Chapter 678 - 248: Planning for the Matter of the Champion Scholar

Chapter 678: Chapter 248: Planning for the Matter of the Champion Scholar

Chen Wanqing smiled. "What I write is definitely different from what you write. If you just add a few lines, Mother and Xiang’er will be happy to see them."

Zhao Jing could not talk her out of it, so he could only write a few phrases like "Everything is fine," "I will return to visit Mother after the Palace Examination," and "I hope Mother and my little sister are well."

After the letter was finished, Chen Wanqing asked, "Do you want to send a letter to the Zhao Village as well?"

Zhao Jing paused and sighed. "I should. Never mind, I might as well write it right now."

Chen Wanqing chuckled softly, leaving him at the desk to write the letter while she got up and went to the washroom to freshen up.

When she came out, Zhao Jing had already put the two written letters into separate envelopes, ready to be sent out by the servants the next day. Meanwhile, he was holding a book, still sitting upright at the desk, reading.

Chen Wanqing walked over and tugged at his clothes. "Take the night off. You can study more tomorrow."

Zhao Jing smiled, agreeing to her request. After getting up to wash, he lay in bed to chat with her. He tried his best to lift his spirits, but his mood was still somewhat heavy.

Chen Wanqing noticed this and felt a bit puzzled. "Did Grandfather and Uncle say something to you? Why do you look so unhappy?"

Zhao Jing actually did not want to tell her about these things. However, if he didn’t, she would secretly guess and overthink. In the end, it would only result in a heavy heart, loss of appetite, and sleepless nights for her. If that was the case, it was better to let her know the truth. He also somewhat regretted not keeping his expression in check, but what if he had? As the one sleeping beside him every night, she could sense even the slightest thing amiss.

Zhao Jing finally sighed and relayed what Uncle had told him in the study just now.

"The title of Metropolitan Examination Champion did not come easily this time..."

Although Prince Ning was the chief examiner with the power to review papers and determine the rankings, in this Imperial Examination, there were no fewer than twenty students whose backgrounds were worth noting. Among them were the last disciples of great scholars, the absolute best from several academies in the south, and even the nephews, grandsons, and younger relatives of the Six Ministers and Cabinet members, or those from their in-laws and old acquaintances.

When it came to literature, an ancient proverb held true: "In art, there is no undisputed champion; in war, there is no second place." Different aesthetics in writing and the varying preferences of each examiner meant that the final ranking was not always awarded to the most capable. That is, unless a candidate’s essay was breathtaking to the point where it overwhelmed all competitors and convinced everyone.

But among those who had made it to the Imperial Examination, who wasn’t a prodigy? It was not impossible to create a gap in skill, but it was impossible to create an insurmountable chasm. This led to entirely too much room for manipulation in the candidates’ rankings.

The fact that he could capture the Metropolitan Examination Champion this time was not only because of his outstanding essay, but also the result of a political struggle among various factions. But since he had taken the Metropolitan Examination Champion, the next Champion Scholar would definitely not be him.

The Empress Dowager’s faction was not one to be trifled with. Only when all factions gained something could the political situation remain stable.

If he didn’t have the talent of a Champion Scholar, it would be fine. But to have it and be unable to claim the title—how could he possibly be willing to accept that?

To prevent Chen Wanqing from worrying about this matter, Zhao Jing deliberately downplayed it. He spoke of it lightly, only saying that Uncle had told him in advance so he wouldn’t hold too high of an expectation. This time, the Empress Dowager had compromised with the Emperor; next time, it would be the Emperor compromising with the Empress Dowager. Not getting the Champion Scholar was nothing to fear; there was still the runner-up and the third-place. There would definitely be a spot for him in the top three.

Zhao Jing’s tone was relaxed, but the smile on Chen Wanqing’s face slowly faded.

He always went to bed late and woke up early. Out of the twelve hours in a day, he spent at least nine hours studying. If he didn’t have the strength to take first place, that would be one thing. But if he did, and was forced to take a step back because of various political reasons—forget Zhao Jing, even she couldn’t accept it.

"Is there really no room for negotiation in this matter? Grandfather..."

"May is the Empress Dowager’s fortieth birthday. At that time, various vassal states will come to pay tribute. His Majesty does not wish to fall out with the Empress Dowager. If mother and son are at odds then, it would make them a laughingstock to outsiders."

Grandfather saw through His Majesty’s thoughts, so naturally, he wouldn’t go all out to fight for it. Fortunately, as His Majesty grew older, his control over the court grew stronger. Even if Zhao Jing didn’t have the position of Champion Scholar, he had true talent and practical knowledge. He was a hardcore member of the Royalist Party and the chosen successor personally appointed by Grandfather. With all this, he did not need to worry about not being highly regarded.

Zhao Jing chuckled softly. "It doesn’t matter if I don’t become a Grand Scholar. These are just empty titles; I don’t absolutely need them. As long as my official career goes smoothly and I can soon become someone you can rely on, that’s enough."