"Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful for your kindness and protection!"

As soon as Cao Song finished speaking, the agricultural officials bowed in unison towards the direction of Deyang Palace, their expressions full of reverence.

"Alright! Let's go out first! Otherwise, once the temple administrator closes the door, we'll have to go to His Majesty for help again!"

"The Grand Minister of Agriculture is right! Let's go outside and talk first!"

As they spoke, Cao Song led the group quickly toward the Middle East Gate.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, look! Those people haven't left after their shifts. What are they doing there, crowding around?"

Upon hearing his subordinate's words, Cao Song looked intently and saw that Song Feng was still there with those officials by the gate, seemingly still talking about something!

"Go over quietly! Listen to what they're saying!"

Cao Song's expression shifted, and he led several subordinates, turning a corner and slowly walking towards the Middle East Gate.

Meanwhile, Song Feng and the others were unaware of Cao Song and his group quietly approaching.

Suddenly, an official under the Taicang magistrate said, "Hey, I seem to remember that the Minister once said that His Majesty will conduct examinations and recruitment for scholars from all over the country next spring!"

The others nodded in agreement, and another official sighed, "That's true, but there are only two hundred spots for aristocratic families, and only three hundred spots for students from poor families!"

"Sigh~ Yes~ Forget about the spots for aristocratic families. Even if we get a spot, there won't be many. His Majesty will definitely strictly control the spots for students from poor families. I'm afraid that we children from ordinary families will miss out again!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces immediately turned bitter.

Another senior official said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, there are countless students in the world, but there are only five hundred places available. I feel that this is extremely unfair to those students who have good grades but are unfortunately eliminated."

I believe we should submit a memorial to His Majesty, requesting that he increase the number of candidates selected through the examination. What do you all think?

As soon as the man finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent as people began to consider the feasibility of his proposal.

"Great!! This is a good idea, excellent!!"

Just as everyone was deep in thought, a voice suddenly reached their ears from not far away.

Everyone was startled and quickly turned around to look. It turned out that Cao Song had been standing behind them at some point, smiling at them.

"We, your humble servants, have come to pay our respects to the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Everyone swallowed hard and hurriedly turned around to greet Cao Song. Song Feng did not dare to be negligent and followed behind the others.