Chapter 203: Turning Against

Li Yuan sat upright on the Dragon Throne, and before him an official respectfully presented three exam papers.

"Your Majesty, these three are the best works among today's examinees; please have a look."

Li Yuan gave a slight nod and first opened the first paper.

He saw the examinee's name written as "Lu Xiu"; after reading it carefully, he stroked his beard and praised, "Excellent! The prose is splendid, the insight unique, offering practical strategies yet retaining literary elegance. Rarely does the whole piece flow with rhythm like drifting clouds and running water—truly a splendid article!"

He continued to turn the pages, feeling countless emotions.

The original purpose of establishing the imperial examination was merely to gather the hearts of scholars nationwide, thereby consolidating the throne.

But after several examinations, it truly gathered such talent, showing that this measure indeed benefits the state and the people.

If every exam yielded this many talents, his Li family would no longer have to constantly defer to other noble houses…

No rush; this matter can be planned slowly.

Li Yuan suppressed his thoughts and picked up the second paper.

The moment he saw the examinee's name, he couldn't help but frown, "Zhong Kui."

As he read on, his surprise grew.

The essay was composed of pearl‑like words, its logic clear, offering grand plans for governing the realm as well as numerous concrete, feasible measures.

Li Yuan nodded in approval while reading, appearing very satisfied, yet said little.

The final paper was equally brilliant; each of the three essays had its own merits.

Li Yuan had already formed a decision, but still needed to meet the three examinees in person and test them face‑to‑face before making a final judgment.

He also intended to see whether Zhong Kui truly had the ugly appearance rumored; if so, even with talent, he would have to think carefully.

As for Li Yuanji… after Qi Pingding informed Yu Lin of his strength, Li Yuan dispelled any thoughts of revenge.

After careful verification, he found Li Yuanji was indeed at fault first, so he downplayed the matter, pretended ignorance, and gave his son a lesson.

Li Yuan rose and issued an edict: "Send my decree, have these three examinees enter the palace tomorrow; I will meet them personally."

"Yes."

The official withdrew.

"Ah, good, I succeeded!"

When Lu Xiu heard that Li Yuan would summon him to the palace tomorrow, he jumped up, his face brimming with excitement.

Although the results had not yet been posted, this palace summons was as prestigious as an early announcement of his top ranking!

It meant he had already made the honor roll! How could he not be thrilled?

Then he heard Zhong Kui's name; unsurprised, he thought, "Brother Zhong is indeed formidable!" and hurried to Zhong Kui's residence.

At that moment, the doorway of Zhong Kui's residence was packed with countless examinees, clearly having heard the palace summons news.

As a fellow examinee also summoned, Lu Xiu could not avoid being surrounded.

But eager to find Zhong Kui, after a few hurried words he pushed his way through the crowd.

Reaching Zhong Kui's door, he raised his hand and knocked:

"Brother Zhong, it is I!"

Before he could speak further, the door creaked open, and he was pulled inside in one motion, after which the door slammed shut.

Those outside, seeing this, could only depart reluctantly—after all, the others made it clear they did not wish to receive guests, and staying would only be self‑inflicted embarrassment.

Inside, Lu Xiu wiped the sweat from his forehead and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Zhong, on making the honor roll!"

He noticed Zhong Kui's furrowed brow and asked, "Why the frown? Is something wrong?"

Zhong Kui gave a slight smile, "Nothing. Brother Lu, aren't you also successful? It's just a pity Zhang's name isn't here, but given his ability, he won't fail."

Lu Xiu nodded, "Indeed, indeed. Brother Zhang truly has real talent! Brother Zhong, tomorrow you'll meet the Holy One; have you thought about what to say?"

Zhong Kui shook his head, "No. Tomorrow's matters can wait until tomorrow; today I'd rather read more, lest I show weakness tomorrow and waste my talent."

Lu Xiu thought it reasonable, nodded, "That makes sense. Then I won't disturb you, Brother Zhong. Farewell."

He turned and walked out, preparing to continue his diligent study tonight!

Zhong Kui watched him leave, his furrowed brow still unmoved.

Because he had a premonition that tomorrow would not go smoothly… perhaps the Emperor would trouble him over Li Yuanji's affair!

But it mattered not; he was confident he could answer any question the Emperor posed!

With ability in hand, one need not fear interrogation!

Zhong Kui shook his head, stopped pondering, and kept his head down on his book.

Until the next day.

Led by an official, Zhong Kui and two others walked toward the Imperial Palace.

Lu Xiu and another examinee walked with dignified composure, while Zhong Kui, standing between them, appeared even more fierce and out of place due to their contrast.

Along the way, guards and palace maids cast side glances, their low murmurs never ceasing.

Zhong Kui seemed oblivious, his gaze steady, never wavering.

He had long been accustomed to this over the years.

Until they entered the Great Hall, where the official leading them bowed to Li Yuan on the throne and said:

"Your Majesty, the three examinees have arrived!"

Li Yuan gave a slight nod.

Lu Xiu and the other two's dignified demeanor pleased him, especially their truly outstanding learning.

But when his gaze fell on Zhong Kui, despite prior preparation, he couldn't help but be startled—such an appearance could truly frighten a child to tears!

Recalling recent palace talk that "top scholars represent the court's face," choosing someone of such looks would likely invite ridicule from noble families, mocking the court as having no suitable talent!

Yet Zhong Kui's scholarship was indeed outstanding… Li Yuan hesitated briefly, then finally decided to test him first.

"You three, step forward."

The three stepped forward, bowed, and said, "We have seen Your Majesty."

Li Yuan nodded, then began to ask each of them about their strategies for governing the realm.

Their answers flowed smoothly, their insights were incisive, which pleased him greatly. Yet he was already certain in his heart: although Zhong Kui's talent and learning were outstanding, his appearance was truly… the Zhuangyuan Position should go to Lu Xiu instead.

Having thought it over, he did not announce the result immediately, but looked toward the court officials: "Esteemed ministers, who shall be the Zhuangyuan?"

Most of the officials were startled by Zhong Kui's looks, but even more were impressed by his talent.

The Imperial Censor Grand Master stepped forward first: "Your Majesty, Zhong Kui's strategies are exquisite, his insights unique; he should be the Zhuangyuan!"

The Right Deputy Minister of the Secretariat echoed: "I concur! Zhong Kui's talent surpasses all in the current examination!"

For a moment, the hall was filled with voices supporting Zhong Kui.

Lu Xiu sighed inwardly, already prepared to congratulate Zhong Kui—

But Li Yuan said calmly, "Zhong Kui's appearance is truly ugly; in my view, Lu Xiu's abilities are no weaker, his looks are acceptable, so let him take the Zhuangyuan Position."

When those words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.

Damn it, you prearranged it and just said it! What are they supposed to do?!!

Lu Xiu froze on the spot, opened his mouth but no sound came out.

He did want the Zhuangyuan, yet he also knew his ability was inferior to Zhong Kui's; if the Zhuangyuan were truly given to him........ he would have no face to accept it!

Just as he was about to speak, Zhong Kui suddenly lifted his head, his eyes flashing like lightning at the Dragon Throne!

His aura suddenly surged, his robes moved without wind, his voice deep as thunder: "Your Majesty judges by appearance; is this truly just?!"

Li Yuan saw his demeanor, couldn't help but furrow his brows, his anger rising a bit:

"All under heaven belongs to me; my word is justice! Are you dissatisfied?!"

"Dissatisfied!" Zhong Kui's voice shook the hall:

"I toiled under the cold lamp for over ten years, to serve the nation with genuine talent and learning! Today Your Majesty judges by outward looks, does this not chill the hearts of scholars across the realm?"

He stepped forward, and the palace guard at the hall's entrance immediately tightened his grip on his sword: "If appearance can decide merit, why hold examinations? Your Majesty could simply choose the beautiful!"

"Audacious!" Li Yuan slammed the table and rose: "I consider your talent, and will not pursue the matter of your outburst in court."

"If you dare speak rashly again, your merit will be stripped, and you will never be employed!"

Zhong Kui looked to the heavens and laughed loudly, his laughter carrying a hint of bleakness:

"What a 'never employed'! This merit… may as well be discarded!"

He violently tore off the Jade Plaque at his waist, symbolizing his status as a candidate, and slammed it onto the ground!

The Jade Plaque shattered on impact, fragments scattering in all directions.

Li Yuan, seeing this, grew even angrier, and barked low: "What audacity!"

"Capture him for me and throw him into the Heavenly Prison!"