In truth, selecting candidates based on their writing style rather than their calligraphy was already a huge step forward.
Before the practice of concealing names on exams was implemented, hadn't there been instances where examiners ordered graders to discard all papers not written in standard script? This led to several potential top scorers in the provincial examination traveling to the Capital City in a fury to file a complaint.
But what good did it do?
In the examination hall, the chief examiner held absolute power.
If a candidate were to file a complaint on these grounds, they would lose, even if the case reached the emperor himself.
"Literary tastes differ..."
"Mr. Gong prefers a plain and direct style..."
"The first lesson in officialdom is to cater to your superior's preferences..."
All these remarks favored Gong Yuanxiu, and his taut nerves began to relax.
When he saw Fan Ju's essay, Gong Yuanxiu merely glanced at it twice before scoffing aloud.
