A thousand-year-old family begins with one fighting against ten thousand.

His literary talent was also exceptional; he possessed both high literary and political acumen.

This scroll does not follow popular trends, nor does it glorify a false peace; it speaks frankly about the extravagance of the inner palace, the exhaustion of the people along the post roads, and the tyranny of the empress's relatives. Every sentence is based on evidence, every matter is filled with concern, every word is precious, and every sentence is startling. The composition is well-balanced, and the brushwork is profound and steady.

Even with Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's literary talent, he couldn't find a single fault with it for a while.

After reviewing the exam paper, he passed it on to the important officials in the court, who were all impressed.

"His policy essays are insightful and far-sighted, his writing is profound and powerful, he directly points out the ills of the time, and every word reflects his loyalty to the emperor and concern for the people. No other paper in the entire examination hall can surpass his work."

"It does not glorify the peace and prosperity, nor does it flatter the emperor. It clearly and logically expounds on the harm of extravagance and the suffering of forced labor, and its courage and integrity are unparalleled in the entire audience."

"His mind is filled with strategies for governing the country, his pen is imbued with the sincerity of a child, and his arguments incisively address the deep-seated problems of the present day. This is truly the best paper of this imperial examination."

"His writing is free of wild and frivolous words, and his arguments are based on strategies for governing the world and benefiting the people. He possesses all three qualities: literary talent, overall vision, and genuine sincerity."

"He lacks the arrogance of a young man who is arrogant because of his talent, but possesses the heart of a minister who dares to speak frankly and remonstrate. Reading the whole book, one can see that he has the true talent to govern the world.

"In my fifty years of reading, I have never seen such a policy essay that combines integrity and strategy! Ordinary scholars can only pile up words and praise the prosperous age, but this person dares to face the wounds of the world directly. His words contain the suffering of thousands of people. His talent is secondary, but this sincerity is even more rare."

"The entire piece contains not a single arrogant or rebellious word, yet it fully reveals the hidden anxieties of the court. Its literary talent rivals that of the great scholars of the Han Dynasty, and its insight is comparable to that of high-ranking officials. If such writing is considered mediocre, then there is no one else of worthwhile talent in the world!"

"Others' answers are icing on the cake, but this one is like scraping the bone to cure a disease. What this prosperous age lacks most are scholars who dare to speak the truth and can identify the ills of the times."

One flattering remark after another poured out from the mouths of high-ranking officials, every word praising Li Bai's examination paper.

Even Li Longji couldn't bring himself to say bad things against his conscience.

"This person is indeed exceptionally talented and should be hired."

Emperor Xuanzong coughed twice, "The idea that the imperial examinations today lack talent is indeed a fallacy."

Li Linfu's eyes were also somewhat vacant. Although his education level was not high, he had held a high position for many years and had seen many submitted articles, so his ability to appreciate them was quite good.

He could naturally tell the quality of Li Bai's exam paper. Those examiners were really bold; they dared not accept any of the papers of this quality.

At least one would be fine, it would reduce the pressure.

All the examiners: "Damn it!"

"The prime minister's interference in the imperial examinations almost caused the court to miss out on talented individuals; his crime is of the highest importance."

"He was ordered to atone for his crime by setting new questions and re-grading papers, and his salary was suspended for three years, in order to observe his future performance."

Li Longji ultimately chose to protect him; there was no other way, as Li Linfu's test questions were just what he wanted to hear.

It tickled his itchy spot perfectly.

"Your Majesty, Li Linfu's six crimes are all heinous, each one warranting the execution of his entire family. He must not be let off lightly."

Dr. Li stood up and directly confronted Li Longji. So what if he's the emperor? Can he kill him?

"What does the Imperial Uncle mean?"

Li Longji frowned slightly and said with some dissatisfaction.

"Why doesn't Your Majesty meet with the owner of the exam paper before discussing this further?"

Dr. Li kept it a secret, which piqued Li Longji's curiosity.

He was also curious about who had written the exam paper.

"Could the owner of this exam paper be one of those three students?"

Li Longji asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Dr. Li said.

"Come here immediately!"

Li Longji's eyes lit up, and he quickly said.

Led by Li Bai, the three students walked to the front of the court and stood not far in front of Li Longji.

Li Longji's eyes widened as he looked at the familiar face before him.

If we consider the exam paper we just saw, and it was written by Li Bai, then everything makes sense.

"Taibai, is Li Qing you?"

Li Longji asked incredulously, glancing at Li Bai and then at the smiling Wei Wen.

He said, "So that's why that old geezer Wei Wen suddenly appeared."

His political instincts told him that if it really was Li Bai, then he was in big trouble.

Li Linfu manipulated the imperial examinations, causing Li Bai, a disciple of the Prince of Yan, to fail. Yet, he protected Li Linfu, which could very well lead to a clash between him and the Prince of Yan's faction.

Thinking of this, Li Longji felt a chill run down his spine.

Li Bai, if you want to become an official, it's just a matter of a word. Whatever official position you want, I'll grant it to you. Why bother taking the imperial examinations?

If you're going to take the imperial examination, fine, but why did you have to change your name? Now you're in an awkward situation.

"Your Majesty, I wish to participate in the imperial examination based on my own true talents and learning, rather than relying on my family background. Therefore, I have concealed my identity. Please forgive me."

Li Bai bowed to Li Longji and explained.

This matter is neither a big deal nor a small one.

To put it bluntly, it was a crime of deceiving the emperor; to put it mildly, it demonstrated Li Bai's integrity and made him indifferent to punishment.

"You are innocent. The Ministry of Rites has improved the imperial examination system, and from now on, people will not be allowed to conceal their identities to participate in the imperial examinations."

Li Longji waved his hand; he couldn't really punish Li Bai, who was now the aggrieved party.

All those in the know in the court smiled slightly, for the final reversal had occurred and a fatal blow had come!

Only Li Linfu was still a little confused. Who was Li Bai? The name sounded somewhat familiar.

Why does Emperor Xuanzong of Tang seem so familiar with Li Bai?

Moreover, this is a crime of deceiving the emperor, and he accepted it so lightly?

The surname Li sounds familiar. Could he be a member of the same clan?

There is no such person among the queens of the clan.

However, Li Linfu also realized that this seemed to be a trap set specifically for him, and he felt a death star flashing above his head.

"Your Majesty, may I ask the identity of this scholar?"

Li Linfu asked unwillingly.

Li Longji looked at Li Bai and nodded, indicating that Li Bai should speak on his own.

"Report back to Prime Minister Li, my teacher, the Prince of Yan."

Li Bai looked at Li Linfu and said calmly.

Upon hearing Li Bai's words, Li Linfu felt a chill run through his body, as if he had fallen into an ice cave!

To speak like this in the imperial court, before numerous high-ranking officials, the emperor, and the Prince of Yan, must be a close disciple, and one who is extremely favored among them.

This person participated in the imperial examination, and because he secretly manipulated the process, he caused someone else to fail!

Finished!

Li Linfu knew he was finished!

At that moment, he understood everything.

No wonder these Imperial Academy scholars were so fearless in impeaching him.

No wonder those powerful families disregarded their own interests and joined forces to impeach him.

No wonder even those nobles who had no connection whatsoever stepped forward.

No wonder the impeachment memorials were able to bypass him and reach Li Longji directly.

If Li Bai was a disciple of the Prince of Yan, then everything makes sense.

But he felt so wronged!

He only tried to show off once, but ended up kicking a steel plate!