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Chapter 1221: Chapter 1079: Holding a Grudge_2
However, in the Dafeng dynasty, though the use of commoner scholars was limited, the imperial examinations were still highly valued, and a special land guardian was designated for oversight.
To say what the greatest difference between these two Human Dao dynasties is, it would be that Qian Kang wields immense power—its strong imperial authority is capable of suppressing everything. In contrast, both the founding emperor Liu Chiyang and the current emperor Liu Bairui have relatively limited power.
This is because Liu Chiyang only became emperor by trading numerous benefits with the elders who supported him, such as official positions or divine titles. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Therefore, upon entering the territory of the Dafeng dynasty, Li Zhirui keenly sensed that although the Human Dao Fortune was flourishing, it was, nonetheless, highly fragmented.
...
After the rural examinations concluded, the graders worked tirelessly day and night to finalize the list of successful candidates, which was swiftly posted on the public board.
Based on the number of candidates allocated by the dynasty to this province, out of one to two thousand participants, the top eighty-two were selected.
Among them, those few commoner students whom Li Zhirui frequently mentored all made the list!
Though their rankings were somewhat lower, they nevertheless defeated countless competitors to become Juren, securing the opportunity to enter officialdom.
With their backgrounds, even as Juren, they could only hope to obtain positions akin to a ninth-rank petty official, but at least they had now gained official status.
This remarkable yet understated achievement was hardly noticed by most, with only these individuals themselves aware of it.
Overcome by shock and joy, they began to look forward to the upcoming teaching sessions—perhaps under the guidance of this middle-aged scholar burdened by a sea of blood and vengeance, they might achieve the ultimate success of becoming Jinshi in one fell swoop!
A few days later, they once again visited Li Zhirui.
"Thank you, sir! Your teachings are a grace we will never forget!" Upon seeing Li Zhirui, the group bowed deeply, sincerely expressing their gratitude.
They understood their abilities, knowing full well that without Li Zhirui’s guidance, they would have had little chance of becoming Juren.
"This is all the result of your own hard work; it has nothing to do with me."
Li Zhirui waved his hand, then asked, "I’ve already prepared the carriage. When do you plan to depart for the capital?"
"Student can depart at any time!"
"I can as well."
The group, not being fools, realized that Li Zhirui was inviting them to travel together and naturally did not refuse.
After all, not only would they have this knowledgeable Great Confucian to offer guidance along the way, but also wouldn’t have to worry about travel expenses, food, and other trivialities, allowing them to focus on preparing and increasing their chances of becoming tributary students.
"Then go make your preparations. We’ll set off at dawn the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
Watching their departing figures, Li Zhirui’s gaze turned profound. The scheme he was orchestrating would take years to unfold, but the situation in Wanzhu State likely couldn’t wait.
Fortunately, he had a method that would yield immediate results!
All that was left was to make his move upon arriving in the capital.
...
Walking on the smooth official road, Li Zhirui spent much of each day offering guidance to the six students before him.
After more than two months of meticulous teaching, Li Zhirui felt a growing confidence in their chances of passing the tributary student exams.
"With less than three months left until the Spring Examinations, focus on your studies in the courtyard. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to inquire."
Li Zhirui thought for a moment and added, "Of course, attending some poetry assemblies is acceptable, but do not become addicted to them. Remember, fame holds limited value for people like you."
Sending the group back to their rooms, Li Zhirui felt somewhat exhilarated, as he had finally made a breakthrough in the Zhenhua Buque Baodan he had studied extensively over the years. It seemed he might soon achieve preliminary mastery.
Unfortunately, resources were scarce, and it was inconvenient for him to attempt refining pills at the moment.
Moreover, after years of simulations, he finally had some leads on refining an eighth-tier Precious Pill to restore Mana.
The latter was of utmost importance!
After all, Li Zhirui planned to make an all-or-nothing leap to Tribulation Transcendence and Ascension, necessitating an ample stock of Mana-restoring pills to avoid depletion-related mishaps.
Clang, clang, clang—
On a brisk spring day, the gates of the Imperial Academy opened, welcoming thousands of Juren.
Among them were those who had recently achieved Juren status and others who, after years of effort, now had gray hair—an impressive spectrum of ages.
Yet no matter their circumstances, they all entered the Academy.
Several days later, the first thing those few commoner students did upon leaving was sleep soundly for an extended time before rising to fill their stomachs.
"How do you feel? Do you have confidence?" Li Zhirui asked with a smile.
"We don’t know." The group was somewhat apprehensive—they deeply wished for success but understood it was beyond their control.
"Relax. With your knowledge, as long as there are no unexpected incidents, you’re all more than capable."
Li Zhirui’s praise gave them a sense of reassurance.
A few days later, however, while attending poetry assemblies, they returned visibly flustered and disheveled.
"Sir! Trouble has arisen!"
A flicker of darkness crossed Li Zhirui’s eyes as he feigned obliviousness and asked, "What happened? Why do you appear so agitated?"
"Sir! Rumors outside speak of someone cheating, with the examiner catching them, yet nothing was done."
"The person’s name is Liu Baiqing."
As they spoke, they kept their voices incredibly low—it required close listening to discern their words.
"The dynasty wouldn’t commit such a fundamental error," said Li Zhirui, the true mastermind behind this incident, furrowing his brows in apparent disapproval.
Naturally, things were not so simple. Tensions would escalate as soon as test results were publicly released.
Should further complications arise during this time...
"Just wait patiently for the results. Stay indoors for the next few days."
"Understood!"
Time passed swiftly, and soon, the results were publicly posted.
On the golden list featuring three hundred names, their six names appeared!
The result thrilled them. Although none of them ranked in the upper tiers, as long as they passed the final Palace Examination, they would officially become officials!
"Look! Liu Baiqing’s name is on the golden list too, ranked tenth!"
Boom—
This comment was like a bomb detonating amidst the crowd, instantly inciting dissatisfaction and rage among the thousands of unsuccessful candidates.
Why?
Just because he bore Liu Family blood, he could act so flagrantly?
The enraged Juren, seemingly overcome with fury, began to protest and demonstrate!
Yet Li Zhirui’s plan extended far beyond this. The scandal swiftly spread, reaching neighboring counties.
The rumors seemed to sprout wings as they disseminated outward, ensuring countless students became aware of the incident.
In a mere two days, large-scale protests erupted among students demanding fair treatment for all examinees by the dynasty.
Li Zhirui also added the tragic fate and total extermination of Zhang Gangfeng’s clan—especially stories of a Liu Family member committing atrocities such as the raping of women and the slaughter of commoners—into circulation, further highlighting the Liu Family’s cruelty toward other clans and civilians.
Suddenly, many individuals grew concerned for their safety, leading them to question the Liu Family’s rule.
A few dissenting voices might not amount to much, but tens of thousands? Now that was a problem!
This had already begun to affect the fortune of the Dafeng dynasty!
Li Zhirui’s eyes glimmered faintly as he noticed the Human Dao Law Net above him dim slightly, understanding at once that this was caused by a decline in luck.
Meanwhile, in the Political Affairs Hall, Liu Bairui raged furiously, roaring, "Are you all idiots? Knowing full well there were already rumors circulating externally, you still included that scoundrel’s name!"
"Now, resentment and doubt among participating Juren have impacted the dynasty’s fortune. Are you pleased with yourselves?"
As the ruler, despite having surrendered considerable power, Liu Bairui remained the individual most attuned to dynastic fortune.
The officials below, heads lowered and expressions guarded, allowed Liu Bairui to vent his fury unchallenged.
After all, they had indeed made a mistake, and the consequences were far more severe than anticipated!
Yet inwardly, their grievances shifted toward the commoners, particularly the Juren responsible for igniting the unrest. If not for their provocation, none of these events would have unfolded!
