Chapter 30: Exceptional Admission

The setting sun bathed the small courtyard in a golden glow. Luo Zijun led the way, with Su Qingling following behind.

The two entered the courtyard one after another. In the living room, the three members of the Sun family turned their gazes toward them. The young man in front was tall and slim with delicate features; he appeared refined and scholarly, truly looking the part of a bookish youth.

The young girl trailing behind him, however, was particularly striking. She wore a simple gray-white dress, yet her figure was tall and graceful. In the sunset, her skin glowed like snow, her brows were like a painting, and her temperament was cold and elegant, as if she had stepped right out of a poem.

The three observers were all stunned. Even Li Zhengshan, upon his first glance, couldn't help but marvel inwardly: This girl is so beautiful! Then, a wave of confusion followed: I’ve seen her a few times before, why hadn't I noticed?

Sun Yan'er's gaze fell first on the youth in the courtyard, lingering for a moment, before shifting to the girl behind him. Once it landed there, she could not look away.

"Ling'er! Quick, come inside! Sister made so many delicious things for you tonight!"

Luo Jiaorong completely ignored her own brother, hurrying over to take Su Qingling’s small hand affectionately. She pulled her directly into the living room with a beaming smile, as if eager to show something off.

"Uncle Sun, Aunt Chen, this is my Ling'er. Zijun studies medicine and books with her every day. Now that Zijun has passed the scholar examination, I thought about telling him to stay home and study quietly instead of going to the pharmacy, haha, but he just couldn't bear to leave."

Luo Jiaorong spoke with pride while dotingly stroking Su Qingling’s fair, slender hand. She raised the hand up and added, "Look at this little hand, fair and delicate, soft as if boneless—you can tell at a glance she’s someone with good fortune!"

Earlier, the master of the house had praised the Sun daughter for her beauty and gentle virtue, calling her a girl with a bright future, which had left Aunt Chen feeling quite smug. She had seen clearly what just happened!

Hmph! Now, anyone who wasn't blind could see which girl was the most beautiful. As for the Sun daughter—she didn't care for her at all!

Seeing her sister-in-law acting so smug and fearing she might say something that would embarrass their guests, Li Zhengshan quickly addressed the doorway: "Zijun, come in. This is your Uncle Sun and Aunt Chen. You should recognize Yan'er beside them."

Luo Zijun was a bit surprised. He glanced at the three of them, entered the room, and bowed. "Zijun greets Uncle Sun and Aunt Chen."

Seeing that he didn't mention her, Sun Yan'er pursed her lips. Her gaze drifted involuntarily back to the cold-looking girl, then unconsciously swept over the girl’s chest, lingering for a long time, before finally falling to the hem of her skirt.

Sun Jintang looked him over and smiled. "Zijun has grown up. You look more and more like a man of talent, refined and graceful—every bit the scholar. I expect you will surely get into an academy after the prefectural examination in a month."

Aunt Chen offered a hollow smile and said, "Zijun, if you want to study, you should focus on your books. As for medicine, I think you should drop it to avoid distraction, lest it ruin your exam."

Luo Jiaorong immediately laughed. "How could it distract him? Zijun can study at the pharmacy, and he even has his senior sister Ling'er to supervise him, right, Ling'er?" She looked affectionately at the girl beside her.

Su Qingling glanced at someone, then nodded, giving him plenty of face.

Luo Jiaorong’s smile grew even brighter and more intimate. "Ling'er, is there anything you’d like to eat? Sister will make it for you later."

"Ahem..." Seeing her being so obvious, Li Zhengshan had to cough to change the subject. "By the way, Yan'er, are you studying at the West Lake Academy now? Do you know how much the annual tuition is?" Money was tight at home, and he needed to prepare.

As soon as he asked, Aunt Chen began to sigh pretentiously. "The tuition at West Lake Academy is terribly expensive. Even though we used connections to get her in, it still pains our hearts. I hear the annual tuition is at least five hundred taels of silver!"

Li Zhengshan was startled. "Five... five hundred taels?" Even if they sold him, they wouldn't have that much money!

***

What if Zijun actually passed? What would they do?

Luo Jiaorong’s expression changed as well. Seeing this, the corner of Aunt Chen’s mouth curled up. She sighed again, "Yes, it’s ridiculously expensive. If she weren't our only precious daughter, we really wouldn't be able to bear it. But thinking about it, education is a good thing, and West Lake Academy is the top academy in the outer city. Even if she only studies there for one year, it’s worth it."

Silence descended on the room. Li Zhengshan and Luo Jiaorong looked grim.

Aunt Chen, seeing their expressions, felt even more triumphant. Just as she was about to boast further, Luo Zijun suddenly spoke up. "Aunt Chen, I’ve asked around these past few days. It seems that for students who get in on their own merit, the tuition is at most ten taels of silver a year, and that includes all textbooks and miscellaneous fees. Only students who buy their way in pay five hundred to a thousand taels, and that doesn't even include books or meals. I hear that, generally, the teachers don't even bother with students like that."

Aunt Chen’s expression stiffened. "You... who did you hear that from? Nonsense!"

Luo Zijun replied, "From a friend at West Lake Academy."

Aunt Chen sneered, "A friend at West Lake Academy? Zijun, don't be fooled. You just passed the scholar exam; how could you know such people? It must be a scam!"

Sun Jintang glared at her and barked, "If you can't talk, no one will think you're a mute!"

He then turned, looking quite embarrassed, and sighed. "Zijun is correct. It is indeed like that. When I went to pay Yan'er’s tuition, the academy teachers told me the same thing. If a student gets in by merit, the tuition is very cheap, and those with outstanding grades can even have it waived."

Aunt Chen’s face flushed bright red.

Sun Yan'er’s cheeks felt hot as well. She withdrew her gaze from the girl and couldn't help but interject, "West Lake Academy is the best in the outer city. Many people try to get in every year and are rejected. There is a reason for the high cost; it cannot be compared to ordinary academies. Even if some want to pay, they might not necessarily get in."

Aunt Chen immediately chimed in, "Exactly, many scholars can't get in even if they want to." She turned back to Luo Zijun with a smile. "Zijun, I hear you haven't been studying long. With the prefectural exam next month, it’s really too rushed. Why not wait until next year? The chances will be better. By then, applying to another academy shouldn't be a problem."

Sun Yan'er looked at him and said coolly, "Qingfeng Academy or White Crane Academy—both are quite decent. Their score requirements aren't high, and the exams are simpler. If you really want a good school, spend a few more years studying and apply to Linfeng Academy. It’s only slightly behind West Lake Academy, but it’s still the second-ranked academy in the outer city."

Aunt Chen added, "And the costs at those places should be much lower. As for West Lake Academy, heh, Zijun, Auntie advises you not to think about it. It’s too difficult; no need to waste the effort."

Luo Jiaorong’s face darkened, and just as she was about to speak, a knock sounded at the open front gate.

A young man in a Confucian robe stood there, holding something in one hand while knocking with the other. He called out, "Is this the residence of Brother Luo Zijun?"

Luo Zijun was taken aback. He walked out and bowed. "I am Luo Zijun. Brother, you are..."

The young man in the robe stepped inside, beaming. "Brother Luo, your place is so hidden, it took me quite a while to find it!"

Once he reached the courtyard, he bowed hurriedly. "I am Wu Jin, a student at West Lake Academy. Today, acting on my teacher's orders, I have come to deliver Brother Luo’s admission letter."

With both hands, he held up a small, golden-yellow booklet.

Luo Jiaorong, hearing this, rushed out. "What admission letter?"

Li Zhengshan also walked out, full of confusion. Sun Jintang and Aunt Chen stood up from their chairs to look outside.

The young man named Wu Jin smiled. "Congratulations, Brother Luo. You have been admitted to West Lake Academy ahead of schedule through a special exemption. You may report to the academy tomorrow. Teacher Yuan and Teacher Shangguan also said that when you report, you must go see them."

The entire room was shocked, everyone doubting their own ears.

Sun Yan'er’s heart trembled; she walked to the living room door, staring into the courtyard. Su Qingling’s gaze also turned toward the outside.

Luo Jiaorong was dazed for several seconds before suddenly trembling with excitement. "West Lake Academy? Admitted ahead of schedule through special exemption? Zhengshan, did I hear that right? My Zijun was admitted to West Lake Academy?" She gripped Li Zhengshan’s arm, her body shaking with emotion.

Li Zhengshan was stunned, staring blankly for a moment before muttering, "Could there be a mistake?"

Aunt Chen suddenly rushed out. "It must be a mistake! The prefectural exam isn't until next month; how could he be admitted now? A scam! This person must be a scam! Why would a West Lake Academy student come here in person to deliver a letter? Zhengshan, Jiaorong, Zijun, you must not believe him!"

Wu Jin couldn't help but laugh. He pulled out his identification badge. "This is the student badge of West Lake Academy; it bears the academy's unique seal. If you don't believe me, you can take it to the prefectural office for verification."

"Besides, I am only here to deliver the admission letter, not to ask for money. What could I possibly scam you out of?"

The moment she saw the gold badge, Aunt Chen was struck dumb. Her own daughter had an identical one, though slightly smaller. Sun Yan'er stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the gold badge in his hand with a blank expression.

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Wu Jin explained, "The prefectural exam is indeed next month, but every year, academies grant special early admission to a few top students, bypassing the exam. West Lake Academy has only two such spots this year. After reviewing Brother Luo’s scholar examination papers, the teachers discussed it and unanimously decided to grant one of those spots to him. Since I live nearby, I was asked to deliver the letter."

"Brother Luo’s talent is extraordinary; the teachers at the academy have been singing his praises."

These words instantly dispelled everyone's doubts.

Luo Jiaorong shouted excitedly, "Zhengshan! Zhengshan! It’s true! It’s true! Zijun really got into West Lake Academy! My brother really got into the best academy there is!"

Li Zhengshan was equally thrilled. "It’s not just getting in! It’s special early admission!"

"Wuu..." Luo Jiaorong suddenly burst into happy tears, hugging her brother. "Zijun, Zijun, you are amazing. You got in before the exam! I’m so proud of you! If Mom and Dad were still here, they would be so proud too. All our ancestors would be proud of you, wuu wuu wuu..."

Luo Zijun felt a bit embarrassed. He took the admission letter and bowed. "Thank you for your trouble, Brother Wu. When I arrive at the academy, I will be sure to thank you properly."

Wu Jin smiled. "We will be classmates soon; no need for such formalities."

At this, Aunt Chen, still unwilling to give up, suddenly asked, "The tuition at West Lake Academy must be very expensive, right? I heard it costs several dozen taels of silver a year for tuition and other fees!" She knew this family best; they probably couldn't even scrape together twenty taels, let alone several dozen!

Wu Jin looked at her and smiled. "For other students, it does cost several dozen taels a year, and for those who buy their way in with money or connections, it can cost hundreds or even thousands. As for Brother Luo, because he was admitted through special exemption, he not only pays nothing but will receive a monthly stipend of two taels of silver. If his performance at the academy is excellent, he will receive even more generous subsidies."

Aunt Chen’s jaw dropped. Li Zhengshan was so happy he was scratching his head. Sun Yan'er remained frozen, her expression complex.

After finishing, Wu Jin bowed to Luo Zijun. "Brother Luo, I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. Remember to report to the academy tomorrow. If you are busy, a few days later will also be fine."

Luo Zijun bowed. "Safe travels, Brother Wu."

Wu Jin smiled, glanced at Aunt Chen and the others, and turned to leave, thinking to himself: It seems every family has that one relative who can't stand to see others succeed.

"Young Master Wu, take care! Remember to come back with my Zijun for dinner next time; Sister will make something delicious for you!" Luo Jiaorong wiped away her tears and chased after him with a radiant smile to see him off.

After a few more polite exchanges at the gate, Wu Jin left. Luo Jiaorong stood at the entrance, waving vigorously for a long while before turning back and slamming the front door shut.

"Hahahahahahahaha..."

Suddenly, an exaggerated and terrifying burst of laughter erupted from the doorway.

Luo Zijun: "..."

Li Zhengshan: "..."