Even after the Poetry Gathering ended, Chen Yunfan still could not understand how Chen Yi's calligraphy had reached such heights.
His mother had clearly confined him to the mansion for three whole years, without paper or brushes. How could he...
Oh, perhaps he had used his fingers as brushes, water as ink, and the floor as paper, practicing calligraphy alone in his room.
As for his poetry, he had probably recalled what he had learned before every day, achieving what he had today.
As Chen Yunfan speculated, he suddenly sighed inwardly. Mother, why on earth did you lock Younger Brother Yi up?
Had Chen Yi not been confined, his accomplishments would surely have been somewhat lesser by now.
"Father was right. People only reach their potential when pushed. Without trials and tempering, they'll never amount to anything."
"Fortunately, I've already amounted to something."
Thinking of how he was now the Great Wei Dynasty's Zhuangyuan, Chen Yunfan immediately wore a smug expression.
He strode toward the academy's rear gate.
He had earlier declined Mr. Yue Ming and Li Huaigu's offers to see him off, leaving him quite at ease now.
Yet just as he passed through a covered passage, he heard a girl ask from behind and to the side, "Are you the Zhuangyuan?"
"Yes..."
Before Chen Yunfan could see who she was, a handful of powder flew into his face the instant he turned.
He froze, then hurriedly covered his mouth and held his breath as he looked at her.
"Miss, what are you... doing..."
Before he could finish, Chen Yunfan's eyes rolled back, and he toppled onto his back.
Thud.
Pei Guanli clapped the dust from her hands. "Did you think this heroine's powder was so easy to guard against?"
As she spoke, she glanced around. Seeing no one