After observing everyone's expressions, the shopkeeper instructed the waiter to help Xu Chengzhi up after a while.
Xu Chengzhi was too ashamed to stay any longer after getting up. He forgot his planned apology and quickly fled in a disheveled state.
The onlookers were filled with sighs and lamentations.
Xu Chengzhi was able to become a tribute student, ranking within the top 100. If he had known to be careful with his words and actions, he would have had a bright future, or at least become a local official. But now he has nothing.
At the same time, there is an example in front of us that makes everyone think of the need to be more strict in their words and deeds. This person really cannot take a wrong step, otherwise one wrong step will lead to a series of wrong steps.
Does Xu Chengzhi regret it?
I'm so regretful.
But it was no use; he was the one who wanted to drink the wine, and he was the one who said the words.
Disaster comes from the mouth; this is a perfect example.
It seems that Xu Chengzhi will never touch anything related to alcohol again in his life.
After Xu Chengzhi left, the shopkeeper revived the atmosphere and asked several more questions. Tong Xuewen answered a few selectively, leaving everyone speechless with his witty remarks.
It wasn't until someone came up beside the shopkeeper and whispered a few words that the shopkeeper finished answering the last question.
While reviewing the examination papers in the private room, Emperor Kangxi listened to others retell them, and he was very satisfied with Tong Xuewen's performance.
Kangxi's requirement for Tong Xuewen was that he be able to match the top scorer. Now, he has surpassed everyone else, shone brightly, and said things that left others speechless. This exceeded Kangxi's expectations and was an unexpected delight.
How could Emperor Kangxi not be pleased?
Moreover, this applies not only to current affairs commentary but also to exam papers.
Looking at the exam paper reveals many problems. Some of the papers are quite well written, but the best one is undoubtedly Tong Xuewen's. His writing style is grand and rigorous, citing classical texts in a practical way. He is comprehensive and has his own insights. The key is that it doesn't feel abrupt when you read it, which is quite rare.
It's a very fresh article, easy to read, and unconventional.
Emperor Kangxi handed Tong Xuewen's examination paper to Zhang Ying: "What do you think of Tong Xuewen's writing, Minister Zhang?"
Zhang Ying took Tong Xuewen's exam paper. In fact, he had already read it once. Now that His Majesty had asked, after considering His Majesty's attitude, he answered truthfully: "Tong Xuewen's writing is not bad. In my humble opinion, he is a pragmatic person and can be put to great use."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Kangxi nodded in satisfaction: "Then I will leave the rest to you, my dear minister. I will not intervene."
As for whether or not to accept disciples, Kangxi did not say, but Zhang Ying had already considered it.
His Majesty's intention was to cultivate Tong Xuewen. Given Tong Xuewen's family background, his acceptance of this disciple was merely adding icing on the cake. The only benefit he could have was his reputation among scholars.
Thinking about it this way, it wouldn't be bad to take on a disciple. After living a solitary life for so many years, His Majesty has finally given his consent, and he can't stay alone forever.
He knows Tong Xuewen's father; he's a good man, and his family has a positive atmosphere.
After thinking for a moment, Zhang Ying said to Kangxi before going downstairs, "Your Majesty, I think Tong Xuewen is quite to my liking, and I am very pleased with him. I am interested in taking him as a disciple. I wonder if Your Majesty thinks this is feasible?"
Emperor Kangxi smiled and said, "If you think it suits your taste, that's good. Today I borrowed your first place, but I didn't expect to actually find you a disciple. It seems that Tong Xuewen and you are really destined to be together."
Zhang Ying smiled on the surface, but in his heart he thought it was true, there was indeed fate between them, but it was all thanks to His Majesty's "matchmaking" that he had the best, otherwise he would not have had any intention of taking on a disciple.
However, he was very clear about one thing: as long as Tong Xuewen continued like this and did not do anything foolish, His Majesty would definitely give him an important position in the future. Otherwise, His Majesty would not have used him as a figurehead. To put it bluntly, his role was to enhance Tong Xuewen's prestige.
After Zhang Ying figured it out, she went downstairs to the lobby, carrying a stack of exam papers in her hand.
When the shopkeeper saw him coming, he quickly said, "Lord Zhang has arrived."
Zhang Ying looked at everyone with a calm expression: "I have read all of your exam papers and made a simple ranking. After some deliberation, Tong Xuewen is slightly better in this competition. I will have the exam papers posted later for you to see."
After saying that, Zhang Ying handed the exam paper to the shopkeeper, who then told the waiter to post it up quickly.
After the paper was posted, everyone wanted to see Tong Xuewen's exam paper, who had ranked first, so they swarmed around it. It took about fifteen minutes before the crowd finally dispersed.
Zhang Ying began by asking, "Do any of you have any complaints about this decision?"
No one spoke. After a while, he said, "Since no one has any objections, the results of this competition are as follows: first place is Tong Xuewen, second place is Fu Boyuan, third place is... sixth place is Wang Linyu... and tenth place is Zhang Zhijie."
After announcing the top ten, Zhang Ying stopped and continued, "As I said before, I will select one person from this competition to be my disciple. Tong Xuewen, would you be willing to be my disciple?"
Tong Xuewen was naturally willing and quickly replied, "Yes, Master. This student greets you."
"Okay, okay..."
Tong Cheng'er and Shu Yu had been following the news closely, and when they learned that Tong Xuewen had won first place and had become Zhang Ying's apprentice, both of them beamed with joy.
"Second brother is really promising."
"Young Master Tong is indeed a capable person."
Seeing the undisguised joy and pride on Shu Yu's face, Tong Cheng'er jokingly said, "Sister Shu Yu, just call Second Brother by his name. Calling him Young Master Tong is too formal."
Call me by my name? Is that alright? That's too sudden!
Shu Yu: "How about I call him Brother Tong?"
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