Font Size:
So, his article was deemed unsatisfactory?
Pang Hezhi was momentarily stunned, then turned as pale as paper, sensing the mocking gazes around him, his face flushing with embarrassment.
“Why do you say that?” Pang Hezhi hurriedly inquired. “Where did I go wrong in my article?”
“Your language is indeed flowery, but it lacks substance required for contemporary policy matters. Your writing appears superficial, merely praising without addressing real issues. It falls short of being considered a good article,” explained Master Zhou.
“Reading books is important, using the words from books is essential, but when it comes to worldly matters, genuine insight is key,” Master Zhou added.
With that, Master Zhou walked off, examining the list of candidates and their accommodations at Splendorous Garden, leaving Pang Hezhi standing there, abandoned and lost in thought.
As people came and went from Splendorous Garden, Pang Hezhi couldn’t help but feel the weight of their curious stares. It was as if those peculiar gazes were boring holes right through him. Feeling unable to stand the scrutiny, he shouldered his belongings with resentment and departed.
Where did his article go wrong?
It was clearly quite good…
He was the top scholar in their entire county, yet now he was being criticized in such a manner.
What infuriated him most was that Master Zhou had praised that person with the surname Song so highly.
Speaking of which, it seemed that the Song individual who arrived earlier didn’t need to take the exam to enter. Was it because they had some connection with a prominent figure behind Splendorous Garden?
Indeed, these so-called influential figures were merely merchants seeking fame and fortune. Ultimately driven by self-interest, they tainted the serene and elegant environment with their greed…
Poor Pang Hezhi, who had diligently studied for decades in the cold study room, had come here hoping to make a mark, only to be subjected to such humiliation by those petty individuals…
“Splash!”
A bucket of water was poured over his head, drenching Pang Hezhi completely.
Though the water was initially warm, the late January weather was chilly. In moments, his body turned cold, and as the icy wind blew, he shivered even more, feeling like he was trapped in an icy cave.
What’s more, the water seemed to have a peculiar smell…
Foot-washing water!
Upon recognizing the smell, Pang Hezhi’s stomach churned, no longer able to maintain his scholarly demeanor. He leaned against the nearby wall and began to retch uncontrollably.
As passersby witnessed his current sorry state and caught a whiff of the strange odor emanating from him, discussions ensued, followed by covering their noses and hurriedly moving away.
They were eager to avoid him.
Today was truly an unlucky day!
Under his breath, Pang Hezhi cursed…
Meanwhile, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun followed the attendants into Splendorous Garden, walking deeper into a relatively quiet courtyard. Above the moon gate of the courtyard hung a plaque inscribed with a single character — “Courtyard Eight.”
Jiang Mixia, “…”
Unable to contain her curiosity, Jiang Mixia inquired, “The name is quite unique. Is there any significance behind it?”
The attendant scratched his head, “There’s nothing particularly special about it. It’s just that the master at the time decided that naming each courtyard was a bit troublesome. So, they opted for numbers, making it simpler and easier to remember. In Splendorous Garden, there are a total of thirty-seven courtyards, ranging from ‘Courtyard One’ to ‘Courtyard Thirty-Seven.'”
“Yes, for the master, having only thirty-seven courtyards in Splendorous Garden seemed a bit inadequate. They planned to earn more money quickly to expand the garden, aiming for over fifty courtyards. This way, more candidates could find a place to stay, strive for excellence in their studies, and serve the court effectively in the future…”