Chapter 117: The Examiner's Residence Decides the Outcome, Ultimately Revealing the Examiner Zhan Feng's Brilliance

Chapter 117: The Decisive Contest at the Chief Examiner’s Residence—The Examiner’s Brilliance Unveiled

Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows upon the stone-paved path.

Lin Shiya stepped into the grand hall of the chief examiner’s residence, greeted by a solemn atmosphere. Between the intricately carved beams and painted rafters, the air seemed to thicken, so still that even the sound of breathing was audible.

On either side of the hall, rows of pearwood chairs were neatly arranged, each occupied by a candidate for the imperial examination examiner position. Some sat upright with composed dignity; others bowed their heads in contemplation. Though their expressions appeared calm, the glances exchanged beneath the surface were charged with subtle undercurrents.

Lin Shiya’s arrival stirred no overt disturbance; eyes lifted briefly to regard her before quickly withdrawing, maintaining a facade of tranquility.

A faint scent of sandalwood mingled with an almost imperceptible tension in the air.

She felt the scrutinizing gazes from all directions—some curious, some probing, but many laced with a barely concealed hostility.

In her heart, she knew this was no place for idle chatter; it was an invisible battlefield.

“Brother Lin, I’ve long heard of your renown,” came a somewhat flippant voice. Lin Shiya turned to see Wang Jingzheng approaching, a broad, ingratiating smile on his face. He cupped his hands in greeting, but beneath his courteous manner lay an unmistakable arrogance. “Who would have thought we’d meet here—what fate!”

“Brother Wang, you are too kind,” Lin Shiya replied coolly, her gaze briefly sweeping over the adviser Zhao behind him, who smiled at her with the sinister slyness of a venomous serpent.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group resumed their previous postures, breaking into quiet conversations in small clusters. Though polite on the surface, their words were laced with subtle barbs, each probing the depths of the others’ intellects, rendering the atmosphere all the more delicate.

At that moment, an official clad in blue ceremonial robes emerged from the inner chamber. His stern face commanded respect without anger—this was Minister Liu of the Rites Department.

“Candidates, the chief examiner awaits in the inner hall. Please follow me,” Minister Liu’s voice rang out with unwavering authority.

The candidates rose and followed him into the inner chamber.

At the center sat an elderly scholar with white hair and beard, poised regally in the grand chair of the Grand Tutor—none other than Chen, the chief examiner of this imperial examination.

His piercing gaze swept over the assembly, an invisible pressure descending instantly upon the entire chamber.

“Gentlemen, you are all well-read talents. Today, I shall personally oversee and evaluate your abilities,” Chen’s aged voice carried weight and strength. “I shall ask you all a question: what insights do you have regarding the reform and innovation of the imperial examination system?”

Upon hearing this, the candidates’ expressions shifted.

Wang Jingzheng’s eyes lit up as he eagerly rose first. “Sir, I believe the imperial examination system is excellent but still has room for improvement…” He launched into a confident discourse, though his words, despite their fluency, lacked depth and seemed somewhat superficial.

Lin Shiya listened quietly, forming her own reflections.

Her gaze swept around the room. Some candidates wore troubled expressions; others bowed in deep thought; a few eyes darted nervously.

Silence enveloped the chamber, broken only by Wang Jingzheng’s slightly hurried voice.

Time seemed to slow, the air growing heavy and almost frozen.

All eyes turned to her, awaiting her response, the tension mounting palpably.

Then, breaking his silence, Censor Li spoke softly but clearly enough for all to hear: “Top Scholar Lin, do you have any insights to share?”

Feeling Censor Li’s scrutinizing gaze, Lin Shiya did not rush to reply. She took a deep breath and slowly rose.

Her eyes scanned the room before settling firmly on Chief Examiner Chen, clear and resolute.

“I believe reform of the imperial examination cannot merely involve superficial tinkering,” Lin Shiya said, her voice quiet but compelling, shattering the oppressive stillness.

“The selection of talent must be unrestricted, not limited to literary prowess alone. Practical assessments should be added to evaluate candidates’ actual abilities in governance and statecraft.”

Pausing briefly, she continued, “Furthermore, the exam content must be optimized—not confined solely to the Four Books and Five Classics but also incorporating current affairs, testing candidates’ understanding of national development trends. Innovation should be encouraged, guiding examinees to propose feasible strategies for governing the realm, thereby selecting truly capable officials for the court.”

Her words flowed with clarity and precision, each point striking at the heart of the matter.

From diversified selection methods to refined content and practical competency assessments, she expounded every aspect with meticulous detail.

Chief Examiner Chen nodded repeatedly, a rare trace of admiration softening his traditionally stern visage.

The other candidates revealed expressions of surprise and respect, especially those who had previously appeared troubled now seemed enlightened, as if Lin Shiya’s insights had cleared away the fog.

Wang Jingzheng’s heart burned with resentment upon witnessing this. He had assumed victory was assured, only to be outshone by Lin Shiya’s profound views.

Stealing a glance at Zhao the adviser behind him, he passed a subtle signal. Zhao smiled cunningly in response.

“Wait,” Zhao suddenly rose, holding a document aloft. He addressed the assembly, “Top Scholar Lin’s words may seem brilliant, but they are nothing more than borrowed ideas, plagiarized from others.”

The chamber erupted in murmurs.

All eyes converged on Lin Shiya as the air thickened with tension and suspicion.

Wang Jingzheng’s face twisted into a triumphant smirk, imagining her disgrace upon exposure.

Lin Shiya’s brow furrowed slightly as she sensed something amiss, yet she remained composed, meeting Zhao’s gaze with calm and steady eyes.

Zhao raised the document, his tone sharp: “This was written by Doctor Sun Cha at a recent literary meeting. Compare it with Top Scholar Lin’s remarks today—virtually identical. Gentlemen, judge for yourselves.”

Whispers and speculations filled the room.

Even Chief Examiner Chen, previously full of praise, now wore a look of doubt.

Censor Li’s brows knitted tightly as he alternated his gaze between Lin Shiya and Zhao.

Lin Shiya observed the crowd with a clear mind.

At that moment, Master Zhou could no longer conceal his concern, attempting to speak but restrained by those around him. His anxious eyes fixed on Lin Shiya.

“This… seems rather improper, does it not?” Minister Liu of the Rites, who had remained silent, finally spoke with solemnity.

Lin Shiya listened to Zhao’s accusations and the suspicious glances cast her way, yet she remained unshaken.

Her gaze, sharp as a blade, swept over the document in Zhao’s hand, a cold smile touching her lips.

“I have heard of Doctor Sun Cha’s writings, but they differ greatly from what I have expressed today,” she said calmly, yet with undeniable authority, as if piercing through Zhao’s façade.

“This document is likely forged,” she continued softly but clearly enough for everyone present to hear.

Stepping before Zhao, she took the so-called evidence and examined it closely.

The paper was coarse, the ink unnatural, and the handwriting inconsistent.

Her fingertips traced the surface, then she dipped into an inkstone nearby, wetting the paper lightly. The ink immediately blurred, revealing uneven coloration.

“This ink is not premium pine soot ink but a poor quality mixed with impurities. Moreover, the brushstrokes differ significantly from Doctor Sun Cha’s habitual style,” Lin Shiya declared with a tone of scorn.

“If I am not mistaken, this document has been meticulously fabricated.”

Zhao’s face drained of color, sweat beading on his forehead. He stammered, grasping for a defense but finding none.

Wang Jingzheng’s smile stiffened, panic overtaking his composure.

Chief Examiner Chen’s eyes gleamed with renewed admiration, a smile breaking across his face.

Once critical of women’s involvement in governance, he now found himself deeply impressed by Lin Shiya’s poise and sharp wit.

Slowly rising, he approached her and spoke with a note of respect, “Top Scholar Lin, your intellect is indeed keen and your mind meticulous. I am impressed.”

“Esteemed gentlemen,” Minister Liu also spoke, his tone grave as his gaze swept over Wang Jingzheng and Zhao, “such despicable tactics are a disgrace to the court!” He turned to Chief Examiner Chen. “In my judgment, Top Scholar Lin possesses both talent and virtue, fully qualified to serve as an imperial examination examiner.”

Chen nodded slightly, his voice resonant and commanding, “I hereby announce that Lin Shiya shall be appointed as the examiner for this imperial examination!”

The chamber erupted in a chorus of reactions—cheers from some, murmurs of regret from others, but above all, admiration for Lin Shiya.

A smile of quiet satisfaction graced her lips, a surge of joy swelling within her. She had taken the first step toward transforming the court.

Wang Jingzheng and Zhao slunk to the side like defeated hounds.

Censor Li approached Lin Shiya, bowing respectfully, eyes shining with admiration: “Top Scholar Lin, truly a heroine worthy of any man’s esteem. I am humbled.”

Lin Shiya smiled gently in reply, humility in her demeanor.

She felt the approving gazes around her, stirring an exhilarating thrill.

She knew this was but the beginning. More challenges awaited, yet she was prepared to face every unknown.

At that moment, footsteps echoed at the entrance of the inner chamber. A clear voice broke through the noise: “Congratulations, Lady Lin, on your appointment as examiner.”

Turning toward the sound, Lin Shiya saw a familiar figure approaching—clad in splendid brocade robes, walking with measured grace.

His eyes softened with a barely perceptible tenderness as he reached her and extended his hand.

It was Murong Fu.

Sunlight streamed through the carved windows, bathing their joined hands in golden light, casting their intimate silhouettes.

His arrival was like a spring breeze, dispelling the gloom that had lingered in the chamber.

Dressed in resplendent robes, his steps steady and unhurried, he exuded an aura of calm authority.

He took Lin Shiya’s hand gently, his gaze warm as if able to see into her soul.

Feeling the warmth of Murong Fu’s palm, a wave of indescribable emotion and strength swelled within her.

She lifted her eyes to meet his, filled with love and gratitude.

Throughout these trials, his support and presence at this pivotal moment fortified her resolve.

“Congratulations, Lady Lin, on your appointment as examiner,” Murong Fu said, his voice clear and resolute, gently squeezing her hand as if to say: no matter what hardships lie ahead, he would stand by her side.

Lin Shiya smiled faintly, replying, “Thank you, Your Majesty. This is not only a trust in me but also an affirmation of women’s talents. I shall not disappoint your expectations and will dedicate myself to selecting true talents for the court.”

Though her voice was soft, it brimmed with determination and resolve.

She understood that with this new role came greater responsibility and challenges, yet these would only strengthen her and confirm her path.

Those present witnessed this touching scene, their hearts warmed and filled with respect.

Censor Li approached both of them, bowing with a hint of envy and admiration in his eyes: “Top Scholar Lin, having such a wise sovereign is indeed the fortune of the nation.”

Lin Shiya nodded gratefully, exchanging a meaningful glance with Murong Fu.

She drew strength and assurance from his unwavering support.

This was not merely a personal triumph but a symbol of the rising status of women.

“Shiya,” Murong Fu whispered tenderly, “on the road ahead, I will always be by your side.” His words were like a gentle ray of sunshine, illuminating her heart.

Lin Shiya nodded, her soul stirred by an overwhelming surge of emotion.

She knew this was just the beginning. Greater challenges awaited, but she was ready to embrace all the unknown.

Suddenly, she sensed a change in the atmosphere. Looking toward the entrance of the inner chamber, she saw several figures entering with solemn and grave expressions.

A faint frown appeared on her brow; she sensed that what was to come would not be simple.

Clutching Murong Fu’s hand firmly, she stepped forward resolutely to meet the trials that awaited.