Chapter 723 - 718–719: Dai Ling Arrives

The palace examination, the highest level of the imperial examination system, allows candidates, if successful, to attain high positions and bring glory to their families.

Therefore, as the examination begins, the examinees are all diligently answering the questions. Those who have made it this far are considered exceptionally talented individuals across the entire Great Song, hence none of them were daydreaming or sleeping upon arrival.

In this vast examination hall, Chen Mo is not the only one supervising, although with his capability, he could manage alone.

Besides Chen Mo, there are six clerks walking back and forth to prevent any cheating.

One must know that from ancient times to the present, cheating in every imperial examination has not been uncommon, with instances of cheating even in palace examinations exceeding just one or two cases.

Chen Mo certainly cannot let cheaters get away, as this is the first imperial examination he is organizing, and any rumors of cheating would greatly diminish his credibility.

After sitting quietly for a while, Chen Mo also came down from his seat to patrol, first approaching Guo Ning, glancing at his test paper, and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

This is because the handwriting was not only elegant but also exceptionally neat, as if printed, without a single typo or alteration visible.

Regardless of whether the answers are correct or not, the neatness of the handwriting and the clean paper were pleasing to the eye and highly likable.

This reminded Chen Mo of a phrase teachers often said before exams in his past life.

Presentation points.

Putting himself in the teacher’s position, if he saw such a neat test paper, he would also award more points.

To avoid giving Guo Ning too much pressure, Chen Mo only paused for a brief moment before moving away.

Later, Chen Mo found that not only Guo Ning but most candidates in the hall had relatively neat papers with good handwriting.

This made Chen Mo quite satisfied, as these are all his disciples.

As the chief examiner of the palace examination, initially, Chen Mo found it quite novel and was full of interest, observing here and there.

Yet, after just half an hour, it became a bit monotonous and even made him feel a bit sleepy.

Fortunately, at this moment, a clerk walked in from outside the hall and whispered in Chen Mo’s ear.

The opening ceremony for the Linhuai Money Shop in the east of the city is ready, just waiting for Chen Mo to go cut the ribbon.

Upon learning this, Chen Mo instructed the clerk to call Wei Linchun to take charge of the palace examination so he could step away to attend the ribbon-cutting.

...

Xiangyang’s prosperity and hustle have surpassed that of the Capital, with a population exceeding one million and a strong commercial spirit.

As a businessman, naturally shrewd, leveraging today’s palace examination, various restaurants and shops are offering discounts. Candidates participating in this imperial examination, even those who fail, can use their registration proof to enjoy half-price discounts in stores.

Today’s Xiangyang could be described as a celebration for all.

Almost all shops are packed.

People love to be part of lively scenes, and the grand opening of the Linhuai Money Shop was no different, surrounded by onlookers. Moreover, these onlookers were dressed in brocade robes, adorned with gold and silver, unmistakably not ordinary citizens.

"Brother, may I ask what’s happening here? Why are so many people gathered?"

Dai Ling, who just arrived in Xiangyang, saw the crowd and inquired of a sturdy man.

"You don’t know?" the man rhetorically asked.

"To be frank, I’m from Cangzhou and just arrived in Xiangyang today." Dai Ling replied with a bow.

Seeing Dai Ling’s politeness, the man dropped his aloofness and truthfully explained, "I heard it’s the opening of a money shop."

Dai Ling was puzzled, "Even for a money shop opening, isn’t this too many people?"

After all, the opening of a money shop doesn’t concern the common people.

The man chuckled, with a sense of knowing what others don’t, and proudly said, "Do you know the story behind this money shop?"

"I’m all ears."

"This money shop belongs to King Wei, with participation from the Xiao Family and Wu Family, two of the Seven Great Noble Families. I heard King Wei himself will come to the ribbon-cutting. Since you just came from Cangzhou, you’re lucky. You can witness King Wei’s presence."

"I see, thank you for informing me, brother."

Dai Ling nodded and then turned to Huang Zhaodi, whispering, "Zhaodi, it seems we’re in luck. Not only did we arrive in time for the palace examination, but we’ll also see King Wei shortly."

Huang Zhaodi’s eyes also shone with excitement.

"What are your names?" As the two were whispering, a slender man with a full beard approached and asked.

"My surname is Guo, and this is my niece-in-law and her son. We just arrived in Xiangyang. What advice might you have?" Although Dai Ling found it odd for the man to approach suddenly, as a traveling merchant familiar with all kinds of people, he always met others with a smile and politeness.

"Advice, not really. I just overheard that you’re from Cangzhou. It seems you haven’t found a place to rest. Judging by your looks, you might have encountered difficulties. Do you need any help?" the man laughed.

Dai Ling was momentarily stunned. Most would think they’d met a good samaritan, but having seen much of the world, he knew there is no free kindness. With caution inside, he smiled and asked, "Brother, what do you suggest?"

"To be honest, I’m a clerk at the Linhuai Money Shop. If you’re facing difficulties, you can come to our shop for a loan. Our shop offers very low interest rates, and if you repay within a certain period, you can enjoy interest-free benefits. Would you consider it?" the man said with a smile.