Academic Examination: What Are the Men of Resolve and Benevolence?

[You gathered your thoughts and followed closely behind the steward, stepping into the solemn main hall.]

[The steward walked ahead. Based on past experience, he expected that when an illegitimate son from the estate came to Xie Hong Courtyard for the first time, he would usually be nervous and uneasy—either silent and unusually restrained, or with wandering eyes that could not conceal his excitement.]

[Moreover, he had heard that this Young Master Guan, being born of a concubine, did not seem to enjoy the Lineage's favor. Perhaps he had never even set foot in the Grand View Garden, much less met the ladies of the manor and those high-ranking nobles.]

[He must be timid at heart.]

[The steward had his calculations... Yet after walking for a while, he seemed to notice something was different.]

[The youth followed behind him, the hem of his robe swaying gently with each step, every swing exactly the same.]

[His stride was steady, neither hurried nor slow. Every step seemed precisely measured, without the slightest deviation. There was none of the tension and unease of a first arrival.]

[Seeing this, the steward quietly withdrew his earlier contempt.]

["Young Master Guan, the entrance to the main hall lies ahead. This servant cannot escort you any farther."]

["Those within are all distinguished people of the manor. Young Master Guan, you must be especially careful in your words and conduct."]

[You bowed and said softly, "Thank you."]

[The doors were pushed open by servants on either side, then gently shut again, as though they had sealed off two worlds.]

[You slowly entered the main hall.]

[The ladies and young masters on one side all turned their attention toward you, while several people from the other families also raised their heads to look at you curiously.]

[Old Madam Xie