Chapter 159: Cultivation Path 117
Miss Zhang also came to attend the class?
Chen Ji was slightly surprised.
Prince Jing joked, "Lord Zhang, it’s not a problem that your daughter Zhang Xia is attending Mr. Wang’s class, but since you and Mr. Wang both took the same imperial examination and he ranked second while you ranked first, it might be better to keep Zhang Xia by your side and teach her yourself."
Zhang Zhuo chuckled, "Back then, His Majesty thought he was too spirited and intentionally did not grant him the title of top scholar. In terms of talent, I am inferior to him."
Prince Jing smiled slightly, "Lord Zhang, you are too modest."
Zhang Zhuo shook his head, "Not at all modest. I still remember under the heavy eaves of Fengtian Hall, where rows of bucket arches lined like wells, His Majesty sat on the golden dragon throne and I didn’t even dare to raise my head, yet Wang Daosheng could look directly at His Majesty. Just in terms of that courage, I am not his equal."
Zhang Zhuo, with his hand on his belt, looked up at the apricot tree and reminisced, "That day in front of the hall, His Majesty asked me why I studied, and I honestly answered, to become an official. His Majesty lightly laughed and said, ’Your "Taxes Theory" is enough to be an official.’ Then His Majesty asked Wang Daosheng why he studied, and he replied, studying naturally is to become a saint. His Majesty indifferently said, ’the "Twelve Strategies of Pacifying the Japanese" is enough to be an official, but it falls short of making a saint.’ Thus, that year I became the top scholar at fifteen, and he, at twenty-three, became the runner-up."
Having said this, Zhang Zhuo chuckled again, "These years, I’ve been mingling with officials day by day and have neglected my studies. It’s better to learn from him. Additionally, Zhang Xia has been in Luocheng City for three years and has not made any friends. Studying with others might help her introverted nature and she might make some ambitious friends."
Liu Quxing muttered softly, "She’s not at all introverted..."
While they were talking, a cry of alert came from beyond the wall, "Chen Ji, run! My father accepted a bribe from Mr. Chen to send you to study with Mr. Wang to ease the conflict between you three brothers! You must run, don’t let my father manipulate you, Mr. Wang is very strict!"
Suddenly, the courtyard of Taiping Medical Hall became quiet.