Chapter 326

Chapter 326: Three Questions

Chen Kang was a young master of the Bo Mansion.

As a descendant of a noble family, as long as he didn't commit any offenses, living a life of wealth and honor was an easy matter.

But Chen Kang was not willing.

A good man’s ambition lies in the wider world. Although he couldn't succeed in the imperial examination, he was determined to make a name for himself through achievements and contributions!

Unfortunately, once you entered the Southern Army, the depth of it was like the sea, and he was surrounded by spoiled brats.

It is said that "you are influenced by those around you"—near vermilion one becomes red, near ink one becomes black. In the kind of “retirement” environment like the Southern Army, even if Chen Kang was ambitious, he felt his will was almost being corrupted, about to become just another member of this “army”.

“First question: Can you read and write?”

When someone shouted from the high platform, Chen Kang stood at the back of the crowd. When he first heard the question, he was a little puzzled.

Is this what the Wise King wants to ask?

Whether they can read and write?

Chen Kang found it amusing. After all, the Southern Army was made up of noble sons, there shouldn’t be anyone illiterate.

Thinking this, he casually took a step forward.

After all, it was no big deal; following His Highness’s orders, taking a step forward for being literate—

However, Chen Kang felt this was a superfluous question until he saw some people ahead who did not move, and he was genuinely surprised.

They were all young masters of noble houses, and no one at their mansions had forced them to learn reading and writing?!

Chen Kang’s eyes nearly popped out.

He knew there were many slackers in the Southern Army, but he really did not expect that some people could not even recognize the major characters!

The crowd stood in neat rows, with gaps between them. Taking a single step was very obvious—you could tell immediately who moved and who did not.

Chen Kang even heard some soft ridicule around him.

“Heh, there really are some who can't read? This is too embarrassing for their own families.”

“I thought it was unnecessary, but turns out Your Highness has foresight; good to recognize those slackers now, so we don’t associate with them in the future…”

Chen Kang gathered these words silently and, listening, his gaze involuntarily turned towards the figure on the distant platform.

Just then, the second question came out from the platform.

“Second question: Are you resolute?”

Resolute?

Chen Kang frowned, thought for two seconds, then resolutely took a step forward.

Yes, he was resolute!

If not for firm willpower, he would have been in league with Qiu Wei and his gang long ago during these three years in the Southern Army!

Chen Kang was among the fastest and most determined to step forward. Many others hesitated about their resoluteness, but they too gradually took steps forward.

Qiu Wei, the one Chen Kang mentioned, happened to stand on the same column but four people apart.

Both took a step forward for the second question, roughly level with each other.

Qiu Wei glanced at Chen Kang’s determined face, curled his mouth, and huffed at him, “Hey, Chen Kang, what do you think the Wise King wants to do?”

Chen Kang ignored him.

Whatever the Wise King wants, during official business there was no room for distraction!

“Such a stiffneck.”

Seeing Qiu Wei like this, Chen Kang rolled his eyes. Qiu Wei muttered something and gave up asking.

When it came to the last question about loyalty, everyone present halted.

Chen Kang frowned.

Loyalty?

Is the Wise King asking about loyalty to the Imperial Court, to His Majesty, or loyalty to the Wise King himself?

This was a big difference. At least those who thought deeply dared not step forward immediately.

Chen Kang did not move. Qiu Wei, who liked to provoke him, started huffing again.

“Hey, Chen Kang! What kind of loyalty is this? Do you know what it means? Are you stepping forward or not? If you step, I will…”

Before he could finish, he saw Chen Kang step forward.

Damn!

That was too fast!

Couldn’t he think about it a bit more?

Aren’t you the aloof and proud Chen Kang?

Qiu Wei clenched his fist in frustration.

Beside him stood other small followers, just about to ask if Qiu Wei would step forward, but then they saw their brother boldly move forward, as if ready to face death.

The followers looked at each other and then one after another stepped forward too.

They all followed Qiu Wei to live an idle life; since both Qiu Wei and Chen Kang stepped forward, so would they.

No rush.

After a moment passed, most who step forward had done so.

Looking from the high platform down, Wei Yu could clearly see everyone’s actions.

The square formation that should have been neat suddenly became uneven with gaps here and jutting points there due to interruptions by the three questions.

Wei Yu looked at Fang Sheng, “Those who stepped forward for all three questions, let them come forward on their own. You go and count, see if there are 200.”

Fang Sheng obediently did as told.

After a moment, the headcount came back: 168 people.

Fang Sheng said, “Your Highness, only 168. Should we select a few from those left?”

Wei Yu shook his head directly, “No need. Better fewer and better quality. If there aren’t 200, then so be it. We will talk about it later.”

Reading ability reflects the first half of life. Having a privileged birth but unable to read a single character indicates a lack of foresight; resoluteness reflects one’s character and willpower — if one cannot even be resolute, how can we talk about discipline and self-reflection? Better to let such people go free; as for loyalty, it’s even simpler — at least they won’t betray us when doing business in the future.

For those eliminated, Wei Yu would rather have vacant positions than give eliminated ones another chance.

After the selection was done, everyone else dispersed.

Looking at the more than a hundred people picked out, Wei Yu was very satisfied. He said to General Du Xing and the others, “Gentlemen, these 168 people will no longer be considered part of the Southern Army from now on. I will take them away; no need to ask what will be done. For now, you all focus on the military drills.”

Du Xing glanced at those 168 people not far away, then nodded with a smile and said, “Your Highness’s orders are clear. We understand and will not interfere.”

Looking at the Southern Army commanders behind who showed no reaction, Du Xing gave a warning look.

What are you waiting for?

Show your stance!

“Ah? Yes, yes, I understand. I will instruct everyone in the army not to discuss this matter. Please rest assured, Your Highness.”

The commanders who came to their senses gave repeated assurances.

Wei Yu nodded with approval, “Alright, that’s settled. I have other matters, I’m leaving first. Gentlemen, continue with your work.”

Wei Yu then instructed Fang Sheng to stay behind and handle the matter of the fate of these more than 100 people.

After all, two of the three armies had been removed from two camps, leaving the Imperial Guards.

After leaving the Southern Army camp, Wei Yu thought for a moment and then went to the Imperial Guards for a brief visit.

The Imperial Guards had a good atmosphere, worthy of being the main force guarding the Imperial City.

Wei Yu looked around, and did not continue to select those remaining 32 from here, since it was already getting late. It wasn’t worth the trouble, and it was better to keep them for later when suitable ones could be added.

On the way back, riding in the same carriage with Bai Feiyu, who suddenly said, “I heard that Your Highness has been busy lately with the Newspaper Agency. May I accompany you there?”

Ah?

Wei Yu, who had been lounging, lifted his eyelids in surprise and looked at him, “Aren’t you usually reluctant to move?”

Bai Feiyu smiled, “I don’t like to move much, but I’m quite happy to visit the Newspaper Agency and meet that top scholar who ranked sixth in the imperial exams of our year.”