Xie Jiayan mounted his horse, his back still slender. Yu Mingyue inexplicably recalled his words that day, "Though a thousand men stand in my way, I shall go forward!" A prickle of sadness touched her eyes.
Yu Mingyue chased after him a few steps. "Brother Jiayan, you are truly the most amazing. I wasn't lying to you!"
Xie Jiayan turned his head. At that moment, the sun broke through the dark clouds and emerged.
The rising sun, neither arrogant nor impatient, a fiery orb, would soon illuminate the land and warm the world.
The sound of hooves faded. Yu Mingyue was still on her tiptoes, watching. Chi Dan reminded her, "Miss, he is far away now."
"I know."
"Why are you paying such special attention to young master Xie?"
"Let me tell you a secret. The Sage will personally appoint him as the top scholar today and entrust him with great responsibility. His future is boundless."
"Miss, you are so clever. You can even guess this." Chi Dan believed whatever Yu Mingyue said.
Yu Mingyue couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, who told me to be so smart and lovable?"
"That's right!" Her young lady was indeed the most remarkable. She believed it.
...
In the solemn and majestic grand hall, the Sage personally presided over the imperial examination, the topic also personally set by him.
The Great Wei had held imperial examinations for many years, with scholars of varying quality. This year was the largest yet, with only a little over forty participants in the final palace examination.
Today, the principal officials of the three provinces and six ministries were all present to select the top three scholars from this group.
An hour later, a gong sounded. "Time is up."
Everyone put down their brushes and ink. Attendants stepped forward to collect the papers.
"Your Majesty, I believe this essay lacks ostentatious rhetoric and does not contain unconventional criticisms of current affairs. I have not encountered such a pragmatic person in a long time. This is the talent our dynasty truly needs." Prime Minister Mo and Gu Bohao both highly praised this essay.
Some scholars were learned and wrote flowery prose, speaking of benevolence and righteousness with every breath, yet were mere bookworms spouting platitudes.
There were also some radicals who criticized the court without reason, merely to showcase themselves.
What the court needed were ambitious individuals who were pragmatic and could solve urgent problems, not hollow castles built on empty rhetoric.
The Sage, after reading the essay, agreed wholeheartedly. The essay flowed seamlessly, and the vigorous handwriting required dedicated practice, demonstrating the author's firm resolve.
Several other officials also recommended essays. While they were talented, none matched this one in its appeal to the Sage's heart.
Once the rankings were decided, the names of the candidates, previously concealed, were revealed.
Prime Minister Mo paused for a moment when he saw the name Xie Jiayan. He had assumed the author of such an essay would be at least forty years old.
After all, one could not write such an essay without sufficient experience and insight.
"Announce the First Scholar, Xie Jiayan, the Second Scholar, Zhou Zixuan, and the Third Scholar, Lu Bingwen, to enter the hall..."
Soon, the three entered from outside the hall. Zhou Zixuan and Lu Bingwen had been seen by the Sage on the third day of the third month, leaving a deep impression.
The Sage's gaze finally fell upon the youngest, Xie Jiayan. With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, he was imposing and full of youthful spirit. He was a young man of such vigor that, in a trance, he felt a sense of familiarity and warmth.
Eunuch Zhang, being perceptive, noticed the Sage's gaze lingering on Xie Jiayan for a long time and quickly whispered, "Your Majesty, this top scholar is the son of Minister Xie."
The Sage nodded. Indeed, a father's excellence often passes to his son.
"Xie Jiayan!"
"This student is here." Xie Jiayan stepped forward and bowed again to the Sage.
"I see you have considerable insight into water conservancy. How did you, at such a young age, come to know of these matters?" The Emperor was also very curious about this.
Not only Prime Minister Mo, but even the Emperor felt that such an essay could not have come from a young man.
However, the scholars from the Hanlin Academy had already verified the handwriting, confirming its authenticity. Moreover, the topic of the examination was conceived by the Emperor on the spot, leaving no room for leaked questions or cheating.