I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

On the day the private examination ended, the Chongwen Pavilion was where the papers were graded.

On the long table, the exam papers were piled up like a small mountain. Ye Zuqia and Gong Yuan sat facing each other, each holding a red pen, engrossed in grading the papers.

The grading was done anonymously, with each paper sealed with the author's name and place of origin. The ranking was based solely on the quality of the writing, with the main principle being fairness.

Fair as it may be, it gets boring after a while.

Gong Yuan rubbed his temples as he reviewed the tenth document.

He put down his pen, picked up the now-cold tea, took a sip, and sighed.

"Master, look at these articles. Some are just empty talk about the Three Dynasties, full of benevolence and righteousness; others are just piling up allusions, but they don't make any sense; and still others know how to praise the new laws, but they just repeat the same few sentences over and over again, as if they were all made from the same mold."

Ye Zuqia didn't even look up, his pen never stopping.

"As expected, the question is clearly worded. Smart people will naturally know where to write, and even stupid people can at least copy in the right direction."

"Even if you're going to copy, you have to know how to copy properly." Gong Yuan shook his head, picked up the next exam paper, and unfolded it.

After reading a few lines, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

After reading a few more lines, he sat up straight.

As he continued reading, he suddenly stopped talking, staring intently at the exam paper, his gaze growing brighter and brighter.

After a while, he raised his head, his eyes filled with surprise.

"Chancellor, come and take a look at this."

Ye Zuqia then stopped writing and looked up.

"What? Someone stood out?"

"It's more than just outstanding." Gong Yuan handed over the paper. "Please take a closer look, Chancellor."

Ye Zuqia accepted it.

This is a test paper with all three questions answered. The handwriting is clear, strong, and powerful, showing that the student has put in a lot of hard work.

He first looked at the first question, "On the Benefits of the Military Farms during the Shaosheng Era and the Methods of Evaluating Officials."

The opening doesn't engage in empty talk; it directly addresses current problems.

"Those who talk about military farming today only count the amount of wasteland reclaimed, without asking about the actual harvest; they only examine the diligence of officials, without considering the peace and well-being of the people. This is not military farming, but rather harassment of the border."

He then quoted extensively from classical texts, but his remarks were not superficial.

Citing the "Equalization of Land Distribution" method from the *Zhou Li*, it says, "Equalization of land distribution must begin with equalization of taxes; only when taxes are equal can the people be at peace." It also cites Guanzi's saying, "To govern a country, one must first enrich the people," stating, "The people of the border regions are also people; if the border people are not at peace, how can the border be at peace?"

Then, specific suggestions were put forward: the assessment of land reclamation should be conducted over a three-year period, evaluating the overall results; it should not only consider the amount of land reclaimed, but also the fullness of granaries and the increase in the number of households; it was suggested that "Land Reclamation Commissioners" be established in border areas to be specifically responsible for auditing, directly under the three departments...

"Hmm, this paper is insightful," Ye Zuqia said in a low voice, and continued to look at the second question.

The second question, praising the new law and connecting three generations, is most likely to become vague and empty.

But this test paper was written very solidly.

The Green Sprouts Law corresponds to the loan of the Quanfu in the Rites of Zhou, the Exemption from Service Law corresponds to the "Yong" in the rent, labor service and tax system of the Tang Dynasty, and the Market Exchange Law corresponds to the equitable distribution system of the Han Dynasty.

Finally, it was pointed out that: "The new laws are not innovative, but rather a restoration of the past to benefit the present. Emperor Shenzong's ambition was not to reform the laws, but to restore the rule of the Three Dynasties."

"Great! What a wonderful idea of ​​'retro to benefit the present'!" Ye Zuqia praised generously, turning to the third question.

The third question is to refute the argument that border wars deplete a nation's resources.

This question is the most difficult because it refutes the core arguments of the old party.

If the rebuttal is too mild, it won't be effective; if it's too strong, it might seem extreme.

But this exam paper starts by taking a step back:

"I have heard that those who govern a country should not consider the expenses of the moment, but plan for the peace of ten thousand generations. It is true that expanding the borders and waging war will incur costs, and this cannot be denied."

Then, changing the subject, he began to calculate the accounts.

A comparison of the military expenditures for the expansion of the Xihe region during the reign of Emperor Shenzong and the increased revenue from tea, horses, and salt taxes after the recovery of the Hehuang region;

Considering the current costs of the Huangzhou war, and the anticipated gains of controlling Qing Tang Road and increasing commercial taxes after acquiring Huangzhou.

The data may not be accurate, but the thinking is clear and the calculations are understandable.

And then we elevate it a bit further.

"Opening up the borders is not for territorial expansion, but rather for sustaining the war through war and replenishing the national treasury with the profits from the borders. In the past, the Han Dynasty established the Protectorate of the Western Regions, which cost a huge sum of money every year. Only then did trade routes open up, attract foreign merchants, and generate a steady stream of customs revenue. The Tang Dynasty established... This is not a drain on the country, but a benefit to the country."

Finally, returning to the greater good: "To abandon Huangzhou now would save 200,000 strings of cash in military expenses annually... This is not benevolent governance, but shortsightedness. Securing the borders and ensuring the people's safety is the foundation of benevolent governance in the Three Dynasties."

After reading it, Ye Zuqia remained silent for a long time.

He gently placed the paper on the table and tapped it with his fingers.

"How is it, Chief Priest?" Gong Yuan asked.

"Hmm... This paper is well-written and logically sound, with a clear stance and well-founded arguments."

Ye Zuqia said slowly,

"What's even more remarkable is his eloquence and his lack of extremism. Look at his rebuttal of the 'expansion of borders depletes the country' argument. He first acknowledges that expansion of borders does indeed incur costs, then calculates the long-term economic benefits, and finally elevates it to the point that 'secure the borders and bring peace to the people' is the true form of benevolent governance. Just this level of vision and understanding surpasses everyone else."

"That's what I think too," Gong Yuan nodded.

"The three questions in this volume are actually a whole. The first question discusses the essentials of practical matters, the second question traces the foundation of the new law, and the third question refutes the fallacies of the old party."

"The three questions build upon each other, ultimately all converging on the eight characters 'carrying on the legacy of Emperor Shenzong and strengthening the foundation of the nation.' The clarity of thought and the breadth of vision are truly beyond the reach of ordinary students."

Ye Zuqia pondered.

"It's a pity that the anonymous name was never revealed, so we don't know who it was. But judging from their handwriting, writing style, and knowledge... there are only three or five people in the Imperial Academy who can reach this level."

"The Chief Minister thinks..." Gong Yuan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"The results will be announced tomorrow, and then we'll know the outcome." Ye Zuqia carefully placed the exam papers on a specially prepared table to the side, where seven or eight of the preliminary top-scoring papers were already laid out.

"Complete the grading of all the papers tonight, and open them in public at dawn tomorrow."

The candle burned for another hour.

By midnight, all the exam papers had been graded.

Ye Zuqia and Gong Yuan finally determined the grades: nine portions of the highest grade, over two hundred portions of the middle grade, nearly one hundred portions of the lower-middle grade, and over thirty portions of the lowest grade.

The paper that answered all three questions perfectly was undoubtedly ranked as the best paper.

……

The results were released three days later.

The results of this month's private examinations were posted on the screen wall outside the Minglun Hall of the Imperial Academy.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the place was already packed with people.

Students craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, searching for their names among the densely packed names.

"On the armor... there are only three people on the armor!"

"Zhao Mingcheng... is the leader!"

"Li Jiong, Yi Shang, not bad!"

"Wang Yuan... Level B? Doesn't he always boast about his mastery of strategy?"

A cacophony of voices—discussions, exclamations, and sighs of frustration—stood in the air

Some people were overjoyed, some were dejected, and many more stared at the three words "champion," pondering them repeatedly.

Zhao Mingcheng's answer sheet has been copied in full and posted on a specially set-up wooden board next to the list for all students to see.

The paper was newly pasted, the ink still wet, and it gleamed in the morning light.

A large crowd gathered there, watching and marveling at the sight.

"It's one thing to cite precedents from the Han and Tang dynasties, but to actually calculate 'abandoning 200,000 strings of cash in Huangzhou Province and losing 300,000 strings of cash in salt and iron profits'—that's true economic expertise!"

"What's even more ingenious is the ending, which connects the opening of the border with the benevolent rule of the three dynasties, refuting the old party while praising the current emperor, leaving no room for error."

"No wonder this paper won first place. Just the knowledge and the writing alone are far superior to ours."

Outside the crowd, Wang Yuan's face was ashen.

He stared at the "Yi Xia" after his name on the list, his fingernails digging into his palms.

The whispers around him made him even more uneasy.

"Wang Yuancai is only a second-class talent?... "

"Shh, keep your voice down. I heard he behaved badly in the exam hall and almost broke Zhao Mingcheng's inkstone. He was reprimanded by the examiner in public."

"Is that so? No wonder..."

Wang Yuan turned and walked away, his steps unsteady.

What will you say when you get home, Yi Xia?

What should he say if his father asks?

Did he lose his composure during the exam because he was jealous of Zhao Mingcheng, which affected his answers?

Or is it that the topic itself contradicts his family's teachings, and he couldn't write something against his conscience?

He dared not think.

……

While the students were focused on their exam results, a small study room in the northeast corner of the Imperial Academy was bustling with activity.

This is Zhao Mingcheng's study.

The upper-class students receive generous treatment, with each person having their own private room. Although the room is small, it is quiet and peaceful.

At this moment, Xuan paper was laid out on the desk by the window in the study. Zhao Mingcheng was holding a brush, dipping it in ink, and the tip of the brush was suspended on the paper, but he was in no hurry to put it down.

"The essence of regular script lies first and foremost in its structure," Zhao Mingcheng said, turning to Li Jiong beside him. "The framework must be stable, and the spacing must be even. Look at this character '永' (yong)."

The brush tip touches down, starting with a reverse stroke, moving with the center of the brush, and ending with a return stroke.

With its horizontal and vertical strokes, and its flowing lines, the dignified and steady character "永" (yong) leaps off the paper.

Li Jiong leaned closer for a closer look and exclaimed in admiration.

"Brother Mingcheng's regular script truly possesses the charm of Yu Shinan's 'Confucius Temple Stele,' while also exhibiting some of Ouyang Xun's rigorous and orderly style. How did you manage to integrate the strengths of both schools into one?"

"Observe more, practice more, and understand more," Zhao Mingcheng said, putting down his brush and pointing to the characters.

"Yu Shinan's calligraphy is rounded and subtle, while Ouyang Xun's calligraphy is bold and vigorous. When I practice calligraphy, I first copy Yu Shinan's calligraphy to get its gentleness; then I copy Ouyang Xun's calligraphy to get its strength. Over time, I have developed my own preferences when I write."

Li Jiong seemed to be deep in thought.

"My uncle always says that regular script should follow the Yan style, seeking its elegance and fluency. But looking at Brother Mingcheng's calligraphy, it seems he places more emphasis on structural strength?"

"Yan style calligraphy is indeed the authentic style," Zhao Mingcheng smiled.

"However, the regular script has evolved to the point where it no longer resembles the style of the Jin Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty emphasized rules, and the regular script was strictly regulated; our dynasty inherited the legacy of the Tang Dynasty, but has gradually become more inclined to express individuality."

"As for my calligraphy," Zhao Mingcheng shook his head, "it's nothing more than picking up scraps from others and slowly figuring it out."

That's an understatement. Regardless of whether it was before or after the time travel, Zhao Mingcheng's calligraphy was quite good.

Li Jiong, who was listening in, knew that Zhao Mingcheng's insights into calligraphy far surpassed those of ordinary students.

He secretly sighed that his handwriting reflected his personality, and his admiration for Zhao Mingcheng grew even stronger.

"By the way, Brother Mingcheng," Li Jiong changed the subject, "today the results were announced, and Brother Mingcheng, you truly deserved to be number one. My essay also owes its second-highest score largely to your guidance."

"It's because you have good comprehension." Zhao Mingcheng washed the brush and hung it back on the brush holder.

"I only gave you a direction that day; how to solve the problem and how to argue it is up to you."

"But without your guidance, I would never have thought to start writing from the practical aspects," Li Jiong said sincerely.

"Thanks to your reminder, I now realize that when writing policy essays, one cannot just talk the talk; one must actually do the math."

Zhao Mingcheng smiled but remained silent.

He walked to the window and pushed it open.

The May wind, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, blew in, stirring the still-dry paper on the desk, and the fragrance of ink spread with the wind.

In the distance, faint voices could still be heard from the direction of Minglun Hall; the excitement of the announcement of the results had not yet completely dissipated, but the study was quiet.

"Brother Mingcheng," Li Jiong suddenly said, watching Zhao Mingcheng's figure.

"With your insight, you are bound to achieve great things in the future, but..." He hesitated for a moment.

"The situation in the court is complex now, and the struggle between the old and new factions continues unabated. Brother Mingcheng, have you thought about your future path?"

Zhao Mingcheng turned around and stood there, the sunlight gilding his shoulders.

"I've thought about it, which is why I need to take each step carefully. I need to earn fame and fortune, and I also need to learn practical skills. Most importantly, I need to know in my heart what I want to do and what I should do."

Looking at his classmate, who was only two years older than him, Li Jiong suddenly felt that some people were born to stand at the top.

A bell tolled outside the window; it was noon.

Zhao Mingcheng put away the paper and pen.

"I'm hungry, let's go eat. It's on me today to celebrate your passing grade."

"It should be my treat, congratulations on winning first place..."

The two chatted and laughed as they left, temporarily putting aside their worries about fame, factional strife, and future prospects.

On the screen wall outside Minglun Hall, Zhao Mingcheng's answer sheet was still surrounded by students, some copying it down, others reciting it silently.

But Wang Yuan's situation was not so easy.