"Does the Fourth Prince really think he is better than the prince?" Gao Zhiqi disagreed with Zhong Minge's opinion. "How did the Imperial Concubine die? Why did she die? How did the little prince die? We all know it clearly. The child born by such a vicious woman is treated as a treasure by His Majesty..."
"Xiao Gao!" Zhong Ming'e suddenly interrupted Gao Zhiqi and said with a sullen face, "If you dare to say such treasonous words again, you don't need to call the servants, I will smash your mouth with my own hands!"
"Yes, I won't dare to do it again! I won't dare to do it again!" Gao Zhiqi bowed hurriedly and didn't dare to say anything else. He followed Zhong Minge out of the palace.
…
April 14, 1934
The capital.
Ministry of Rites Imperial Examination Hall.
After the morning court, An Zishang came to the Imperial Examination Hall. Since the spring examination, the Imperial Examination Hall has been much busier than usual. After the spring examination, the Hanlin Academy will mark the papers first, and then they will be sent to the Ministry of Rites for review by officials from the Ministry of Rites. By now, the review has been almost completed.
"Have all the spring exam papers been reviewed?" An Zishang asked Cheng Yiming, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
"Your Excellency, the review has been completed and I was just about to report to you." Cheng Yiming said hurriedly.
"Oh, are there any outstanding articles in this year's spring examination?" An Zishang took a sip of tea and asked casually.
"Yes, sir, please take a look. This article "On the Ancient and Modern Corvée and Taxation" is a masterpiece!" Cheng Yiming was busy taking out a test paper from the table and handed it to An Zishang, and said excitedly, "Sir, please take a look. This article "On the Ancient and Modern Corvée and Taxation" is magnificent and well-reasoned. It talks about the drawbacks of the corvée and taxation system of dynasties throughout history. It combines the current situation of the Great Zhou Dynasty and puts forward its own views and reasonable opinions. It is bold and careful, neither humble nor arrogant. Reading the whole article, it is very much like the style of Master Ding in the past."
"Oh? Is it really that amazing?" An Zishang said as he put the teacup aside and read the article "On Corvée and Taxation in Ancient and Modern Times" carefully. He originally thought that Cheng Yiming was exaggerating, but after reading it, he couldn't help but gasp. He has been the Minister of Rites for more than 20 years and has reviewed countless examination papers, but this is the first time he has come across such a bold and outstanding article. It is really as Cheng Yiming said, it is a masterpiece.
"Not bad," An Zishang nodded after reading it, and looked at Cheng Yiming again, "You have always had a sharp eye. To win your favor, the writer is indeed very talented."
"The reason why I value this article "On Ancient and Modern Corvées and Taxes" is not just because of its brilliant writing, but because I am moved by the candidate's concern for the country and the people. Most candidates are cautious in order to win fame and do not dare to easily propose political views, not to mention that corvées and taxes are related to the importance of the country. However, this candidate can write this article without caring about his personal future gains and losses. I really admire him," Cheng Yiming said with emotion, and said to An Zishang, "I and the examiners of the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy all agree that this candidate should be ranked first. What do you think?"
The spring examination is also known as the joint examination. Those who pass the examination are called Gongshi or Jinshi, and the first one is called Huiyuan.
"Indeed..." An Zishang said as he turned the last page of the test paper. He was immediately startled. "Is this the candidate from Ningguta?"
Cheng Yiming was also startled: "Does your Excellency have any questions?"
"Oh, no, it's just that this is the first time I see candidates from Ningguta, so I'm inevitably a little surprised," An Zishang said with a smile, putting down the test paper and looking at Cheng Yiming, saying, "Go check the test paper again as soon as possible and finalize the list of candidates. I'll report it to His Majesty tomorrow."
Cheng Yiming hesitated and said, "Sir, what about this candidate from Ningguta..."
"Let me take another look." An Zishang said in a deep voice.
"Yes, I'll take my leave." Cheng Yiming was a little puzzled, but in the end he didn't say anything and just left.
…
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