CHAPTER 305: CHAPTER 292: BEING SECOND FOREVER IS THE MOST PAINFUL

County Magistrate Ma’s words had an implied meaning that changed the faces of everyone present.

Yu Xiaolian was the first to bristle, understanding County Magistrate Ma’s words as implying that Su Jingchen’s top ranking was not earned honorably, but through plagiarizing his son’s ideas.

"Tsk tsk... I haven’t heard of anyone plagiarizing their way to first place.

I wonder if Ma Jingwen’s previous first-place achievements were also plagiarized from the second place?"

County Magistrate Ma stood up abruptly from his chair, "My son became a child scholar at twelve and a scholar at sixteen, and is a well-known prodigy. How dare Yu Xueguan slander my son’s reputation like this? Could it be that he is familiar with Su Jingchen?"

Su Jingchen’s acquaintance with Yu Xiaolian was no secret in Luocheng; many people knew about it, including County Magistrate Ma.

Upon learning that Su Jingchen was the top scorer in the recent autumn examination, County Magistrate Ma first scolded his son Ma Jingwen, then went on to scold his wife and daughter.

Who would have thought that a coming-of-age ceremony would lead to a bet as grand as this?

You must know that Prince Jin had entrusted someone to convey a message asking him to look after Yu Xiaolian’s family. Now, he couldn’t help but confront Yu Xiaolian. This matter absolutely mustn’t reach Prince Jin’s ears!

"Not only familiar, I know Su Jingchen became a child scholar at nine and a scholar at eleven. And he was the top scorer in Linzhou—top scorer, mind you." Yu Xiaolian emphasized the point, as being the top scorer in a prefecture was far superior to just being top in a town.

A prefecture and a county town are akin to the difference between a provincial top scorer and a county top scorer.

Wow...

The crowd was amazed.

Su the Scholar is really quite low-key; he never told us before!

Indeed, I always saw him as quiet and reserved, never imagining he could take first place.

Listening to the surrounding praises, Yu Xiaolian displayed a proud expression; great talents often remain silent until their stunning revelations.

Standing with her hands on her hips, Yu Xiaolian appeared swaggering, "You say a prefecture’s top scorer could plagiarize the second place in a county autumn examination?"

County Magistrate Ma retorted angrily, "I was present when the exam papers were anonymized. Su Jingchen’s strategy analysis was identical to my son’s. How do you explain that?"

Yu Xiaolian sneered, "Is County Magistrate Ma muddled? What should I explain? After the papers are anonymized, they are sent to the Capital. You are questioning the emperor’s personally appointed examination official, what are you doing trying to be tough with me?

If you are dissatisfied, you can lodge a complaint!"

Su Jingchen is now Zhao Zhiyun’s most cherished student. Hearing County Magistrate Ma smear Su Jingchen, Zhao Zhiyun could no longer remain seated.

"I have seen Su Jingchen’s and Ma Jingwen’s exam papers before they were sent away.

While both essays shared similar viewpoints, the use of language and methods of expressing these viewpoints were completely different, making any claims of plagiarism baseless. It’s merely a case of two people coincidentally arriving at the same thought," Zhao Zhiyun spoke with considerable anger.

County Magistrate Ma had recklessly sullied someone’s reputation without cause, which was utterly reprehensible.

Bear in mind, once a scholar is branded as a plagiarist, the harmful effects could follow them for life.

County Magistrate Ma chuckled coldly, "Heh... I’ve heard Dean Zhao is quite fond of Su Jingchen, naturally he would speak on his behalf."

Zhao Zhiyun was furious and exclaimed, "Su Jingchen’s words are incisive, his viewpoint analysis more thorough, and he even proposed two solutions at the end. In every aspect, he surpassed your son’s answers. Su Jingchen certainly deserves first place!"

With reason and evidence in his favor, and speaking powerfully, Zhao Zhiyun left County Magistrate Ma speechless, causing him to shift his gaze and attempt to change the subject.

"Let’s set aside the matter of whether Su Jingchen plagiarized for the moment, as I will investigate later. Right now, let’s discuss the competition between the two of them."

"I do not agree with Ma Jingwen setting the third question!" Zhao Zhiyun sat down heavily, not even bothering to look at County Magistrate Ma’s expression.

His uncle is Fu Yi, would he fear a County Magistrate? Ridiculous!

"I also disagree!" Lu Manluo chimed in.

Her sister is the Princess Consort Huainan and her father is the Lord of the State; she doesn’t fear the County Magistrate.

Besides being business partners, she liked this straightforward girl, Yu Xiaolian, to the extent she viewed her like a daughter.

Now that County Magistrate Ma clearly intended to gang up with his daughter and son to bully Yu Xiaolian, when else would Lu Manluo help if not now?

County Magistrate Ma maintained a stern expression, remaining silent for a long time until his adviser whispered something in his ear, finally prompting him to say, "The third question will be set by me and Dean Zhao, each writing on paper. Then let my son draw one question to show fairness."

Dean Ying wouldn’t stand for it, "I’m the host of this competition; the third question should be drawn by me."

Dean Ying snorted inwardly, thinking, Don’t assume I don’t see through your little tricks. Isn’t it just marking one slip and letting your son draw the one you want? Sorry, but I’ve seen through your plan.

County Magistrate Ma, helpless and angry, silently cursed his daughter again in his heart.

For whom was he doing this? It was all for his foolish daughter!

Why did she have to compete with Yu Xiaolian for no reason? That Yu Xiaolian was favored by Prince Jin, and although she hadn’t been brought into his residence, County Magistrate Ma knew men too well: they often think more about what they can’t obtain.

Luckily, Prince Jin was busy in the Capital and wouldn’t return to Luocheng anytime soon, otherwise, if Yu Xiaolian reported him to Prince Jin, he might lose his position.

Seems like he should try to settle things with Yu Xiaolian before Prince Jin comes back.

Upon seeing County Magistrate Ma nod helplessly, Dean Ying finally flashed a satisfied smile.

Turning around, Dean Ying winked at Yu Xiaolian’s direction.

Yu Xiaolian chuckled, this old rascal!

Su Jingyue was presently sitting with Little Tiger, "Hmm╯^╰, how dare they accuse my brother of plagiarism. When he comes back, I will certainly have my brother properly deal with that Ma Jingwen."

Sun Hu tapped Su Jingyue, "We’re dealing with a softie, do we really need Brother Su to act? Haven’t we wasted our practice these two years?"

"Then what’s your idea?"

"What else, let’s bag Ma Jingwen tonight!" Sun Hu was thrilled.

Su Jingyue sized up Ma Jingwen beside County Magistrate Ma, and though he felt uncertain, he said, "Even if we jump, we couldn’t bag Ma Jingwen, could we?"

Though Ma Jingwen was much taller than them, Sun Hu wasn’t afraid at all, "Why are you so dense? First, we crouch down and give him a jab in the leg with a stick, then when he falls, we put the bag on him."

Su Jingyue shook his head, "Better not. If someone discovers this is my doing, my brother will skin me.

I meant I want my brother to crush him academically, not by beating."

Sun Hu was puzzled, "One is first, the other second, what’s this talk about crushing?"

Second place is quite enjoyable; last time when he got sixth, he was very happy!

Su Jingyue had a look of someone possessing wisdom beyond comprehension, and with profound tone said, "You don’t understand; being eternally second is the most painful."