Martial Saint through Reading-Chapter 49: Make Way, Heavy Books, Easy to Get Hurt

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Make Way, Heavy Books, Easy to Get Hurt

At least as far as the poetry booklet goes, it’s over!

He actually dared not to analyze the poem—doesn’t that clearly mean he thinks Mr. Shen’s poem isn’t good enough?!

Offend Mr. Shen, and you can forget about passing any more poetry exams in the future.

Ning Hao and Liang Yuan’s faces changed slightly. How could Junior Brother Chu turn in work without a single word of analysis?

This isn’t about not knowing—it’s an attitude problem.

Luu Xian, in the back row, looked as if he was worried for Chu Ming, but inside he was already celebrating.

Chu Ming calmly closed his "Poetry, Politics, and Military," looked up, met Shen Yu’s gaze and answered unflinchingly: "Because I think, sir’s poem doesn’t need to be analyzed."

Still being stubborn!

The atmosphere subtly shifted; the junior examinees all knew this was going to be good.

Liang Yuan nudged Ning Hao secretly; Ning Hao hesitated for a moment, but finally steeled his nerves and spoke: "Mr. Shen, Junior Brother Chu just arrived at the Academy yesterday. He’s been fatigued from travel and hasn’t had a chance to adjust, and we dragged him straight to class, so he misspoke for a moment..."

Before he could finish pleading, Shen Yu raised his hand to interrupt, eyes fixed unwaveringly on Chu Ming: "Why do you think my poem doesn’t require analysis?"

Chu Ming pretended to ponder, then replied: "Sir’s poem may lack ornate embellishment and neither conforms to the metrical and tonal scheme expected in poetry."

How can he say that?

You might as well just say Mr. Shen’s poem is plain speech.

Ning Hao and Liang Yuan’s hearts skipped a beat.

Luu Xian and the other examinees sat, awaiting the drama.

"Go on," Shen Yu’s voice was still low, but to everyone else it sounded like the calm before an imminent eruption.

"Sir’s poem uses the most direct way to express clearly what you wished to convey. I believe, sir, you are blazing a new trail."

In the Great Qin Dynasty, what’s called Complex Text splits into two parts.

First is the writing system, which uses traditional characters full of complicated strokes.

Second, in all literary forms—poetry, records, classics, essentials, fiction, travelogues, and others—everything is written in classical Chinese.

Hmm?

Why does this not sound right?

Is Junior Brother Chu... praising Mr. Shen?

But who is Mr. Shen? He’s a senior who’s spent most of his life teaching students—no way would he go for this flattery.

Luu Xian and quite a few examinees secretly curled their lips; now you remember you’ve offended Mr. Shen and you try to make up for it with some fancy talk? Too late.

Besides, Mr. Shen is an instructor with high poetic skills and a deep grasp of poetry and literature. It’s just no one knows why his own poems end up so plain—but who would dare actually call it "plain"?

This isn’t flattery, it’s just being a smart-alec!

On the stage, Shen Yu stared wordlessly at Chu Ming. Except for Ning Hao and Liang Yuan, who looked anxious, everyone else wore that "let’s watch the show" face.

"Do you really think so?"

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, Shen Yu’s tone suddenly changed. His voice raised in pitch—was he excited?

And that fleeting, subtle expression on Mr. Shen’s face—one they’d never seen before—what was that about?

If the students had to describe it, it was like the thrill they’d felt when they passed the Academy entrance and got in.

Was Mr. Shen... feeling validated?

Did Instructor Shen really take the bait?!

The crowd’s gaze became one of disbelief, all locked on Chu Ming.

Don’t nod, whatever you do, don’t nod!

Chu Ming nodded silently.

"Good!" Shen Yu’s face no longer just flashed excitement, but truly broke into a smile—a smile the students had never seen before.

They watched as he walked down from the dais, stood by Chu Ming, holding that test paper: "Your name is Chu Ming?"

"Yes," Chu Ming replied calmly.

"Just joined the Academy?"

"I have." Chu Ming still answered honestly.

"You’re exempt from the poetry portion in the next monthly exam."

"Thank you, Mr. Shen."

"Come with me." Shen Yu spoke, grabbed Chu Ming’s wrist, and tried to drag him away, but no matter how hard he pulled, nothing happened. "Pretty strong, aren’t you?"

"Where to?" Chu Ming was a bit puzzled by the instructor’s intentions.

"To eat." Shen Yu stopped pulling since it didn’t work, and just stated his purpose outright.

Huh?!

Mr. Shen, inviting a junior examinee to a meal of his own accord?

Two dozen eyes turned instantly—if looks could kill, not one of them would’ve hesitated.

Luu Xian’s mouth fell open slightly, as if something was stuck in his throat—bitterer than medicine, more sour than vinegar.

Ning Hao and Liang Yuan just stared, necks nearly twisting all the way around without even noticing.

Is this even allowed?

Liang Yuan poked Ning Hao, and finally both turned bodily, exchanging glances.

Ning Hao: Why?

Liang Yuan: How should I know?

Eating together?

Even Chu Ming himself was stunned. For half the day he’d spent, this Academy instructor who looked about the same age as Housekeeper Fang actually wanted to take him to a meal?

This instructor didn’t really seem as stern as he looked on the surface.

But... is it really just to eat?

He doesn’t like ornate language, prefers simplified and plain speech—could this instructor truly want to start a new trend...?

"Sir, I still have class." He pressed palms together and bowed.

Shen Yu released his hand. "Class? All right, I’ll wait for you in the dining hall."

After speaking, his expression returned to sternness. He gave a cold sweep of the room, making all the students immediately sit up straight at their desks.

As soon as the instructor left, the examinees could no longer sit still.

The ones seated closest leaned over Luu Xian and surrounded Chu Ming: "Brother Chu, I’m Su Zhi."

"Brother Chu, I’m Mo Ran—good buddies with Luu Xian, right, Brother Luu?"

Luu Xian was dazed.

"Brother Chu, my surname’s Chu too—Chu Yizhuo. Maybe we’re even related?"

"..."

As for the junior examinees in the front row, a few hesitated, chose not to befriend Chu Ming, and simply turned and left.

A few others smiled at him, gave a slight bow, and then left the Hall Garden in turn.

"Chu Ming—this name, I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere before..." muttered one of the departing students.

Ning Hao stood at his spot, eyes shining as he looked at Chu Ming.

"Senior Brother Ningx, haven’t you always wanted to study poetry with Mr. Shen? Now that Junior Brother Chu got Mr. Shen’s invitation, go talk to him—maybe he’ll take you along?" Liang Yuan said, half smiling.

"Don’t hold back just because of pride. Are we scholars going to throw away such an opportunity for the sake of saving face?" He added.

"Senior Brother Ningx, this is your chance for one-on-one contact with the instructor—Mr. Shen, the poetry master from Baiyuan County."

Ning Hao always admired Shen Yu for his poetry and wished to be coached by him.

He turned to Liang Yuan, then at Chu Ming, and finally began to move.

But before he could leave his desk, he watched Chu Ming pick up his "Poetry, Politics, and Military," and, face calm, said to the crowd of examinees around, "Excuse me, please make way. The book’s heavy—it’s easy to get hurt."

"Haha, Brother Chu, you’re really funny. How would you get hurt over nothing?"

"Right, Brother Chu, don’t worry. I might’ve topped the entrance exam, but I’ve also trained in martial arts, strong as an ox; even my family’s guards can’t match my strength. No one’s going to hurt me," boasted Mo Ran.

Trained in martial arts?

The other examinees looked on; some were full of disdain, others clearly envious.

But, no one actually made way.

No, one person did.

Luu Xian silently scooched back a few steps.

Back in Liuu Town, after the entrance exam at the private school’s gate, he’d heard these very words from afar—and seen this exact scene unfold.

Holding the "Poetry, Politics, and Military," that calm expression...