Chapter 256 The Top Scholar

Huo Lin even flipped through the test paper twice, wondering if he had missed something.

The imperial examinations were such a momentous event; scholars from all over the land studied diligently year after year, desperately hoping to pass with flying colors. Yet, someone actually submitted a blank paper?

What is this test taker here for? To experience the exam atmosphere?

[I was so stressed during the exam that I needed to use the restroom and had to use the exam paper as toilet paper to wipe my butt!]

Holding the light, blank exam paper, Huo Lin was momentarily at a loss as to how to begin grading it.

In all his years as emperor, this was the first time he had ever seen such an open and honest act of submitting a blank exam paper.

Jiang Huan heard Huo Lin's thoughts, put down her book, and went over.

Jiang Huan was stunned when she saw the vast expanse of blank space.

Wow, a true blank-paper hero, this is complete surrender.

"This... is indeed quite rare."

Huo Lin rubbed his forehead, the veins on his temples throbbing.

With a stern face, he picked up his pen and marked a bright red X on the blank exam paper.

After finishing, he seemed relieved and put the blank exam paper aside.

Forget it, it's not worth getting angry with someone like that.

Let's keep reviewing them; hopefully, we'll get a few more reliable ones.

The review process continued, with only the faint sound of pens gliding across paper remaining in the imperial study.

Time slipped away quietly amidst the ink and brushstrokes. Just as Huo Lin was getting dizzy from writing so many comments, Wang Degui tiptoed in.

He held an envelope in his hands: "Your Majesty, this was sent from the Cining Palace."

Upon hearing this, Huo Lin frowned, put down his pen, and took the envelope.

Upon opening it, I found a list with more than a dozen names and brief comments next to them.

Huo Lin's gaze swept over the list, and his eyes gradually turned cold.

The Empress Dowager's reach is far too far; she even wants to interfere with the rankings in the imperial examinations?

He recognized some of the names on the list; they were all scions of prominent families. Their answers were unremarkable, and some were even completely illegible.

[Haha, times have changed. Even idiots can get into the government now.]

Huo Lin sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

It's never good to directly offend the Empress Dowager.

But if rankings were truly based on the list, wouldn't that discourage students across the country?

[And I feel even more sorry for Yunzhi and other truly talented people.]

Huo Lin tapped his fingers lightly on the list, his eyes flashing.

[Aren't there several people on the list with ridiculously poor academic records?]

Perfect timing...

He picked up his pen and circled several names on the list, all of whom were the ones who had done the worst on their exams.

That's all for now.

Giving them the lowest ranking saves face for the Empress Dowager and gives her an explanation.

[From now on, he will find it difficult to stir up any trouble in the court.]

After thinking it over, he put down the list and said to Wang Degui, "Write down the names of the people circled on the list. Once the rankings are determined, just give them the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations)."

"Yes." Wang Degui respectfully replied, took the list, and left.

Huo Lin picked up his vermilion brush again and continued reviewing the papers.

A few days later, the atmosphere in the imperial court was solemn and dignified.

The civil and military officials lined up on both sides, holding their breath and speaking in hushed tones.

The newly appointed scholars, dressed in their brand-new scholar robes, stood in the center of the main hall, awaiting the announcement of their final fate.

The Minister of Rites held the golden list and loudly announced the rankings.

"Today's top scholar has been awarded the title of 'Xie Yunzhi'!"

The voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the hall.

Xie Yunzhi, who was standing in the corner, suddenly raised his head, his face full of confusion.

Top scholar... the best scholar?

Is it someone with the same name? Or did he mishear?

Xie Yunzhi was completely stunned, standing there at a loss, until someone next to him gently nudged him, and he snapped out of his daze.

He looked around and realized that everyone's eyes, including Huo Lin's, were on him.

It doesn't seem to be just a coincidence of names; it's definitely him!

Upon realizing what was happening, Xie Yunzhi hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down with a thud.

"Thank you, Yunzhi! I kowtow... I kowtow to thank Your Majesty for your great favor!" His voice trembled with excitement.

There are countless talented people in the world, and he never expected that he would become the top scholar.

On the high platform, Huo Lin looked at the small, thin figure below, a smile flashing in his eyes.

Yunzhi truly deserves his title.

However, the hall was not filled with congratulatory remarks.

After a brief silence, a voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, this old minister has an objection."

Huo Lin slightly raised his gaze and looked at the person who stepped forward.

This man, named Zhao Shouli, was over sixty years old and had considerable influence in the court. He was also a key member of the Empress Dowager's faction.

"Does Zhao Qing have any objections?" Huo Lin's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Zhao Shouli bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Xie Yunzhi is young and of low rank, comes from a humble background, and is timid and not good at socializing. With such a character, I am afraid he is not up to the important task of becoming the top scholar. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, several other ministers stepped forward to echo his sentiments.

"What Lord Zhao said is absolutely right. The top scholar is a great asset to the country and should be a role model for the world. Xie Yun is timid and weak, and is really not up to the task."

"Your Majesty, please rescind your decree!"

"Your Majesty, please choose another capable person!"

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became heavy.

Xie Yunzhi knelt on the cold ground, listening to the sharp accusations, feeling helpless and unsure of what to do.

Huo Lin sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes already as cold as frost.

He did not immediately lash out, but merely swept his gaze over the ministers who had voiced their opposition. No one dared to meet his eyes.

"Zhao Qing's words are utterly wrong!"

His voice suddenly turned stern, not loud, but containing the power of thunder, making people tremble.

"The imperial examination system selects officials based on their talent and ability."

"I have personally reviewed Xie Yun's examination paper. His policy essays are insightful and his writing is brilliant, demonstrating his true talent and learning. As for his lack of social skills, that is a minor matter. What I value is his extraordinary talent and his sincere heart for the country and its people!"

Huo Lin's voice grew colder with each sentence, "You cannot discern talent, nor do you regard actual learning. Based solely on conjecture, you openly criticize the top scholar personally selected by me and attack his character right here in this great hall. What are your true intentions?"

His gaze was like a knife, aimed directly at Zhao Shouli, who had launched the first attack.

"Zhao Shouli, as a high-ranking official of the court, instead of thinking about recommending virtuous and capable people for the country, you presumptuously criticize the newly appointed top scholar and sow discord in the court. Your intentions are despicable!"

"Someone come here!"

The guards outside the hall responded and entered.

"Remove Zhao Shouli from his official post and imprison him in the imperial jail to await further judgment!"

Zhao Shouli's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he knelt down with a thud.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please have mercy! This old minister...this old minister..."

The guards dragged him out without any mercy, and his pleas for mercy gradually faded into the distance.

The main hall was deathly silent.

All the ministers remained silent, too terrified to utter a sound.

Huo Lin coldly surveyed the area below, his voice sharp and piercing.

"I reiterate once again, the imperial examination system selects officials based solely on their talent. If anyone dares to use their family background to attack talented individuals, Zhao Shouli will serve as a cautionary tale!"

"Court adjourned!"