The Lucky Farmgirl-Chapter 2063 - 2038: Failing the List

However, the Ministry of Rites has already determined the rankings, and presenting them to the Emperor is just a final review. If there are no issues, they will be finalized.

In the past, the Emperor rarely had any opinions, but this time, as the Crown Prince participated as a half chief examiner for the imperial examination, he had mentioned to the Emperor that some examiners from the Ministry of Rites directly ranked papers based on general scores, which displeased him.

Thus, when Libationer Kong presented the exam papers and the list, the Emperor carefully reviewed them. He first glanced through the list and noticed Bai Shan, Bai Cheng, the Imperial Consort’s son-in-law, and Wei Yu were all on it before proceeding to the papers.

The Emperor attentively reviewed the thirty-six exam papers from top to bottom according to the rankings. There were four pending selections as recommended by Libationer Kong and several scholars; these four, though previously unnoticed, were well-written by candidates.

To focus on the papers, the Emperor put aside other matters of state. Officials coming for reports were called in to join Libationer Kong, sitting in line. The Emperor sent them the completed papers for review after reading each one.

After finishing the thirty-six papers, they were exhausted. The Emperor ordered meals and discussed the list with his dear officials while eating.

The Emperor had not seen the candidates’ conduct papers before, but he had already reviewed the general scores.

Although he intended to reform the imperial examination system through the Crown Prince to establish prestige, he did not want things to be muddled carelessly.

Thus, during the meal, he questioned Wei Zhi and others regarding several papers.

Minister Li refrained from commenting on such matters as the Minister of War, being unable to discuss Classical Studies—though he could say something about current affairs proposals...

He glanced at Minister Liu nearby. With the year-end approaching, the budget for the Ministry of War would be calculated after the New Year. He decided not to trouble Minister Liu this year and hoped not to be troubled by him either.

Thus, Minister Liu simply focused on eating without commenting.

However, Wei Zhi could not remain silent. Although his own son participated in the imperial examination this year, he was not one to avoid favoritism. Seeing the others hesitant to speak, he straightforwardly started commenting, not criticizing the already decided thirty-two spots but stating that two of the pending entries were particularly well-written.

Among the thirty-six compositions, spanning poetry to Classical Studies and current affairs proposals, the poetry was conspicuous, and the Classical Studies were almost fixed answers. What he remarked as particularly good naturally referred to the current affairs proposals.

Wei Zhi believed that such talented individuals not making the list was a pity.

The Emperor agreed and was about to speak when someone interjected, "Failing to make the imperial examination list means one can still sit for the Ming Classic."

The Emperor choked on his words, turning to see the speaker.

Wei Zhi was unrestrained and retorted, "Can the imperial examination list be compared to the Ming Classic list? Why does Minister Han not consider sending his children to sit for the Ming Classic?"

Minister Han choked and said, "I didn’t say that; it was mentioned by a scholar from the Imperial Academy."

Libationer Kong was idly watching the situation unfold when the attention turned to him. He directly asked Minister Han, "Which scholar said that?"

Minister Han remained silent. He could privately tell Libationer Kong quietly, but speaking up in front of everyone would make him seem petty.

The Emperor swallowed the choking words and waved his hand, "Alright, let’s bypass this issue for now. Since papers were submitted, the papers should be prioritized."

He directly selected two papers, stating, "Let’s omit these two."

Everyone glanced, seeing one was Cheng Wenhai from Tangzhou and the other was Nie Xiu from Luzhou, both students from the Imperial Academy. Except for the Emperor, everyone present had seen their conduct papers and thought they were good.

Minister Liu straightforwardly asked Libationer Kong, "How are they performing at the Imperial Academy?"

"Being ranked within the top twenty on the general scores means they are reputable and should have good achievements."

Wei Zhi asked, "Were their conduct papers written as coursework within the academy, or did they prepare them independently?"

Libationer Kong paused before answering, "Both, but mostly prepared independently."

Wei Zhi snorted, "Approaching the exam, the Imperial Academy proposed a comprehensive range of current affairs topics. I recall Bai Shan’s conduct papers consisted of selected essays from his coursework compiled into a volume. These two students actively came up with topics close to state affairs, though whether they genuinely hold insights or otherwise remains unknown."

Despite feeling the two students’ papers were not well-done, Libationer Kong would not permit others to maliciously speculate and defended his students without evidence, retorting, "Lord Wei thinks too poorly of human nature. If you lack evidence, be cautious with your words. If you have evidence, you may bring it to the Imperial Academy for a formal accusation."

Seeing two cherished officials about to quarrel, both eloquent, the Emperor intervened as a peacemaker, "Courtier Wei is concerned for the promotion of talented individuals; please forgive us, Mr. Kong."

He then cautioned Wei Zhi, "Courtier Wei, be careful with your words. Unfounded statements are inappropriate to discuss."

Wei Zhi timely apologized; Libationer Kong snorted, and the matter was temporarily set aside.

The Emperor redirected the discussion, "Change these two papers. You may discuss the rankings again."

Seeing the Emperor choosing individuals who were his students from the Imperial Academy, Libationer Kong directly recommended another paper from the remaining two pending ones, "Your Majesty, I believe this paper is also excellent and comparable to the others."

The Emperor glanced at it; although well-done, it was still somewhat inferior to the other two.

The name was similarly unnoticeable, with its origin from a student from Yangzhou Prefecture School.

It seemed unsuitable to replace one of the two, especially since Libationer Kong had expressed it was on par with the others. How could they decide?

The Emperor exchanged a glance with Libationer Kong, immediately understanding his intention. This old man was suggesting he pick another from the confirmed slots, but not from the Imperial Academy.

Emperor: ...

Wei Zhi examined the paper, visibly interested, and cautiously proposed, "Your Majesty, should Bai Cheng’s paper be reviewed again?"

Emperor: ...

Bai Cheng was already ranked thirty-second; as his future father-in-law, the Emperor hadn’t considered moving him higher, and yet Wei Zhi proposed lowering him?

Noticing the Emperor’s silence, Wei Zhi cautiously continued, "Your Majesty, Bai Cheng is quite young, not even twenty yet. Starting official duties now is too soon. If he passes the imperial examination, does he have to serve far away?"

That would be away from the Emperor’s supervision, posing great difficulties if he created chaos outside.

Deeply in thought, the Emperor wasn’t worried about Bai Cheng’s potentially limited aspirations upon being assigned far away, but rather finding it hard to reject the earnest gazes from Libationer Kong and Wei Zhi.

Cheng Wenhai and Nie Xiu both secured spots within the top twenty general scores, indicating they exerted effort outside. To oust them both would be unjust, but adding his son-in-law...

For court harmony and cohesion, the Emperor briefly closed his eyes, ultimately selecting Bai Cheng’s paper and setting it aside.