Chapter 1307: Chapter 1304: Eavesdropping

“Axes and saws enter the forest in due season, and the timber is inexhaustible. The grain and fish are more than enough to eat; the timber is more than enough to use. This allows the people to live and die without regret. To live and die without regret is the beginning of the Kingly Way.”

“To lessen the burden on the people, to follow the natural order, to have ample food and clothing, even in death there is no regret–that is the ‘Kingly Way’…”

Chu Zhang enunciated each word clearly, spoke with a thoughtful look, and the content of his speech was the most frequently discussed among the scholars, as after all, scholars should aspire to serve their country and their people.

“And you, what insights do you have?”

Chu Zhang asked casually, while the other scholars had different views.

The frail scholar said subconsciously, “I have a different view from Brother Chu Zhang…”

The other scholars also followed suit and discussed the topic further.

The only scholar who hadn’t interjected to the side: “…Wait a moment, how did the topic shift to ‘Mencius’ again?”

What were they asking just now?

“Wait, Brother Chu Zhang, you seem to have not answered our question just now.”

“I did answer; I was just looking at this content,” Chu Zhang honestly replied.

Scholar: “…Ah, I see.” Looking at his honest face, it really didn’t seem like he was lying.

The scholar who originally felt something was off couldn’t find a reason to object, and thus had no further suspicions.

Chu Sheng had been uneasy and was eavesdropping from the side.

To his surprise, the honest Chu Zhang had his moments of hoodwinking others without them noticing. However, seeing the sincere face of Chu Zhang, he knew that the other party probably wasn’t even aware that he had misled anyone.

Realizing this, he couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

Having drunk too much tea, Chu Sheng found an excuse to step out to the back yard to relieve himself.

But just as he descended the stairs, he heard a familiar voice from the next room.

“This examination paper, is it really useful?” This was the voice of Zhong Yan, a voice Chu Sheng was very familiar with.

Following this was the sound of a rather coarse male voice: “Of course, after seeing this examination paper, Young Master Zhong won’t have to worry about failing the examination.”

Zhong Yan asked excitedly, “How much silver?”

“A hundred taels.”

There were no more voices from inside, only the rustling sounds of friction. Chu Sheng’s expression went through a range of changes.

He moved away from the staircase, and as he went to the outhouse, he was still thinking about what kind of examination paper could ensure you didn’t have to worry about failing the scholar examination and was worth as much as a hundred taels of silver.

He had just reached the outhouse door when he abruptly stopped in his tracks.

His complexion turned white instantly.

The only possibility that fit was buying examination questions!

This… this was a capital offence.

In fact, since Chu Sheng had gone to the capital to study, he was confident about taking the scholar examination. After all, he had studied for many years; although the examination covered a wide range of topics, it wasn’t very flexible. As long as you memorized enough, there should be no problem.

So, after discovering this secret, his first reaction was not to get involved.

This was definitely something he should not get involved with.

Now, he didn’t even go to the outhouse anymore and turned around in a rush to go upstairs to call for Chu Zhang.

However, as he reached the hall, he faltered, leaned against the counter pale-faced and uncomfortable.

The shopkeeper was alarmed when he saw this and hurried over to support him: “Scholar, what’s wrong with you?”

“I… my stomach hurts,” Chu Sheng weakly covered his belly.

The shopkeeper, not wanting a scholar to fall ill in his establishment, said anxiously, “I’ll call the waiter to take you to the doctor immediately.”

Chu Sheng lifted his head, looking grateful but declined the offer: “Thank you for your kindness, Shopkeeper, but it’s just my old problem acting up, stomach discomfort. My second brother is upstairs in the ‘A’ character private room called Chu Zhang, could you call him down and tell him to take me home for medication?”