Chapter 24: This young man is not so easily fooled!

"Kid, become my student, and I guarantee you'll have a seventh-rank official position placed on your head by tomorrow. You'll reach the top in one leap, with no need for the arduous task of studying the classics for the imperial examinations."

Zhang Qiong, upon seeing Gu Dao, presented the most direct temptation possible.

"Without passing the imperial examinations, one cannot participate in governance. I fear that for the rest of my life, I would only be collecting a seventh-rank salary while studying mathematics with you," Gu Dao replied with a smile.

Zhang Qiong’s weathered face flushed. He had assumed the young man was naive and would agree the moment he saw the prospect of an official’s cap, but he hadn't expected this kid to be so difficult to deceive.

"Give me the algorithm, and consider it a favor I owe you," Zhang Qiong decided to retreat for the moment, since trickery had failed.

He would find another way later. A talent of this caliber must absolutely not be wasted at the Imperial Academy.

"Don't be shameless, trying to take it for free..."