The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Circuit Judge Jia Quan was concerned that Zheng Rong Tai's selection as the top scholar would jeopardize his own career, leading him to compromise by ensuring a scholar's admission instead. Guo Bai Song was tasked with advocating for Zhao Yu Shu as the top scholar but was shocked when Zhao only ranked 10th. In a fit of anger, Guo Bai Song confronted Chief Examiner Ou Yang Xun about the rankings. Ou Yang Xun remained calm and suggested a public review of the top candidates' papers to settle the dispute. The examiners were caught in a difficult position, leading Li Gang to propose a voting system to decide between Guo Bai Song and Ou Yang Xun's views. Ultimately, the vote revealed that six examiners supported Ou Yang Xun, while only one backed Guo Bai Song, leaving Guo Bai Song in despair. Despite the unexpected outcome, Guo Bai Song attempted to contest the ranking of Li Yan Qing, whose father had a disqualified past. However, Han Hong Jun clarified that Li Yan Qing's father's record had been erased due to reformation, allowing Li Yan Qing's admission. Ou Yang Xun defended the decision to include Li Yan Qing in the top three, citing the government's regulations. Guo Bai Song, feeling isolated and enraged, threatened to impeach Ou Yang Xun at the Ministry of Rites.

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