The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Zong Wenxiu agreed with him, nodding, "You're right, but what can we do about it?"

The little devil said seriously, "As far as I know, all the major academies have their own codes or mottos that represent their distinct characteristics. For example, Hanlin Academy has 'For the nation, nurturing talent; self-help and helping others,' and Qingbo Academy has 'Cultivating virtue and talent, striving for knowledge and action.' So, shouldn't our special class also have a motto? Or rather, a class motto!"

"A class motto??" The three private tutors frowned simultaneously.

Did you really need to think about a class motto for just the two of you?

"Think of a class motto, and then what?" Zong Wenxiu continued to ask.

The little devil replied, "Then every morning when we get to the study room, we shout the class motto with great vigor, and we shout it again when we get tired in the middle of the day. That way, we'll be full of energy all day!"

"Does... does that really have such a big effect?" Zong Wenxiu thought carefully about the mottos of the two academies he had just heard, feeling that they didn't have such a strong and energetic tone.

The little devil proudly raised his head. "Yes! Because the class motto I came up with is invincible!"

Zong Wenxiu was curious. "What is it?"

Pan Hongzhi was about to cover his ears. Here it comes, this little rascal's act is coming again!

Zhao Yin, seeing his expression of utter despair, nudged him with his elbow and said, "What's the matter? Isn't it amazing that Jin Cheng can come up with a class motto on his own? It's all thanks to our excellent teaching..."

"Our class motto is: 'Defeat Qin Ye! Secure the First Rank!'" The little devil's voice rang out at the perfect moment.

"...”

Cheng Zhidong, who had been watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.

Pan Hongzhi, regretting he didn't have the courage to cover his ears earlier, turned to Zhao Yin, who was frozen in shock, and said sarcastically, "What excellent teaching, Zhao Yin. Truly, you've outdone yourself."

Zhao Yin: "......" Kill me now.

I clearly don't have that kind of talent!!

Zong Wenxiu laughed heartily at the absurdity of it all. "Jin Cheng, you're just too cute. Isn't a class motto supposed to be serious? Picking something so lively isn't very fitting."

The little devil snorted. "Practicality is what matters. Why does it have to be serious? How dull and lifeless."

Most importantly, once they set this as their class motto...

Then, besides him, every newcomer would have to shout it along with him. As for Qin Ye... well, he might as well hear it the moment he steps in and never have the courage to come back!

The little devil's plan was in full swing, and this time, he managed to keep his scheme hidden from everyone.

Zong Wenxiu thought for a moment and said, "Alright then, since it's just the two of us, shouting it out won't hurt. I'll do it with you."

The three private tutors: "???"

Mr. Zong, how could you give in so quickly?

Wasn't your reputation of being introverted, shy, and thin-skinned?

Zong Wenxiu, the doting big brother, only showed his shy side in front of outsiders. Around familiar faces, it was a different story. Besides, this class motto was undeniably practical, fulfilling both his personal goals.

Moreover, he couldn’t foresee that other children would join the class later.

"Yay!! Big Brother, you're the best!" The little devil bounced around excitedly. "It's settled then. Every morning and afternoon, we'll shout it once to boost our spirits and keep us alert!!"

"Mhm, I support you."

"Let's try shouting it a few times first."

"Alright."

"Defeat Qin Ye! Secure the First Rank!"

"Defeat Qin Ye! Secure the First Rank!"

What seemed like a rousing cry to a child sounded painfully cringeworthy to adults. Pan Hongzhi plugged his ears in utter despair.

Zhao Yin and Cheng Zhidong wished they could vanish from this special class right away.

The two boys shouted louder and louder, their laughter echoing far.

Xu Wan was chatting with Baili Weihong about upcoming etiquette lessons when she heard about Jin Cheng's new class motto. Unable to hold back, she rolled her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she tried to comprehend the passionate heart of an overly enthusiastic youngster.

Then she sighed, "I hope Wenxiu doesn't regret his impulsive decision today."

She remembered that Wenxiu wasn't particularly close to He Zheng; they had met only once during a soccer match. If He Zheng somehow managed to join their class, she hoped Wenxiu wouldn't be too embarrassed.

Baili Weihong shook her head and smiled, not worried at all. As she organized the materials for the etiquette lessons to be given to the two boys, she replied, "What's there to worry about? Wenxiu is too shy. At home it's manageable, but once he embarks on a career in public service, this trait will surely cause him problems. I actually quite like Jin Cheng's way. He's not afraid of people, says whatever he thinks, and does whatever he wants. Having him around is helping Wenxiu become a lot more open."

"Doing whatever you want..." Xu Wan murmured thoughtfully, then teasingly added, "No wonder his etiquette skills are so poor."

Baili Weihong: "......"

The consequence of her own words returned to bite her.

Nonetheless, ever since the class motto was set, it proved to be quite effective. Baili Xi noticed that the two boys had become even more energetic these days, mistaking it for some good news at home.

That was until the two boys shouted the class motto at him with great fervor.

Baili Xi: "......"

Old age, truly, makes it hard to appreciate what children are up to these days.

Despite... not understanding it, he still respected it.

The three private tutors: "???"

Mr. Baili, isn't your mindset a little too good?!

The three of them, fresh out of the traditional civil service examinations, were deeply questioning their own outdated perceptions.

The Hou residence was filled with joy and harmony. Neither Xu Wan nor Baili Xi interfered with the class motto. The three private tutors didn't feel it appropriate to speak up either, so they just had to endure the daily chanting of the two boys.

Whenever Baili Xi chuckled, Pan Hongzhi couldn't help but send a look to Zhao Yin: "Well-taught indeed. You must be so proud."

Zhao Yin: "..."

Was Pan Hongzhi catching the little devil's habit of holding grudges or what!?

A few days later, two unexpected guests arrived at the Hou's residence.

Madam He brought He Zheng along, with servants trailing behind carrying numerous gifts, filling the front hall.

The two boys were having their etiquette lesson, so only Xu Wan, the old marquis and his wife were present in the front hall. Madam He began by enquiring after the health of the elderly couple and made small talk.

The old wife comprehended instantly. With a smile, she asked, "Madam He, is everything at home settled now?"

Madam He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes! I must thank Sister Xu for her help. My husband has finally agreed to let Zheng come to study here."

Xu Wan raised her eyebrows. She didn't expect things to proceed this smoothly.

He Zheng dressed in an elegant robe today, looking the part of a young scholar. His hands were neatly folded, revealing a demeanor that said whatever needed to be done to secure his place as a student.

"Oh, that's wonderful news. Your husband has finally realized how important this is," the old wife smiled. "Wan'er, you take this child to the study."

"Alright, I'll take He Zheng there right away."

Xu Wan agreed, and He Zheng's eyes lit up with excitement, ready to follow her.@@novelbin@@

But Madam He stopped her. "Sister, I have one more thing to tell you. Although my husband agreed for Zheng to study, he also made a deal with Zheng - if within five months he can't enter the Child Prodigy Class, he won't allow him to continue studying."

"Ah?" Xu Wan frowned, "Five months to enter the Child Prodigy Class?"