Chapter 208: The Third Place Winner
The emperor couldn't help but stand up. This literary giant, whom he had tried to invite several times but failed, had actually entered the Gu family?
"Mr. Changbai..."
Song Changbai saluted the emperor very politely, and then greeted several adults.
"I came here today simply because I heard someone suspected my students of cheating in the imperial examinations, so I came to testify."
After hearing Song Changbai's words, the student who had just questioned him felt like a clown.
Those who followed suit also felt guilty.
"Since he's a student of Mr. Changbai, he must have real skills and knowledge... I wonder when Mr. Changbai came to Dizhou, and why there's no news from outside..."
The chief examiner immediately said that he was the Minister of Rites and he always admired Song Changbai very much.
When it comes to martial arts, Shun and Yu have always been resentful and tried to compete with Yao. However, because Yao had Song Changbai, Shun and Yu never dared to act rashly.
Students from both countries also regard Song Changbai as the god of literature.
It's a pity that no one noticed such a person appearing in Dizhou.
Wu Yizhui was still immersed in shock and had not recovered. The same question kept repeating in his mind: Is Mr. Song, who has been teaching him for many days, really Mr. Changbai?
Song Changbai wasn't that arrogant. He said to the examiner in a casual manner, "I was invited by my junior sister to come to the Gu family to teach the fourth young master and help him prepare for the imperial examination..."
"Junior sister?" The emperor did not react.
"Your Majesty, the Princess of Chaoyang County is my junior sister. We are from the same family..."
After Song Changbai said this, everyone was even more shocked.
I didn’t expect that Gu Ruanci’s sect actually had so many important figures, the director of the Imperial Hospital, Master Qin, and now there is another Mr. Changbai.
They didn't know yet that Taoist Qing Tuan from Xuan Di Temple was also from the same school as these people.
"I didn't expect that the county lady has such a profound background. It's really enviable." The examiner couldn't help but say.
"So that's how it is. The fourth young master of the Gu family is really blessed to be able to invite Mr. Changbai to teach him personally." The emperor also sighed.
He did not hold a grudge against the fact that he had been rejected when he invited Mr. Changbai before, and he was very generous.
Several adults on the side also echoed, their words full of admiration for Song Changbai.
Song Changbai just smiled slightly and didn't say much.
At this time, the student who had previously questioned the issue mustered up the courage to step forward and said, "Mr. Changbai, I didn't mean to question you, I just have some doubts in my heart. I hope you won't blame me."
Song Changbai looked at him with a gentle gaze. "That's fine. If you have doubts, you dare to raise them; that's the true nature of a student. However, the imperial examination is a matter of national importance, affecting the future and destiny of scholars across the country. You shouldn't act rashly. Even if you're solely focused on reading the books of sages, you must also learn to discern people's hearts, lest you be exploited and end up doing the wrong thing out of your own passion. Everyone makes mistakes, so correct them if you have, and strive for improvement if you haven't."
The student felt relieved upon hearing this and bowed, saying, "I appreciate your advice."
Afterwards, he went up to Wu Yizhuo very seriously and bowed to apologize to him.
"Mr. Wu, I hope you can forgive me for what happened before. Even if we were taken advantage of, it was ultimately our own weaknesses. This matter is wrong."
Wu Yizhui knew that these people were selected because they had real talents and skills, but they were influenced by rumors because they lacked some experience.
"Sir, it's fine. I won't take it seriously. If I encountered the same thing, I would naturally have questions. You have the courage to stand up and question it. Naturally, you will have the courage to enforce the law impartially in the future. This is a good thing for Dayao. Isn't the purpose of our imperial examinations to enter the court and benefit the people? Although you questioned me, you never insulted me and apologized immediately. If I kept holding it in my mind, I would be too narrow-minded."
Song Changbai nodded slightly at the side. As expected of a student he had personally taught, he had a broad mind.
The storm was calmed down because of the appearance of Song Changbai.
After repeated deliberation with the chief examiner, the emperor gave Wu Yizhu the third place.
The candidate who just questioned Wu Yizhui was indeed quick-witted, and what he wrote was critical of current social ills, neither humble nor arrogant. Mainly because he had truly experienced the hardships of the lower classes, his writing was more down-to-earth, and he was therefore chosen as the top scorer.
Wu Yizhu was very satisfied with this. After winning the third place, he knelt down in front of Song Changbai.
"Master, I was completely unaware of your master's identity. Now that I have fulfilled your teachings, it is finally worth your efforts..."
Song Changbai smiled and helped him up. "Now that you have won the third place in the imperial examination, you are eligible to serve as an official. The emperor didn't know you were my student before selecting you, so it's obviously because you are outstanding enough. I only hope that when you serve as an official in the future, you can benefit the people and give back to the court. There is no need for this between you and me."
The emperor standing by was also moved when he saw this.
He had invited Song Changbai many times before, but Song Changbai never came out. But now he came out because of Gu Ruanci.
He was able to improve Wu Yizhu so much in such a short period of time. His original vision was definitely correct. Letting him teach his own prince would naturally be of great benefit to his future governance.
"Mr. Changbai, since you have already left the mountains, why don't you stay in Dizhou and work for Dayao?" The examiner knew what the emperor was thinking and asked directly.
The emperor was satisfied. If he spoke directly and was rejected in public, it would be a bit embarrassing.
Song Changbai shook his head slightly. "Thank you for your kindness, sir. However, I am used to being a free and unrestrained person and don't like the constraints of the court. Besides, I have already promised my junior sister that I will help the Fourth Young Master pass the imperial examination. After this is done, I will return to the mountains."
When the emperor heard this, he felt a little regretful, but he didn't force it.
However, there is still enough time before Gu Yuxuan takes the imperial examination. After all, it takes at least four years to go from a scholar to a Jinshi. During these four years, he must find a way to get his son in.
"In this case, I will not force you. I will host a banquet to entertain you after the four young masters' imperial examinations are completed." The emperor left a direct word.
Song Changbai nodded slightly: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
After this story was told, the examiner could not help but ask Song Changbai some more questions about the imperial examination, and Song Changbai answered them one by one.
The chief examiner and several other officials in charge of the examination were fascinated by what they heard.
Although they read books of sages on a daily basis, they have never had such profound insights.
The emperor glanced at Gu Congyun who was feeling proud beside him, and did not blame him for concealing the truth. Instead, he was glad that Gu Ruanci was now in the Gu family, otherwise he would never have the chance to meet this legendary man.
After everyone had finished asking questions, the emperor finally spoke: "It's getting late. Let's end today's business here. My dear ministers, please go back. We are waiting for the parade outside..."
Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and left the hall.
Song Changbai was also about to leave, but was stopped by the emperor.
"Mr. Gu, Mr. Changbai, please stay."
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