The three men were as if they were facing a formidable enemy. The emperor had set a question, intending to select the top scholar. Zhao Huan then said, "The three of you have proposed strategies that suit my tastes, and I believe you will become pillars of the nation in the future. I want to ask you, what are your opinions on my intention to declare war on Mongolia?"
Not only these three people, but also Meng Gurao and Cao Dongsheng in the main hall were surprised. Before declaring war on the Mongols, it should have been kept secret, even top secret. Zhao Huan blurted it out in the main hall, especially since Du Yuntai was from the Jin Kingdom. If this matter leaked out, wouldn't the Mongols be prepared? Furthermore, this was a question for selecting military generals and testing the top military scholar. Why would Zhao Huan use it to test these three civil officials?
Shi Gaojie was the first to speak up. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, if we were to declare war on the Mongols, the dangers of war would be far greater than the Mongol Empire's current strength, which would make it far less likely that the Jin Dynasty would be completely at their mercy. Even the strategically important Western Xia is now under the control of the Mongols. If war breaks out, they will undoubtedly launch two-pronged attacks. If war truly breaks out, I believe that Shangjing should adopt defensive measures, while against Western Xia, we should adopt an offensive strategy."
Zhao Huan nodded and said, "Well said. If we were to go to war, I would share the same thought."
Shi Gaojie was secretly delighted. It seemed that His Majesty had accepted his suggestion. As long as the two of them couldn't come up with a better method, then the top spot would be within his grasp.
As expected, Tian Caiying hesitated. Since Shi Gaojie had already outlined the strategy, he had no better plan. After a while, Tian Caiying stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, 'Before the army moves, the food and fodder must go first.' Our Song Dynasty isn't ready for war yet, yet we're going to war against the Mongols. Any perfect strategy is just empty talk. Especially now, Haizhou is suffering from a severe drought, and the people are suffering. Your Majesty, would it be inappropriate to blindly launch a war?"
Zhao Huan nodded again: "Well, you are right. Anything else?"
Tian Caiying continued, "This matter has its priorities. I believe we should postpone the start of the war, resolve the drought in Haizhou first, and then send troops to fight."
Zhao Huan nodded again and asked Du Yuntai, "Du Yuntai, what do you think?"
Du Yuntai bowed and said, "I abstain from power!"
When these words came out, everyone was shocked again. Zhao Huan couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
Du Yuntai said proudly, "Your Majesty, the Song and Mongolians have finally achieved peace, and trade is now underway on the border. Without fighting on the border, peace reigns supreme. The Mongols have no intention of coveting the Song Dynasty. If Your Majesty were to start a war, there would be mountains of corpses and countless lives lost. I oppose the expedition!"
Zhao Huan slammed the table and said, "I understand. The imperial edict will be posted outside the Imperial College later. You three, step back!"
The three of them bowed and left, arriving outside the hall. Shi Gaojie clasped his fists and said, "Brother Tian, your opinion is correct. This top scholar title belongs to you, Brother Tian."
Tian Caiying hurriedly replied: "Before the imperial edict is released, you and I should not speculate rashly. I thought that Brother Shi would get the top spot, but I deeply admire Brother Du's eloquent speech. Brother Du is the one who deserves the title of top scholar!" He bowed deeply.
Du Yuntai then clasped his fists and said, "Brother Tian, you are so kind. I have already given up my right to be the third place winner, but I am still deeply grateful for your grace. You and I will serve in the same court from now on, so why don't we find a place to have a nice drink?"
The two were overjoyed and left the palace together.
When Du Yuntai returned to Gaosheng Inn, Li Shishi had been waiting for him for a long time. Lei Xiangrong, his classmate, had unexpectedly passed the imperial examination and had already gone out to celebrate with his classmates. However, Shen Feiyu, the arrogant Shen Family Cloth Shop owner, had failed the exam.
Du Yuntai bowed deeply to Li Shishi and said, "Thank you very much, Miss Li, for your kindness. However, this number one scholar has nothing to do with me anymore."
Li Shishi was shocked: "You were in the top three in this palace examination, and His Majesty didn't choose you?"
Du Yuntai shook his head. He didn't want Li Shishi to know that he had given up. "No, Your Majesty is very dissatisfied with my defense."
Li Shishi smiled and said, "Before the imperial edict is issued, isn't it a bit early for Master Du to say this?"
Du Yuntai was disheartened. "I am unfortunate. Miss Li rarely shows mercy to me. There are many talented students in the world, not just me. I, the number one scholar, am powerless to help."
Li Shishi looked at him affectionately: "Actually, I..."
"Miss! Miss!" Li Shishi's maid rushed in from outside. Seeing Du Yuntai in the room, she was stunned for a moment. Then she said, "Congratulations, Master Du! The imperial edict is out, and you are the top scorer this time!"
Li Shishi was surprised and delighted. She took the maid's hand and asked, "What did you say?"
The maid was delighted: "I saw it clearly. The imperial list has been unveiled outside the Imperial College. The top scholar is Mr. Du Yuntai!" The maid was incoherent: "Congratulations, Miss! Congratulations, Miss!"
Li Shishi, who was always graceful and elegant, blushed. "Why are you congratulating me? It's not like I won the first place. You should be congratulating Master Du."
The maid smiled widely and turned to Du Yuntai and said, "Congratulations, Master Du, congratulations, Master Du."
Du Yuntai still couldn't believe his ears: "But, how could it be me?"
The maid came over and pulled him: "Why not you? The official who reports the official's salary might be here soon."
Before he finished speaking, the sound of gongs and drums was heard outside, and a team of officials came to Gaosheng Inn with music and drums.
The man at the front of the team was none other than Lei Xiangrong. He ran and shouted, "Go tell Master Du! He's the top scorer in the high school entrance exam!"
When the innkeeper Qian Laiye heard it was Du Yuntai, he was overjoyed. If someone from his inn won the first place in the imperial examination, the inn's reputation would be even more famous. Raise the price! Accommodation prices must go up!
Qian Laiye hurriedly ran into Du Yuntai's room: "Mr. Du! Hurry, hurry, go out and greet the official. The official announcing the salary is here, congratulations to Mr. Du, you're the first place! Haha. The first place champion!" Qian Laiye gave a thumbs up, smiling even happier than if he had won the top spot.
Only then did Du Yuntai believe that he had really won the top spot in the imperial examination. He hurriedly straightened his clothes and rushed out of the room.
The hall of Gaosheng Inn was already crowded with people. When they heard the sound of gongs and drums, they knew that the top scorer was among the students of Gaosheng Inn, and they all rushed in to watch the excitement.
"Bang!" A gong sounded ahead, and a notice was hung high. The herald officer rode a tall horse to announce the good news. Arriving at the entrance of the Gaosheng Inn, two herald officers dismounted.
The two men went straight to Du Yuntai. One of them clasped his fists and said, "Congratulations, Master Du! Congratulations, Master Du! This time, His Majesty has personally chosen you as the top scholar on the imperial list!"
As he was speaking, the servant beside him handed over the report document, as well as the top scholar's uniform, colorful flowers and red silk, and all the guests came to congratulate him.
The top scholar was required to ride a horse around the city and then return to the palace to meet the emperor. This was done to show solemnity and satisfy the vanity of the top scholar.
Li Shishi gave the official who was reporting the salary a few dozen taels of silver, and the official thanked him profusely. Everyone surrounded Du Yuntai, dressed him in the top scholar's red robe, put a red flower in his hat, and mounted him on a tall horse. A gong sounded in front of them to clear the way, and the grand tour of the city began.
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