Chapter 745: Destruction (2)_1
Mo Qingze’s display was observed by all, and even Emperor Huian of Great Chu, who was normally undemonstrative, could not help but burst into laughter and lavishly praised, "Indeed, Great Chu is rich in talent. Mr. Mo is knowledgeable and quick of thought. Even if Duke Wen Cheng were alive, he would have to commend the fearfulness of youth!"
Duke Wen Cheng, originally named Wen Tianzhong, was very intelligent from a young age, becoming a Champion Scholar at merely eight years old, the youngest in the five hundred years since the establishment of the imperial examination system. He was versed in astronomy and geography, authored over ten classic works that have been passed down through history, and is known as one of the most famous literati. Posterity revered him as Duke Wen Cheng.
Emperor Huian was known for his meticulousness; his use of Duke Wen Cheng to praise Mo Qingze was already a very high commendation. Moreover, by addressing him as "Mr." it was evident he was extremely pleased with Mo Qingze’s performance.
"Your Majesty flatters me too much; I am unworthy," said Mo Qingze humbly, neither too proud nor overly modest. Such a composed and natural demeanor further improved Emperor Huian’s impression of him.
Mo Qingze’s sudden rise to prominence, coupled with the good fortune of winning the favor of the monarch, made his fellow scholars extremely envious. It was clear his future prospects were bright, and to say his success was skyrocketing was no exaggeration.
Although some felt as if they were soaked in vinegar, they could not summon feelings of jealousy. If they were to be caught in a scandal of examination fraud like him, they doubted their ability to prove their innocence. Mo Qingze managed to do so because he had the capability; it was something they simply could not envy.