CHAPTER 180: CHAPTER 14: EMERGING TALENT

The Dayan Dynasty had a rule of posting the top student’s examination paper to prevent the chief examiner from cheating.

"Let’s go! Let’s also take a look at Junior Brother’s paper and see where we might be lacking," He Shunian pulled Ye Zhiqiu along to the first examination paper.

"Father! If you’re hungry, just go back first. We might stay a while longer!" Gu Chengyu thought it might be a while before they could leave, so there was no need to let Mr. Gu stay here hungry.

"Alright! Once you finish looking at the papers, go have a good walk around the county. Usually, you head directly to Huichun Hall, without a proper stroll. Take this as a moment of relaxation!" Mr. Gu, being illiterate, naturally wouldn’t bother with any paper viewing, but a strong sense of pride surged within him—his son achieved first place again!

"Then I’ll head back with Brother Gu! Let these guys stay here, it’s alright, they’re adults now. Oh, I haven’t congratulated Brother Gu yet! Your boy came first again, truly enviable!" Uncle He felt staying around was pointless, so he decided to leave with Mr. Gu, knowing his son passed was enough.

Uncle He felt deeply that to have such a child must be thanks to the virtues accumulated by his ancestors!

Uncle Gu also chose to return, knowing Gu Wanhua had passed. He felt relieved and wanted to let Gu Wanhua and his classmates take a break.

Firstly, people gathered at the first examination paper, which was the posted scripture writing from the first round. There was no dispute here; Gu Chengyu’s handwriting was good, and his answers were all correct. Although there were others that could compare, it also depended on the chief examiner’s preference. Since the papers were anonymously marked, perhaps they simply liked this handwriting, hence the choice for first place.

The second and third round papers were akin to the first; there was no need for a detailed look, as everyone agreed the foundation was solid.

Once the third round paper was posted, the crowd moved to it. The third round was the focus of this county examination. People first looked at the three policy questions below.

"When I did the first question, I wrote a lot on draft paper, but I had to cut it down to under three hundred words. I don’t know how the top student answered," said a candidate, his tone quite proud. Despite other shortcomings, policy questions were his forte, even the teacher praised him endlessly.

"Ah? No wonder! Now I see!" The candidate glanced at Gu Chengyu standing on the outer perimeter; the policy answers were indeed well written! What’s good about it? Naturally, it flattered the right people! Why hadn’t they thought of that? Such a talent indeed!

Of course, some were frustrated they hadn’t thought to write like that; others scoffed, saying they wrote about real matters, dismissing such behavior as opportunistic flattery. Opinions varied, but no one dared openly criticize—would you dare say his writing was wrong?

Undeniably, the paper featured numerous classical references, rich in vocabulary; this was a splendid, elegant composition!

"Quick, look at this ’Pishi Watching Autumn Moon’!" A candidate exclaimed suddenly.

"On a cool night, looking into the clear pool, the pond reflects water and the autumn moon. The full disk sinks, a jade mirror; Half-Moon Falls on the Silver Hook." A candidate shook his head and read the poem’s opening aloud.

"The Half-Moon Falls on the Silver Hook is truly exquisite!" this candidate couldn’t help but praise.

"The toad’s shadow sways over gentle ripples; lotus flowers cross shallow streams. As the leak shifts, light becomes pure; clouds gather, hue emerges afloat. Like a jade lamenting Three Offerings, a pearl timid about retossing. Able to carry sentiments from afar, coming to illuminate Song’s deep longing." The first reader enthusiastically read the remainder of the poem.

"Tsk tsk! The line mentioning ’Han Feizi’s pearl timid about retossing, jade lamenting Three Offerings’ is truly excellent!" observed a candidate beside, shaking his head and clicking his tongue.

Ye Zhiqiu, also skilled in poetry, froze upon reading the last line "coming to illuminate Song’s deep longing." His teacher always said Gu Chengyu’s poetic talent was akin to his, yet at this moment, how could he still believe it? This poem must be considered a masterpiece! Compared even to renowned poets, it would stand unfazed.

"Junior Brother! I’m truly overwhelmed with admiration; how did you conceive such verses?" He Shunian bowed to Gu Chengyu while praising.

"The poem is indeed exquisitely crafted! Any single line could be a fine verse. To be the county champion, it is truly well-deserved!" Other scholars also offered their respects to Gu Chengyu, expressing their agreement.

Gu Chengyu politely returned the gestures, repeatedly saying "Overpraised!"

The candidate who had argued with Gu Chengyu at the inn saw everyone in concurrence, thus decided not to confront anymore. He wasn’t foolish, though he had failed in three previous attempts. Seeing a child like Gu Chengyu made him unable to resist some mockery! Ultimately, it was driven by envy!

But now, having passed the county exam, he ought to cherish his reputation—having potential conflicts before the end isn’t wise. He felt some regret; it was jealousy clouding his judgment. Whether others excelled or not, what does it matter to him? Alas!

Thinking this, his face showed remorse, silently standing aside. His companion, seeing his regret, sought to bring him to apologize to Gu Chengyu. He wouldn’t be so foolish; Gu Chengyu, young as he is, already a county champion, holds promising prospects. Why seek enmity with others? If they both enter officialdom in the future, having such a foe wouldn’t be good!

Especially through the essay, it revealed Gu Chengyu often considers the times, likes to gauge people’s minds, and is exceptionally discerning—no guarantee that he won’t trip them up in the future. His association with Senior Brother Qian might be misunderstood as collaboration. That would be unjust, he didn’t want an unnecessary enemy.

If Gu Chengyu knew this candidate’s thoughts, he might chuckle and say, brother, you worry too much!

"Junior Brother Gu! Senior Brother Qian and I congratulate you! Celebrating your achievement as the county champion! My surname is Huang; Junior Brother Gu is still young, if you don’t mind, call me Senior Brother Huang," Senior Brother Huang pulled the somewhat awkward candidate named Qian forward and offered respect to Gu Chengyu.

"Mutual congratulations! Mutual congratulations! And I haven’t yet congratulated the two senior brothers on passing the county exam!" Gu Chengyu saw the two approaching but was unclear of their intentions, considering one had previously held ill impressions.

Sun Xian and others saw the previous quarrelsome candidate near Gu Chengyu again, anticipating disputes, gathered around Gu Chengyu.

Senior Brother Huang nudged the Qian-named brother, signaling him to speak.

Gu Chengyu initially didn’t know their motives, but seeing Senior Brother Qian’s awkward expression now, he understood—it was for reconciliation!

"Junior Brother Gu! Earlier, I didn’t intend to target you, hope you won’t mind!" the candidate named Qian finished, looking rather embarrassed.

"Senior Brother overthinks! The prior matter doesn’t weigh on me, as being unfamiliar caused some questioning, which is normal," Gu Chengyu replied with a smile.

If it’s unintended, why verbally attack me? Now, in public, even if unwilling to forgive, he’d have to forgive! Otherwise, people might think he’s narrow-minded? Moreover, Gu Chengyu didn’t wish to associate with such persons; too petty, too tiring. But as they apologized, he needn’t pursue it.