However, it was the Minister of Finance who had just moved the chair for the Duke of Xuanping that spoke, "A few months ago, there was a rumor in the Capital City that the new top scholar resembled the late young lord of Zhaodu. In response, the Duke of Xuanping once went to…"
Halfway through, the Minister of Finance realized he had almost misspoke. Being an official, he should not criticize the emperor in front of his colleagues and the Hanlin Academy Officials.
He coughed slightly and changed his wording to: "He specifically went to see him."
He was referring to the incident when the Duke of Xuanping got up early to show his support for Xiao Liulang during the Palace Examination day.
This incident had once been heatedly discussed, causing many to believe that Xiao Liulang attained the title of top scholar through inappropriate means, attributing his success to the relationship with the Duke of Xuanping.