Ming Dynasty: My Grandson Is the Top Scholar
After crossing into the Ming dynasty, in order to fulfill his adoptive father's dying wish, Zhu Yang took the imperial examination and became the top scholar. In the terrifying era of Emperor Hongwu, Zhu Yang's only desire after passing the exam was to resign from office, then quietly wait for the chaos of the Jingnan Rebellion to sweep up refugees and head overseas to become a local king. But things weren't going as planned. No matter what Zhu Yang did, Zhu Yuanzhang simply refused to let him resign. Zhu Yang would declare, "I want to resign." Zhu Yuanzhang would reply, "No, you don't. Issue an edict—promote Zhu Yang to Duke of Wu." Zhu Yang would protest, "Then I'll rebel, how about that?" Zhu Biao would immediately chime in, "Yes, it's all my doing. Zhu Yang only did what I told him to do. Even the rebellion was at my instigation." Zhu Biao would then turn and throw Zhu Yang a flirtatious glance: "So, Zhu Yang, how do you like me taking the blame for you? Satisfied?"
Ming Dynasty: My Grandson Is the Top Scholar
In the twenty-fourth year of Hongwu, the triennial imperial examination commenced once more, drawing a throng of scholars to the capital of Ying Tian.
As the saying goes, where there are people, there is the world of intrigue. When a group of spirited young scholars gathers, the atmosphere naturally brims with literary flair—reciting poems, composing essays, matching couplets; anything that can be argued with words, they excel at, and none will concede defeat.
In a corner, Zhu Yang ordered a pot of wine and produced a handful of roasted peanuts from his pocket. As he drank, he watched the scholars unleash their verbal assaults with great amusement.
Regardless of their learning, the vigor with which these scholars spat words was genuine. From Zhu Yang’s perspective, most were simultaneously wiping spittle from their faces while flinging more at each other—a sight far more entertaining than the online quarrels he had witnessed in his previous life.
“Are you here for this year’s imperial examination as well?” As Zhu Yang was enjoying the spectacle, an old man, followed by a bodyguard, brazenly took a seat beside him. Making himself at home, the old man picked up a peanut, mimicked Zhu Yang’s actions, cracked it open, and tasted it. Instantly, a sweet, crisp flavor burst in his mouth, leaving a lingering aroma.
“What is this? I’ve never seen it before.” The old man, unfamiliar with peanuts, brightened and grabbed another, paying no heed to Zhu Yang’s wishes.
“It’s a peanut. You’ve never seen it because it’s from overseas and hasn’t made it
