Chapter 593: A Man Who Does Not Unleash His Storm‑Riding Ambition Wastes His Eight‑Foot‑Born Body!

At this point, even Wei Zheng has to admit that Chen Yan is truly impressive.

He taught the two brothers for less than a year, yet they secured the first and second positions in the Jinshi exam.

That wasn't achieved through connections; it was decided unanimously when the candidates' names were hidden from view.

In other words, the Lai brothers' first and second Jinshi rankings were pure merit, with no whatsoever padding.

Only Gao Yang and Li Lizhi wore slightly strange expressions.

They know exactly how Chen Yan taught.

If you say he taught seriously… that does count, after all he even invited an elder from the Yan family to come specifically to instruct.

But… Chen Yan's teaching methods…

He simply shouted at a few people, placed a knife at their throats, forced them to learn, and would cut them down if they refused.

If they fail the exam, they'd be doomed.

Du Ruhui clicked his tongue in amazement, "At just over twenty years old, they topped the exam, and given their families' decline, they count as half a humble background. Once this news spreads, who knows how many jaws will drop."

"Indeed," Fang Xuanling also sighed, "When these two brothers took the county exam, they already performed outstandingly and caught His Majesty's eye; now they've become top scholars."

"Hehe… In the coming period, I expect these two brothers will really make a splash."

"Go ahead!" Chen Yan laughed loudly, "The bigger the splash, the better, the bigger the better!"

Finishing, Chen Yan stepped forward and shouted loudly to those below, "How about it? Lai Heng, Lai Ji, was my instruction useful to you?"

"Three-year Imperial Examination, Five-year Simulation—didn't let you study in vain, right?"

Upon hearing him, many eyes instantly turned this way.

The Lai brothers, seeing Chen Yan on the tall building, felt their eyes redden instantly.

Being top scholars certainly made them ecstatic.

But the brothers aren't heartless; they know their prior level, and today's success is entirely thanks to that elder above.

Under the shocked gazes, the two brothers—now first and second Jinshi, basking in limitless glory—deeply bowed before the crowd.

Lai Ji bowed his head deeply, "Duke of Wei's great kindness, we brothers shall never forget you until death, I…"

"Alright!" Chen Yan, fearing he might say something inappropriate—after all he's now a top scholar—some words would sound like pledging loyalty.

He lifted his chin slightly, "You have not disappointed His Majesty's expectations, nor Crown Prince's cultivation, and my painstaking effort in compiling a Three-year Imperial Examination, Five-year Simulation for your study has not been in vain!"

Finishing, he faced everyone below and announced loudly, "Everyone, first congratulations to those whose names appear on the golden list; from now on, a swift rise to the clouds is within reach."

"But those who didn't pass this time need not be disappointed; the Imperial Examination isn't the first nor will it be the last. At the latest next year, the exam will reopen!"

"Many of you know the Weinan County library; actually it also bears the name Royal Library!"

"His Majesty has already ordered that in the four directions—east, south, west, north—of Chang'an, four more libraries will be opened to serve countless scholars across the realm!"

Hearing this news, the crowd below became fully excited.

Originally there was only one library in Weinan County, which could hold over a thousand people, yet even a single spot was hard to get.

If Chang'an opens four libraries simultaneously, by the next exam many of them might finally have a chance!

"May I ask, sir…"

At that moment, a roughly thirty‑year‑old examinee boldly asked, "When will the Chang'an libraries officially open? Will the price be the same as Weinan County's?"

"Of course!" Chen Yan declared firmly, "The Holy Emperor's decree to build libraries is precisely to give scholars across the world a chance."

"The library fees will not change; they are not for profit but to cultivate you."

"I hope you do not betray His Majesty's earnest effort!"

"As for when it will open…" Chen Yan said, then paused abruptly, causing the students below to grow anxious.

Then he smiled and said, "How about today? What do you think?"

"In each direction—east, south, west, north—of Chang'an City, a library will open, and additionally, beside the Ministry of Personnel in the Imperial City, another library will open, totaling five!"

Chen Yan laughed loudly, "Do you want to know why the Lai brothers could pass the Imperial Examination at this age? What is their secret to success?"

"Go to the library; there you'll find massive volumes, various allusions, and the essential work I co‑authored with the prime ministers and noble families, titled 'Three-year Imperial Examination, Five-year Simulation.'"

"It contains my and many great scholars' and famous ministers' painstaking notes, annotations, past exam questions, and numerous students' answers!"

"I believe it will certainly not disappoint you!"

"Finally, I wish to tell you!"

"One failure does not mean perpetual failure! Because failure is the mother of success!"

"As men of the Tang Dynasty, never lose the courage to face failure; straighten your spine, lift your heads!"

"A man who does not unleash his storm‑riding ambition wastes his eight‑foot‑born body!"

"Fellow top scholars, today's Lai Ji is tomorrow's you!"

On the bustling street, at that moment it fell utterly silent, with only Chen Yan's words echoing for a long time.

Countless failed examinees stared at the loud young man atop the tall building, murmuring aloud, their hearts swelling!

Hahaha! What a man who does not unleash his storm‑riding ambition wastes his eight‑foot‑born body!

Bravo! Great bravo!

Someone burst into laughter, sweeping away inner loss and reviving themselves.

"Failure is the mother of success, well said… I wonder which gentleman said that?"

"Hehe… don't blind your dog eyes, that's our Tang legend, the White Tiger Holy Envoy, who entered service at eighteen and became Minister of Revenue at twenty; beside him are our Tang's Fang Xuanling and Prime Minister Du Ruhui, as well as Court Attendant Wei Gong. Remember wanting to buy osmanthus with wine? He is Chen Zai Jiu!"

Chen Yan: "......"

Damn it, must you utter that final line?

"......"