Chapter 2190: Bold Meng Yunzheng (Patreon)

Chapter 2190: Bold Meng Yunzheng

Meng Yunzheng wasn't afraid at all. In fact, under the Emperor's watchful gaze, he wrote with divine inspiration, becoming even more smooth and confident in his writing.

However, the other candidates sitting near him were sweating profusely. They struggled to contain the urge to turn around and kneel before the Emperor. Standing so close to the Emperor was truly a test of their mental fortitude.

The Emperor, after seeing Meng Yunzheng complete a section, finally spoke, "I heard that you achieved top honors in all five exams. Do you think the results of this final exam will meet our expectations?"

Since the Emperor had initiated conversation, Meng Yunzheng had no choice but to stand up and respectfully reply, "I do not know, Your Majesty. I simply gave my best effort in each exam."

The Emperor chuckled lightly, "Did you really give your best effort? It didn't seem that way. You began writing shortly after reviewing the questions, making it appear as though the questions posed no difficulty."

Other candidates silently screamed inside: Of course, they were challenging! Your Majesty, please reconsider.

Ministers who were observing the situation exchanged puzzled looks: What does the Emperor mean? Why does it seem like he isn't particularly fond of this top scholar, Meng Yunzheng?

For some reason, they sensed a hint of sarcasm in the Emperor's tone.

Could it be that Meng Yunzheng's actions of rejecting visitors and closing himself off from the world a while back had provoked someone to complain to the Emperor?

Everyone had different thoughts, but they all regarded Meng Yunzheng with complex expressions.

Upon hearing the Emperor's question, Meng Yunzheng's lips twitched slightly.

He responded with great respect, "I truly gave my best effort, Your Majesty."

The bystanders thought, "Are you sure? Are you speaking earnestly? You are addressing the Emperor; you should be bowing and pleading for forgiveness in the face of the Emperor's 'interrogation'!"

However, after deeply observing him for a while, the Emperor eventually nodded and said, "Very well, continue."

"Yes."

Meng Yunzheng then resumed his seat and continued writing without distractions.

The Emperor didn't say anything more and returned to his dragon throne, taking his seat.

The candidates seated around Meng Yunzheng secretly breathed sighs of relief, feeling less tense now.

The palace examination lasted only one day, and the Emperor made a brief visit to the Zichen Hall at the beginning and once again midway.

By the time evening fell, the candidates had all put down their brushes and started handing in their papers.

All the examination papers were sealed and stored, and one by one, the candidates left the great hall.

Despite the short duration, many candidates looked exhausted when they exited. Even though the questions were not too difficult for their level, the pressure had been immense.

Some wiped away sweat and felt a great sense of relief.

As they walked out, reminiscing about the tense atmosphere during the exam, candidates couldn't help but recall the intriguing conversation between the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng.

Gradually, the candidates distanced themselves from Meng Yunzheng, and it seemed there was a vacuum around him. No one wanted to walk alongside him.

However, just before they reached the exit, the man who had spoken to Meng Yunzheng earlier came up to him again. In a low voice, he asked, "You're quite bold. You could converse with the Emperor without hesitation. Weren't you nervous at all?"

Meng Yunzheng already knew the man's name, and he was surprised that he had come to talk to him again.

In fact, it wasn't difficult to deduce that the Emperor's words didn't affect him. But for those who didn't understand the situation, it appeared as if the Emperor had a hidden agenda against him, leading people to distance themselves from him, fearing they might get implicated.

"Not nervous at all. I simply responded as usual. His Majesty is wise and capable, and he won't hold it against me," Meng Yunzheng replied respectfully.