Xiao Jingzhao quickly read the letter, his lips unconsciously curving upwards.
"Your Majesty, does the Emperor of Liang believe that it is true?" Xiang Song had been waiting for this for a long time and could no longer contain his curiosity.
“He not only believes, but he also holds onto hope. I didn’t lie to him about this, which is why I’ve sent people to look for him,” Xiao Jingzhao said, folding the letter and putting it back.
In his letter, Emperor Liang sincerely apologized, saying that the Third Prince had caused trouble on the border without authorization in order to compete for the position of Crown Prince, and that he was aware of this and had disciplined him strictly.
To demonstrate Liang's sincerity, Liang will send envoys to Wanling Kingdom to apologize.
They also said that if Wanling Kingdom could help Liang Kingdom find its eldest prince, Liang Kingdom would be willing to offer three cities as a token of gratitude.
The army of Wanling Kingdom was strong. Whether the Emperor of Liang Kingdom was truly unaware of the actions of the Third Prince of Liang Kingdom, or was deliberately indulging him, Xiao Jingzhao did not care.
He was willing to help find the lost eldest prince of Liang Kingdom simply because he didn't want to fight, as war meant death.
He was unwilling to use his brothers-in-arms from the military camp, with whom he had shared life and death, to satisfy his competitive spirit.
He advocates peace and will not go to war unless absolutely necessary.
It is said that when gods fight, ordinary people suffer. He will preserve his strength while maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries.
He will make Wanling Kingdom stronger and stronger, just as he named the kingdom Sheng (meaning prosperous).
Three days later, the emperor held the palace examination in the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
After answering the policy questions, only a few scholars were able to stand before the emperor. Unsurprisingly, Zhen Jingxiu and Su Jin were among them. Lin Xiangzhi barely managed to get through this hurdle.
Xiao Jingzhao broke with convention and personally asked questions and engaged in dialogue with the group.
After a series of questions and answers, Zhen Jingxiu, Su Jin, and a scholar named Bai Zhou answered fluently, which greatly pleased Xiao Jingzhao.
Although Lin Xiangzhi answered better than the others, there is no harm without comparison.
Just as Lin Xiangzhi was inwardly groaning, Xiao Jingzhao abruptly changed the subject, shifting the focus to the issue of the national treasury's silver reserves.
Lin Xiangzhi's confidence soared instantly, for managing silver was his forte.
He was the only one in the main hall, talking loudly and eloquently, leaving Zhen Jingxiu, Su Jin, Bai Zhou, and the others completely stunned.
The officials on both sides were dumbfounded. His insights were profound and his reasoning was clear. If someone told them that the person in front of them was the Minister of Revenue who had served for many years, they would not doubt it at all.
"good!"
Xiao Jingzhao praised him.
The rest of the people were impressed by Lin Xiangzhi's unremarkable answers in the first two rounds.
After the palace examination was completed, Xiao Jingzhao immediately announced the results and named Zhen Jingxiu as the top scholar.
Su Jin was ranked second, and Bai Zhou was ranked third.
The top three were all assigned to positions in the Hanlin Academy, and Zhen Jingxiu was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a position of the sixth rank.
Su Jin and Bai Zhou were appointed as compilers in the Hanlin Academy, a position of the seventh rank.
Inside the main hall, the other members of the emperor's family were all granted the title of Jinshi (进士).
Lin Xiang's thoughts:
It's over; the task the Emperor gave him is impossible to complete.
The position of Minister of Revenue will definitely be taken over by someone else.
Just as everyone was thanking the emperor and getting up, the Left Chancellor Fan Zhiqing stepped forward to offer his advice.
"Your Majesty, there is something I am unsure whether I should speak of."
Xiao Jingzhao nodded slightly. "These days, Minister Fan has devoted himself to the affairs of the court, and I have seen it all. Please feel free to speak your mind."
Xiao Jingzhao never hesitated to praise his ministers. Before the palace examination, he had already announced in the morning court that after the top three candidates were selected, the personnel arrangements for the vacant positions would be decided by the Left Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers.
He only mentioned one point: the position of Minister of Revenue must be filled by a talented person.
With the Emperor's permission, Fan Zhiqing glanced at Prime Minister Lin.
"In my humble opinion, Young Master Lin is very knowledgeable about the management of money and finances. The position of Minister of Revenue is still vacant, and Young Master Lin is the most suitable candidate."
"I second that proposal."
"I second that proposal."
The cabinet ministers standing nearby all bowed in approval.
Zhen Jingxiu and Su Jin both cast joyful glances at Lin Xiangzhi. The three of them exchanged knowing glances, practically ready to celebrate their success in court.
Lin Xiangzhi's anxiety began to subside, as he had ultimately lived up to the Emperor's expectations, and the position of Minister was about to be secured.
Lin Xiangzhi looked at Xiao Jingzhao in the main hall, and the little devil in his heart cheered.
Nod quickly! It's like having a pillow delivered to someone who's about to fall asleep—isn't that perfect?
Xiao Jingzhao raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded with a half-smile.
Just when everyone thought that this was a sure thing, like picking snails with three fingers.
Xiao Jingzhao coughed lightly and said, "That's not appropriate."
Lin Xiangzhi's head was buzzing.
He cursed inwardly:
This idiot doesn't know how to take the easy way out. Even if he were given three more years, he still wouldn't be able to become the top scholar!
Zhen Jingxiu and Su Jin were also completely bewildered. What was the Emperor trying to do?
He said he would recruit talent regardless of background, but does that mean his words are no longer valid?
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. I believe I have not misjudged him. Young Master Lin is a man of great talent and will surely be able to manage the purse strings of Wanling Kingdom well," Fan Zhiqing said earnestly, bowing once more.
"I trust your judgment, my dear minister. I need not elaborate on how important the position of Minister of Revenue is. Young Master Lin has passed the imperial examination, but he has not yet been given any experience. The top scholar is only a sixth-rank official. It is certainly inappropriate for a newly promoted scholar to be appointed as a third-rank official."
"this……"
The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. It was true that those who passed the imperial examination could be appointed directly to official positions, but from ancient times to the present, there had never been a newly appointed scholar who had been given an important post.
Which of His Majesty's golden words counts?
Lin Xiangzhi, with his eyelids drooping, simply didn't even look at Xiao Jingzhao, who was in charge.
He was afraid he wouldn't be able to control the urge to curse in his eyes.
The atmosphere in the main hall suddenly became somewhat somber.
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