Citizens of the Capital did not like Chen Chang Sheng, but in comparison to the examinees that had come from the South, they did not especially loathe him, the reason for their anger alongside shock at his winning four matches in a row, was purely because his performance had caused them to lose a lot of money, some even had red eyes from their losses.
That’s right, apart from first upon the First Banner, there were a lot of other bets for the Grand Examination. There would be winners and losers amongst the examinees in each round, in the same way, after each round, there would be a lot of people from the masses becoming winners or losers.
Due to Chen Chang Sheng, this year, the vast majority of people from the masses were losers.
For each round of the duelling phase, the odds given would be different, this was for the convenience of the masses.
In each round, Chen Chang Sheng’s odds would be the lowest, with the biggest pay-out, currently, his odds remained the lowest – today, he had caused some people to be wildly happy, yet caused far more to lose money, however, people still refused to believe he could continue winning.
Tian Hai Sheng Xue sat in a teahouse located South of Li palace, quietly observing the bustle before the palace, he suddenly said: “If the four major gambling venues are still willing to accept, place five thousand taels of gold on Chen Chang Sheng being the final victor.”
The elderly steward by his side was stunned, hesitantly asking: “Young master, he couldn’t possibly win, could he?”
Tian Hai Sheng Xue said: “In the first round, everyone was of the opinion that he couldn’t possibly win, in the end, he won. In the second round, it remained the same, with no one believing he could win, yet he won, it was the same for the third and fourth round; before the Grand Examination, who could have imagined that he could enter the last 8? As such, why can’t I place a bet on him?”
The elderly steward gave several replies of affirmation.
Tian Hai Sheng Xue suddenly thought of something, saying: “If he really does manage to grasp first place upon the First Banner, take the winnings to repair Orthodox Academy’s main entrance.”
The elder steward thought to himself: “Wasn’t the entrance to Orthodox Academy damaged by young master yourself? Not to mention, the academy hadn’t bothered to repair their entrance and the entire Capital understood what this meant. If you were to repair Orthodox Academy’s entrance for them, wouldn’t this be tantamount to surrendering?”
He was very surprised, but thinking that the young master must have his own purpose for his actions, he didn’t dare to blather, only puzzling over some details.
“If… and I am saying if, if Chen Chang Sheng was really to win, it would mean a large amount of money, even repairing the front entrance for Orthodox Academy wouldn’t require such a large sum.”
Tian Hai Sheng Xue gazed at the evening-time Li Palace, replying in a detached tone: “If he really does win, what harm is there in gifting him a gate made from white jade?”
The elderly steward was even more confused, thinking to himself that even if Chen Chang Sheng was to place first upon the First Banner, that youth is Orthodox Academy’s flag, a figurehead used by the Orthodoxy’s tradition faction to challenge the Divine Empress.
No matter what, the Tian Hai clan could not enlist him to their side, what exactly is your purpose in such actions?
Tian Hai Sheng Xue didn’t offer any explanation, he lifted his teacup and took a sip, suddenly feeling that it was rather bland and insipid.
Qiu Shan Jun didn’t appear, Mo Yu remained ahead of him; the Grand Examination did indeed cease to hold much meaning for him, but to relinquish it in such a fashion, undoubtedly made his feelings a little complex.
The Divine General of the Eastern Decree’s estate, in a drawing room, Madam Xu looked at the middle-aged woman in front her, with her brows lightly knotted and asked: “Granny Hua, are you sure you didn’t hear wrong? He really has entered the last 8?”
Granny Hua replied in a low voice: “It should be correct, the four major gambling venues have already hung out their odds for the next round, young master Chen’s name is indeed listed upon it.”
Madam Xu was speechless, feeling the onset of a headache, if that brat really was to obtain first place upon the First Banner, what should they do?