The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 499

Chapter 499: 252 Palace Examination (two updates combined)_5

Chapter 499: 252 Palace Examination (two updates combined)_5

In the afternoon, they studied manners and ceremonial rules before the Emperor. To tell the truth, among the two hundred and ten scholars, there weren’t many from humble families. It’s not that these scholars were not diligent enough, but that their educational resources and systems were vastly inferior to those of the nobility.

For a family to cultivate a successful scholar often required great effort. For example, the scions of the Yuan Family and the Zhuang Family had eminent scholars such as Yuan Shoufu and Zhuang Taifu as teachers. Even a casual remark from them could greatly benefit their family’s scholars.

If not, they could be like Wang Yuan, a talented scholar from Jiangnan who came from a family of scholars. His family had produced two successful scholars, and they were able to provide him with excellent guidance.

It was hard for children of humble families to stand out.

Most of the candidates this time were those with some family assets, and they had private tutors at home to teach them ceremonial etiquette. Therefore, their overall progress in learning the ceremonial rules was quite fast.

By the sunset, the candidates had finished their studies, obtained their examination numbers and left the Imperial Palace.

Fen Lin didn’t fully grasp the etiquette. He asked Lin Chengye, who originally knew it, but became uncertain after Fen Lin’s question.

“Xiao Liulang.” Fen Lin pleaded helplessly.

Xiao Liulang demonstrated the process once again in the carriage.

Du Ruohan clapped his folding fan and said, “Huh, Xiaoliu, how come your ceremonial etiquette is so good?”

At first glance, he didn’t look like a poor kid from the countryside.

To be honest, Xiao Liulang’s ceremonial etiquette was not inferior to that of Prince An of An County. Where did this kid learn such aristocratic demeanor of Capital City?

Xiao Liulang casually said, “Just observe more, and you will learn.”

“You… Never mind.” Du Ruohan shook his folding fan without asking what he intended to, “It’s getting late. I’m leaving. Do you need a ride home?”

Fen Lin replied, “No need, we have a carriage.”

Fen Lin and Lin Chengye rode in one carriage, and Xiao Liulang had a carriage from Liao Quan.

“Alright, let’s not meet in these two days. Stay at home and prepare for the exam.” Having said that, Du Ruohan got off the carriage.

Fen Lin said to Xiao Liulang, “Xiao Liulang, we will leave now.”

Xiao Liulang noticed his anxiety and said, “Don’t think too much. The Emperor is not a venomous beast. Even if something goes wrong, it won’t hurt you. Just do your best in the exam. You too.”

He turned to Lin Chengye, “The Palace Examination doesn’t test stereotyped phrases but only policy questions. You’ve made great progress in answering policy questions this year. Just try your best.”

Having been with Xiao Liulang for so long, Lin Chengye was aware of Xiao Liulang’s strictness as a teacher. He had never praised him before no matter how hard Lin Chengye tried…

But just now, Xiao Liulang said he had made great progress?

Lin Chengye felt more fulfilled by Xiao Liulang’s praise than by compliments from professors at Guozijian!

He stood up straight and said seriously, “I will, I will do my best in the exam!”

“Hmm.” Xiao Liulang nodded, “Don’t read in these two days, just relax and prepare for the exam.”

“Yes!”