Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 24 Participating in the Literary Gathering

Chapter Twenty-Four: Participating in the Literary Gathering

These words caused everyone to frown and begin to think.

"It seems possible, but to give an example, Mencius advocated the theory of the inherent goodness of human nature, while Xunzi advocated the theory of the inherent evil of human nature. If the question is about Mencius, then you cannot write about Xunzi's words. Otherwise, the Mencius family and the Xunzi family might take this opportunity to cause trouble."

Magistrate Zhang pondered for a moment, his brows furrowed, and then said:

How did you do on the exam this time?

Ye Ru remembered that he had previously used Xunzi's words to explain Mencius's words, and his heart began to race.

"What's wrong? What were the questions for the sutra test this time?"

Wen, the registrar, said.

"I'm afraid that it will attract the attention of the Meng and Xun families."

Ye Ru sighed.

"Alright, this is just a preliminary examination for the imperial examination. There's still some time before the real imperial examination. In four days, there will be a literary gathering at Hongxiang Restaurant. Go and attend then."

Seemingly guessing something, Magistrate Zhang's expression changed, then he patted Ye Ru on the shoulder and forced a smile.

"Yes, yes, this time Magistrate Zhang is planning to run ten laps naked around Qingyun County."

Magistrate Song also smiled, aiming to ease the somber mood.

"Young Master Ye Ru, I've prepared some delicious food for you. Let's go back. Just because we failed this time doesn't mean we'll fail next time."

Su Tongyao said with a smile.

"Let's go, let's go eat together."

Magistrate Zhang and Registrar Wen, among others, all spoke up.

Wang Xiaoyang's father, Wang Bieqiu, was hiding in the crowd. Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, a look of wild joy immediately appeared in his eyes.

If Ye Ru's interpretation of the classics is awarded a Grade D, the Arbitration Court of All Saints will not hold a grudge against the Wang family for the sake of a mere student.

After all, the Wang family was a noble clan.

After Ye Ru handed in his exam paper, the students of Wenxing Private School who had taken the exam all came out and began to discuss how difficult the questions were.

"Father, did you see Ye Ru come out?"

When Wang Xiaoyang saw Wang Bieqiu, he immediately greeted him respectfully.

"I saw him, but judging from his furrowed brows, he probably didn't do well on the exam."

Wang Bieqiu's eyes turned slightly cold as he spoke.

"If that's the case, although he won against the Court of Arbitration this time, it wasn't a real imperial examination, so he didn't receive divine blessing. When the results are announced in three days, I will definitely mock him mercilessly to avenge the humiliation he suffered in the previous minor examination!"

"Why don't we ridicule him severely at tomorrow's literary gathering? We can also read aloud the scriptures from the notice board to mock him and cause his library to collapse!"

Liu Zhi walked over, speaking with ill intent.

"That's one way too. Let's go to Ye Ru's place and invite him to the literary gathering tomorrow!"

The three of them walked one after the other toward where Ye Ru was.

Ye Ru's residence.

"Ye Ru, how did the exam go?"

Magistrate Zhang asked with concern.

"I don't know either. Ancient poems, history of great Confucian scholars, and calligraphy should all be relevant, but I don't know the meaning of the classics."

Ye Ru knew that using two rival families to interpret a classic text would inevitably cause a stir among the two families.

"Very well, we'll see in three days."

"Brother Ye Ru, I'm sorry you were frightened by what happened in the examination hall."

Wang Xiaoyang and his two companions walked in from outside, clasped their hands in greeting, and said...

"Greetings, Magistrate, Assistant Magistrate, and Registrar."

Wang Bieqiu said.

What brings you here?

Ye Ru's expression turned somewhat gloomy as he spoke.

"We've come here to invite you to tomorrow's literary gathering, and also to ask you about some questions regarding the interpretation of the scriptures."

Liu Zhi said with a hint of schadenfreude.

"Outrageous! Exam questions are state secrets; how dare we discuss them amongst ourselves!"

Magistrate Zhang stood up and angrily rebuked, "The scholar's aura formed a powerful pressure that spread outwards."

"Your Excellency is mistaken. Brother Ye Ru is exceptionally talented, having written a masterpiece in just a few days, which has earned the utmost respect from many of us students. We cordially invite Brother Ye Ru to participate in the literary gathering, and we hope that Brother Ye Ru will not refuse. Otherwise, people may think that you are too insecure to come."

Wang Xiaoyang smiled slightly and said.

Everyone here is shrewd. If Ye Ru goes, he will definitely be made things difficult. If he doesn't go, it will prove that Ye Ru has something to hide. Whether he goes or not, his reputation will be damaged.

Everyone looked at Ye Ru.

"Don't worry, it will arrive on schedule."

Ye Ru didn't look at Wang Xiaoyang. As clever as he was, he saw through the three's scheme at a glance, which was perfect for clearing his name.

"Good! This literary gathering will have a prize: a first-grade literary treasure, a Zhuge robe, and twenty taels of silver that we have pooled together. We hope Brother Ye Ru will do us the honor of attending."

This Zhuge Yi (a type of traditional Chinese clothing) is based on the crane cloak worn by Zhuge Liang. It can keep out the cold in winter and block out the heat in summer, which is quite amazing.

Although not as effective as a crane cloak, it was still a favorite garment among many scholars.

After Zhuge Liang's death, he left behind four literary treasures: a crane cloak, a white feather fan, a Zhuge turban, and the seal of Zhuge Liang.

The feather fan can summon demonic winds, and the crane cloak can withstand the attacks of poems from all over the world.

The Zhuge Turban, on the other hand, can block out the sun and enhance one's talent.

As for the Seal of Marquis Wu, Zhuge Liang once used it to kill three demon lords of the demon race.

Each of these four literary treasures is worth a fortune.

Seeing that Ye Ru ignored him, Wang Xiaoyang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and then he left with a sinister smile, leading the two away.

"Foolish! Why did you agree to this person's request? Everyone knows how treacherous the Wang family is. If they don't harm you this time, they will definitely tarnish your literary reputation and ruin your literary career at the literary gathering."

Magistrate Zhang slammed his hand on the table and sighed, "But it's too late now."

"Yes, even though you have the invitation, you can't just agree to it. He'll definitely harm you."

Fang Zifeng nodded and said in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, sir. I know what I'm doing. I'll make sure they suffer a double loss."

Ye Ru smiled and then continued eating.

The others wore somber expressions, seemingly taking Ye Ru's words as a form of comfort.

After the banquet, Ye Ru went to rest early, as this exam had been extremely taxing on his talent and intellect.

After sleeping for three days straight, Ye Ru got dressed, washed his face, and headed towards Hongxiang Restaurant.

"That poor Ye Ru? What are you doing here? This is the Three Academies Literary Gathering. Get out of here! Magistrate Zhang is here. If you don't leave, don't blame me for having the magistrate arrest you."

When Manager Yu of Hongxiang Restaurant saw Ye Ru, he grabbed a broom and shouted angrily.

"I'm here to attend the Three Academies Literary Gathering."

Ye Ru was taken aback, thought about it carefully, and then said seriously.

"You? You're utterly shameless! Your literary talent is known throughout Qingyun County. Only those with outstanding talent can participate in my literary gathering. You're not worthy. If you don't leave, I'll have someone beat you up!"

Manager Yu waved his hand impatiently, and two or three servants came out from the surrounding area, all glaring angrily at Ye Ru.

Ye Ru raised his head, looking at Manager Yu with a gloomy expression, and then said in a deep voice:

"I am a student of the Holy Descent, though I have no official rank, I am still renowned for my literary talent! If you continue to argue unreasonably, don't blame me!"