Tai Hao's voice echoed in the air, deep and powerful: "Although I have not been in office for a long time, the ugliness of the collusion and embarrassment of officials and bandits in Jiutu City has been fully seen. This city is the home of all the people of Jiutu City, and it is by no means the private property of the 'Four Great Families'. They are here, unable to cover the sky with one hand and do whatever they want. ”

His words reveal an indescribable passion and power, as if every word is burning: "The imperial examination, for ordinary people, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rewrite their destiny." Are you really willing to let your talent be swallowed up by darkness and give up this opportunity to the 'Four Great Families' for a little money? ”

Ah Chou listened to Taihao's words, the confusion in his heart gradually dissipated, and he responded frankly: "Lord Adjutant General, the little one understands your good intentions, but the real predicament makes us helpless. The registration fee for the imperial examination is as high as one hundred taels of silver, which is an unattainable amount of money for us, and only the 'Four Great Families' can afford that much money in the entire Nine Earth City. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, like a meteor in the night sky, short but dazzling. His voice was low and firm, like a north wind in the cold winter, with a hint of imperceptible anger: "The imperial examination is supposed to select the world's talents and inject new vitality into the country's prosperity. However, now it has degenerated into a greedy means of wealth accumulation by the government and the 'four major families', and what is even more shameful is that they have used this as an excuse to charge you such a high registration fee. This is simply a wanton trampling on the sacred laws of our Cat Clan's Eastern Empire, and a merciless mockery of fairness and justice. ”

His words reveal a strong sense of justice and determination, as if an insurmountable mountain stands firmly in front of Ugly. Tai Hao took a deep breath and continued, "But this year, everything will change. You can come to me directly and sign up for nothing. Just wait patiently for the 'City Exam' in a month's time, and you will have the opportunity to show your talents. ”

After hearing this, Ah Chou showed a trace of hesitation and confusion on his face, and he said in a low voice: "Lord Adjutanté, your proposal is certainly heartwarming, but the reality is cruel. Going to the exam doesn't give us any substantial benefit. After all, only the first place in the 'city exam' can go to the capital to take the 'Beijing exam', and if you sign up for the exam yourself, you may end up with nothing. However, for the 'Four Great Families' exam, even if you can't win the first place, you can at least get dozens or even hundreds of taels of silver. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, he didn't immediately refute it, after pondering for a moment, he slowly spoke, and his voice revealed an indescribable firmness and persistence: "Ah Chou, what you said, I don't know?" However, there are some things that cannot be measured in terms of money alone. Do you know why my Cat Clan's Eastern Empire has been able to stand for thousands of years and become one of the most powerful countries on this continent? ”

Ah Chou raised his head, a glimmer of curiosity and curiosity flashed in his eyes, he shook his head, and replied honestly: "Little fool, please also ask the deputy general to teach you." ”

Tai Hao smiled slightly, and his voice revealed a kind of passion and pride: "Because of our Cat Clan Eastern Empire, since ancient times, we have adhered to the principle of fairness and justice, and selected talents, never on the basis of noble or lowly origin, only on talent and morality. The imperial examination is the best embodiment of this principle. It gives every talented and aspiring ordinary person a chance to compete on a level playing field, so that they can stand on the same starting line and compete for that supreme glory together. ”

His words reveal a deep love and respect for the Cat Clan's Eastern Empire, as if every word speaks of the glory and greatness of this country. Tai Hao took a deep breath and continued: "Ah Chou, since you were able to get a champion for the Yang family, it is enough to see that you have outstanding talent and knowledge, which is your greatest wealth. I hope you will cherish this wealth and not give it away to money and power. Because only when you stand on that highest stage and use your talents and knowledge to contribute to the prosperity of the country, will you discover that the true glory and dignity cannot be measured by money. ”

Ah Chou hesitated for a moment, and said bitterly: "That being said, but...... The Adjutant General may not have deeply experienced the hardships of an ordinary person surviving in Jiutu City. Here, life is difficult without money as support. This is also the reason why the matter of substitute exams has evolved into a business in Jiutu City. ”

After hearing this, Tai Hao nodded seriously: "I understand what you mean, ugly." The pressure of survival has indeed forced many young talents to embark on the path of substitute examination. I will report this situation to the lord of Yuhong City and suggest that a system be set up: all candidates who sign up for the exam can receive certain rewards, so as to encourage more young talents to bravely pursue their dreams. Candidates who take the first place in the exam will receive additional generous rewards as a recognition of their talents. ”

After hearing this, Ah Chou showed a trace of doubt on his face: "But, who will pay for the reward?" Could it be that the government took the money and invited us ordinary people to take the exam? Can the lord of the castle do it? His question went straight to the heart and he clearly had some reservations about such a proposal.

Tai Hao smiled slightly, and did not directly answer Ugly's question. His eyes were deep, as if he had already made up his mind: "This official has his own way, do you think such measures will attract more candidates to register?" ”

Ah Chou thought for a moment and replied affirmatively: "In this case, it will indeed attract more applicants." Smaller ones believe that the main ones will be those who have not been selected before. Now that there is such a reward system, they will definitely sign up enthusiastically and strive to show their talents. ”

"What about you?" Taihao's eyes were like torches, staring directly at Ah Chou, as if to see through his heart, "Are you willing to take the exam for yourself and fight for your own glory, instead of taking the exam for you?" ”

Ah Scandal said, his face showed a trace of hesitation and helplessness: "But...... But I have been selected by Bao Xian's shopkeeper to take the test. I...... I can't help it. ”

Taihao's brows furrowed slightly, and his voice revealed a kind of majesty and unquestionableness: "Ugly, you should know that substitute exams are illegal." Don't assume that just because Nine Earth City has always been like this, it's legitimate. I have seen everything I have seen and heard today. I will definitely investigate the matter of the substitute exam. Whether it is Bao Xian, the shopkeeper of Dongdian Shop, or all the candidates who participated in the substitute examination, they will be punished as they deserve. ”

His words reveal a kind of firmness and determination, as if it is a sharp sword, pointing directly at Ugly's heart. Tai Hao took a deep breath and continued: "Ah Chou, I hope you can understand that it is your right to pursue your dreams and glory. Don't give up this right just because life is hard. I believe in you, you are talented, you are knowledgeable, and you should strive for that glory that belongs to you. ”

Ugly listened to Taihao's words, and the confusion and hesitation in his heart gradually dissipated. He raised his head, and his eyes flashed with determination: "Adjutant General, the little one understands." I am willing to give up the opportunity to take the substitute exam, sign up for the 'city exam' in person, and use my talent and knowledge to compete for the glory that belongs to me." ”

Taihao looked at the firmness and persistence in Ah Ugly's eyes, and felt a burst of relief in his heart. He knew that he had successfully ignited the fighting spirit and passion in the heart of the ugly. He smiled and patted Ugly on the shoulder: "Very good, Ugly." I believe that you will be able to show your style in the 'City Test' and win glory for Jiutu City. ”

After persuading Ah Chou, Taihao did not leave immediately, but explained an important task to him. There was a firmness and determination in his voice, as if every word carried a force to be reckoned with.

"Ugly," Tai Hao looked at him with deep eyes, and slowly spoke, "I want to ask you to help me deliver a message." This news is very important for all the young talents in Jiutu City who are interested in participating in the imperial examination. ”

After hearing this, Ah Chou immediately put away the distracting thoughts in his heart, stared at Taihao seriously, and waited for his next step.

"You tell them," Tai Hao's voice revealed a kind of excitement and excitement, "this year's 'city test' is completely different from previous years. This year, we will break the monopoly of the 'Four Families' on the Jiutucheng Imperial Examination, and all candidates will be treated equally, regardless of their background, they will have the opportunity to stand on the same starting line and compete. ”

His words reveal a persistent pursuit of fairness and justice, as if every word is crying out for those who have been buried. Tai Hao took a deep breath and continued, "Moreover, this year we will no longer charge a high registration fee of one hundred taels of silver. The government will also give certain rewards to all candidates who come to take the exam, so as to encourage more young talents to bravely pursue their dreams. ”

After hearing this, Chou's eyes flashed with excitement and excitement. He understands that this news is undoubtedly great news for those young talents who are eager to change their fate through the imperial examination. He nodded solemnly: "Rest assured, the vice general, the little one will definitely convey this news to every young talent who is interested in taking the exam." Let them know that this year is a new beginning, a beginning full of fairness and opportunity. ”

After Ugly left the Adjutant General's Mansion, Taihao stood in the empty antechamber and fell into deep thought. He knew that the task ahead would not be easy, and he had to convince the Yuhong City Lord to accept an unprecedented change.

The corruption of the Yuhong City Lord has long been no secret in Jiutu City, and his greed and selfishness have penetrated deeply into every corner of this city. Tai Hao knew that Yu Hong would never easily give up his vested interests and allow true fairness and justice to appear in Jiutu City.

However, Taihao was not intimidated by this conundrum. There was a determined glint in his eyes, as if he had seen the dawn of victory. He knows that it will not be easy to convince Yu Hong, but he also believes that as long as he sticks to his beliefs, he will be able to find a path to success.

At this time, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the earth, dyeing everything a warm yellow. In this quiet and warm moment, Coriander hurriedly came from outside the door, and her figure looked particularly elegant in the dusk.

Seeing this, Taihao immediately stepped forward and asked with concern, "Coriander Zhi, where have you been?" I haven't seen you all day. ”

Coriander Zhi gasped slightly, and replied, "Early this morning, I received a message from my uncle, asking me to go back to Wuqu City. I didn't dare to slack off, so I set out immediately, and I didn't rush back until now. ”

After hearing this, a hint of color flashed in Tai Hao's eyes, and he asked, "What is the matter with the city lord looking for you?" It turned out to be so urgent. ”

Qian Zhi was silent for a moment, as if sorting out her thoughts, and then slowly spoke: "Uncle said that he was leaving Wuqu City, and he specially explained some things to me. There was a faint sadness and reluctance in her voice.

"What? The city lord of Da Yuxian has been a city lord in Wuqu City for so many years, why did he suddenly leave? Tai Hao's face showed a look of surprise and curiosity. He was desperate to know more details about the incident and why.