Lin Ke took the so-called Sage Sons and Sage Daughters of the Sage Domain seriously.
But taking them seriously was all he did.
Moreover, what he took seriously was not the Sage Sons and Sage Daughters themselves, but what stood behind them.
As for the Sage Sons and Sage Daughters themselves?
As friends, he was willing to treat them courteously and open his heart to them.
As partners in mutual interests, he would respect them and let each get what they needed.
Even as opponents, he welcomed them if they competed fairly.
But if they harbored malicious intentions, he would show no courtesy.
Fortunately, although Kong Ru was arrogant, he still possessed some basic manners and had neither said nor done anything excessive.
Otherwise, Lin Ke would not have minded disciplining Confucius's descendant on his behalf.
But...
"Minister Xun actually made me the top scorer?"
Lin Ke was rather surprised. "He should recognize my handwriting."
Zhuge Li smiled. "Could Minister Xun be trying to do you a favor, my lord?"
Lin Ke shook his head. "He knows I dislike favoritism and cheating. Besides, I only need to pass the Child Scholar Examination and Scholar Examination."
Take first place every step of the way?
He had no need to set such a goal for himself, because his ultimate goal was to claim the title of Zhuangyuan.
Just as in his previous life, aiming to be the Gaokao's top scorer did not mean he had to place first in the primary-to-middle-school entrance examination or the high school entrance examination.
He could strive for it, but there was no need to give it his all.
If he went all out in these examinations, he would be bullying the other students far too much.
After all, in a sense, his taking the examinations was