Chapter 206: Palace Examination
The Wu family was naturally immersed in joy. It was a rare occasion for Prime Minister Wu Lihuan to drink with his son.
"I can only drink this much today. I can't miss the palace examination in a few days..."
Although he said this, he was actually very happy in his heart.
Wu Yizhu naturally understood what was going on and nodded obediently, feeling glad that his efforts during this period had not been in vain.
"It seems the teacher I found for you with soft words is indeed quite capable. Although you've been reluctant to reveal his identity, since he's helped you make such great progress, it's not unreasonable to prepare a small gift for your father, right?"
During this period, only the Gu family knew Song Changbai's identity. Even Wu Yizhu didn't know that the person who taught him was the famous Mr. Changbai.
After all, they usually call him "Master Song".
In order to let him concentrate on his studies, Wu Yixuan did not reveal it.
"Of course, but Master Song said he has everything he needs. If I pass the imperial examination someday, a tuition gift will be enough... Besides, he's mainly teaching the fourth son of the Gu family, so teaching me is just a side job. If I'm too extravagant, it'll put pressure on the fourth son of the Gu family."
Prime Minister Wu nodded: "This teacher is truly admirable and has noble teaching ethics. We should go and thank him tomorrow morning..."
"Father, the teacher said that he doesn't plan to meet you before the palace examination."
After Wu Yizhu finished speaking, Prime Minister Wu was a little surprised.
He thought about it, and although he didn't know the teacher's intention, he still expressed his respect.
"In that case, you should go there yourself tomorrow and thank the Master properly. The Palace Examination is coming up soon, so you can't take it lightly."
Wu Yizhu nodded respectfully, his expression firm, "I understand, and I will not disappoint my father and teacher."
Prime Minister Wu looked at his son's determined eyes and felt relieved.
The Wu family has been a scholarly family for generations, and he passed the imperial examination through his own efforts.
Now, his son did not disappoint him.
He patted Wu Yizhu's shoulder gently and said earnestly, "Yizhu, you've been clever and studious since childhood, but remember, the palace examination tests not only your talent but also your mindset. Only by maintaining a normal mindset can you perform at your best. Your mother's spirit in heaven will naturally rest in peace as you achieve such great things."
Thinking of his late wife Zhang Huanian, Prime Minister Wu felt uncomfortable.
At least I have raised the two children that my wife left behind with her life. My daughter is married and my son has graduated from high school. I will help my son find a husband in the future, so I should have no regrets.
"No more talking, let's go burn some incense for your mother first..."
Prime Minister Wu stopped in time to avoid crying.
Many years later, his feelings for his deceased wife remain unchanged.
Kneeling in front of his mother's spirit, Wu Yizhui told his mother not to worry, that he would continue to work hard, be an upright person, and become an upright official in the future.
"Mother, I will definitely listen to the teachings of my grandparents and not let you and father down. Now with Master Song's support, I will definitely demonstrate my knowledge in the palace examination and live up to the high expectations of my family and Master. I will remember the words you left for me and do my best."
The two old people of the Wu family were naturally immersed in joy.
"Your father was only ranked second in the imperial examination back then, but now he has become the prime minister. However, you are ranked first in the imperial examination and have a hope of becoming the top scorer in the palace examination. This will also be a progress for the family." Old Lady Xiao stroked Wu Yizhu's hand with a doting look on her face.
Old Master Wu was naturally pleased: "Indeed, the disciple is better than the master. Yizhu, your teacher is truly a god."
They are all family members, so they naturally know Wu Yizhu's previous level.
As the night deepened, their conversation ended in a warm atmosphere. Wu Yizhu turned and returned to his study, silently thinking about how to better prepare for the upcoming palace examination.
As a result, on the second day, people in Dizhou City started to spread the rumor that Wu Yizhui had cheated in the imperial examination. Otherwise, based on his usual level, he would not have achieved such a ranking.
At first, only a few people brought it up, but as more and more people spread the word, and the results had just been announced, some unwilling students had not yet left the imperial state. Upon hearing such words, they naturally questioned the fairness of the imperial examination. They all felt that their level was not enough to make them fail.
This news gradually spread more widely.
Wu Yizhu was displeased by the rumors, but he remained resolute and confident. He knew his achievements were earned through hard work, and no amount of slander could change that fact.
He decided to ignore the rumors and focus more on preparing for the palace examination.
This morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone into his study, he had already begun a new day of study. He carefully studied the classics, history, and miscellaneous works, constantly honing his literary talent and insights, striving to stand out in the palace examination.
This was also what Master Song had taught him. The more times like this, the more he had to keep calm. There was no need to spend a few days mastering anything new. It would be better to summarize what he had already learned.
Prime Minister Wu probably understood where these slanders came from.
They are nothing more than those unconvinced children from aristocratic families and those unwilling candidates who failed the exam.
It's just that he is not in a position to intervene in this matter, so as not to make things worse.
He wanted to wait until after the palace examination.
When Old Madam Xiao and Old Master Wu heard these rumors, they were also very angry.
"These people are blind and incompetent. They think those who can do something they can't do have done it by trickery. Just because they were born in the Prime Minister's Mansion, can they not study hard? They must have used some shameful power to manipulate the imperial examination. Is this an insult to our Great Yao's national system, or an insult to the emperor's emphasis on the imperial examination?"
When these words reached the Gu family, Gu Ruanci remained calm.
"These people are really annoying..."
Wu Yixuan's mood fluctuated, and he couldn't help but complain while sitting there.
"That's right. We have all seen Yizhu's talent. How could someone personally taught by Mr. Changbai be a fool?" Zhuang Hefeng immediately agreed.
Gu Yuting said, "We've already sent someone to investigate where this news came from. But after thinking about it, it's definitely related to the Zhou and Ye families."
Gu Ruanci also thought of this.
"For Master Wu right now, these aren't a big deal. The most important thing to him is the Palace Examination. After all, if he's affected during the examination, he'll definitely perform poorly, and then people will think he really cheated..."
Everyone understands Gu Ruanci's analysis.
"Now it depends on the reaction of the palace." Wu Yixuan was indeed a little panicked.
"Don't worry, on the day of the palace examination, my father will bring my senior brother into the palace. As long as they know that it was my senior brother who was teaching Master Wu during this period, even if he was given the top scorer, it would be reasonable."
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