The candidates stood in a row in the square, and the examiners were also present.
Once everyone was ready, the emperor slowly entered the arena. The candidates kept their eyes straight ahead, recalling the etiquette and salutes taught by the Ministry of Rites, and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times.
Having received prior training, everyone performed admirably, already displaying the demeanor of future officials.
After Ying Hao said that there was no need for formalities, everyone straightened up, moved a step to the left, and sat down in their seats.
"Let's begin."
Looking at the students, Ying Hao felt pleased; such a wealth of talent!
"By imperial decree! The palace examination shall begin!"
Along with this announcement, the exam papers were distributed. The palace examination consisted of only one question, a policy question, and candidates had a full day to answer it, submitting their papers at dusk—plenty of time.
Li Qingyao took the exam paper and was stunned after a quick glance. The exam paper contained only a few simple words.
———What is the position of the people relative to the officials!
Li Qingyao understood the meaning of the question; it concerned the relationship between ordinary people and officials. These people were all future officials of the country, and this question was clearly the first test from the person above them.
He could either connect the "people" with "national governance" in his answer, or he could focus on specific issues to illustrate broader themes, writing about people's livelihoods. After a little thought, Li Qingyao found his direction.
Ying Hao sat at the head of the table, looking at the many candidates below. The question was not difficult, after all, they were all candidates who had passed the imperial examination. They could write it down with a little thought. The difficulty lay in making their answers substantial.
Since ascending the throne, Ying Hao has been diligent and conscientious. He has ambitions to become a monarch whose name is sung for ten thousand generations, but unfortunately, his reign has been fraught with difficulties.
When he first came to power, he was greatly hampered. Just after things were sorted out, he was hit by drought and flood. If it weren't for Pan Jinhua's technology of regenerating rice and breeding, he probably would have had to issue an edict of self-reproach during the drought.
His first imperial examination since taking office was marred by cheating, and it ended in a dismal failure. It was truly a disgrace to him, and infuriating.
Ying Hao narrowed his tiger-like eyes, scanning the candidates in the examination hall. The imperial examination was a matter of national importance, and this time no one dared to interfere. Let him see how many useful talents he could find.
In recent years, he has become increasingly adept at handling state affairs and his power has grown, but that is not enough. He needs more loyal ministers who are dedicated to the country and its people.
"The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important."
Almost instantly, Li Qingyao thought of the flood that struck Ning'an Prefecture that year. The sentence jumped into his mind and onto the paper.
The river breached its banks and caused flooding. The magistrate's indifference led to the bitter result of a people's uprising. Two counties fell. He also went with Li Qingduan and Li Qingyi to repair the river embankment. He also faced bandits. It was then that Qingtong caught the eye of General Ouyang. Looking back, it was many years ago.
Li Qingyao was determined to lead the Li family back to officialdom, to wield power, and to ensure that the Li family would never again fall into obscurity. But it was also at that time that he truly began to consider what kind of official he would want to be if he were to become one.
If he were to become an official, he would certainly strive to be one who ensures the well-being and prosperity of the people under his jurisdiction.
If the text mentions the peasant uprising, I wonder if the emperor would be furious? After all, for the emperor, this is something he probably never wants to be mentioned again in his life.
Although it was the magistrate's fault, in historical records it was recorded as follows: In the second year of the Yuanqi era, Qingshui County suffered frequent floods, and the people, having accumulated grievances, could no longer tolerate it. They raised the banner of rebellion and rose up in anger. With united will and unstoppable momentum, they stormed and captured the county government, their fame resounding throughout the land, shaking the court and the country…
How shameful! It's so shameful! Yuanqi is the emperor's reign title. That foolish county magistrate doesn't deserve to have his name recorded.
Li Qingyao hesitated for a moment, then decided to change the example and use historical records as a starting point. As a subject, one must know how to read the room and avoid doing anything that might upset the emperor. If he were to accidentally end up as a fellow graduate, he would be devastated.
Having made up his mind, Li Qingyao began to write with divine inspiration, and before he knew it, he had filled a page.
The palace examination allowed candidates to submit their papers early. After Li Qingyao finished writing, he waited until other candidates in the examination hall started submitting their papers, then he joined the crowd and raised his hand to submit his paper without attracting any attention.
The first to hand in his paper was Hu Jin, who was thirty-five years old. He was said to be very learned and a strong contender for the top scholar position.
Li Qingyao didn't aspire to be ranked at the top. He would be satisfied as long as he could become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). This would allow him to take the exam for Shujishi (a junior official in the Hanlin Academy), enter the Hanlin Academy, and after three years, gain experience in local areas for a few more years. His path would then become easier.
Once the exam papers are submitted, the candidates can leave. The results of the palace examination will not be available for three days. After reaching this point, it is all up to fate. His ranking depends entirely on the intentions of the examiners and the emperor.
Oh no, the Emperor only looks at the top ten papers; his future depends on the thoughts of the deputy examiners.
Li Qingyao had just returned to his residence when Pan Jinhua summoned him and Yan Min to her presence the very next day.
"Does your great-aunt have something important to tell you?"
Li Qingyao was puzzled. Usually, after he finished his exams, Pan Jinhua would tell everyone not to disturb him and to let him rest properly. This was the first time that she had called him over as soon as he finished his exams.
A mysterious smile appeared on Pan Jinhua's lips.
"Look, this is the gift I prepared for you. Do you like it?"
Bai Xue brought out a wooden box and placed it in Yan Min's hands. Yan Min was also puzzled. The results hadn't even been released yet, and her aunt had already prepared a gift?
Without much thought, Yan Min opened the box, and inside was only a single, light piece of paper.
"Ah! This is the former residence of the Li family!"
A moment later, Yan Min screamed. She had been waiting for that house, waiting for Li Qingyao to pass the imperial examination with flying colors so she could buy it. She had prepared the money and made an agreement with the seller, so how did it end up in her aunt's hands?
"Hehe, are you wondering why I bought this house? We are also members of the Li family, and naturally we hope this house can be returned to us soon. Originally, no one in our family held an official position, but the Emperor favored us and bestowed upon me the title of Lady of Liang."
Before the imperial examination even began, I went to that family and learned that they had already agreed to sell to me. However, I am also a member of the Li family, and they knew that I was buying it to give to them, so they sold it to me.
"Auntie..."
Yan Min's eyes welled up with tears, and Li Qingyao also felt his throat dry and a little blocked.
"The house is now under your name, Min'er. We're family now, so let's not stand on ceremony. The imperial examinations aren't easy to pass, otherwise why would so many people fail?"
Our Qingyao was able to get into university not just because of the accumulation of knowledge in childhood, but also because of the hard work and dedication we have put into our studies over the years. I have seen it all.
That house is a token of my appreciation, and I can't refuse it. Our Li family is about to take another big step forward, and I'm so happy.
"Qingyao, you did it. The wish you made in Lijia Village that year has come true."
Pan Jinhua was truly happy; her retirement was now more secure. In her eyes, good deeds deserve rewards. Yan Min and the others really wanted to buy back the house, so she would buy it and give it to them.
Hearing these words, Yan Min and Li Qingyao had no choice but to accept them. While moved, they secretly vowed that Pan Jinhua was the matriarch of their family, and they would not allow anyone to disobey her.
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