Chapter 116: Amidst Many Obstacles at the Salon, Affection Quietly Grows, Strengthening Resolve

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Chapter 116: Many Obstacles at the Scholarly Gathering; Affection Quietly Takes Root, and Resolve Grows Stronger

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a dusky veil over the gathering of scholars. A faint fragrance of tea permeated the air, yet could not conceal the undercurrent of tension surging beneath the surface.

Lin Shiya stepped into the hall. Her footsteps were light, but they carried an unmistakable firmness.

Her gaze swept across the assembled guests. Dr. Sun sat squarely in the center, a trace of smugness barely concealed on his face. The surrounding scholars stood in small groups, whispering among themselves and occasionally casting assessing glances her way, as though examining prey about to be laid upon a chopping block.

The air seemed to congeal. Lin Shiya could clearly sense the malice hidden in those gazes, countless tiny needles attempting to pierce her disguise.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and wariness rose in her heart. She knew this was no ordinary scholarly discussion, but a carefully laid trap.

Without revealing the slightest emotion, she walked to the center of the gathering and inclined her head to the others in greeting.

“Lord Lin, please take a seat.” A cold smile tugged at the corner of Dr. Sun’s mouth as he gestured toward an empty chair before him. His tone carried a hint of mockery. “It is truly our good fortune to engage in learned discourse with you today.”

Lin Shiya slowly sat down. The faint rustle of her robes sounded unusually clear in the quiet atmosphere.

She did not hurry to speak. Instead, she calmly observed everyone present, taking in every change in their expressions while silently calculating how best to respond.

Seeing her seated, Dr. Sun cleared his throat and launched the first attack.

“Lord Lin is renowned from a young age and possesses extensive knowledge. Today, we would like to consult you on a few difficult scholarly matters. Would that be acceptable?”

He appeared courteous, but his words held another meaning. He had already forced Lin Shiya into a position where she could not refuse the challenge.

Lin Shiya knew that retreating now would give them something to use against her. She offered a faint smile.

“Dr. Sun is too kind. Shiya’s knowledge is insignificant, but I would be pleased to exchange views and learn from all of you.”

“Excellent!” Dr. Sun clapped his hands, a smile of triumph spreading across his face. “Then allow me to begin with a modest question. How does one explain in detail the ‘Field Attire’ mentioned in the Rites of Zhou?”

The question was obscure and esoteric, clearly intended to make things difficult for her.

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened. She had done some study of the Rites of Zhou, but the detailed interpretation of the Field Attire was not something she could immediately produce.

The scholars around them began whispering, their eyes gleaming with schadenfreude.

A tense atmosphere spread through the hall, and Lin Shiya felt an invisible pressure bearing down upon her.

Seeing her remain silent, Dr. Sun’s smile grew more complacent.

“Lord Lin, surely you are not unable to answer? I have several more questions here. Perhaps I should ask them all at once.”

The scholars under his influence likewise revealed mocking expressions, and the atmosphere instantly became charged with hostility.

“Let us not be so hasty.”

A slightly resonant voice came from behind the crowd, immediately silencing the murmurs.

Everyone turned toward the sound. A simply dressed young man was slowly making his way toward the center of the gathering. His gaze was deep and keen, as though he could see straight through the human heart.

Sensing his eyes upon her, Lin Shiya’s heart stirred, and she looked up.

The man stood tall and straight. Though his clothing was plain, it could not conceal the imposing dignity surrounding him. He was none other than Murong Fu, who had gone among the people in disguise that day.

Like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, his arrival sent ripples through the gathering and set the stagnant air in motion.

Lin Shiya drew a deep breath and suppressed the strange feeling rising within her.

She knew she could not afford to be distracted. She had to concentrate on dealing with the predicament before her.

She quickly searched her memory for the relevant texts, piecing together the scattered records concerning the Field Attire.

After a moment, the corners of her lips lifted slightly.

“If I have understood Dr. Sun’s question correctly, the Field Attire is one of the garments used by the Son of Heaven for ritual sacrifices in the Rites of Zhou. Its form and patterns were subject to strict regulations. For a detailed explanation, one should consult the section on the Keeper of the Auspicious Jade in the Spring Offices of the Rites of Zhou. It records the material and color of the Field Attire, as well as its use on different occasions.”

Lin Shiya’s voice was clear and steady. Every word rang with force, like a sharp sword cleaving through the silence that had settled over the gathering.

The smile on Dr. Sun’s face froze. He had never expected Lin Shiya to find the answer so quickly, much less explain it with such precision. The smugness in his eyes gradually gave way to astonishment, while the whispers around them abruptly ceased.

The scholars who had been waiting to watch her make a fool of herself all wore stunned expressions.

Lin Shiya’s answer was like a basin of cold water, dousing their eagerness to see her humiliated.

Her tone remained calm, yet it seemed to contain an unquestionable strength. Those who had looked down on her were forced to reassess this remarkable young woman.

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Dr. Sun was unwilling to let matters end there. His eyes shifted, and he threw out a second question.

“Lord Lin is certainly well versed in learning. Then allow me to ask: what is the deeper meaning of the saying in the Book of Rites that ‘the gentleman compares his virtue to jade’?”

He deliberately raised his voice, hoping to place Lin Shiya in difficulty once again.

One question followed another—the third, then the fourth. Each was obscure and abstruse, clearly prepared in advance with the intention of forcing Lin Shiya into an awkward position.

The tension in the air pressed down upon her like a tangible weight.

Fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and the teacup in her hand trembled faintly.

She could feel the gloating gazes around her, like countless sharp blades pricking her from every direction.

A suffocating oppression hung over her like dark clouds.

Just as the pressure upon her grew unbearable, Murong Fu slowly raised the teacup in his hand. His movement was graceful and unhurried.

Yet his deep gaze remained fixed on Lin Shiya, as though conveying a silent encouragement—or waiting to see how she would respond.

For a moment, the only sound in the hall was Lin Shiya’s quickened breathing.

She inhaled deeply, calming her slightly strained emotions, then spoke in a clear and resolute voice.

“The saying in the Book of Rites that ‘the gentleman compares his virtue to jade’ is far from an empty metaphor. It uses jade’s warmth, resilience, and purity to represent the virtue of a gentleman. It emphasizes that a gentleman should be reserved yet steadfast, pure yet noble, like jade itself. This is not merely a demand upon personal cultivation, but also an aspiration for the moral character of society.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembly, then continued.

“Jade’s warmth symbolizes the humility with which a gentleman treats others. Jade’s resilience symbolizes the uprightness that allows a gentleman to defy power. Jade’s purity symbolizes the nobility of a gentleman who keeps himself untainted.”

Her explanation was both profound and accessible. Drawing upon classical sources, she expounded the deeper meaning of the comparison between a gentleman and jade with extraordinary clarity.

Everyone present listened as though entranced. Their earlier doubts and mockery gradually faded, replaced by admiration and praise.

Dr. Sun’s face turned livid. The difficult questions he had prepared with such care had all been resolved by Lin Shiya, leaving him utterly frustrated.

Seizing the momentum, Lin Shiya skillfully turned the discussion toward the education of women and their responsibilities to society. She cited broadly and spoke with ease, displaying profound learning and original insight.

Her voice was sometimes impassioned and sometimes low, yet every word was filled with strength. Each struck like a flash of lightning, tearing through the oppressive air and kindling the enthusiasm of everyone present.

She spoke of the importance of educating women, pointing out that women were not destined to remain confined within the inner quarters. Like men, they could study, acquire knowledge, and contribute to the nation and society.

She spoke of social responsibility as well, urging everyone to concern themselves with the people’s livelihood and work for the welfare of the common folk.

Her words were incisive and compelling, awakening a deep resonance among those present.

At that moment, Lin Shiya’s gaze happened to pass over the crowd and fall upon Murong Fu, standing in a corner.

He was dressed simply, standing there in silence, his eyes fixed attentively upon her. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.

Their gazes met across the room, and a warm current flowed through Lin Shiya’s heart.

Amid the tense atmosphere, their silent exchange seemed like wordless encouragement, carrying their mutual understanding and support.

Murong Fu’s presence gave Lin Shiya tremendous strength, and she faced the challenges that followed with even greater confidence.

Her words came quick and clever, her answers smooth and effortless. She refuted Dr. Sun and the others so thoroughly that they were left speechless.

Everyone present began to look at her in an entirely new light. Their earlier doubts and contempt vanished without a trace, replaced by admiration and praise.

Lin Shiya gradually gained the upper hand at the gathering, revealing extraordinary talent and wisdom.

As the scholarly gathering drew to a close, Dr. Sun announced darkly, “Today’s discussion ends here.”

His tone was stiff, yet he could not conceal the resentment in his heart.

Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Censor Li suddenly spoke.

“Lord Lin’s performance today was outstanding. It was truly admirable.” He paused, his gaze passing meaningfully over the assembly. “Tomorrow’s assessment will take place as scheduled. I trust that all of you will judge fairly.”

Night descended. Lin Shiya walked alone along the road back to her residence, the cold moonlight spilling across her figure and stretching her shadow long behind her.

Although she had performed brilliantly at the gathering and earned everyone’s praise, she felt no sense of relief.

She knew this was merely the calm before the storm. The true challenge still lay ahead.

The streets around her were quiet, save for the occasional bark of a dog, which only deepened the desolation.

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A cold breeze swept past, and Lin Shiya shuddered involuntarily. She instinctively drew her clothing tighter around herself.

A faint chill lingered in the air, as though foretelling the arrival of some danger.

When she returned to her room, Lin Shiya lit an oil lamp. Its dim yellow glow illuminated one corner of the chamber, as well as her slightly weary face.

She walked to the writing desk and picked up a thick book, attempting to lose herself in its fragrance of paper and ink and temporarily forget her troubles.

Yet the words on the page seemed like dancing notes, wavering before her eyes. No matter how hard she tried, she could not take them in.

Knock, knock, knock…

A sudden rapping at the door shattered the quiet of the room.

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened. She asked cautiously, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

A familiar voice came from outside.

Recognizing the voice of her personal maid, Xiaocui, Lin Shiya relaxed slightly and went to open the door.

Xiaocui held a letter in her hand, her expression somewhat tense.

“Miss, this was delivered just now. They said it was for you.”

Lin Shiya accepted the letter and glanced at the envelope in puzzlement. There was no name on it.

She opened it and read carefully by the lamplight.

The letter contained only one sentence:

“At noon tomorrow, at the chief examiner’s residence. We must meet.”

After reading it, Lin Shiya knit her brows tightly. An uneasy premonition rose in her heart.

The chief examiner’s residence?

Could it be…

She abruptly raised her head and looked at Xiaocui.

“Xiaocui, make the necessary preparations. Tomorrow at noon, I am going to pay a visit to the chief examiner.”

Though Xiaocui was puzzled, she still nodded and replied, “Yes, Miss.”

The next day, Lin Shiya arrived early at the chief examiner’s residence.

She drew a deep breath to calm her faint nervousness, then stepped through the gates.

Looking around, she found that quite a few people had already gathered in the courtyard. They were all candidates seeking selection as civil-service examination officials.

Some were speaking in low voices, while others stood alone in silence. Every face held a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

Lin Shiya’s gaze swept over the crowd. Suddenly, her eyes stopped on a familiar figure standing in one corner.

Wang the Rival!

He was speaking quietly with Adviser Zhao, and both wore sinister smiles.

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened, and a foreboding feeling surged within her.

Without revealing her thoughts, she moved to a secluded corner and silently observed the activity around her.

Just then, a servant emerged from within the residence and announced loudly, “The chief examiner invites all candidates inside.”

Lin Shiya drew a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and stepped into the main hall of the residence…