Slag Shou Cultivating Manual Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Imperial Exam

As He Lang pondered, even the incredible act of traversing worlds had been accomplished by this manual. What other impossibilities could it not achieve? Since the rabbit could communicate with him, He Lang decided to ask for its name, although he wasn’t sure if a… spirit beast would care about such matters.

Seeing He Lang initiating a conversation, the rabbit’s mood brightened, “I am the Watermelon-Eating Rabbit, so you can call me Melon Rabbit! Master can call me Melon Rabbit (Guatu)!”

Originally, He Lang had thought of the rabbit as docile and agreeable, but now he felt his assumptions were being challenged. Was this rabbit excessively fond of watermelon? Why such a peculiar name? What were its parents thinking?

His gaze swept over its plump body and prominent front teeth. He shook his head, stating a single word, “Silly.”

Guatu nestled into his arms with a touch of grievance and retorted, “Great Host, Guatu is actually very powerful! I can provide you with task prompts, offer you super powerful cheats. You should hold onto my thigh, you know!”

He Lang smiled. Although he didn’t understand everything the rabbit was saying, he gathered that it was boasting about its abilities.

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“Tsze sdvs uswa vbktb? Nkjl vbkp?” Tl tayprle vbl pzldela zltp sq Qwyvw, elzkclayvlzu vknjzkdt vblx, xyjkdt vbl aycckv piwkax kd bkp yaxp ewl vs vbl kvnb.

Mbswtb bl ralvldele vs ekpeykd vbl aycckv, yp bl pvasjle kvp psqv qwa, qllzkdt kvp tldvzl vlmvwal yde oyaxvb cldlyvb bkp ryzx, bl nswzed’v blzr cwv taso qsde sq kv.

Fkdnl vbkp aycckv oyp psxl psav sq prkakv clypv qasx y xydwyz, Tl Nydt elnkele vs nsdqkel kd kv ycswv bkp sod pkvwyvksd. Tl valyvle kv yp y nsxrydksd vs nsdqkel kd, wdelapvydekdt vbyv kd vbkp osaze sq vawvb yde qyzplbsse, vblal oyp sdzu vbkp jdsozletlyczl clkdt.

“Mlzz xl, bso nyd R blzr vbl rakdnl pvyde swv kd vbl kxrlakyz lmyx yde nyvnb vbl lxrlasa’p yvvldvksd?”

Qwyvw zygkzu uyodle, wvvlazu wdnsdnladle, “Mbl lxrlasa esvlp sd bkx ps xwnb. Gp zsdt yp bl vyjlp kv plakswpzu, bkp rlaqsaxydnl osd’v cl vss cye. Lyvwayzzu, vbl lxrlasa okzz pbso qyhsakvkpx.”

Gqvla y xsxldv sq vbswtbv, Tl Nydt elnkele vbyv, zkjl svblap yv vbl kxrlakyz nswav, bl oswze byhl pnbszyap alhlyz vbl lmyxkdyvksd vsrkn kd lmnbydtl qsa xsdlu. Tl oswze kdpvawnv Hbēd Vw Zydt vs yrrasynb vbl lmyx okvb ekzktldnl, fwpv zkjl ydu svbla rakdnl.

Mbl yvxsprblal sq vbl zkvlayau lmyxkdyvksd oyp alzymle, okvb vbl lzktkczl casvblap yde pkpvlap tyvblale vstlvbla, obkzl vbl kdpvawnvsap yde pnbszyap pvsse sd vbl pkel, oykvkdt.

Rd vbl rypv, Hbēd Vw Zydt bye yzoyup clld yxsdt vbl zypv vs yaakhl, cwv vbkp vkxl Tl Nydt caswtbv bkx kdvs vbl byzz lyazu.

“If Your Highness performs exceptionally well this time, proving your capabilities, I won’t make you recite silently in the future.” He Lang sat beside him, his hand resting on the table. He tapped it lightly and whispered.

As he said this, he hesitated as well, feeling that his approach to education might be unconventional. Encouraging learning by exempting it as a reward for not studying seemed unorthodox.

However, it was evident that this approach had an encouraging effect on Zhēn Pu Yang. A spark of enthusiasm gleamed in his eyes. He nodded lazily, finished the tea in his cup in one gulp, and placed the cup back on the table.

“Just watch as this prince outshines everyone else.”

He Lang raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. He had his expectations, but he also saw the prince’s naivety and self-assuredness.

Did the prince truly believe that his royal brothers were as devoid of scholarly talents as him? Well, let’s see how the prince performs.

Because they arrived early, there were only a few of the typically tardy princes present.

Fourth Prince Zhēn Pǔ Qí was one of the first to arrive. As he crossed the threshold, a small commotion ensued. People couldn’t help but whisper and speculate.

“Will Fourth Brother astonish everyone again this time?” Speculations filled the air.

“What’s the use of literary talent? Will astonishment truly catch the Emperor’s attention? Have a look at his background—born of a lowly slave, we don’t even know if he’s a bastard or not. Ha.”

He Lang tilted his head slightly.

Fourth Prince Zhēn Pǔ Qí was the Emperor’s fourth son, just past his coming-of-age, tall and graceful. He didn’t exhibit the typical bearing of royalty. Instead, he displayed the demeanor of a refined nobleman, his every move as smooth as flowing water, exuding a captivating charm.

His birth mother, however, was no more than a low-ranking palace maid, of the lowest class. She couldn’t be compared to the mothers of the other princes, who were either high-ranking officials or noble families, with the worst of them being wealthy households.

Zhēn Pǔ Qí’s mother was merely a woman who happened to receive favor, an inferior woman. In this world of self-proclaimed nobility, one could easily imagine how Zhēn Pǔ Qí was ostracized and ridiculed.

These comments were far from discreet, and it remained to be seen how the subject of their discussion would react.

He Lang curiously observed the situation, while Zhēn Pǔqí remained unfazed, maintaining his composed demeanor. He seemed entirely uninterested in engaging with their discussions, perhaps due to becoming numb to it or simply having an extraordinary disposition.

The princes varied in age, but the primary purpose of this exercise was for them to showcase their literary skills through friendly competition. The best performer among them would be chosen.

After taking their seats, everyone had arrived, and speculations arose about who would emerge victorious this time.

In the previous examination, the winner had been Zhēn Pǔqí. Given his seniority and remarkable literary talents, he stood out compared to his elder brothers and the rest of the younger princes.

This distinction, however, brought with it unwanted attention and the green-eyed monster of jealousy and suspicion from his brothers.

The acidic remarks weren’t exactly whispered, and attentive listeners could certainly catch them.

He Lang couldn’t help but glance out of the corner of his eye, not missing the shadow in Zhēn Pǔqí’s gaze.

But in the blink of an eye, Zhēn Pǔqí’s expression returned to a sunny smile, as if nothing had happened. His emotional control was almost masterful, changing as swiftly as flipping a page, indicating his adeptness at managing his feelings.

Zhēn Pu Yang interrupted He Lang’s continuous observation of Zhēn Pǔqí. “What’s the matter? Is even the instructor placing high hopes on the Fourth Prince?”

Word had it that the Fourth Prince had prepared for this examination for several months, showing a high level of confidence and preparation.

On the other hand, Zhēn Pu Yang, suddenly enthusiastic this time, was seemingly the subject of others’ private laughter, but he still maintained the façade of well-wishing for them.

Zhēn Pu Yang leaned back in his chair, gripping the tea cup on the table and playing with it carelessly. His mood soured, causing him to forget about etiquette entirely.

He Lang clasped the hand that held the tea cup and smiled. “Your Highness is the people’s choice.”

“Heh.” Zhēn Pu Yang uttered a short, scornful sound. People’s choice? Everyone was hoping for the crown prince to shine; who would expect them to place their hopes on him?

However, as he felt the gaze of the Imperial tutor on him, a continuous stream of hope and strength flowed into his body.

When the Emperor himself arrived, the literary examination officially commenced.

The questions were indeed those taught by He Lang. But evidently, the other princes weren’t surprised by the questions either, since most of them had obtained information about the test through various channels.

He Lang began to worry, but soon, Zhēn Pu Yang proved that his concerns were unnecessary with his outstanding performance.

The Emperor seemed pleasantly surprised by his youngest son’s remarkable performance. His calm eyes showed a glimmer of delight as he praised Zhēn Pǔ Yang with a approving click of his tongue.

Unperturbed by the scrutiny of others, Zhēn Pǔ Yang maintained a composed expression, calmly walking back to his seat before glancing at He Lang. His raised eyebrow revealed a touch of self-satisfaction, as if he was awaiting praise and basking in his own accomplishment.

He Lang poured him a cup of tea and allowed himself to watch, smiling at the display.

However, a sudden unease crept over him. Gazing towards the source of this discomfort, he noticed a concealed intensity in Zhēn Pǔqí’s eyes, as if he were hunting. It was a stark contrast to the carefree and mild-mannered demeanor he had exhibited moments ago.

Thinking he might be imagining things, He Lang looked again, only to find Zhēn Pǔqí’s eyes returning to their usual warmth, meeting his gaze and giving a leisurely nod with a smile.

This brief warmth dissipated entirely when the Emperor declared Zhēn Pu Yang as the winner.

Sighs of admiration and whispers of surprise filled the air, as all eyes turned towards the two of them.

While a hint of bias might be present, everyone seemed accustomed to these slight imbalances. It wasn’t appropriate to challenge the Emperor’s decisions.

He Lang realized that Zhēn Pu Yang, who was typically lacking in studiousness, would receive multiplied attention and favor if he showed even the slightest hint of progress.

Conversely, Fourth Prince, who had consistently excelled, experienced a slight deviation that led to disappointment.

Yet Zhēn Pǔqí’s reaction was swift; even in defeat, he swiftly composed himself, wearing a surprised and joyful expression. He gracefully stepped forward and offered his congratulations once the others had dispersed.

Zhēn Pu Yang politely expressed his gratitude, managing to avoid displaying impatience.

Zhēn Pǔqí’s lips curved into a smile as they conversed. He attributed his transformation to He Lang and couldn’t help but mention it.

“Indeed, Imperial tutor is truly knowledgeable and distinguished, resembling an immortal.”

He Lang, slightly uncomfortable with the unexpected praise, raised his eyelids and responded with his own compliment. “Not at all. Fourth Prince is the epitome of grace and talent. The poem composed earlier displayed profound intent, with words flowing as effortlessly as a meandering river.”

Zhēn Pǔqí responded modestly once again, then chuckled softly, implying that he was still overshadowed by his younger brother.

Quickly realizing the inappropriateness of his emotions, Zhēn Pǔqí paused and waved his hand dismissively. He asked not to be reminded further, his tone cheerful and breezy. With a nod of farewell, he turned and left, displaying an air of nonchalance.

He Lang watched him depart. Zhēn Pu Yang, having received the stable keys as a reward, also left in a huff. He couldn’t resist a sarcastic remark before going, “Master is truly skilled in complimenting people. Fourth Prince is just that good, the epitome of grace and talent, resembling precious jade… Hmph.”

“If that’s the case, haven’t I often complimented Your Highness as well?” He Lang chuckled.

Zhēn Pu Yang responded with an air of entitlement, “It’s only natural for Teacher to compliment this Highness.”

In essence, he couldn’t bear to hear flattering words that were meant for others, yet weren’t bestowed upon him. The sour feeling that arose in him was hard to suppress, souring his mood.

He left without waiting for He Lang to catch up.

He Lang, perplexed, hurriedly followed and called out to him several times, providing a bit of solace.

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