Chapter 207 Song Changbai Appears
The rumors outside did reach the palace.
The emperor also summoned the chief examiner and the officials who were marking the papers, and specially called out Wu Yizhu's answer sheet.
As a result, after reading it, the emperor was extremely satisfied with what he wrote.
"Are you sure he really wrote this?" he asked.
The examiner immediately said, "In reply to the Emperor, the handwriting has been compared and confirmed to be written by the Prime Minister's son..."
"The test questions this time have not been leaked, right?" the emperor asked again.
The examiner knelt on the ground, sweating profusely from fear: "Your Majesty, this is a crime punishable by genocide. How dare I do such a thing..."
"That's good. It seems that these people outside are either jealous or evil..."
The emperor's words finally made the examiner breathe a sigh of relief.
The way he looked just now was really scary.
"I've heard of Wu Yizhu before. After all, he's the prime minister's son, so it's inevitable that he's famous. I heard that while his writing skills were good, they weren't as outstanding as this. I just glanced at his test paper, and it's truly astonishing. His progress is incredibly rapid..."
When the emperor said this, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was recalling something.
"I remember that he once composed a poem before the Emperor. At that time, I felt that although this boy had some talent, he wasn't top-notch. How could he have changed so much in such a short time?"
Hearing the emperor's words, the examiner did not dare to neglect him and quickly said, "Your Majesty, perhaps it is because Master Wu has been studying hard during this period that he has made such great progress. After all, his father is the prime minister, and he has a family background in learning and sufficient motivation."
The Emperor nodded. "Well, that's possible, but it's also possible that he's been hiding his abilities before and only just revealed them this time. Regardless, this boy does have some real talent and knowledge, and I'm very pleased."
"As for the doubts outside, go and appease them first, and by the way, check who is spreading them, and don't let anyone take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble."
The emperor hated these tricks even more.
Zhou Yuxiu and Ye Chenglei both knew that it was the young master of the Guo family who was behind the scenes, but how much of an impact it would have would depend on whether Wu Yizhu would be affected during the palace examination.
Before the palace examination, Gu Runci had already learned from Lu Enyan that the person who spread the news was the young master of the Guo family.
He has a good relationship with Zhou Yuxiu and Ye Chenglei, and they always get together to drink on weekdays.
"Everyone in Dizhou knows that these two families are in trouble now, but they insist on attacking them. Do they think they are too lucky?" Gu Ruanci didn't even want to use his brain to deal with this Guo.
A young man from a second-rate family may have some abilities in front of the common people, but he is nothing in his own eyes.
"Wait a minute, let Young Master Wu pass the palace examination. The palace must be investigating this matter, so let them handle it."
She knew that the emperor would never tolerate such a thing.
The day of the palace examination finally arrived. Wu Yizhu was well prepared, so he was very calm.
Some of the people who took part in the palace examination were influenced by the rumors and really thought that he cheated. They even spoke with some contempt, but Wu Yizhu ignored them. He was innocent and clear-headed.
Considering that he was the son of the prime minister, those people did not dare to say too much and had to use isolation to express their attitude.
When the emperor arrived, he was a little surprised to see that Wu Yizhu did not seem to stand with anyone else.
But thinking about the rumors these days, it's understandable.
It’s just that these candidates only believe in gossip from outside and isolate others without verification. I’m afraid they will be arbitrary when they become officials in the future.
He looked unhappy and sat there in silence, only using gestures to let his attendants announce the start of the palace examination.
After receiving the test papers, these people who had passed the imperial examination were all confused when they saw the questions on them.
"Governors should observe, listen, ask and feel."
This topic combines politics with medicine. On the surface, there are many things that can be explored, but once it is excessive, it will lose its practical significance and become flashy.
The palace examination not only considers a person's knowledge, but also his or her political direction and strategy.
Wu Yizhu was also surprised when he got the topic, but after a brief thought, he had a direction.
After careful consideration, he simply wrote some content on a piece of rough paper. When he felt there was no problem, he carefully copied it and polished it.
The tip of his pen scraped against the paper as Wu Yizhu concentrated intently, embodying his understanding of government through his writing. He knew this wasn't just a test; it was an opportunity to present his philosophy of statecraft to the Emperor. He recalled his daily discussions with Master Song, their conversations on how to better govern the country and benefit the people, and now they became the fragrance of ink flowing from his pen.
Time ticked by, and Wu Yizhu finally finished his paper. He carefully checked it, making sure there were no omissions or errors, before slowly putting down his pen. Looking around, he saw other candidates, some with furrowed brows, others writing furiously, clearly struggling mightily with the question.
He thought to himself that this palace examination was not only a test of their knowledge, but also a profound discussion of the direction and strategy of political career. He hoped that his efforts would prove himself, let everyone know that he did not need to cheat, and even disdained to cheat.
Finally, all the candidates finished their papers. The emperor began to review their papers, his face occasionally showing expressions of approval or frowning. Wu Yizhu waited nervously, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.
While waiting for the results, some people kept looking at Wu Yizhu. They wondered if he hadn't seemed nervous today and was so calm. Perhaps he had already known the questions...
When the emperor personally selected the top three, Wu Yizhu was among them...
At this time, someone finally couldn't bear it anymore and stood up boldly.
"Your Majesty, I, your student, have the same doubts about the rumors these days. I hope Master Wu can give everyone a reasonable explanation that can prove his knowledge..."
The emperor did not interrupt him, but looked at Wu Yizhu.
Wu Yizhu stood up calmly: "I am just relying on the help of the Chaoyang County Master. The teacher she hired for her brother also tutored me for a period of time, which is why I have made such progress..."
His words did not convince everyone at first. Even the emperor and the examiners were wondering what kind of teacher had such ability.
At this time, a palace maid came to report that Duke Shouguo had brought his family teacher to ask for an audience, and that he could clear the name of the young master of the Wu family.
"Please come in quickly..."
When the emperor heard this, he was naturally happy and at the same time a little expectant.
When Song Changbai appeared in front of everyone, the examiner recognized him before he could even salute.
"Mr. Changbai? You've come out of seclusion? The young master of the Wu family is actually your student?"
The candidate who had just questioned him was stunned for a moment, then his eyes were filled with shock: "Number one in the literary world, Mr. Changbai?"
All the candidates were stunned. Mr. Changbai was a deified figure in the hearts of these literati.
Even Wu Yizhui himself was shocked. The Master Song who had taught him for such a long time was Mr. Changbai, Song Changbai?
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