Chapter 740: Chapter 735, Chapter 736: Dai Tu’s Doom
Establish the heart for Heaven and Earth, establish the destiny for the people, continue the studies of the sages of the past, open peace for all ages.
This poem was left by Chen Mo for Guo Ning and Lin Zhong when they visited Prince Wei’s Mansion. It was at this moment that Guo Ning understood Chen Mo’s grand ambition and swore to follow in Chen Mo’s footsteps. However, back then, Guo Ning did not tell others about this.
Therefore, when Guo Ning finished reciting the poem, the scholars present thought it was Guo Ning’s composition, inwardly admiring his great talent. Truly deserving of being the second-place winner, from this poem, they could feel Guo Ning’s heart and ambition as a Confucian scholar. They sighed at their inferiority and praised Guo Ning.
Guo Ning dared not claim credit, stating that the poem was composed by King Wei, serving as his guidance.
With this, Guo Ning recounted the event of visiting Chen Mo to everyone.
All the scholars were taken aback, some surprised, but soon became enlightened.
With their abilities, they naturally perceived the lofty intentions of this poem. If not for a high vision, such a poem could not be composed.
King Wei, born from humble origins, experienced the chaos in the North, the turmoil of the Celestial Master Army, gradually grew, established County Schools, resisted Prince Huai, quashed King Chong, expelled foreign enemies, and eliminated traitorous rebels...
This poem seems to encapsulate King Wei’s experiences over the years.
And now, reinstating the imperial examination, dispatching officials to various places, isn’t it corresponding to the phrase "open peace for all ages"?
"By the way, have you noticed that whether it is the township examination or the metropolitan examination, or the topic of this grand examination, all are related to the people and local governance? This is because King Wei wants to establish a prosperous and peaceful era." A scholar suddenly spoke up after realizing something.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s whole body trembled, the image of King Wei in their hearts suddenly elevated to a much greater and majestic stature.
"I’ve decided, I too will follow in the footsteps of Brother Guo Ning, and contribute my efforts for the coming prosperous and peaceful era."
If before, they studied and took examinations only to become officials, change their fate, or bring glory to their families, at this moment, they suddenly found a noble goal for which they must strive.
"King Wei is truly a saint." Sun City said admiringly, King Wei has already achieved the unity of knowledge and action.
As for the rumors among the populace that King Wei was lecherous and fond of beautiful women, they were deemed trivial.
After all, the sage said, appetite and lust are part of human nature.
While everyone was immersed in this atmosphere, a team of constables arrived outside Fu Ze Restaurant, guarding the entrance and exit, as Zuo Gang walked in with two constables.
Seeing the constables from the Government Office, everyone’s expression momentarily changed slightly, yet they were not afraid. Qin Shi, the organizer, stepped forward to negotiate: "I am Qin Shi, hosting this tea gathering, do any of you have business here?"
"So, you are the top scorer of this examination, Young Master Qin." Zuo Gang saluted Qin Shi and immediately said: "The Government Office has a case, we need to ask Young Master Guo to return for questioning. Is Young Master Guo present?"
Zuo Gang glanced around the hall.
As his words fell, all the scholars’ eyes gathered onto "Young Master Guo."
The guilty conscience in "Young Master Guo," seeing the focus of everyone on him, felt a sudden panic. He stiffened his resolve and stepped forward: "I am Guo Xian, may I ask what case you need me for, sir?"
"I am unaware of the specifics either; this is the officer’s directive. Please accompany us to the Government Office." Zuo Gang said.
"Young Master Guo" already felt fearful and said: "I am an Advanced Scholar, a disciple of King Wei. Even if I follow you to the Government Office, it requires the Court’s consent; you have no right to take me there."
This wasn’t "Young Master Guo" being unreasonable, but a special privilege granted by the Court to Advanced Scholars and scholars, given their unique status. If they could be easily taken to the Government Office, it would adversely affect their image.
"This case has been approved by King Wei for investigation, and here is the document with King Wei’s Great Seal." Zuo Gang took out the corresponding document from his bosom and showed it to "Young Master Guo."
Seeing this, there was an uproar among the scholars, having a case investigated with King Wei’s approval, it must be a significant case.
Once "Young Master Guo" departed with Zuo Gang, all the scholars began to speculate.
Some guessed it might be related to academic dishonesty in the imperial examinations.
After all, "Young Master Guo" appeared harmless, the case involving him might only be related to this.
This statement received plenty of support.
Others wondered if it would affect them, if the examination fraud truly occurred, should they retake the exam.
Only Guo Ning seemed to be lost in thought.
"Why don’t we go see for ourselves?" Qin Shi proposed.
In Great Song, when major cases were tried, the County Magistrate would allow the populace to gather in front of the main hall to demonstrate impartial justice.
Qin Shi’s proposal was endorsed by everyone, as they were also friends with "Young Master Guo." Should "Young Master Guo" be wronged, they could offer help.
"Let’s go together, then."
"Brother Guo Ning, what are you thinking?"
Sun City tapped Guo Ning on the shoulder.
"Nothing... nothing," Guo Ning returned from his thoughts, glancing around the hall, "Where are they?"
"They all went to the Government Office, let’s go take a look, too."
"Alright."
...
On the other side, at Zhang Residence.
The news of "Young Master Guo" being taken to the Government Office quickly reached Zhang Zhu.
Through their interactions over time, Zhang Zhu actually had feelings for "Young Master Guo." Not knowing what had happened, she immediately went to Zhang River, seeking her father’s help.
However, Zhang River dismissively ignored her plea, certain that it was time for "Young Master Guo" to face judgment.
