Chapter 414: Retreat For Advancement
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin’s initial rank had been 11th in their a.s.sessment, and it was someone among them who had argued for raising Su Bin’s ranking by one spot, granting him the opportunity to partake in the Palace Examination.
Now, with the Emperor’s palpable interest in Su Bin’s answer sheet, the individual who had advocated for his improved ranking saw the potential for a unique insight to emerge.
For the four examiners who had initially been less inclined to favor Su Bin, a sense of unease began to creep in. The prospect of Su Bin capturing the Emperor’s attention and the Emperor eventually discovering their deliberate suppression and manipulation of his ranking weighed heavily on their minds. The consequences of such a revelation were difficult to fathom.
The Emperor finally resettled into his throne, his expression inscrutable.
The time for responses had arrived, and Su Bin was the first to submit his answer sheet. It was a bold move on his part, as both his suggestions had a clear bias toward the welfare of the common people. They also included criticism of the Imperial Court, alleging that it favored the rich at the expense of the commoners.
As the ultimate decision-maker, the Emperor was naturally averse to hearing any criticism or dissent against his regime. If his proposals didn’t resonate with the Emperor and weren’t accepted, it could result in dire consequences. Even if he was not blacklisted, his prospects in the capital would be severely compromised.
Yet, as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Su Bin was willing to accept the risks, as his wife had reminded him: the mountains were high, and the Emperor was distant. They could lead a carefree life.
The Emperor diligently perused Su Bin’s answer sheet from beginning to end. Subsequently, he allowed the Crown Prince and the Third Prince to review it, and he instructed the five examiners to continue their duties.
Subsequently, the Emperor examined the responses of the other nine individuals, but none displayed the same level of earnestness and depth as Su Bin.
Once everyone had reviewed the answers, a consensus began to emerge— the Emperor had taken a liking to Su Bin’s suggestions. This realization left the four examiners who had initially suppressed Su Bin with a mix of admiration and discomfort. While they desired to commend his proposals, they were constrained by the predicament they had created for themselves. They subtly cast glances towards the Crown Prince, hoping to glean his intentions from his demeanor.
However, the Crown Prince maintained a masterful facade of indifference, giving no sign of his thoughts, which only increased the examiners’ unease. They had no choice but to adapt to the unfolding circ.u.mstances.
The ten examinees were subsequently escorted to a side hall where they could enjoy tea and take a brief respite.
Meanwhile, on the Emperor’s side, discussions ensued with the Third Prince and those who had provided well-received answers. Main ExaminerHuang, who had been instrumental in ensuring Su Bin’s opportunity, was the first to express his admiration.
“Your Majesty, in my a.s.sessment, Su Bin, who ranks tenth, delivered the most exceptional response,” Huang declared without reservation. “His suggestions are notably wise.”
“What truly sets him apart is his demonstrated concern for the welfare of both the nation and its people, even before a.s.suming official duties. His ability to empathize with the struggles of the common people is remarkable.”
The Emperor turned his attention to the Third Prince, inquiring, “What are your thoughts?”
The Third Prince responded, “I believe that Main Examiner Huang’s recognition of Su Bin’s suggestion is indeed warranted, but he might have overlooked Su Bin’s tendency toward overconfidence.”
“He appears to harbor discontent with the court.”
“Even though he hasn’t a.s.sumed an official role yet, his words carry a sharp edge. If he ascends to high office, I fear he may struggle to temper his outspokenness.”
The Third Prince’s remarks refrained from offering outright praise for Su Bin; instead, he emphasized Su Bin’s potential shortcomings.
This approach was motivated by a desire to withdraw subtly, aiming to create the impression that Su Bin was a candid individual who only dared to express his opinions frankly. The Third Prince sought to deter any suspicion that Su Bin had a particular allegiance to his faction. He had never divulged to the Emperor that the Crown Prince had bribed the Main Examiner..