Inside the palace, the deputy examiners were reviewing the three hundred exam papers one by one.
Five deputy examiners took turns reviewing the three hundred exam papers. They were to rank the papers and then present the top ten papers to the emperor for his review.
The deputy examiners would also propose a ranking, but the final decision on the top ten would ultimately rest with the emperor.
"Your Majesty, the top ten exam papers have been delivered."
Zhou Daban carried a tray and stepped forward. On it were the ten candidates selected by the deputy examiners for this year's examination.
Ying Hao raised his hand, and Zhou Daban stepped forward and placed the tray in his hand on the table in front of Ying Hao. Ying Hao casually picked up the first test paper in the row and began to read it attentively.
"Your answer is insightful, that's good. The assistant examiners are really taking this seriously."
Soon after, Ying Hao clapped his hands in praise, saying that it was no wonder that the examiners had ranked it first. The entire piece was flawless, the calligraphy was skillful, and the text pointed out incisively that officials should prioritize the interests of the people when governing a region. The language was also sharp, connecting the people with the governance of the country, and it seemed to have a certain edge.
"This man is named Hu Jin, and he is the top scholar in this imperial examination."
Zhou Daban then introduced the owner of the exam paper.
"Hmm, very good. As expected of the champion. Let me take a look at the others."
The more talented people the better, since they are all people who will work for him. Ying Hao is only afraid that they are not good enough.
Zhou Daban quietly observed those around him. He had known the owners of these ten exam papers on the way here, but he hadn't expected that Li Xufeng's son was among them.
The name Li Xufeng is quite old, but everyone knows her as Lady Liang.
Lady Liang is from a collateral branch of the Li family, and Li Xufeng's wife and children are currently living with her. However, Zhou Daban didn't say anything; the Emperor would notice if he wanted to.
The top ten exam papers truly lived up to their reputation as the best of the best. Some of the writings even struck a chord with Ying Hao. Although the core of the questions was similar, everyone had their own perspective. Some of the angles written made sense to Ying Hao. When he picked up the last paper and saw the name, he recognized it.
"Li Qingyao? Could this be from the Liang State Lady's family? I didn't realize she had such a talented nephew."
"Your Majesty, Li Qingyao is indeed a member of the Li family, but he is not a direct descendant of Lady Liang. His father was Li Xufeng, the Vice Minister of Revenue during the reign of the late Emperor."
“It’s him.” Ying Hao’s tone was less serious. “Let’s see how well he wrote it.”
The Li family's guilt was determined by the late emperor, and the evidence was indeed conclusive. They were not wronged. The Li family was able to turn their lives around entirely thanks to Pan Jinhua.
I wonder what this person's attitude is towards the late emperor, and whether he harbors any resentment? I doubt he would dare, but Ying Hao doesn't like any hidden dangers, so he can't afford to hurt himself with the knife in his hand. Oh well, let's see how well he writes, and whether he can really make it into the top ten.
Ying Hao read it quickly and thoroughly. He could tell from Li Qingyao's use of historical facts as examples that he was a pragmatist.
A pragmatist is good; he likes that.
"This Li Qingyao must be quite young. His writing is rather good. The deputy examiners certainly put a lot of effort into selecting these ten essays. He deserves a reward."
"Your Majesty is wise. This young master Li is indeed quite young, only twenty-three this year. He is truly a prodigy. I have heard that Lady Liang holds him in high regard."
When it came to discussing the various officials, Zhou Daban found it difficult to respond. However, Li Qingyao was indeed a promising young man, having passed the imperial examination at such a young age.
The results haven't come out yet? Isn't this already a done deal?
"Oh? Lady Liang also values him? Well, he is indeed a promising young man. Let's move his ranking up to fourth."
"I wish to meet him after the palace examination."
As Ying Hao finished speaking, he hesitated for a moment before saying his last sentence.
"Yes, this old servant remembers."
However, the emperor did not only change Li Qingyao's ranking, but also swapped the rankings of the fifth and seventh place.
Zhou Daban carried the tray out, pondering to himself, "This young man from the Li family is quite lucky. I just don't know why the Emperor wants to see him."
Li Qingyao was naturally unaware that with just a casual remark from the emperor, his ranking had risen several places.
The assistant examiners, having received the Emperor's rankings, were aware of the changes. However, aside from the top three, the rest were virtually neck and neck, making the Emperor's adjustment understandable. Everyone quickly began drawing up the list; the candidates had likely been anxiously awaiting the imperial list.
Zheng Xingkai, as a lecturer to the emperor, was a close advisor to the emperor. He knew about the rankings of this year's imperial examination as soon as they were announced. Upon learning that Li Qingyao had come in fourth place, he was overjoyed: "Ah, this is my destined disciple. I must say I'm a good teacher."
However, he didn't send a message to the Li family, and not experiencing the tension and excitement of hearing his name called during the imperial examination was incomplete for him.
While the imperial court was busy preparing for the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations, the three hundred candidates also received the imperial examination robes prepared by the Imperial Academy.
These are not gifts for them, but only temporary loans. After the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations, they will be returned to the Imperial Academy for safekeeping and kept for the next batch of successful candidates to wear. They will be a symbol of honor for the newly appointed successful candidates.
A complete set of Jinshi attire consists of four pieces: a Jinshi hat, a Jinshi robe, a leather belt, and boots. Li Qingyao held this set, his heart pounding with excitement.
The next morning, he dressed in a dark blue silk robe with a round collar and right-fastening front, a blue leather belt around his waist, wide sleeves, and official boots, looking dignified and elegant.
"Brother Yao looks truly magnificent today! I wish you all your wishes come true!"
Wang Jiao stared at Li Qingyao with bright eyes, mainly at his scholar's robes, feeling a mixture of envy and anticipation.
Li Qingyao patted him on the shoulder, "Thank you for your kind words."
Dressed in their imperial examination robes, the aspiring scholars, heads held high, followed the court officials into the Golden Palace. They stood on either side, listening respectfully as the announcer read out their names and rankings.
This is the legendary "Golden Hall Proclamation".
For some of these three hundred people, today is probably the most glorious moment of their lives. After today, they may be scattered to the ends of the earth.
In this dynasty, only officials of the fifth rank or above were qualified to attend court. If a local official struggled for half his life or failed to reach the fifth rank, he would never have the opportunity to attend court again.
"Li Qingyao, the first-place winner of the second class in the imperial examination of the sixth year of the Yuanqi reign (1074)!"
Li Qingyao was shocked. He never expected that he would rank fourth! First in the second class! The announcement is made!
His back was instantly soaked with sweat. He tried his best to control his emotions and stepped forward to express his gratitude with a calm expression.
Heaven rewards those who persevere! Li Qingyao felt as if he could hear nothing else but one phrase echoing repeatedly in his mind.
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