Seeing Through a Thousand Miles with One Strategy

The grading of papers began on the very night the Provincial Examination ended.

The examiners and graders were inside grading the papers, while many academic officials and government officials, along with the governor of Jiannan Circuit, were waiting outside.

Before the results were announced, these officials, regardless of rank, had to stay in the Examination Hall and were not allowed to go out.

Inside and outside the Examination Hall, soldiers were stationed, all looking as if they were facing a formidable enemy. The guards were heavily on guard, and the soldiers' grim demeanor combined with the Literary Thought Aura of the Examination Hall created a solemn atmosphere. Anyone who approached would feel uneasy.

All these measures are designed to prevent fraud.

Rustling...

Inside each room, the sound of turning pages filled the air. A single Provincial Examination involved hundreds or even thousands of papers, each one potentially determining a person's fate, altering their destiny and fortune. No negligence was allowed.

The examiners would occasionally bring over stacks of exam papers, arrange them in order, and let the chief examiner, deputy chief examiner, and others review them.

Grading papers is no easy task. They must be circulated first. The examiners will look at hundreds or thousands of papers first. The first criterion is that the interpretation of the classics and the interpretation of the classics are correct. The second criterion is that the essays are fluent and the sentences are clear.

After passing these two standards, the papers are checked for any taboos, and then stamped in sequence. Only after all the examiners approve them will the papers be presented to the chief examiner and others.

Furthermore, to prevent examiners from cheating, the exam papers are transcribed by designated personnel after the candidates submit them, thus avoiding identification of candidates through handwriting.

However, even so, it is still difficult to completely eliminate this problem, because some people will use specific words and phrases as markers in the sentences, and can even distinguish them by writing style and thought process. So in the end, even if the names are still obscured, the examiners already have a general idea of the situation.

After the exam papers were handed over to the examiners, they were responsible for ranking the candidates.

There's a specific method to ranking the candidates. Although the chief examiner has the most say, the other examiners also have the right to offer suggestions. Moreover, before finalizing the rankings, the examiners must first discuss the papers, which requires them to review all the submitted exam papers and provide feedback.

Grading papers is a mechanical, arduous, and repetitive task. Over time, it's inevitable to feel tired and fatigued. Therefore, at this time, the sudden appearance of a brilliant essay will stand out and can also invigorate the examiners.

Just then, as the examiners were grading papers, a voice suddenly rang out. "This is well written! It displays the might of armor and weapons! It understands the concept of 'momentum,' knowing to act according to the grand scheme of things, making it unparalleled in its power."

The one who spoke was Kong, the Academic Commissioner. His voice came out suddenly, which would have startled others under normal circumstances. But the other examiners in the room didn't seem to mind; instead, they all got up and gathered around.

They work hard grading papers, and it is precisely because of articles like these that they can relax State of Mind.

After reading it, Qi Zhengyuan nodded. "Indeed, quite good. His insight is remarkable, but it's ultimately theoretical, and somewhat based on wishful thinking. He's good at strategizing but lacks practical application. However, for a scholar, it's still quite commendable."

Beside him, Censor Li Qi remarked, "However, the elegant and refined language certainly adds to its appeal." He was also one of the examiners for this examination.

Then, someone brought over another essay, saying with regret, "This one is not bad either, it puts forward the idea of 'diligently practicing military skills,' but unfortunately the paper is smudged, so it will be downgraded by one grade."

The other examiners gathered around, and after looking at the document, they all nodded in approval, while Censor Li Qi frowned.

"This one is not bad either," Qi Zhengyuan said, pulling out another one. "This one says, 'Gather troops in strategic locations to secure the position.' It shows that we should not be arrogant or impatient, that we understand the importance of warfare, and that we should not resort to violence recklessly."

Official Path, "This statement is somewhat similar to the military strategy written by Yan Wu; it must have been written by one of his disciples."

"It's truly a pity about Yan Wu," sighed Kong, the Academic Commissioner. "However, his disciple inherited his True Disciple; not only was his calligraphy excellent, but his learning was also outstanding."

As the atmosphere gradually relaxed, the examiners put down their work and gathered together to talk and comment, which is the norm when grading papers.

Li Qi smiled and took out a copy, saying, "I have one too, you can nod your name here."

"First place?"

Everyone else was taken aback. The top scorer in the Provincial Examination was called the Jieyuan, which was not easy to determine. The classics and the interpretation of classical texts were obviously important, and they had to be accurate and concise. The miscellaneous essays also had to be good and had merits. Most importantly, the policy questions were crucial.

The policy questions test not only the candidate's writing skills, but also their way of thinking and problem-solving approach. Moreover, the essay cannot be unrestrained; it must be based on classical texts and have substance.

This is just the basics. The most important thing is to demonstrate certain talents in the policy questions. After all, once you pass the Provincial Examination, you are basically considered an official. After you are appointed to a post, you need to be able to handle things.

Upon hearing Li Qi's statement, the others gathered around.

"Should diplomatic conflicts be judged by the principles of righteousness?"

The examiners were initially just curious when they read this essay, but after reading it in one go, they couldn't help but praise it.

As Kong, the Academic Commissioner read it, he exclaimed in admiration, "The saying 'cultivating desires leads to pride' is quite true! Whose article is this? Its ideas are profound; it appears to be a military strategy, but it already subtly contains a strategy for governing the country."

After reading the entire article and reflecting on it, he immediately thought of one person.

"Yes, this writing style must be Gao Jing from Xingyuan Prefecture!"

Upon hearing this person's name, the others also snapped out of their reverie and began to discuss it.

Qi Zhengyuan's expression changed slightly as he looked at the military strategy. He glanced at Li Qi and said, "If I remember correctly, Gao Jing should be a disciple of the Virtue School, from the same school as Lord Li."

His words immediately silenced the other examiners who were engaged in a heated discussion.

Qi Zhengyuan and Li Qi represent two factions in the imperial court. Their daily struggles even affect Jiannan Circuit. This Provincial Examination was originally a matter of exchanging interests, with the New Party exchanging "scholars" for "power." However, now that Li Qi has presented an article from the New Party's school of thought, aiming for the top scholar position, it has a confrontational feel to it.

Li Qi smiled slightly and said, "Lord Qi is right. Gao Jing is a disciple of the Virtue School, with a righteous heart. His writings are also full of benevolence. He knows that war is inferior to righteousness, and that military strategy is the worst option, while negotiation and diplomacy are the best choice. He is worthy of being a top scholar. I am recommending a worthy person without regard to personal relationships."

"To win through diplomacy and banquets" refers to achieving victory from afar.

"Well done, no favoritism!" Qi Zhengyuan chuckled. "But to nominate someone now would be too hasty; perhaps there will be even better results later."

"Oh? Judging from your demeanor, you seem to be considering recommending talented individuals regardless of personal connections. Could it be that you intend to appoint Qiu Yan?" Li Qi said, pulling out another examination paper from the side and placing it in front of everyone. "I've seen Qiu Yan 'Dao Examination paper before, so I recognize the writing style. This policy question should be his work. Please, everyone, take a look and see what you think of it?"

"Hmm?" Qi Zhengyuan's heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding rising within him.

Several examiners surrounded him.

"In warfare, the highest level of strategy involves human planning, the middle level involves terrain advantage, and the lowest level involves weather conditions."

After reading the beginning, the examiners exchanged opinions.

"While this statement makes sense, it is somewhat commonplace and bears the mark of imitating the concepts of Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage, and Human Harmony, and human factors."

But as I continued reading, my perspective changed.

"Excellent, excellent. Although the idea may seem outdated, what's commendable is that it avoids being overly ambitious, demonstrates a thorough understanding of the situation in the southwest, and is substantial in its content."

"Yes, this strategist is right. He has a good understanding of the Marshfolk's habits and the terrain is excellent. He is very clear about the terrain and the distribution of power in the southwest."

The examiners' praise put Qi Zhengyuan at ease. He had come here with the intention of promoting a few scholars to strengthen his own reserves. Qiu Yan and Ma Yang had a past relationship, and Ma Yang had even praised Qiu Yan in front of Qi Zhengyuan, so he couldn't let him slip by.

However, looking at Li Qi again, the other person was also smiling, seemingly not caring.

Soon, one of the Official Path, "Unfortunately, he went too far. If he had simply described the general situation and military strategies, it would have been a fine piece. Although it doesn't have the lofty vision of Gao Jing, it is better than others because it is adapted to the local context. Unfortunately, Qiu Yan insisted on detailed descriptions, even imagining military battles and giving three examples. He seemed rather self-satisfied, which is a major taboo in the Imperial Examinations."

Even Kong, the Academic Commissioner, sighed, "What a pity! We, who have lived in the southwest for a long time, are certainly more accurate in our understanding of the situation than a mere scholar. The idea of a coalition of the Marshfolk is already wishful thinking, so how could it involve the Barbarians? It's rather unrealistic and contradicts our previous pragmatic approach."

"Indeed, this war simulation is like building castles in the air; it's two levels lower in quality."

At this point, Li Qi spoke up, "Especially the last sentence, 'Victory should not be won by force, nor should defeat be lost by lack of focus,' it sounds like a lecturing tone, which seems a bit tactless and lacks social graces."

The saying "One should not be obsessed with victory, nor should one be careless in defeat" means that in war, one should not only think about winning, but also consider unfavorable factors; when one is defeated, one should reflect on the reasons and strive to turn defeat into victory.

"What? Qiu Yan would make such a mistake?"

Qi Zhengyuan was startled. He took the exam paper, read it through, and his face darkened, showing a hint of anger at the paper's lack of ambition.

Seeing this, Li Qi shook his head, said no more, and turned to continue grading papers.

But just then, chaos erupted outside, with chickens flying and dogs barking, creating a huge commotion.

"What happened?"

All the examiners frowned, about to ask questions, when one of the examiners rushed in and said that the governor requested to see the censor.

"How can officials from outside the region have contact with the examiners when grading papers?"

Qi Zhengyuan was about to reprimand them when he heard the messenger Official Path, "This matter is of great importance, involving soldiers and officers. However, the commander-in-chief is no longer present. Without the censor's approval and seal, it will be difficult to mobilize the garrison troops!"

"They need to mobilize troops? What exactly is it about?"

Upon hearing this, the examiners' expressions changed several times. After all, they were all officials of the Great Rui, and of course they knew how urgent it was to require the seals of both the Inspector and the Censor.

Since the examiner had relayed the message, he must have already understood the general situation. He immediately replied, "I heard that several major tribes of the Marshfolk have joined forces to launch an attack, Barbarians are involved! Jiarong County has already fallen!"

"What did you say!"

All the examiners stared wide-eyed. Two of them turned to look at an exam paper on the table, their faces filled with disbelief. (To be continued)

P. S.: Thanks to "Xuan Yuan Yi" for the monthly vote!