Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 520 - 356: Dragon or Worm
Shen Shikang suspected this was Gu Chengyu’s examination paper, but why was Yu Zheng so hesitant? He had intentionally made a sound just now to observe Yu Zheng’s reaction and noticed that Yu Zheng’s expression was somewhat unusual. Could it be that there was some grudge between him and Gu Chengyu? Or was he simply trying to curry favor with Chief Minister Xia?
No! He felt it was impossible, even if he wished to curry favor, his expression wouldn’t be this unpleasant.
There was no doubt that this examination paper was well done, and he had heard that during the Imperial Examination, the Emperor had stood behind Gu Chengyu for so long, though without any expression. Yet he knew the Emperor was very satisfied with this paper. He did not wish to provoke the Emperor, hence marking a circle was inevitable, even if it offended Xia Qing, he had no choice.
Moreover, his relationship with Xia Qing was not harmonious from the start. Xia Qing relied on his position as the Chief Minister to act arrogantly within the court. He even disregarded the Six Ministries, now it seemed the court was almost entirely dominated by Xia Qing.
Initially, he wanted to gain Xia Qing’s favor to provide additional support to the Second Prince, but Xia Qing did not appreciate it and even opposed the Second Prince several times, prompting officials who aligned with Xia Qing to file complaints against those installed by the Second Prince in the Ministry of Justice. Subsequently, those officials were removed from their positions by the Emperor.
There were several similar incidents, removing three officials placed by the Second Prince in the Six Ministries, not to mention those elsewhere, leaving him frustrated. He could not believe Xia Qing to be a Pure Minister, wouldn’t this old fox form factions? 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
However, Xia Qing did not exclusively target the Second Prince; other Princes had suffered due to him as well. Therefore, over the years, no one knew for whom Xia Qing worked; perhaps he had not decided on which Prince to side with yet?
Yu Zheng was hesitant, but not foolish! Shen Shikang looked at the other mark on the paper, realizing that Yu Zheng eventually placed a circle.
Of course, Yu Zheng was not foolish. There will be opportunities to deal with Gu Chengyu later; there was no need to risk it now. Besides, the fact that the Emperor stood behind Gu Chengyu watching his examination paper was not just hearsay but something he saw himself. If he did not give a circle, should the Emperor pursue the matter and reprimand him, he would be humiliated.
Moreover, attempting to knock Gu Chengyu out of the top ten was a dangerous task, one that Xia Qing should undertake. He supported the Third Prince, who had recently been reprimanded and put under house arrest by the Emperor. Though the confinement was ultimately lifted, he still suffered punishment, so it’s only cautious for him to be prudent, especially since the Crown Prince will soon be established.
Even the Eldest Prince was relieved from his restrictions by the Emperor and given a task to redeem himself. The Second Prince was entrusted with several assignments by the Emperor, except for Prince Jing who remained idle. But Prince Jing had already been ennobled, yet he had not gone to his fief merely because the Emperor pitied him!
The Emperor had already excluded him, and besides, his physical condition did not permit him to ascend the Dragon Throne.
The most threatening currently is the Eldest Prince, who is extremely strategic, ruthless, and demands caution. As for the Second Prince, he has his advantage, being the legitimate son.
Otherwise, with the Second Prince’s sincere but simple-minded nature, could he hold his ground in the court?
Yu Zheng mulled over many thoughts, yet his eyes remained fixated on the examination paper before him. This paper was also very neat, though it was slightly inferior compared to Gu Chengyu’s calligraphy, the handwriting was still neat and proper, and upon further examination, the content seemed untarnished.
Continuing to read, the content was tolerable, worthy of entering the second rank. After considering, he decided to give a circle.
As the hour reached 7 PM, the lights were lit within the hall. Xia Qing had finished reviewing the paper in his hand, rubbed his brows, and looked at the remaining twenty or thirty papers on the desk, pondering that it would soon be over.
Although those papers had already been reviewed by other examiners, barring surprises, he only needed to follow the grades given by everyone. Yet even the worst paper, he still wanted to glance over approximately.
He placed the current paper into the pile of third-tier ones, and then picked up another one.
Upon seeing the handwriting, he curled his lips. As Min Feng’s teacher, how could he not recognize his student’s handwriting? There were already seven circles on the paper, only needing his final circle to make it eight.
Xia Qing did not rush to mark, but began reading the paper. Although he was confident in Min Feng’s examination paper, he still wanted to see where Min Feng might be lacking so he could provide strict guidance in the future.
However, upon finishing, he nodded in approval; Min Feng’s composition was nicely done, showcasing solid foundational skills. The writing was plain, honest, and substantive. Xia Qing leisurely marked the paper, stamped his seal, and placed the paper within the top ten.
The subsequent ranks, second and third, could be decided by the officials, but the top ten must be determined by the Emperor. The Emperor would only review these ten and select the top three from them.
Xia Qing reviewed a few more papers, placing his hand on the eighth from last in the stack. After examining so many papers, this was the neatest he had seen, showcasing the best Cabinet-style handwriting. He glanced at the circles above, noticing there were already seven and slightly frowned.
The final circle was in his hand, and by seeing these marks, whose paper this was was obvious. Apart from Gu Chengyu, who else could it be?
He calmed himself and glanced at the officials seated below the dais, noticing they all avoided his gaze, busily filling out the rankings, even Li Wei was seriously sorting through the third-tier papers before him.
In the swirling currents of officialdom, who was foolish? Upon leaving the palace after the Imperial Examination, this was already widely spread among the officials. The Emperor’s obvious gesture, who dared to cross it?
Xia Qing was merely the Chief Minister, could he defy the Emperor? Besides, with the change of emperor comes a change of courtiers, thinking boldly, who knows what the future under a new Emperor holds for Xia Qing?
The final dilemma was given to Xia Qing, obliging him to carefully read Gu Chengyu’s paper. Xia Qing had to admit, Gu Chengyu’s composition exceeded Min Feng’s by a bit.
If both papers were placed side by side, unquestionably, this paper here would be the undisputed first place.
Xia Qing did not hesitate and swiftly marked the paper, placing it among the top ten exam papers. This prompted the officials secretly observing him to exchange glances and then casually turn their heads away as if nothing had happened.
On April 23rd, before dawn, Gu Chengyu estimated it was 3:30 AM, just as he had gotten up, Ming Mo reported that Ye Zhiqiu had arrived.
Gu Chengyu had just begun grooming himself, lamenting how early Ye Zhiqiu had risen, perhaps he hadn’t slept all night?
After hastily finishing his grooming, Gu Chengyu checked his attire in the mirror once more, ensuring everything was in order, then got up and headed outside. Today was the Imperial Examination ceremony; all scholars were required to attend. Whether they were dragons or insects, it would be decided today.
Ye Zhiqiu was waiting in the outer courtyard, and upon seeing Gu Chengyu finally arrive, hurriedly called out, "Quick! We cannot be late."
