The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 233

The Little Demon King smiled and said, "The average lifespan is increasing, and the age of the top scorer in the imperial examination is also trending younger. Before my father became the top scorer, the youngest one was 17 years old. By the time my father achieved it, he was only 15. This shows a clear trend of the age decreasing. In the future, we won't even need to know who the top scorer is. We just need to know that it could be a 13-year-old, an 11-year-old, or even an 8-year-old."

The three private tutors were so impressed that they almost wanted to applaud the Little Demon King. His logical reasoning was impeccable, and his eloquence was unmatched. He could argue circles around anyone.

Wei ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‍Xinglu was completely convinced.

He felt that Zong Jincheng was right.

He Zheng had already anticipated this outcome and shook his head in resignation.

Shen Yibai, still unwilling to admit defeat, muttered, "It's because the debate topic Auntie gave us was unfair. If we had the other side, we definitely would have won."

He Zheng: "..."

Yeah, right. An 11-year-old top scorer in the imperial examination, something that has never happened before, and yet the Little Demon King still managed to win the argument.

Switching sides would only make them lose even more miserably.

Xu Wan came over with a cheerful smile to tidy up the aftermath. "So, kids, did you enjoy the debate?"

The three studious children nodded in unison. "It was fun! We loved it! Can we do it again?"

Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu: "..." Not fun. Not fun at all!

Xu Wan, noticing their expressions, chuckled and said, "How about next time I give you two a more balanced debate topic? Hmm... how about a showdown between a virtuous official and a corrupt one?"

The two defeated children perked up immediately. "Can we choose to be the virtuous officials?"

Xu Wan smiled. "Of course. I can even move Wenxiu to your team to go up against Jincheng and He Zheng."

Wei Xinglu raised both hands in agreement. "That sounds great! I love it!"

Although He Zheng was also stronger than them, Zong Wenxiu was clearly on another level. He was this year's Childhood Scholar, ranked even higher than Jincheng. He was undoubtedly the ace in their team.

Shen Yibai stretched and said eagerly, "Let's get started. I can't wait to take down those two little corrupt officials."

Zong Wenxiu: "..."

Was it really going to be that brutal? Making his little brother argue for the corrupt side? And he would have to play the virtuous official who defeats his brother?

He didn't dare to look at his brother now, afraid that his brother's anger might burn through him.

He Zheng, on the other hand, was thrilled. Being able to fight alongside his big brother was his greatest wish! Virtuous or corrupt, as long as he was with his brother, they could win any debate!

Xu Wan smiled and said, "No need to rush this debate. To make it fair, you can each prepare for two days. Starting tomorrow, the private tutors I arranged for you two will arrive. Yibai's tutor is a Jinshi, a highly knowledgeable scholar. You can learn a lot from him. We'll officially start the debate the day after tomorrow."

"A Jinshi?! Great! Jincheng is going to lose to me for sure!" Shen Yibai was practically jumping with excitement at the thought of challenging the top of the four little troublemakers.

Wei Xinglu and Shen Yibai were already scheming, planning their revenge against the Little Demon King.

Meanwhile, Zong Jincheng stood silently nearby, his face dark and his aura so intimidating that no one dared to approach. Every word his mother said seemed to be a slight against him. Hmph, he wanted to see just how far her favoritism would go.

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After Xu Wan finished making arrangements, she asked Zhao Yin to take the two children to familiarize themselves with the advanced class and explain the historical figures that had come up during the debate.

Zong Jincheng followed closely behind her, glaring at her back with anger. Xu Wan didn't have eyes in the back of her head, but she could guess that the little troublemaker was upset again.

But Xu Wan noticed that his temper had improved significantly. He didn't yell, throw a tantrum, or demand an explanation from her.

A once rowdy little troublemaker was gradually becoming more well-behaved and sensible. It made her heart melt.

Xu Wan stopped and turned around, smiling as she asked, "Little one, why are you following me? It's not mealtime yet."

The Little Demon King scowled. "I'm waiting for your explanation, for your apology!"

Xu Wan: "..."

Alright, alright. This calm yet slightly crazy demeanor—he was becoming more and more like her.

Xu Wan chuckled. "What do I need to apologize for? Isn't this just normal teaching?"

The Little Demon King grumbled, "No, you're biased. You gave them the easier side of the debate to make me look bad. And now that I won, you're still favoring them. You gave me an even worse topic, making me argue for the corrupt officials, and you even took my brother away to make him my opponent. You just want to see them defeat me!"

The little one was clearly upset, his dark eyes glistening. He had grown smarter, but his emotions had also become more sensitive. Even the slightest hint of favoritism from her would make him unhappy.

Xu Wan ruffled his hair and said, "I did intentionally give them the easier side of the debate to spark their enthusiasm for learning. But that doesn't mean you were just serving them. The harder side is the one that truly hones your logical thinking and speaking skills. You're already very strong in these areas compared to your peers, but what about when you're older? If you really become the top scorer in the imperial examination at 11, how will you handle hundreds of conservative officials criticizing you in court? Do you think you can handle that now?"

"I..." Zong Jincheng thought about that scenario and found it somewhat terrifying.

Hundreds of high-ranking officials, each taking turns to criticize him—it was horrifying. He probably couldn't even out-argue Pan Hongzhi and the other tutors now.

Xu Wan continued, "And making you argue from the corrupt officials' perspective isn't to turn you into one or to justify their actions. It's to make you think: What are their goals? What are their methods? What are they afraid of? Only by understanding your enemy can you defeat them. Once you understand how they operate, you'll be able to outmaneuver them in the future."

The Little Demon King had an epiphany, as if a new world had opened up before him.

So... that's how it worked?

Mother was amazing. How did she even think of this?

Xu Wan continued with a smile, "You still have two days to prepare. You can discuss with Tutor Pan. Research the goals, actions, and even the downfalls of famous corrupt officials in history. Remember this: 'Learn from history to understand the present.'"

The Little Demon King nodded vigorously, his face lighting up. "Mom, don't worry. I'll make sure to study every detail about those corrupt officials!"

Xu Wan encouraged him, "Go for it. I can't wait to see you leave your brother and the others speechless."

Zong Jincheng couldn't help but giggle at the thought. "If my brother loses, he'll be so mad. How could the righteous side lose to the evil one? It doesn't make sense."

Xu Wan sighed softly. "That's how debates work. Everyone only argues what benefits their side. You might think it's absurd for evil to triumph over good, but history is full of such examples. Many good people have been wronged this way."