HLnovel Chapter 1180 Interview
Chapter 1180 Interview
The people began searching for the three unlucky ones in the crowd; after all, they had failed the exam, and their faces certainly weren't looking too good.
But before they could find the "suspicious person," the clerk cleared his throat and spoke again.
"Please be quiet, everyone! The prefectural government and the examiners have confirmed that these three students have absolutely no connection to the embezzlement case. Their failure to pass the exam is due to illness, poverty, or being too busy making a living to study, resulting in a slight decline in their academic abilities. Considering their lack of cheating and the hard work they have put in, the prefectural government and the examiners have decided to hold a personal interview with the three students this afternoon at the prefectural school office!"
The people reacted in various ways when they heard that the three unlucky men still had a chance.
But what puzzled everyone was: "Sir, what is an 'interview'? Is it a face-to-face exam?"
The clerk had just learned a new word today, and he was still warming it up when he immediately spoke up: "'Interview' is actually quite easy to understand. What that old man just said was pretty much right. 'Interview' is simply a method by which an examiner examines and tests an applicant face-to-face."
The old man who was called on grinned and couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what are the main questions the examiners will ask them in this interview?"
"That's a good question." The clerk affirmed the old man again, and replied, "This interview is only to verify their character and basic knowledge, to see if they are promising talents. If they are indeed not unruly and unlearned, the government will not revoke their scholar status!"
Before the common people could respond, the clerk continued, "Gentlemen, Lord Shen said that in selecting talents for the imperial examinations, character is the most important factor, followed by academic ability. As long as the candidates are innocent and without fault, a temporary setback is nothing to worry about, and the government will not cut off their path to further education because of it."
After he finished speaking, the crowd fell silent for a moment.
Some people think this is a good thing, that the unfortunate ones should be given another chance; others think that the three people are unworthy of their positions and should be stripped of their titles.
For a moment, people were talking about it.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd: "I believe this action is appropriate!"
All eyes turned to him, and they realized that the speaker was none other than Pei Zhaoqi, the top scorer in the re-examination.
Pei Zhaoqi's gaze fell on the notice, but his words were addressed to everyone present: "In my past studies, I also had to abandon the exams due to hunger and cold, so I know the hardships involved. And today... I am able to be ranked first in the list because Lord Shen has created a space for students from poor families. Lord Shen understands the suffering of the common people and also pities the difficulties of students. Therefore... I hope that you all can understand Lord Shen's good intentions and give them a chance."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiming on the pavilion nodded to himself.
The young man brought out by Lord Shen is indeed extraordinary; with just a few words, he has elevated those who held opposing views to a higher position.
His words, seemingly handing the decision-making power to those who opposed him, actually placed them at the center of public debate.
In this way, if those people still want to oppose it, they will be going against "poor families" and "ordinary students".
Sure enough, a few moments later, voices of agreement rose from the crowd.
"Chief Pei is right. Everyone has their difficulties. Helping others is also helping yourself. Why not give those three a chance? If they are truly unruly and incompetent, they certainly won't pass the interview."
"Exactly! Having many scholars in the government office brings honor to us common people, doesn't it? What's there to object to!"
"Yes!"
For a time, the winds shifted to one side.
While praising Pei Zhaoqi for his "eloquence," Fang Ziyan couldn't help but think of the outrageous things she had done before, and secretly blushed with shame.
"When-when-when-"
In the pavilion, Jiang Zhiming struck the gong at the opportune moment, bringing the debate to a close.
"Gentlemen!" Amidst the puzzled looks of the crowd, Jiang Zhiming smiled and said, "There is another important matter, have you all forgotten?"
event?
The common people looked at each other, their thoughts just beginning to form when the "second to last" person jumped three feet high: "I haven't forgotten! The reward hasn't been given yet! Fifty taels of silver!"
Everyone was taken aback by his excitement.
Anyone who didn't know better would think he was the top scorer...
"That's right! The rewards haven't been distributed yet!" Jiang Zhiming didn't let Fang Ziyan finish speaking, and then announced: "Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), right here, Lord Shen will personally distribute the rewards to all the candidates. Everyone, see you tomorrow!"
The candidates gasped for breath.
The promised post-exam reward has indeed arrived...
Suppressing their excitement, they looked at the red list to confirm their ranking and the rewards they would receive.
That afternoon, thanks to the efforts of several craftsmen, a wooden podium rose from the ground and stood prominently in front of the Examination Yuan.
Many test takers spent a sleepless night.
......
The next day, Mao Shi.
As soon as the city gates opened, several carriages came crashing through the morning mist.
"Three horses?" The guard glanced at the lead carriage, gripped his sword, walked over, and raised his hand, saying, "Stop the carriage."
According to regulations, carriages pulled by multiple horses must be inspected before entering the city. The garrison soldiers inspect two-horse carriages the most, so this three-horse carriage is quite rare.
"Uu——"
With the driver's help, the three horses stopped at the same time.
"Where did you come from?" a soldier asked as he stepped forward.
"Yuanzhou," the coachman replied, handing over the register.
"Yuanzhou?" The soldier took the register, looking at it as he asked, "Yuanzhou isn't close. You set off yesterday?"
The driver nodded: "We set off at sunset yesterday and traveled overnight to get here."
Upon hearing this, the guard raised his eyelids slightly and handed the register back. "The register is fine, but the carriage needs to be checked. Tell the carriage behind you."
The driver retrieved the register, turned and whispered a few words into the carriage, then jumped off the platform and notified the other carriages.
Before long, the four carriages passed the inspection and were allowed to pass by the guards in accordance with regulations.
......
4:45 AM.
As soon as a pale gold hue appeared on the horizon, a large crowd had already gathered at the entrance of the examination hall.
Many test takers had dark circles under their eyes, clearly indicating they hadn't slept all night.
Feeling the envious glances from the people and listening to their discussions about "the benefits of studying," a sense of pride welled up within them.
There may be no real gold in the book, but Lord Shen will reward them with real gold and silver. This feeling... is simply wonderful.
As the weather was perfect and the sunlight grew stronger, a commotion suddenly arose from the crowd: "They're here! They're here! The government's carriages are here! Look at those boxes on the back of the carriages, they must be full of rewards!"
The people spontaneously made way for the carriage, which slowly moved to a stop beside the podium.
Shen Zheng bent down and stepped out of the carriage, greeted by the voices of examinees and commoners: "Greetings, Lord Shen!"
Shen Zheng smiled and nodded, then looked up at the sky and gestured for the guards to carry the boxes onto the podium. She then said, "Gentlemen, it's not yet Chen Shi (7-9 AM). Would you like to see the sincerity of the government office first?"