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In the calligraphy competition area, a total of 140 participants, skilled in seven different styles of calligraphy, gathered.

Each style had about twenty contestants, all representing the best of the Daling Dynasty in calligraphy. The event was a showcase of diverse talents.

The judging panel comprised three highly respected elders from the calligraphy community.

Wang Lingxi, a renowned calligrapher, sat in the center, flanked by the other two judges.

The judge on the left side said, ”1 heard that Yuan Baozhang sought advice from Chu Qingzhi before the competition and made rapid progress. Do you think that’s true?”

The judge on the right side added, “Yes, calligraphy is usually a process of gradual improvement. Isn’t it a bit exaggerated to say that he improved so quickly just from some advice?”

Wang Lingxi smiled and said slowly, “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll find out soon enough.”

The judge on the right then proposed, “How about we make a bet?”

The judge on the left showed interest, asking, “What shall we bet on?”

Wang Lingxi, smiling, asked, “What’s the stake?”

The judge on the right suggested, “Let’s bet on whether Yuan Baozhang’s calligraphy can be rated as A. What do you think?”

Yuan Baozhang’s calligraphy was known to be good, but in the capital, everyone knew that he usually achieved only a B rating, as was the case in last year’s competition.

Both Wang Lingxi and the judge on the left agreed to the bet.

The judge on the right continued, “As for the stake, how about selling one of our treasured masterpieces to help the poor?”

Wang Lingxi nodded and replied with a smile, “That’s a good stake. 1 agree.”

The judge on the left said, “I bet Yuan Baozhang won’t reach A.”

The judge on the right also bet against Yuan Baozhang reaching A.

Both turned to look at Wang Lingxi.

Thinking of the seven treasured masterpieces hanging in his house, Wang

Lingxi decisively said, “I bet Yuan Baozhang will reach A.”

The two judges smiled, and the one on the left said, “Then let’s wait and see the result.”

Yuan Baozhang was skilled in running script. After the competition ended, the judges’ first task was to evaluate the running script entries.

The calligraphy works were anonymous, identified only by numbers.

The participants stood by, waiting for the results to be announced.

Wang Lingxi randomly picked a piece of calligraphy and, after examining it carefully, gave it an A-Middle rating. The other two judges rated it as A-Lower and B-Upper.

With a B-Upper score, some participants began to feel nervous about possibly being at the bottom.

Wang Lingxi then picked another piece of calligraphy. Upon closer inspection, he was impressed by its lively and spirited strokes, so much so that he gave it an A-Upper rating.

The announcement of an A-Upper rating raised everyone’s spirits.

After spending half an hour, the judges finished evaluating all the running script entries.

Wang Lingxi looked up and asked, “Yuan Baozhang, which piece is yours?”

Yuan Baozhang bowed and replied, “Number fifteen.”

The judges immediately looked for the fifteenth entry and found it was the one Wang Lingxi had highly rated.

The two judges were surprised to see the score, realizing they had lost the bet. Yuan Baozhang had not only achieved an A rating but also an A-Upper. It seemed the rumors were true.

Wang Lingxi looked at the calligraphy again and asked with a smile, “Yuan Baozhang, what score do you think you got this time?”

The 13-year-old Yuan Baozhang, full of youthful vigor and not yet knowing how to restrain his sharp edge, spoke with great spirit and confidence, saying, “A-Upper.”

Wang Lingxi smiled, “Congratulations, it is indeed A-Upper.”

Without Chu Qingzhi’s guidance, Yuan Baozhang wouldn’t have been so confident. Now, he felt assured. Hearing Wang Lingxi’s words, he was excited, “Thank you, Mr. Wang.”

“You are talented and deserve this score, but you can’t be arrogant. Continue to work hard in the future.”

“Yes, sir.”

Near Yuan Baozhang, someone immediately congratulated him, “Young Master

Yuan, 1 didn’t expect such rapid progress from you. Could you share some tips?”

“You’re exaggerating, but exchanging ideas is possible.”

“Then shall we find a time to exchange ideas?”

“Sure, you set the time.”

“Young Master Yuan is so easy to talk to…”

Go Competition Area.

Only one game remained, and it was between Chu Xuyuan and Lin Jixian.

This was a common occurrence in the past, but the remaining participants were all top-notch participants. This was the first time for two children to be the last players.

Everyone stretched their necks to watch at the entrance of the area.

“Chu Xuyuan, 1 didn’t expect to end in a draw with you.”

“Didn’t you say you were going to defeat me?”

“Can’t I express a wish?” Lin Jixian hadn’t expected Chu Xuyuan to be so strong. Every time he thought he would win, Chu Xuyuan would turn the tables, leading to this outcome.

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, but your wish won’t come true.”

Lin Jixian was left speechless.

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Xuyao were still waiting for Chu Xuyuan. Gradually, the Chu family members gathered.

Li Qingyu glanced over, “Is Xuyuan still playing?”

“It should be almost over,” replied Chu Qingzhi.

Grandpa Chu did not understand the meaning of finishing the last. Seeing that everyone was waiting for the last two players, he frowned and said, “Why is Xuyuan falling so far behind.”

The surrounding people looked at Grandpa Chu. Xuyuan had performed exceptionally. Why did he say he was falling so far behind?

Seeing everyone looking at them, Chu Rong couldn’t help but tug at Grandpa Chu’s sleeve, “Dad, don’t speak. We don’t want to become a laughingstock.”

Grandpa Chu nodded. “I won’t say anymore.”

Chu Xuyuan placed the last chess piece on the chessboard. “It’s a draw!”

Lin Jixian took a deep breath. Chu Xuyuan had only been learning Go for a few months and managed to draw with him. Reluctantly, he said, “Congratulations.”

Chu Xuyuan said nonchalantly, “Congratulations too.”

Lin Jixian did not say anything else, afraid that he would not be able to control his anger towards Chu Xuyuan and lose his composure.

The teacher approached, looked at the board, and then at the two children, “Very impressive. Come back for more matches this afternoon.”

“I understand, Sir. Thank you.” Chu Xuyuan stood up to thank the teacher and then hurried to his family, “Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

Everyone laughed and walked outside together.

At Bitong Hall.

The Emperor handed two pieces of paper filled with words to Tang Jinghong. “Minister Tang, take a look.”

These two papers were the policy essays written by Xu Guannan and Jiang Zhanglin, unmarked by names and equally beautiful in handwriting, making it hard to distinguish who wrote which.

Tang Jinghong briefly skimmed the papers, “Your Majesty, I think both are well-written, on par with each other.”

The Emperor nodded, “I think so too..”