Chapter 39: Li Chen

Yun Lu Academy could be said to be gathered with great scholars.

They were either famous scholars from all over the Tian Ce Dynasty or scholars from foreign countries who had come from afar.

To be able to enter the Star-Gazing Pavilion, each one was a person of note, and could also be said to be a literary titan.

When they came, they were only there to admire Master Yu's style, but at this moment, they had all become Li Chen's fanatical fans.

These literary titans were the ones who really knew how to see the wind and steer the rudder.

If they were to praise Master Yu at this time, wouldn't that be directly offending the Emperor?

Conversely, if they praised Li Chen, maybe if they praised him happily, Li Chen would reward them with an official position.

As for whether it would offend Master Yu, screw him!

Thinking of this, these scholars picked up their pens one after another and wrote poems praising Li Chen.

Then these literary titans lined up one by one to kneel in front of Li Chen and present what they had written to Li Chen.

Those who didn't know would think today was Li Chen's fan meeting.

Li Chen didn't stop these literary titans' praises; that feeling was as if he were saying: You guys praise hard, I love to hear it.

However, those few who were tearful were indeed acting a bit too much.

Those who looked like this were usually lacking in actual combat; the court officials kneeling in the Imperial Study were the true acting school.

And Master Yu changed his usual unrestrained style; his clothes were buttoned up, he stood straight, and sat upright.

He was even more low-key than the Chief Eunuch Cui beside Li Chen.

If they didn't know he was Master Yu, I'm afraid the people around would think he was Li Chen's guard.

The fan meeting ended quickly, and finally, it reached the segment of inspiring the world's students.

Surrounded by the crowd, Li Chen came to the balcony of the Star-Gazing Tower, overlooking the thousands of students downstairs.

Every year, tens of millions of students in the Tian Ce Dynasty participate in the academy examination; after passing these, they still have to participate in the provincial examination.

Advancing in the provincial examination, they could come to the Imperial Capital to participate in the metropolitan examination.

As long as they were on the list in the metropolitan examination, they were officially employed.

However, the top few in the metropolitan examination were qualified to participate in the palace examination personally hosted by the Emperor.

In other words, if they could gain Li Chen's appreciation, these lucky ones would have the opportunity to directly enter the court and hold important official positions.

Right now, these thousands of students were basically all people who were going to participate in the metropolitan examination.

Every year before the examination, they would come to Yun Lu Academy to pay respects to Master Yu, just like burning high incense before an examination; this had already become a tradition.

Master Yu would generally give a passionate speech at this time, encouraging the students to achieve ideal results.

Over time, his status in the hearts of the world's readers had become higher and higher.

Some even began to take Master Yu as an example.

What kind of person was Master Yu? Even if the Emperor invited him to be an official, he wouldn't be one.

So there was a faint atmosphere in Yun Lu Academy, especially among Master Yu's disciples.

One by one, they were constantly criticizing the Emperor and mocking the ministers.

They didn't take the court seriously at all.

Even in front of Li Si, this royal princess, they would blurt out disrespectful words toward the Emperor.

Because they knew that even if this matter spread, it wouldn't matter; as long as Master Yu was here for a day, they would be fine.

Master Yu's kneeling today indeed gave them a great shock.

Some disciples with great talent were considering whether they should just take the imperial examination; mixing in the academy blindly wasn't a solution.

Look at how mighty those officials behind Li Chen were.

When their focus of worship changed from Master Yu to Li Chen, the things they considered also began to be different.

Master Yu's bowing his head naturally made his disciples feel inferior. This was the result Li Chen wanted.

Don't think Li Chen couldn't guess; the reason Master Yu invited him to attend this academy ceremony was to make him a foil.

As the president of Yun Lu Academy, the Sage in the hearts of the world's readers, he could even have the Emperor come to support him during the academy ceremony.

In the literary world, that could be said to be leaving a name in history.

Which literary titan could have his achievement!

The late Emperor's humility made Master Yu accustomed to it.

But Li Chen didn't indulge him; he gave him a warning as soon as he came up.

Many people were curious why Master Yu knelt.

High EQ: Master Yu knew deeply that the world is vast, and the masses need the monarch as the foundation to have a prosperous country and peaceful people, and a flourishing culture. As a citizen of the Tian Ce Dynasty, although he had high attainments in learning, he should maintain a humble heart in national affairs and the way of monarch and minister.

Low EQ: Felt he couldn't beat him at the time, so didn't dare to make a move.

!

This is a world where the strong are respected; if reasoning were useful, who would still cultivate?

In Li Chen's view, the only way to solve difficulties is force.

If your force cannot solve it, it only means your force is not enough.

Don't tell me how high Master Yu's literary attainments are; if he didn't have this martial strength, let alone having today's achievements, he would have been beaten to death on the way to travel around the countries.

Li Chen just used the same method to give Master Yu a warning.

As for what Master Yu would think later, Li Chen didn't care; if he wasn't convinced, he could make a move.

Standing on the Star-Gazing Tower, Li Chen had already felt the expectant gazes of the students, and he said loudly: "I know deeply that you are all sharpening your weapons and horses, preparing for the upcoming spring examination. I encourage you all to strive for good results. When you are on the golden list, you can share my worries and seek blessings for the people, and together build the brilliance of our Tian Ce!"

His voice was magnificent, like a god.

Every word knocked on the hearts of the students, making their hearts excited.

"Long live His Majesty! We will definitely not fail His Majesty's high expectations, and will serve the country in the future! Share worries for His Majesty!"

The students shouted in unison, their voices filled with longing and desire for a bright future.

Seeing the excited expressions of the students, Li Chen was very satisfied; this was how you should look.

The time was still early, and Li Chen wasn't in a hurry to go back; like a leader, he continued to inspect Yun Lu Academy.

Wherever he went, the nearby students were very excited, and some students were even dancing and their faces were flushed, just short of playing a song of gratitude.

During this period, there was a small episode; when Li Chen walked near the Jing Si Garden, he 'accidentally' saw Liu Hao.

With Liu Hao's physique, the scholars couldn't squeeze past him, so he found an opportunity to approach Li Chen.

But before he could say the lines of allegiance, Li Chen patted his shoulder and said: "Study hard for the examination this year; I look forward to seeing your name on the list."

Liu Hao: "."

He was stunned at the time; he hadn't participated in the spring examination, he had just snuck in.

Oh no, His Majesty thinks I'm an examinee!

If I tell the truth, does it count as deceiving the Emperor?

At that time, Li Chen didn't expect that he just said it casually, but Liu Hao was really reading books after going back!

Even his father began to suspect whether his son had been possessed.

Prime Minister's mansion, Zhao Wenyuan didn't need to attend the morning court today, but he had the habit of getting up early and was checking the intelligence sent by his subordinates, his expression somewhat solemn.

"The Second Prince's side is moving quite frequently; can't hold back so soon?"

"Then should we tell His Majesty about this?"

A subordinate beside him asked; this was an opportunity to flatter Li Chen.

Zhao Wenyuan frowned and didn't answer.

(End of Chapter) ===== CHAPTER 40 =====