"Ya Yuan, Chu Mingyu!"
Everyone was surprised again.
Chu Mingyu came from a poor family, but he had always worked very hard and was one of the best candidates in this year's examinations. Everyone believed that he was the only one who could win the title of Jieyuan!
How come you only got second place?
Could it be that there are hidden talents among this year's candidates?
Congratulations, Brother Chu!
Although Chu Mingyu felt regretful, he accepted it calmly: "Thank you all."
He also wanted to see who the top-ranked player was so he could learn from them later.
When it came to the day when everyone was waiting for the top scholar, the man's eyes widened, and his voice changed in surprise as he announced the name: "The top scholar is...it's Chi Yan!"
Chi Yan himself was also somewhat surprised. Although he was confident, the top scorer was still beyond his expectations. After all, he believed that his answer in the policy question was somewhat unconventional and did not meet the preferences of the scholars in the Hanlin Academy.
Shen Tangning's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly smiled and offered her congratulations: "Congratulations, my husband, it seems that heaven has finally rewarded those who persevere..."
Before she could finish speaking, the surrounding area erupted in chaos!
"Chi Yan? You must be mistaken, kid! How could it be him!"
"Exactly! How could Chi Yan possibly pass the provincial examination with top honors? He'd be lucky to even pass the provincial examination!"
The person being questioned retorted, "It's written in black and white, it's Chi Yan's name, how could I possibly mistake it?"
Now everyone was puzzled: "Could there be a second person named Chi Yan?"
After a moment of silence, someone exclaimed excitedly, "It's a rigged exam! There must be something fishy going on! I don't believe he could have gotten first place!"
"Exactly! Everyone knows Chi Yan is an incompetent fool. How could he possibly beat Chu Mingyu? Either he cheated, or he bribed the examiner!"
"That's right, we disagree! Where are the examiners? Come out and confront us!"
They wouldn't question anyone else like this, so why would it be Chi Yan?
He only knew how to fight cocks and chase dogs all day long, and failed the imperial examinations repeatedly. How could he suddenly become the top scholar in the provincial examination? This is as absurd as an illiterate person becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination!
Seeing this situation, Shen Tangning sensed something was wrong and tugged at Chi Yan's sleeve: "Husband, shall we go back first?"
She feared that the group's agitated state would cause a disturbance, so she decided to leave before they noticed Chi Yan.
A look of surprise flashed across Chi Yan's eyes. He nodded hesitantly and let Shen Tangning lead him out of the crowd.
Having boarded the carriage back to the manor without incident, Shen Tangning glanced at Chi Yan across the way; he had been unusually silent ever since he got into the carriage.
She naturally believed that Chi Yan had not cheated. One of his strengths was his honesty and integrity; if he did something, he did it, and if he didn't, he didn't.
"My lord, don't take what those people said to heart. The truth will be revealed by others."
The Ministry of Rites is not to be trifled with; if Chi Yan's position were not legitimate, this list would not have been posted.
Chi Yan gave a nonchalant smirk, reverting to his usual carefree attitude: "Don't worry, I'm used to hearing these kinds of things, I won't take them to heart."
Shen Tangning remained silent. People are all made of flesh and blood; harsh words can be hurtful, even in the heat of summer. How could he not care at all?
...
The news of Chi Yanzhong's victory spread like wildfire, reaching the Chi residence even before they did.
The Chi family reacted differently to this, unaware that another bloody storm was about to break out for them.
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