Song Shihuan glanced around and realized that all the female students from the academy had been gathered here.
They had truly set up a grand stage for her.
Well then, it would be a shame if she didn’t put on a performance.
"Headmistress, I’ve never heard of any placement exam before," Song Shihuan said, turning to Yan Qing.
“We heard that the princess had been studying diligently before arriving, so today we’ve specially prepared a placement exam for you.”
Yan Qing wore a kindly expression, but Song Shihuan inwardly scoffed.
She had assumed that in such a revered institution, those in charge would be upright and honorable.
Who would have thought they’d collude with the Eastern Palace?
Song Shihuan looked at Yan Qing with disappointment.
Yan Qing smiled and continued, "We’ll select three representatives from Class A, Class B, and Class C to compete with you. The results will determine your placement."
"What will the competition entail?"
As soon as Song Shihuan spoke, Song Xiyan let out a light laugh. "Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting require years of practice. Headmistress, we shouldn’t make things difficult for my sister. Why not test them on the Four Books and Five Classics instead?"
“Princess Fuyun makes a fair point. We’ll follow her suggestion.”
Yan Qing summoned several instructors from the academy. "Each of you will prepare a question."
Though this was Song Shihuan’s first time stepping into the academy, her reputation had long preceded her. Some students watched with amusement, while others felt indignant on her behalf.
"Headmistress, this isn’t fair. Mastery of the Four Books and Five Classics also takes time," protested Gu Mingzhu, whose father was a third-rank general.
"Gu Mingzhu, the princess, hasn’t even objected. What right do you have to interfere?" one of Song Xiyan’s lackeys immediately retorted. "Or do you think you’re more capable than the princess?"
"Gossiping fool."
As the two clashed, Song Xiyan’s eyes gleamed. "Sister, are you perhaps… afraid?"
In an instant, all eyes turned to Song Shihuan.
"Very well, let the competition begin," Song Shihuan replied indifferently. "Who will be representing each class?"
When Song Shihuan saw Song Xiling step forward, she nearly cursed aloud.
......
"Eldest Sister, I’ll be representing Class B in this competition."
Song Shihuan’s lips twitched. She had never met anyone as foolish as Song Xiling.
If it were anyone else, the outcome would merely be gossip within the academy. But if two princesses competed, regardless of the result, it would bring shame upon the imperial family—and become fodder for public amusement.
"Third Sister, are you certain?" Song Shihuan couldn’t help but ask.
"Absolutely."
Song Shihuan sighed deeply. "Then let’s begin."
Nine instructors had prepared questions, each corresponding to one of the Four Books and Five Classics.
Song Shihuan and the other three participants, including Song Xiling, sat at their desks, quietly awaiting the questions.
After an incense stick’s worth of time, they began writing their answers.
Song Shihuan skimmed through the questions and relaxed slightly. It seemed the instructors hadn’t taken this competition too seriously—the questions were all quite basic.
Fortunately, she could answer them all.
With steady hands, she picked up her brush and wrote swiftly, finishing with her name at the top of the page.
In the crowd, Song Xiyan couldn’t suppress a smug smile. She had already informed her elder brother—the moment Song Shihuan lost, word would spread far and wide, painting her as an illiterate fool in the eyes of the entire city.
"I've finished answering."
Song Shihuan's voice interrupted Song Xiyan's thoughts, causing her expression to falter slightly.
The other three students had also completed their papers, and all four exam sheets were handed to Yan Qing simultaneously.
Yan Qing reviewed them one by one, but her expression gradually shifted, and she couldn't help glancing at Song Xiyan.
......
"Just now, it was agreed that the grading would be done openly in front of everyone. Now, suddenly, the dean and a few instructors are retreating to a private study to evaluate the papers—changing their stance at a whim."
Gu Mingzhu muttered under her breath, suspecting that someone was trying to manipulate the results.
Her Gu family upheld integrity and despised such underhanded schemes.
"Miss Gu?" Song Shihuan's voice startled Gu Mingzhu, making her jump.
"Your Highness, I am Gu Mingzhu. You may call me Mingzhu," she replied, pressing her lips together. "Oh, and I'm in Class C."
The lowest-ranked class.
Song Shihuan found Gu Mingzhu's spirited demeanor refreshing and immediately felt a kinship with her. She smiled warmly. "My name is Song Shihuan."
"Your Highness's name is truly lovely."
Gu Mingzhu, never one to hold back, quickly struck up a conversation with Song Shihuan.
Before long, she regarded the princess as a kindred spirit.
"The dean is quite close with your second sister. Be careful—they might tamper with the results," Gu Mingzhu whispered kindly.
Song Shihuan felt a surge of gratitude and nodded in acknowledgment.
A full half-hour later, the group finally emerged from the study.
Yan Qing held the exam papers and announced calmly, "Her Highness is undoubtedly bright and answered several questions correctly. However, her foundational knowledge remains lacking, so she did not surpass the other three students and will be placed in Class C."
"The highest scorer was Lady Song Xiling, who will advance to Class A in the next placement exam."
Hearing this, Song Xiling shot a grateful look at Song Xiyan.
Being promoted to Class A would earn her even more favor from their father.
No one seemed surprised by the outcome.
Yan Qing approached Song Shihuan with a practiced smile. "Your Highness, allow me to personally escort you to Class C."
Song Shihuan's eyes turned icy as she stared at the hypocritical woman before her.
"Wait."
A mocking smile played on her lips. "Dean Yan, might I have the honor of reviewing the other three students' papers? It would help me identify my shortcomings."
Yan Qing's face stiffened instantly.
The instructors behind her lowered their heads, remaining silent.
"Your Highness, the instructors are already aware of your academic level. They will tailor their lessons to address your gaps—no need for you to trouble yourself further."
"And if I insist on seeing the papers?"
Song Shihuan's voice turned frosty. "The questions were elementary, and I answered every one. Why, then, am I ranked last?"
Her words sent a ripple of murmurs through the crowd.
Gu Mingzhu was the first to react. Swift as lightning, she darted into the study and retrieved all four exam sheets.
"Her Highness clearly answered everything correctly—it's right here in black and white!"
She passed the papers to the students beside her, and one by one, they examined the evidence.
It was true.
Song Shihuan had indeed answered every question accurately.
Yan Qing's steps grew unsteady, Song Xiyan's face twisted in fury, and Song Xiling stood silently to the side.
"Dean Yan, today is my first day at this academy. First, you insisted on a public examination, and now you deliberately rank me last. Is this the standard of integrity upheld by this institution?"
Song Shihuan stood tall and straight, "I demand an explanation from the women's academy!"
