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“It’s not that I’m bold, but I’m just speaking the truth,” the candidate said, bowing.
“But no one else here has said such things, only you,” Tang Zhichuan stroked his beard. “Do you know the consequences of saying these things here?”
“I am aware, but I also understand that if I don’t speak up, no one else will, and no one will in the future either. If no one reminds the monarch of his mistakes and everyone just follows his preferences, won’t the entire country be in peril?”
The candidate straightened his chest, his words becoming more forceful, and his whole demeanor was passionate and stirring, with a sense of loyalty and righteousness.
“Your words make some sense,” Tang Zhichuan stroked his beard again, his gaze sweeping over the candidate before pausing. “What is your name?”
The candidate felt even more at ease and even raised his chin, “My name is Zhao Chunmao.”
Tang Zhichuan said nothing more and just took two steps forward. He happened to see two candidates kneeling in front of the deity statue, and the two of them even took out pastries from their sleeves, offering them respectfully on the altar in front.
Narrowing his eyes, Tang Zhichuan approached the two.
Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming had heard the commotion inside earlier but didn’t know the reason. Seeing Tang Zhichuan now, they were first taken aback and then bowed in unison.
“You two are quite thoughtful, even preparing offerings so thoroughly,” Tang Zhichuan said.
Chen Shuming was taken aback once again.
Chen Shuming had not considered preparing any offerings. It was just that Song Jingyun had given him mung bean cakes and red bean cakes earlier, and he didn’t like sweet foods. Worried that the pastries would stain his sleeves if left in them, he was considering whether to eat them secretly, following Song Jingyun’s example.
Just as they were kneeling in front of the deity statue, Chen Shuming saw Song Jingyun offering the pastries and thought it might be a good way to deal with them, so he imitated him and offered the pastries from his sleeve.
Now, faced with the inquiry, telling the truth would seem like shifting the blame to Song Jingyun…
Chen Shuming pondered for a moment and then gritted his teeth, ready to fabricate a lie, saying that he had brought the pastries in from outside.
But before Chen Shuming could speak, Song Jingyun bowed again, “In response to the esteemed one, I had not anticipated this. The pastries were originally brought in just to satisfy hunger. However, since we must kneel and worship, I thought it would be more sincere to offer a couple of pastries, as a small gesture of respect.”
“As for the pastries offered by Mr. Chen, I gave them to him earlier. He doesn’t like sweet foods but didn’t want to refuse, so he accepted them. Seeing me do this, he followed suit and offered the pastries as well.”
“I see,” Tang Zhichuan nodded slightly. “You’re willing to tell the truth. And I noticed you seemed quite sincere during the worship. Is it because you also believe in deities?”
“Not exactly,” Song Jingyun answered truthfully.
“Then…” Tang Zhichuan furrowed his brow slightly. “Is it to cater to the current emperor’s preferences?”
“Not that either,” Song Jingyun replied with a smile. “I just think that many people in the world believe in the concept of deities, divine energy and fortune. I see no harm in believing in these things. Since I happened to encounter this situation, it’s no big deal to kneel and worship.”