A few days later, following the Thirteenth Prince's suggestion, all the exam papers were successfully graded by taking turns reviewing them, and the list of candidates for the imperial examination was secretly sent to the palace for the Fourth Prince to open personally.
The Thirteenth Prince naturally took out Hongli and Hongzhou's exam papers, preparing to send them to the Fourth Prince for his perusal.
"Have the exam papers been sent to the Emperor for review?" The Thirteenth Prince, holding the two exam papers, stopped a passing examiner and asked in detail. The examiner bowed and replied, "Your Highness, only the list has been sent to the palace; the exam papers have not yet left the Imperial Academy."
The Thirteenth Prince smiled and said, "That's good. Consider this a gift from me to my elder brother..." After saying that, the Thirteenth Prince took the examination paper and walked out. The examiner exclaimed, "Your Highness, the examination papers are sealed. They cannot be taken away without the Emperor's permission..."
The Thirteenth Prince turned around and waved the exam papers in his hand, laughing, "These two exam papers are fine. If the Emperor blames me, just record it in my account..."
The Thirteenth Prince, carrying two exam papers, passed through several gates and went directly to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Just as he was about to enter, he saw Su Peisheng coming out.
The Thirteenth Prince stopped Su Peisheng and asked, "What are you doing, Eunuch? Is the Emperor inside?"
Su Peisheng smiled and said, "Thirteenth Prince, you've come at the perfect time. His Majesty just asked me to prepare some dinner, but he's short of someone to keep him company. Now that you're here, you can have a few drinks with His Majesty..."
The Thirteenth Prince asked in surprise, "What's going on today? The Emperor is in such a good mood, entertaining himself..."
Su Peisheng laughed and said, "The list of candidates for the Imperial Academy examination has been sent. His Majesty was very satisfied after reading it. In his joy, he felt that we should drink and have some fun. This servant even suggested inviting the Thirteenth Prince to keep you company, but His Majesty said that you have been too tired these past few days and he couldn't bear to bother you. Unexpectedly, the Thirteenth Prince came by himself..."
The Thirteenth Prince chuckled, "It seems I'll have to add to His Majesty's glory today..." He then patted Su Peisheng's shoulder and strode inside.
Su Peisheng asked in surprise, "Is there anything more exciting than the scientific expedition?" He then went to the kitchen to prepare food and wine.
"Your Majesty! It's really not very kind of you to have such good wine and food without inviting your humble brother. Luckily, I have a keen sense of smell..." The Thirteenth Prince's voice arrived before he did.
The Fourth Prince put down the list in his hand, looked up at the Thirteenth Prince approaching, and smiled, "I was worried that you would be overworked, so I didn't send anyone to call you. I didn't expect you to come to me on your own..."
The Thirteenth Prince put the exam paper behind his back and muttered deliberately, "I have done my best to carry out the things my elder brother ordered, but I never expected that I wouldn't even get half a cup of wine from the Emperor in the end..."
The Fourth Prince laughed heartily, then nodded to the Thirteenth Prince and said, "I should indeed reward you. I'll have Su Peisheng prepare it. You stay and have a few drinks with me..."
The Thirteenth Prince then smiled and said, "In order not to disappoint Your Majesty's fine wine, I have also prepared a gift for you..."
Fourth Master asked in surprise, "A gift? What gift?"
The Thirteenth Prince pulled out the examination paper from behind his back, handed it to the Fourth Prince with both hands, and gestured with his eyes: "Your Majesty, please take a look..."
The Fourth Master took the exam paper with a mixture of doubt and curiosity. At first, he only glanced at a few sentences, but by the end, he was completely absorbed. He put the paper down and exclaimed, "Well written! The first essay demonstrates the author's exceptional talent and insight. Reading it broadens one's mind and brings clarity. The second essay, though written in simple language and seemingly plain, reveals the author's sharp thinking and unique perspective upon closer examination, worthy of deep reflection… Both authors are rare talents…"
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