Great, it's just a lackey, we're saved!

Chapter 86 Each with their own agenda! The struggle for the throne!

The next day.

The gate of the Imperial College of the Great Zhou Dynasty was crowded with students.

Everyone is discussing a policy essay that suddenly appeared out of nowhere today.

"A masterpiece! Absolutely a masterpiece!"

"With lofty aspirations and grand ambitions, he is a role model for our generation."

"This essay refutes the arguments of Chu Tiance, the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination. Every word is precious, and I find it very reasonable. What do you all think?"

"I feel the same way. When I first read Brother Chu's policy essay, I was amazed. I even copied it down and read it repeatedly when I got home! I never expected to see a masterpiece that far surpasses Brother Chu's today. I am truly fortunate."

The group discussed the viewpoints in Xie Yuan's article, becoming increasingly excited as they debated.

Quite a few students took out paper and pens from the Imperial College, ready to copy the article on the spot.

Many passersby who saw the students sitting on the ground copying and writing, disregarding etiquette, were curious.

Only after inquiring did I learn that someone's talent had surpassed that of the current third-ranked scholar!

But everyone knows that Chu Tianze, the third-ranked scholar, is talented enough to be the top scholar.

The Emperor recognized the talent and good looks of the third-ranked scholar and wanted to find a husband for the princess, which is why he appointed him as the third-ranked scholar.

The person who wrote this article is more talented than Chu Tiance, which means he surpasses the top scholar in the imperial examination.

This is absolutely incredible!

Within an hour, the news had spread throughout the capital.

"Someone posted an article at the entrance of the Imperial College, provoking Chu Tiance, the third-ranked scholar in this year's imperial examination."

The news caused a huge uproar throughout the city, attracting many people who loved to watch the drama unfold.

Many people have even placed bets, speculating whether Chu Tianze will respond to this article.

Not far from the west gate wall of the capital, there is a small courtyard with two courtyards.

Chu Tianze sat in his study, repeatedly reciting Xie Yuan's essay.

His expression was solemn and angry!

If it weren't for this suddenly appearing article, he would be lecturing to students at the Imperial Academy right now.

The content he was talking about was his policy essay for the palace examination.

However, after this article appeared, many students' attitudes toward him immediately changed.

They all followed the article's viewpoint and refuted his policy essay!

Chu Tianze outwardly claimed he didn't care, but upon returning home, he secretly sent someone to copy the article back for study.

When Hu Youniang brought in the tea, she happened to hear Chu Tianze sighing.

"How could anyone in the world write such an article? It's truly astonishing..."

Envious!

Chu Tianze roared inwardly, "Why isn't such talent mine?"

He thought that his policy essay was the best he could ever write, and that no one could possibly surpass it.

Who would have thought there were such extraordinary people in the world!

Hu Youniang's face was somewhat pale, and she had lost even more weight than she had a few days ago.

But Chu Tianze was so engrossed in his own emotions that he didn't notice anything amiss.

"Young Master Chu, this article is exceptionally well-written!"

Chu Tianze nodded and sighed: "Very good. I have been thinking about this for a long time, but I can't think of a way to refute him."

Looking at the paper and pen spread out on the table, and the inkstone whose edges were already somewhat dry.

Hu Youniang was also helpless; it seemed that Chu Tianze had no way to help her.

Otherwise, how could the Xuan paper on the table be completely blank?

"Chu Lang, if you can't figure it out, then don't think about it anymore," Hu Youniang massaged Chu Tianze's shoulders. "I've heard that the Hanlin Academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty has the most complete collection of books in the world. I wonder when I can go in and take a look?"

Chu Tianze frowned upon hearing this.

“You Niang, the Hanlin Academy is not a place where women can come and go as they please.”

"And there's the library, with its incomparably precious collection of books. Even officials like us have to abide by numerous rules to enter, let alone you."

“That’s not a place for women. If you’re bored, go out tomorrow and buy some patterns to embroider to pass the time.”

Hu Youniang was anxious.

After losing the dagger, she found it incredibly difficult to maintain her balance.

Moreover, the method of eating human hearts is merely a case of drinking poison to quench thirst.

If we don't quickly switch to a proper method of cultivation, the situation will only get worse.

At first, a young heart could support her to maintain her figure for five days.

But the longer it goes on, the shorter the duration becomes!

This means she has to spend more time killing people.

The capital city was heavily guarded, with a curfew in place at night and patrols by the Five City Garrison.

Her trips outside on these occasions have all been fraught with danger!

The library with the strongest literary atmosphere was her last hope.

If she still couldn't get in, then she would have no choice but to risk sneaking into the Princess's residence to find Zhou Wei.

That wretched maid kicked her that day and even took her dagger.

Using Zhou Wei's heart to maintain her figure is the most suitable thing to do!

This time, I'll make that wretched maid taste my own methods!

Chu Tianze then said, "You Niang, if I can't write an article refuting the other side, I'm afraid I'll be in big trouble."

Hu Youniang snapped out of her daze, looking puzzled.

"Young Master Chu, you have already passed the imperial examination with top honors and have been appointed as the third-ranked scholar. What's wrong with not responding to their provocation?"

Chu Tiance sighed inwardly.

"Young lady, you don't understand, this is a battle for cultural heritage!"

"I am the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination, renowned throughout the land for my talent. If I cannot even respond to a single article, scholars across the country will surely question me."

Hu Youniang pursed her lips: "But Chu Lang, since ancient times, there has been no first in literature, but no second in martial arts."

"Your essay was so brilliant that it far surpassed the essays of the Great Zhou scholars. Even if the person who challenged you wrote a good essay, it doesn't mean that your essay for the palace examination was bad."

Chu Tianze sensed Hu Youniang's indifferent attitude and became secretly anxious.

However, they dared not show it too obviously.

He could only gently guide her, saying, "Young lady, I absolutely must respond to this article, otherwise my position will be unstable."

"If my position is not secure, how can I become a literary master? And how can I make all the scholars in the world follow my lead?"

"The last time I went to the princess's residence, I failed to annul the engagement, and I was already extremely anxious."

"But if I want to marry you legitimately, there is only one way I can do: Wenzong."

Thinking of the humiliation she suffered at the princess's residence and Chu Tianze's betrayal at the last minute, Hu Youniang felt somewhat awkward.

But no matter what, this is the husband she personally chose.

The fact that the dagger could resonate with him indicates that Chu Tiance possesses great fortune!

If you can marry him, your future spiritual path will be smoother.

After thinking for a moment, Hu Youniang said, "Husband, don't be anxious. It's just an essay. With your talent, how could you not be able to do it?"

"Perhaps you've been too tired lately. I think you should rest early today. Maybe you'll have some inspiration in your dreams."

In the past, after Hu Youniang stole articles for Chu Tiance, she would always pass them on to him through dreams.

This led Chu Tianze to believe that these stolen articles were all written by himself.

Hearing Hu Youniang say this, Chu Tianze nodded.

"In that case, I'll go to bed early. You don't need to overwork yourself, Youniang."

Hu Youniang smiled and agreed, then took her teacup and left the study.

As soon as Hu Youniang left, Chu Tianze's expression changed, even though he had been calm just moments before.

He murmured, "Young lady, you must not disappoint your husband."

After returning to her room, Hu Youniang began to ponder how to find a response article for Chu Tiance.

She still believes that Chu Tianze was unaware that the previous strategies were all stolen by her.

So this time, we need to do it discreetly.

After a moment's thought, Hu Youniang changed into plain clothes and walked towards the river outside the city.