Chapter 181

With this interlude over, before the banquet began, Minister Wang called up other scholars.

He no longer needed to use someone else’s hand to draw the questions; he drew them himself and asked each one in turn.

Those who answered well naturally received his praise.

Those who did not, he did not blame, but rather gave them some guidance, which could make them wake up as if from a dream. Afterwards, he would encourage them to think more.

Before noon, the top ten candidates in the provincial exam had all been examined.

These top candidates in the provincial exam, seeing Mei Ruochu and Mu Erpang taking up so much time at the beginning, stealing the limelight, although they knew there was a reason for this, and knew that this move would dispel any doubts about the fairness of the provincial exam, they still felt a bit uncomfortable in their hearts—because in the original process of the Lu Ming Banquet, they also had opportunities to perform, so they had made preparations the day before.

But they didn’t expect Minister Wang to have already thought of this, so by the end of the morning, all the scholars in the banquet hall were filled with admiration for this sitting teacher.

After the banquet began, the main and deputy examiners sat together with the candidates, while other officials set up separate tables.

The seating arrangement for the imperial examination was based on one’s performance.

The better the performance, the closer the candidate sat to the examiners, an unwritten rule that symbolized honor.

However, the chief examiner had the authority to rearrange the seating, moving favored candidates closer to themselves.

Minister Wang didn’t point out anyone else but asked Cui Fei to sit closer, saying, “You youngsters are all so weak. While fame and success are important, isn’t your health more important? This young man caught my eye; he looks very fortunate.”

Although Cui Fei was not overly self-conscious about his physique, it was not something he was proud of either.

Minister Wang, a chubby man, seemed to like chubby youngsters as well.

Cui Fei felt encouraged and took the front seat.

Minister Wang then asked him about his ranking in the provincial examination.

Obviously, Minister Wang, who thought highly of Cui Fei, believed that although he was not in the top ten, his ranking should still be good.

Cui Fei was a bit embarrassed but still confidently reported his ranking.

Minister Wang, slightly surprised, said, “Oh, it’s you.”

He then recited a poem Cui Fei had written in the provincial examination and commented, “Your answers to other questions are passable, but this poem seems a bit contrived. Since you’re here, let me explain it to you in detail.”

Many students had envied Cui Fei’s situation earlier, thinking he had only gained Minister Wang’s favor because he was more robust than others.

Now, they felt relieved—having a meal while being critiqued on their writing by Minister Wang, even if he was kind, would have made the meal less enjoyable.

Minister Wang chuckled and glanced at these students, saying, “Don’t think that just because I haven’t called your name, I’ve ‘let you off.’ After the banquet, those who haven’t spoken to me yet will have to take turns coming to me to report their names!”

This might sound like a teasing scold, but it actually means that others also have the opportunity to seek his guidance after the banquet.

Everyone agreed, and Minister Wang said, “I’m getting forgetful in my old age. There were six of you from your academy, and now five are sitting near me. Did I miss one? The candidate with the name should also come sit here.”

Wei Shu ranked twentieth, so his seat wasn’t far. Minister Wang didn’t ask others to accommodate Wei Shu by changing seats but instead, like a senior at home inviting juniors, had the students from Cui Wei move closer to create a space for Wei Shu.

Watching them sit together so warmly and familiarly, Minister Wang smiled, but his eyes seemed distant.

Perhaps he was reminded of the youthful days when he conversed and laughed with his classmates.

After coming back to his senses, Minister Wang started eating, and the other students followed suit.

There was no conversation at the dinner table, only the sound of chopsticks and tableware clinking.

Minister Wang encouraged everyone to relax, saying, “I’m old and love to hear lively chatter. Just indulge me and talk freely.”

Encouraged by him, everyone relaxed and began to chat lightly.

Seeing that everyone was less restrained, Minister Wang picked up a conversation and asked Mei Ruochu, “I noticed that the poem you wrote today during the on-the-spot composition was even better than the one you wrote in the provincial examination. Was it because you were too nervous during the provincial exam, affecting your performance?”

Mei Ruochu was about to put down his chopsticks to respond, but Minister Wang waved his hand, indicating he didn’t need to be so formal.

Mei Ruochu replied, “In response to your question, I wasn’t nervous during the provincial exam, but rather because of… some minor issues. I don’t want to trouble you with the details, but I will work even harder in the future.”

Mei Ruochu didn’t think that sitting for three consecutive times with poor results was disgraceful, but discussing it at the dinner table was distasteful.

However, by only revealing half of the story, he piqued Minister Wang’s curiosity.

They say old habits die hard, and at his age, Minister Wang sometimes behaved like a child.

Unable to get more from Mei Ruochu, he turned to Shen Aoshuang.

Shen Aoshuang continued to eat as if he hadn’t noticed.

His senses were not as keen as others’, so it was possible for this to happen.

Mu Er Pang, of course, couldn’t let Minister Wang misunderstand him and took the initiative to answer, though he didn’t go into specifics.

After all, revealing the whole story would indeed affect everyone’s appetite, so he just furrowed his brow and fanned his hand in front of his nose.

At his age, Minister Wang was quite perceptive.

Having gone through the same path of scholarly examinations in his early years, he knew what was going on.

He raised an eyebrow and gestured with his eyes, asking how many times.

Mu Er Pang gestured ‘three’ again.

This situation can be described as tragic. Despite such circumstances, Mei Ruochu’s achievement of becoming a top scholar highlights his exceptional talent.

Minister Wang’s chubby face trembled slightly.

He seemed both amused and sympathetic, finally comforting Mei Ruochu, “Heaven places great responsibility on those it has chosen, first testing their determination and exhausting their bodies. Enduring hardships in youth can also be beneficial for future growth.”

Mei Ruochu naturally agreed.

After asking this, Minister Wang turned to Wei Xi and Wei Shu, saying, “You two look quite alike, but the little brother, Wei Xi, is much thinner. Your complexion doesn’t look great either. When I advised everyone to take care of their health, you should take it to heart, understand?”

Wei Xi also agreed, “I have already experienced the consequences of neglecting my health. I almost… in the previous provincial examination… I will definitely remember your advice in the future.”

Among these four, one had failed the examination three times in a row, and another had almost given up due to poor health. Why were the students from this academy both outstanding and plagued with illness and misfortune?

As Minister Wang pondered this, he looked at Mu Er Pang with a questioning gaze.

The meaning was clear. Did you encounter any problems during the provincial examination?

Mu Er Pang really didn’t, but it seemed that Minister Wang had taken a liking to exchanging glances with him.

He just smiled and looked at him.

After thinking for a while, Mu Er Pang said, “Everything is fine with me. I didn’t encounter any external issues. It’s just that I lack experience and have been studying for a short time. I couldn’t think as fast as other classmates in the academy, and I almost missed the deadline for submitting my paper.”

Minister Wang nodded understandingly, “Considering your young age compared to them, it’s already very difficult to pass the provincial examination. After all, you have studied for several years less than them. As long as you continue to work hard as before, you will eventually make up for this gap.”

Mu Er Pang agreed, and Shen Aoshuang suddenly spoke up, saying, “Not several years, but nearly ten years. Han Shan began his education at his family’s academy when he was ten years old. He achieved his current status in just five years.”

Although Minister Wang was amiable, most of the candidates respected and feared him.

No one dared to speak before he indicated it.

Mu Er Pang and the others couldn’t help but sweat for Shen Aoshuang, but fortunately, Minister Wang didn’t blame him.

He exclaimed, “Such a remarkable story! Unfortunately, I will be leaving for my hometown tomorrow. After a short stay there, I will return to the capital for my duties. I won’t have more time to hear the full story. Let’s plan to meet again in the capital, and we can chat properly then.”

Their next meeting in the capital would be at the Spring Examination in February next year.

The Spring Examination was presided over by the Ministry of Rites, so Minister Wang naturally couldn’t meet with these candidates before the exam.

Therefore, this ‘reunion’ actually meant meeting again after they had passed the Spring Examination, and even the Palace Examination.

This statement was also full of encouragement and hope for them.

Mu Er Pang and the others all agreed.

Afterward, Minister Wang not only spoke with them but also with other candidates, making everyone feel refreshed.

After the banquet, as he had promised, Minister Wang also spoke with some candidates who ranked lower than tenth in the provincial examination.

He also encouraged those who were not chosen by him to be bold and come forward if they had any questions.

As the evening approached, all the candidates received their official documents, and the Deer Cry Banquet was truly over.

After leaving the banquet, Mu Er Pang finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Shen Aoshuang, saying, “You spoke up during the banquet. I was sweating buckets behind you.”

Shen Aoshuang replied briefly, but no one understood him.

They thought he was regretting speaking up and didn’t want to embarrass him further.

Wei Xi added, “During the initial questioning, Minister Wang asked Shen Xiong the least. But at the dinner table, he cared about everyone except Shen Xiong…”

Mei Ruochu interjected, “But if Minister Wang didn’t like Shen Xiong, why did he look to him first when he wanted an answer? It doesn’t seem like he dislikes him.”

The two thoughtful individuals analyzed the situation at the banquet in detail.

Wei Shu and Cui Fei, who were more carefree, were somewhat stunned—weren’t they just sitting at a table eating? How did so much happen during the banquet?

The group chatted as they returned to Schae Lane.

Meanwhile, Shen Cui and Lao Buyu had almost finished packing their bags.

Since there were less than four months left until the Spring Examination next year, Shen Cui planned to return to Qingzhou Prefecture to rest for a few days before deciding on the timing of their journey to the capital.

The journey to the capital was long, and they needed time to prepare their luggage. Also, they had been away from the academy for quite some time, and Shen Cui was concerned that the young men might be influenced by improper behavior, so she planned to depart early.

The young men were used to listening to her in such matters, so they didn’t ask much upon their return.

They simply shared their experiences of the day with her and Lao Buyu.

Knowing that Minister Wang had not only easily resolved the rumor but also showed uncommon kindness, Shen Cui was completely relieved.

The next morning, after settling the handover with the servants and the landlord of the Cui family, the group set off on their journey back to Qingzhou Prefecture.