C12 History Quiz

Everyone took their seats.

"Teacher Tang, may I inquire about the question you have for us today?"

"How can I become your disciple?"

A student voiced the question on everyone's mind.

In truth, the group's visit to the library to amend history books was just one goal. More importantly, they aspired to become disciples of Tang Tianshan.

After all, in the eyes of the world, this signified an ascension to great heights and a status worthy of admiration.

Tang Tianshan smiled and responded, "Today, I have but one question. Whoever answers it correctly will be accepted as my disciple."

His words rippled through the crowd like a boulder cast into a still lake, stirring excitement and anticipation.

"Just by answering a single question, one could become Teacher Tang's disciple? I wonder if I could be the one to succeed?"

"Given that Teacher Tang has posed only one question, I fear it may be exceedingly challenging."

"I reckon only a top student like Sun Mingyuan stands a chance."

All eyes turned to Sun Mingyuan.

Indeed, Sun Mingyuan held a notable position in the realm of historical studies.

Many conceded their inferiority to him.

With a supremely confident smile, Sun Mingyuan nodded to the assembly, his gaze covertly sweeping over Su Xueqing, as if to flaunt his status.

"I'm curious about today's topic. I'd like to take on the challenge."

Tang Tianshan regarded Sun Mingyuan, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of admiration.

Composed and humble, Sun Mingyuan indeed matched Tang Tianshan's selection criteria.

"With your wealth of knowledge, you should find this question manageable," Tang Tianshan assured him.

"Please, Teacher, present the question."

Tang Tianshan gestured for his assistant to distribute paper and pens to everyone.

"You have only one minute to write your answers. No copying, no whispering."

The scholars all nodded in agreement, heeding Tang Tianshan's reminder. Naturally, they would not engage in such misconduct.

"Everyone is aware that the history of the Northern and Southern Dynasties is somewhat obscure, with few scholars delving into it. Why do you think this is?" Tang Tianshan posed the question.

At his words, most attendees bowed their heads, lost in contemplation.

The question was neither particularly hard nor simple.

More precisely, it was a trick question.

For instance, while the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are well-known, how many are familiar with the Xianbei and Roran Kingdoms?

Everyone is familiar with the Qin Emperor, Song Zu, and the Tang Emperor, but how many know about social theory or Ke Bineng?

This knowledge might be relatively obscure, but it's not entirely unknown.

Tang Tianshan was engaging everyone in a clever play on words.

Indeed, a seemingly simple question could truly test a student's comprehension of history and their ability to respond.

Ye Chen allowed himself a slight smile as he silently penned his answer.

For him, the question was a breeze.

"Time's up. Please put your pens down."

The assistant then collected the papers once more.

"Do you know the answer?"

"I don't, I didn't write anything down."

"Same here. I could grasp something from Teacher Tang's question, but I just couldn't articulate it."

"I wonder if Mingyuan managed to come up with the answer?"

Sun Mingyuan's face was adorned with a confident smile, clearly very sure of his response.

Tang Tianshan took only a few minutes to grade the papers, as there were so few responses.

Of those, merely two were correct.

Yet, Ye Chen's accurate answer was a pleasant surprise for Tang Tianshan.

"Mingyuan, your answer is spot on. Please share it with the class."

Tang Tianshan invited, addressing the eager crowd.

"Of course, Teacher."

After a moment of reflection, Sun Mingyuan began, "The Northern and Southern Dynasties are not well-known because their history spans a great length of time, with scarce historical documents that are often inconsistent and fragmented. To truly understand their history requires significant investment of time and resources."

"Moreover, the depth of their historical significance isn't seen as particularly valuable, which contributes to their relative obscurity."

Hearing Sun Mingyuan's explanation, everyone experienced an epiphany, as if a veil had been lifted from their understanding.

There were no lack of capable individuals among them.

The question wasn't insurmountable, but it demanded extensive contemplation and research.

The fact that Sun Mingyuan could instantly conjure the answer was nothing short of impressive.

Applause broke out spontaneously.

All were swayed by Sun Mingyuan's insight.

"Mingyuan, well done," Tang Tianshan commended with a nod.

Sun Mingyuan was visibly moved.

To receive such praise from Tang Tianshan in front of everyone was a clear indication of his potential mentorship.

Seizing the moment, Sun Mingyuan respectfully responded, "Thank you for the compliment, Master."

Elder Tang shook his head. "Hold on, there's no need to rush. Someone else has also come up with the correct answer."

Sun Mingyuan was taken aback.

Could someone actually match him?

His face soured. "Teacher Tang, who might that be?"

"Who here is Ye Chen? Please, stand up," Elder Tang scanned the room.

Ye Chen rose to his feet, stunning the entire assembly.

No one had anticipated that a high school student would solve a problem that had stumped everyone else.

"It's no surprise he got it right. He was the top scorer in the citywide joint examination."

"He's not just any top scorer; he earned 748 points, shattering the high score records for both the city and the province."

"This high school student is truly exceptional!"

As the crowd murmured their admiration, even Elder Tang couldn't help but take a second look at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen maintained a slight smile, unfazed by praise or criticism. Even with all eyes on him, he remained composed and confident—an air of fortitude not commonly found.

Ye Chen was indeed a good kid.

A spark of enthusiasm flickered in Elder Tang's eyes.

Sun Mingyuan clenched his teeth in silent resentment.

Ye Chen was proving to be a real thorn in his side.

Yet, Sun Mingyuan refused to believe that Ye Chen's knowledge of history was that deep; he suspected it was more a stroke of luck.

After all, Teacher Tang's question wasn't particularly challenging. It was common enough that Ye Chen might have come across it in his casual reading of history books.

"Teacher Tang, since we've both answered correctly, what's the next step?" he inquired.

Elder Tang was at a loss.

He hadn't anticipated such a scenario.

"Teacher Tang, in that case, why not let Ye Chen and me face off in a separate challenge?" suggested Sun Mingyuan, his inner voice dripping with disdain. You think it's just luck? You think scoring first in the city makes you unbeatable?

I'll expose you for what you are and show you just how little you stand in the annals of history.

"That's up to Ye Chen," Elder Tang replied.

Ye Chen was certainly not intimidated by Sun Mingyuan. After repeated provocations, Ye Chen felt it would be quite satisfying to put him in his place.

"Teacher Tang, I agree."

"Alright, then let's have a history quiz. Each of you come up with four questions. Whoever answers the most correctly wins."

Sun Mingyuan said, "Teacher Tang, considering Ye Chen is still in high school and I'm his senior, it wouldn't be fair to compete on equal terms. It might seem like I'm taking advantage of my position."

"How about this: if I fail to answer even one of the four questions, then I concede defeat!"

"Brother Sun, that's truly honorable of you!"

"This way, it's fair to Ye Chen as well, given that Brother Sun's knowledge of history is beyond what most can match."

Ye Chen shrugged. Did he really need Sun Mingyuan to go easy on him?

Ye Chen proposed, "Here's my counteroffer: I'll ask just one question. If you can answer it, then you win."