C12 Something Happened

Shen Changgeng examined the test paper, his expression shifting from frowning to wide-eyed, then to head-shaking, as if he were struggling with a difficult task. After a while, he sighed, "The essay is excellent, the wording precise, and the approach fresh, but unfortunately, it's unfinished."

Gu Changping's eyebrow twitched as he grabbed the paper, scanning it quickly. His gaze settled on the candidate's name, and he sneered, "Indeed, it's quite good, but it's an incomplete piece."

"How... how could it be unfinished?" Shen Changgeng looked regretful, unwilling to accept it, and started rifling through Jing Bao's other papers.

"I think we could be lenient. This person did exceptionally well on the previous essays. Look, they're also top-ranked in law and mathematics," Shen Changgeng suggested.

Gu Changping replied coolly, "Law and mathematics are just secondary. Our institution has always valued outstanding essays. Admitting someone with an incomplete essay might not convince everyone."

Shen Changgeng wanted to say more in defense of the candidate. "Why not invite a few professors to discuss this together?"

Gu Changping looked at him, "In my opinion, we might as well invite the Chief Minister to make the decision."

Better not!

Shen Changgeng immediately fell silent. Gu Changping glanced down at the test paper again, recalling how the candidate had looked at him as if they'd seen a ghost, and couldn't help but smile. Shen Changgeng noticed something and looked up at him.

Gu Changping's expression immediately soured, and he marked Jing Bao's paper with two words in red ink—"Failing Grade!"

Just then, Qi Lin came in with a food basket, setting the dishes on the table one by one. Shen Changgeng, enticed by the aroma, was about to step over for a meal when Qi Lin pulled out an invitation and handed it to Gu Changping. "Sir, it’s from the Stone Residence."

Gu Changping glanced at it briefly and then passed it to Shen Changgeng. "Tomorrow night, you’re coming to the banquet with me!"

Shen Changgeng looked displeased. "Can I refuse?"

Gu Changping replied, "No!"

...

After a good night's rest, Jing Bao's cold had improved significantly. Two steaming bowls of millet porridge later, she was full of energy. Mrs. Lu, pleased to see her recovery, invited her to the Western Hills to offer incense and shake off any lingering bad luck.

Jing Bao wanted to spend some money to help Miss Lu with a ritual at the temple, so she gladly accepted. After changing clothes and grabbing some cash, she stepped out of her room and found her second aunt, Mrs. Zhao, standing under the shade of a tree, chatting with her mother. Joining them were Mrs. Zhao and her eldest daughter-in-law, Du Yumei.

Du Yumei had been married into the Jing family for a few years without having children, so the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law planned to pray for a child. What was supposed to be a simple trip turned into a grand procession.

After reaching the mountain, they offered their prayers. Jing Bao then asked Mann to arrange a ceremony for the Fourth Miss. By noon, after a simple meal, they prepared to head back home.

As the group descended, Jing Bao rode on horseback while Yan led the horse, jogging alongside. Suddenly, a sharp noise pierced the air. The horse, startled, neighed loudly and reared up, bolting forward. Jing Bao's face turned pale with fear as he called out, "Yan!"

Yan leaped into action, gripping the reins tightly, but the horse, as if possessed, charged downhill, dragging Yan along. Desperate, Yan shouted, "Master, jump off... quickly jump off... I'll catch you!"

Jing Bao trembled, his eyes wide with terror. Yan knew his master was easily frightened and yelled, "Master, trust me! I can catch you! On the count of three, jump! One, two, three, jump!"

As the word "jump" echoed, Jing Bao gritted his teeth and lifted slightly from the saddle. Yan released the reins, ready to catch him, only to realize Jing Bao had merely shifted in his seat, still on the horse.

Yan's mind buzzed with urgency, "Master, for crying out loud..."

"For crying out loud... my legs won't move!"

Jing Bao shut her eyes tight and cried out, choking back tears, "Yan... help me!"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a shadow swooped in. An arm deftly grabbed the reins and pulled hard, while the other swung under the horse's belly, delivering a solid punch.

The horse reared up, its front hooves high in the air. The rider on its back was thrown off in an awkward arc, plummeting to the ground. As she fell, Jing Bao thought angrily, Great, my chest is going to be crushed!

But the expected pain never came. A large hand caught the back of her shirt.

"Rip—"

The fine silk couldn't take the strain, and Jing Bao hit the ground face-first, eating dirt. Her heart, which had been lodged in her throat, sank back down in a wave of embarrassment.

A pair of small, blue satin boots appeared in her line of sight.

Jing Bao struggled to lift her head, meeting the gaze of a young face. His features were slightly square, with thin, narrow eyes, a high nose, and thick, dark eyebrows.

He looked familiar.

"Xu Qingshan, I saw you at the National Academy exam that day. You're Jing Bao!"

Jing Bao suddenly remembered.

The grandson of the North Suppressing Marquis, he had been one of the examinees in the same hall as her that day.

"Thank you, Mr. Qingshan, for saving my life, I..."

"Get up and talk!"

Jing Bao glanced down, realizing she was still sprawled out awkwardly, her face flushed with embarrassment. Just as she was about to get up, Xu Qingshan grasped her hand and gave a gentle tug.

Jing Bao felt a wave of dizziness, and when he came to, he was already on his feet. "Thank you, Mr. Qingshan. Could you, um, let go now?"

Xu Qingshan quickly released his grip. As he did, he noticed something odd—Jing Bao's hand was soft and delicate, almost too soft. Was he really a man?

Just then, Yan hurried over, stepping between the two and giving Xu Qingshan a respectful nod. "Thank you, Young Master Xu, for your help. We are truly grateful. Seventh Master, why don't you rest in the carriage? That horse might not be safe to ride anymore."

A gust of mountain wind blew by, causing Jing Bao to shiver and snap back to reality. How could the horse have been spooked like that? With a mind full of questions, she gave Xu Qingshan a deep bow of gratitude, then awkwardly climbed into the carriage, using both hands and feet.

Xu Qingshan watched her clumsy ascent, his brow furrowing in disbelief. At that moment, the wind lifted the carriage curtain slightly, giving him a glimpse inside. He saw Mrs. Lu holding Jing Bao close, showering her with affectionate nicknames.

Boom! A chill ran up Xu Qingshan's spine, his face turning crimson all the way to his ears. In all his life, he'd never encountered such an unmanly man. He couldn't tell if he was more shocked or angry, but he was definitely fuming inside.

Ugh! I can't believe I saved such a wimp! What rotten luck!

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