Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 308

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.