Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 519 - 355: Grading Papers (Part 2)

Minister of Revenue Shen Shikang crossed out a piece of work that started off strong but ended poorly, dismissing it as nonsense. The handwriting wasn’t particularly good, just average, and upon reviewing the content of the strategy questions, he initially found it decent. However, as he read further, it became increasingly chaotic, strikingly different from the promising beginning.

Stamping his seal on the back of the exam paper, he placed it aside, intending to review all of them before circulating them for further examination.

He then glanced at the next paper, his pupils contracting slightly. Shen Shikang looked towards Xia Qing, recalling that Chief Minister Xia had taken on a close disciple named Min Feng, who also participated in this Imperial Examination.

The examiners, including himself, had previously studied Min Feng’s handwriting. Although the official script appeared similar, individual writing habits led to subtle differences in brush strokes or turns. He had also examined Gu Chengyu’s writing, and this piece in his hand might very well be Min Feng’s.

Steadying his nerves, he prepared to scrutinize the exam paper in his hand. At the first question, he was impressed by the exceptional introduction. Continuing to read, he nodded in acknowledgment; being the second place in the examinations indeed required genuine talent and hard work, as this strategy composition was excellently crafted.

If it weren’t so well-written, awarding even a circle would have been challenging. Now seeing the excellence of this work, it could very well be appointed among the top contenders by royal decree! Giving it a circle was uncontroversial, considering Chief Minister Xia’s influence, others would likely agree to grant it a circle as well.

Although he bore some grudges against Xia Qing, causing trouble over this matter would not only be ineffective but would likely provoke Xia Qing’s wrath. The Second Prince was already in a difficult situation, and he couldn’t add to his troubles.

Minister of Rites Yu Zheng was also reviewing papers. After awarding a triangle to the previous paper, he stamped his seal and moved on to the next one.

This piece was neat and orderly, with uniformly sized characters arranged meticulously. Managing to write the official script so beautifully was rare. Without even reading the strategy content, he was already somewhat pleased. Pleasant calligraphy and tidy paper always contributed to an enjoyable reading experience.

A contented mind naturally allowed for patience. Even without considering the content, the format alone merited a triangle on this exam paper.

Reviewing the strategy content, he uttered a surprised "Oh?" at realizing it was an excellent article. Reading further, he found that all four strategy questions were answered superbly. The content hit the crucial points, and the writing was elegant without being exaggerated. Overall, reading these four compositions was a delight.

He couldn’t help but nod appreciatively, stroking his beard as a broad smile spread across his face.

"What is it, Lord Yu? Have you discovered a good article? Let me take a look," Shen Shikang, sitting beside Yu Zheng, inquired upon hearing Yu Zheng’s exclamation.

Yu Zheng intended to pass it on after grading, but a thought suddenly occurred to him.

"Oh, it’s nothing, just found the handwriting quite good."

Hearing this, Shen Shikang harbored no suspicions, knowing Yu Zheng’s love for calligraphy, and his admiration for good writing was unsurprising. With a smile, he continued to focus on his own review.

What had Yu Zheng thought of? Naturally, it was the author of this exam paper! Could this paper belong to Gu Chengyu? Considering Gu Chengyu was the examination winner and exceptionally talented, producing such a magnificent work wasn’t surprising.

He hesitated, holding his pen over the exam paper, unable to make a decision. This was a rare opportunity; awarding a triangle or a dot meant Gu Chengyu would lose a circle, while Min Feng would certainly need eight circles, thereby surpassing Gu Chengyu.

As soon as his brush touched the paper, he pulled back abruptly. No, he couldn’t award a triangle.

The paper undoubtedly deserved a circle. As there were other graders too, if everyone else gave a circle but he alone awarded a triangle, wouldn’t that arouse suspicion?

He thought of Chief Minister Xia. Surely, Chief Minister Xia would not want Gu Chengyu to rank first, and they all knew for whom Tong Zhouyi was working—would Xia Qing grant a circle? If this paper were short by two circles, at most, it could only rank in the twenties or thirties.

Besides, Minister of the Ministry of Rites and Imperial Scholar of the Central Hall, Li Wei was one of Chief Minister Xia’s men. The other officials had no grievances with Gu Chengyu and might offer a circle. Indeed, Gu Chengyu’s paper was quite recognizable.

With such literary talent and outstanding calligraphy, it was likely his. Even if uncertain, it was very close, so Gu Chengyu potentially received fewer circles.

After careful consideration, Yu Zheng made a bold decision and marked the paper, then stamped his seal on the back.

His unusual behavior had already caught Shen Shikang’s attention. Yu Zheng claimed that the paper’s only merit was its good handwriting, prompting no more than a passing interest. But why did he seem so indecisive afterward? Typically, uncertain papers would be discussed collectively, allowing everyone to share responsibility for any outcomes.

Yet, Yu Zheng seemed to conceal this paper, which puzzled Shen Shikang as to his intentions.

Shen Shikang glanced at the paper, determining that when it came his turn, he would carefully inspect it to discern the issue.

He wasn’t aware of any past grievances between Yu Zheng and Gu Chengyu and was curious about the examination winner’s paper. The preceding paper was already impressive; could Gu Chengyu’s surpass Min Feng’s?

Yu Zheng placed Gu Chengyu’s paper aside and moved on to the next one, feeling unsettled. Upon seeing the next paper with two corrections, he didn’t bother assessing the content and immediately marked a cross.

Li Wei, having already aligned with Xia Qing, had scrutinized Min Feng’s handwriting. Thus, he recognized Min Feng’s paper at first glance. After a brief review, he marked it with a circle.

"Oh! These strategy questions are excellently answered," exclaimed Shen Shikang, suddenly excited.

"Mr. Shen, please let me have a look," said Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Shang Qianyi, seeing Shen Shikang’s admiration and developing an interest in reviewing the paper.

"No rush, Mr. Shang, it will be passed around shortly."

Some officials initially intended to step forward, but upon hearing this, they restrained themselves. With over four hundred examination papers to review, each requiring careful scrutiny, it would consume a significant amount of time. Knowing they’d eventually see it, they focused intently on their examination duties.

Yu Zheng glanced sideways and noticed it was the paper he had been hesitant about earlier, his expression growing somber.

Personally witnessing Shen Shikang draw a circle on it, Yu Zheng turned away with a discontented look, focusing on the paper in hand.