories. If one performed well, their score would naturally be higher. If they were good in only one category, it was still barely enough.

When it was Qin Huai’s turn, he jumped and got on the horse in one swift move.

The gentle-tempered horse was quickly controlled by him to complete the entire riding course. He then took out the arrows from the quiver on the horse’s abdomen and pulled the bow.

The assessment was to shoot three arrows. Qin Huai shot all three arrows at once.

Whoosh-

Swish!

Everyone saw the three arrows stably strike the bullseye and sink an inch deep into the target.

The examinees present were all stunned.

Qin Huai put his bow behind him, flipped his boots, and dismounted.

In the past, he had thought of hiding his strength and fighting steadily.

However, Ah Yu wanted him to be the top scorer.

In that case, there was no need to hide his strength. If he shone bright enough, even the Empress wouldn’t dare to brazenly confiscate the honor he deserved!

Scholar Lu looked at the shaking arrow and swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

He was now certain that the pain in his throat previously was definitely caused by this person.

However, at this moment, he couldn’t bring himself to confront him.

Since he was so skilled at riding and archery, his family must have the conditions for him to practice.

He did not know his results of the written examination, but it shouldn’t be too bad.

In that case…

What they had said on the ship previously was probably not an insult to the top scorer, but a determination to obtain it?

Scholar Lu was in a daze. When he thought of the embarrassing things he had done, he felt his face turn red.

No wonder he was so angry. If it were him, how could he not be angry?

Previously, he still wanted to take revenge, even if he had to use his family connections. Now, it seemed that he had simply embarrassed his ancestors!

He did not know what the other party thought of him. They probably felt like they were looking at a confused fool.

As he was thinking, he suddenly heard someone exclaim, “Be careful!”

Scholar Lu was in a panic when he saw an arrow flying towards him.

It was a nervous examinee who made a mistake. He actually shot an arrow towards the students waiting for their turn. Scholar Lu was directly in the course of the arrow!

He widened his eyes and saw that an invigilator had already stood up quickly. The students beside him also quickly dodged.

However, he stood rooted to the ground.

My life is over!

Clang-

Something was thrown over. The arrow was knocked askew and fell to the ground.

On closer look, it was actually a jade headband.

The jade band smashed into the hard ground and shattered.

Scholar Lu looked over and happened to see Qin Huai.

The young man’s long hair draped down to his waist, and his eyes were calm.

It was as if he had seen through all the vicissitudes of life and nothing in the mortal world could move him.

Scholar Lu choked. At that moment, he seemed to have seen his Old Ancestor.

The small commotion at the event location was quickly suppressed by the invigilator. The examinee who shot the crooked arrow fainted from fear.

Qin Huai took the shattered headband from someone else and sat back down quietly.

The others looked at him. Although his face was young, he wasn’t afraid of danger and was very skilled.

Everyone praised in their hearts, “What an elegant young man!”

Such an extraordinary person would definitely have some achievements in the future.

Even if he failed the Imperial Examination this time, with his glorious appearance, he would definitely be on the rankings next time.

Among them, Scholar Lu was especially shocked.

The other party actually disregarded the past and saved his life. Such an upright gentleman made him look even more like a bastard in the past!

He even guessed that he had been plotted against by the other party and had wronged him. If the other party really looked down on him, why would he save him?

Qin Huai ignored these people’s guesses and only waited patiently for all the examinees to complete the assessment before going out.

This place was filled with all kinds of men. They had not bathed for a few days and the stench was unbearable.

He missed Ah Yu.

After noon, the invigilators gathered all the assessment content together with the main department and checked the examinees’ conditions.

Those who should be sent to the medical hall were carried out.

The examinees were not allowed to go out of the venue, but if they suddenly contracted an illness during the Imperial Examination, there would also be medical officials at the event location to treat them.

Most of them fainted because of insufficient stamina, and some fell sick because of their poor physique.

After the exam, these people would be sent to the medical hail outside. Some of them would be taken away by their families.

Qin Huai ignored these details. After hearing that they were allowed to go, he walked out of the exam hall early.

The students talked to their acquaintances in twos and threes. Some people discussed Qin Huai or wanted to exchange a few pleasantries with him, but Qin Huai ignored them.

“Qin Huai, wait for me.” Wang Chuangui carried two food boxes and a large basket and followed Qin Huai.

Qin Huai saw him and nodded. “Second Uncle.”

The two of them were holding the same thing. Wang Chuangui was tall and burly, but he didn’t look as relaxed as Qin Huai.

He couldn’t help but sigh at his old age and lack of youth.

However, he was still happy that he could finally come out to take a breather. After sitting inside for and doing nothing for five days, he repeatedly recalled the first half of his life. He had almost become a Zen cultivator.

“Big Brother All You, Second Uncle, we’re here!” After walking out, Ah Yu’s clear girlish voice sounded from the crowd.

Qin Huai took a few steps forward and greeted her, his cold eyebrows softening.

“Ah Yu.”

At this moment, an abrupt voice sounded. “Hey, isn’t that the wife I like in front?”

Little Feng came to watch the students, but he saw an easy-to-recognize figure in the crowd. She was wearing a yellow dress and looked very approachable.

Who else could it be but Ah Yu?

He looked around and didn’t see Old Madam Wang and the others, so he became bolder.

Qin Huai watched as he pushed through the crowd and walked straight towards Ah Yu. He took a step forward and blocked in front of him.

Instead of talking to him, he asked Chi Jia, who had appeared, “Where did he come from?”

Chi Jia recalled Old Madam Wang’s smiling face before he left and said in a low voice, “This kid is just a lecher.”

Qin Huai’s eyes darkened.

Actually, not to mention Old man Wang, Chi Jia was also puzzled previously. The old lady doted on Miss Ah Yu so much, so why did she ignore her when she was bullied?

Now, he understood.

The old lady wanted to see how the Young Master would resolve it.

This was an exam question from Grandma..