…
Early in the morning, there was a hazy drizzle.
A faint layer of mist covered the River of Trust Capital with a thin veil. Like a young lady who had just come out of a bath, it exuded a beauty that seemed to be from another world.
The capital examination, was still divided into a theory examination and a combat examination. However, what was different from the county examination was that this time, the capital examination had been changed. There was only one round of theory examination, which meant that one round of theory examination could determine who would stay or leave.
It was somewhat cruel.
But, to those who dared to travel thousands of miles to the River of Trust Capital, this cruelty was really not worth mentioning.
Of course, there were always exceptions in this world. For example, Li Zhuangshi was rather depressed. Looking at the black mass of examinees in front of the River of Trust Capital government office, he almost had the thought of smashing his way through the southern wall.
Did it have to be so exaggerated?
It was just a capital examination, would there be so many people?
The Great Xia Dynasty had clear rules regarding the Law of Dao examinations. The number of people admitted to the Law of Dao examinations in every capital was fixed. No matter how many people participated in a capital examination, the final number of people admitted would still only be that many.
Then, the result was very simple. The more people participated in the capital examination, the lower the chances of being admitted.
Eight years …
Li Zhuangshi sighed at the fate of Heaven. He had prepared for eight years, and used two years to pass the county examination of the Law of Dao examinations. He was proud of his success, but then, he failed twice in the capital examination.
It could be said that he had fallen into a deep abyss.
And this year, was the last year of the eight years, and also the year that Li Zhuangshi thought he had the most confidence.
But, such a thing just had to happen?
He was indignant, really extremely indignant. Looking at the hazy drizzle falling from the sky, Li Zhuangshi's hand subconsciously touched the letter in his pocket.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"I'm sorry!" At this moment, Li Zhuangshi seemed to have made a difficult decision.
…
As time passed, more and more scholars gathered in front of the River of Trust Capital government office. The number did not decrease because of the hazy drizzle, instead, it caused the enthusiasm of the scholars to soar.
Everyone was passionately discussing what questions would appear in this theory examination. There were also people guessing what ranking this theory examination would have.
"The capital examination questions have always been extremely difficult. Furthermore, every time, there would be a recitation of the original text of the Law of Dao! The three thousand volumes of the Law of Dao, how many people in this world can recite it in full? It all depends on luck. "
"Although luck plays a part, it still depends on strength! Memorizing the Law of Dao is just a random question, the main point is still to see how to use and understand the Law of Dao! "
"Who do you think will be the roll champion of this theory examination?"
"Is there a need to guess? Hua Kangan was the strongest, ranked twentieth on the Hidden Dragon Roll. He had the strength of the Star Conglomerate Realm, and was also on the Rising Dragon Roll! But when it comes to the theory exam, I am more optimistic about Zhang Hetong! "
"I also have high hopes for Zhang Hetong. The Zhang family has been in politics for generations and is a scholarly family. Moreover, I heard that he was personally praised by the chief examiner in the county examination and was personally praised as having outstanding literary talent!"
"What do you guys think of Fang Zhengzhi? I heard that he also topped the theory examination in Huai An County! Moreover, it seems like he scored full marks in the written examination... "
"Fang Zhengzhi? Full marks? Hahaha … Who has seen his test paper? Only the heavens know where this full marks came from. I only heard that he reported an opponent called Meng Yushu in the theory examination, and even made it onto the First-Class Roll in the first round. Such a theory examination roll champion is merely a frog in a well! "
"Hahaha … I agree with Brother Chen's words!"
…
As the crowd discussed, two people slowly walked over from afar.
One of them wore a luxurious robe and held a Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan. His expression was cold. The other person, on the other hand, carried a slight smile on his face, his blue robe gently fluttering in the light drizzle.
It was Yan Xiu and Fang Zhengzhi.
"Fang Zhengzhi is here!"
"Yan Xiu is actually travelling together?! Don't tell me Yan Xiu is also participating in this capital examination? "
"Aiya, I forgot about Yan Xiu … He seems to be turning sixteen this year. According to the Yan family's ancestral teachings, he really might be participating when he leaves school at sixteen!"
"If Yan Xiu is also participating in this capital examination, then it would really be quite lively! I wonder what state Yan Xiu is in now. "
"Even though Yan Xiu's name is famous, but nobody has ever seen him fight. He isn't even ranked in the Hidden Dragon Roll. No matter how strong he is, he shouldn't be in the Star Conglomerate State?"
Fang Zhengzhi's appearance here didn't surprise the crowd. But, regarding Yan Xiu's appearance, the crowd started guessing. After all, the name of the Yan family was known by everyone in the Great Xia Dynasty.
Hearing the discussions around him, Yan Xiu's cold expression changed. He frowned slightly, but, very quickly, he regained his composure.
"Looks like you don't like other people putting you and the Yan family together." Fang Zhengzhi very easily captured the change in Yan Xiu's expression.
"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded.
"Then, you need some proof, and this is also the reason why you left Western Liang and travelled to the Northern Lands to participate in the Law of Dao examination?" Fang Zhengzhi guessed.
"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded again.
Fang Zhengzhi didn't ask further. After interacting with Yan Xiu, he also found out from Yan Xiu that the Yan family didn't belong to the Northern Lands. Normally speaking, giving up what was near and seeking what was far wasn't a wise move.
But, since Yan Xiu had given up, then he naturally had sufficient reasons.
"Dong!"
With the sound of the gong signaling the start of the examination, the written examination officially began.
Because there were too many people participating in the capital examination, the River of Trust Academy naturally didn't have enough space. Hence, the location of the theory examination was set within the capital office of the River of Trust Capital.
The two mahogany doors carved with beast-shaped copper patterns displayed the majesty of the magistrate's office. Four rows of armoured magistrate guards stood in the east, west, south, north, and above the magistrate's office. Each of them held a spear and were ready for battle.
There were also many invigilators dressed in black official robes patrolling in front of the capital office.
From this, it could be seen that the capital examination was indeed stricter than the county examination.
Of course, once one passed the capital examination, it was equivalent to leaping through the dragon's gate and writing one's name in the records of the Great Xia Dynasty. The greatest benefit was that one would be protected by the law.
However, if one didn't commit a serious crime, he basically wouldn't be punished.
Furthermore, he would receive invitations from various powers, and be invited as a guest, or be given some positions and enjoy some special treatment.
The candidates entered the hall one by one.
Fang Zhengzhi naturally walked shoulder to shoulder with Yan Xiu. When he entered the capital office, Fang Zhengzhi also noticed Li Zhuangshi, who was frowning deeply.
Li Zhuangshi also saw Fang Zhengzhi, then his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Zhengzhi, our fates are different, but we reach the same destination! This capital examination, encountering such a situation, it is really Heaven's will playing tricks on us! "This time, Li Zhuangshi didn't ridicule, instead, he empathized with Fang Zhengzhi.
Fang Zhengzhi nodded, expressing his agreement.
When Li Zhuangshi saw Fang Zhengzhi nod, a cold glint inadvertently flashed across the corner of his eyes.
"Sigh … forget it! I have a deep relationship with your father, I really can't bear to see you fail today, and wish to lend you a helping hand. A few days ago, I obtained an answer scroll through a friend, I will give you one! " As Li Zhuangshi spoke, he carefully fished out a letter from his pocket and stealthily stuffed it into Fang Zhengzhi's hands.
Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback. He looked at Li Zhuangshi, then looked at the letter in his hands.
"Uncle Li, you really want to do this?"
"I hope that my good nephew can understand my efforts!" Li Zhuangshi's expression was filled with sincerity.
"Since that's the case, thank you Uncle Li!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't say anything else, and directly stuffed the letter into his pocket, then strode through the capital office door.
Li Zhuangshi looked at the letter that Fang Zhengzhi stuffed into his pocket, and a trace of unwillingness appeared on his face. But, this expression only flashed for a moment, and very quickly, he regained his calm.
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