Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2141: Chapter 2138: Official Gazette Office

A scholar who knew him acknowledged with a laugh and praised, “What Xu said is truly right. This is good news; those with ambition should indeed give it a try.”

Although Xu Chan received the compliment, he didn’t smile much. He just casually picked up the wine jug, took another swig, and sat by the railing of the tavern, appearing quite at ease.

Although he passed the imperial examination at eighteen, when he traveled and returned to the capital, his family helped secure him a position. Unexpectedly, just because he didn’t want to conform to his superiors, he was demoted. Now, after years abroad, he is twenty-eight, with only unfulfilled knowledge and nowhere to display it.

The confidence of his youth, after experiencing the various aspects of life, only allowed him to see the bureaucracy underlying the bright surface of the imperial court. Having talent did not necessarily mean he could realize his aspirations. Now, he is left with only resentment and dissatisfaction.

Why could he only express his frustration by drinking, remaining unaccomplished?

Similar situations are unfolding across Great Chu.

Because many of the first place in the examination were in their hometowns, far away, some taking even two months to travel.

Therefore, Chu Heng and Elder Zhong made plans for two exams, one for the first place in the examination and one for the imperial examination.

There was no choice; actions must be taken quickly. They couldn’t really wait two months to start the exams and had to establish the official newspaper office as fast as possible.

Chu Heng had no choice but to compromise, first selecting some people to set up the official newspaper office.

Indeed.

The main reason was that most of those from the imperial examination were in the capital, only a few in other locations.

They could also first select some office staff.

Chu Heng spent two days composing the exam questions.

He went to find Elder Zhong and handed him the questions.

“What do you think?” Chu Heng waited for him to finish reading, then took them back, casually slipping them into his sleeve.

He wasn’t worried about leaks, discussing with Elder Zhong was very necessary.

The absence of leaks was because his questions were meant to test the abilities and character of these first place and imperial examination candidates.

Literary proficiency was secondary.

To pass the imperial examination, one’s literary skills were certainly good, but the future content of the official newspaper needed to be simplified; otherwise, ordinary people couldn’t understand it. If most couldn’t understand it, earning money would be out of the question.

He still hoped the official newspaper could be profitable, as this would ensure its longevity.

“Zi Qiu, these questions are quite interesting. Are you worried that these people are too pedantic, unable to embrace innovation, lacking courage, thus prone to making mistakes?” Elder Zhong, with years of official experience, understood Chu Heng’s purpose after reading his questions.

It seems they were not selecting officials but practical talents.

“That’s right.” Chu Heng nodded, not denying his intention. He also wanted to involve Elder Zhong, believing it was better to discuss any controversy now; otherwise, conflicts arising after establishing the official newspaper would be a laughingstock for outsiders.

“Alright, let’s conduct the exam this way.”

“Then we’ll start the exam this afternoon.”

Chu Heng didn’t give an exact exam time, only mentioned it would be within these two days.

Upon hearing this, Elder Zhong stroked his beard and followed him to the yamen set up for the official newspaper.

Though called a yamen, it was actually a courtyard near other county government buildings, a section from the Ministry of Revenue; it wasn’t large but sufficient for setting up a newspaper office.

There were six side rooms and three main rooms in the courtyard.

Chu Heng had already called soldiers from the Ministry of War to clean it up.

Even the entrance had a sign labeled with the official newspaper.