Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter describes a large-scale imperial examination, overseen by Sima Guang, focusing on financial management, with mathematics replacing poetry in the exam questions. Despite some candidates' dissatisfaction, Sima Guang emphasized the importance of practical skills over traditional poetry. Many candidates excelled in mathematics, indicating their preparedness. The Ministry of Personnel also held an examination for dismissed officials, offering them a chance to start anew. While some struggled, others seized the opportunity to showcase their skills. Wang Gui, tasked with overseeing the examination, was particularly interested in Feng Jing, a top scholar whose stories had portrayed Wang Ning An negatively. However, Feng Jing was absent from the examination. The chapter also highlights the royal family’s sons' examination, which all passed, leading to humorous family dynamics. Following the examinations, Wang Ning An addressed his former students and martial arts disciples, stressing the importance of integrity and responsibility in their new roles. The chapter concludes with shocking news of Wang De Yong's death in battle against bandits, leaving Wang Ning An in a state of grief.

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