The hall was completely silent, save for the sounds of the scholars answering their questions.
However, compared to the previous tests, this imperial examination did not give them as much time to think; they only had time to write a brief outline.
This not only tests their talent, but also their quick wit and adaptability.
After all, once you become an official, you don't always have time to think things through carefully. Sometimes, a decision made in a split second can affect the livelihoods of countless people.
If you can't make a choice quickly, it will all come to nothing in the end.
Splash!
The hourglass beside them was dripping with sand. They needed to finish their prepared remarks before the sand ran out completely, otherwise they would have no choice but to ramble on without thinking.
Therefore, for every scholar, Tiandu an extremely terrible test, an experience unlike any they have ever had before.
Lin Yi looked at the students below and couldn't help but nod silently.
These guys truly lived up to their reputation as top ten candidates in the Great Liang Dynasty's Imperial Examination; they calmed down quickly and even determined their course of action.
Now we just have to wait and see how they perform and how high their actual level really is.
Time flies, and soon the hourglass had run out of sand.
"Clang!"
With the sound of a gong, Zhao Gao immediately stepped forward and announced in a low voice, "Time's up! Gentlemen, put down your paper and pens and prepare to answer the questions."
After saying that, he ran to Lin Yi's side and whispered, "Your Majesty, please choose one person to question!"
The ten people below changed their expressions slightly, not expecting time to pass so quickly, but they had no choice but to stop writing and stand aside.
They knew in their hearts that this was a moment that would decide their final fate.
kindness!
Lin Yi nodded slightly, his eyes becoming playful as he looked at the few slightly flustered young men, wondering who would have the last laugh.
Whoever is called on first is undoubtedly the most unlucky; at least the people who follow can absorb their ideas and deepen their understanding, and can think for a while longer.
After glancing at everyone, he couldn't help but smile and say, "All of you students are the best in the Great Liang. I'm giving you a chance. Is there anyone who would like to volunteer?"
I volunteered!
The ten men exchanged glances, each seeing the eagerness in the other's eyes. The first to step forward would undoubtedly gain the upper hand, but it would also be the most dangerous.
"I'll do it!"
From the crowd, Huang Longsi stepped forward confidently and solemnly declared, "Your Majesty, Huang Longsi of Qin Province is willing to be the first to answer the question!"
"Good!"
Lin Yi couldn't help but clap his hands in approval, saying, "Well done, Huang Longsi! You were the first to step forward. Now tell me, how will you govern Great Liang?"
No wonder he's number one on the list; he has the courage to All Under Heaven and is a responsible person.
His willingness to be the first to step forward, whether he's genuinely capable or just feigning composure, is enough to earn my respect.
After all, there aren't many people who dare to show off in front of them.
"This humble subject obeys the decree!"
Huang Longsi nodded solemnly, slowly walked out, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, although the Great Liang has only been established for a year, under Your Majesty's rule, it has already entered a golden age."
However, even amidst this prosperous era, I, a humble citizen, have witnessed a fatal crisis!
These words caused an uproar among the crowd in the hall. This guy really had a dangerous way of speaking; he had directly created a fatal crisis.
Some people couldn't help but look at him with concern, thinking, "Don't talk nonsense, kid, or you'll be in big trouble."
Lin Yi wasn't angry at all. Instead, he encouraged them, "Since I've given you this question, it's to help you fill in the gaps and make up for the shortcomings of Great Liang from another perspective. So please speak freely!"
I see!
The courtiers suddenly realized that this was the Emperor's plan, and that his move was indeed brilliant.
Huang Longsi's eyes lit up, and he secretly admired the Emperor for truly being a wise ruler. He didn't shy away from the shortcomings of Great Liang at all, but instead let them speak out. Such magnanimity was simply unimaginable.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, as the territory of Great Liang grows larger, it also means that Great Liang will have more governorates."
These governorates were too far from the capital, and the capital could not exert influence over the surrounding areas, which inevitably led to a situation where the governorates became too powerful to control.
Once a problem arises, it will inevitably spread rapidly, and even the imperial city will be unable to suppress them immediately, so...
Hiss!
When he finished speaking, the court couldn't help but gasp. This Huang Longsi was truly young and impetuous, putting their first sword down here.
This single stone stirred up a thousand waves, and everyone was on edge!
This guy is incredibly bold!
They were well aware of this crisis, but those governors who had been sent to the provinces were all the emperor's confidants, so they dared not say much.
Huang Longsi's opening remarks went straight to the point; his real intention was to control these regional governors, which directly threatened the interests of these veteran officials.
In other words, in that instant, Huang Longsi offended at least dozens of generals and governors of the current dynasty, which was extremely ruthless.
"Wow, my brother is amazing!"
Even Zhang Zizai was astonished, exclaiming in surprise, " The Huang Longsi is truly ruthless! No wonder they can easily overpower me. This guy is incredibly audacious; that first fire was absolutely brutal!"
"This guy is ruthless. From now on, he'll probably be a lone wolf, but whether that's a blessing or a curse remains to be seen." Li Yuanlong, who came in third, said with a complicated expression, even a hint of envy.
"No!"
At this moment, Zhang Fengfan shook his head and sighed, "He's a smart man. He may have offended those governors by doing this, but he's helped the Emperor eliminate future troubles. It's a worthwhile deal!"
He was born into a merchant family, and everything he did was driven by profit.
In Huang Longsi's words, others only saw that this guy had offended the governors of various regions of Great Liang, but he only saw that Huang Longsi was pandering to the current emperor!
Governors of various regions of Great Liang VS Emperor of Great Liang!
This comparison is unsurprising; a thousand regional governors are no match for the current emperor alone. So, Huang Longsi is a clever fellow.
The problem is obvious to anyone with eyes to see, so why don't these people dare to speak out? To put it bluntly, it's because they are afraid that these regional governors are the emperor's confidants.
That's precisely the problem.
Because these governors were the emperor's confidants, the emperor would not easily touch them, but that did not mean that the emperor was unaware of their potential threat.
The fact that Huang Longsi brought this up now has prematurely reignited this sensitive topic.
Upon hearing Zhang Fengfan's words, everyone suddenly realized that Huang Longsi had such a scheme; he was truly a clever person.
What does it matter if I offend ten thousand people? As long as I serve His Majesty well, my position will be Mount Tai!
Things are very different now than in the previous dynasty. The current emperor holds all power in his hands. The governors of various regions may seem powerful, but in reality, they can be easily wiped out.
Huang Longsi made the right choice!