Chapter 116 — A Heart of Pure Innocence

" His eyes fixed on Shen Mu's name, and his expression turned odd. He read the same line over and over again, puzzled: "What is the matter with this Shen Mu? Why is he called wicked and marked for close watching, and then again said to have a heart of pure innocence, unmoved by outward things?

These fellows — scribbling their assessments at random! " The boy attendant said, "Master, the three scholars of Jiangling have already been decided upon in advance; you must eliminate seven at this trial. Moreover, the General of Heavenly Strategy says his daughter has come to sit the examination and asks that you show her every consideration.

The Grand Commandant's household has also sent word that a grandson wishes to enter the Grand Academy to cultivate. And the Grand General of Agile Cavalry, the Shen family of the capital, and the Hereditary Prince of Zhen'an have all written to say that the young lord of Zhen'an also wishes. .

. " Daoist Lingyun's head ached terribly. "They all want to enter the Grand Academy, and every one of them is of formidable standing — in any case, greater than mine. The three scholars of Jiangling already occupy three places; that is a matter of the Imperial Preceptor Jingping's face.

Only seven places remain of the ten — how can so many be accommodated? What is this Shen Mu's background? Could he be of the Shen family of the capital? " The boy attendant shook his head. "The Shen family says their young lord is named Shen Yu.

This Shen Mu should have no connection with them; his household registration is Lizhou Prefecture. " Daoist Lingyun breathed a sigh of relief. "Then he must be the one to suffer. We shall simply see that he fails my trial.

Who else has no backing? " "There are also the two brothers Ding Shan and Ding He, and this girl called Si Yunxiang.

Then there are those with backing, but no great backing: this one is a relative of the governor of Yanshan Prefecture, and she is a cousin of the magistrate of Yudu Prefecture. .

. " Daoist Lingyun breathed another sigh of relief. "Officials of the second and third ranks are not to be offended lightly either, but for the moment they must be offended.

" Shen Mu emerged from the rear hall, and before him rose a mountain path. The dozen or so scholars climbed it together, and before long the ground ahead suddenly leveled out.

A flying waterfall hung down from a jade cliff, scattering pearls and spilling jade; caught in the sunlight it streamed with color, dazzling beyond measure, and Shen Mu and the others could not help but exclaim in admiration — truly a holy place of immortals. "Elder Sister, is your surname Si as well? " Shen Mu looked at the young girl beside him and asked curiously, "Si is a rare surname. I have a kinswoman whose surname is Si.

" The girl beside him was named Si Yunxiang, a quiet maiden with very large eyes.

The surname Si was not a numerous one, and apart from Granny Zhu, Shen Mu had never met anyone surnamed Si; he could not help but look at her a few more times and edge closer to strike up a conversation. The girl of the surname Si seemed to sense his gaze; a shy look came over her face, and she walked on with her head lowered, paying him no heed.

"She blushes — so she is not Granny in disguise. " Shen Mu breathed a sigh of relief and thought, "Granny never blushes. Granny is in Hidden Remnant Village now, she cannot leave the Wasteland, and she could hardly come running here.

And if it were Granny, she would never use the surname Si, precisely because I would grow suspicious. Ha ha — am I truly so full of doubts?

" He was somewhat paranoid these days; hearing the name of this girl called Si Yunxiang, he had grown suspicious, and so he had gone up to test her.

Before long they came to a great hall, where a boy attendant stood holding a register, looking toward them. He announced in a clear voice, "Scholars all, this trial is strict; there may be deaths and injuries. Is there anyone who wishes to withdraw?

"