newbobooks Chapter 343 Setting the Questions for the Palace Examination
Chapter 343 Setting the Questions for the Palace Examination
Chapter 343 Setting the Questions for the Imperial Examination
However, in stark contrast to Deng Zhou were Wang Feng and Jiang Yuan. They meticulously scanned the entire list again and again, but still couldn't find their names. Finally, Wang Feng, as if all his strength had been drained, slumped onto the cold ground, his eyes filled with disappointment and frustration. In contrast, Jiang Yuan appeared much calmer, seemingly having anticipated this outcome. In fact, he had already known in his heart that there were too many questions he couldn't answer at the end of the exam, so not making the list was somewhat expected.
Nevertheless, Jiang Yuan stepped forward and gently comforted Wang Feng: "Don't be discouraged, we still have a chance. Let's work hard again next year, and we'll definitely pass the exam with flying colors!"
Wang Feng was a cheerful and optimistic person, and after hearing Jiang Yuan's encouraging words, he quickly cheered up. He nodded vigorously and replied firmly, "Yes, you're right! If it doesn't work this year, we'll try again next year. I believe that as long as we persevere, we will succeed!"
Su Jin stood outside the crowd, anxiously scanning his surroundings. People's expressions varied: some were burying their faces in their hands and weeping; some were laughing heartily; others were sighing and looking dejected; and still others were excitedly hugging everyone around them. Su Jin, however, could not squeeze into the noisy crowd. His heart grew increasingly anxious, and his heartbeat became more and more rapid.
Time ticked by, and the crowd gradually dispersed. Su Jin seized his opportunity, pushing his way forward and finally managing to squeeze into the throng. He eagerly turned his gaze to the list, then meticulously searched for his name from top to bottom and left to right. He examined each row and column with utmost care, not daring to be careless for even a blink of an eye, lest he miss that crucial name.
Again and again, Su Jin's eyes were already a little sore, but he still refused to give up. Just then, he suddenly spotted his name in a corner of the list! At that moment, Su Jin felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and his eyes instantly welled up with tears. So many years of hard work and silent dedication had finally paid off. Although his ranking might be near the bottom, being on the list at all was an immense surprise for him.
Some were overjoyed, while others were filled with sorrow; the myriad aspects of human nature were on full display at this moment. Meanwhile, Ying Wuyou, the chief examiner of the imperial examination, was summoned to the Zhangtai Hall.
In the spacious and brightly lit hall, the King of Qin stared intently at Ying Wuyou and asked, "The results of the imperial examination have been announced. I wonder how many scholars from humble backgrounds have stood out this time?" His voice was not loud, but it carried an imposing aura.
Ying Wuyou dared not be negligent and quickly stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Reporting to Father, a total of 175 people were admitted in this imperial examination, of which only 38 were from poor families."
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin frowned, his face showing displeasure, and asked, "How can it be so little?" He was clearly not satisfied with the result.
Ying Wuyou sighed softly and slowly explained, "Father, you may not know this, but those students from poor families already lack good educational resources. Compared with the children of noble families, they are already far behind at the starting line. Therefore, it is truly remarkable that these 38 people were able to make the list!" His words revealed a hint of helplessness and regret.
After listening, the King of Qin remained silent for a moment, then nodded in understanding. He then changed the subject and said, "Tomorrow is the day of the palace examination, and I have yet to decide on the questions. What are your thoughts on this? Please share them with me."
Upon hearing this, Ying Wuyou pondered for a moment before respectfully replying, "Father, I believe that 'governing the country and securing peace' could be the theme of the palace examination. This would not only test the scholars' unique insights into important state affairs but also reveal whether they have the world in their hearts and lofty aspirations."
The King of Qin nodded slightly, a hint of approval on his face, but then shook his head, saying, "This question is indeed good, but it's a bit too broad and may not be able to fully measure the students' true abilities. It needs to be further refined." After speaking, he turned his gaze to Ying Wuyou again, seemingly expecting him to provide more comprehensive suggestions.
After pondering for a moment, Ying Wuyou said, "We might as well add specific examples, such as how to deal with the Xiongnu who frequently harass the border."
The King of Qin clapped his hands and laughed, "Very good, it will be as you say."
On the other side, Su Jin, after a period of excitement, was still unable to calm down. He couldn't wait to tell his parents this incredible news, so he hurried home. Meanwhile, Chen Xuan, Wang Feng, Jiang Yuan, and others were walking towards their dormitory. Deng Zhou followed closely behind, remaining silent the entire way.
The group had barely stepped into the courtyard when sharp-eyed students noticed them. These students immediately rushed forward with beaming smiles to congratulate Chen Xuan and Deng Zhou. Faced with such enthusiasm, Deng Zhou, despite his usually stern demeanor, politely nodded slightly in response to those who greeted him. In contrast, Chen Xuan appeared much more approachable and friendly, smiling and exchanging courteous greetings with each person who came to offer their congratulations.
Standing to the side, Wang Feng witnessed all of this, his heart filled with envy. He couldn't help but lower his voice and sigh softly, "Chen Xuan, you're truly amazing!"
Hearing this, Chen Xuan turned around, his face still bearing that gentle smile, and patted Wang Feng's shoulder lightly to comfort him, saying, "Actually, I was just a little lucky. I just happened to remember all the knowledge that was on the test. As long as you can calm down and study hard when you get back, I believe you will definitely pass the imperial examination next year with flying colors."
After saying that, he looked at Wang Feng with encouraging eyes. Feeling encouraged by his friend, Wang Feng nodded heavily and replied firmly, "Yes, I will definitely work even harder!"
Seeing this, Chen Xuan nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Jiang Yuan and offered him similar encouragement. Jiang Yuan solemnly agreed, promising to do his utmost to live up to expectations. Just as everyone was talking, a man strode over. He immediately spotted Chen Xuan and the others and said, "Gentlemen, today is the big day for the results announcement! Brother Lu has already reserved a sumptuous feast at the First Restaurant of Great Qin, and specially invited us all to celebrate together. Brother Chen, would you all like to join us?"
After thinking for a moment, Chen Xuan asked, "May I ask who Brother Lu is...?"