In the Imperial Court, Taiji Palace.
The civil and military officials stood on both sides, leaving an empty space in the middle.
Xue Zongguang was dressed in a scholar's robe. Whether it was his temperament or knowledge, everyone present felt that he was the most suitable candidate for the position of historian. It was obvious that the Taishi Manor had gone through several selections for these specialties.
Xue Zongguang's face was expressionless, but his heart was extremely indignant. Who was he?
He was the most outstanding Confucian scholar in Taishi Manor, and if he wasn't in Taishi Manor, he would probably be able to pass the Golden Roll at his age. Now, he was actually competing with a child.
Especially since this child was still in school.
Xue Zongguang felt that this was an insult. He stood there and felt the pressure from all directions. He sneered in his heart. He was afraid that the kid would wet his pants when he came over.
He was thinking.
Footsteps came from outside Taiji Palace, and he couldn't help but turn around to look.
Xiao Rui walked in step by step, facing the crowd. He was wearing a long white robe with gold inlaid on it. There was a flowing cloud belt tied around his waist. His eyes were full of vigor. He looked at the civil and military officials and Li Shiming without fear.
Just this aura alone wasn't something an eight-year-old child could possess. This caused those who had only heard of Xiao Rui's reputation as a silkpants to have shocked expressions. They believed the rumors and couldn't believe them easily.
The Minister of Rites looked at Xiao Rui and said,"What a handsome young man."”
Although Fang Xuanling had met Xiao Rui before, he did not show the slightest bit of fear in Taiji Palace. This was not the courage that ordinary people possessed. Even some officials 'calves would tremble when they went to court for the first time.
He could see that Xiao Rui wasn't pretending to be calm, but was rather confident. He also sighed,"It's a pity that he's only eight years old. If he had studied for a few more years, perhaps Xue Zongguang would really have been defeated.”
Xiao Yu looked gratified, but she still said,"There are not so many ifs. Rui 'er is too young and impetuous. It's good to suffer some setbacks. When he goes back and studies hard, he can become the top scholar and enter the court as an official.”
Du Ruhui nodded silently and said," That's right. Since ancient times, there have been countless geniuses. Most of them have disappeared. However, today's incident will definitely be famous in Chang 'an."”
Xiao Rui had only taken a few steps, but he had already subdued everyone, because they all knew that if they were at Xiao Rui's age, they would probably really make a fool of themselves.
Xiao Rui walked to a place parallel to Xue Zongguang, bowed and said,"Your humble subject Xiao Rui greets Your Majesty."
Xiao Rui's words shocked the entire court.
"Your humble subject? Could it be that this Xiao Rui already had some achievements?”
"That's not right. Our Great Tang has produced princes and marquises, but there are no eight-year-old officials.”
"Look, Xiao Rui is wearing a dragon-shaped pendant on his waist. If it wasn't for His Majesty's gift, he would have been beheaded.”
"I can't guess."
The others didn't know, but Li Shi Min knew.
"Xiao Rui, you're so confident that you can get the position of historian. Now you call yourself a minister?" Li Shiming waved his hand. Don't blame me if you lose."
The morning court session had already ended.
Li Shi Min's tone was also somewhat intimate.
Only now did the officials understand what Xiao Rui's humble subject meant. Even Xue Zongguang, who was beside him, was a little surprised. He really couldn't see where Xiao Rui's courage came from.
It was as if he did not take him seriously at all, which made him angry.
Xiao Rui looked at Li Shiming and said in a neither servile nor overbearing manner,"Your Majesty, I came today with a plan in mind. I will only win and not lose.”
Li Shi Min didn't say anything more, he looked at the official and said,"Since that's the case, let the battle for the position of historian begin.”
"This is the first time since ancient times.”
The Grand Scribe of the Grand Scribe Manor walked out and said,""Your Majesty, since the Xia Zhou and Spring and Autumn Period, this is indeed the first time that the competition for the position of historian has taken place. Now that the assessment has begun, Your Majesty will not restrict the selection of talents and will definitely leave his name in history.”
"Now, please appraise it yourself, Your Majesty.”
Taishi stood in front of Xue Zongguang and Xiao Rui and said solemnly,""Historians stay by His Majesty's side, record His Majesty's every word and action, and write history books. Calligraphy is the most important.”
"The first test is calligraphy."
"The two of you will each write a set of words for His Majesty and the ministers to judge. The winner will be A, and the loser will be B. This will be repeated three times. The one with more A will win.”
Xue Zongguang listened to Taishi's words. He had experienced this kind of competition countless times. He immediately said,"No objections."
"No objections." Xiao Rui also nodded.”
Grand Scribe waved his hand, and a few eunuchs immediately carried over the tables and chairs, as well as the brush, ink, and paper.
The Minister of Rites and the others were all looking curiously.
However, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and the others were standing at the side and whispering to each other. They instantly lost interest, as if they didn't care at all.
The Minister of Rites was a little curious. He quietly leaned over and heard the two of them talking.
"Minister Fang, how about letting Xiao Rui go to my house after today's court session and then to your house tomorrow?”
"No, no, my younger daughter has been pestering me for a day. Why don't I give you that manuscript?”
"This, this is better to go to my house. Anyway, he's still young. Let the younger generation get close to him.”
The Minister of Rites was listening.
Zhangsun Wuji suddenly came over and said to Fang Xuanling.
"What are the two of you muttering about? We agreed yesterday that when this Xiao Rui came to my house, I was going to ask him to write a few pieces of calligraphy for me.”
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui immediately formed a united front and pointed at Zhangsun Wuji.
The Minister of Rites was dumbfounded.
"Du Sikong, don't you care about the outcome of the battle between the two of them?" he said respectfully.”
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui suddenly smiled when they heard the Minister of Rites 'words.
"Minister Zhou, the outcome has been decided. There's nothing to see." Fang Xuanling looked at him and said.”
Minister Zhou was a little surprised. He looked at him and said,"We haven't even fought yet, so how do we know the outcome is already decided?”As he spoke, he seemed to have figured it out himself. He continued,"That's true. This Xiao Rui is only eight years old. His handwriting is definitely not good. How can he compare to Xue Zongguang?”
The words of the Minister of Rites were heard by everyone around.
They all agreed.
"That's right. The outcome has already been decided. There's nothing to see.”
"Looks like this Xiao Rui will definitely lose."
"However, he's still a piece of unpolished jade. I hope he doesn't suffer a blow.”
"Minister Xiao has taught a good son.”
The voices of the crowd grew louder and louder. Xue Zongguang could also hear a few words, and he was even happier. His writing was as if it was being helped by God, and he felt that it was even better than usual.
However, Zhangsun Wuji said at this moment,"When we say victory has been decided, it means that Xiao Rui will definitely win!”
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。