Chapter 16 The Battle for the First Name
"This son's name is Hong Yi, and he is the son of Lord Wu Wenhou Hong."
The deputy examiner had already submitted Hong Yi's resume.
"The son of Wu Wenhou Hong Taibao?"
Li Shenguang frowned and muttered to himself.
Yang Qian was also stunned. No wonder this test paper reflected some Buddhist ideas. It turned out to be Hong Yi's. He practiced martial arts in the Great Zen Temple and visualized the Buddha statue in the "Past Amitabha Sutra". Naturally, he didn't know it. He was influenced by the thoughts of Dazen Temple and added some Buddhist concepts to Confucianism.
"Master Li, please be careful. Marquis Wu Wen was granted the title of Grand Master at the court yesterday. The title will be changed in the future."
Upon seeing this, a deputy examiner quickly reminded Li Shenguang.
Li Shenguang looked at the paper in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then said.
"Huh? The concept and handwriting of this volume are both excellent. How about I take it as the first place?"
Just as he was saying this, a soldier suddenly announced: "Master Hong has arrived."
Li Shenguang adjusted his official uniform and led the examiners out to greet Hong Xuanji.
As the Grand Master of the current dynasty, Hong Xuanji was ranked among the Three Dukes and was in charge of Wen Zai. He could be regarded as Li Shenguang's immediate superior. Moreover, Hong Xuanji's visit must have been ordered by Emperor Qian to inspect the examination room.
Yang Gan was the only one left sitting in the entire examination room. As a prince, he did not need to win over Hong Xuanji, so he would not condescend to greet Hong Xuanji.
After a while, Hong Xuanji walked in front and led Li Shenguang and others back to the main examination room.
Hong Xuanji looked at Yang Qian who was standing upright, a trace of surprise and dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, as if he didn't expect that Yang Qian was still there.
Hong Xuanji regarded himself as a master of Neo-Confucianism and attached great importance to regular etiquette. Although he was a little dissatisfied with Yang Qian's support, he still bowed to Yang Qian and said respectfully.
"I've met Prince Jade!"
Yang Qian sat at the table with a carefree attitude, accepted Hong Xuanji's gift, put down the tea cup in his hand, and then said.
"Master Hong is exempt from the gift!"
Hong Xuanji then stood up and sat down below Yang Qian. The poor examiner Li Shenguang could only move his position down again.
After waiting for official greetings to pass, Hong Xuanji glanced at the examination papers on the table and asked in a deep voice.
"Have you decided on the first place in this scientific examination?"
Li Shenguang stood up and walked to the table, picked up Hong Yi's test paper, and said with great admiration.
"Of course, it's a coincidence that the first-place article is recognized by us as good. When I checked the resume, it turned out to be your son, Grand Master Hong, named Hong Yi."
After Li Shenguang finished speaking, he handed the examination paper to Hong Xuanji, who was sitting upright, and motioned for him to read the examination paper.
Hong Xuanji frowned slightly, a trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes, he was a little surprised, and he uttered a question.
"Hong Yi, first place?"
Hong Xuanji took the paper handed over by Li Shenguang, frowned slightly, looked at the paper, his eyebrows became more and more ugly, his face darkened, and he spoke directly.
"At first glance, this word is domineering and sharp. It seems that it was not written by a peaceful person. Moreover, the article is not written fluently. In some places, it is simply nonsense. It is difficult for such an article to win the election. , let alone becoming the first?”
Hong Xuanji raised his head and glanced at the examiners. They held their breath and did not dare to say anything. They just looked at him quietly. Hong Xuanji shook his head and said.
"Although Hong Yi is my son, I will never be accommodating. His articles need to be sharpened for a few more years to lose their edge. I'll just let it go this time and put him in the wrong position!"
Hong Xuanji had a calm look on his face and was out of justice. He squeezed the paper in his hand and then threw it among the deposed articles.
Li Shenguang's eyes were full of anger. He stared at the falling test papers. He suddenly turned his head to look at Hong Xuanji, raised his arm and slammed it on the table.
"boom!"
All the pen and ink on the table were knocked off, which shows how angry Li Shenguang is and how deep his dissatisfaction with Hong Xuanji is.
The other deputy examiners were all startled and felt as if the air was frozen.
Yang Qian suddenly leaned forward and looked at the confrontation between Hong Xuanji and Li Shenguang with great interest, his eyes full of gossip.
"Hong Xuanji, I'm the examiner here, you're just the inspector. Although I'm a few ranks senior, I don't have the right to decide whether the test paper is good or bad!" Li Shenguang's roar of filial piety resounded throughout the room. You are suppressing your own son for the sake of clearing your name. You have a bad intention and do not promote talents for the country. You are acting like a villain!"
Li Shenguang and Hong Xuanji were not from different schools of thought. They had different philosophies. They were naturally at odds with each other. Li Shenguang stood up directly, pointed at Hong Xuanji's nose and cursed him, without caring about Hong Xuanji's gloomy face and those around him. The examiners who were too scared to breathe.
Hong Xuanji's eyes glowed coldly, his face was frighteningly dark, and he stared at Li Shenguang. The air around him seemed to freeze, and a voice filled with suppressed anger sounded gloomily.
"My son has too much talent and is not a virtuous person for the country. He has to be suppressed and filed to become a talent. This is naturally to promote talents for the country. Don't I know my son? As the examiner, you lose your dignity by being filial. , What kind of behavior do you have? I am the Grand Master personally appointed by the Emperor. I fight for the country and manage the government. You say that I am a villain? What do you think of the Emperor's vision? I will go to court tomorrow and I will definitely read your book! Now quickly retreat and wait to hear the news!"
As soon as Hong Xuanji said these words, the air became a little colder. He was originally a general in the army. He killed people like crazy and had a very murderous spirit. Later he gave up martial arts and became civilized. He was also extremely domineering in the court. Few important officials in the court dared to dare him. As an enemy, even those who dare to oppose him will mostly end up miserable. Hong Xuanji's words can be regarded as a serious threat.
Li Shenguang, however, was not afraid at all and did not give in an inch. He stared at Hong Xuanji with his head raised and his eyes shining. It was a kind of persistence and principle. He would not compromise at all because of the threat and status of the other party. He said firmly.
"I am the examiner appointed by the emperor, and you have no right to ask me to step down! Whether or not you take part in my examination is your business! If the court does not remove me, I will be the examiner! I will have the final say in the examination room. , you are a villain for overstepping your authority and suppressing talented people. If the emperor uses you, he is using the wrong person. I will also read your book tomorrow!"
Hong Xuanji could no longer hold back the anger in his heart. His aura gradually rose, and a powerful coercion enveloped the entire audience. He stared at Li Shenguang, his eyes full of anger, and said sternly.
"My emperor's oral instructions, patrolling the examination room, are imperial envoys, and have full power to handle all matters."
Hong Xuanji looked at the soldiers outside the room and gave direct instructions.
"Left and right, suppress Li Shenguang. I will make it clear to the emperor what happened today!"
Chapter completed!