The final question tested the principles of statecraft and loyalty. Zhao Si wrote only one sentence: "If the sovereign is virtuous, I am loyal; if the sovereign is benevolent, I am loyal."
Zhao Ze smiled but said nothing, moving on to look at the others' papers.
The other five had recently gone on a journey, and their answers were all substantive. Zhao Ze finished reading, placed the papers on the desk, and laughed. "At least the experience wasn't in vain."
Chapter 264