Chapter 115: Turmoil Surrounds the Examiner Selection; A Talented Woman’s Wit and Courage Resolve the Impasse

Chapter 115: The Examiner Selection Turmoil Arises; the Talented Woman Overcomes the Crisis with Wisdom and Courage

Lin Shiya accepted the imperial edict from the attendant’s hand, her fingers brushing the cold paper, while her heart surged with emotions.

She knew that behind this apparent honor lay new challenges.

Being appointed as an imperial examination examiner meant greater responsibility and far sterner trials.

She lifted her head, gazing into the distance with deep, resolute eyes, a subtle, meaningful smile playing at the corners of her lips.

“I…” Her words faltered as her eyes met Murong Fu’s.

Murong Fu clasped her hand tightly, silently lending her his unwavering support.

Her voice was low yet firm: “I accept.”

A few days later, the Ministry of Rites’ examination grounds blossomed with the vitality of spring as a new round of selection commenced.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting mottled shadows on the ground; a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of books.

Clad in a simple robe, Lin Shiya walked steadily into the examination hall.

Whispers rippled among the gathered crowd, many eyes scrutinizing her with a mixture of admiration and doubt.

Minister Liu of the Ministry of Rites sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sharp and meticulous.

He scanned the crowd and finally fixed his eyes on Lin Shiya, clearing his throat before announcing the examination rules: “Candidates, today we conduct the preliminary assessment. An imperial examination examiner must possess profound knowledge and unwavering impartiality. I hope you all demonstrate your true abilities.”

Before his words faded, Elder Scholar Chen, seated beside Minister Liu, suddenly rose, his brows furrowed with skepticism: “Minister Liu, with all due respect, although Lin Shiya is gifted, her experience is insufficient for such a heavy responsibility. The role of examiner is no trivial matter and requires years of training.”

Though Lin Shiya’s heart stirred, her expression remained composed. She took a deep breath, meeting Chen’s gaze with calm resolve.

The atmosphere immediately thickened, murmurs rising as many eyes flicked between her and the elder scholar.

“Elder Chen’s concern is understandable, but fairness in the imperial examinations depends not on seniority but on genuine talent,” Minister Liu’s tone was measured yet authoritative. “Lin Shiya, your thoughts?”

Lin Shiya smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with intelligence as she spoke slowly, “Elder Chen worries about experience, but I value fairness and justice above all. The imperial examinations bear great weight, not only in selecting talent but also in safeguarding integrity. Though my tenure is short, my study of the examination system rivals anyone’s.”

Her voice rang clear and resolute throughout the hall, stirring the hearts of all present.

Silence fell, as if even the air itself had frozen.

When she finished, Minister Liu nodded slightly, his eyes showing approval.

However, Elder Chen’s face grew darker. Clenching his fists, he whispered, “I shall watch closely.”

Undeterred by Chen’s doubt, Lin Shiya’s gaze remained serene. She spoke deliberately, clear and forceful, like a pure spring trickling into the ears of her listeners:

“The imperial examination system has a long history, evolving through numerous dynasties, its original intent to select the virtuous and capable for the nation. Yet, with each era, flaws have emerged—from the Han dynasty’s recommendation system to the Sui and Tang’s nascent imperial examinations, to our current dynasty’s refinements—each reform reflects the demands and progress of the times.”

She spoke eloquently, drawing freely from history, citing examples as if recounting treasured knowledge.

She emphasized the importance of fairness, exposing the system’s loopholes and proposing improvements with piercing insight.

She recounted instances of cheating throughout history and the damage wrought upon society, incisively analyzing the imperial examinations’ complexity and significance. Her words fell like hammer blows, resolute and impactful.

Her voice echoed powerfully in the hall, like the morning bell and evening drum, shaking the soul.

Elder Chen’s once furrowed brow gradually relaxed, a flicker of surprise dawning in his eyes.

He had not expected such a young woman to possess such profound understanding and insight into the examination system.

His skepticism and disdain began to fade before Lin Shiya’s erudition and perspective.

He stroked his beard, his expression complex. The once rigid face now bore a hint of approval.

Yet among the crowd, Wang Jingzheng, a rival candidate, watched Lin Shiya’s brilliant performance with burning fury, jealousy gnawing at his heart like a serpent.

He glared venomously at Lin Shiya and subtly signaled to Zhao, his strategist.

Zhao caught the hint, a sinister smile curling on his lips as he swiftly slipped out of the examination hall.

Moments later, whispers began spreading outside.

Rumors, like a plague, rapidly took hold: some claimed Lin Shiya bribed officials to secure her position; others said her talent was overrated and merely a façade; worst of all, some alleged her achievements rested solely on nepotism.

These slanders were invisible shackles, tightly binding Lin Shiya’s reputation.

Inside the hall, the murmurs grew louder. Many began to eye her with suspicion, admiration quietly retreating.

The air grew heavy; beneath the once calm surface, undercurrents churned, and tension thickened.

Lin Shiya noticed the change, her brow furrowing slightly. She scanned the crowd sharply, seeking the source of the rumors. Tapping her fingers lightly on the table, the crisp sound matched her measured thoughts as she contemplated a response.

Just then, as Inspector Li was about to speak, a voice tinged with panic interrupted: “Lady Lin, please, you must explain clearly…”

Lin Shiya’s heart sank abruptly upon recognizing the speaker—Young Master Zhou, a young scholar who had once shown her admiration during literary gatherings.

She turned to see him pale-faced and hesitant, obviously burdened by great pressure.

“Young Master Zhou, why such alarm?” Lin Shiya’s tone was calm, seeking to soothe him.

“Lady Lin, outside they say… they say you…” Zhou stammered, unable to meet her gaze, “that you… used improper means to gain your position…”

Lin Shiya inhaled deeply, a chill running from her feet to her head.

She understood that someone was deliberately smearing her.

Ignoring Zhou, she strode directly to Inspector Li, clasping her hands respectfully but with unwavering firmness: “Inspector Li, I request a thorough investigation to restore my innocence!”

Inspector Li met her honest gaze with silent admiration.

He nodded gravely: “Lady Lin, rest assured, I shall handle this impartially and will not tolerate any villainy!”

Her decisiveness and integrity earned the respect of some present.

Those who had merely watched now began to cast approving glances toward her.

Yet this was but the calm before the storm.

Days later, in the ministers’ council chamber, the atmosphere was heavy.

Within the elaborately carved hall, sandalwood incense curled upwards, yet it could not mask the palpable tension.

Lin Shiya stood at the center, facing dozens of ministers, including many venerable and powerful elders.

Their faces were stern, eyes sharp as if trying to pierce through her very soul.

Elder Scholar Chen was the first to strike, pointing at Lin Shiya with a severe tone: “Lin Shiya, how can a woman bear such a grave responsibility? The imperial examinations are a matter of state, not a game!”

His words were like a spark that ignited the fury of the other conservative ministers.

“Elder Chen’s words ring true! Women meddling in governance disgrace the proper order!”

“Lin Shiya, your virtue is lacking; how can you command respect?”

“You mock the imperial examination system!”

These accusations stabbed at Lin Shiya like sharp blades.

She felt the air grow thin, the oppression nearly suffocating.

The ministers fell silent, watching coldly as if awaiting her response to this tempest.

Lin Shiya took a deep breath, steadying herself.

She swept her gaze around the chamber, voice steady and clear: “Esteemed ministers…”

Her eyes met theirs, and gradually the clamor subsided.

She keenly sensed the scrutinizing, doubtful gazes upon her—icy blades that cut deep.

Yet she did not retreat; instead, she straightened her back, her voice ringing like pearls falling upon jade: “Esteemed ministers, I deeply understand the gravity of the imperial examinations and dare not slacken in any way. However, your doubts stem solely from my being a woman, presuming I lack talent and virtue to fulfill the role. I cannot agree with this.”

Pausing, her eyes blazed as she fixed Elder Chen with unwavering resolve: “May I ask, Elder Chen, does the imperial examination selection rely on seniority or ability? On birth or talent? In terms of experience, I naturally fall short of those present, but in understanding the examination system, I do not concede to anyone!”

Her voice quickened with the sharpness of argument, like a sword piercing to the core.

She scanned the ministers, her tone resolute: “Esteemed ministers, the flaws of the imperial examinations lie in injustice and corruption, not in the gender of the examiner. To deny my ability simply because I am a woman is to put the cart before the horse. If my talent serves the nation and benefits scholars everywhere, why should I not serve as an examiner?”

The ministers exchanged glances, speechless.

Her words thundered through them, leaving them dazed and unable to reply.

Each sentence was a gem of reason, dismantling their entrenched prejudices utterly.

The once noisy hall fell silent, save for Lin Shiya’s clear voice echoing within.

Her discourse was like a stone cast into still water, sending ripples through the assembly.

Some ministers who had harbored bias began to reconsider the woman before them.

Her composure in crisis and profound grasp of the examination system commanded their admiration.

Just as Lin Shiya thought the storm might abate, an attendant hurriedly approached with a report: “Lady Lin, Doctor Sun Cha has invited many scholars to a literary gathering, claiming he wishes to discuss the Way with you. I fear ill intentions.”

A chill gripped Lin Shiya’s heart, an ominous premonition rising.

She drew a deep breath, a cold gleam flashing across her brows.

It seemed this turmoil had not subsided but was brewing into an even greater tempest.

As the sun dipped westward, a cool evening breeze stirred.

Lin Shiya slowly arrived outside the literary gathering hall.

From a few paces away, she saw Doctor Sun Cha sitting upright, surrounded by a group of well-dressed scholars who appeared to be waiting for something, their faces inscrutable.

She paused, her gaze sharpening.

She knew a new challenge was about to begin.