Chapter 18

After the six public answer sheets were displayed, everyone realized the gap between them and the first-place winner, Xu Fei. He had solved all thirty riddles in the time it took for half an incense stick to burn, a feat that even the second-place winner, Jie Yuanlang, could not match.

Someone sighed, "Solving all the riddles in the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, Brother Xu truly has quick wit."

"Hey!" Suddenly, someone stomped and pounded their chest in front of Xu Fei's answer sheet, "The answer to 'rice' is 'coarse,' isn't it? So simple, why didn't I think of it? Just one riddle away, and I could have made it into the top six!" He looked incredibly regretful.

"The answer to 'rice' was clear to me as soon as I saw the riddle," someone sighed.

However, those who didn't win any ranking were ignored, as if their words were just background noise. Without any recognition, they were naturally overlooked, and he couldn't say much, as he hadn't managed to submit his answers within the time limit of one incense stick.

"This guessing game was suggested by Master Yu Qi. Solving a few riddles isn't real scholarship and can't be compared to a real exam. There's no need to take it too seriously. To truly show one's talent, we should look at the imperial examination, where a thousand peaks compete in beauty and ten thousand ravines vie for flow. That's where we can truly showcase our abilities."

Someone consoled everyone, perhaps to console himself, and also to belittle the word-guessing game, but he didn't dare to criticize the governor, only Master Yu Qi.

There were few responses, as the competition was initiated by the governor.

Jie Yuanlang, Zhan Mochun, remained silent and quietly turned to leave, his heart filled with melancholy, with no one to confide in.

After winning the local examination, he had been so elated, but now he felt the taste of being overshadowed...

Regardless of what others discussed in the academy, Yu Qing and Xu Fei quickly left, at least Yu Qing didn't care about the scholars' evaluations, as they were not on the same level, and there was no point in comparing. He was only concerned about what Xu Fei was carrying on his shoulder.

Yu Qing wanted to take the burden on his own shoulders, but considering the practical issues, he had to endure, feeling as if his heart was being scratched by a cat.

The two walked side by side, feeling as if the wind was at their feet.

Xu Fei wanted to escape the scene quickly, while Yu Qing was eager to embrace his reward, worth over ten thousand taels of silver!

Yu Qing had never seen so much money in his life, and his mindset after becoming rich was understandable.

After they were far from the academy, they subconsciously looked around, seeing no one chasing them, and the surroundings were empty. They turned to each other, their eyes meeting as if by telepathy, and they both chuckled almost simultaneously.

They quickly stopped laughing, still feeling guilty, like thieves.

But they finally dared to speak. Yu Qing said, "Brother Xu, I'm really sorry for making you carry the things. It's not that I wanted to burden you, but it would raise suspicion in public."

Xu Fei replied, "To be the first just by saying it, you must have incredible confidence. Brother Shiheng, I'm truly impressed today!" His tone was full of excitement and enthusiasm, as they had pulled off a big deal, the first of its kind in his life.

Yu Qing said, "We don't need to talk about this. We help each other, each getting what we need. You get the 'name,' and I get the 'profit.'"

Xu Fei knew he had gained more than just the name. The reward wasn't his, but he still benefited in both name and profit. Now, he was more worried about something else. "Brother Shiheng, we mustn't leak a word about this. Deceiving and tricking the governor is no joke; it could cost us our lives."

Yu Qing laughed, knowing that fear was good. This was the result he wanted. Even if they met the real Shiheng in the future, he wouldn't dare to speak up, saving him the trouble of warning and intimidating. "Brother Xu, don't worry. I wouldn't dare to spread this. We are accomplices. If you get into trouble, I'll be in trouble too. Leaking this would mean the end of my future. From now on, I'll forget about it."

That made sense, and Xu Fei felt much more at ease.

The two rushed back to their residence like the wind, ignoring the greetings of Chong'er, and entered Xu Fei's room together.

Chong'er, surprised, turned around and followed them back inside, looking at the bags Xu Fei had thrown on the ground. "Master, what have you brought back?"

Xu Fei didn't answer, nor did he wait for Yu Qing to speak. He handed the bottle of Spirit-Grade Pointing Demon Dew to him.

Finally getting the valuable item worth ten thousand taels, Yu Qing was overjoyed, like a weasel who had stolen a chicken. He put it in his pocket and couldn't stop smiling.

Xu Fei kicked the bag on the ground, "Do you need me to help you carry this up?"

Yu Qing, who had considered this issue in the exam, shook his head. "The amount is obvious. If I take it, it would raise suspicion. I trust Brother Xu, so I'll leave it here for now."

Chong'er looked back and forth, confused, not understanding what they were talking about.

Xu Fei nodded, thinking it made sense. Spirit Rice worth thousands of taels couldn't be given away casually. If someone saw him taking it, it would indeed raise suspicion. "Alright, I'll keep it here. There are guards around, so no one will steal it. But, Brother Shiheng, this is a good thing, so you should treat us to a meal. How about cooking a pot tonight?"

With ten thousand taels in his pocket, Yu Qing felt confident and generous after his windfall. "Sure, I'll make sure you're full!"

It wasn't just about treating them; he had made this fortune, and the other party had both the credit and the effort. Treating them to a good meal was only right.

Spirit Rice was valuable to martial artists, and Xu Fei was also excited. "How about letting Chong'er cook it tonight?"

"Sure!" Yu Qing agreed, patting his shoulder. "The governor is hosting a banquet. I'll go back and get ready. You take care of that." He pointed to the draft paper he had brought back from the exam.

Xu Fei felt a chill, realizing how efficient this person was. He had overlooked it, and now he understood.

Yu Qing kept looking back at his Spirit Rice as he walked.

Back in his room, Yu Qing closed the door, took out the bottle of Pointing Demon Dew, and pounced on the bed, rolling around with it, laughing to himself. He kept kissing the bottle, his face flushed with excitement.

To make ten thousand taels in one go, right after leaving the mountains, and to have so much money for the first time in his life, was incredibly exciting. He was as happy as a child.

"This trip was worth it!"

...

Hearing the door close, Chong'er, who was hanging clothes, turned around and saw Yu Qing carrying a bag and a sword, swaggering down the stairs. He hung a sign saying "Shiheng" on the door next to their room and entered, clearly planning to stay there.

Chong'er quickly ran back inside to inform his master.

Xu Fei came out to check and confirmed that Yu Qing had indeed moved in next door.

Yu Qing's public reason was to have each other's support.

The real reason was that his Spirit Rice was in the next room, and he needed to be nearby to feel at ease.

Also, there was no longer a need to avoid Xu Fei. Hiding was pointless, as Xu Fei would recognize him in a few years anyway.

It would also be convenient. For tasks like washing clothes, he planned to leave them to Xu Fei's servant.

It was almost dinner time, and the governor was hosting a banquet, so they had to leave early.

Before leaving, Yu Qing reminded Chong'er, "Stay in the room, and I'll bring you food."

He was afraid of losing his Spirit Rice.

"Watch the house," Xu Fei also instructed.

Chong'er could only nod, watching the two masters leave for the banquet, still feeling puzzled.

Xu Fei had already told him that the bag contained Spirit Rice, as he would need to cook it later.

Spirit Rice was very expensive, and getting so much at once was a big deal. Chong'er naturally asked how it was obtained, but Xu Fei told him not to ask, as the real situation was hard to explain.

At the Chenxiang Hall, Yu Qing soon moved away from Xu Fei, hiding in an inconspicuous corner.

After the word game, who in the hall didn't know Xu Fei from Hengqiu? Too many people wanted to meet him, and standing next to him was too conspicuous.

After the banquet started, Xu Fei stood out again. An official came to greet him, and his seat was arranged at the top, close to the governor. Across from him was Jie Yuanlang, Zhan Mochun.

A gathering of talented scholars, a feast of talk and laughter, a show of flattery and insincerity.

After the banquet, Lu Jikui and others left the academy, as the governor had many military and political affairs to attend to, and staying for half a day was already a favor.

When he returned, Yu Qing, who had moved in next to Xu Fei, was a bit puzzled and regretful about his decision.

Xu Fei's previously quiet "home" suddenly became lively, with guests and laughter, even someone bringing a zither to play. The noise from next door disturbed Yu Qing, who was hiding in his room.

Bored, he lay on the bed, legs crossed, watching the shadows of the trees on the window paper. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from outside the door, and Yu Qing slowly sat up.

"Hey, Shiheng?"

"Moved in next to Brother Xu, I see."

"Must be quite familiar with Brother Xu by now."

Then came a knock on the door, and someone called, "Brother Shiheng."

Yu Qing guessed who it was and reluctantly opened the door. Four people stood there, just as he had guessed: Su Yingtao, Fang Wenxian, Zhang Manqu, and Pan Wenqing, the same four who had forced him to give up his room for Jie Yuanlang.

Yu Qing felt depressed, thinking, "Why do these guys stick together like they're wearing the same pants? I hope they're not here to make me give up my room again."

After exchanging greetings, Yu Qing blocked the door and asked, "What's up?"

Su Yingtao laughed, "Brother Shiheng, can't I come to visit you without a reason?" He then entered the room without being invited, as if it was a great honor to visit him.