nycdaug Chapter 147 The announcement of the results shocked the government and the public
Chapter 147 The announcement of the results shocked the government and the public
The students were filled with disbelief, whispering to one another, "Mr. Laozi, could he be the world-renowned Taoist sage Li Er? Why would he appear in our small academy?"
A young student in the crowd couldn't help but ask loudly, "Dean, is this... is this really Mr. Laozi?"
The dean turned around, nodded solemnly, and said in a deep voice, "Indeed, this is Mr. Laozi, whom I went through so much trouble to invite from Hangu Pass. He wants to teach the great principles to the students of my academy."
After that, the dean personally stepped forward, carefully helped the old man up, and said apologetically, "Sir, I'm really sorry for causing you any injustice. These servants were blind and didn't recognize the great man. I hope you will forgive me."
Mr. Laozi's face was filled with anger. He waved his sleeves and said angrily, "I am not very knowledgeable and talented, so it is difficult for me to teach you saints. I hope the dean can find someone else who is more virtuous!"
Seeing him leave, the students of Nanping Prefecture looked at each other. Amidst everyone's envious and complicated gazes, they straightened their backs and strode out of the school.
The dean was horrified upon seeing this. He hurried forward, begging desperately, "Sir, please stay! It's my fault for not teaching well that this misunderstanding has occurred. Please consider these students' thirst for knowledge and stay for a while."
Mr. Laozi paused, but did not turn around. He just snorted coldly.
At this moment, there was an uproar in the school, and all the students had regretful expressions on their faces.
Mr. Laozi's class is worth a fortune. Even the emperor was rejected when he wanted to attend. Such a good opportunity was ruined by them. The dean wants to kill someone at this moment.
After leaving the school, Mr. Laozi walked forward leisurely, with dozens of students from Nanping Prefecture following him from a distance.
They pushed each other, their expressions full of embarrassment and hesitation. Although they admired each other, no one dared to take the first step.
Halfway through the journey, Mr. Laozi seemed to sense something, suddenly stopped and slowly turned around.
He swept his eyes gently over the students, a kind smile on his lips, and asked in a gentle voice, "Why are you following me?"
The leading student blushed and stammered, "Sir, we...we have long admired your knowledge. We are sorry for offending you just now. We hope you will forgive us and stay to teach us."
Other students also echoed and spoke sincerely.
Mr. Laozi nodded slightly, his eyes sharp as a torch, and he spoke slowly, "The way to study is to be humble and respectful. Have you learned anything from what happened today?"
The students looked at each other, a hint of resistance flashing in their eyes. They lowered their heads reluctantly and muttered softly, "We are here to study. We shouldn't clash with students from the academy."
Although the words were spoken, they all had frowns on their brows, their lips turned down, and their faces were full of dissatisfaction. It was obvious that these words were spoken out of helplessness and were not sincere.
Mr. Laozi suddenly burst out laughing and said, "You little clever fellows are so honest! All the little schemes in your mind are running on your face like a revolving lantern, and I can see through them at a glance."
When everyone heard this, they felt as if their acupuncture points were pressed as their little thoughts were exposed. The expressions on their faces froze, and their faces turned red and white. It was so exciting, they looked just like a group of kittens caught stealing food.
The student looked nervous and said with a stiff upper lip, "Mr. Laozi, can we study with you?"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Laozi burst into laughter: "You are quite arrogant, kid. You should know that I never accept disciples."
The student hurriedly waved his hands and explained, "Teacher, you misunderstood! I have absolutely no such intention. We simply long to listen to your lectures, not to become your disciples!"
Mr. Laozi looked at the nervous and anxious students, and a hint of relief flashed in his eyes.
He slowly raised his hand and gently stroked his beard, his eyes full of inquiry as he asked calmly, "I heard that there's a little girl county lady in your Nanping Prefecture. Is this true?"
"That's right!" The students puffed out their chests and responded with pride.
At the mention of Yan Wanwan, a glow of pride involuntarily appeared on everyone's face. In their hearts, Yan Wanwan was a well-deserved benefactor. If she hadn't invested money and effort to transform Nanping Prefecture, changing their fate and allowing them the opportunity to attend school, they wouldn't have had the chance to embark on this journey to Beijing for the imperial examination.
Mr. Laozi exclaimed in admiration, "That girl is quite good, a person of great righteousness. Since you are eager to learn, I will explain the great Dao of heaven and earth to you."
Upon hearing this, the students immediately cheered and their faces were filled with excitement and joy.
The day of the scientific examination soon arrived, and all the students gathered together. Their future path depended on this.
Time passed slowly, and half a month passed quietly.
Yan Wanwan finally returned from several villages around Nanping Prefecture.
She traveled tirelessly, conducting detailed surveys of the infrastructure in the village one by one. She witnessed with her own eyes that the roads had been repaired and the water conservancy facilities were in good order. There was no cutting corners, and no one had tampered with her plans. She also carefully confirmed that the village's planting plan had been implemented. The vibrant medicinal fields were like boxes of finished medicines in front of her.
Until this moment, her heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down.
Yan Wanwan was full of anticipation. At the current rate of development, it wouldn't be long before the medicinal field would be able to harvest a full batch of medicinal herbs, which would be a real life-saving straw.
The outside world's attention was always focused on her. People were secretly wondering when she would take action to purchase food and supplies. After all, her husband was in deep trouble and his life or death was uncertain.
However, she was like a small boat on a calm lake, showing no sign of buying food and fodder, as if she was completely unconcerned about her husband's life and death. Her calmness was incomprehensible.
The only person who knows the truth is Xiaotao. Whenever someone asks her about Yan Wanwan's news, she looks like she wants to say something but hesitates.
She didn't expect that Yan Wanwan didn't even try to save her and chose to divorce her directly!
On the day of the announcement of the results, outside the Imperial Examination Hall in the capital, a group of students were filled with nervousness and anticipation, with anxiety and uneasiness written all over their faces. They gathered in front of the list early in the morning, eagerly waiting, just to know their fate at the first moment.
Some students kept rubbing their hands and staring at the list, as if they were afraid of missing their names; others paced back and forth, muttering to themselves, as if to cheer themselves up.
At this time, the yamen runners led the way and shouted to the crowd: "Announce the results!"
At the same time, in the court, important officials from the cabinet and the Ministry of Rites were also shocked by a list.
The ministers gathered around the table, their faces filled with astonishment, whispering and discussing among themselves.
It turned out that, of the nearly one hundred successful candidates in this spring's imperial examination, nearly half were from Nanping Prefecture. This astonishing figure instantly shocked the court and the public. Even the experienced examiners were amazed, their faces filled with disbelief, and they exclaimed that it was truly remarkable.
Inside the Golden Throne Hall, the emperor held the list in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed. He couldn't help but look at it again and again, a hint of doubt and gloom in his eyes.
After a long moment, he raised his head, glanced at the ministers below, and asked, "Are these people... really so outstanding?"