Chapter 370: Chapter 195: Protecting the Shortcoming (Two Updates in One)
“Jiaojiao! Jiaojiao!”
Little Jingkong, with short strides, clatters his way into the stove room.
Gu Jiao, who is chopping vegetables, looks up at him: “What’s the matter?”
Little Jingkong scratches his shaven head, confused: “What does ‘proxy exam’ mean?”
“Huh?” Gu Jiao pauses her chopping.
Little Jingkong says, “I just overheard the guest at our place talking to my brother-in-law. He wants my brother-in-law to take a proxy exam, does it mean taking the examination together, like with Brother Fen Lin and Brother Lin Chengye?”
Gu Jiao’s gaze grows cold, as she puts the kitchen knife on the board and, taking off her apron, walks out of the stove room.
In the study room, Xiao Liulang regards the man thoughtfully.
Wang Yun chuckles: “I may have been too abrupt. Young Master Xiao might not accept this immediately, but once I explain my analysis, I believe you would understand. I know a bit about Young Master Xiao’s circumstances—came from a county town, married as a farming household son-in-law and still managed to get into Guozijian with such a high score. I believe that Young Master Xiao must have put in a great deal of effort privately. I admire your abilities, and I’m confident that you can pass the Provincial Exam.”
Usually, there is a ‘but’ in such conversations.
As expected, Wang Yun continues: “However, it won’t be easy for Young Master Xiao to become an Imperial examination graduate. The examiners conduct the Provincial Exam, where they only evaluate the answer sheets, not the person. But once you become a provincial scholar, the Palace Examination is conducted personally by the emperor. All applicants will sit in front of His Majesty, who can see all faces.”
His words refer to the face, but his gaze falls on Xiao Liulang’s legs.
It’s pretty clear – how could the emperor possibly choose a lame man as an Imperial examination graduate?
The Imperial examination contains three lists: Class Alpha includes the top three scholars with the highest scores, while the second group contains now varying number of scholars from the fourth place and the rest come under the third group. These are on the secondary list and granted the title of graduate.
The emphasis on ‘the same’ shows that there are differences between these graduates.
Although this dynasty has relaxed the conditions of the Imperial examination compared to the previous dynasty, none of the final Imperial examination graduates had any physical disabilities or deformities.
Isn’t that apparent enough?
Wang Yun gives a light smile: “You can’t make it to the main list of the Imperial examination, why not let my young master take your place?”
Xiao Liulang remains unmoved, while Wang Yun continues to persuade: “Besides, you’re still young, just eighteen this year. If you really want to take the examination, you can attempt it again in three years. You would increase your learning by three more years, which will give you more chances to succeed before His Majesty, won’t it?”
Each of his words sounds considerate for Xiao Liulang’s sake, wondering between the lines, however, suggests Wang Yun’s disdain for Xiao Liulang.
Gu Jiao’s gaze reaches its freezing point.
Behind Gu Jiao, Fen Lin, Lin Chengye, and Du Ruohan also lean in to listen.
They had heard of individuals taking the examination on behalf of others, but this is their first real encounter. This Wang must be very disgusting, begging without even showing a bit of humility.
He had to belittle and intimidate others into submission, as if only this would put his identity and wisdom on full display.
Wang Yun continues: “The reward will definitely satisfy Young Master Xiao. Think of it as my young master purchasing three years from Young Master Xiao with this money. The actual beneficiary is Young Master Xiao. Studying an additional three years, enhancing three more years of talent, and also making an enormous sum of money that you cannot even spend in a lifetime, why not be happy about it? Besides, you’ll be able to make friends with my young master. If you can’t make it to the Imperial examination main list someday, my young master will get Young Master Xiao a good government job!”
What an audacious spiel!
Daring to mention arranging a government job, where did this arrogance come from?
Fen Lin’s face crumples into a frown.
Though Du Ruohan hasn’t been very close with Xiao Liulang, he too is infuriated by this shameless behaviour.
Xiao Liulang says calmly: “You’re offering so much, how do I know if your young master is worth my friendship?”
Wang Yun smirks arrogantly, “My young master’s surname is He, and so is the wife of the Duke of Luo.”
When Wang Yun exits the room, Gu Jiao and her party are no longer in the main hall.
Wang Yun bows slightly to Xiao Liulang: “Master Xiao may wish to consider it thoroughly. I will come in three days to seek your reply.”
A card game disrupted midway and half of her friends gone, the Old Lady is disturbed.
In the stove room, the friends who escaped – Du Ruohan, Lin Chengye, along with Gu Jiao and Fen Lin – hold a small meeting.
They all sit on small stools.