A Cutie Spoiled by Her Seven Uncles

Chapter 1140 - 923 The Truth 2 (End of the Month Request for Monthly Tickets and Extra Updates)

The crowd, having such thoughts, cast probing glances at Lu Zezhong and Liu Yuheng."Look carefully at these two lords, remember their current appearance, for one day, you might be like them, kneeling here and speaking to Us."

The Emperor sat high on the Dragon Throne, gazing upon the officials with a dominating look, speaking coldly.

"We are terrified!"

A multitude of ministers knelt down one after another, trembling with fear.

"You are terrified?

If you were truly terrified, then the world would indeed be at peace!"

The Emperor shouted angrily, then gave Eunuch Ling a glance. Eunuch Ling stepped forward hastily, took the examination papers from Grand Tutor Wei, and placed them on the Emperor’s desk.

The Emperor held the exam papers and asked, "Who are the top three candidates you have selected?"

Grand Tutor Wei promptly answered, "To report to Your Majesty, we unanimously believe that the first place can only belong to the eighth son of the Ji Family!"

Ji Youze’s essay was truly exceptional, especially in his sharp critique of current state affairs, livelihood issues, and various policy matters faced by the court.

Grand Tutor Wei was genuinely pleased. After reading his essay, he couldn’t help but think that were this not an imperial examination, which required all examiners to review and the Emperor to make a final decision, and eventually archiving, Ji Youze would surely have written something even more distinctive.

"Youze’s scholarship is indeed excellent; he was furthermore Our study companion, accompanying the Emperor from a young age and receiving guidance from all the Grand Tutors of the Imperial College.

His crowning achievement is truly well-deserved!

Only in last year’s metropolitan exam, Youze merely got fifth place, and now he is first in the palace exam. I wonder if there are any candidates unwilling to accept this?"

"Ah, this..."

Grand Tutor Wei was in a difficult position.

Not only was Grand Tutor Wei troubled, but also Chancellor Xu Zhengzhong of the Wen Yuan Pavilion said,

"What Your Majesty says is very true; I think the same, but..."

The Chancellor Xu Zhengzhong of the Wen Yuan Pavilion had not finished speaking when he felt the Emperor’s subtle look.

He suddenly remembered that prior to this, the Emperor had directly mentioned his new Champion Scholar...

So he changed his tone, "However, Youze’s talent is indubitable, and his essay exceeds that of other scholars in every aspect. His taking the first place is truly fitting!"

To be an honest official, not understanding how to read subtle cues would not have allowed him to reach his current position!

"What do you all think?"

The Emperor leisurely asked the crowd.

The crowd spoke with one voice, "Minister Xu’s words are justified!"

"Since you all have discerning eyes, then the first place is indeed Youze."

The Emperor circled the first place with his vermilion brush and then asked again.

"And the second place?"

Grand Tutor Wei promptly mentioned another name, "Liang Song, this person is a student of the Imperial College and apprenticed under the ritual wine master. He was last year’s top of the metropolitan exam. His current essay may not be as incisive as Ji Youze’s, and his viewpoints not as deep, but among the scholars, aside from Ji Youze, no one surpasses him!"

The ritual wine master and Dr. Xu of the Imperial College are both Great Confucian Scholars of the current dynasty, possessing scholarship equal to Grand Tutor Wei and Chancellor Xu Zhengzhong. It stands to reason that his disciple secured second place as well.

The Emperor thought thus but did not immediately comment; instead, he placed the exam papers aside.

As he did so, the hearts of everyone present lifted.

Your Majesty is...

"Is there a candidate for third place?"

Grand Tutor Wei continued, "Li Yu, this person is of exceptional appearance but not as remarkable as Ji Youze. His scholarship is also commendable, with profound insights on livelihood issues that align closely with Ji Youze’s views, comparable, perhaps due to his humble origins!"

In the new dynasty, over forty to fifty years, exams occur every three years to select talent for the court. His Majesty often remarked on the importance of promoting scholars from humble origins, serving as a model to encourage all such scholars in the world to study diligently.

Allowing them to see the benefits of education, that it can earn them a bright future!

Therefore, this time several examiners were bold enough to place this scholar from humble beginnings among the top three!

"A scholar from humble origins?"

The Emperor’s eyes brightened, as he perused the exam paper, nodding frequently at the good parts and frowning at the poor ones.

Finally, he said, "This person, though of humble origins, indeed shows insight into livelihood on this paper, but his literary style is barely adequate, and his poetry is lacking.