When his spirit left his body, he could feel that these clay statues were filled with a strong and masculine aura. This aura was formless and came directly from the thoughts of the people. Hong Yi suddenly thought of the story of the Gods and Buddhas in the Cottage's notes, who became Gods after receiving the prayers of the people.
In his doubt, his spirit left his body once again. Finally, he realized that these clay statues were filled with a strong and masculine aura. They did not have any other thoughts, and could not communicate with each other.
"These sages did not become gods. The Yang Qi in their bodies was just because the scholars of the past dynasties worshiped them and left their thoughts on the bodies of the sages. Over time, they accumulated a thought that was as vast as the sun and the moon. If there was no one worshiping them for a long time, this thought would slowly dissipate. At the same time, all the scholars would lose their righteousness and would be like flies trying to gain personal gains. In that case, did these sages also lose their power?"
Hong Yi suddenly had an epiphany.
The divine power on the statues was added by the thoughts of the people. The people carved the statues and then worshipped them. With the accumulation of many thoughts, these statues would have divine power.
After understanding this, although Hong Yi knew that these Sages were not Gods, he still sincerely worshipped them three times. He worshipped the masculine aura that gathered in the hearts of the people.
After worshipping, a soldier came over and led him to an examination hall.
This examination hall was like a fence. There were wooden planks, canopies, and chairs. This was where the examinees would be taking the examination.
After placing the ink and brush down, they rolled up their sleeves and poured water into the inkstone to grind the ink. Then, the examination papers were handed out. On them were the contents of the examination questions and the scriptures to be completed.
"Luckily, the High Scholar examination only lasts for a day. In such a small place, I should be able to endure it. If I wanted to take the Jinshi examination, I would have to stay in this small place for three days. There would be seven rounds of examinations. Not to mention the ability to think, just the physical strength alone would be too much for most people. This is also a disguised test of the physical strength of the scholars. It prevents those who are weak from becoming officials. "
Hong Yi looked at the examination hall around him. Even turning around felt a little awkward. He sighed to himself and looked at the questions.
The title was "Dwelling in the Deep Mountains".
Pan was an ancient emperor. It was rumored that in ancient times, this emperor's virtue and virtue were spread throughout the world. In the classics of scholars, all of them praised this emperor.
The topic of the exam was to decipher the meaning of this sentence and use one's own understanding to expound on the principles of governing a country.
Hong Yi thought for a moment, then with a wave of his brush, he wrote the answer to the question. "The heart of a Saint Emperor can only be understood through the void." After that, he spoke eloquently about the Li School of Thought: Removing the form and the bones, being unselfish and selfless, and all things in the world as one.
This view was precisely the doctrine of the Li School. The Li School paid particular attention to sincerity, which was also known as the "study of the heart". However, it was different from Hong Xuanji's Neo-Confucianism, which was particular about moral principles and strict etiquette.
Once he had found the examiner's inspiration, his writing naturally flowed like dragons and snakes. In less than four hours, it was noon. The surrounding Elementary Scholars were chewing on their brushes as Hong Yi handed in his script.
… …
In the main examiner's room, there were a few examiners wearing official robes and black hats. One of them was sitting in the middle of the room. He had a serious expression on his face and looked to be around forty years old. He was the chief examiner of the provincial examinations, Li Shen Guang. He was a famous official of the imperial court and the Minister of Rites.
Although this was the provincial examinations for Elementary Scholars to become High Scholars and not the Grand Examinations for High Scholars to become Grand Scholars, but because it was the imperial examinations in Jade Capital, it was not a small matter. Furthermore, the imperial court placed a lot of importance on the imperial examinations. Furthermore, the path from Elementary Scholar to High Scholar was related to the tax exemption of the gentry.
"Eh? Have all the examiners sent in their recommended scripts? "
It was already noon. Li Shen Guang estimated that some of the quick-witted Elementary Scholars had already handed in their scripts. He then asked the examiners of each room.
"All the completed scripts have been handed in."
A few assistant examiners hurriedly ran in and carried out the scripts in their hands. They tore open the seals and laid them out on the table for Li Shen Guang to read.
"Eh? This one talks about benevolence, righteousness, and etiquette. It seems to be righteous and full of vigor. But those who are stubborn, wooden, and speak of great principles are all hypocrites. "
Li Shen Guang read a few scripts and shook his head, pulling the scripts to one side.
The assistant examiner beside him also came over to take a look and shook his head, deciding that these scripts had failed.
"Eh? Good writing! "
All of a sudden, Li Shen Guang saw an essay. The words were written in a lively manner. He immediately nodded his head and looked at the title of the essay. "The heart of the Saint Emperor, only empty words can be understood." This sentence caused him to lightly slap the table. "Good, only empty words can be understood. When we study, we must first be sincere and selfless. Naturally, etiquette will be understood, and all living things will be one."
This essay was naturally written by Hong Yi. The examiner, Li Shen Guang, was a member of the Li School of Thought. His essay was written in the heart of the examiner, and the examiner could not help but praise it.
Moreover, Hong Yi's handwriting was imitating the Amitabha Sutra. His handwriting gave people a feeling of lightness and comfort, but it was not soft and seductive. It could be said that it was a combination of strength and gentleness, full of vitality.
"Lord Li is the strictest. There are very few essays that praise him."
"I'm afraid the first place of this exam has been decided."
When the assistant examiners saw Li Shen Guang's expression, they all whispered among themselves and came over to take a look. When they saw the handwriting, they all praised it.
"Who is this examinee? Report his resume. "Li Shen Guang could not help but ask when he saw how pleased he was.
"This person's name is Hong Yi. He is the son of Marquis Wu Wen, Lord Hong."
One of the vice-examiners had already reported Hong Yi's resume.
"Marquis Wu Wen, Hong Taibao's son?" Li Shen Guang frowned.
"Lord Li, be careful with your words. Marquis Wu Wen has already been conferred the title of Grand Preceptor during yesterday's court session. You have to change the way you address him in the future." A assistant examiner reminded Li Shen Guang.
"Yes." Li Shen Guang looked at the script in his hand and hesitated for a moment before saying, "The idea and handwriting of this script are excellent. How about we give him the first place?"
Just as he said that, a bailiff suddenly announced, "Grand Preceptor Hong has arrived."
"Quickly welcome him. The Grand Preceptor is in charge of civil affairs. Marquis Wu Wen was conferred the title of Grand Preceptor yesterday. Today's exam must be on the emperor's orders to patrol the exam grounds."
Li Shen Guang hurriedly stood up and tidied his clothes. He led the assistant examiners to the door to welcome him.
As expected, a large sedan chair was carried to the door. Then, Hong Xuanji, dressed in official robes, came down with a solemn expression.
Li Shen Guang hurriedly led the assistant examiners to bow.
Hong Xuanji was now a Grand Preceptor, one of the Three Dukes. His position was equivalent to that of a prime minister and was much higher than Li Shen Guang's. These people naturally had to welcome him.
"Did the exam go smoothly this time? Did anyone smuggle anything? "Hong Xuanji nodded and asked after they bowed.
"There was no smuggling or cheating," Li Shen Guang said, neither servile nor overbearing. Then, he waved his hand. "Grand Preceptor Hong, please move to the main examiner's room."
After both parties arrived at the main examiner's room, they sat down and served tea. After a series of courteous official rules, Hong Xuanji sat on the seat of honor. His eyes swept across the scripts on the table. "Has the first place been decided?"
"Of course. Coincidentally, the first place essay is publicly acknowledged by all of us to be good. After checking the resume, it's actually your son, Hong Yi." Li Shen Guang took out Hong Yi's script and spread it on the table for Hong Xuanji to see.
"Oh? First place? "Hong Xuanji's eyes flashed. He looked at the script and gradually frowned.
When he frowned, the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense! The deputy examiners all felt an invisible pressure. They couldn't even breathe.
The entire room was silent. Not even the sound of coughing could be heard.
"This essay is domineering and doesn't know its place." Hong Xuanji shook his head. "Also, this essay isn't very clear. Some parts are simply nonsense. Not to mention first place, it'll be difficult for him to pass the provincial examination. Although he's my son, I'm afraid he'll need to train for a few more years to get rid of his edge. This exam will be considered a failure. "
As he said that, Hong Xuanji picked up the script and threw it into the pile of failed papers.
"Oh?" When Li Shen Guang saw this, his eyebrows twitched. Blood rushed to his face and he suddenly slammed the table.
Bang!
The brush and ink on the table fell to the ground.
The atmosphere in the room was originally heavy. When Li Shen Guang suddenly slammed the table, it gave all the deputy examiners a shock! A few of them felt their legs go soft and almost fell to the ground!
No one expected that this Minister would suddenly slam the table in front of the Grand Tutor and Prime Minister!
However, everyone present knew that the two of them were from different schools of thought. It was natural for them to oppose each other.
"Hong Xuanji, I'm the main examiner here. You're just an inspector. Although I'm a few ranks higher than you, you don't have the right to decide whether the exam is good or bad!" Li Shen Guang's roar resounded in the room. "A man should not avoid his relatives. You're suppressing your son for your own reputation. You're not doing this for the country. You're a despicable person!"
"Oh?" Hong Xuanji's hand stopped and coldly looked at the roaring Li Shen Guang. "My son's edge is too bright. He's not a good person for the country. He needs to be suppressed and filed away before he can become a talent. This is naturally for the country. Do you think I don't know my son? As the main examiner, you're losing face by shouting. What kind of propriety is that? I'm the Grand Tutor personally appointed by the Emperor. I fight for the country and manage the court. You say I'm a despicable person? What do you think the Emperor's judgment is? Tomorrow morning, I'll definitely report you heavily! Quickly step down and wait to hear my report! "
When Hong Xuanji said this coldly, everyone felt a bone-piercing chill. Everyone knew that when Hong Xuanji was a general, he killed people like flies. He didn't show mercy when dealing with political enemies. In the court, there were very, very few people who could go against him.
Who knew that Li Shen Guang wouldn't budge an inch. "I'm the main examiner appointed by the Emperor. You have no right to tell me to step down! Whether you report me or not, that's your business! As long as the court doesn't remove me, I'll be the main examiner! I'll report you tomorrow morning as well! You're overstepping your authority! Suppressing talented people! You're a despicable person! His Majesty chose the wrong person to use you! "
"I'm patrolling the exam grounds under the Emperor's orders. I'm an imperial envoy and have full authority to handle everything." Hong Xuanji said calmly, "Left and right, pull him down. I'll report today's matter to the Emperor."
"Yes!"
At this moment, two people came in and were about to pull Li Shen Guang down.
"Hong Xuanji, you dare!" Li Shen Guang roared, "If you dare tell me to step down, I'll go to court with you. Try it. I'll go out and strike the Jingyang Bell. Even if I have to be exiled, I'll go to court with you. Even if I die by striking the golden hall, I'll fight you to the end! You, Hong Xuanji, are a vile person! Try it! Try it! "
"Strike the Jingyang Bell?" Hong Xuanji's heart stirred. He knew that Li Shen Guang would really do it. The Jingyang Bell could only be struck when there was a huge matter that would alert the Emperor to court. However, the person who struck the bell, no matter how high or low the official position was, would be exiled.
Furthermore, Li Shen Guang might really strike the golden hall to his death during the dispute. If that happened, the matter would be blown out of proportion.
When the assistant examiners heard the roars of the examiner and the Grand Preceptor, they all shrank to the side. This dispute could be said to be a battle between schools. It wasn't as simple as first place. Hong Xuanji was a Confucian scholar, while Li Shen Guang was a scholar of the Li School.
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