CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: HIGH HOPES

Approaching noon, at the gates of the Imperial College.

The parents of numerous students waited expectantly under the cool shade of the trees, and at the nearby tea houses, the area within two kilometers of the Imperial College was bustling with relatives and onlookers.

Xun Yin, Feng Liuli, Gu Yan, the Ye Yuan couple, and Ah Tao were among them.

They sat in the tea house closest to the Imperial College, from early morning until midday.

Father Ye took a day off specifically for his youngest daughter. (Is it really so easy for the current First Grade Lord Minister to take a day off? →_→)

After all, it was the first examination for the two little ones, and a natural sense of pride hoped that their own children would outshine others.

Ye Zhi and Shen Chen were the first new students in many years for Xun Yin, Feng Liuli, and Gu Yan, and they took special care of them; after spending these days together, even if there wasn’t familial love, there were feelings of attachment.

As the saying goes: once a teacher, lifelong a father.

The two children looked like little fairies, and Feng Liuli, having no children of her own, felt especially close to them.

However, her reserved nature made her disinclined to express these feelings openly.

Since being framed by colleagues, having his property confiscated, and resigning from office, Xun Yin returned to Jiangnan to make a living alone. After bringing up these kids for several months, he inevitably grew attached.

This morning, he voluntarily gathered in the courtyard to escort Ah Zhi and Shen Chen.

Gu Yan, being a man of the martial world, straightforwardly said, "You are my apprentices, do me proud as your teacher."

...

Listen, how narcissistic is that...

You are my apprentices. If you fail, the shame falls on me as your teacher!!

Early in the morning, hearing these words, Ye Zhi and Shen Chen couldn’t help but twitch their faces.

As the time approached for the gates of the Imperial College to open, everyone around could hardly stay seated, rising from the wooden chairs, waiting eagerly.

Xun Yin, with his thin frame, sat bent over at the wooden table, holding a porcelain teacup, sipping slowly, and calmly said: "Why are you all so anxious? Ah Zhi and Xiao Chen won’t run away, they’ll be out soon enough."

Ye Zhi’s mother touched her nose, and awkwardly said: "Mr. Xun, true as that may be, a mother’s heart still worries."

After a pause, she continued, "You know, Ah Zhi isn’t as bright as Xiao Chen; I’m worried she might not do well inside."

Clearly, she was aware of her youngest daughter’s slower temperament.

"The gate’s opening!"

Someone shouted, and everyone moved towards the entrance.

Xun Yin and the other two teachers also rushed to the gate.

This left several members of the Ye Family trailing behind. Ye Zhi’s mother felt relieved: who would have thought that the teachers were so enthusiastic.

Over time, the attitude of the Ye Mansion towards Shen Chen began to improve, considering his lack of family and his grandfather’s character, the name Shen Chen seemed too harsh, so everyone affectionately called him Xiao Chen.

The little guy didn’t say much, but his face wasn’t as cold anymore.

The Little Traitor secretly yearned for affection.

After many students were picked up by their parents, Ye Zhi and Shen Chen, with their two little companions, arrived fashionably late. As soon as they stepped out, they were greeted by the shining eyes of the parents and teachers.

Xun Yin briefly asked about the exam, and Shen Chen, with clear thoughts and fluent responses, appeared confident in victory.

When it was Ye Zhi’s turn to answer, after roughly describing the questions, she began to avert her eyes and stammer.

Seeing the disappointed expressions, as if they were failing to live up to expectations, she lowered her head.

At this moment, Father Ye made a grand entrance: "Ahem, ahem, I believe in my daughter, she will definitely pass."

He also patted his daughter’s shoulder, encouraging her.

At the same time, he gave her a mysterious wink, signaling her to relax...