Free Web NovelChapter 598: Chapter 600: Collective Examination
In the Imperial Court
Today, the great hall was filled with rows of desks. Behind each desk stood a figure in official robes, ramrod straight.
To ensure fairness, this selection would not only determine the new Magistrate of Lu City but also the positions of Deputy and Assistant Magistrate, all using the same method.
Hua Shunming hadn’t expected this. It wasn’t the imperial examination, yet the competition was just as fierce.
He gazed at the number of candidates with satisfaction. ’So many people. This is good,’ he thought. ’It shows everyone is ambitious. It also shows they all see the potential in Lu City.’
In just over two short years, a place people once couldn’t flee fast enough had become a coveted prize. It seemed that when Wenheng returned to report on his duties, a suitable new position would have to be assigned to him.
His gaze swept across the court. Seeing the anxious looks on the faces of the old ministers, he thought, ’This method of selecting officials could be used more often.’
’In the past, I’ve always been led by the nose by these civil servants. They’ve installed their own people in many important positions, and they grumble and complain whenever I issue a decree.’
’But now, things are different. Most of the candidates taking the exam today are unaffiliated officials with shallow roots, men who have been suppressed by the great aristocratic families.’
"Since everyone is ready, Le San, distribute the papers."
With a wave from Le San, a group of eunuchs, holding stacks of prepared scrolls, began distributing them to each desk.
For a time, the only sound in the court was the rustling of paper as scrolls were unfurled.
Hua Shunming didn’t remain idle either. He had all the court memorials brought into the hall and began reviewing them in front of everyone.
He didn’t mistreat his ministers, either. He had a Taishi Chair prepared for each one, with eunuchs standing by to serve them tea.
The men seated below had various thoughts, but their eyes were all fixed on the officials answering the examination papers up front.
Among the candidates were faces both familiar and unknown.
A storm was already raging in their hearts.
They were no longer concerned with the position of Lu City’s chief official; instead, a deeper worry had taken root.
If this method of selecting officials became the norm, the interests of the families and factions behind them would surely be threatened.
This was a disadvantage to them. After enjoying the benefits for so many years, this sudden change left them all in a panic.
They vaguely regretted it. Why had they fought so fiercely over this position, squabbling amongst themselves, only to let others benefit in the end?
Especially when he saw those scholars from humble backgrounds writing as if their pens were divinely inspired, the tightness in his chest grew even worse.
This was particularly true for Xu Zhiwen. Seeing that Xu Yangguang still hadn’t started writing after so long, he wished he could rush up and write for him.
The candidates to his left, right, front, and back had all filled most of their papers, yet he was still just staring at the questions.
He felt a stuffiness in his chest, and his face gradually turned pale.
Zhou Shicong, who was sitting beside him, happened to turn to discuss something and noticed his sweaty brow and pale face.
"Mr. Xu, are you feeling unwell?"
Xu Zhiwen was speechless. ’It’s so obvious. Shouldn’t you be calling for a doctor right now...’ freeweɓnovel.cøm
"Mr. Xu? If you need to relieve yourself, you can leave first. It won’t be over this quickly."
At this point, Xu Zhiwen had to wonder if Zhou Shicong was being deliberately obtuse. How could he not see what was so obvious?
Chen Zishu heard the commotion and glanced over curiously.
"Mr. Xu looks unwell," he said, then quickly called over a nearby eunuch. "Help Mr. Xu down to rest, and remember to find an Imperial Physician to take a look at him."
Before knowing what the matter was, no one dared to disturb the Emperor who was reviewing memorials. Letting the serving eunuchs handle it was the most appropriate course of action.
When Xu Zhiwen felt two eunuchs supporting him, he immediately let his body go limp.
The sudden dead weight made the two eunuchs exchange a look. Not daring to delay, they used all their strength to half-carry the slightly chubby little old man.
Le San, standing by the Emperor’s side, had been keeping an eye on the hall. Noticing the disturbance, he quickly sent a little eunuch over to inquire about the situation.
He didn’t dare disturb Hua Shunming. Seeing the little eunuch beckoning, he immediately and quietly withdrew.
"What’s going on?"
"It seems Mr. Xu is unwell. Someone has already been sent to call an Imperial Physician."
The little eunuch who had gone to check on the situation answered quickly.
Le San gave him an approving nod. "Have him taken to a side hall to rest first."
After giving a few more instructions, he quietly returned to Hua Shunming’s side.
"What was that all about?" Hua Shunming asked as soon as Le San was back in place.
"It seems Mr. Xu is feeling unwell. This old slave has already arranged for him to be taken to a side hall and has sent for an Imperial Physician."
Hua Shunming replied, "Send a couple more Imperial Physicians to be safe. Also, ask the others below if anyone else is feeling unwell. They should speak up. We are not an unreasonable person."
"As you command," Le San said, accepting the order and immediately departing.
The military generals sitting opposite them naturally saw the commotion as well.
Xiao Liwei laughed. "These civil servants are always so frail. To think they can cause a scene just by sitting and drinking tea."
Cao Xiangqian stared straight ahead. "Hah. This isn’t a problem with his body. It’s a disease of the heart, born from anxiety."
Xiao Liwei replied, "...A disease of the heart is still a disease, and it looks like a serious one. I saw his pale face and sweaty brow. And he was just carried out, completely weak.
Mr. Xu doesn’t even look that old. I wonder if there’s any cure for his illness."
Cao Xiangqian retorted, "...I don’t know if he can be cured, but I’m starting to think your brain is a lost cause."
Suddenly, a few chuckles were heard from the side. Xiao Liwei’s weathered face flushed, but his dark complexion hid it from view.
"I was being sarcastic! I know Mr. Xu was just anxious.
But what’s the deal with Young Lord Xu? He’s been navigating the official circles for years, so why does he look so lost?
Are the questions too hard, or can he just not answer them?"
Cao Xiangqian had no desire to engage with him at that moment. "Just watch quietly. We’ll know the outcome soon enough."
Xiao Liwei turned his gaze back to the front. He had only asked casually; he wasn’t actually curious about who would win or lose. ƒreewebɳovel.com
After all, it was a test for civil servants. They, the military generals, were only here as witnesses.
Since he was here to watch a show, he might as well be a good spectator.
He glanced at the pastries on the table, unceremoniously grabbed one, and stuffed it into his mouth.
"It’s all just sweet stuff," Xiao Liwei grumbled, quickly taking a sip of tea. He glanced at the table with some regret. ’A bowl of braised meat and a cup of wine would have been perfect.’
Back in the hall, some candidates gradually began to put down their brushes, unhurriedly checking over their essays.
This inevitably distracted those who were still writing furiously. Some were affected and ran into minor issues.
But this was the imperial court, after all. No one dared to cause a disturbance, and they all quietly recomposed themselves.
Hua Shunming sensed that the allotted hour was nearly up and had his attendants clear the memorials from his table.
