mtlumby2d Chapter 93 He really tried his best to be this jerk.
Chapter 93 He really tried his best to be this jerk.
In less than two days, Lin Shiming had angered both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, two of the most esteemed figures in the Changping Dynasty.
Such a great achievement was recorded in a letter by the petty Emperor Longyun, who sent it to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion without delay, hoping that Lin Shihe would give him some benefits as a form of appeasement.
Upon receiving the letter, Lin Shihe remained silent for a long time, then let out a cold laugh and picked up his pen to reply with insults.
"Your Majesty, do not dream too much during the day, and be careful not to have trouble falling asleep on moonlit nights."
In other words, it means stop daydreaming.
Upon waking up, Emperor Longyun held the reply, which contained only fourteen characters, and was so angry that it felt as if a Buddha had been born and two Buddhas had ascended to heaven.
He's being narrow-minded; there's not a single good person in the entire Lin family!
Emperor Longyun entered the study in a fit of rage, intending to find fault with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. However, when he looked up, he saw Lu Yuxi sitting comfortably on the couch, concentrating on handling state affairs, and Lin Shiming lying on Lu Yuxi's lap, eating pastries and reading books without any regard for his image.
Upon closer inspection, they realized that both of them had taken off their shoes and were practically ready to take a nap on the tatami mat.
Emperor Longyun's temper flared even more. "You're quite comfortable in my imperial study, aren't you? You think you're in charge now?"
Hearing the sarcastic voice, Lin Shiming and Lu Yuxi realized that Emperor Longyun had quietly returned. But Lin Shiming wasn't in a hurry. He slowly climbed off Lu Yuxi's lap, still holding the half-eaten pastry in his hand.
"Why should Father Emperor bother with us two children!"
"You're eighteen already, and you're still calling yourself a child!"
Lin Shiming grinned and said, "No matter how old we are, we will always be children in your eyes!"
Emperor Longyun was speechless for a long time after being stumped by his shameless words.
Lu Yuxi patted Lin Shiming's lower back helplessly, warning him to restrain himself, before putting on her shoes and getting off the bed.
"My son, I will meet my father."
Having been warned, Lin Shiming also pursed his lips and bowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."
Emperor Longyun snorted, walked around the two eighteen-year-old children, strode into his study, and sat back down behind his desk.
"Where is your chosen topic? If you don't have one, beg me, and I might forgive you this time." He would then use this opportunity to curry favor with Zitong and show off his magnanimity.
But Lin Shiming didn't give him a chance and directly handed him a piece of paper with writing on it.
Emperor Longyun glanced at General Lin, a military man who reportedly disliked long-winded speeches, with some skepticism, before looking down at the three questions on the paper.
"Everyone has selfish desires; only then can their true nature be revealed." (Note: From Li Zhi's "Collection of Books")
"The governance of the world involves both cause and effect, and the ultimate goal is to adapt to the times and govern accordingly." (Note: From the Biography of Xu Xi, Volume 334 of the History of Song)
Both of these are famous lines from classical Chinese literature that Lin Shiming read in his school days in his previous life. They don't exist in this world, so they're perfect for him. One discusses individuality and freedom from the perspective of "self," while the other seeks change and dares to innovate in response to circumstances. By removing the "loyalty to the emperor" that is implicitly required in the text, it can be said that they perfectly meet Emperor Longyun's requirements of "having one's own opinions, ideals, and ambitions."
I didn't expect this kid to be so capable!
Emperor Longyun glanced at Lin Shiming with a hint of approval, then continued to look at the third question.
"A new clinic opens. On the first day, it has one customer; on the second day, two customers come; on the third day, three customers come... and so on, without stopping. How many customers does it have in a year?"
It's just one plus two plus three... and so on, until it's over 300. Moreover, Lin Shiming has set a trap here: Changping's calendar is similar to the modern lunar calendar, with 353 or 354 days in a common year and 384 or 385 days in a leap year, so this question should have four answers.
Simple, but outrageous.
Emperor Longyun stood there dumbfounded for a long time before asking Lin Shiming incredulously, "Are you crazy?"
In modern times, even a middle school student could solve this problem quickly. But in the Changping Dynasty, a time when mathematics was still underdeveloped, it would take at least one or two hours to solve. And it's extremely easy to make mistakes.
Not to mention, if this question appeared in the imperial examination's final palace test, the pressure would be enough to drive a person crazy.
The imperial examination in this dynasty typically consisted of three questions, though occasionally, if the difficulty was high, there might only be two. The examination lasted four hours, including a quarter of an hour for lunch. Therefore, almost all candidates would spend nearly an hour drafting each question and then spend the last hour or so copying it out.
But with Lin Shih-ming's question, it's easy to predict how many people will be overwhelmed and unable to finish it this year.
He's really trying his best to be this jerk.
"Father! Your subject's question is meaningful!" Lin Shiming argued vehemently for his "madness," while Lu Yuxi, who was standing beside him, was too exhausted to watch any longer and quietly went to the other side to drink tea and pretend to be dead.
"Come here," Emperor Longyun said, striking a pose. "Speak! Let me hear what kind of twisted logic and nonsense you can spout!" If you can't, the two of you will kneel before me in the Fengxian Hall for the entire night!
Lin Shiming grabbed a chair from the side and sat down next to Emperor Longyun.
"Father, first of all, this problem really tests one's flexibility and overall thinking!" As he spoke, he casually picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Emperor Longyun, explaining the Gaussian algorithm. "...Father, you see, if we find the right method, we can calculate it simply and accurately in less than a quarter of an hour!"
Emperor Longyun was stunned. He tried it a few more times, not believing it, and found that it was indeed true.
How could you calculate it like that?
Lin Shiming casually made up a story, saying, "I learned it in a dream."
Emperor Longyun pondered carefully. The Lin family ancestor was a Taoist priest, so what he learned in his dream could be explained.
But what if none of the test takers can figure it out?
Lin Shiming shrugged, "Then they'll just have to calculate it one by one!"
Emperor Longyun: "... ...."
Emperor Longyun: "What's the point?"
"Father, do you think this question is unexpected? Won't it increase the pressure on everyone?"
"...Yes." That's not true, I reckon it would scare a few to death on the spot.
"Yes, so the real purpose of this question, besides being flexible, is to test their psychological resilience. Doesn't Father want people with courage? Isn't this perfect? Let's give them a surprise!"
Emperor Longyun's expression shifted slightly, as if he was somewhat swayed by Lin Shiming's twisted logic. On the other end, Lu Yuxi couldn't bear to listen any longer and simply moved further away.
"Moreover, this also tests their attention to detail. A thousand-mile dike can be breached by an ant hole. How can civil officials not pay attention to details and be patient? Otherwise, how can they face many tedious and boring tasks, and how can they calm down and grow?"
Emperor Longyun opened his eyes wide; he suddenly realized that this question was not impossible!
"Furthermore, there's another point to this question: how many days are there in a year? There are four possible answers, so this will also test their comprehensive thinking and thoroughness in doing things!" Lin Shiming said with great enthusiasm and excitement.
"Finally, the first two questions were actually enough for Father to choose the person he wanted. The first two questions alone were sufficient for this exam. This last question can be considered an extra question to supplement the answer, which is not unreasonable!" Lin Shiming's voice gradually became somewhat seductive. "Besides, don't you want to add an interesting anecdote to the history books?"
Some restless thoughts began to emerge in Emperor Longyun's mind.
"Okay! That makes sense!"
Emperor Longyun slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed excitedly, "My son is indeed clever! We'll do as you say!"
Lu Yuxi, who was about to hide in another room, suddenly felt utterly hopeless.
He knows it!
He knew that his father was a rebellious and troublemaking person at heart!
He was so easily persuaded by Lin Shiming; I would never believe that my father didn't have a bit of a wicked sense of humor.
No, we can't just let these two mess around like this.
Lu Yuxi slammed down her teacup and quickly returned to the "father-in-law and daughter-in-law" who had begun to gloat.
"No, I disagree with this!"
Emperor Longyun waved his hand, "My agreement is sufficient."
Lin Shiming and Lu Yuxi smiled smugly.
Lu Yuxi narrowed her eyes in anger, looking at Lin Shiming threateningly, her gaze lingering on a certain spot on him for a long time.
Lin Shiming shuddered under the gaze and immediately hid behind Emperor Longyun. "Father, the Crown Prince is threatening me!"
"Your Highness! Don't be so old-fashioned. Let's just leave it at that. Shi Ming has worked so hard, you mustn't bully him over this anymore."
"Fine, fine, fine!" Lu Yuxi gritted his teeth. He had underestimated Lin Shiming. Not only was this person incredibly destructive and capable of indiscriminate attacks, but today he also discovered that he had the ability to infect others and get them involved in causing trouble as well!