Eighteen?
That means, this young man was only seventeen when he passed the provincial examination last year.
At such a young age!
To be able to reach this stage, to participate in the metropolitan examination, is truly impressive!
Xu You Zhi smiled and said, "Minister Lin, if this young man passes, he would be a fine example of a student of a high official."
Those who take the imperial examinations refer to the chief examiner as "Zuo Zhu," a term of respect.
While themselves, they are "Men Sheng," students.
As a byproduct of the metropolitan examination, the relationship between "Zuo Zhu" and "Men Sheng" is.
One could say!
From the start of this exam, everyone is intertwined with interests.
The reason is simple!
Because "Zuo Zhu" holds the dual roles of both examiner and career guide.
Usually.
The vast majority of people choose to tacitly acknowledge this unspoken rule.
Minister Lin naturally understood Xu You Zhi's meaning!
But he didn't pay too much attention.
Instead.
He suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, this scene was so similar.
Over twenty years ago!
He had also stepped out of Wu Zhou, arriving at the same place Chu Yuan was now, striving to pass the examinations.
He, too, was this young and accomplished back then!
Now, twenty years later, this scene seems to have replayed before him.
Time flies!
As a familiar scene unfolds again, he is no longer the young examinee, but the high-ranking examiner.
"Young and successful, returning to the capital in triumph…"
Minister Lin murmured.
His eyes gazed at the examination cell where Chu Yuan sat, filled with nostalgia and a hint of amusement, "Prepare to begin the examination!"
Sometimes, people are so complex!
Just based on his young age, a feeling of nostalgia, or even just a few words.
One can easily develop an inexplicable fondness!
At this moment!
Chu Yuan's eyes were gentle and jade-like, with an air of ease and an exceptional aura.
It was easy to notice him.
Without any conflict of interest, Minister Lin and Xu You Zhi, as examiners, would subconsciously admire a person like Chu Yuan.
Develop a bit of fondness!
After all!
It's normal for examiners to appreciate such a young examinee brimming with talent, because at such a young age…
As long as he doesn't fail!
He has a good chance of becoming a prominent figure in the court in the future.
In a way!
It's also something they pursue, to be able to invest in a promising young student, creating a fine example of a "Zuo Zhu" and "Men Sheng."
……
……
Then.
This little interlude quickly passed.
On Chu Yuan's side!
He clearly had no idea that as soon as he entered the examination hall, he was noticed by Minister Lin, the examiner, and Xu You Zhi, the Minister of Rites.
Right now, he was sitting in his assigned examination cell!
Looking at the furnishings of the cell.
Contrary to his expectations, the examination cells here were not cramped and poorly built.
Overall!
It was quite decent.
A table, a chair, a bed, and in front, a large water tank filled with clean water for the examinees to drink.
Chu Yuan smiled!
After all, this was the era after Ye Qing Mei, so the examination halls were more humane than he imagined.
After a smile!
Chu Yuan placed his writing implements on the table.
At this moment, footsteps could be heard from outside.
There was no need to guess, the person in charge of distributing the first exam paper had arrived.
The wooden box contained sealed exam papers, guarded by several soldiers with sabers on either side, creating a sense of solemnity.
He casually took the exam paper and glanced at it.
Though he had expected it, Chu Yuan still smiled when he saw the questions.
As expected!
It was those boring Confucian classics questions.
For this, the "Ten Thousand Scrolls" book immediately came into play, he didn't even bother with a draft, and directly began answering the exam paper.
He wrote with a flourish, his penmanship like a dragon and a snake!
Over the years, Chu Yuan's calligraphy had reached great heights, his past life's experiences had allowed his writing style to develop its own unique character, with an air of a grand master.
And outside the examination hall!
Minister Lin casually waved his hand, giving instructions to the officials of the Ministry of Rites about patrolling the examination hall.
Soon, led by Xu You Zhi!
The officials of the Ministry of Rites began to patrol, checking on the examinees' writing progress.
To prevent cheating!
But also to get a sense of which students have real talent, for future plans.
And this.
Was also a common unspoken rule in the examination hall.
……
……
Where there are people, there is a society.
In the examination hall!
These officials in charge of the examination also had their own gossip.
After all!
A place like the examination hall attracts all sorts of characters, and if a patrolling official encounters something interesting, they wouldn't hesitate to share.
Unknowingly!
Some of the results of the patrols were spread.
"The mental fortitude of this generation is not good, I just saw several examinees fainting."
"Oh, another one fainted!"
"…"
On the examination platform!
Minister Lin calmly sipped his tea, not paying any attention.
Seeing this, Xu You Zhi, the Minister of Rites, who had nothing else to do, couldn't help but glance at the entire examination hall.
He wanted to see…
As for who he wanted to see, it was self-evident.
Naturally, it was that young man with the exceptional aura who had made even him take notice.
"Minister Xu!"
"If you also want to patrol, go ahead, you don't need to stay with me."
Suddenly, Minister Lin said calmly.
His implication!
Was to allow Xu You Zhi to do as he pleased, not to worry about him, the examiner.
To this!
Xu You Zhi also smiled, rose to his feet, and began to patrol the examination hall like the other officials of the Ministry of Rites.
What happened outside didn't affect Chu Yuan.
Not long after!
Chu Yuan was almost finished with the first exam paper, which focused on Confucian classics.
And, if one looked closely, they would see that his exam paper had very beautiful handwriting, with full and rich ink.
It was a feast for the eyes!
When Chu Yuan finished writing, the entire exam paper was a masterpiece, flowing effortlessly on the paper.
At that time.
Xu You Zhi, the Minister of Rites, just happened to be in front of Chu Yuan.
Taking a close look!
His eyes seemed to freeze, lost in Chu Yuan's exam paper.
As the Minister of Rites!
Although he was an official of the Princess' faction, it was clear that he was also a man of great ability.
From a "juan pan," a grader, to the current Minister of Rites.
He had reviewed thousands of exam papers from students, but for the first time in his life, he saw a student with such beautiful handwriting.
Even he, a Minister of Rites who was a calligrapher himself, acknowledged that he could not match it!
No doubt!
Faced with such an examinee.
Even an old fox like Xu You Zhi couldn't help but reveal a meaningful look in his eyes.
"Speaking of!"
"My son Bao Kun, needs a tutor like this…"
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PS: I know you won't like to see the plot of the metropolitan examination, the author will finish it in one or two chapters.
Also, writing is not easy, please support me, thank you!
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