Deng Blackface waved to Xu Yi from a distance, then said to the handsome young man beside him, "Director Han, everyone is here. We can begin."
Director Han nodded slightly. "News has come from the Road Court: the plan has changed. The imperial examinations will be held early, ten days from now, at the Road Court. I came here today mainly to represent the prefecture and check on all of you candidates. At the same time, I must choose a leader from among you. The officials at the prefecture originally intended to appoint one of you as leader. But in my view, a leader must also command everyone's respect. You know one another best, so your choice will be more accurate than anyone else's. Go ahead and nominate someone. Whoever gets the most votes will be your leader."
Deng Blackface glanced at Director Han, then pointed at Xu Yi. "As for who knows these candidates best, who could know them better than me, their instructor? I have the right to nominate someone, too. In my understanding, all my students are exceptional talents, but Xu Yi is the most outstanding. For this examination, I nominate Xu Yi as leader."
Though Deng Blackface looked rough and gruff, his mind was sharp. In truth, he had already recommended a leader to the prefecture: Xu Yi. He just hadn't expected things to take a turn.
He had worked hard as their instructor, and at last he had come across a prodigy like Xu Yi. He had invested everything in the hope that Xu Yi would take first place in the imperial examinations and bring honor to him.
Clearly, having Xu Yi as leader best served his interests. But then Director Han had pulled this stunt. What was all that about knowing one another best?