Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 743 Shocking Four Seats (4)_1

Chapter 743: Chapter 743 Shocking Four Seats (4)_1

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The Grand Scholar paid no attention to the hushed whispers, his gaze fixed on the ten individuals before him who looked variously indifferent, joyful, or dejected. With a blank expression, he asked, "Regarding these results, do any of you have objections?"

The scores determined by a dozen learned Ministers could not possibly be mistaken. This procedure was far stricter than the imperial examinations, and even if there had been any errors, they would not admit it. Wouldn’t that be tantamount to questioning the competence of these Ministers? Consequently, all ten individuals chorused in unison, "We have no objections!"

The Grand Scholar nodded and, at Emperor Huian’s signal, handed the ten examination papers to Little Eunuchs who distributed them to the scholars to review for themselves.

The scholars were most eager to see Mo Qingze’s treatise. Yet, with so many people present, it was difficult for the paper to reach every person’s hands. Those who were fortunate enough to snatch it up were thoroughly convinced by Mo Qingze’s talent after careful reading, even if they had been slightly resentful of his exceptional honor, that feeling was now gone.

Examinations that had achieved rankings were reviewed by everyone in comparison with Mo Qingze’s. Without comparison, they had not realized, but now it became painfully clear, that their own so-called excellent treatises, which they had cherished and emulated, were incredibly superficial.

As for those ’witnesses’ who achieved Inferior rankings, their papers were scrutinized back and forth multiple times, only to be surprised that their level of proficiency was not only incomparable to Mo Qingze’s, but it was also questionable whether they could have passed any previous imperial examinations. And yet, they had secured top twenty rankings. What did this indicate?

Recalling the public trial two days prior, where Mo Qingze had accused these three men of bearing false witness against him in exchange for benefits, it had seemed preposterous at the time. Yet now, it appeared that Mo Qingze was the one with sharp eyes and a clear heart, right?

Such thoughts were not unique to one or two individuals. The questioning glances were like Sharp Swords, poking Zhao Gao, Qin Hui, and Wei Zhongxian full of holes. Their pale faces, resembling those who had lost their beloved mothers, only confirmed the suspicions of the onlookers.

Listing to the voices praising his father, Mo Yan felt proud. This time, not only had his father cleared his name, but he had also greatly enhanced his reputation. Nothing could be better than this!

Opposite him, Xiao Ruiyuan watched the dazzling smile of his beloved, and his mood brightened accordingly. He was already planning to propose marriage once the matter was resolved, eager to marry his beloved girl.

The voices overflowing with admiration for Mo Qingze made those still skeptical about the fairness of the proceedings feel quite dissatisfied. Finally, spurred on by others, one student angrily rushed to the center of the hall and rudely challenged Mo Qingze, "You, a conniving scoundrel who takes shortcuts, managed to achieve exceptional honor—I am not convinced! Do you dare accept my question?"

The previously pleasant and harmonious atmosphere was completely shattered by this declaration. The crowd looked at the accuser as if he were a fool. By questioning Mo Qingze’s score, was he not also questioning the credibility of the dozen Ministers who had set the questions and marked the papers? And since Emperor Huian had personally verified the exams and answers, was he not also suggesting that Emperor Huian was senile and unable to tell right from wrong?

It seemed unlikely that the individual would walk out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony unscathed. Emperor Huian and the Ministers would have heard the implicit meaning in the student’s words, but with more than one person harboring such doubt, taking action against him precipitously would only worsen matters. So, they held their tongues from interrupting the student’s challenge, instead focusing their gaze on Mo Qingze to see how he would respond.

The man who had yet to detect the deep significance behind those gazes saw that Mo Qingze did not respond. Seizing what he thought was Mo Qingze’s weakness, he pressed aggressively, "What’s the matter, too guilty to face the challenge?"

Such provocative words focused everyone’s attention on Mo Qingze, wondering how he would react. If he accepted the challenge and defeated his opponent, Mo Qingze’s abilities would truly be beyond doubt, and his reputation would surely soar after today. However, if, with his exceptional score from the palace examination, he could not triumph over an obscure student, it would inevitably lead to suspicions of foul play.

Mo Yan, anger boiling within her, glared at King Heng diagonally across from her, wishing she could summon wild beasts to devour him. While others hadn’t noticed, she had clearly seen the student glance at Old Master Lin before speaking and, after receiving a subtle nod from him, press her father again with words. If Old Master Lin dared to do this, was it not at King Heng’s behest?

At that moment, she could do nothing but take mental note of King Heng and Old Master Lin. She awaited her father’s victory over the challenge, intent on harshly avenging herself upon the two men once the opportunity arose.

Mo Qingze regarded the challenger with a calm expression and asked lightly, "If I satisfy your query, what will you do then?"

The student’s face changed. Then, with a scornful look, he responded, "Hmph, let’s see if you can even answer all my questions first!"

Upon hearing this, Mo Qingze did not ask further. His expression embodied an elegant confidence as he said, "In that case, go ahead and ask your question."

The student seemed to not have anticipated Mo Qingze accepting the challenge so readily and began to doubt for a moment—could Mo Qingze’s palace examination results be genuinely earned? No, that cannot be; a certain esteemed person had declared there was a scandal in the palace examination. He must be feigning composure. He couldn’t be fooled by it.

Despite telling himself this, the student dared not take any chance and spouted a particularly trick question, causing the other scholars present to frown.

What seemed like a challenging question to the onlookers was no issue for Mo Qingze, who had consumed plenty of Spirit Spring Water and food rich in Spiritual Energy. His memory and intelligence had vastly improved, so without much contemplation, he provided the correct answer.

"Good!"

Although people had experienced Mo Qingze’s capabilities, the speed of his response still shocked everyone. They couldn’t help but break the solemnity of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, clapping and cheering enthusiastically!