Le Ke doesn't know how to do it.

For three days, they had to remain at the camp, and the provisions prepared by Luoxue were quite delicious.

As evening descended, the camp gradually quieted down.

Suddenly, a hearty voice echoed from outside, “So annoying! Is there anything to eat?”

Before the words had faded, Gao Xian strode straight inside. Fortunately, Zheng Fanren was not engaged in any awkward activity within the tent.

Zheng Fanren realized a troubling issue—he felt not the slightest annoyance at Gao Xian’s lack of manners. It was as if this person possessed an innate ability to inspire trust.

Zheng Fanren forced himself to abandon this sense of trust, for he sensed that placing faith in someone so quickly was dangerous. He coldly asked, “You’re just here for the food?”

Gao Xian noticed his oddness, but responded with his usual cheer, “Of course I’m here for your food! I nearly ended up covered in red today, so naturally you owe me compensation. Besides, I wanted to check on you.”

With that, he picked up a pastry and began to eat. Zheng Fanren countered, “Is there really anything worth seeing in me?”

With his mouth full, Gao Xian replied, muffled, “You were quite flamboyant today! But you didn’t score in either subject, so what now?”

Zheng Fanren began to eat as well, somewhat embarrassed, “As the saying goes, when heaven closes a door, it opens a window. What’s there to fear?”

Gao Xian swallowed his pastry, puzzled, “Where did that saying come from? Though there’s some truth to it. But for you at this moment, I fear both doors and windows are shut.”

Zheng Fanren hadn’t expected Gao Xian to understand even his boastful words. He feigned fierceness, “Then I’ll kick it open, with all my strength!”

Gao Xian picked up another pastry, responding with flair, “If you’re going to kick, who cares about doors or windows—kick a hole right in the wall, that’s even better.”

Zheng Fanren instantly cheered up, “Ha! How about my two flamboyant kicks today?”

Gao Xian replied, “You should be fine. I’ve heard that the old master at Taixuan has exceptionally clear eyes.”

“How clear? As clear as Taixuan Lake?”

“Much clearer than the lake. Otherwise, Taixuan Academy wouldn’t be so renowned!”

Having said what he wanted, Gao Xian took his leave. Zheng Fanren was left wondering why this lightning-fast horseman had come to comfort him.

The night slowly settled into quiet, and the sound of his departing footsteps could faintly be heard.

…

Summer mornings were pleasantly comfortable, and the examinees began preparing for the two subjects, Rites and Music. Zheng Fanren knew that today’s proctor would not be Mo Dao, which made him quite glad. He was brimming with confidence for the music exam.

Still, he worried, “Will the proctor be able to understand such novel melodies?”

He didn’t dwell on it long, and accompanied by the other candidates, made his way to the Pavilion of Strings and Sound.

The pavilion was some distance from the camp, and the candidates walked in silence, their spirits focused and calm. They were the finest youth of the Han Empire, perhaps of the world; none wished to expose any lack of confidence at such a moment.

Many female examinees were particularly excited, their faces eager with anticipation. To play a fine piece, to sing with a beautiful voice—these were sources of pride for young women.

Seeing their demeanor, Zheng Fanren’s confidence diminished further. He wondered if his own tone-deaf voice, relying solely on the novelty of his tune, could earn him an excellent result.

Given yesterday’s scores, he could afford no mistakes today.

After waiting outside the pavilion for some time, he received his examination token.

The music exam was quite free-form: one could expound on their understanding of music, sing a melody, or play any instrument.

This eased him somewhat; at least his preparations had not been in vain.

The only unpleasant surprise was that Murong Shushan happened to be assigned just before him.

Clearly, Murong was confident about the music exam. Upon seeing Zheng Fanren, he laughed, “Brother Zheng, I heard you were quite the star at Luoxue’s banquet, and even more dazzling yesterday.”

Zheng Fanren didn’t have much entanglement with Murong Shushan—some banter, occasional small wagers, and that punch last time was fair enough.

But it was also indisputable that Murong had once tried to kill him. Now, he could only respond, “Haha, since you mention Luoxue, don’t forget to attend our wedding, Young Master Murong!”

Murong Shushan gritted his teeth, “If I’d known you wouldn’t pass, Miss Luoxue would surely regret it!”

The angrier Murong became, the happier Zheng Fanren felt. He smiled, “And if I do pass? What will you do?”

Murong’s gambling spirit soared, and he growled, “If you pass, I’ll bark like a dog! If you don’t, hand Miss Luoxue over to me as a concubine!”

Zheng Fanren’s expression changed. Perhaps he hadn’t realized before, but Luoxue had already claimed a place in his heart. He replied in a deep voice, “You barking like a dog is no problem, but giving a woman to you is unacceptable. In my view, women and men alike are not objects to be exchanged.”

His words rang with righteousness—though, like most men, he harbored a strong sense of possession over women.

But the female examinees did not see it that way. His words instantly won their approval. Why had they come to take the exam, if not to gain the same freedom as men?

Some even began quietly discussing Zheng Fanren’s prospects. Upon learning he had little hope, they still didn’t favor this odd young man, but their boundless resentment shifted toward Murong Shushan.

Under the fierce gazes of these beautiful women, Murong Shushan felt overwhelmed and hurriedly said, “We’ll do whatever you say!”

Zheng Fanren responded loudly, “If I pass, you must show me proper respect. If I fail, I’ll bark like a dog!”

Murong Shushan shouted, “No problem!”

At that moment, the teacher in charge of order barked, “No noise!”

…

Though each had their own examination room, the process was efficient, and soon it was Zheng Fanren and Murong Shushan’s turn.

Entering the music chamber, Zheng Fanren was amazed at the sight—dozens of instruments, arranged with exquisite care. Though he didn’t understand the significance, he found the view pleasing.

The proctor was a white-haired woman, her face gentle and kind. Though she didn’t much care for Zheng Fanren’s astonishment, she still smiled and gestured for him to choose an instrument.

Zheng Fanren respectfully said, “Ma’am, I will sing.”

The lady nodded, “Begin, then.”

Her voice was soft yet full of strength. Zheng Fanren did not clear his throat—his voice would sound the same regardless.

He promptly began to sing, “Do Re Mi, Do Re Mi, Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti.”

Then he stopped, waiting for her reaction.

His voice was loud enough that the candidates outside could faintly hear him. They had heard many kinds of songs and instrumental performances, but never such a meaningless tune, nor such a brief one.

Indeed, they could only call it a “gimmick.”

Laughter erupted in the hall.

Even if you know nothing of music, isn’t this a bit much? Dropping out would be a thousand times better!

Zheng Fanren could hear the reaction outside, but remained calm, waiting.

The lady proctor pondered for a moment, then began to test the strings of the seven-stringed zither before her.

The sounds did not form a melody, but Zheng Fanren could see that her posture as she played was beautiful—so beautiful, in fact, that it could be called perfection.

Zheng Fanren became more respectful, standing motionless as he waited.

Soon, he saw the lady lightly press the markers of the second, fifth, and seventh strings. Zheng Fanren’s heart leapt, “Two semitones, unnoticed by anyone in this world, are born this moment!”