Song Nianyun gently shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of pity.
“Little sister, your words are rather unreasonable.”
“Without evidence, just because you say I have no ability, you think you can convict me?”
“The Qinghui Academy has maintained its reputation for over a hundred years. Its selection process follows strict rules. How can you question it so casually?”
She then turned toward the guiding teacher and the increasingly large crowd of onlookers, speaking clearly so her voice carried through the entire area.
“Teacher, fellow students, please be my witnesses.”
“Indeed, I, Song Yibai, was once ignorant and lacking in learning. That is the truth, and I do not deny it.”
“However, a serious illness a few months ago felt like I had stepped into another life, allowing me to realize the faults of wasting my past years.”
“Since then, I have secluded myself, studied diligently, never letting books leave my hands. The hardship involved is not something outsiders can easily understand.”
Her gaze was calm and steady as she swept across the crowd.
“The ancients said, ‘After three days apart, one should look at another with new eyes.’ I do not dare compare myself to them, but in these few months I have studied tirelessly, forgetting to eat and sleep, and I believe I have made considerable progress.”
“To judge my present ability based on my past ignorance is nothing more than clinging to the past and refusing to see change.”
Her words were calm and measured, neither arrogant nor humble, yet logically clear and well-structured. Many of the surrounding students, who had doubted her earlier, now began to nod in agreement.
A teacher nearby also showed a softened expression and gave a slight nod.
Song Mingzhu grew anxious and blurted out,
“Who saw you studying in seclusion? Only your servants! Of course they would speak for you! If you’re so capable, prove it in front of everyone!”
Her words were unreasonable, but they reflected what many spectators were also thinking.
After all, such rapid improvement from ignorance to top-ranking talent was hard to believe.
Song Nianyun seemed to have been waiting for this.
A faint smile appeared on her lips, though her eyes remained cold.
“Prove it? How would you like me to prove it?”
“Should I recite the Thousand Character Classic again in front of all of you?”
“Or should I be tested on the Four Books and Five Classics?”
“Or perhaps you want me to analyze the essay that earned me first place?”
She stepped forward slightly, her aura suddenly intensifying. Though slender in frame, she carried an undeniable pressure.
“I, Song Yibai, act with integrity. I am not afraid of any examination.”
“But you should think carefully. If I prove my ability is genuine, then how will you account for your public slander of your elder sister and your insult to the Qinghui Academy’s reputation?”
“Whatever you say, I will accept it!”
Song Mingzhu was already on edge, but she still forced herself to speak loudly.
“Then if you cannot prove it, you must immediately leave Qinghui Academy and never set foot here again!”
“Agreed.”
Song Nianyun turned to the guiding teacher and bowed slightly.
“Please, Teacher, set the question to prove my innocence.”
The teacher, seeing the situation had escalated, nodded solemnly.
“Very well. Then we will begin with the Four Books.”
He looked at her seriously.
“Recite a passage from Mencius, and explain the meaning of ‘to sacrifice life for righteousness.’”
This question immediately drew attention—it was both a memory test and a deep interpretation of Confucian philosophy.
Without hesitation, Song Nianyun began to recite smoothly:
“Fish is what I desire; bear’s paw is also what I desire…”
Her recitation was flawless, steady, and rhythmic, carrying a natural flow that stunned those listening.
When she reached the deeper philosophical lines, many students around her fell into thoughtful silence.
After finishing, she continued calmly:
“‘To sacrifice life for righteousness’ expresses the core of Confucian moral conviction…”
Her explanation was structured, profound, and supported with historical examples.
“Wen Tianxiang chose death over surrender, leaving behind the words: ‘Since ancient times, who has not died? Let my loyal heart illuminate history.’”
“And Boyi and Shuqi refused to eat the grain of the Zhou dynasty, choosing to starve rather than abandon their principles.”
She paused briefly.
“In modern interpretation, sacrificing life for righteousness does not always mean death.”
“Speaking out against injustice, resisting temptation, and remaining true to one’s heart—all are forms of this principle.”
“The true gentleman is one who can uphold righteousness when it matters most.”
Her explanation drew quiet nods from many in the crowd.
Just being able to cite such historical figures already showed extensive knowledge.
Song Mingzhu’s face grew increasingly pale as she listened.
Impossible.
When did this good-for-nothing become so capable?
She couldn’t even recite this passage herself—let alone explain it like this.
The guiding teacher’s expression had already changed.
From her recitation alone, it was clear she was far from ignorant.
In fact, her depth of understanding far exceeded ordinary students.
He felt there was no need to continue testing further.
He turned to Song Mingzhu.
“Do you still doubt her? Or should I continue testing your elder sister?”