Chapter 332: Stirring Up Trouble

Esteem Literature Pavilion is located at the very end of Esteem Literature Street, situated in the center of Shang Jing.

When this pavilion was first built, it was used as the place to worship the Wenqu Star.

Generally, major literary and ceremonial sacrifices are held here; on ordinary days it is where scholars gather to organize poetry meetings and hold refined discussions.

Although it is a building constructed by the government, it enjoys great prestige among the people.

After the spring imperial examinations each year, the poetry selection, exhibition, and exchange held here carry great influence.

This year, the person in charge of the Esteem Literature Pavilion poetry selection is none other than the newly appointed top scholar, Gu Kang.

Because Gu Kang's earlier deeds had also spread a good reputation, the common folk of Shang Jing indeed still held some anticipation for this dramatic outcome.

After all, everyone enjoys watching dramas; the more twists and turns the plot, the more they love it.

Yet the scholars harbor great dissatisfaction toward Gu Kang; even now, when the emperor personally steps in to advise Gu Kang, they believe Gu Kang merely exploited a loophole to obtain his present opportunity.

They think that, in terms of genuine talent and learning, Gu Kang doesn't even measure up to their toes.

Who would have thought that this Gu Kang, whom they look down upon, would actually be in charge of screening their poetry—this has completely thrown things into chaos.

Gu Cheng had originally prepared to watch his brother make a fool of himself; moreover, since Gu Kang bears the main responsibility for this poetry selection exhibition, Gu Cheng is merely assisting from the sidelines.

Though said to be assisting Gu Cheng, Gu Cheng never even shows up, leaving Gu Kang to handle everything alone.

He merely wants to see what Gu Kang can stir up, and then watch how he winds things up.

Gu Cheng even secretly had people spread the word that, as long as one paid money, Gu Kang would select that person's poems for display on the highest tier.

This caused an uproar; two days later, the scholars of Shang Jing surrounded the gate of the Hanlin Academy office so tightly that not even water could pass, completely blocking Gu Kang at the entrance.

"Sir Gu, what do you mean? I've heard rumors in Shang Jing that if you accept silver, you will pick out those poems unfit for the table and promote them; if so, what are we even competing for?"

"Yes, Sir Gu rose to prominence by writing essays on current affairs; do you even understand poetry, songs, and rhapsodies?"

"Hehe, Gu Kang doesn't understand any of this. He was merely a pleasure-loving playboy; even if he knows poetry, it's only lascivious verses."

The remarks all around grew increasingly unpleasant, and outsiders unaware of the truth also surged forward.

These scholars of Shang Jing may lack other talents, but they certainly know how to cause trouble.

Raising the banner of petitioning for the people, they could turn this day into chaos—let alone when facing Gu Kang.

Originally, Gu Kang's position as top scholar already made them doubtful; they only complied under imperial pressure.

Now seeing this brat so smug, a good-for-nothing, he actually dares to pick and choose among their poems.

They already harbored great resentment in their hearts; upon hearing some rumors, they could no longer contain their anger, thus completely blocking the Hanlin Academy gate.

In previous years, the Hanlin Academy would be besieged by scholars when evaluating these matters; this year it is especially numerous.

Moreover, mainly because Gu Kang is so young, those people are naturally dissatisfied; some even think this arrangement unsuitable for Gu Kang, yet their jealousy drives them to join in, demanding an explanation from Gu Kang.

Gu Kang stood before the gate of the office, hands clasped behind his back, his fingers gradually tightening.

Yet his expression was unusually composed, coldly observing the agitated crowd before him.

He slightly turned his face to glance at Gu Cheng sitting by the window inside the office; at that moment Gu Cheng appeared detached, as if the matter did not concern him.

He held his teacup, leaned there, took a light sip, and a faint smirk clearly appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Gu Kang clearly understood that Gu Cheng was tripping him up, worried that if Gu Kang handled this assignment well in Shang Jing he would outshine him.

As their words grew ever more unpleasant, Gu Kang remained utterly unmoved, silently watching them.

Everyone is a scholar; if Gu Kang were to argue with them, it would surely cause greater chaos, yet he actually endured their filthy remarks.

Over time, many of those around who had been rebuking Gu Kang found themselves unable to speak.

Even those at the back, no matter how much they were provoked, mostly calmed down, raising their heads to stare fixedly at Gu Kang.

They actually hoped Gu Kang would say something; one cannot just endure abuse without speaking, after all they are scholars too and care about face.

At this point, having blocked the office gate and hurled insults at Gu Kang for nearly two hours, further scolding would be pointless.

"Have you all said enough?"

Gu Kang spoke slowly; because he had inhaled smoke in a previous fire, his voice carried a hint of hoarse magnetism.

Yet it was not harsh to the ear; instead, it had a rich, mellow timbre.

Gu Kang's voice seemed to possess a power that gradually calmed the frenzied people around him.

Gu Kang slowly drew a list from his bosom, flicked it open before everyone, having already sorted the order of the poems to be displayed at this Esteem Literature Pavilion exhibition.

Gu Kang randomly picked a few names to read aloud: "These individuals come from poor families yet study diligently, and they also have considerable accomplishment in poetry, songs, and rhapsodies."

"And there is one person whose family, to support his coming to the capital for the spring examinations, has already exhausted all savings; his daily livelihood still relies on money I lent him—this is the loan note."

Gu Kang then produced a deed, unfolded it, and extended it before everyone's eyes.

On it was written clearly and unmistakably, the genuine handwriting of Gu Kang and that person.

"Given his poverty, if I were truly to take any bribes, I would certainly not look for them on him."

"But his poetry is the most accomplished among all of us; his work must surely be placed on the top tier of the Esteem Literature Pavilion—any objections, gentlemen?"

He used facts to slap the faces of those claiming Gu Kang took bribes; at this moment everyone fell silent.

They even felt somewhat surprised, for previously when the Hanlin Academy selected outstanding poetry, they always had to consider the prestige of the Eight Great Aristocratic Families.

The aristocratic families, more or less entrenched, thus each time the works displayed on the top tier of the Esteem Literature Pavilion were necessarily selected by the descendants of those families.

Yet looking at this list, only two disciples of the Eight Great Families made the cut, while the remaining dozen or so are of humble origin—does this not amount to thoroughly offending the Eight Great Families?

Gu Kang dealt a harsh slap to the faces of the Eight Great Families; it seems Gu Kang really is a hotheaded youth.

Thus the rumors that Gu Kang accepted bribes and made careless selections naturally collapse without attack.

Gu Kang then ordered the attendant behind him to bring out all the booklets he had recently organized.

Moving in and out, they had hauled nearly ten boxes; the outsiders were somewhat surprised, wondering what this person intended to do.