The night was deep, a gentle breeze carried a scent unique to early summer into the palace.

In front of Deyang Hall, the hall doors were wide open. Liu Hong stood quietly at the entrance, his eyes slightly closed, enjoying the gentle breeze. Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong stood respectfully behind Liu Hong.

"Your Majesty, it is late at night, you should rest."

Watching Liu Hong's retreating figure, Zhang Rang sensed that the emperor had become thinner than when he first entered the palace, and a hint of worry appeared in his eyes: "Your Majesty, although the affairs of the state are currently difficult, they have improved. You should still take better care of your health..."

Can you swim?

Liu Hong opened his eyes, but did not turn around. He stared intently into the darkness in the distance.

“I was born in the north, but I am not very familiar with swimming.”

Although they didn't quite understand why the emperor suddenly asked this question, Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang still answered truthfully.

Liu Hong pointed to the dark night sky and said calmly, "The surface of the water may appear calm, but there are turbulent currents beneath. Just like this night, it may seem peaceful, but danger lurks everywhere."

"The slave is guilty."

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong immediately knelt down. They understood that the crisis the emperor spoke of was the eunuchs in the palace, and a trace of fear appeared in their eyes.

"Get up."

Liu Hong turned around and walked into the hall, ignoring Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, who were disheveled in the wind.

The following day, in the southwest of the Southern Palace, Situ Hu Guang personally led the Shao Fu Ling to the gathering place of those poor scholars.

Although Liu Hong had prepared accommodations for the students from all over the country, the number of students arriving was too large, and the accommodations were clearly insufficient. Moreover, students were still arriving one after another.

From the scattered ashes of firewood, Hu Guang guessed that it must be because there wasn't enough accommodation and some people were sleeping outdoors at night. Although it was early spring, the night temperature was still cold. If arrangements weren't made quickly, who knew how many students would have to sleep on the streets.

Looking at this group of students, some reading silently, others chatting in small groups, each with a smile on their face, seemingly unconcerned about how harsh their environment was, Hu Guang was deeply moved and gratified by their resilience, self-reliance, and ability to find joy in hardship.

In the distance, Tian Feng and Ju Shou were discussing the upcoming assessment. Originally, Tian Feng was allowed to stay at the inn because of the recommendation of the magistrate of Julu County. However, when he heard that all the poor scholars had gathered here, Tian Feng refused the accommodation arranged for him by the inn and came here instead, considering himself to be from a poor family.

When Tian Feng arrived, he saw that Ju Shou was dressed in tattered clothes and was starving. So Tian Feng took out his own clothes and food to give to him. Ju Shou did not stand on ceremony and accepted them readily. He even said that he would repay Ju Shou tenfold after passing the exam. This made Tian Feng think that Ju Shou was extraordinary. After talking with him, the two were impressed by each other's knowledge and became close friends who could talk about anything.

"Yuan Hao, what kind of questions do you think the Emperor will ask in this assessment?"

"have no idea."

Upon hearing Ju Shou's question, Tian Feng shook his head, then pondered for a moment, "However, generally speaking, it will definitely be related to current affairs or people's livelihood."

Ju Shou nodded. “Yes, from what I have seen and heard along the way, it is not difficult to see that His Majesty attaches great importance to the people’s livelihood. In addition to showing his regard for scholars and students, this assessment is also intended to select a group of talents who can govern a region.”

"Your words make sense!"

Tian Feng agreed with Ju Shou's analysis, then sighed softly, "Although the emperor is wise, the empress dowager is now in power, there are eunuchs causing trouble inside, and powerful relatives like Dou Wu are in charge outside. The emperor's situation is not optimistic at the moment."

Ju Shou frowned. "Yuan Hao is right. This is probably the reason His Majesty is holding this assessment..."

"Regardless of the reason, His Majesty has given us this opportunity, which is as kind as giving us a second life. I, Tian Feng, will follow him to the death to repay His Majesty's kindness!"

"Me too."

Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged a smile.

"Lord Situ has been sent by His Majesty to visit us!"

Just then, an excited shout reached everyone's ears.

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw Hu Guang walking slowly towards them, surrounded by the Minister of the Imperial Household and a group of officials.

"We pay our respects to Lord Situ."

A group of students from impoverished families stepped forward and respectfully greeted Hu Guang.

Hu Guang's reputation among these students is now legendary. If it weren't for Hu Guang's desperate protection, countless scholars and officials would have been persecuted by the eunuchs during the Party Proscription. Therefore, Hu Guang's knowledge, character, and integrity are deeply admired by scholars.

Looking at these energetic young students, Hu Guang nodded with great satisfaction and said, "Please, everyone, no need for formalities. I have come on behalf of His Majesty to visit you. His Majesty said that you are rare and loyal people who have come despite the hardships. His Majesty is very pleased."

His Majesty knows that your journey from afar has been arduous, and therefore specifically instructed that all your food and lodging in the capital be provided by the Imperial Household Department. I will certainly report your current situation to His Majesty, and I believe it will be resolved soon!

"We thank Your Majesty for your divine grace!"

Upon hearing this, the students were immediately excited. Just as Liu Hong had said, they had traveled thousands of miles to the capital and not only suffered hardships, but also endured the contempt and ridicule of those scions of noble families. They had suffered a great deal of injustice.

Now, having learned from Hu Guang that the Emperor actually cares so much about them and considers their needs in every way, many students secretly vowed to repay the Emperor's kindness with their talents and to show those arrogant noble families that they, students from humble backgrounds, are no less capable than others.

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