A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

The palace examination reveals the complexities of evaluating candidates, emphasizing the importance of factual assessments to avoid misunderstandings. Senior officials, like Li Dong Yang and Xie Qian, navigate the delicate balance of praising candidates without showing favoritism. Among the top ten, Feng Xi's exceptional paper surprises Li Dong Yang, who struggles to identify its author amidst similar handwriting styles. The final selection of candidates for the emperor's review reflects the intricate dynamics of merit and perception, with Shen Xi's potential scandal looming. Ultimately, the emperor, Zhu Youzhang, must decide the top scholar, navigating both merit and political implications.

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