Li Zheng knew well that judging a person by their scholarship was wrong.
But he couldn't change it.
Just as judging by appearance, a handsome face will indeed gain appreciation from everyone at first sight, which is biologically determined; no amount of moral advocacy can change that.
Li Zheng's practice of judging by scholarship was similar; an overwhelming academic power would gain his respect right away, and that was driven by its almost demonic nature; no amount of objective explanation would be of any use.
Strangely, even though Li Zheng tried to show respect and humility,
Chu Youhua actually felt a trace of contempt.
Others certainly wouldn't feel it, but Chu Youhua could.
Just like a top-tier beauty, long accustomed to the astonished, longing, or jealous gazes of those around her,
suddenly encounters a look of disgust, nausea, or incomprehension.
