"Thirteenth Prince, where are we going? Why aren't we taking a sedan chair? It's so hot, we should go back. Otherwise, the Princess Consort will scold me again..." The Thirteenth Prince, dressed in plain clothes, strolled leisurely around Beijing with his hands behind his back. His servant trotted behind him, occasionally fanning him with his sleeves to shield him from passersby, acting as if he were protecting him.

The Thirteenth Prince stopped impatiently, waved his hand, and scolded, "Stop dawdling like a woman. I'm telling you, you were sent by the Princess Consort to spy on me... cough cough... this young master, weren't you?"

The servant chuckled and said, "Master, are you preparing for an incognito visit?"

"The imperial examinations organized by my brother are about to begin. I've heard that all the talented people from all the provinces and prefectures have gathered in the capital, discussing current affairs at Qingsong Academy every day. I'm going to check it out for my brother first, so I have a better understanding of the situation." The Thirteenth Prince said mysteriously to his servant, "Examinations alone cannot fully demonstrate a person's abilities. It's at times like these that one's true talents are revealed, so we must go and listen in..."

The servant nodded and said, "Your Highness is too cautious. I thought you were going to arrest corrupt officials, and that's why you're disguised."

The Thirteenth Prince smacked him on the forehead and scolded, "What a blockhead! If I went there as a prince, how could I possibly hear the truth?"

The servant scratched his head, suddenly enlightened, and exclaimed, "That's right, how come I didn't think of that..."

"Let's go, let's go, there won't be any seats left if we get any later..." The Thirteenth Master left his servant and went into the crowd alone.

At this time, Qingsong Academy was already bustling with people, all flocking into the academy.

Thirteenth Master squeezed through the crowd, finally managing to squeeze into the inside. There he heard a passionate and indignant voice giving a speech, which drew applause from the crowd.

"Every dynasty has had corrupt officials, and reasoning with them is useless. All rulers have used the method of making an example of one to warn a hundred, which has had some effect, but it still doesn't solve the problem at its root. I believe the only solution is to reform the system. As long as the imperial court establishes an auditing body, all local taxes and expense reimbursements, as well as the use of funds and expense reimbursements by various ministries, will be verified by designated personnel, and no one can tamper with the system. In this way, high-ranking officials will not be able to embezzle, and it will also be impossible for local officials to pay a small bribe to cover up all the deficits of their superiors."

A young man dressed in coarse cloth walked in, speaking eloquently and sharply, which drew cheers and applause from the entire audience.

The Thirteenth Prince looked at this man with newfound respect, gave him a thumbs up, and thought to himself, "Wouldn't it be a loss to the country if such a talent were to be buried..."

An academy apprentice presented a bookmark to the Thirteenth Master and explained, “Young Master, this is the academy’s voting system. If you think someone’s answer is good, throw this bookmark into their bamboo tube. The winner will be provided with food and lodging by the academy, as well as additional rewards. The academy ranks the winners daily. If you are interested, please cast your vote.”

Thirteenth Master picked up the bookmark curiously and asked, "Who was that who just spoke? I think he's quite good..."

"His name is Qin Mo, he's from Shaanxi, and he's been at the academy for over half a month now. Every day, people line up specifically to hear his lectures. This talented scholar is currently ranked among the top three experts at Qingsong Academy. Young Master, you certainly have good judgment to recognize his talent on your first visit..." After the apprentice finished introducing him, he took his bookmark and went to buy more. Thirteen looked at Qin Mo on the stage with satisfaction, observing his eloquent and erudite demeanor, and nodded in approval.