C13 No Matter How Tricky the Question Was It Was Useless

Ye Chen's arrogance knew no bounds!

He must have believed his exam scores were the highest in the city, which led him to dismiss everyone around him.

Unfriendly glances were directed at Ye Chen from all sides.

Scholars typically valued humility and deference.

Ye Chen's lack of respect for others clearly violated these principles.

Even a flicker of annoyance crossed Tang Tianshan's eyes.

Ye Chen's pride and haughtiness were unbecoming of a disciple. This was not the demeanor he should exhibit.

"Ye Chen, don't you think you're being overly presumptuous?" Su Xueqing asked, her brow furrowed, her voice tinged with urgency.

In truth, she didn't believe Ye Chen to be conceited; she simply didn't want him to miss out on a great opportunity by getting caught up in rivalry.

"Don't worry. My grasp of historical knowledge is profound. Sun Mingyuan wouldn't stand a chance against me, and even Tang Tianshan himself couldn't best me in a contest."

Su Xueqing's mouth fell open slightly.

She had not anticipated Ye Chen's self-assurance.

Yet, a sudden intuition told her that Ye Chen might actually be speaking the truth.

Her anxiety dissolved after hearing Ye Chen's confident response, and she felt significantly more reassured.

Since when had she placed so much trust in Ye Chen?

"Brother Sun, you have to win. Ye Chen isn't just underestimating you; he's underestimating all of us."

"Just accept the challenge and compete with Ye Chen. You need to show him that history isn't just from textbooks, and give him a lesson."

"Right, by doing this, you're not picking on the weak; you're standing up for the honor of us scholars."

Sun Mingyuan was buoyed by everyone's expectations.

Feigning determination, he declared, "Fine, since you're so full of yourself, I'll take you on. I'm going to teach you a lesson and show you there are plenty of people far superior to you. You're young, and the road ahead is long. It'll do you good to have your edge dulled a bit now."

Internally, he was elated.

Clearly, Ye Chen had just handed him the opportunity to become Tang Tianshan's disciple on a silver platter.

What a fool Ye Chen was.

"Then let's begin and not waste any more time," Ye Chen stated coolly.

"You truly don't recognize what's in your best interest."

Sun Mingyuan stroked his chin, pondering deeply. "First question: During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Emperor Gao, also known as Xiao Daocheng, was the founding emperor of the Southern Qi Dynasty. Can you tell me what his favorite food was?"

The question plunged the group into contemplation once more.

Few people delved into the history of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and even fewer knew the culinary preferences of an emperor.

Sun Mingyuan certainly wouldn't pose such a question without reason.

He must have had historical evidence to back it up, evidence that simply hadn't been discovered yet.

Without realizing it, Sun Mingyuan had once again earned everyone's respect.

"Flatbread and duck soup," Ye Chen answered without a moment's hesitation.

"You actually know the answer to this question!" Sun Mingyuan exclaimed in astonishment.

He had painstakingly derived the answer from various documents and historical records, information that was not even available on Baidu. If Ye Chen hadn't previously researched this topic, how could he possibly know the answer?

Was it just another coincidence?

Indeed, it seemed Ye Chen had a fondness for the history of the Northern and Southern Dynasties; he had studied it.

Seeing Sun Mingyuan's pallid complexion, the crowd immediately knew Ye Chen had gotten it right.

They fell silent.

They were unable to answer the question themselves, yet Ye Chen had effortlessly provided the correct response.

It was clear to them what this signified.

"It's your turn to ask a question," Sun Mingyuan said icily.

"Why don't you continue asking? I only have one final question in reserve."

"Second question: Who was the founding emperor of the Liang Kingdom?"

"Zhu Wen."

"And which emperor was known as 'Emperor Chu'?"

"Shi Chonggui."

Sweat began to bead on Sun Mingyuan's brow. He hadn't anticipated Ye Chen being such a formidable opponent, answering each question correctly and without the slightest hesitation.

His mastery of history was profound.

"The eighth question..."

"Mingyuan, let it go."

Sun Mingyuan had far exceeded the agreed-upon number of questions, breaking the rules in the process.

Tang Tianshan, noticing Sun Mingyuan's flushed face, intervened to prevent further embarrassment.

One may lose, but one must not lose face.

"Teacher Tang, I'd like to pose one final question to Ye Chen. If he can answer correctly, I'll concede defeat right away," Sun Mingyuan declared, though clearly reluctant to do so.

"Alright then," Tang Tianshan sighed, shaking his head in resignation.

"Question eight: There's a woman named Wang Feng. All she does is immerse herself in household chores, care for her husband, and teach her children, leading a contented life. Who is she?"

Sun Mingyuan was out of options.

The question was one he had concocted on the fly.

Ye Chen was formidable; losing was not an option for Sun Mingyuan.

He wasn't concerned about his own embarrassment, but he was determined to become Tang Tianshan's disciple. He was intent on winning, by any means necessary.

As expected, the question stumped everyone, Tang Tianshan included, who furrowed his brow in thought.

Su Xueqing watched Ye Chen remain silent for an unusually long time, and an inexplicable tension gripped her.

Could it be that Ye Chen didn't know the answer?

He had always responded to questions immediately, but now he seemed to be pondering.

Was Ye Chen about to lose today?

With the situation having escalated to this point, it would be such a shame if Ye Chen were defeated.

Finally, Sun Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ye Chen, I acknowledge your talent, but you shouldn't be overly arrogant. Let's consider this a tie, since I've asked you several more questions than usual. Of course, my intention is to foster your improvement."

Everyone internally judged Sun Mingyuan for his lack of integrity.

He had clearly been bested, yet he shamelessly sought a tie with Ye Chen.

Sun Mingyuan was so desperate to win that he was willing to lose face.

"Do you think I'm unable to answer the question?" Ye Chen inquired calmly.

"Isn't that the case?" Sun Mingyuan thought smugly to himself. His question was surely unknown to all, including Ye Chen.

"Your mother!" Ye Chen retorted.

"Ye Chen, how can you resort to insults? You're unfit to be a student, let alone a scholar."

"Can't he handle defeat?"

"He's still too young and hot-headed."

Ye Chen gestured for the crowd to quiet down.

"The answer to the question is: his mother."

"No, that's impossible. How did you know? How could you possibly answer that? Have you been investigating me?"

Sun Mingyuan was instantly thrown into a state of panic; he hadn't anticipated that Ye Chen could actually answer his question.

"You don't deserve my investigation! I merely guessed the answer. But clearly, I guessed right," Ye Chen said, spreading his hands as if he had everything under control.

The others exchanged glances, speechless for a long while.

Sun Mingyuan's historical question was atrocious. He had even included his own mother in it.

His mother wasn't a historical figure at all!

Sun Mingyuan had thoroughly embarrassed them.

"Ye Chen, you've deceived me, and for that, you're going to pay!"

Sun Mingyuan, beside himself with rage, clenched his fists and charged at Ye Chen.

But Ye Chen's basic Tai Chi Fist was formidable.

With the speed of lightning, Ye Chen threw a punch that made Sun Mingyuan's nose bleed profusely, blood splattering on the ground.

"Ye Chen, this isn't over!"

Sun Mingyuan, blinded by fury, viciously threatened Ye Chen.

"That's enough, Sun Mingyuan, you're out of line!" Tang Tianshan bellowed, startling Sun Mingyuan back to his senses.

Tang Tianshan had always favored Sun Mingyuan, never before addressing him by his full name.

Now that Tang Tianshan had reprimanded him, what was Sun Mingyuan to do?

"Young Master Ye is truly an exceptional talent, possessing such deep knowledge at such a young age."

"He's a genuine prodigy, truly deserving of his reputation."

"Young Master Ye, I have many questions. Would you mind if I sought your guidance?"

Sun Mingyuan was defeated.

Ye Chen's apprenticeship to Tang Tianshan was all but confirmed.

If they didn't speak well of Ye Chen now, they would miss their chance later.

Unseen by all, Ye Chen had become the most brilliant presence in the library, outshining everyone else.