allendalepharm Chapter 283 Where is the Win?
Chapter 283 Where is the Win?
Everyone was clamoring, all shocked by Jiang Youzhen's solution.
"This kid is really bold, but the magistrate is also courageous. He actually gave this article to the first place in the case."
"I think this proposal is very innovative and well-reasoned. It is worthy of being the first case. It is original and courageous."
Some candidates felt that Jiang Youzhen was more courageous than them. They would not dare to write like that. No wonder he got the first place.
"Everyone, stop arguing and look at the next topic."
The surroundings suddenly became quiet, and the man continued to read: "Without benevolent government, there will be no trouble in the world; the order and chaos of the world do not depend on the rise and fall of one family, but on the happiness and sorrow of all the people (from Yuanchen)..."
After reading this, everyone couldn't help but nod their heads, thinking that it matched the opening sentence.
"This is an interesting topic. I have to say that Jiang Youzhen is indeed quite capable."
By the time they got here, everyone had changed a lot.
Ke Zhenqiu in the crowd laughed when he heard this. In fact, there was no need to read on. Just by solving this question, Jiang Youzhen won.
Where did he win? He won in courage, in writing beautiful articles, and in the hearts of those in power.
As the candidate read out the words word by word, the crowd was sometimes silent, and sometimes burst into amazement. When they heard "water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it", they gasped, and then admired it.
"This article is not only profound and unconventional, but also cites classics. I am also impressed by its literary talent."
This short article of more than 300 words brought great shock to everyone.
Many people have already admitted in their hearts that Jiang Youzhen is indeed qualified to be the first in the case, but there are also those who stubbornly insist that Jiang Youzhen is just taking shortcuts in order to catch people off guard.
"That's because he's capable. How dare you write that? Although I despise those who seek fame and reputation, I also look down on those who think highly of themselves and are jealous of others' talents!"
"That's right! If the essay wasn't really good, how could he have won first place? This boy was already famous in Yang'an Town. If he wasn't so young and the teacher didn't let him be distracted, he would have been as famous as Senior Brother Wen Ruyu. Why would he cheat?"
"Heh! That's not what you said just now." Someone rolled his eyes and was now speaking flattering words. These people were the ones who had been shouting the loudest just now.
"Actually there is a rumor, but I don't know whether it's true or not." Someone suddenly said.
"Oh? Brother Wang, do you know any other inside information? Tell me quickly."
The prince straightened his clothes when he saw everyone looking at him. "I heard before that this boy has only studied for a little over a year and has gone from being illiterate to being a learned scholar. But the rumor is too outrageous. I don't believe it."
"What? This is impossible!" Everyone shook their heads in disbelief.
"How could there be such a natural talent in this world? In just over a year, he can be on par with us who have studied hard for more than ten years. This is simply a fantasy."
"Impossible! This is absolutely impossible!"
"Just because Jiang Youzhen has some abilities doesn't mean we should exaggerate, right? I absolutely don't believe it."
"That's right! Jiang Youzhen is obviously from a noble family. At the very least, she comes from a well-off family. You can tell by the way she dresses. In such a family, the children have been taught by famous teachers since childhood, and there is also a clan school. How could she have only studied for more than a year? It's really an exaggeration."
No one present believed it, it was too unbelievable.
"If one can write such an article after studying for more than a year, then aren't we a joke?"
"Huh? We don't know, but don't the candidates in Yang'an Town know either? Why not ask them?" someone suggested.
"Yes!" A candidate suddenly thought of someone, "That Senior Brother Zhang Ming, didn't he have a past with Wen Ruyu? They are both from Yang'an Town, he should know."
"Is Senior Brother Zhang Ming here?" Everyone was shouting, but Ke Zhenqiu, who was not far away, was not surprised.
Because Jiang Youzhen had just challenged everyone in the court, he sent people to investigate Jiang Youzhen's background.
However, it is true that Jiang Youzhen really only went to school for more than a year, and he was originally a farmer's son. Even more than a year ago, his family was so poor that they could not get enough food or warm clothes.
When he got the news, he didn't believe it for a moment. How could a person change so much in just over a year?
"No need to look for Zhang Ming. I know a thing or two about him."
Everyone turned around and saw that it was Ke Zhenqiu.
"Brother Ke, so you are familiar with Jiang Youzhen?" everyone asked in surprise.
"Ahem! We are not familiar with each other, but I have some connections with Senior Brother Wen. Jiang Youzhen is Senior Brother Wen's junior fellow apprentice, and what Brother Wang just said is true. Jiang Youzhen did only study for more than a year, this is undeniable, and his enlightenment teacher is Master Jiang."
The whole audience was in an uproar, and someone asked the same question again: Given Jiang Youzhen's status, it shouldn't be possible for him to be enlightened so late, right?
"I'm not in a position to tell you this, ahem! But I will never lie." After saying this, Ke Zhenqiu turned around and led his men away. From today on, he truly regarded Jiang Youzhen as his opponent.
To get the first place in the exam, one must rely on strength and the other on luck.
It is very useful to cater to one's preferences. The preferences of the chief examiner are very important. He doesn't believe that Jiang Youzhen has not inquired about the preferences of the county magistrate.
But he thinks that his literary talent is definitely not inferior to Jiang Youzhen, he just isn't as good at taking shortcuts as Jiang Youzhen.
However, after learning the truth, he felt that Jiang Youzhen's strength should not be underestimated.
Moreover, he lost to Wen Ruyu in the second exam. These two brothers should not be underestimated.
On this side, Jiang Youzhen returned to the inn amidst Master Jiang's chattering.
"Alas! You have to cheer up tonight. The three teachers have already participated in the examination. In order to avoid suspicion, they will not go again tonight. However, the famous scholars in the county are no more than those few."
As soon as Master Jiang and others entered the room, they immediately began to analyze the situation.
"One of them is also a teacher at the county school. His name is Su Wang, and he is already a rare figure. However, he has been famous for a long time and is very respected. He is also very famous in the capital."
Jiang Youzhen listened carefully and picked up the teapot to pour tea for Master Jiang.
"Su Wang admires talented people and likes to show off his knowledge. He is very accomplished in poetry and calligraphy, but he is a bit aloof like a scholar."
Jiang Youzhen laughed when he heard this. Mr. Jiang was really willing to sacrifice his reputation and even do some tricks behind her back in order to please her.
"There is also a solitary man called Luye Hermit, named Pan Changye. He lives in the countryside for a long time. He likes to write poems and couplets, but he is also very knowledgeable when it comes to current affairs. It's not that he really doesn't care about worldly affairs. It's just that he is a pragmatic person and doesn't like boastful people."
Jiang Youzhen nodded quickly. These two people have very different personalities.
"The last one was originally a teacher at the prefectural school. His name was Zhao Zan. He was at the age of knowing his destiny. He was known for his iron-blooded style at the prefectural school and was highly respected by the students there.
However, because he had a serious illness two years ago, he resigned from his position as a prefectural instructor and returned to his ancestral home in Wen County. After recovering from his illness a few years ago, he opened a private school, and many students came to him because of his reputation.