USWHC -Chapter 277 I Don’t Want to Take the Exam! (Part 7)

With a creak, the door opened again. Ji Yi had already changed his clothes. He didn’t speak, only gently stepped aside, as if inviting Zhu Jie to go inside.

But Zhu Jie lightly patted the stone step in front of the door and said softly, “Sit.”

Ji Yi hesitated for a moment, yet still obediently sat down. The two of them simply sat there, lifting their heads to gaze at the sky and the bright full moon.

“When did you start not wanting to take the exam?” Zhu Jie asked softly, her voice as airy as the night itself.

“I never wanted to take it,” Ji Yi answered honestly. It seemed both of them had chosen to be completely open with each other.

Zhu Jie was stunned for a moment but still refused to give up. “Are you nervous because you’re afraid you won’t do well?”

“No. I just don’t want to take it. Even if I did, it would be useless,” Ji Yi sighed.

Useless?

Zhu Jie frowned. “Why would you say something so discouraging?” She sighed as well.

“Maybe it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have planned your life without asking for your opinion,” Zhu Jie unexpectedly began admitting her mistake first.

Now it was Ji Yi who felt a little uncomfortable. He stared at Zhu Jie blankly, feeling somewhat regretful inside. Had he gone a little too far?

For a moment, the two of them fell into silence—an awkward, heavy silence.

“I never asked what kind of life you want to live,” Zhu Jie said belatedly.

Ji Yi hesitated before replying softly, “If I say I want a simple and peaceful life, will you laugh at me for having no ambition?”

“I wouldn’t. That’s actually the best kind of life,” Zhu Jie said with a smile. “In fact, that’s the life I want too. Behind prosperity lies loneliness—how many people truly understand the chill hidden within it?”

Ji Yi looked at her and only smiled faintly. “Then just think of me as useless. If you want to leave me because of this, I’ll send you away tomorrow.”

“No! How could I leave you just because of that?” Zhu Jie immediately stood up in agitation.

But the moment she stood up, she realized she had overreacted. She sighed awkwardly and sat back down before speaking softly again.

“Actually, I never expected you to become the top scholar or some high official. I just wanted to buy some insurance for your future.”

“Do you know what insurance means? It means I want you to live without too much hardship,” Zhu Jie quickly explained. “You’ve studied before, and you’re smart. If you could at least pass the xiucai exam, you’d have a way to earn a living. You wouldn’t have to rely solely on farming anymore. Maybe you could even become a private tutor and teach basic literacy to children.”

“Teach beginners?” Ji Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “Better not mislead the younger generation.”

“Even if you don’t want to teach, the Great Liang still gives scholars many privileges! If you pass the xiucai exam, your whole family won’t have to pay taxes anymore. Everything your land produces would belong to you. At the very least, you could live comfortably,” Zhu Jie sighed again.

Ji Yi felt somewhat hesitant.

I’m not worried about food and clothing at all, okay? Aren’t you overthinking this?

But Zhu Jie spoke with complete seriousness. “Maybe I really am worrying too much. I’m always concerned about your future—afraid you’ll suffer, afraid you’ll take the wrong path, afraid you’ll be bullied…”

She didn’t continue, but her voice grew hoarse.

Ji Yi listened and couldn’t help feeling a stab of pain in his heart. Everything she said, everything she worried about, was actually for his sake.

Suddenly, Zhu Jie forced out a smile.

“If you don’t want to take the exam, then don’t take it. It’s fine. I really don’t mind.”

Did she really not mind?

Looking at the solemn expression on her face, Ji Yi didn’t say anything, only letting out a quiet sigh.

The night had grown deep. The two of them sat facing each other in silence, once again lost in thought.

“Go to sleep. There’s still the exam tomorrow,” Ji Yi suddenly sighed softly, stood up, and silently walked back to his room.

What did he just say?

There’s still an exam tomorrow?

Does that mean he’s going to take it after all?

Zhu Jie couldn’t help revealing a wide smile. But as soon as the smile fully spread across her face, she quickly suppressed it again.

Can’t let it show too obviously, right?

However, Ji Yi had already seen that smile.

Even if it was just to give her peace of mind—what’s the harm in taking an exam?

As long as it makes her happy.