Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 308 - 305: Tough Nut to Crack_1

Chapter 308: Chapter 305: Tough Nut to Crack_1

The man, adopting the demeanor of a wandering knight, said, "If you dare to strike the Drum of Appeal... I’ll endure this for you examinees from humble origins! Let those nobles witness that we poor folks also possess backbone!"

A tipsy Xue Renyi smashed his wine cup: "I, Xue Renyi, have studied the classics. How could I bow to those in power?! I will go strike the Drum of Appeal! Even if it costs me my life, I must seek justice for us scholars from humble families!"

After speaking, Xue Renyi picked up the wine jug on the table and drained it in one gulp.

Xue Renyi’s classmates hurriedly stood up to persuade him, saying they could simply try again next year.

But Xue Renyi retorted, "The powerful cover the sky with one hand, engaging in favoritism and corruption. It’s becoming more rampant each year. Just look for yourselves... it’s getting harder and harder for those from humble origins to get ahead! If we don’t take the lead and all bow down to the powerful, there will be no place left for scholars from humble families in this vast Jin Kingdom! If any of you still have any spirit left, then come with me!"

With that, fueled by anger and righteous passion, Xue Renyi headed in the direction of the palace gates.

At this very moment, unaware of the uproar in Dadu City regarding the seven-person list, Wen Zhenkang, the Hanlin scholar, and the various vice examiners were ranking the palace examination essays. They selected the top ten and presented them to the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

After reading one of the essays, the Emperor handed it to the Crown Prince for his review.

Although the Crown Prince’s talent was average, he had some understanding of the quality of the essays due to his exposure.

After reading Dong Changyuan’s essay, the Crown Prince’s eyes lit up. He respectfully handed it to the Emperor. "Your son believes... this essay is clear in structure and unique in perspective. Although the wording is not ornate, it excels in logic and sharpness."

The Emperor nodded and set Dong Changyuan’s essay aside.

Seeing Qin Lang’s essay, the Emperor seemed to grow more interested. He read Qin Lang’s essay carefully.

Qin Lang was often praised by the Emperor as a model among noble youths. The Emperor had high hopes for him, hoping he would bring glory.

After reading Qin Lang’s essay, a smile appeared in the Emperor’s eyes. He nodded and placed Qin Lang’s essay alongside Dong Changyuan’s.

Then, the Emperor read the essays of Prime Minister Lu’s two grandsons, comparing them in his hands. Wen Zhenkang chuckled and said, "These two essays are not only exceptionally well-written but also insightful in analyzing current events. They are truly remarkable! If I had two children as knowledgeable as these, I would certainly have them compete in the examination separately. Prime Minister Lu having both brothers take the exam together... isn’t this family competing against itself for rankings?!"

The Emperor couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this. He turned to the Crown Prince: "The principle of not putting all one’s eggs in one basket seems to have been forgotten by Prime Minister Lu, who has navigated the royal court for a lifetime..."

Saying this, the Emperor placed Lu Yuanqing’s and Lu Yuanbao’s essays alongside those of Qin Lang and Dong Changyuan.

The Emperor picked up Chen Zhaolu’s essay and read it carefully. "There’s a distinctive style reminiscent of Minister Chen. Chen Zhaolu... isn’t he Minister Chen’s grandson?"

"Your Majesty, sharp eyes!" Wen Zhenkang bowed with a smile. "Back in the day, Minister Chen was the Top Scholar, and his son, Vice Minister Chen Pingxing, was also the Top Scholar. The citizens of Dadu are all speculating... Can Minister Chen’s grandson also win the title of Top Scholar? If he can, it would indeed become a celebrated story in our Jin Kingdom."

Hearing this, the Emperor thought for a moment and then picked up Dong Changyuan’s essay again. "I feel... among these ten essays, this... Dong Changyuan’s is the most outstanding."

In reality, the Emperor believed that the level of the tribute students in this imperial examination was not as good as before.

Wen Zhenkang quickly agreed: "Your Majesty’s insight is unparalleled! Exactly! But... the ten essays presented before Your Majesty are the best in this imperial examination. Regardless of Your Majesty’s final decision, these ten young talents will certainly serve Your Majesty with dedication."

The Emperor nodded, feeling Wen Zhenkang had a valid point.

In the Emperor’s study, after several hours of discussion with his ministers, the final rankings of the Golden List were decided.

To perpetuate the story of Minister Chen’s family’s three generations of Top Scholars, the Emperor appointed Chen Zhaolu as the Top Scholar.

Prime Minister Lu’s favor couldn’t be ignored, so Lu Yuanqing was appointed Second Place Scholar.

Dong Changyuan’s exceptional essay and the fact that Gao Demao mentioned he was a handsome youth, elegant and striking, earned him Third Place Scholar. Qin Lang was placed first in the second tier.

The remaining six were ranked by the Crown Prince: Lu Yuanbao second in the second tier, a scholar from a humble background third, Wu Anbang fourth, Zhang Ruohuai fifth, Lin Chaodong sixth, and Wang Chengyu seventh.

After finalizing the Golden List, Wen Zhenkang, accompanied by the vice examiners, came out of the grand hall and breathed a long sigh of relief. Suddenly, they heard the resounding drumbeats from the direction of Wude Gate.

Wen Zhenkang’s heart skipped a beat. What was happening this year? The Drum of Appeal, silent for hundreds of years, had been struck repeatedly. Could it be the Princess of Zhen again?!

No matter who it was, the sound of the Drum of Appeal was never good news.

Wen Zhenkang glanced back at the grand hall, fearing that the Emperor would have another headache.

In the Dragon Throne, just as the Emperor raised his teacup to drink, he was startled by the sound of the Drum of Appeal, causing his hand to tremble and spill some tea.

Annoyance surged in the Emperor’s heart. He wished he could get rid of that Drum of Appeal.

The Drum of Appeal had been there for generations of emperors, rarely sounded. But now, since last year, it had been restless. Couldn’t he catch a breath?!

The Crown Prince was also startled, instinctively thinking of Bai Qingyan. But he reconsidered, thinking Bai Qingyan was now under his protection. If there were any issues, she would seek his help rather than angering the Emperor by striking the drum.

The Emperor heavily placed his teacup on the table and angrily shouted, "Gao Demao, go see what’s happening!"

Gao Demao quickly grabbed his duster and hurried out of the hall with short steps.

"Drumming all day long! What urgent matter requires striking the Drum of Appeal?! Can’t you let me live in peace?!" The Emperor grew more furious, thinking of Bai Qingyan’s previous incident with King Xin. He angrily picked up his teacup and smashed it on the ground.

The eunuchs in the grand hall knelt trembling.

Even the Crown Prince, frightened, knelt, begging the Emperor to calm down.

"If it’s that Bai Qingyan again, I... will not tolerate her anymore!" The Emperor spoke with gritted teeth, his words filled with kill.

The Crown Prince originally intended to plead for Bai Qingyan but, upon seeing the Emperor’s furious face, lowered his head and murmured, "It certainly won’t be the Commandery Princess. Father has already shown her great favor, and she knows how to behave."

The Emperor coldly chuckled, saying nothing.