CHAPTER 590: CHAPTER 491: WINNING WITH A SENSATION

Everyone thought back carefully on the process of the exam and suddenly arrived at two bold speculations.

The Imperial Grandson had been slow to start writing, not because the test was too difficult, but because he found it too easy.

And the phrase he uttered, "Even if I win, what of it? A victory without merit is no victory at all," wasn’t intended as a veiled jab at Prince Jian—it was actually directed at himself.

Had they not seen the exam paper, they would have unhesitatingly assumed he was arrogant and overly self-assured.

But after reading it, all anyone could think was—if they possessed such talent, surely they’d be even more arrogant and self-assured than the Imperial Grandson!

The Imperial Grandson was actually restraining himself.

Prince Jin and his son’s expressions became exceptionally grim, and those of Prince Rui and King Qi were likewise no better.

Back at Prince Qin Mansion, both had been unwavering supporters of the elder brother.

First, because Prince Jin was the eldest son.

Second, because Consort Hu came from an esteemed background.

Third, because Prince Jin was both intellectually sharp and brave, far surpassing his younger brothers.

They had been satisfied with him becoming the Crown Prince.

But Lu Zhaoyan had none of these advantages of birth, and his mother had been a mere humble servant—what virtue or talent gave him the right to rise above them?

It was, ultimately, a deep-seated jealousy they themselves were unwilling to admit.

More and more ministers pressed forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the two Imperial Grandsons’ exam papers.

The moment a minister saw Prince Jian’s exam paper, their first reaction was that the marks were absurdly wrong—if such a performance was only worth one "A" and four "B" grades, then just how extraordinary would the five-"A" paper have to be?

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

They were promptly slapped in the face collectively.

The difference between the two Imperial Grandsons was no longer that of a tragic "Born as Yu, why must Liang exist?" rivalry—it was an unfathomable gulf in ability, a complete and thorough domination.

In fairness, Prince Jian’s exam paper wasn’t bad—truly not bad. The strictness of the examiners was well known, and plenty among those gathered had experienced this firsthand.

Each of their own talented sons had endured quite the scolding from these same officials.

It truly was a case of "beyond the mountain lies another mountain, and beyond mankind, another man."

The elderly Meng, head of the Cabinet Ministers, held Lu Yuan’s exam paper in trembling hands, tears streaming down his face: "Brilliant! Such brilliance in both talent and form! To have seen this paper in my lifetime—death now holds no regret!"

Meng, the foremost scholar in the Southwest, occupied a place in the hearts of literary talents and scholars no less esteemed than that of the Wushan Goddess to the people of Miaojiang.

After Emperor Liang acknowledged the grandson, his first choice for Lu Qi’s teacher was none other than this Meng.

Yet Meng declined, citing advanced age, declining health, and inability to devote himself fully to teaching as reasons, lest he hamper the Commandery Prince’s future.

At the time, everyone believed this. Looking back now, it likely wasn’t the real reason—Meng probably didn’t see the merit in him!

More and more ministers crowded forward to witness the paper that had left Meng in tears, shoving King Qi and Prince Rui to the side.

Prince Jin suddenly began to regret his actions.

Had he foreseen this, he would never have rechecked the two papers.

He clenched his fingers tightly, only just suppressing his anger, when a burly figure suddenly knocked into him.

About to explode in fury, the person had already disappeared into the crowd.

The culprit wasn’t anyone else—it was Duke Jiang, who had just been thrown out a moment ago.

He didn’t intentionally bump into Prince Jin.

He needed to act quickly and look dashing while blending into the crowd of officials, avoiding Emperor Liang’s notice.

Prince Jin closed his eyes and quietly asked the Grand Tutor standing beside him, "Grand Tutor, why did even you award him an A?"

"This..."

The Grand Tutor felt deeply troubled.

When he reviewed the Commandery Prince’s paper, he thought the prince was sure to win. But upon seeing the Imperial Grandson’s paper, he finally understood what "worthy of awe and wonder" truly meant.

Knowing his colleagues as he did, they would definitely give four "A" grades.

If he had given a "B," it would appear as though he had deliberately tried to suppress the Imperial Grandson’s score.

He couldn’t afford to make mistakes like that—his reputation was at stake.

"It’s truly..."

He hesitated.

"Truly what?" Prince Jin said coolly, "Truly that Qi’er is far inferior?"

The Grand Tutor hurriedly replied, "Your servant had no such intention!"

Lu Zhaoyan walked over alongside Prince Ming and Prince Fu.

The Grand Tutor tactfully stepped aside.

Six brothers now stood face to face, large eyes glaring at smaller ones.

Lu Zhaoyan spoke meaningfully, "Victory and defeat are common in life—dear brother, no need to lose heart."

Prince Ming said with a smile, "Indeed. Brother’s son has only lost two rounds thus far—perhaps the next round will feature a question Yuan’er doesn’t know?"

Words that stabbed the heart.

Prince Jin’s gaze grew colder.

King Qi remarked sourly, "Sixth Brother, from the way you speak, it sounds as if whenever Yuan’er knows the answer, Qi’er is destined to fail?"

Prince Ming, full of confidence, replied with a flourish, "Isn’t it obvious? Qi’er’s greatest strength is his academic prowess—if even academics cannot be won, what else remains to compete with Yuan’er?"

Before Prince Jin and the others could retort, he continued, "Qi’er is a good child. Back at the Crown Prince Mansion, he studied day and night, striving diligently. It’s just unfortunate that some things rely on talent alone."

If he hadn’t brought this up, it would’ve been fine. Now, the faces at Jin Prince Mansion had nowhere to hide.

Toiling away by lamplight yet defeated by someone who spent his days playing with cats and dogs—even in the Imperial Palace during "recuperation," Lu Qi continued to study voraciously.

Had he not done so, they might still have been able to claim illness had distracted him.

But now, not even half a decent excuse remained!

King Qi, visibly angry, was about to charge forward when Prince Rui grabbed him back.

Prince Rui whispered, "Fourth Brother, don’t act impulsively—he’s baiting you to strike and provoke Father’s wrath."

Prince Ming was a troublemaker, receiving the most beatings out of all six brothers—but at least half of these were from dragging Fourth Brother into trouble alongside him.

The classic "kill one thousand enemies but lose eight hundred yourself" didn’t apply to him. He’d sacrifice more but still delighted in the chaos.

King Qi cast Prince Ming a cold glare. "You troublemaker!"

Prince Ming raised his brows and quipped, "Well, at least I’m a stick—even sticks are better than piles of dung like you lot!"

"You—"

King Qi exploded.

Prince Rui swiftly dragged him out of Jinluan Palace.

Prince Jin fixed his gaze on Prince Fu. "Fifth Brother, you haven’t visited Elder Brother’s mansion much lately, have you?"

Prince Fu replied hesitantly, "Oh."

The ministers, delighted by the masterful exam paper, felt as exhilarated as military officers encountering the finest weapon under heaven. Even those earlier complaining of fatigue were now as energetic as if injected with pure adrenaline.

Emperor Liang observed the crowd’s reaction, speaking measuredly, "Gentlemen, are there any objections—"

"None!"

The civil servants replied in unison!

The head craftsman-academic of Hanlin Academy clicked his tongue. "Grand Tutor, such folly! If he doesn’t come to your lectures, why don’t you actively seek him out? Missing out on such a student—you’ve been foolish!"

"With that limited ability of his, what right does he have to take the Imperial Grandson as a pupil?"

Throughout the Imperial City, only Meng dared to openly belittle the Grand Tutor in this way.

After all, he had once been the Grand Tutor’s own teacher.

Meng, supported by a little eunuch, hobbled forward a few steps and addressed Emperor Liang: "Your Majesty, this old servant feels that perhaps... this old servant could still take on one more student."

Emperor Liang: "..."

That’s not what you said earlier.

Emperor Liang rose to his feet, surveying Jinluan Palace with the majesty of the Emperor, commanding awe to the four corners: "The second trial, on the Four Books, Lu Linyuan prevails!"

The civil servants bowed in unison: "Your Majesty is wise—"

The military officers huffed and glared.

They couldn’t stand those effeminate pretty faces—sure, he could write a bit, but why should that earn him all this praise? They could knock him down with one punch! As for being elevated to such heights? Please.