When the time came, relevant personnel collected the papers, anonymized the names, and followed the same procedures as the imperial examination.

The newly formed cabinet officials came in handy.

Each person received a portion, and then they reviewed each other's papers. The top ten papers were presented to Emperor Jing.

After reading them, Emperor Jing selected the most outstanding exam papers, uncovered the names on the spot, and laughed heartily when he saw the familiar names.

"Hahaha, very good, these three are the top three in the first round. Xu Hai, show them what they wrote to all my ministers."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Eunuch Xu showed the three candidates' exam papers to the assembled ministers.

The three individuals' actions regarding this year's disaster not only demonstrated that the imperial envoys were indeed doing practical work in disaster relief, but also resolved many remaining issues in the area.

He also claimed that if the disaster ten years ago had had the same effect as this year, fewer people would have died.

He also explained how he would handle such situations, where to start, and what kind of cooperation he would need.

His words were bold, leaving the assembled officials dumbfounded.

He thought to himself, "These three are incredibly audacious. If the current emperor weren't Emperor Jing, based on what they wrote, they wouldn't even be able to pass the imperial examination; their heads would be chopped off."

After all, no emperor could listen to loyal advice, except for Emperor Jing.

The ministers exclaimed that Emperor Jing was indeed a wise ruler.

The palace examination has ended, and the top three in the first rank have been determined.

...

The area outside the palace was packed with people, all waiting for the imperial edict to be announced.

"It's here, it's here, the imperial edict is here."

Someone shouted, and everyone automatically made way for the official who was posting the notice.

Lists detailing the career paths of the successful candidates were posted one by one, and everyone searched for their own names.

"I, I won, I won, hahaha, I'm the last one in the top three."

A student who had passed the imperial examinations saw his name at the very end of the list, but at least he was on it. He immediately exclaimed in surprise, his joy overflowing.

Of course, some people made the list while others didn't.

"No, it's not here either, nothing at all. I failed again... Waaah... I'm too ashamed to go home and face my parents..."

An old scholar in his thirties beat his chest and wept. This was his last attempt at the imperial examination. He had failed three times and had no chance to take it again. He had spent most of his life on the imperial examination.

Now that all hope has been dashed, we have no choice but to accept it.

A polarized scene unfolded before the imperial edict.

Those who made the list were overjoyed, while those who failed were dejected.

Of course, some who failed the exam planned to retake it next year.

Meanwhile, Yan Yongning and his two companions were also searching for their names on the imperial edict.

"I've looked at the top three, and our name isn't on the list."

Wu Yan came to Yan Yongning and the other person and said.

"There are no second-place finishers either, so now only the top-ranked list is left to look at."

Ji Chun also said.

The three of them then walked together to the list of the top-ranked families, where they happened to see several young masters from wealthy families looking at the list.

"Where is Yan Yongning? Let me see."

"I'm looking for Wu Yan."

"Then I'll look for Ji Chun's name."

The three of them were puzzled to find that the young masters were secretly looking for their names.

Yan Yongning gestured for the two to be quiet, pretending to look at other people's names, but his ears were perked up.

"I found them. Look, aren't these three the ones at the top of the list?"

One of the younger boys said.

"Wow, how come they ranked so high? What if the person above tests us later?"

The older man in the lead frowned, then said, "Let's go back first and discuss it with Father and the others."

"Okay, let's go quickly."

The three young masters quickly left Yan Yongning and his companions.

"Brother Yan, what do these people mean?"

Ji Chun also saw that the three names were at the top of the list, but what those people had said earlier was too strange.

What do you mean by saying their rankings are too high and they can't answer the questions on the exam?

"So that's the truth. Let's go back and find Lord Shadow Six."

Yan Yongning's eyes flashed, and he connected all the dots, arriving at his final conclusion.

Those who wanted to kill them did so for their ranking in the imperial examinations.

Those three young masters were the ones who wanted to replace them.

...

Back to the three young masters, after returning home, they told them about Yan Yongning and the others reaching the top of the list.

Afterwards, the three fathers discussed it and all rushed to Liu Shanzhang's house.

The study in the Liu family mansion.

"What should we do? They are at the top of the list this time. If my son takes their place, he will be tested. Wouldn't that be a blatant mistake?"

"Yes, we just want a slightly better title of Jinshi. First-class Jinshi is good, but we don't want to be at the top of the list. That position is not easy to get."

“That’s right, if Grade A isn’t good enough, we can change it to Grade B.”

The three merchants argued back and forth, giving Headmaster Liu a splitting headache.

He didn't expect that not only would the people he sent out fail, but the three families who had originally agreed to go directly to the palace examination would also be dissatisfied.

Now those three have actually climbed to the top of the list, which makes things even more difficult.

They always rigged the game by bypassing the top three teams.

I'm afraid of making a mistake. What should I do now?

Originally, the Prefect of the Capital had told him not to touch these three, but he was greedy and wanted to get rid of them.

The people sent out in the end disappeared without a trace, and the three people were unharmed, which led to today's outcome.

His eyes darkened, and he hardened his heart.

"You can go back first. You can go directly to the palace to receive your official appointments in two days. I will take care of those three people."

"Don't worry, the person above may not even test you. With the talents of the three young masters, you should be able to handle it."

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