A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 289 Yingtian Four Lines - Song Zi
After spending these past few years together, Zhang Shide has come to understand Fan Zhongyan.

At this point, it's perfectly reasonable to ask two students who are nearby to give him some advice.

However, Song Xuan felt that Fan Zhongyan would listen to advice and not speak frankly.

Then he wouldn't be Fan Zhongyan!
"Master Zhang must be very tired."

Song Xuan said with a smile:
"You were quite agitated just now, so it wasn't appropriate to take your pulse. Let me take your pulse again."

Zhang Shide sighed.

He understood the meaning behind Song Xuan's words.

With Fan Zhongyan's personality, who could stop him from having his ideas?

Not to mention that Song Xuan was ineffective, even Yan Shu, Fan Zhongyan's mentor, couldn't persuade him.

"Master Zhang, don't worry, Dean Fan knows what he's doing."

Zhang Fangping smiled and went over to pat his back to help him catch his breath.

Few people present did not admire Dean Fan's character.

However, for someone like that, it is by no means easy to get promoted safely in a place as treacherous as Tokyo.

Even how long to stay in Tokyo is a question.

During their time taking the exams in Tokyo, they saw plenty of the faces of those powerful and wealthy people.

Not to mention the "horrible incident" in which Song Xuan was targeted by officials during the palace examination!
"Master Zhang, you should not overwork yourself in the future."

Song Xuan withdrew his hand and smiled:

"Otherwise, if the students do something earth-shattering in the future, you might not have the chance to witness it."

"Hahaha."

Zhang Shide laughed loudly several times, then pointed at Song Xuan and said:

"Students from Yingtian Academy dominate the top-ranked list, with both the triple crown and the triple tail of the top three appearing simultaneously."

"Unprecedented and unparalleled, I believe no one will ever witness such a grand event again."

Zhang Shide had to admit that Song Xuan and his classmates had done exceptionally well in this exam, bringing many new students and enhanced the reputation of Yingtian Academy.

It's no exaggeration to say that it has become the number one academy in the Song Dynasty.

It is an undeniable fact!

Fortunately, Fan Zhongyan overcame all opposition and had the financial support of Song Xuan.

The academy has built many new school buildings, so that students who come to study abroad will no longer have to sleep outside.

However, with more students, the number of teachers decreased considerably.

Moreover, given this growing reputation, the teacher's character and integrity must be ranked first.

Otherwise, even if Yingtian Academy became the number one academy in the Song Dynasty, it would only be a flash in the pan.

Wang Zhu, who served as both the homeroom teacher and the "vice dean," was covered in sweat.

He really didn't expect that he would suddenly be shouldering such a huge responsibility.

Zhang Shide succeeded Fan Zhongyan as dean.
However, due to his poor health, Vice President Wang Zhu did many things for him.

Emperor Zhao Zhen also specially bestowed an official position upon Wang Zhu, encouraging him to do a good job.

Wang Zhu wiped his sweat and was about to discuss recruiting teachers with Zhang Shide.

In a few months, the academy will once again welcome new life.

"Yo."

Wang Zhu observed that Song Xuan and the others were sitting there quite leisurely:
"Have these newly appointed scholars finally decided to return from the dazzling and luxurious capital city of Tokyo?"

Hearing Wang Zhu's sarcastic question, Song Xuan immediately replied:

"I'm going home to get married, and I specially invited you to attend. I just don't know if Vice Dean Wang has time?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Wang Zhu stepped forward with his hands behind his back:
"You little rascal, you're getting all cocky."

"Hehehe, I've never let it go."

Wang Zhu sat in the chair, sizing up the students.

They are all talents!
Who knows, their official positions might be higher than mine in the future.

"Dean, there are too many students and too few teachers these days. Several teachers have lost their voices."

Wang Zhu first reported the situation to Zhang Shide.

By the way, please ask him to allocate some money and grain to Li Di, the prefect of Yingtian.

Otherwise, relying solely on Song Xuan's bookstore and the support from other guilds in the city, it would be impossible to provide for so many students to study with peace of mind.

Zhang Shide immediately agreed and began writing the letter.

He not only had to write a letter to the newly appointed prefect, but also to the prime minister, Wang Zeng.

After all, with thousands of students flocking to Yingtian Academy, the money and supplies are being consumed too quickly. We request that the imperial court also allocate funds.

Otherwise, Yingtian Academy would truly be unable to continue operating.

"Look what you've done! Now the academy is short of money, food, and teachers."

Wang Zhu couldn't help but sigh. He hadn't expected that Dean Fan would be summoned to the capital to serve as an official at this time, despite being in mourning.

He was left to carry the burden all by himself!
"Hey, we did well on the exam, which brings honor to the academy. Now, who dares to question whether Yingtian Academy is the number one academy in the Song Dynasty?"

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Wang Zhu couldn't help but chuckle a few times.

In the previous imperial examination, both the Song brothers came from Yingtian Academy, but it did not cause such a sensation as this time.

After all, they did not participate in the palace examination because of the late emperor!

But this time is different.

The list from the fifth year of the Tiansheng era is enough to be passed down through the ages.

"By the way, Vice Dean, please don't try to play the poor card with me."

Song Xuan immediately flicked out his folding fan:

"As you know, I'm getting married in a few days. I've bought a lot of goods and will be hosting a banquet for my cronies, old acquaintances, and neighbors."

"In order to raise money, they even released several subsequent chapters of Romance of the Three Kingdoms all at once, just to raise funds."

Wang Zhu didn't actually have high hopes of getting more money from Song Xuan.

After all, Song Xuan was already extremely generous in providing the funds, and ultimately it was for the purpose of selecting talent for the imperial court.

This money should come from the imperial court!
Besides, Song Xuan had already "graduated" from Yingtian Academy.

He'll need money for more things in Tokyo in the future, so he won't be able to spend it as recklessly as before.

Moreover, getting married is always an extremely expensive affair.

Wang Zhu also understood the pressure Song Xuan was under.

After all, his family mostly hindered him rather than helped him.

"Yes."

Wang Zhu sighed softly:
"I didn't know before that Dean Fan worked so hard, having to worry about so many things every day when he opened his eyes."

"Today, the number of people studying at Yingtian Academy has exceeded five thousand."

"Five thousand!"

Wang Zhu stretched out his hand, his eyes filled with worry:

"I suspect that most of the students who failed the provincial and imperial examinations in Tokyo have come. If the news spreads further, I'm afraid even more people will come in the future."

He didn't understand what it meant to be "burdened by fame" before.

I've finally witnessed it these past few days.

I'm really exhausted!
The kind that makes you exhausted both physically and mentally.

People like Ouyang Xiu were also on their way home.

I plan to stay at the academy for a while before returning to my hometown to continue my studies.

Zhang Fangping and others were powerless to help with the current situation of the academy.

After all, they were all poor students before.

Even if one becomes an official and receives a salary, it is still a drop in the ocean when it comes to the construction of an academy.

"Twelfth Brother, do you have any ideas?"

Wang Zhu, looking exhausted, asked with utmost sincerity:
"I'm not asking you to spend money, just to offer some ideas."

"After all, when it comes to making money, everyone in this room combined isn't as smart as you."

at this point.

Even Wang Tai and others agreed.

Song Xuan has a natural talent for business.

He is truly extraordinary.

I'll let you out at eight years old to take on the main responsibility on your own.

There are ways to survive on the streets without stealing or robbing.

Song Xuan fiddled with his folding fan.

Nowadays, schools are all run with the aid of external funding.

Making money is simply impossible.

Especially in the context of the Song Dynasty.

This has relatively lowered the barrier to education; anyone with the will will grit their teeth and let their son go to school.

But this also meant that most scholars did not come from wealthy families.

Just being able to come to school is already exhausting!
"As for a solution to this urgent problem, I do have one."

Song Xuan looked at Wang Zhu, who was listening attentively:
“Master Wang can go to Lingtai Temple and discuss with the abbot how to arrange accommodation for the many students who have recently arrived. There are also other temples outside the city that can be discussed with him.”

"In this way, the academy's expenses can be further reduced, and it is normal for them to stay there and have a meal."

"After all, Lingtai Temple has raised our banner, and now its incense is even more prosperous. Aren't the other temples envious?"

"Besides, very few temples these days are short of money."

Wang Zhu shrank back into a listening posture and began to consider Song Xuan's suggestion.

Many scholars would choose to stay overnight in temples to study diligently in order to temper their will according to Confucianism.

Fan Zhongyan did this.

Bao Zheng did the same thing!
In people's simple understanding, temples are naturally a place of austerity.

It's almost impossible to have a feast of fish and meat.

Unless it's the martial monks at Daxiangguo Temple, who don't have any dietary restrictions.

"That's a good idea. There's no such thing as a free lunch."

In the brief moment between dipping his brush in ink, Zhang Shide responded with a sentence:
"Ever since Lingtai Temple first announced the news that Song Xuan and others had passed the imperial examination with flying colors, the whole city was in an uproar, and many people went there to offer incense."

"Now that Yingtian Academy is in trouble, if Lingtai Temple doesn't agree, Song Xuan and the others are right here!"

Wang Zhu also knew.

In order to provide students like Fan Xiang with meals and candles to study, Song Xuan found a completely new path.

Lingtai Temple did not refuse.

Anyway, they're using candles at night, so letting students read is a win-win situation.

Now, this group of people has truly achieved academic success.

It's quite normal for Lingtai Temple to reap some benefits by leveraging the fame of Song Xuan and others.

No one suffered any losses!
A mutually beneficial relationship.

Wang Zhu nodded repeatedly: "Since the dean has said so, I'll give it a try."

Song Xuan pursed his lips:

"Actually, I have another idea that can make the academy money, but if I say it out loud, I'm afraid it will affect the moral character of scholars in the future, so I don't want to say more."

Zhang Shide paused noticeably.

People become better with age.

He understood what Song Xuan meant.

Some things are not suitable to say in front of everyone.

Wang Zhu nodded:
"The reputation of the academy must not be lost."

Then he changed the subject:
"Since the top three of you are all here, I'll hold a school-wide assembly this afternoon. You can all go up and give a speech, mainly to encourage your classmates."

Wang Zhu felt that it would be difficult to get Song Xuan and the others together again in the future.

After all, they all held official positions.

In comparison, there is much less freedom.

He felt that Song Xuan and Zhang Fangping wouldn't stay in Tokyo for long, and that they would eventually go to local areas to serve as officials and gain experience at the grassroots level.

"I don't really have any excuse to refuse."

Song Xuan couldn't help but laugh a few times.

Han Qi remained silent, only nodding.

Zhang Fangping laughed a few times:
"Master, I'm afraid my learning methods aren't suitable for them."

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter again.

After all, no one in the world can compare to Zhang Fangping's talent.

"It's alright, then you should definitely say something."

"After all, given your talent, you should only be third place!"

"This shows that Song Xuan and Han Qi are stronger, which can encourage their classmates not to overly believe in talent."

Zhang Shide thought it was good that Zhang Fangping was such a talented genius, and that he had also achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination.

Hearing Zhang Shide's words, Zhang Fangping laughed a few times and agreed.

After all, who wouldn't be happy to pass the imperial examination with flying colors?
Since the announcement, everyone has had a warm smile on their face.

Without further hesitation, Wang Zhu immediately began to notify the teachers one by one.

The top three scholars of the fifth year of the Tiansheng era returned to their alma mater to encourage their classmates. This good habit was left behind by Fan Zhongyan.

Both the teachers and students were naturally excited.

Who doesn't yearn for success?

The top three are all from the academy, and I'd like to tell you about them.

If we can learn something from them, won't we have an advantage in future exams?

then.

The students of Yingtian Academy were all as hot as boiling water.

Everyone was talking about it.

Such behavior can be seen as helping the new dean, Zhang Shide, to gain some prestige.

Zhang Shide dismissed the rest of the people before speaking:

"What was that somewhat harmful method you mentioned earlier?"

Song Xuan then explained the meaning of the tuition fee to Zhang Shide, which was to open a door for it.

After all, given the reputation of Yingtian Academy, there would surely be a large number of candidates coming to take the exam, but many of them would fail.

To alleviate the pressure on the academy, some wealthy families' children could pay a large sum of money to enroll, which was essentially an admission fee.

This is a separate admissions process, with limited spots and for those with a certain level of ability.

Moreover, this kind of admissions is held before the formal entrance exam.

The school selection fee they provide is enough to support most students who are admitted to the college through normal entrance examinations.

"If they have potential, then the academy will have made a profit."

"If there are no promising talents, simply fulfilling their expectation of attending a good academy will not affect the imperial examinations of others; on the contrary, it will be helpful."

Zhang Shide did not immediately respond upon hearing this.

According to Song Xuan's speculation, a large number of people are now willing to pay high prices to study at the academy.

However, once this door is opened, it will have some impact on the future development of the academy.

With more students, the professors became even more overworked.

The corresponding compensation will also increase.

All of this requires money.

"I need to think about this matter carefully before discussing it with Wang Zhu."

Because when Yingtian Academy was first established, it was not a free institution for teaching.

There are requirements for all of them!

Zhang Shide also intended to write to Fan Zhongyan about Song Xuan's "way to make money," but ultimately he let Fan Zhongyan make the final decision.

After all, I'm really getting old and my energy is waning.

Wang Zhu is still too young to carry the banner of the academy.

Although Fan Zhongyan is no longer here, he would not stand by and watch the academy he personally reformed fall into a substandard state.

In the spring, at Yingtian Academy, under the ancient cypress trees, students eagerly look up at the high platform.

"Is Song Twelve sitting in the middle of the stage?"

"She's so young!"

"All three of them were just over twenty years old, which is unprecedented and will likely never be repeated."

"Tsk tsk tsk, I'm so envious."

Song Xuan was a student at the academy and enjoyed making friends; most people knew him.

Moreover, many of the older students did not pass the imperial examination.

He achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, becoming the top scholar at a young age. Who wouldn't envy him?

Moreover, the surrounding area is mostly filled with students who come to study abroad.

To ensure that all the students in the audience could hear clearly during his speech, Fan Zhongyan specially installed a large vat used for guarding the city.

An old man was set up to lend his voice.

It is said that Mozi invented a defensive technique to prevent the digging of tunnels, and it has been passed down to this day.

Some theater stages also use this method to amplify sound.

Wang Zhu stepped forward and introduced Song Xuan and other "outstanding classmates" who had achieved excellent results in the imperial examinations in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era.

They all enrolled in the academy three years ago.

This statement left many students studying abroad in disbelief.

After all, studying at the academy for three years was enough to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi, and even a top-ranking one at that, which was incredibly prestigious.

The newly appointed Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, Li Di, and the Magistrate of Songcheng County, Song Qi, arrived together.

After all, the top three winners will be giving speeches to inspire the students, and these local officials also want to experience it for themselves.

If they achieve political success in the future, it will all be theirs!
"It's really lively!"

Song Qi surveyed the sea of ​​heads.

He guessed that Song Hao hadn't returned to the academy; after all, failing the palace examination was something not everyone could accept.

The pressure on his shoulders was even greater when his younger brother achieved the triple crown in the imperial examinations.

Song Qi was also under this pressure at the time, and he understood.

“I have read the letter written by Master Zhang.”

Li Di sighed softly, "What you say is true. Relying solely on the taxes from Yingtian Prefecture is probably not enough."

After all, students from all over the country come here to study, which poses a great challenge to the tax revenue of Yingtian Prefecture, so it is necessary to apply to the imperial court.

If Li Di wanted to achieve political success, he would need to spend several times more money than Yan Shu.

After all, today is different from the past.

Yan Shu achieved remarkable results right from the start. Li Di is determined to continue the glory of Yingtian Academy, so how can he not increase his efforts?

Wang Zhu then began to introduce Zhang Fangping, the third-ranked scholar, and immediately asked Zhang Fangping to come up.

Zhang Fangping took a deep breath. Having been by Song Xuan's side for so long, he wasn't nervous at all. He first bowed to the crowd before accepting the wooden megaphone:
"Dear classmates, my name is Zhang Fangping. Actually, I am very happy to have achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination."

"Because my twelfth brother boasted before the exam that he would be the third-ranked scholar, but unfortunately he failed and became the top scholar!"

As soon as Zhang Fangping finished speaking, the students below burst into laughter.

What does it mean to narrowly lose but still become the top scholar?

How are these words combined?

"Why are you not vying for the top scholar title, but instead competing for the third-place finisher?"

Everyone was puzzled, but some bolder students asked questions.

Zhang Fangping had been waiting for this, and slowly began to speak:

"My twelfth brother once said that it was easy to become the top scholar in the imperial examination, but difficult to become the third-ranked scholar."

"Why?"

Zhang Fangping spoke eloquently:

"Because becoming the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination is no easy feat. The third-ranked scholar is the most learned among the scholars ranked fourth and below. I won once."

"The top two scorers are judged primarily on their academic performance; their appearance is not a crucial factor."

"But I, the third-ranked scholar, am the most handsome among the top three!"

"It's clear that in the Emperor's eyes, I, Zhang Fangping, am more handsome than Song Twelve and Han Sixth Brother. I've won again!"

"How could I not be happy after winning twice like this!"

Zhang Fangping's explanation was refreshing and made everyone laugh.

"It's quite interesting."

"So, the top scholar's real goal was to become the third-ranked scholar!"

"Can you believe what he says?"

"I don't believe it anyway."

Xu Zheng shook his head repeatedly:

Who wouldn't want to be the top scholar in the imperial examination?

Liu Ziming nodded in agreement.

They were both out of their minds back then, they framed Song Xuan, and they didn't even pass the preliminary examination.

Zhang Fangping offered a few more words of encouragement, hoping everyone would study hard and, even if they didn't become the top scholar, at least achieve the third-highest rank.

After Zhang Fangping finished speaking, Wang Zhu invited Han Qi to go up.

Standing on the high platform, Han Qi felt a little nervous looking at the dense crowd of eyes peering towards him.

He was never good with words.

However, after spending a long time by Song Xuan's side, he is no longer as taciturn as before.

However, he doesn't talk much about it.

Han Qi simply recounted how diligently she studied.

The example given was the Qinglong Mutual Aid Learning Group that Song Xuan established.

Fan Xiang's deskmate, who is also the most widely rumored "Three-Tailed Gentleman," is also in the mutual aid study group.

The top five students in the first-class ranking were all from this study group.

Especially in policy discussions, one cannot improve by working in isolation; everyone needs to engage in more discussions.

Of course.

Not everyone in the mutual learning group passed the imperial examination; one of them failed.

"Qinglong Mutual Aid Study Group?"

Zhang Shizhi nodded slightly:
"That's interesting. No wonder Fan Xiang ranked last in the entrance exam, and he was last in all three exams. He has both luck and ability."

"what?"

Zeng Yiyou's eyes revealed a strange look:
"He even came in last place on the entrance exam!"

"Of course, I remember this incident very well because my ranking in the entrance exam was also low."

Zhang Shizhi, however, did not lower his voice:

"Moreover, I still remember that Song Xuan was first in policy essays and poetry, and Zhang Fangping was first in calligraphy and painting."

"I remember now, no matter how the imperial examination is reformed, it can't escape the hands of these two."

Zeng Yiyou nodded slightly; he was Zeng Gong's uncle.

Zeng Gong, who was still young at the time, went with his father to take up his post as county magistrate. He was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the second year of the Tiansheng era.

Zhang Shizhi's father is Zhang Dexiang, who is now a Hanlin Academician.

The head of the Hanlin Academy is the most likely candidate to be promoted to prime minister.

When Empress Liu sent eunuchs to handle matters, Zhang Dexiang would either give them no face or simply remain silent.

In short, he was a staunch imperialist.

After all, with the Empress Dowager now in charge of the government, ministers like Zhang Dexiang are truly a minority.

They can be counted on one hand.

"Good guy."

Zhang Shizhi's revelations have brought back many memories for the students of the academy.

At that time, this group of freshmen was truly suppressed by Song Xuan and Zhang Fangping working together.

"No wonder Wang Yaochen didn't pass the test as well as the other three."

After Han Qi finished explaining his study methods, he expressed his gratitude, and the group discussed it for a while.

Many people are eager to try and start their own Qinglong Mutual Aid Study Groups.

In this way, everyone can encourage each other to study, fill in the gaps in their knowledge, and make progress together, which may help them achieve success in the exams sooner.

Wang Zhu asked Han Qi to go down and rest, and then gave a formal introduction to Song Xuan.

From failing the imperial examination for the first time to achieving the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, he is arguably the youngest top scholar in the history of the Song Dynasty.

No matter how eloquently the second and third place winners spoke, everyone's attention remained on the top scholar.

Amid cheers, Song Xuan took the wooden megaphone and first introduced himself.

"Actually, Master Wang made a mistake earlier, which I only realized later."

Song Xuan sighed softly: "I used to be a carefree and irresponsible person, known as Little Zhou Chu, the number one of the three scourges in my hometown of Lema Town."

Upon hearing Song Xuan reveal his embarrassing secrets, many students burst into laughter.

This immediately shortened the distance between Song Xuan and himself; it turned out he wasn't a saint after all!
Song Xuan did not stop him, and briefly explained his and Zhang Fangping's rankings in the private school at that time: Zhang Fangping was first and he was last.

Back then, all I wanted was to have fun every day. I rode donkeys and hunted, and I especially loved hunting wild boars, because they were tough and thick-skinned and they were a nuisance to crops.

Han Zhixuan looked at Song Xuan. In his memory, Song Xuan was indeed a playboy. He had the opportunity to study at a private school, but he didn't cherish it!

Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the idea of ​​having his younger brother take his place.

This kind of person just doesn't know how to be content.

Then, while Song Xuan was fishing, he encountered Prefect Yan Shu.

He went to invite Dean Fan to come out of retirement, insisting on having a fishing competition with him.

As a result, Prime Minister Yan couldn't catch a single fish, so I had to treat him to grilled fish.

Such amusing old stories brought laughter to everyone.

During this time, Song Xuan muttered about becoming Yan Shu's mentor, and then Yan Shu encouraged him and Zhang Fangping to take the entrance exam for Yingtian Academy.

"It turned out to be true."

Huang Shi also looked incredulous.

"Actually, I did not fail the first imperial examination. It was only after I became the top scholar that Lord Yan told me the truth."

“I actually passed, but he couldn’t stand my carefree attitude and thought I needed to be toughened up, so he chose to dismiss me.”

Song Xuan's words surprised everyone present.

Zhang Shide knew about this because Yan Shu and Fan Zhongyan had mentioned it.

Song Xuan clearly has the talent to pass all three levels of the imperial examinations with top honors, but he only puts two-tenths of his attention into studying. How can that be acceptable?
After all, he is still young, and his father is a gambling addict. He himself is used to being lazy, so we must straighten this sapling and guide Song Xuan onto the right path.

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"Actually, I suspected I had passed the examination, but because I was young, I was tricked by Prefect Yan. I had no choice but to study hard and gradually get to where I am today."

"Therefore, I personally believe that to achieve good results in the imperial examination, one needs one part talent and nine parts hard work to succeed."

This was the first time many students had heard such a statement.

However, Song Xuan's chicken soup was still very helpful.

If you can study at Yingtian Academy, it means you have one part talent, and the rest is nine parts hard work.

No one succeeds easily.

It turns out that Song Xuan was discovered by Yan Shu, who had a keen eye for talent. Moreover, Song Xuan did not waste his talent and worked even harder to get to where he is today.

However, Wang Gongshou, who was listening below, had a look of great suspicion on his face.

He knew a little about Song Xuan.

Twelfth Brother is full of talent, but he doesn't seem to put in any effort at all.

However, he was of low status and only managed to study at the academy because of Song Xuan's connections.

He wisely refrained from sharing his thoughts with his classmates.

Didn't you see how eagerly they were looking at Twelfth Brother?
Listening to Song Xuan's words, Ouyang Xiu sighed softly. Where was his mentor?
Song Xuan waved his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down:

"People might find it strange that Zhang Fangping doesn't share his learning methods?"

"Because he has that photographic memory!"

"He can memorize everything in this book once he finishes reading it. Who among you can do that?"

Song Xuan then asked a question.

The square was filled with noise.

A photographic memory!
Such people actually exist.

"No wonder he got all the answers right in those two subjects; no one can beat him."

Xu Zheng clicked his tongue in amazement and said:
"Luckily they passed the imperial examination. If I had taken the exam with them, I would have definitely failed."

"Yeah, didn't they eliminate us when we submitted our solutions?"

"We won't even make it to the final examination, let alone compete with them!"

Xu Zheng glanced at Liu Ziming with annoyance.

Why do you talk so much?
Although Xu Zheng's maternal uncle was the Song Dynasty, his brothers, future sons, nephews, grandsons, sons-in-law, and granddaughters-in-law all produced countless Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

However, Xu Zheng took the imperial examination three times in a row, spending nine years before finally passing the examination and becoming a Jinshi.

Song Xuan then raised his voice again:
"No one has Zhang Fangping's talent, but he still couldn't beat me."

"I, Song Xuan, became the top scholar in the fifth year of Tiansheng, which shows that talent does not actually have such a big advantage."

puff.

Zhang Fangping couldn't help but laugh.

He then covered his mouth with one hand.

He couldn't help but laugh at the thought of his twelfth brother talking nonsense.

Twelfth Brother envies his own talent, but how could I, Zhang Fangping, not envy his talent as well?
The idea that one part talent plus nine parts effort is enough to succeed is absurd!
That one bit of talent is the most important thing.

Otherwise, even if you put in 99 points of effort, it will all be in vain!
Twelfth Brother is getting better and better at motivating people.

Under the angry glare of his own uncle, lecturer Ji Ying, Zhang Fangping quickly composed himself.

Although Han Qi was taciturn, he was not a fool.

He also understood that Song Xuan was genuinely doing the "motivation" as Zhang Fuzi had requested.

Give them motivational speeches.

After all, most of the students in the audience were losers in the imperial examinations.

They need motivational quotes to bolster their determination to keep taking the exam.

"that's right!"

Of course, some students in the audience loudly cheered, agreeing with Song Xuan's point of view.

Nowadays, the competition for the imperial examinations is becoming increasingly fierce.

Even if Emperor Zhao Zhen wanted to expand the number of students admitted, only a minority could actually pass the imperial examinations.

Most young adults could not pass the imperial examinations, let alone the elderly.

As sunk costs increased, they became even more unwilling to give up the imperial examination system.

Song Xuan smiled:
"The hardships endured on the path of the imperial examination are largely the same, so I won't go into details."

"I'd like to share what I've seen and heard in Tokyo."

Most of the people who came here from Tokyo to study knew about Song Xuan's experiences.

Song Xuan angrily rebuked a member of the imperial family and offended the Prefect of Kaifeng by standing up for his friend. His younger brother, Chen Yaozi, a Hanlin scholar, sabotaged him during the palace examination.

However, Song Xuan did not recount these glorious deeds of defying power, but simply described the scene he saw when he entered Tokyo.

That was truly a case of the rich feasting on meat and wine while the poor froze to death on the streets.

"I thought that after becoming an official, I should stand up for the people, but there are still many refugees in the world who die unnatural deaths."

"Even though there are many external factors, do we, the officials, and those who will be officials in the future, bear no responsibility whatsoever?"

Song Xuan went on to say something more profound: he had also seen the white-haired scholar. Could it be that if he failed the imperial examination and died far from home, he would also be thrown into a mass grave?
"If an official doesn't serve the people, he might as well go home and sell rice."

The students were in an uproar, and even Wang Zhu was starting to lose his composure.

He felt that Song Xuan's motivational topic had gone a bit off track again!

Zhang Fangping, on the other hand, was the thinker, wondering what his twelfth brother really wanted to say.

"You are all future officials of the Great Song Dynasty. I only hope that when you serve as officials in the future, you will not always think about romance and poetry, but also keep the people of our Great Song Dynasty in your hearts."

Song Qi raised an eyebrow.

Why did Song Xuan's remarks sound so sarcastic to him?
After all, Song Qi had been used to a hard life before, but now that he was an official and had money, he was throwing parties every day!

In particular, as the magistrate of the county seat, Song Xuan controlled both the legitimate and criminal worlds of Song City, giving even the ruffians a legitimate way to make a living.

They even organized guilds to care for the elderly, the sick, and the disabled, directly replacing the government.

Aside from checking taxes, Song Qi, the county magistrate, had almost never encountered a murder case.

Isn't that just because you're idle, you're always thinking about throwing parties?
Song Xiang even wrote a letter to advise Song Qi, who directly retorted to his own brother with Captain Jia's "famous saying".

If he doesn't enjoy himself now, wouldn't it be a waste of his chance to pass the imperial examination?

Song Xuan repeated the school motto, and then stated his own views:
"I hope that you will remember these four sentences in the future and strive to live up to them."

"What?"

Huang Shi quickly followed up with a question.

Song Xuan said, enunciating each word clearly:
"Establish a heart for heaven and earth!"

"Establish a destiny for the people!"

"To carry on the legacy of the saints!"

"Bring peace to all eternity!"

After Song Xuan finished speaking, the entire room was initially silent, but then became as agitated as boiling oil.

"What did the top scholar Song mean by that?"

"What Scholar Song said makes some sense!"

Even Zhang Shide stood up, leaning on his cane and staring at Song Xuan's back.

I never imagined that Song Twelve would have such lofty ambitions!

"It's a pity that Fan Xiwen didn't hear it with his own ears. He should have waited until things settled down before writing a lengthy memorial to the emperor."

Zhang Shide stroked his beard with a smile on his face.

Han Qi felt a chill run down his spine.

He originally felt that the gap between him and Song Xuan was not that big.

After all, according to convention, the difference in scores between the top three is very small; it all depends on whose article the emperor favors.

Whoever wins first place will be the winner.

But as soon as Song Xuan uttered those four sentences, Han Qi immediately realized that the gap between him and Song Xuan was not as small as the difference on the exam paper.

It's even bigger than the chasm between the Chu and Han borders!

Zhang Fangping clicked his tongue in amazement. What his twelfth brother had just said about talent not being important was utterly insignificant in the face of these four sentences.

This precisely proves that talent is extremely important.

However, Zhang Fangping believed that few people would doubt that Twelfth Brother's statement that one part talent and nine parts hard work was incorrect!
Prefect Li Di of Yingtian Prefecture was so shocked that he plucked out several of his own beard hairs. Over the years, he had not been able to summarize the ambitions that a scholar should have.

Or rather, Song Xuan so easily summarized the lofty aspirations that even generations of sages had failed to articulate.

Li Di was dumbfounded, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

On the contrary, Song Qi quickly came to his senses:

"No wonder his strategic arguments surpassed everyone else and he won first place. Who wouldn't be confused by those four sentences?"

"Given time, Song Xuan might even be called 'Master Song'!"

Li Di still couldn't hide the shock on his face.

As a seasoned veteran in officialdom, Li Di usually pays great attention to hiding his expression and tries his best not to show his joy or anger.

However, Song Xuan's four sentences were so shocking that he forgot to control his expression.

"Song Zi?"

Song Qi looked at Li Di with great surprise. Was such high praise really necessary?

Those people are all sages like Confucius and Mencius, and you're making Song Xuan a saint on the spot?
I'm not afraid of being laughed at if I told anyone!
Does Song Xuan deserve it?
Li Di did not argue with Song Qi; time will tell.

Just like before, no one thought Song Xuan could achieve the result of passing all three levels of the imperial examination!

But he actually did it.

After Song Xuan finished speaking, he thanked everyone and then left.

Holding the wooden megaphone, Wang Zhu was also extremely unsettled.

The students below have already started a heated discussion.

The four sentences spoken by Song Xuan can serve as a lifelong motto for many scholars.

Zhang Fangping looked Song Xuan up and down and joked:

"Twelfth Brother, what you just said is like setting off a firecracker."

"Scholars are forever young, forever prone to tears, and forever fond of forgetting their lessons."

Song Xuan swallowed back what he was about to say: "Maybe they'll only be touched for a while, and then forget about it after a good night's sleep."

"Hahaha."

Zhang Fangping burst into laughter. He knew that when his twelfth brother said something encouraging, it was always so extraordinary.

However, Zhang Shide unusually reprimanded him:
"Twelfth Brother, you must be even more careful with your words and actions from now on."

"You must not let anyone else hear your conversation with Zhang Dalang; it will not be good for you."

"Yes, Master."

Song Xuan chuckled: "We two like to tease each other, and it's hard to change that in a short time."

"I've lived in Tokyo too. They're ruthless and can easily trap you."

Zhang Shide sighed softly:

“Honest people like Fan Xiwen and you are easily taken advantage of. Actually, I don’t want to teach you to be more careful in everything you do when you’re out in the world, so that you don’t get set up by others.”

Song Xuan had no choice but to agree.

Zhang Fangping, however, looked suspicious. It seemed that Master Zhang really didn't understand Twelfth Brother.

It's best to warn the others to be careful, lest they be tricked by Brother Twelve without their knowledge.

Even the host, Wang Zhu, couldn't control the heated discussion on set, so he stepped back and looked at Song Xuan seriously, saying:
"You're truly a top scholar!"

Song Xuan waited for a long time, but he didn't say anything.
"What really is it?"

(End of this chapter)