USWHC -Chapter 429 Rushing to the Capital for the Exam (Part 9)

“Lu Anzhi? How come you have time to come to our academy today?”

The Shangli Academy was actually held within a government courtyard. At this time, with the imperial exams approaching, many scholars had gathered here. Groups of three or two were chatting among themselves, discussing who knows what—it looked like an ordinary gathering of friends.

Ji Yi and his companion had just entered when someone called out to Young Master Lu. Yes, this Young Master was named Lu Anzhi.

Lu Songqing, looking excited, squeezed forward and slapped the man’s arm with enthusiasm. “Brother Qiu, how come you’re here too?”

“Why else? Isn’t the Third Prince coming today?” replied Young Master Qiu with a smile. “Aren’t you also hoping to meet him?”

“No, I’m just here for the excitement, just for the excitement!” Lu Anzhi said with an embarrassed laugh.

“You brought a friend?” Qiu only now noticed Ji Yi and gave him a once-over. “Also here for the exams, scholar?”

“Greetings, Brother Qiu!” Ji Yi smiled politely and bowed, saying no more.

Lu Anzhi secretly wiped a cold sweat from his palm, worried that Ji Yi might start talking about buying official posts in front of everyone. Taking such a nouveau-riche along could make him the butt of jokes!

Seeing that Ji Yi said nothing, Lu Anzhi felt a bit relieved and even slightly excited. Could it be that Ji Yi considered him one of his own, and wasn’t just naively simple? Not bad. Lu Anzhi gave Ji Yi an approving glance and hurriedly introduced him to Qiu: “This is my newly acquainted brother, Ji Yi.”

“Greetings, Brother Ji!” Qiu returned the courtesy with a bow. That settled the formal introductions.

Just then, a loud voice rang out from afar: “The Third Prince has arrived!”

The shout worked instantly. The courtyard fell silent, and everyone turned to face the Third Prince, bowing in unison. “Greetings, Third Prince!”

Ji Yi quietly lifted his head to look. The Third Prince wore a scholar’s brocade robe—expensive but not ostentatious. If not for the announcement, people might have thought him just another wealthy examinee.

He also wore a guanjin cap, clearly in student attire. He looked young, only slightly older than Ji Yi, with refined and handsome features. Walking slowly, he radiated courtesy. Indeed, he even had a scholarly aura and seemed to enjoy literary pursuits.

The Third Prince spoke loudly, “Everyone, rise!” His voice carried a hint of kindness.

Everyone stood, and the prince, smiling, nodded with apparent satisfaction. “Very good, you are all the pillars of the nation! The future of Daliang depends on you!”

His simple compliment stirred many hearts, as if the fate of Daliang truly rested on them.

Several familiar faces gathered around him, chatting, while others pushed forward, eager to be noticed—even without speaking, simply being seen was enough.

Ji Yi understood immediately. The Third Prince was here to win people’s loyalty, and those scholars were looking for a way to climb the social ladder.

Seeing Ji Yi staring at the prince, Lu Anzhi, sensing a possible misunderstanding, quietly explained: “This is the current Third Prince, Guo Jinghong. Among all the princes, he values scholars like us the most. He himself highly respects Confucian learning and is exceptionally talented.”

Hearing such praise, Ji Yi looked at him a few more times. The prince smiled at everyone with humble elegance, slightly leaning forward when speaking to scholars, as if listening intently. Yet, for some reason, Ji Yi felt his gestures were somewhat contrived.

At that moment, the surroundings grew quiet around the Third Prince. He lifted his head toward a towering tree and recited aloud:

“Before the Kongming Temple stands an ancient cypress, its branches like bronze, roots like stone. Frosted bark and dripping rain encircle it forty times, dark green reaches two thousand feet. Though sovereign and minister meet the times, the trees are still cherished by men. Clouds gather, air stretches to Wuxia Gorge, the moon rises, connecting snow-capped mountains. I recall the path winding east of Jin Pavilion, the late Lord and Marquis together at the palace. Towering branches in the fields stand ancient, graceful painting empties windows. Though sprawling and commanding its ground, solitary heights face fierce winds. Its support comes from divine strength, uprightness from the workings of fate. If the great hall were to topple, the beams and pillars would lean; ten thousand oxen turn to gaze at the heavy hills. Without showing literary skill, the world is already amazed; yet who can carry out pruning and felling? Endeavor may not escape ants and termites; fragrant leaves still host phoenixes overnight. Scholars and hermits, do not lament: since ancient times, great talent is hard to use.”