The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 274

Qin Ye had grown up hearing all sorts of comments about him—both good and bad—but he never paid them any mind. As long as they didn’t interfere with his studies, people could say whatever they pleased. He wouldn’t waste time arguing with them.

However, the young troublemakers from the elite class were furious. These self-proclaimed prodigies kept throwing around the word "kid," insulting both Qin Ye and themselves in the process—a slight they couldn’t tolerate.

Shen Yibai immediately fired back, "Qin Ye earned the title of Childhood Scholar, exempting him from the usual age restrictions for the imperial exams. What’s the point of comparing a sixty-year-old to a nine-year-old? If that old man had any real talent, why would he still be studying at sixty?"

Wei Xinglu stood in solidarity, adding, "Exactly. How dare you mock someone for being a Childhood Scholar? Do you even realize that title comes with the highest national exam score? If you’re so great, why don’t you try earning it yourself? Sounds like sour grapes to me."

Qin Ye stopped in his tracks and glanced at them, his gaze as cold as ever.

The bullies, seeing they were dealing with a group of kids, strode over provocatively. "Hey, brats, what’s this? Forming some kind of kiddie alliance? A bunch of little scholars think they can challenge the imperial exams?"

The little devil, leaning against the wall, replied with arrogance, "So what if we are? Age has nothing to do with skill. Beating you would be as easy as crushing an ant."

"What did you just say?!"

Zong Wenxiu stepped forward, standing beside his younger brother. "Whether it’s the imperial exams or the joint academy tests, everyone deserves respect. Until the results are out, no one can claim victory."

"Fine, fine. You’ve got some nerve, kid. I’m Sun Qingfeng. What’s your name? Let’s see what kind of score you pull off when the results come out."

The little devil declared with unshakable confidence, "Qingbo Academy, Childhood Scholar, Zong Jincheng. Remember it well—because it’s a name you’ll never surpass."

He Zheng quickly scribbled it down in his notebook, adding another legendary quote to his collection…

Sun Qingfeng felt like he’d lost his mind, getting into an argument with a bunch of kids. He scoffed, dismissing Zong Jincheng entirely. "We’ll see when the results come out in a few days. Let’s find out what kind of nonsense you’ll manage to scrape together."

After the bullies left, Qin Ye remained, his eyes fixed on the group.

The intensity of his stare made Zong Jincheng’s skin crawl. Defiantly, he snapped, "Don’t think we did this for you. We were just defending ourselves. An eleven-year-old can top the exams too. But let me make one thing clear—the top spot will be mine, not yours, Qin Ye."

Qin Ye didn’t care about idle gossip, but he wasn’t about to let anyone threaten his position—especially not Zong Jincheng.

"Delusional," he said coldly.

The little devil wasn’t as quick to lose his temper as before. Compared to his childhood arrogance, he now had real achievements to back up his confidence, making him far more composed. He raised his voice, delivering his challenge: "Just wait, Qin Ye. I’m improving faster than you. Defeating you is only a matter of time."

The two most brilliant young prodigies stood toe-to-toe, sparks flying between them.

At the mention of rapid improvement, Qin Ye recalled the rankings from two months ago—Zong Jincheng had climbed twenty-one places. Such a leap… was it due to his policy essays or his poetry?

"Let’s settle this with a match," Qin Ye said.

The five boys froze in shock.

What… did he just say?

Qin Ye was challenging Jincheng?

The little devil arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "What kind of match? We just took the exams—are you saying you want to compare scores?"

He knew his overall results still fell short of Qin Ye’s. Competing now would be like a moth flying into a flame. Even someone as confident as Jincheng understood that much.

Was Qin Ye just trying to humiliate him?

The little devil gritted his teeth in frustration. That damn Qin Ye—every word out of his mouth was a provocation. "I’m not—"

"Pick your strongest subject," Qin Ye interrupted, offering him a way out.

"Huh?" The little devil was momentarily stunned, then burst out, "Then you’re doomed! I’m unbeatable at cuju, pitch-pot, and chuiwan!"

Qin Ye: "…"

What nonsense.

Suppressing his last shred of patience, he said icily, "Policy essays or poetry. Choose one."

He wanted to see exactly where Zong Jincheng—this brash, ill-mannered boy—excelled. Which skill had propelled him twenty-one places up the ranks?

"Policy essays! Big bro, challenge him to a debate!" He Zheng secretly admired Qin Ye but never dared to say so under Jincheng’s watch. Still, he couldn’t resist the urge to see these two clash in a battle of wits. It would be legendary.

"Yeah! A debate! The unbeatable you versus the unbeatable him—who’s the real champion? We all want to see it!" Shen Yibai fanned the flames, eager for the spectacle.

Though Wei Xinglu and Zong Wenxiu stayed silent, their eyes gleamed with anticipation. They were just as curious.

In the elite class, Jincheng had no equal. But facing Qin Ye? That was another story. None of them had ever seen Qin Ye in a debate, but the mere thought sent a shiver down their spines. The boy radiated an innate, intimidating aura.

Listening to He Zheng and Shen Yibai’s cheers, Qin Ye’s brow lifted slightly.

So, it was policy essays after all.

And these boys seemed utterly convinced of Zong Jincheng’s debating prowess.

Qin Ye thought: Perhaps Zong Jincheng possesses exactly what I’ve been searching for.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‍other boys continued their raucous encouragement, half-heartedly cheering for the little devil while secretly hoping Qin Ye would put him in his place.

Jincheng smirked. "A debate, then. Do you dare? I can explain the rules and even give you a few days to prepare. We’ll hold the match at Qingbo Academy."

"Fine," Qin Ye agreed.

Under the setting sun, the two boys sealed their duel. They locked eyes—one wearing his pride openly, the other concealing it deep within. Neither would yield.

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The topic wasn’t decided yet. Jincheng said he’d consult his mother and send it to the Qin residence by evening. Qin Ye accepted the terms.

Xu Wan hadn’t expected these two to clash so soon—and in the form of a one-on-one debate, no less. A direct showdown between the best.

Amused, she teased, "Not bad, Chengcheng. Brave enough to take on Qin Ye’s challenge. I’m impressed."

Ignorance often bred fearlessness, but the little devil was fully aware of both his own and Qin Ye’s abilities. Yet he still accepted without hesitation—going beyond mere youthful audacity.

Zong Jincheng snorted. "He brought this on himself, challenging me in my strongest area. I’m unbeatable in debates. Even Qin Ye will fall before me!"