However, the paper covering the names could not be removed until the rankings were determined. Even if the county magistrate was anxious, he could not break this rule.

After hearing Pei An's words, the county magistrate stopped looking at the examination paper in his hand and threw it back in front of Pei An: "Continue to mark the papers."

Pei An responded and continued to read the papers.

The county magistrate looked at him boredly and asked with a smile, "Pei An, why aren't you worried at all?"

Pei An asked: "What should I worry about?"

"Qin Zhao is just a commoner now, yet he already has such a high reputation. If he really passes the exam, I will definitely want to bring him into the government. If that happens, won't your position as the first advisor be in jeopardy?"

The county magistrate did not mince words when he said this, and those who were flipping through the examination papers in the hall all paused.

Being able to become the head of a county, the county magistrate must not be just a useless fool. He is well aware of the open and covert struggles among his subordinates. Not only is he aware of it, but he is also happy to see them fighting.

Keeping the best people is always beneficial to yourself.

Pei An had worked under him for many years and could more or less guess what he was thinking.

Pei An shook his head and said, "Even if I do serious official business in the future, it's all for the adults. Whether I can gain the adults' trust depends on what the adults think. There's no point in worrying."

Moreover, Qin Zhao had already promised him that he would not come to the county government office. He was a gentleman and would not go back on his word. Even without this promise, he did not think Qin Zhao would be willing to stay here as a small legal advisor.

With that person's potential, he has a bright future.

Pei An did not say these words out loud. The county magistrate did not know what he was thinking. He was pleased by his previous words and did not ask any more questions.

Pei An continued to pick up the next test paper, and just after reading two lines, he paused.

Whatever you want comes true.

Pei An finished reading the test paper, took a deep breath to calm himself down, and then stood up and presented it to the county magistrate: "Sir, this is what you asked for."

The county magistrate's eyes lit up and he hurriedly took it, first quickly skimming through it, and then reading it carefully a second time.

"Amazing, truly amazing!" The county magistrate put the exam paper down and exclaimed, "Master, you have a sharp eye. The county hasn't seen an essay of this caliber in years."

Pei An nodded without saying anything.

The county magistrate stroked the blacked-out exam paper and said cryptically, "With his talent, if he were to be allowed to pass the exams step by step, I'm afraid our small county office wouldn't be able to accommodate him in the future."

Pei An's eyes flickered slightly: "My Lord, what you mean is..."

Whether or not he passed the exam depended entirely on the county magistrate's decision. If he was worried that the county government would be unable to recruit him after he passed, he could simply fail the exam.

But in this way...

"I hope you will be cautious."

They were now sitting high up in the hall, and they deliberately lowered their voices to ensure that they would not be heard by the people below.

The county magistrate looked up at him with an unhappy expression: "What is your opinion, sir?"

Pei An said: "That person is definitely not an ordinary person. Even if we force him to stay for a while now, we can't force him to stay forever. Instead of doing that, it's better to do him a favor."

The county magistrate understood what he meant and asked, "Do you think he will become superior to me in the future?"

Pei An lowered his eyes and did not answer, but the county magistrate could see that he agreed.

In fact, after reading Qin Zhao's exam paper, the county magistrate had a rough idea in his mind. If this man really wanted to continue studying, he would probably have no problem passing the imperial examination. Furthermore, if he passed the imperial examination, he would be granted an official title and a noble rank.

It is better to make friends than to make enemies.

The magistrate quickly considered the pros and cons. He placed the exam paper back on the table and said with a smile, "We've talked so much, but what if this exam paper doesn't belong to Qin Zhao? That would be really interesting. He's not the only talented candidate this year. Three years ago, the top scorer in the county exam, Yan Xiu, is also taking the exam this year."

Pei An also laughed: "I dare to bet with you, sir, that this exam paper must belong to Qin Zhao. How about betting on a feast at Zui Xiang Lou?"

"Alright, let's make this the first case and see if it's Qin Zhao." The county magistrate smiled. "Hurry up and review the papers. Let's go to Zui Xiang Lou to have some fun tonight!"

.

On the day of the results announcement, Jing Li got up early and took Qin Zhao to the place half an hour in advance.

The announcement of the county examination results is also called the "announcement of the results". On this day, a piece of paper covered with red silk will be posted in front of the county government office, with the ranking numbers of the fifty successful candidates written on it.

It’s not time for the results to be announced yet, but many people have already gathered in front of the county government office, staring at the paper with eager eyes.

Qin Zhao took a look and pulled Jing Li to a less crowded part of the street to wait.

It was not until the 9th hour that the yamen runners finally struck the gongs and drums and shouted, "Report the case!"

The red silk was taken off, and amid the loud sound of gongs and drums, the crowd rushed forward, scrambling to find their seats. The seven or eight yamen runners present almost lost control of the situation.

Fortunately, Qin Zhao and Jing Li were standing far away, so they were not affected.

The imperial examination list differed from other rankings in that everyone's rankings formed a circle, divided into an inner and outer circle. Due to the writing style, the rankings in the lower half of the circle were practically written backwards.