LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 215: Spring Exam
Originally, according to Luo Chen's plan, they should have intercepted Gu Lan on his way to the Spring Exam. But Wu Fan didn't act accordingly. After encountering the woman in black robes, he was too impatient to wait any longer!
On the other side, Gu Lan proceeded discreetly along the way. Upon arriving at the Ministry of Rites, he encountered no hindrances whatsoever.
"This way, Your Highness!" Gu Lan was immediately escorted upon his arrival at the Ministry of Rites, in stark contrast to ordinary examinees. The official who received him held up an umbrella to shield him from the sun, his face full of flattery.
Not all officials could maintain their dignity; many were more inclined to flatter those of noble status like Gu Lan, their attitudes lower than anyone else's.
This sight made the nearby scholars, who had been standing for so long, envious beyond measure! Gu Lan nodded in acknowledgment, his demeanor serene as he followed the official into the examination hall.
The scenery within the Ministry of Rites courtyard was quite pleasant. Though the setup inside resembled an ordinary study, the writing implements used were all exquisite and valuable items. Even a single item could fetch hundreds of taels of silver. It was evident that the Ministry of Rites was currying favor with Gu Lan!
Gu Lan calmly enjoyed the special treatment, fully justified in his mind. This was living the high life, wasn't it? Although he didn't need to indulge, the feeling of being able to indulge was undeniably enjoyable... Perhaps his past self was truly foolish to not have sought out such patronage sooner.
"The examination is about to begin. Please take your seat, Your Excellency." The official receptionist even went so far as to polish Gu Lan's seat with his sleeve before bowing and ushering him to sit.
Once all the examinees were seated, the officials from the Ministry of Rites brought out this year's examination papers. The one who had set the questions this time was Zhang Qingwei.
Speaking of which, Zhang Qingwei had a rather good relationship with Gu Lan. Although Gu Lan hadn't specifically requested any particular questions...
When they had met a few days ago, Zhang Qingwei had smiled ambiguously, leaving Gu Lan with a knowing feeling...
Now, seeing the examination paper, Gu Lan smiled knowingly. The topics for the essays were exactly what he had discussed with Zhang Qingwei before. Moreover, his arguments back then had left Zhang Qingwei impressed and admiring! One could say that he had taught Zhang Qingwei these very arguments.
While Zhang Qingwei hadn't cheated by using these topics for the examination paper, for Gu Lan, it might as well have been cheating! After all, the standard answers were the ones he had given to the examiners!
This form of cheating was open and aboveboard, albeit with a high level of difficulty in execution! With familiar topics at hand, Gu Lan didn't even need to exert himself. With his mind controlling the brush, it dipped into the ink and danced across the paper with divine grace.
In the Spring Exam, answering questions was merely going through the motions... With the Empress as his backing, even if he didn't write a single word, he would still be awarded the top honors! However, not writing a single word would mean no rewards from the system.
[You have completed 80% of the main quest by writing the Spring Exam paper.]
[Received rewards]
[...]
As he fervently wrote, the obsequious voices of the Ministry of Rites officials occasionally interrupted, serving tea and water.
"Is Your Highness tired from writing? If so, we can arrange for two ladies to come in and give you a massage. With so many questions, maintaining a good state of mind is crucial."
Gu Lan listened in surprise, then shook his head. "Forget it. How proper would it be to have women in the examination hall?"
"Oh, yes, yes, yes!" The official nodded hastily, denying his earlier suggestion as if it had never come from him.
"The Prince is absolutely right. For the sake of maintaining order in the Spring Exam and ensuring stability in the Jing Nation, the Prince's proactive refusal of indulgence is truly admirable and moving!"
Gu Lan's mouth twitched slightly. He hadn't expected the Ministry of Rites officials to be so obsequious. Was it due to excessive corruption or the intimidating presence of the Empress? Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire
Normally, it wouldn't be a problem to have maids come in for a shoulder massage or back rub. But today was the Spring Exam; if he were to do so and it got back to Empress Mu Yuyan's ears, did he still want a place in her bed?
Even though the Empress didn't express any displeasure outwardly, she was like a little pot of vinegar.
Soon, Gu Lan completed the exam without any distractions, much faster than the other candidates, and all his answers were standard!
The official entered once again, smiling as he saw Gu Lan had finished the written exam.
"Has Your Highness finished? Although the examination lasts for three days, it's a waste of time to sit idle here... Why not accompany us to the backyard of the Ministry of Rites and have some tea? If Your Highness wishes to return to the palace early, we can arrange a special carriage to take you!"
Well, this treatment was truly unparalleled... Gu Lan hadn't imagined the audacity of these officials. They even dared to suggest leaving early. He was about to wave it off, saying he'd walk back, when a commotion outside interrupted. It seemed someone was trying to force their way in. The Ministry of Rites official frowned.
"Please wait, Your Highness. Let me check what's happening outside."
Gu Lan nodded, not in a hurry to leave. He sat down, curious to see what was going on. Soon enough, a detachment of the "Imperial Guards" from the capital city barged in. Gu Lan had a good position in his compartment, offering a clear view of the doorway. His brow furrowed.
These people seemed different from the Imperial Guards he had encountered before... And there was a faint aura of death about them!
"Who are you people? How dare you intrude upon the Imperial Examination Hall! Are you seeking death?" The Ministry of Rites official pointed and scolded.
The leader of the troops, however, looked arrogantly defiant and showed no regard for the examiners in the hall. The other candidates could only peek out from their compartments, observing the scene with trepidation. This troop exuded a menacing atmosphere.
"I am the Captain of the Imperial Guards in the capital city. We received a report that cheating was taking place in the Spring Exam. We are here to apprehend the cheaters to prevent the disruption of fair examinations!"
"If the fairness of the Spring Exam is compromised, can you bear the consequences? Hmm?" He fixed a stern gaze on the chief examiner.
The latter's expression froze! Obviously, he was somewhat intimidated by the question... Once cheating was confirmed, even the examiners like them would face punishment. This was a consequence he couldn't afford!
At this moment, upon hearing that this troop was here to catch cheaters, all the scholars present lowered their heads, regardless of whether they had cheated or not, afraid of being mistaken and arrested, ruining their futures.