Let Me Teach You a Trick

Fifth Sister.

Let Zhao Yuanliang flatter Zhao Yuanxun himself, while Zhao Jingli took Zhao Jing'an directly to Slender Bamboo Courtyard to find Zhao Ruxi.

As for Zhao Rurui and Zhao Ruyu, after paying their respects to the old lady, they said they were going to the main courtyard to talk with Lady Zhu and did not come to Slender Bamboo Courtyard.

"Come in," Zhao Ruxi's voice came from the study.

As the two entered, they saw Zhao Ruxi practicing calligraphy. Zhao Jingtai, who had grown considerably taller in less than six months and was beginning to resemble a young boy, was practicing calligraphy on the other side.

Seeing Zhao Ruxi's beautiful handwriting, Zhao Jing'an felt envious again.

This calligraphy already possesses seven or eight Master Mingcang.

If Zhao Ruxi were to participate in the year-end calligraphy competition, she would definitely be in the top three, if not first place.

How come she learns everything so easily?

Seeing Zhao Ruxi finish writing the last stroke and begin washing her brush, Zhao Jingli asked, "Fifth Sister, when did you start practicing calligraphy?"

"Last summer," Zhao Ruxi said.

She had just transmigrated at that time and was desperately practicing calligraphy to accumulate points, earning "0" points and "1" points at a time. She was so pitiful.

System: "..." I'm the poor, helpless little thing.

Zhao Jing'an: "..." He suffered another blow.

Compared to Zhao Jing'an, Zhao Jingli had already come to terms with reality.

He said, "Jing'an didn't do well in the county exam this time. I brought him here to ask you for advice on studying methods."

Zhao Ruxi didn't say anything, but walked to the sofa she had made and sat down, gesturing for Zhao Jingli and the other person to sit down as well.

After Dianjiang served the tea and left, she looked up at Zhao Jing'an and asked in a low voice, "Second Brother, is your throat sore?"

Zhao Jing'an flushed red instantly.

Zhao Jingli nudged Zhao Jing'an and smiled at Zhao Ruxi, "He got so anxious and upset as soon as he heard the news of failing the exam, no wonder his throat hurts! I told him to talk less."

He gave Zhao Jing'an a threatening look. "Second brother, if you're asking for advice, you must be sincere. Even if your throat hurts, you have to speak."

Zhao Jing'an then awkwardly spoke up, "Please teach me, Fifth Sister." As he spoke, he stood up and bowed to Zhao Ruxi.

Zhao Ruxi then smiled and waved her hand at Zhao Jing'an: "We're siblings, no need for such formalities."

She pointed to a corner of the bookshelf. "Dianjiang, move that wicker trunk over here."

After Dianjiang brought over the wicker trunk and opened it, revealing the examination papers inside, Zhao Ruxi said to Zhao Jing'an, "There is only one word for studying: diligence. There are no shortcuts."

"These are past years' county exam papers. Go through them once to see where you're weak and spend more time on those areas. After you've reviewed the Four Books and Five Classics, go back to practicing. Repeat this process, and you'll get good results in the first and second rounds."

"As for the third stage, once you receive the topic, first write an essay or poem, then look at what the top scholars have written, compare the two, and find the differences. After some time, write it again. If you still can't improve, then go and consult the master. By practicing repeatedly in this way, your writing skills will improve rapidly."

Zhao Ruxi said there was no shortcut. But the two methods she offered were invaluable to Zhao Jing'an.

Zhao Jing'an was initially a little uncomfortable because Zhao Ruxi had accepted his bow without avoiding it or returning it.

But as soon as he heard those words, his discomfort vanished instantly.

Zhao Ruxi was worthy of his courtesy.

He stood up and bowed deeply to Zhao Ruxi with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Fifth Sister."

After Zhao Jingli and Zhao Jing'an left, Zhao Jingtai sidled up to Zhao Ruxi, looking aggrieved, and said, "Sister, you treat Second Brother better than me. You didn't even tell me these methods."

Zhao Ruxi flicked him on the forehead.

"Are you stupid! You haven't even taken the imperial examination yet, it's like the bricks for building a wall haven't been laid yet, what's the point of asking about the method for building a wall? If I don't tell you the method first, you're only looking for shortcuts and ignoring the basics, how far can you go?"

"You'll take the county exam next year. Work hard this year and compete with your Jing'an next year. If you do better than your Jing'an, I'll give you a painting," Zhao Ruxi said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jingtai felt as if the sky were falling, and wailed, "Father said I am the heir apparent and do not need to take the imperial examinations!"

Zhao Ruxi rolled her eyes. "The Earl's heir, what title did you inherit? A viscount, you'd be embarrassed to even say you have a title. Is that all you're so eager to inherit? Have some backbone, will you?"

Zhao Jingtai: "..."

Everyone envies him for having such a capable older sister, but only he knows the struggles behind it. Isn't it really tough?

Zhao Ruxi could tell at a glance what Zhao Jingtai was thinking.

She softened her tone, using the same enticing voice the Big Bad Wolf used to tempt Little Red Riding Hood: "Jingtai, we were born of the same parents. Everyone says I'm smart, so are you really that stupid?"

"No, that won't do." Zhao Jingtai shook his head firmly.

How could that be? They share the same parents. His sister is so smart, how could he be stupid? Haven't you seen how quickly he memorizes his lessons?

"That's right! You're smart and memorize things very quickly. With a little effort, becoming a scholar, let alone a county-level graduate, will be a piece of cake for you."

She turned her head to look around, acting furtively, and whispered to Zhao Jingtai, "Look at your second uncle and aunt's brains. Your second brother's genes are far inferior to yours. He only worked hard for half a year and was able to get close to the county exam. What's wrong with you?"

If you try to reason with Zhao Jingtai, Zhao Jingtai's going through a rebellious phase and definitely won't listen.

But after Zhao Ruxi said that, and with Zhao Jing'an as a point of reference, he suddenly understood.

"Sister, don't worry, I'm in the clan school now, in the same class as my second brother. I definitely won't be any worse than him. Just wait and see about the county exam next year. Putting everything else aside, I'll definitely get you a place as a student in the preliminary examination."

Zhao Ruxi gave him a thumbs up. "Amazing, my brother! Keep it up!"

Zhao Jingtai nodded vigorously and walked away with his head held high.

Dianjiang, standing in the corner, almost burst out laughing.

Although my daughter is cunning, she's not that petty and wouldn't make fun of someone's intelligence.

It's because the second young master was both jealous of the young lady and had no choice but to ask her for help. His awkward manner really annoyed the young lady, so she used him as a reference to encourage the third young master. This is probably what the young lady often calls "making use of waste".

At this moment, Zhao Jing'an, who was walking out of the Earl's mansion, was still scolding Zhao Ruyu.

"Sixth Sister, no offense, but why didn't you go and see Fifth Sister when you came to the Marquis's mansion? You're different from Fourth Sister; you're studying at the academy and often out and about. You should get closer to Fifth Sister."