I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 122 Wei Fan
Xue Xiang showed no anger on his face, but his eyes were like frost covering a thousand miles. Suddenly, he said softly, "This score must have been wrongly marked."

His voice was not loud, but it was like a stone thrown into boiling water, suddenly silencing the audience.

Suddenly, laughter erupted in the room, with Ning Qianjun laughing the most unrestrainedly, completely forgetting his demeanor as a young master from a noble family.

He laughed so hard he coughed repeatedly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Xue Xiang, could you be any more outrageous? You made a wrong judgment? Do you think this is your study where you can scribble and draw whatever you want?"

In life, you must be able to win and you must also be able to lose gracefully. Your attitude is truly laughable and pathetic.

Among the crowd, quite a few nodded in agreement.

"So, Brother Ning, you disagree with my viewpoint?"

Xue Xiang's face remained expressionless.

"nonsense!"

Ning Qianjun was about to elaborate when Xue Xiang interrupted him, "That's easy, how about we make a bet?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Qianjun felt a shiver run through him. His humiliating defeat at the Peony Festival was the most embarrassing moment of his life so far, and his disappointment was utterly profound.

Upon hearing that Xue Xiang wanted to gamble, he instinctively resisted.

"What? Don't you dare?"

Xue Xiang said loudly, "I understand now. People like Brother Ning talk a lot about loving their country and their family, but it's all just empty talk."

When it comes to national crisis, they will inevitably shrink back and bury their heads in the ground.

The difference between saying something and doing it isn't just a matter of miles, it's like heaven and earth.

"you!"

Ning Qianjun was furious, "How do you intend to gamble!"

Xue Xiang said, "If there was a mistake in the judgment, we can just have it reviewed by the higher-ups."

If the higher authorities agree to the review, then the judgment is wrong; if they disagree, then the judgment is not wrong.

If I lose, I will withdraw from the exam.

If Brother Ning loses, how about you withdraw?

"I……"

Ning Qianjun was about to agree, but immediately held back.

In his view, it was impossible for the examiners to agree to a review.

This is tantamount to diminishing one's own authority, and there have been very few examples of this in the history of scientific expeditions.

But Xue Xiang was so confident in his words that he couldn't quite figure it out.

After all, he had just scored a high score of 98 in the first exam and had a good chance of winning first place, so he really didn't want to waste his time with Xue Xiang.

"Look at Brother Ning, he's so calculating. If his eyeballs keep rolling around, they might pop out of their sockets."

Xue Xiang said loudly, "Since Brother Ning is not confident, let's make a simple bet."

"If Brother Ning loses, when you see me in the future, please bow deeply to me and say, 'I am ashamed of my inferiority,' how about that?"

"It's a bet!"

Ning Qianjun, fearing that Xue Xiang might change his mind, immediately shouted loudly.

He had it all figured out: there was no need for a review; if Xue Xiang dared to make a sound, he would be severely reprimanded by the proctor.

For minor offenses, the perpetrators will be arrested; for serious offenses, they will be punished with caning.

Brother Xue, please think it over carefully.

"Brother Xue, why bother with them? Your score of 93 is not low, and with an additional 5 points, your chances of winning are still there."

"Yes, everyone knows Brother Xue's talent. It's normal for him to have a minor setback in the imperial examination."

"........."

Wei Wendao, Meng De, and other contemporaries all advised Xue Xiang to reconsider.

Xue Xiang bowed to the group and said, "Thank you all for your kindness."

In his life, Xue could tolerate humiliation, but he could not tolerate being wronged.

Having said that, he gathered his strength in his dantian and shouted loudly, "Fellow examiners, I have something to report."

His voice was extremely loud, booming throughout the examination hall.

A few breaths later, a white-bearded proctor arrived riding the wind, followed by a squad of guards.

The white-bearded proctor glared down and shouted, "Who's spouting nonsense?"

Everyone stepped back, revealing Xue Xiang.

"Take it!"

With a wave of his hand, the white-bearded proctor ordered two soldiers to step forward and immediately seize Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang said loudly, "All the students believe that my performance is questionable. I have requested a review. What crime have I committed?"

"Bold, arrogant, and outrageous."

The white-bearded proctor trembled with rage and floated in front of Xue Xiang, asking, "Who are you students?"

Xue Xiangdao said, "With Ning Qianjun as the leader, you can ask him, sir."

Ning Qianjun's liver trembled, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "Nonsense, nonsense..."

Xue Xiangdao said, "Brother Ning, what do you mean by this? Why are you afraid to admit it now that things are about to happen?"

If you didn't think Xue's grades were unusual, why did you bring so many people to Xue's cell?

If I didn't think Mr. Xue wouldn't dare to appeal, why would I make a bet with him?

His two sentences are unrelated.

Ning Qianjun was momentarily confused, wondering how his bet with Xue Xiang had turned into believing that Xue Xiang's grades were abnormal.

With a wave of his hand, the white-bearded proctor summoned two soldiers who then seized Ning Qianjun as well.

"Injustice! Injustice!"

Ning Qianjun was so anxious that his face turned green.

The white-bearded proctor didn't care about any of that. In his view, anyone who dared to question the grading was questioning the academy.

Some people even dare to bet on their exam scores, which is incredibly audacious.

Before long, Xue Xiang and Ning Qianjun were both taken away, and the entire place fell into a deathly silence.

………………

Inside the examination hall, the lights were dim and the atmosphere was as deep as the sea.

On the stone wall, an octagonal bronze mirror hangs in the air, faintly reflecting the various scenes inside the examination hall, as if the heavenly eye is looking down on the human world.

An invisible barrier descended, isolating the inside from the outside; only the soft rustling of robes could be heard in the hall.

The nine people at the table were all dressed in purple robes, each with a different insignia; they were all chief examiners, deputy examiners, and officials in charge of the examination papers.

Between the desks, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, creating a solemn and silent atmosphere. But at this moment, a flying talisman shot in through the window and suddenly stopped in the hall.

"Xue Xiang appealed that the judgment was wrong; Ning Qianjun made a bet with him, and both of them were arrested."

The Chief reported in a low voice.

Before he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Xu Changying, sitting on the right, frowned slightly, tapping the corner of the table slowly with his fingertips, secretly pleased.

He meddled in, and Xue Xiang even scored 93 points, which worried him quite a bit.

After all, it wasn't appropriate for him to get involved again.

Theoretically speaking, Xue Xiang still has a chance to win the championship.

Now that Xue Xiang has jumped out and is courting death, that's truly a blessing in disguise.

After a moment, he chuckled softly: "Heh... he's quite confident."

Wang Zongjing narrowed his eyes slightly, picked up the talisman and read it carefully, raising an eyebrow and saying, "Ninety-three points, and you still disagree with the judgment."

What an arrogant student! If people like him are allowed to roam free, the spirit and discipline of examinations will vanish completely.

"Indeed. If this trend is set, scientific expeditions will lose all credibility."

Even the usually taciturn Shen Mingzhou spoke up.

He was truly apprehensive. If the exam were to be reviewed, his reputation would be ruined. He glanced at Xiang Yu, who was grading Xue Xiang's exam paper with him.

Xiang Yu was looking at him, but Shen Mingzhou quickly shifted his gaze away.

Wang Zongjing put down the talisman, stood up with his hands behind his back, and said coldly, "Xue Xiang's questioning of the performance evaluation is already disrespectful."
Ning Qianjun openly made a bet with someone based on his performance, but considering it was his first offense, he could be forgiven.

Xue Xiang should be punished, and Ning Qianjun should be severely reprimanded.

"Agree."

"Seconded."

The echoes reverberated, and all the officials in the hall nodded in approval.

"Let the chief examiner write it down."

…………

Inside the prison cell on the west side of the examination hall, Xue Xiang and Ning Qianjun were both bound to stone pillars, and two squads of soldiers stood guard not far away.

Xue Xiang closed his eyes to rest, while Ning Qianjun kept his eyes fixed on Xue Xiang with eyes like copper bells.

To his surprise, he found no trace of panic on Xue Xiang's face; the guy seemed to be here to rest.

Ning Qianjun, however, was in a panic. This scientific expedition was of great significance to him and his family.

He would be utterly unwilling to perish alongside Xue Xiang.

After a moment of worry, Ning Qianjun gradually calmed down. After thinking it over, he realized that he also had something to rely on.

At least, both the academy and the prefecture were pleased to see the students who received special privileges achieve good results in this imperial examination.

His reputation was no less than that of Shen Nansheng and Lou Changqing, the most outstanding figures in the gentry class, and he was sure that someone in the upper echelons would protect him.

Thinking of this, he felt relieved and couldn't help but sneer, "Xue Xiang, you must be panicking right now. To be honest, I really admire your stubbornness..."

Ning Qianjun muttered to himself, but still didn't receive a response from Xue Xiang. He was pleased with himself, thinking that Xue Xiang was indeed putting on a brave face.

Unexpectedly, Xue Xiang suddenly began to snore softly.

"Has this kid gone mad?"

Xue Xiang could tell whether he was truly asleep or not.

He never expected that Xue Xiang would fall asleep at this crucial moment.

…………

The examination hall, Fengxi Pavilion.

Beneath the towering eaves, the sunlight was shattered by the dark clouds, leaving only thin slivers that seeped in through the windows of the corridor, falling on the pitch-black floor tiles of the hall, like a flickering candle in the wind, silent and oppressive.

The furnishings in the hall were extremely simple, with only a long table in the center inlaid with black jade dragons. A person sat upright there, wearing a dark blue silk robe, with snow-white hair and a calm expression, seemingly asleep but not quite.

This person is Elder Hongwen of Canglan Academy, Wei Fan, who is in charge of the autumn examination in Canaan County.

Wei Fan held a high position and was nominally in charge, but in reality, he was a figurehead and did not take on any real responsibilities.

Unless there are major decisions to be made, such as disqualifying a student or destroying their academic credentials, which require Wei Fan's approval, at this moment, a group of invigilators and examiners, led by Wang Zongjing and Xu Changying, came to see Wei Fan.

Wang Zongjing glanced at Xu Changying, who stepped forward first, cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Elder Wei, just now some candidates were making a fuss in the hall, claiming that the scoring was wrong, refusing to obey, and even colluding with others to cause trouble."

The officials have discussed this matter and concluded that this practice cannot be allowed to continue. They request the elders' permission to remove him from the register and destroy all his written records since his birth, as a warning to others to follow suit.

Wang Zongjing's expression was cold and stern: "This person has groundlessly questioned the fairness of the academy's grading of papers, spoken arrogantly, colluded with others to disrupt the order of the examination, and has malicious intentions."

Shen Mingzhou’s voice was gentle, but his words were sarcastic: “Although he scored well in the first game, he is lacking in both talent and character. If we let him get away with it, wouldn’t that discourage students all over the world?”

After the three finished speaking, many of the examiners agreed with them.

Incense smoke filled the hall, but Wei Fan remained silent, only lowering his eyes and lightly tapping the edge of the table with his fingers, each tap sound like a drum.

The air seemed to freeze, and everyone stared at each other, a subtle shift in the atmosphere occurring.

After a moment, Wei Fan finally raised his eyes and said, "Since it is a matter of public opinion, bring the student's academic record."

Xu Changying was secretly pleased, Wang Zongjing smiled, and Shen Mingzhou breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Xiang Yu felt it was a pity, the argument now was not about the exam paper, but about Xue Xiang leading the trouble and disrupting the exam atmosphere and discipline. Even if he wanted to step forward to defend him, he couldn't find a reason.

Before long, Xue Xiang's background documents and school records were presented.

The clerk spread out the text, and just as Wei Fan was about to put pen to paper, he suddenly caught sight of the two characters "Xue Xiang." His hand holding the pen trembled, and a drop of vermilion ink fell onto the frosty paper on the table, as red as blood.

Why is this person causing trouble?

Wei Fan put down his vermilion brush.

At this point, his voice paused, and the temperature in the hall seemed to drop by a third.

Wang Zongjing, Xu Changying, and Shen Mingzhou all noticed something was wrong.

Xu Changying said, "Xue Xiangkao scored a high score of 93, but he made a big fuss about the unfair grading and demanded a review."

Although this person has some talent and reputation, he thinks he can use this reputation to achieve good results, which is wishful thinking.

We urge the elders to punish this severely as a warning to others.

"Bring Xue Xiang's answer sheet."

Wei Fan, who had been sitting calmly, slowly stood up.

At that moment, it was as if a mountain had suddenly risen from the ground, dark clouds were rolling outside the window, the wind was blowing in through the cracks in the vermilion door, the paper rolls were slightly moved, and the incense sticks were all knocked over.

The officials were startled. Xu Changying's expression changed slightly, and he bowed and asked, "Elder, what is this?"

“I, the elder, handle matters officially. Do you all think I'm blind and deaf? Haven't you heard of Xue Xiang's reputation? Can't I even take a look at his exam paper?”

Wei Fan finished speaking in a cold voice, a hint of thunder flashing in his eyes.

However, the direction in which the lightning struck seemed to be completely unexpected by everyone.

Before long, Xue Xiang's exam paper was retrieved.

After reading it, Wei Fan gave a light hum and ordered it to be passed on.

Soon, a buzzing sound filled the room.

"What, what's going on? Shen Mingzhou, thirty-eight points! Are you blind or just plain stupid?"

"This article is a rare masterpiece, with its sound reasoning, detailed evidence, clear analysis, and beautiful writing."

"Lord Xu Changying, the initial and final scores of Shen Mingzhou and Xiang Yu differ by ten points. Although the law allows for a compromise, you, as the chief examiner, also have the authority to make a decision. Why are you not taking any action?"

"Although this paper still has room for evaluation, this is not a reason for this child to be eccentric and defy the examination hall and the grading hall."

"reason?"

Wei Fan, who had been observing coldly, smiled faintly and glanced at everyone. "I don't know when the word 'reason' began to be used to arbitrarily impose one's own opinions and suppress talents."

He angrily flicked his sleeve, "Shen Mingzhou, are you really blind, or did someone say something? This article is so righteous and pure in spirit, how did you get a score of only thirty-eight?"

Shen Mingzhou, sweat beading on his forehead, cupped his hands and said, "This young man seems to agree with the reforms in his words."

The political situation in the court is fraught with conflict, stemming from the reforms. I fear this young man is too arrogant and will get caught up in the power struggle, so I've decided to keep him in check.

The essay question is a subjective question, and the examiners do have a great deal of discretion.

Xu Changying said, "My opinion is the same as Lord Shen's, so I did not make a decision on this scroll."

Wei Fan sneered repeatedly, "Since when has the struggle for the imperial examination become a part of the civil service examination?"
As long as the essays in the imperial examinations do not contain any treasonous or rebellious language and are based on sound reasoning, they are acceptable.

"You, as invigilators and examiners, dare to act on your own initiative, using the name of the court to dismiss talented individuals! This is utterly outrageous!"

Wei Fan said sternly, "Xu Changying and Shen Mingzhou, effective immediately, you two are suspended from your duties of invigilating and grading exam papers..."

"Elder Wei."

Wang Zongjing's face turned ashen, and he said loudly, "The identities of the invigilators and examiners have already been determined. How can they be changed halfway through? We will have a hard time explaining this to the governor."

"Don't try to use the governor's name to pressure me. The talent selection ceremony is under the jurisdiction of the academy, and the governor has no right to interfere with me."

Wei Fan raised his white eyebrows and said, "Wang Zongjing, as the proctor, what have you been doing lately? Do you really think I don't know?"

I'm being lenient with you, so don't be ungrateful. Otherwise, I could easily report you to the academy and have your student status revoked.

Wang Zongjing was furious, but dared not argue further.

The academy wielded immense power. Although he was an examiner appointed by the governor, he was only a scholar, a rank just one level higher than a county student.

His student status is still at the state academy; Wei Fan needs to control him, so it won't be too easy.

What Wang Zongjing couldn't understand was why Wei Fan was so angry about just arresting Xue Xiang.

Is he a relative of Xue Xiang?

Judging from Wei Fan's enthusiasm, he's just as determined in protecting his illegitimate child.

"By order of the old man, after review by the examination hall, it is confirmed that there were oversights in the grading, but the results have already been determined and cannot be changed."

Xue's application for review is understandable, but it is unacceptable under the law. If he appeals once and then commits the same offense again, he will be severely punished.

Ning Qianjun, for his gossiping and stirring up trouble, was given thirty strokes of the cane. If he committed another offense, his academic records would be destroyed and his examination records removed.

Xu Changying was given a reprimand and suspended from his duties for self-reflection.

Shen Mingzhou, suspended from duty pending investigation
............"

As Wei Fan issued his decrees, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; only the incense flickered and the candle wax dripped continuously.

No one dared to move, and even their breathing became lighter.

Wei Fan snorted coldly, lowered his eyes, and then became as imposing as a mountain, as if the thunderclap just now was merely a gust of wind.

Who could understand the anger deep within his heart?

If I had been careless just now, it wouldn't have been just Xue Xiang's path to the imperial examination that was mistakenly cut off, but also my path to immortality.

...After Wei Fan issued his verdict, the examination hall was completely silent for a moment, except for the sound of the wind rustling through the branches and the fluttering of leaves, much like the restless emotions suppressed under pressure.

A group of students gathered in a corner of the corridor, looking quite resentful.

"Is this matter too far-fetched?"

"How dare a poor, orphaned student like him have such a face? Even Examiner Shen was suspended, and Ning Qianjun was flogged on the spot... yet Xue Xiang is unscathed?"

As he spoke, Yin Sheng's lips curled into a slight sneer, "I suspect this Elder Wei... we've known each other for a while now? Was it an order from above?"

Though spoken softly, the words were exceptionally clear in the silence. Several students nodded slightly, their discontent evident on their faces.

"Why?"

"Yes, if this can be raised high and lowered lightly, what solemnity is there in the autumn imperial examination?"

For a moment, undercurrents surged, almost bursting into chaos.

At that moment, everyone's spiritual rings suddenly trembled—an imperceptible radiance emerged from between their fingers, like the rising morning mist, pale blue and flowing with color, directly entering their minds.

One by one, the characters appeared, each one like an ink dragon coiled, with a rigorous structure and imposing presence.

"This is……"

"Xue Xiang's...exam paper?"

The students were all stunned, and even their voices became hoarse.

"The system of governance over the past century has accumulated a mountain of corruption. If no action is taken, the central authority will collapse; if no decisive action is taken, the established order of rites will crumble..."

"Wow...such powerful strokes!"

"This opening scene was terrifying to me..."

"This writing style is simply not something someone of his age would write!"

The still-angry students read only a few lines before their mocking expressions gradually faded.

Yin Sheng, who had previously mocked Wei Fan for being "biased," twitched his lips slightly but ultimately remained silent.

Inside the prison cell, Ning Qianjun was kneeling on the ground, with faint bloodstains on his back, as the executioners withdrew.

Tears that had been welling up in his eyes for a long time finally spilled out.

What a disgrace! What a disgrace!

Although Xue Xiang's score was not changed, the exam paper was reviewed after all; otherwise, he would not have imposed such a severe punishment.

Thirty strokes on his back, he could bear it.

The key point is the humiliation, the inexplicable humiliation.

"Injustice, injustice..."

He clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and hissed in a low voice, "I will definitely appeal."

Suddenly, a faint light emanated from the talisman and disappeared into the space between his eyebrows.

He struggled to his feet, staring intently at the few paragraphs on the screen, his eyes growing increasingly gloomy, his fists clenched so tightly they seemed about to bleed.

"It's nothing...it's just about using fancy words..."

His voice was hoarse, but he knew that he couldn't fool himself with this conclusion.

Even if he appeals against such an article, he will only bring shame upon himself.

………………

Shen Nansheng stood under the eaves on the west side of the examination hall. Before the rain, the wind was already cool, and water droplets dripped from the eaves. He did not move an inch, but lowered his head to carefully savor Xue Xiang's essay.

"...Minor officials abuse their power for mediocrity, while higher officials neglect their duties to avoid responsibility. Scholarly morale has declined, and no one dares to speak out; the court is in chaos, and no one dares to look. I implore Your Majesty to trust and employ them to resolve this crisis for the nation..."

His eyes shone brightly. He took a deep breath and murmured, "I underestimated him after all."

…………

Lou Changqing stood two steps away, without uttering a word. In his mind, Xue Xiang's exam paper seemed to transform into a thousand thunderbolts, roaring in his mind.

He was proud of his exceptional talent and refused to be outdone by anyone, but at this moment he felt that Xue Xiang's words were like hammers, driving them straight into his heart.

After a long silence, he said in a low voice, "Even if he gets a perfect score, there's still a next step."

…………

Ling Xueyi, dressed in snow-white robes, stood on a corner pillar under the corridor, her clothes fluttering in the wind, quietly pondering the last sentence of Xue Xiangshi's essay.

"By extending grace to all corners of the world, a single spark can start a prairie fire. This is what it means!"

He gently closed his eyes, and his thin lips uttered four words: "His heart is as vast as the sea, like a hero of the human race."

As the words fell, the wind in the long corridor ceased, and a moment of solemnity descended.

(End of this chapter)