Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

57 A Favor, His Majesty's Chosen Topic

While the older General Yu and Minister Zhang worried about the matters of their sons, the two people in question had already arrived at the venue of the essay writing competition. Since they have led left later than quite a few of the others and then spend time first talking with the old teacher before they made up outside, there were already many scholars seated and guests standing around, talking in hushed voices about who they deemed to have the best chances to win.

Zhang Shi Lan and Yu Huang Rong also stood to the side and Zhang Shi Lan couldn't help but start explaining who the scholars were and what kind of impression he had of them.

Yu Huang Rong nodded slowly, trying to remember as much as he could. From now on, he'd have much more to do with the world of scholars so he should make sure that he didn't stay ignorant of these matters. The sooner he learned, the less trouble he would be making for Zhang Shi Lan and the fewer people may talk badly about them after their marriage. If he could prove to the scholars that he deserved Zhang Shi Lan, then even though they might think that it was a pity that he wouldn't have any children of his own, they at least wouldn't feel that Zhang Shi Lan's talent was wasted on him.

Seeing that his lover actually showed interest in what he said, Zhang Shi Lan couldn't help but remark a few more things. Some of the other people waiting for the beginning for the competition that weren't too well-versed regarding these people or this kind of competition couldn't help but step closer and listen in on what Zhang Shi Lan had to say.

They didn't disperse when he finished with what he had wanted to say either. Instead, they used the opportunity to ask the questions they had. After all, what was there to be embarrassed about if even the famous General Yu let this scholar explain?

"So is it really that special that His Majesty chose the topic for the competition? I thought that that would be the norm."

Zhang Shi Lan looked over at the person that had spoken only to notice that they were actively looking back at him. Was he supposed to answer that? His gaze darted to Yu Huang Rong who lightly nodded at him and inconspicuously patted his arm where the others couldn't see.

Zhang Shi Lan took a deep breath and then nodded. He didn't feel too comfortable talking about something like this, especially not since one of the teachers of the Academy was close by but since he had already been asked it also wouldn't be polite to pretend he didn't know.

"Well, it isn't unheard of that the Emperor chooses topics for competitions. Usually, His Majesty would do so for the competitions that are held to recruit Ministers for the court or other important officials.

"Today's competition is different from these competitions insofar that it is mostly used to give the scholars an opportunity to compete among themselves and talk about some subjects the Academy and its teachers deem interesting or important at this specific time. Because of that, it is most often the Academy itself that will issue the topic for the competition. His Majesty might choose one but that is rather rare.

"In fact, it only happened three times under the late emperor's reign and if I am not wrong, this should be the first time under the current emperor's reign. Thus it is an immensely important occasion for the Academy and all scholars taking part in the competition. His Majesty might very well ask after the results of the essay competition."

"Ah, so it's like that."

"Does that mean that the winner will be given a position at court?"

Zhang Shi Lan smiled noncommittally. "I wouldn't dare to presume to know what His Majesty intends to do. Choosing a topic for the competition is already showing favor to the scholars. Regardless of whether a position will be given or not, I am sure that everyone will already be grateful that His Majesty paid this much attention to them."