Chapter 65: Calculations - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 65: Calculations

After repeatedly reciting Yin Canwen's verses, Wen Xinglu looked at him with a complex expression.

Although heroes admire heroes, for someone like Wen Xinglu who prided himself on his talent, it was hard to truly respect another person unless they utterly outclassed him.

His hand crumpled the paper in frustration as he watched everyone praise Yin Canwen, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Wen Mengsheng, standing beside him, showed a trace of cunning in his eyes and stirred the pot, saying, "He just had the advantage of going first. If you had submitted your paper a bit earlier, who knows who would have been the star today."

Wen Xinglu's expression darkened. He hated being compared to others the most.

"You flatter me, cousin. Yin Canwen's talent is beyond my reach."

Although he said this, the defiant look in his eyes was fully captured by Wen Mengsheng.

Wen Xinglu rewrote his earlier poem, but when his paper was handed in, it received some praise. However, the scholars weren't as enthusiastic about him as they were about Yin Canwen.

An hour later, the results were out.

All four scholars unanimously named Yin Canwen as the first-place winner of the first round. Wen Xinglu clenched his fists again. "It's just a civilian contest. The real winner will be decided in the imperial exam."

His words carried a tone of disdain for Yin Canwen.

"You’re right, cousin." Wen Mengsheng replied with a smile. His cousin's talent was far superior to his own, so it was only natural to maintain a good relationship with him for future prospects.

The students surrounding them, who usually followed Wen Mengsheng's lead, naturally didn't like Yin Canwen now that he was in the spotlight.

Receiving a signal from Wen Mengsheng, they began to fan the flames even more.

Feng Jinyao observed all of this and her dislike for Wen Mengsheng grew. He often used others to do his dirty work, but this time, with her involved, the outcome would be different.

In previous years, the Spring Poetry Society held four rounds of competitions. However, this year, out of consideration for Scholar Lu's health, it was reduced to two rounds.

The theme for the second round was "Tribute from All Nations,' which left many students from humble backgrounds at a disadvantage. They had never witnessed such grand scenes and struggled to write appropriate poems.

Some couldn’t even complete their verses within the allotted time. The few poems submitted were not particularly impressive.

Wen Xinglu, having witnessed the grandeur outside Changchun Tower, wrote, 'The nine heavens open to the palace gates, nations bow in crowned robes.' This impressed Scholar Lu greatly.

"Not bad, not bad. It seems you'll do well in next year's imperial exams."

Receiving this praise, Wen Xinglu relaxed and cast a somewhat provocative glance at Yin Canwen.

But Yin Canwen showed no sign of frustration or disdain. Instead, he genuinely congratulated Wen Xinglu, making the latter feel a bit petty for his earlier attitude.

Thus, though Wen Xinglu felt brief satisfaction, he had unwittingly made an enemy of Yin Canwen.

Following this competition, both Yin Canwen and Wen Xinglu became well-known among the students in the capital. Some tavern owners even set up betting pools on who would become the top scholar, making it a popular topic of conversation.

Of course, that's another story.

For now, after the competition, Feng Jinlin didn't hurry back to the academy but instead intercepted his uncle's carriage halfway.

The Bai family's servants knew the temper of the second young master of the Feng family and dared not stop him.

Bai Chaohai, who had been resting in the carriage, felt it stop and asked, "What's going on?"

"It's me, uncle."

Recognizing Feng Jinlin's voice, Bai Chaohai laughed, "Caught in the act? Don't think I'll plead for you."

He enjoyed watching the drama but would never interfere on their behalf.

Feng Jinyao shrugged, watching Bai Siruo's guilty look. However, Bai Sirup grinned mischievously.

"You'd better come out. If Brother Jinlin scolds, you have to shield me."

Patting her shoulder, Bai Siruo declared confidently, "Don't worry, I'll speak to him."

With that, she jumped out of the carriage in her bookboy disguise, showing no fear of Feng Jinlin.

"Brother, if you're angry, take it out on me. Don’t scare Ah Yao."

"You know how to protect her, yet you take her on wild outings, even to the poetry society. Aren't you afraid someone will recognize you? Many young masters in the capital have seen you both."

Feng Jinlin's main worry was their reputations being tarnished if discovered.

Bai Siruo smiled, "Relax. We've only been glimpsed briefly at banquets. How could they remember?"

Now able to scrutinize her disguise, Feng Jinlin saw she indeed looked convincingly like a boy, not easily recognized.

"Hmph, you just go ahead. Next time, don’t drag Ah Yao along. She'll be of marriageable age next year, and any scandal could affect her prospects. Grandmother and my mother won't let you off."

Though he sounded intimidating, Bai Siruo wasn't scared.

But his words shocked Yin Canwen. Marriageable age? So, they were girls?

Yin Canwen was suddenly unsettled. Even though Feng Jinlin kept his voice low, he dared not react visibly.

A small, delicate hand lifted the curtain, revealing a pretty face in a bookboy's attire, delicate yet unmistakably feminine. Her voice was pleasant as she said, "Brother Jinlin, don't blame Siruo. It was my fault. We can talk at home."

Yin Canwen's heart skipped a beat.

Although Feng Jinlin was too busy to notice his reaction, he gave instructions, "Be careful on the way. We’ll talk at home."

Bai Siruo nodded and reboarded the carriage. Seeing Feng Jinlin ride ahead, the coachman urged the horses to catch up.

This was Yin Canwen's first time entering the Feng family's residence. He noted the serene atmosphere, disciplined servants, and the grandeur and elegance of the estate.

His thoughts returned to the voice he had heard earlier, and he felt a bit dazed.

Feng Jinlin settled him in his courtyard before striding quickly towards Feng Jinyao's Courtyard.

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶