Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 83 The imperial decree!

Chapter Eighty-Three: Imperial Edict!

After Ye Ru composed this poem on cultivating virtue, the imperial examination literary gathering gradually came to an end.

This time, Ye Ru's literary reputation was not only renowned throughout Qingyun County, but also known throughout the country.

A model for scholars, appointed by a semi-saint, his literary talent alone caused turmoil in all directions; every achievement he made was considered by others to be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

However, today it has truly come true in everyone's disbelief.

The glory and brilliance of the nation gradually faded away after the imperial examinations ended, eventually vanishing completely.

"Teachable."

Some scholars bowed to the sky with heartfelt admiration, and then whispered.

At this moment, Ye Ru and Su Tongyao also returned to Wenxing Private School to continue their studies.

The students at Wenxing Private School developed even greater respect for Ye Ru, and a period of peace lasted for three or four days afterward.

However, this peace was shattered the day before the imperial examination.

That afternoon.

"Sir, Ye Tongsheng is right here."

While Ye Ru was studying Han Feizi, Fang Zifeng's voice sounded outside the door, prompting him to slowly look up, turn around, and open the door.

However, when he opened the door, he was immediately startled. Whether it was Magistrate Zhang, the Assistant Magistrate, or the Jinshi Pang from the Four Mirrors and Three Brightnesses Hall, they were all standing at the door. In front of them was a serious old man dressed in the official robes of a third-rank official.

Many scholars around looked at Ye Ru with mixed feelings of joy and worry, unaware of what had happened.

Fang Zifeng and Pang Juren looked at Ye Ru with strange eyes.

"This man is Xu Wenshu, the Grand Secretary, a member of the treacherous faction of the Left Chancellor. He might make things difficult for you today, so be careful..."

As Ye Ru was somewhat confused, he saw Pang Jun, who was behind the Grand Secretary, move his lips and a voice entered his ear.

"The Left Prime Minister?"

Ye Ru's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized something, so he bowed to these people:

"Greetings, esteemed sirs. It's windy outside, please come in and speak with us."

"You don't need to, just stay here."

The Grand Secretary took out a golden scroll from his sleeve and then shouted loudly:

"Imperial edict arrives! Ye Ru of Qingyun County, receive the edict!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the Wenxing Private School was shocked and immediately knelt down. However, Ye Ru narrowed his eyes, only bent over slightly, and did not kneel down.

Because, in their own time, this feudal tradition was no longer applicable.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Ye Ru of Qingyun County, having been granted the title of a prodigy, presented an ancient stele with a war inscription on the frontier, demonstrating his concern for the country and its people. His four poems astonished the sages, enhancing the prestige of our nation. He assisted Chen Jinshi in executing a traitor, achieving great merit and hard work. Furthermore, he shone brightly in the imperial examinations, adding fourfold to the fortunes of our nation. He serves as a model for scholars throughout the land, a foundation for future generations, and a beacon of knowledge for learning. Therefore, by imperial grace, you are hereby conferred the titles of 'Distinguished Family of Qingyun,' 'Pillar of the Nation,' and 'Exemplary Scholar,' and are bestowed with a thousand bolts of brocade and a hundred taels of gold. The Grand Secretary Xu Wenshu hereby grants you an imperial edict. You uphold the tradition of integrity and uprightness, and your service to the government is commendable. This honor is hereby bestowed upon you."

These words shocked everyone present. In ancient times, King Wen of Zhou had listed King Zhou's numerous crimes. Today, the imperial court was actually helping Ye Ru improve his literary reputation. The entire imperial edict contained not a single negative word; it was all praise for Ye Ru. It was of extraordinary significance.

The praise of Ye Ru—a prominent family, a model for scholars, a pillar of the nation, a pioneer for intellectuals, and a beacon for future generations—made the scholars present extremely envious of him.

However, some people were indignant, arguing that Ye Ru had done so much, yet all he received was the status of a member of a prominent family in Qingyun County, which was unreasonable and unfair.

Ye Ru sighed. As the saying goes, "merit can overshadow the emperor." He knew that the emperor was doing this, but the Left Chancellor might be behind it.

He could guess that the position of Grand Secretary was definitely not as simple as just conveying imperial edicts.

"Hand it over."

The Grand Secretary Xu Wenshu respectfully handed it to Ye Ru.

"Thank you for your divine grace!"

Ye Ru raised his hands and accepted the imperial edict. Then the edict disappeared, turning into a small golden dragon that entered Ye Ru's body.

At the same time, Ye Ru felt a powerful force surging through his limbs and bones.

Subsequently, the Grand Secretary handed over an official seal representing a prominent family to Ye Ru.

"I have already issued the imperial decree, but why do you not kneel? This disrespect for the emperor is unforgivable!"

After Ye Ru received the imperial edict, the Grand Chancellor's expression suddenly turned extremely stern, and he reprimanded him sternly.

"really."

Ye Ru narrowed his eyes. Ever since Pang Jinshi said that this person was from the Left Prime Minister's faction, he had known that today would not be so simple.

"I, Ye Ru, do not worship heaven and earth, nor do I respect ghosts and gods."

Ye Ru said calmly.

"You disrespect Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher, and are a great traitor. Although you have served the country and made great contributions, you may be spared the death penalty, but you cannot escape punishment. You are hereby stripped of your eligibility for the imperial examinations and will never be employed again. Guards, take you away!"

These words stunned Su Tongyao. She had originally thought it was an official appointment, but how did it turn out like this?

"You corrupt official, unable to distinguish right from wrong!"

These words filled many scholars with anger, and they cursed inwardly.

"My lord, shouldn't we consult with the authorities about this matter...?"

"No need to ask for instructions. Anyone who pleads for leniency will be punished as an accomplice!"

Before Fang Zifeng could finish speaking, the Grand Secretary glanced at him and said coldly.

"Lord Xu, this is not fair. Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher—one only needs to have reverence in one's heart. Confucius also said, 'The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits.' Do you intend to defy the words of Confucius?"

A chill flashed in Ye Ru's eyes; the Left Prime Minister's men had indeed been mobilized.

"Still trying to argue? Take him away!"

Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside, and then dozens of constables surrounded Ye Ru.

"Dog officer!"

"Traitorous minister who harmed the country!"

One person shouted loudly, causing a commotion among the crowd.

"Are you trying to rebel?!"

The Grand Secretary was clearly not expecting such a commotion, and immediately roared in anger.

"No one is allowed to arrest Young Master Ye Ru!"

Su Tongyao suddenly stood in front of Ye Ru, spreading her arms wide. Although her face was pale, she did not back down at all.

"If you dare to move, I will splatter blood five steps ahead of me. Don't believe me? Just try me!"

A surge of anger welled up in Ye Ru's heart, and his scholarly talent suddenly erupted, unleashing a hurricane of talent that spread outwards, leaving everyone wide-eyed and shocked.

"When did Ye Ru become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the lowest level of the imperial examinations)?"

"The 'Sacred Child Scholar' has become the 'Sacred Scholar'?"

"He hasn't even obtained the title of Tongsheng yet. If he passes the Tongsheng exam this year, he can also take the Xiucai exam!"

Feeling this immense talent, countless people were stirred up, and they could all feel the oppressive aura emanating from it.

The constables who were trying to grab Ye Ru's arm froze in mid-air.

They have the authority to arrest those who are destined to become scholars, but they need to think twice before acting if someone is destined to become a scholar.

Xu Wenshu sensed the scholar's aura, and a gloomy expression appeared on his face. However, just as he was about to speak, a voice that was both angry and authoritative rang out in the world, causing his face to turn extremely pale:

"Xu Wenshu, have you forgotten about the matter of the Vice Minister of War? If you dare to touch the Imperial Scholar, I will surely cut you down with my sword!"