The imperial examination in Da Qi lasted for many days. Candidates would have their own rooms, where they would eat, drink, defecate and urinate throughout the entire process.
Every major exam is a test of life and death for the candidates.
It is not an exaggeration to say this at all. Every time there is an imperial examination, one or two people will die in the examination room. This has even become an urban legend.
Just imagine, in that highly stressful situation, it is difficult to eat or rest well. Most scholars cannot endure it with their weak bodies. It is normal for them to catch a cold or fever.
They say illness can be devastating, and one must seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, the imperial examinations, held only once every four years, were a scholar's only chance to shine. Who would be willing to give up this opportunity and leave the examination hall?
So you have to persevere, even if it means gritting your teeth.
Many people die in the examination hall while persisting in this way, and their souls can never leave this place again.
Now Li Xiang suddenly said that each exam will only last half a day, during which students can go out to rest. This drastic reform can be said to have mixed reviews.
The good thing is of course that it allows candidates to rest better, so the number of candidates who die of illness in the examination room should be sharply reduced.
As for the bad side, it is naturally that the time for answering questions is tighter, which will test a person's talent and skills even more.
How to solve the problem in the shortest time possible, conceive an exquisite article, and write it down in beautiful handwriting, all requires practice.
If the examination time is compressed and the so-called scoring system is added, it is likely that excellent candidates will become even better, which will directly widen the gap between candidates.
Many candidates with weak abilities naturally do not want this to happen. Compared with dying in the examination room, they care more about whether they can pass the exam.
Soon, candidates began to question the reform, arguing that it shouldn't be done haphazardly. Even Sun Jijiu and others expressed dissatisfaction, asking why they hadn't been informed of the reform in advance. Would the sudden shortening of the exam time affect their Imperial College?
Seeing everyone's intense reaction, Li Xiang smiled and bowed, saying, "Everyone, please be patient and listen to me."
"I know you're all worried about not having enough time to perform at your best. That's completely unfounded, because we've already taken that into account. So, while shortening the exam time, we'll also be reducing the number of questions."
"Before, you all had to write at least twenty essays, so naturally, we had to give you more time for the exam. But now, after the reform of the imperial examination, you only need to write ten essays. And, with the emphasis on policy essays, the amount of essay questions will be greatly reduced."
"Let me give you a very simple example. Previously, all the Four Books and Five Classics were tested, but now the questions only select a few items from the Four Books and Five Classics for testing."
Upon hearing this, the examinees were once again in an uproar. Sun Jijiu even directly retorted, "This is ridiculous! The Four Books and Five Classics are the classics of Confucianism. Only by thoroughly studying them can one understand the great principles of the sages. Now, from what the young prince is saying, only a few of them will be tested. How can we only listen to half of what the sages say?"
"Sun Jijiu is wrong to think so. Although the exam only tests certain books from the Four Books and Five Classics, the specific books are randomly selected and the selection is changed every time the imperial examination is held. In other words, although we are selectively testing, candidates still need to be familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics."
Sun Jijiu's expression froze after being confronted by Li Xiang's refusal. He then snorted again, "But the candidates' understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics is bound to be biased. Some are good at reading the Great Learning, while others have a more thorough understanding of the Doctrine of the Mean. How can we guarantee fairness if we only test a few of them?"
A group of candidates nodded in agreement. If that was the case, the imperial examination would become a game of luck.
Li Xiang laughed and said, "Do you all think that the previous imperial examinations were absolutely fair? Rich families could prepare thicker clothes and more delicious meals for the candidates, and there were doctors waiting to see them after they passed. But what about the candidates from poor families? They had none of these. How can this be considered fair?"
"The candidates from wealthy families have money and free time, so they can naturally collect more articles from the Four Books and Five Classics to study, but what about the candidates from poor families?"
"So, there's no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. What we can guarantee is that the imperial examination system is relatively fair."
"As for what you all said, what if someone is good at studying a certain book and happens to pass the exam?" Li Xiang turned around and bowed towards the entrance of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Doesn't that mean that the master just wants you to pass the exam?"
When these words were spoken, many people couldn't help but shudder.
Yes, it is said that there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts. The scholars present here have all stood out after experiencing the fierce competition of the provincial examination. Who would admit that they are worse than others?
"I must be the chosen one of heaven. I am the God of Literature who has descended to earth. Just now, when I entered the door and saluted the Master, I saw the Master's statue smiling at me!"
There are many people who have this idea. At this moment, everyone feels that they are the ones with great luck.
What Li Xiang said is correct. If you happen to encounter a question that you are good at, it means that God wants you to pass the exam. What's there to say!
So the candidates who were full of opinions just now are now quiet. Many of them can't wait to find their friends who haven't arrived yet and show off their experiences to them.
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