The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 263

When it came to this matter, the two brothers of the Zong Family had been climbing the rankings for four months, barely scraping the edge of the list. But the idea of comparing their progress to Qin Ye’s at this stage made Zong Wenxiu feel a little uneasy.

In his heart, Qin Ye was an undefeated legend—unrivaled and insurmountable.

He didn’t believe he could surpass Qin Ye now.

But his younger brother… he had improved a lot recently. Maybe he stood a chance?

Facing the taunts of the young troublemakers, the Little Demon remained brimming with confidence. “Fine, let’s see then! Come on, I’ll show you what a real genius in strategy looks like. My exam results will leave the three of you in the dust!”

“Hah,” Shen Yibai scoffed in disbelief.

“Tch,” Wei Xinglu watched with amusement.

Only He Zheng clapped enthusiastically, cheering, “Big bro’s got this!”

Shen and Wei quickly jumped over, each pressing a hand on He Zheng’s shoulders, prompting him to sheepishly fall silent.

Though He Zheng acted like a brash troublemaker in front of outsiders, among his battle-hardened brothers, he automatically became the obedient little follower—knowing his place all too well.

By the time the five boys arrived at the rankings board, Xu Wan had already been standing there for a while. She pointed at Zong Jincheng’s name and smiled. “Here.”

The Little Demon took one glance at the position and immediately knew—he dashed forward to confirm: **95th place, Zong Jincheng.**

Zong Jincheng spun around in shock, ecstatic. “Mother, did I just jump twenty-one places?!”

Xu Wan nodded with a smile. “Yes, you advanced by twenty-one ranks.”

The others were utterly stunned.

Shen Yibai gaped. “How is this possible? How could Jincheng progress faster than Qin Ye? Didn’t you say Qin Ye was unbeatable? How could Jincheng surpass him?”

Wei Xinglu shoved the Little Demon aside to scrutinize the board. “No mistake—it’s really Jincheng. This can’t be right. Did he bribe the academy head?”

Zong Jincheng: “!!!”

The Little Demon raised his fists and charged. “Looks like you want me to knock some sense into that thick skull of yours!”

“Aah—help! Mercy!”

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The two boys chased each other around the board, laughter and shouts filling the air.

In the end, Shen Yibai convinced himself. “Guess our advanced class really is something. At this rate, I’ll surpass Qin Ye too—ha, that’d be amazing!”

He Zheng: “…”

*Idiot, keep dreaming. Even Wenxiu hasn’t surpassed Qin Ye yet.*

Only Big Bro—only Jincheng could.

As they prepared to leave the academy, Xu Wan casually remarked, “By the way, Qin Ye was here earlier, watching the results. You were all too busy making a scene to notice.”

“Huh?” Five dumbfounded faces turned to her.

Xu Wan continued, “He stood right there, staring at Jincheng’s ranking for a long time.”

“Mine?” Zong Jincheng was taken aback.

That cold, aloof Qin Ye—who once arrogantly asked *who he even was*—had actually paid attention to *his* results?

The Little Demon never forgot a grudge.

Zong Jincheng lifted his chin smugly. “I’m improving way faster than him now. Let’s see if he dares pretend not to know me next time. Hmph! Qin Ye, just wait—I’ll take you down one day. You’re officially on notice!”

Xu Wan patted his shoulder. “The higher you climb, the harder it gets. But… keep at it. You’ve already seen the first light of dawn.”

The Little Demon was in high spirits, his mood brighter than ever. “Brothers, let’s chant our class motto again!”

“*Defeat Qin Ye, claim the top rank!*”

“*Defeat Qin Ye, claim the top rank!*”

Their youthful voices rang out, drawing scattered glances from other students. Under the sharp midday sun, they shone brilliantly—radiant and unstoppable.

**October 7th, Winter Begins.**

This day marked the start of the cold season. In the north, it was customary to eat dumplings. The boys woke to the rich aroma of over a dozen varieties laid out on the table—pork with celery, lamb with radish, chive and egg…

“Mother, I want the meat ones, not the chive and egg,” the Little Demon grumbled, his picky habits flaring up again.

“The meat ones have vegetables too. Did you really think you’d escape?” Xu Wan slid a plate of pork-and-cabbage dumplings toward him.

Zong Jincheng pouted as he ate. “Still better than all-vegetable.”

After breakfast, the Little Demon headed straight for the study. Xu Wan pinched the fabric of his robes. “Aren’t you cold in this? The Capital’s weather shifts fast—autumn’s gone in a blink. You’ll catch a chill without winter clothes.”

Zong Jincheng held out his arm for her to feel. The boy burned with energy, his skin warm to the touch.

Xu ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‍Wan chuckled helplessly. “Alright, off you go. If you get cold, tell Shunzi to fetch your coat. No toughing it out.”

The Little Demon grinned. “Got it, got it! I won’t be reckless. Besides, getting sick would slow down my studies—I’ve got to crush Qin Ye ASAP!”

As they parted ways, Shunzi hurried in. “Madam, Young Master—the Crown Prince is here.”

Zong Jincheng’s eyes lit up. “Let’s go! Can’t keep His Highness waiting.”

Once the pair left, Xu Wan’s smile faded.

Though the Crown Prince’s year-long mentorship had propelled Jincheng’s growth like a rocket—culminating in him finally matching Qin Ye’s pace—something felt off these past few months.

What was once a steady monthly visit had become unpredictable. And today, of all days—Winter Begins…

*What is he planning?*

Perhaps she could ask the Crown Princess at the upcoming palace banquet…

**Upstairs in the study,**

The Crown Prince lectured Jincheng all morning, only leaving near noon to return to the Eastern Palace for lunch with the Crown Princess and Little Princess. He assigned homework, instructing Jincheng to complete it before his next visit.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness—I’ll ace it!” The Little Demon’s confidence never wavered.

The Crown Prince smiled faintly, raising a hand as if to ruffle the boy’s hair—then hesitated and withdrew it.

“Let’s go.” He turned to descend the stairs.

Zong Jincheng, who’d been eagerly awaiting the affectionate gesture, was left baffled. *What just happened? His Highness clearly meant to pat my head—why stop?*

The last few visits, the Crown Prince had neither touched nor held his hand. He’d assumed it was forgetfulness—but now it seemed deliberate.

*Why? Does His Highness not care for me anymore?*

Yet if that were true, why would he still pour such effort into teaching him the ways of governance?

As the Crown Prince walked ahead, Zong Jincheng suddenly darted forward and grabbed his hand.

—A bone-chilling cold seeped into his skin, sharp as winter ice, spreading through his veins until his heart turned frosty.