Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Academy’s Dilemma

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Qu Wanqing surveyed the study, which had been turned upside down in chaos, the floor strewn as if a small tornado had passed through. Yet, contrary to expectations, she did not fly into a rage; instead, she remained remarkably composed. A cold gleam flashed in her eyes, and a faint, icy smile curved her lips. “Hmph, petty tricks.” Such minor schemes were meant to rattle her? Far too amateurish!

She bent down to begin tidying, her movements fluid and graceful, as if she were not merely organizing books and manuscripts but restoring the dignity of her adversary. This was a test of patience: if the enemy did not move, she would not; but if they did, she would strike decisively.

From the shadows, Lin watched, hoping to witness Qu Wanqing lose her temper, but all he saw was her calm and methodical cleanup, which only fueled his frustration. How could she remain so unshaken? Determined, he resolved to escalate matters.

At the next academic seminar, Lin seized the opportunity to sneer at Qu Wanqing’s ideas with a tone dripping with sarcasm: “While Qu’s concepts are novel, they border on flights of fancy, lacking practical foundation, mere empty speculation.” He punctuated his words with a provocative glance.

Qu Wanqing smiled faintly, her gaze sharp as a blade. “Lin, your assertion is mistaken. My views are not baseless but founded upon extensive literature review and field research. Yet you seem blind to the evidence before you, dismissing it outright—could it be that you feel insecure?”

Her reasoned reply, clear and logical, caused several wavering students to reconsider Lin’s conduct. A tense atmosphere settled over the room. Lin’s face reddened, unable to retort.

At that moment, the ever-silent Professor Wu spoke slowly: “Qu’s ideas are indeed bold, but not without merit. I believe innovative thinking is the cornerstone of academic progress.” Stroking his beard, he cast a meaningful look at Lin. “Young man, humility in learning is essential; do not remain closed-minded.”

Lin was publicly rebuked, his shame evident as he slunk back to his seat. This, indeed, was a case of biting off more than one could chew.

Master Zhang observed Qu Wanqing’s performance with growing displeasure. Why was she so difficult to handle? He decided to up the ante, assigning her a paper of formidable difficulty, a topic obscure and sparsely documented.

“Qu, I expect this paper in three days,” Master Zhang said coldly, with a hint of provocation.

Qu Wanqing accepted the challenge, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

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“Is that all?” Confidence gleamed in her eyes. This was child’s play.

Back in her study, Qu Wanqing began outlining her paper. For some reason, her mind was unusually clear, as if guided by a mysterious force. The room was eerily silent save for the scratch of pen on paper. Immersed, the world around her seemed to vanish.

Just then, Jiang Yu returned. Seeing Qu Wanqing so focused, his heart swelled with affection. He approached and gently tidied her hair.

“Why so serious?” His voice was gentle as a stream.

Qu Wanqing looked up, cheeks flushed. “You’re back?”

Jiang Yu smiled at her rosy cheeks. “Surprised to see me?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s just…” She hesitated, then suddenly felt a pang of unease, a vague sense of danger rising within her. Her eyes snapped toward the window, sharp and alert.

“What is it?” Jiang Yu noticed her change and also peered out.

Outside, the night was deep and silent.

“Seems like… something’s out there,” Qu Wanqing murmured, rubbing her temple as the unease lingered.

“Probably just your imagination,” she reassured herself, calming down to continue her work.

Though concerned, Jiang Yu did not press; he knew Qu Wanqing harbored her own secrets. Quietly, he moved to the bookshelf to assist in gathering materials.

This was a partnership in perfect harmony.

With Jiang Yu’s help, Qu Wanqing’s progress was swift.

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Jiang Yu’s connections were formidable; he procured rare manuscripts even the royal library lacked. Truly, a hidden ace—their combined effort was a decisive trump card.

Qu Wanqing, surrounded by precious documents, felt warmth swell in her heart. This man was remarkably dependable. Reveling in both the sweetness of their bond and the thrill of her work, she found herself intoxicated by the experience.

Three days later, Qu Wanqing submitted her paper to Master Zhang. He had expected to finally stump her, but not only had she met the deadline, the quality was so outstanding even he had to acknowledge it. Several of her points were refreshingly original, breathing new life into the discourse.

“This… how is this possible?” Master Zhang muttered in disbelief. This was a stinging rebuke.

Professor Wu, upon reading it, praised her openly: “Qu’s insights are truly admirable! This essay is a classic.” His public commendation dealt a heavy blow to Master Zhang’s pride.

Master Zhang’s face darkened, speechless. This was double the satisfaction.

However, greatness attracts envy.

Qu Wanqing’s excellence sparked the jealousy of Young Master Chen, who had long regarded her as a thorn in his side. He conspired with other conservative classmates to engineer a “surprise” at the next assessment.

“Hmph, I won’t believe I can’t bring you down,” Chen sneered maliciously. Summoning his confidants, he whispered schemes.

“This time, I will ruin her reputation!” A cruel gleam flashed in his eyes as he slammed a teacup onto the floor with a sharp crash.