"The hereditary official system."
At those words, everyone present shuddered.
Wang Kan's face was no longer livid; it was as white as window paper steeped in frost.
Xie Lin was so frightened that he could barely hold his teacup steady.
Just then, Wang Kan slammed his hand against the table, making the teacup jump half an inch.
"Wei Nisheng! You go too far!"
Wang Kan's voice had changed pitch, trembling as he spoke.
"We're discussing this year's Provincial Examination. Why are you dragging in the Wei-Jin era and the hereditary official system?
You-you're... you're spitting blood to smear my name!
When did I ever say we should restore the hereditary official system?
When did I ever say commoners shouldn't study?" He grew more agitated with every word.
"Provincial Top Scholar Wei, what an enormous hat you're pinning on me!
At the slightest disagreement, you slap someone with the charge of 'no commoners among the upper class.'
Does that mean anyone here who so much as questions your position as Provincial Top Scholar
is a remnant of the Wei-Jin great clans? A lapdog of the aristocratic clans?!"
Xie Lin reached for his sleeve, but Wang Kan shook him off.
"Wei Nisheng, let me tell you: I, Wang Kan, stand straight and walk upright.
For three generations, my family has lived by farming and study. When it comes to humble origins, mine are humbler than yours!
Stop beating people with that heavy club of the hereditary official system!"
The young Wang Kan had clearly been frightened by the enormous accusation pinned on him.
His chest heaved violently, and even his eyes had begun to redden.
"I said earlier that your policy essay benefited from the Hall of Literary Depths governance observation.
Perhaps that was a little harsh, but wasn't it the truth?