Jin Wenting was still lost in his fantasies when someone poked him in the waist and heard a helpless sigh: "...What did I say, Your Highness? Did you hear me?"
The man's cold, sharp gaze shot towards the girl like a sword, fierce and terrifying, as if he were about to strike her—
Oh no! He didn't listen to Qingzhai! He missed what Qingzhai said. Will Qingzhai be disappointed in him? Oh no, he wanted to slap himself.
"Oh, what's up?" Just say what's on your mind, I'll agree to anything without a problem!
Tongsu: "I would like to ask the young master for a favor. I wonder if the young master would be willing to do so?"
This guy... I always feel like he's thinking about something insane...
"Okay, what do you need me to do for you?"
.
After the incident involving Yao Jinrong at the county school, the only amusing thing was the casual conversation after meals, but otherwise, the students quickly returned to their peaceful study life.
Amidst the resounding sounds of reading aloud, the fifteenth year of Xinglong passed quickly, and the provincial examination in April of the sixteenth year of Xinglong was just around the corner.
The provincial examinations were traditionally held twice within three years, originally only once in the fourteenth and sixteenth years.
However, Emperor Xinglong held an extra special examination this year, resulting in examinations every year for the past three years.
However, because the exam was held too hastily, many students did not have enough time to review. In order to gain a good reputation, they were willing to give up this exam and study for another year.
The examination content of the prefectural examination was roughly the same as that of the county and prefectural examinations. It was divided into two sessions: the main examination and the re-examination. The main examination consisted of two essays and one poem, while the re-examination consisted of one essay and one poem. Candidates also had to recite a hundred or so words from the "Imperial Edict and Extensive Instructions". Based on the quality of the candidates' answers, they were divided into first, second, and third grades. The results were announced and those who passed were called Xiucai (scholars).
The grading of the provincial examinations was usually done by the headmaster or secretary of an academy located 500 li away.
The first round will initially admit twice the number of people, and after the second round, half of them will be eliminated. The names will be changed to officially determine the place of origin and name of the students who pass the imperial examination.
This year, everyone in the county school thought that not many students would participate in the Enke exam, but when the registration list came out, it stunned everyone.
Xu Yincheng, however, signed up.
“I know that when my brother Qingzhai finishes his mourning period next year, he will definitely participate in that provincial examination.” When the instructor asked him, he replied, “Both of us have the ability to compete for the top spot. If we compete with each other in the same year, it will inevitably cause a loss of harmony. It would be better if I participate in this year’s examination and my brother Qingzhai can take the top spot next year.”
He spoke casually, yet his words sent shockwaves through the entire county school—was becoming the top scholar in the provincial examination really that easy?! And to say, "My year, yours is next," made it sound as easy as buying cabbages on the street!
Moreover, Xu Yincheng usually keeps a low profile. Everyone knows he has good grades, but no one really knows just how good they are.
While many thought he was exaggerating, only Tongsu knew that Xu Yincheng was telling the truth; Brother Xu's writing was indeed excellent!
However, he was low-key and didn't like to stand out, often hiding his talents—in terms of writing ability, Tongsu had much to learn from him.
"Then we wish Brother Xu all the best."
"Wow, if our Yunyang County could really produce two consecutive top scholars in the provincial examinations, that would be incredibly impressive!"
"Next summer, you will take the provincial examination, and the year after that will be the triennial provincial examination. If you two both pass the provincial examination, you can go and take the provincial examination together."
"Brother Xu and Brother Xia, you two have to work hard! Whether I can brag about myself in the future depends entirely on the two of you!"
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