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Delighted by Song Jingyun’s prompt agreement, Zhou instructed a young attendant to bring a wooden box. “Inside are several test questions. Please draw one at random.”
He then called the other four candidates awaiting the examination. “You all may also draw one.”
“Understood,” Song Jingyun and the other candidates nodded respectfully and each drew a paper from the box.
After everyone, including Song Jingyun, had drawn neatly stacked papers one by one, they opened them to reveal their tasks.
The first task was to compose a five-character quatrain poem on the theme of spring scenery.
The second task involved crafting a seven-character regulated poem reflecting on ancient times.
The third task required providing an interpretation and personal insights on a selected passage from “The Great Learning.”
The fourth task for one candidate was to write an article describing something seen or experienced on a journey.
Upon receiving a blank piece of paper, Song Jingyun couldn’t believe his luck. The other four candidates murmured amongst themselves.
“It seems that drawing a blank means you don’t have to attempt the task and can enter Splendorous Garden directly. What incredible luck!”
“Indeed, who would have thought…”
Given the time constraints, the pressure of the competition, and the public nature of the examination, performing well was crucial as failure could be embarrassing.
Moreover, in preparation for the imperial examination, candidates typically practiced various poetry and prose topics in advance to ensure they were well-equipped to handle any challenges that might arise during the examination.
At this moment, losing one opportunity to showcase their poetry skills was indeed a pity for the candidates preparing for the examination.
However, when aiming to gain entry into Splendorous Garden, some sacrifices had to be made.
Seeing someone’s extraordinary stroke of luck was undeniably envy-inducing.
Witnessing the situation, Zhou, the head scholar, could only smile helplessly. “Since it seems to be fate…”
“In that case, due to my carelessness, let’s consider this as an open-ended task. I will propose a topic and write an article myself,” Song Jingyun suggested.
“Very well!” Zhou, pleased with Song Jingyun’s composed response, quickly provided paper and pens for Song Jingyun and the other candidates.
The other four candidates, though displaying mixed expressions, accepted the paper and pen, proceeding to write their pieces on the vacant book stands nearby.
Song Jingyun spread out the paper, closed his eyes for a moment, then began to write.
Seated upright, his pen danced across the paper with remarkable precision, producing impeccably neat characters that flowed effortlessly like clouds and water. There were no pauses except for dipping the brush, drawing the attention of onlookers who couldn’t help but gather around.
After just a short while, Song Jingyun set down his brush. “Master, I have finished.”
So quickly?
The other four candidates gazed at their own works in progress, astonished by Song Jingyun’s speed.
Some quietly murmured, “Could it be hastily written…”
However, after Zhou carefully examined the article Song Jingyun had written, he nodded repeatedly in admiration. “Excellent, truly excellent writing!”
This praise drew even the candidates who had settled in Splendorous Garden earlier to come and observe.
It was known that while Zhou appeared kind and gentle, with a warm smile, those who had interacted with him knew he had strict standards and rarely offered praise easily.
Today, for him to utter three consecutive “excellent” remarks and display such genuine surprise, indicated the exceptional quality of Song Jingyun’s work!