After the interstellar female general died in battle, she transmigrated into the body of a dashing p

Upstairs were two people, one of whom was wearing an ice-blue satin robe with elegant hibiscus patterns embroidered on it and snow-white trim, which complemented the mutton-fat jade hairpin in his hair. He was quite the dashing young nobleman.

If she wasn't mistaken, that should be Feng Simiao, the eldest son of the Minister of Rites. She hadn't seen the other person before, but judging from his attire, his status couldn't be too low.

These two aristocratic scions don't go to places like Yipinlou anymore, they come here so early in the morning, have they changed their tastes?

She could only keep this question to herself; there was no one to answer it for her now.

Feng Simiao, looking down at the group of people below, felt that the one who had just entered looked somewhat familiar, but didn't think much of it. Right now, he just wanted to tell them about Yu Xiuzhu, whom they had mentioned. He sneered, "Yu Xiuzhu became the second-place scholar?" He leaned on the railing with both hands. "If it weren't for that accident that year, do you think he could have become the second-place scholar? There's more to it than that. You wouldn't understand if I explained it to you shallow-minded people." Back then, the emperor in the capital promoted the imperial examination system to elevate those from humble backgrounds, and then the Jiang family incident happened, which gave Yu Xiuzhu the opportunity to become the second-place scholar.

"Furthermore, don't you know that Yu Xiuzhu has an aunt who is a Noble Consort in the Imperial Harem? Is that considered a poor family? Do you think that just because you've read a few ancient books and poems, you can compete with the sons of noble families?"

I only understood the intrigue and treacherous nature of the court after my father explained it to me; how could a group of ignorant and uneducated illegitimate sons possibly comprehend such things?

Upon hearing this, those who admired and respected Yu Xiuzhu below were indignant. This man had negated all of others' years of hard work with just a few words. Another group of young students at the table below stood up indignantly, looked up at him, and retorted, "The Yu family was not originally a noble family. Moreover, his grandfather was only promoted to a fourth-rank official two years ago for completing the waterway between Dongyuan and Jiangling. Although there is a concubine in the Yu family, the Yu family has never been promoted through nepotism. Otherwise, Yu Xiuzhu's father would not still be serving in a post outside the capital."

"Perhaps he can't be considered entirely from a poor family, but he earned his academic title through genuine talent and learning. This proves that as long as one is talented and ambitious, one can rival anyone from a noble family. How can you deny his own efforts with such unfounded claims?"

After speaking, the student angrily flung his sleeves and turned his head to the side, his eyes filled with anger and disdain. His aura was in no way inferior to that of the two high and mighty figures.

The waiter brought tea and snacks to Zheng Zhian and her group's table. She casually refilled her own teacup, picked it up, and looked at the clear, bright yellow-green tea. She brought it to her nose and took a light sniff; the aroma of the tea was refreshing and delightful.

She took a small sip; it was smooth, refreshing, and had a sweet aftertaste—not bad at all.

Today's students from impoverished backgrounds are like this new tea, untouched and retaining their original simplicity. They have witnessed Yu Xiuzhu's success and now regard him as their future role model. Their father's move was truly brilliant.

Even the promotion of the Yu family was taken into account. As long as Yu Xiuzhu is in the court, the poor students of Anchong will work hard to seize the opportunity to climb up the social ladder.

The number of students taking the autumn exams this year is likely to be even greater.

After hearing his words, Feng Simiao scoffed as if he had heard a ridiculous joke, "Ha, try your best! How many people in the world have a photographic memory like Yu Xiuzhu? And how many have his good fortune? It's simply overestimating yourself, a fool's dream."

"Whether you believe it or not is your business. We have studied for many years and have not only read a few ancient books." The first student was not discouraged. He took a deep breath and solemnly said, "I believe that as long as a person is open-minded and has real talent and learning, he will surely achieve his lofty aspirations."

These words, spoken with unwavering conviction, resonated with the surrounding students and drew applause.

They were unwilling to be looked down upon by the aristocratic families, and even less willing to live a mediocre and wasted life.

Seeing the atmosphere, Zheng Zhian smiled. An Chong's power was burning quietly like a small flame, and when the time was right, it would be a raging fire that would make the world tremble.

Zheng Nianyun never expected that in just four years, these children from poor families would have undergone such a great change.

Ambitious? He doesn't seem to have any!

Sitting opposite him, Zheng Yichen picked up his teacup, his eyelids lowered to conceal the expression in his eyes.

Upstairs, Feng Simiao was about to pour cold water on these arrogant students and bring them to their senses, "You..."

A woman in a light blue robe with flowing sleeves, her black hair tied up with a bamboo hairpin, walked slowly into the room with a calm smile. "His Majesty has implemented the imperial examination system, which is an opportunity for the poor and needy across the land. As long as you are diligent, hardworking, and determined, you will surely rise like a roc in the wind, soaring high wherever you are."

Seeing the two people enter, Zheng Zhian raised an eyebrow; Oh, the main character has arrived.

One of the students exclaimed joyfully, "Master Xiao Yu!" The rest of the students were both surprised and delighted.

They never expected to meet the people they admire here.

This person was Yu Xiuzhu. He smiled and nodded to these people. Zheng Zhian looked at the people who were quickly surrounded in the middle and couldn't help but complain in his heart: It seems that there are star chasers everywhere!

His arrival undoubtedly gave those students a great deal of confidence, and his words greatly encouraged those students from poor families.

Yu Xiuzhu finally managed to escape from the crowd. He glanced at the table in the corner and stopped abruptly. Since he was appointed as a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy by the emperor after the imperial examination four years ago, he had been frequently visiting the imperial study. Moreover, he also held a position at the Imperial Academy and would occasionally go there to give lectures. He recognized the three people at that table at a glance.

Just as he was about to step forward to pay his respects, Zheng Zhian shook his head slightly. Yu Xiuzhu understood and turned to go upstairs.

He had arranged to meet Feng Simiao today, but he didn't expect to hear such a heated argument as soon as he arrived. It really is true that it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early.

The debate ended with the arrival of Yu Xiuzhu.

Seeing everyone disperse, Zheng Nianyun felt utterly bored. He had thought the main character had arrived and there would be a heated debate. He curled his lip and said, "How boring!"

"Are you treating this like a stage?" Zheng Zhian rolled his eyes at him.

The aristocratic families are now clearly at a disadvantage compared to the commoners. If the argument continues, it will only result in the students being humiliated. It is best to stop now.

Zheng Nianyun opened the fan in his hand and fanned himself quickly. Today, Yu Xiuzhu saw them here, and they couldn't escape the punishment from Master Yang tomorrow. He shouldn't have gone to that gambling den with this guy... He glanced around and suddenly stopped. "Where's Ling Fei?"

No wonder he felt something was missing before; it turns out a living person was missing!

"I'm off on business." Zheng Zhian stood up, glanced upstairs, and called out loudly, "Waiter, the bill!"

Zheng Yichen and the other person also got up. After she paid the bill, the group left. Zheng Zhian was thinking to himself that Feng Simiao was right when he said that Yu Xiuzhu's achievement of being the second-place finisher was indeed partly due to luck.

That time, it was because his father had the advantage and pushed Yu Xiuzhu forward. But this time, if we really look at it, this is the first proper imperial examination.

Nowadays, the aristocratic families, led by the Jian family, will never easily relinquish power to people from humble backgrounds. If this matter is not resolved, it will be all in vain for Father to select as many talented individuals as possible.