Do you know: I should be fat and you should be thin!

Zhou Ning bid farewell to Sheng Changbai, arranged to visit him on another day, and then went with the eunuch.

The two arrived at a side hall, where the eunuch led Zhou Ning inside and then closed the door.

"Pengqi? You're here too?" Sheng Hong said excitedly as he approached.

He had been locked up for most of the day, and finally he saw a living person!

Seeing his expression, Zhou Ning remembered something important!

Sheng Changfeng's catastrophic disaster!

But what does this have to do with me?

Zhou Ning bowed and asked, "Lord Sheng, how long have you been here?"

Sheng Hong returned the greeting and said softly, "I've been here since court this morning, told to wait here. But His Majesty hasn't summoned me yet. I wanted to change clothes (go to the toilet), but the guards won't let me; they won't let me leave even a step!"

Zhou Ning smiled wryly and said, "I'm afraid it's Third Brother who's caused trouble."

Sheng Hong, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean?"

Zhou Ning said irritably, "Does Lord Sheng not know what Third Brother has been up to lately? He's been indulging in debauchery with those sons of officials who failed the imperial examinations, and he didn't even come to my housewarming banquet. Among those people, there might be some from the Prince of Yan, and maybe even some..." He pointed upwards as he spoke.

Sheng Hong stumbled suddenly. He was a seasoned veteran, so how could he not understand that he had been betrayed by his illegitimate son!

"That little beast! He..." Sheng Hong was furious.

"Shh! Keep quiet! His Majesty is known for his kindness and benevolence. If he wants your life, he will take it when you come to court. It's just a warning to others. As long as you behave well as a loyal subject, you will be safe and sound," Zhou Ning whispered a reminder.

I have to help my cheap father-in-law; he owes me money for the house!

Sheng Hong suppressed his anger, found the argument reasonable, and nodded repeatedly.

The two waited a while longer, and then the eunuch returned and summoned Zhou Ning.

Zhou Ning straightened his clothes and followed him.

Side room!

Zhou Ning saw the old emperor sitting casually, his hands clasped in front of his chest in a gesture of respect, then he stood still with his hands clasped, waiting for the old emperor to ask him a question.

"Do you know why I kept you here to speak?" the old emperor asked.

Zhou Ning honestly replied, "Your Majesty, I do not know!"

The old emperor said, "Your young age sets a precedent for the top scholar in our Great Zhou Dynasty. According to the historical precedent for appointing top scholars, you should directly enter the Hanlin Academy to share my burdens. However, this morning, the court officials had many objections to this matter!"

Zhou Ning understood. It meant that the old guys in the court thought he was too inexperienced and not yet qualified to enjoy such good jobs as drafting imperial edicts, serving as an advisor to the emperor, compiling national history, and organizing classics!

They're reluctant to give up their seats, since there are only so many good spots, and if you want to get in, you have to squeeze one out!

Damn it!

The officialdom is indeed corrupt!

"Your Majesty, I have something to say that I must say!" Zhou Ning bowed again.

The old emperor said, "Please speak freely."

Zhou Ning retorted angrily, "The appointment of my subjects is Your Majesty's business. Ultimately, Your Majesty rules this empire. When did it become the turn of you officials to hold such power? Is it because I am young that I am destined to suffer this humiliation? I beg Your Majesty to do justice for me!"

The old emperor laughed and said, "Don't even mention you; even I suffer their daily oppression. Do you know why?"

Zhou Ning said earnestly, "That's because Your Majesty is benevolent! I have thoroughly studied history and searched through the ancient emperors, and there is truly none who surpasses Your Majesty. If anyone disagrees, I am willing to debate with them!"

The old emperor was very pleased and said, "If you are unwilling to be sent out for experience, then answer ten questions for me! If I am satisfied, I will reward you with a favor!"

The grace meant overcoming all opposition to ensure his stay in Beijing for hospitalization!

Zhou Ning was overjoyed and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, if my answer was satisfactory, may I ask if this favor could be exchanged for a marriage decree? I am willing to be sent out to gain experience and will certainly not cause Your Majesty any trouble!"

The old emperor said, "A ruler's word is law! But whether you receive this favor or not depends on you!"

Zhou Ning confidently asked, "Your Majesty, please ask!"

The old emperor said, "I have a question. Wu did not study the military strategies of Sun Tzu and Wu Qi. When Ding questioned him, Wu said that it was enough to judge whether the strategy was correct. How do you interpret this?"

This question discusses whether a general's ability to lead troops should be emphasized by memorizing military texts or by practical military strategies.

The emperor was testing Zhou Ning's judgment on the criteria for selecting talent.

Zhou Ning replied loudly, "Your Majesty, the military strategies of Sun Tzu and Wu Qi summarize the universal principles of warfare over a thousand years, helping generals avoid many detours. If one completely ignores the basics and relies solely on trial and error, it's easy to make basic mistakes. However, memorizing them perfectly is unnecessary. A general who is ignorant of astronomy, geography, the art of war, yin and yang, battle formations, and military strategy is mediocre. A good general must possess comprehensive abilities; he cannot only know how to lead troops into battle, nor should he only know how to recite military strategies!"

The old emperor agreed wholeheartedly and said, "Listen to my second question! Bing served as county magistrate but had no reputation for good governance. Ding said he was not a talent suitable for a hundred-mile area, while Ren said a gentleman is not confined to one thing. Would one's reputation change because of the size of one's position? How do you judge this?"

This question discusses whether it is reasonable to "use great talents for small tasks." The emperor is testing Zhou Ning on how to view such talented people who have no achievements in governance.

Zhou Ning pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, true talent lies in its inherent ability. It doesn't become mediocre simply because one holds a minor official position, nor does it automatically transform one into a talent just because one holds a high one. Bing's lack of achievements as a county magistrate doesn't necessarily mean he lacks ability; it might simply mean that this minor position hasn't allowed him to utilize his strengths. Our Great Zhou places great emphasis on the 'reputation' and 'achievements' of local officials during their tenure. However, Ding's judgment that Bing lacks a reputation as a county magistrate negates all of his abilities is flawed. After all, Bing might be more adept at central planning. His lack of skill in grassroots affairs doesn't mean he isn't talented. Just as I, if I were to become a county magistrate, might not necessarily achieve great results. Could it be that Your Majesty has misjudged him? Is the title of 'Top Scholar' undeserved? If Ding underestimates me, then I will test my learning against him. Whether it's the Four Books and Five Classics, or policy questions and poetry, I will certainly not disgrace the title of 'Top Scholar'!"

The old emperor laughed and said, "An interesting answer. Listen to my three questions! If a private individual possesses a crossbow but confesses that he only has a spear, and the weapons vary in weight and grade, what should the sentence be?"

This is to test Zhou Ning's understanding of the law and his judgment in sentencing!

The emperor had his own answers to every question, and the closer the answer was to what the emperor was thinking, the better the answer!

Zhou Ning pondered for a moment and replied, "According to the laws of this dynasty, crossbows are top-level controlled weapons. Possessing even one set of armor and three crossbows is punishable by exile for two thousand li. Possessing three sets of armor and five crossbows is punishable by hanging. Although spears are also prohibited weapons, the punishment is far lighter than that for armor and crossbows. I believe the crime should be based on the actual possession of armor and crossbows, exempting the spear offense for the confession, retaining the full punishment for the armor and crossbows offense, and only reducing the death penalty by one degree according to the laws of this dynasty!"

The old emperor stood up and laughed, "We should really let those old ministers see that even at thirteen, the top scholar of our Great Zhou has extraordinary insight!"

Zhou Ning realized that he had answered the first three questions well, and the old emperor was quite satisfied, so he breathed a sigh of relief.

It's like when a teacher asks and answers questions quickly, you don't have much time to think. What the teacher wants is your true level and opinions. How can you make people not nervous?

"Listen to the fourth question! When Ding was out, he saw Gui tied up on the road. He untied the left horse of his carriage to redeem him. After returning home, he went inside without thanking him. Gui wanted to break off all ties with him. Is that reasonable?"

......