Chapter 2131: 2128: Sarcasm

Chapter 2131: Chapter 2128: Sarcasm

“Even later, Yan Sanlang was asked about the source of his inspiration, saying it was sparked by observing long-term laborers working at the Manor, calling for the cherishing of food. Throughout the text, Yan Sanlang didn’t truly understand where the hardship of labor lay, only mentioning the frequency of work and the exhaustion caused by the hot weather.”

“And Zhou Wulang’s poetic talent has never matched Yan Sanlang’s; the narrative certainly doesn’t deny that. From this imperial examination, Yan Sanlang scored better than Zhou Wulang in this subject, showing that the author also selected fairly and justly.”

“But for this poetry meeting, Zhou Wulang took the top position; Magistrate Zhang only needs to read his poem to understand.” As Chu Heng spoke, he suddenly laughed, “However, despite Magistrate Zhang studying it for so long, he couldn’t discern what was good about Zhou Wulang’s poem. Perhaps he doesn’t understand farming himself, thus couldn’t comprehend it.”

His final words were a direct slap in the face to Imperial Censor Zhang.

It was like pointing at his nose and saying, as such a high-ranking official, he doesn’t even know how farming is done. How dare he talk about agricultural matters?

“You…” Imperial Censor Zhang hadn’t expected Chu Heng to have such audacity, daring to mock him in front of the Emperor: “Lord Chu, do not divert the topic with sophistry.”

“Emperor, I’ve heard this storybook was written by Lord Chu’s lady at home. How could a female family member create such poetry unless Lord Chu intended to assist, using this story as a means to express dissatisfaction with the imperial court?” Imperial Censor Zhang knew he could not win in a debate with Chu Heng about the content of the storybook.

Being challenged by Chu Heng over two sentences, he finally realized the contents in the storybook must have been thoughtfully considered, as he couldn’t find many loopholes. But if he focuses on the point that Chu Heng is using this narrative to create tension between the children of families who are not officials and the Clan Youngsters, he could attack Chu Heng!

“May the Emperor see clearly, this storybook was indeed written by my spouse, but the charge made by Magistrate Zhang, I cannot accept. This storybook merely advises scholars not to prioritize solely book content, but to emphasize practice as well, yet Magistrate Zhang unjustly concocts false accusations, I am wronged.” Chu Heng refuted.

Emperor Xuanming listened to the back and forth of their dispute.

He asked other officials for their opinions.

Minister Qi, having already called Imperial Censor Zhang to deal with Chu Heng, naturally had to take a stance, indicating that the contents of Chu Heng’s storybook indeed have some controversy.

Meanwhile, Elder Zhong stroked his beard, speaking with sage-like calmness: “Emperor, I am usually preoccupied with official duties, and don’t see any issues with this storybook. Besides, its contents are not yet fully revealed, it’s better to wait for the complete release to discuss it further.”

“We share the same view.” The officials of the Imperial Loyalist Faction, mostly not from large noble families and many including children of families who are not officials, upon seeing Elder Zhong’s stance, followed suit without taking sides.

Naturally, they remained neutral like their superior, fearing any entanglement.

“If that’s the case, let’s wait until the storybook is fully released and then discuss.” Emperor Xuanming said.

Imperial Censor Zhang, somewhat unwilling, feigned a cold snort: “Emperor, you may not know, today a scholar suspected that Lord Chu arranged for someone to alter the storybook’s content. Given today’s event, Lord Chu might revise the subsequent content, and by then there would be no evidence.”

“Magistrate Zhang, as an Imperial Censor, shouldn’t you impeach only when holding evidence?”