The scholarly discussions of the ancient scholars left Song Ci somewhat baffled, especially when they used convoluted phrases, making her feel drowsy.
Glancing around, everyone seemed captivated by the eloquent words of the scholars, which was perfect for her to close her eyes and pretend to nap.
"Grandmother, are you trying to sleep again?" Song Lingzhou was the first to notice Song Ci slacking.
Song Ci immediately glared and said, "Nonsense, your grandmother is reflecting deeply. Hurry and take notes for me, no daydreaming."
Song Lingzhou stuck out his tongue; he had guessed right again.
Interrupted by this, Song Ci could no longer sleep, lest she set a bad example for her grandchildren.
Today, her role was to be a studious grandmother!
Fortunately, the lecture shifted from complex phrases to policy essays, brought up by Cui Changxiao. This was worth listening to, as it could be a major topic in the imperial examination.
Policy essays test whether examinees possess the ability to govern and stabilize the nation, far more crucial than poetry and prose, which showcase personal cultural talent but cannot govern a country.
In a policy essay, examinees need to think critically about problems and solutions, essentially testing the depth of their imagination, and thus challenging their intellectual level.
In short, writing a good policy essay practically guarantees an official position.
After all, the nation needs talents who can govern.
Cui Changxiao discussed the Great Qing’s economy as the topic.
It has been twenty-nine years since the founding of the Great Qing; the previous emperor reigned for just ten years, and the current emperor has reigned for nineteen years. After nearly thirty years of development, although the Great Qing boasts nearly a million soldiers and can be called a great power, with peace and prosperity.
But it’s still somewhat lacking as a truly prosperous nation. In Cui Changxiao’s view, the Great Qing’s prosperity is superficial, and there are still deficiencies in economic revival. In certain remote areas, if a natural disaster occurs, people are still starving, and the granaries are not full, all effects of the economy.
He proposed that to truly revive a great nation’s economy, what should we do? New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel[f]ire.net
Song Ci propped her chin, watching Cui Changxiao in admiration from the center of the crowd.
"Indeed, a serious and confident man is the most attractive. That old saying never lies."
Look at Cui Changxiao, with his confidence and demeanor, how he stands out among the rest, a true gentleman should be .
And not only is he of noble birth, handsome and talented, he’s a treasure on earth.
How does the saying go, clearly he could rely on his looks, yet insists on displaying his talent?
Nanny just happened to pass her some tea and was almost startled by these words, nearly dropping the teacup, looking helpless.
Madam, in such a serious academic debate, is it really appropriate to secretly flirt with someone?
Song Ci took the tea, looking at the scholars concentrating deeply, some already speaking eloquently.
She inadvertently noticed some people on the peripheries of the scholars, some listening intently, others taking notes. Ha, people from the Court.
Don’t hide; that cunning face of yours, I can see through your disguise. If you’re skilled, don’t dress so ostentatiously, with a white face like a dumpling, glowing red cheeks, obviously well-off, yet wearing shabby clothes?
Song Ci withdrew her gaze and looked at her grandchildren again, listening attentively, sometimes thinking, sometimes writing furiously, recording the points they heard, and she couldn’t help nodding quietly.
See, bringing them here was the right decision. Such interactions are equivalent to listening to hundreds of top students giving lectures. If they can’t absorb even a fraction of the knowledge, then truly they might lack the talent for studies.