The next day was the grand court session, and it was also the first time that the newly appointed candidates participated in the grand court session. The top three would stay in the Hanlin Academy for a while, while the others would begin to enter the Six Ministries or seek postings outside the capital.
This might be the only time in their lives they will attend the grand court assembly. To climb to the fourth rank and return to the capital after going to a local post is incredibly difficult.
The main hall of the Gansheng Temple can accommodate several thousand people, and with these few hundred people added, it is not crowded at all.
Xiao Yuanshan was also going today, so when the father and daughter appeared at the entrance of the main hall in royal robes, they attracted a lot of attention.
The newly appointed scholars, in particular, truly experienced the power of having two princes from one family.
As they walked along, officials on both sides greeted them, and the father and daughter nodded in acknowledgment, step by step walking to the front right side.
Then Grand Tutor Li entered, just as planned.
The emperor came out shortly afterward and shouted "Long live the emperor!" three times.
As usual, the six ministries reported to the emperor, and the ministers discussed state affairs. Zhao Yunqi also asked the top three officials to give their suggestions.
Finally, we've arrived at today's main point.
Zhao Yunqi said, "It has been almost four months since the students entered the Gentlemen's Academy. You have all watched them grow up. I have decided to grant them permission to graduate."
Everyone pricked up their ears to wait for his follow-up, and Xiao Zhixing looked up.
Zhao Yunqi smiled and said, "I know you all care about these children. Don't worry, they will all have good places to go. After the graduation exam tomorrow, the total scores will be ranked and announced to the world. At that time, I will announce the follow-up arrangements."
Xiao Zhixing was greatly encouraged; the next steps were finally about to begin—a cause for celebration.
The officials were completely unaware of the emperor's deeper intentions and naturally had no objections.
Unexpectedly, Fulu announced, "The final examination for the Gentlemen's Academy will be held tomorrow in the Kanmori Hall, witnessed by all officials!"
Everyone looked at each other in silence. The emperor had elevated the Gentlemen's Academy Examination to the same level as the Imperial Examination.
This makes one wonder, what exactly does the emperor want to do?
[Yellow bullet comment: Here it comes, here it comes, a new journey begins!]
[Yellow bullet comments: A constellation of stars takes the stage!]
[Green comment: We're watching silently.]
[Red comments: A strong crowd is watching.]
Not only within the palace, but the news also caused a great deal of discussion outside the palace. Everyone was wondering why it was necessary to hold an exam for only thirty people in the Gan Sheng Hall.
Something just doesn't seem right.
Xiao Zhixing remained calm after the court session ended. She was not in a hurry at all, even though she was about to know the result.
Today, she specially hosted a banquet at the Prince's Mansion for Ji Bai, Xiong Chumo, Jiang Tan, Mu Zixi, Qi Wuyi, Lin Ruyi, Lin Muzhen and others to congratulate them on passing the imperial examination and becoming Jinshi.
"Come, let me toast you all. May you always be concerned about the world and serve the people wholeheartedly, and may your names be remembered in history."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Everyone raised their glasses in return, smiling. They liked this congratulatory greeting.
After several rounds of drinks, the group moved to the garden to enjoy tea.
Xiao Zhi inquired about each of their plans and arrangements individually.
Unexpectedly, apart from Lin Ruyi and Qi Wuyi who wanted to stay in the capital, everyone else wanted to be transferred to other places.
Lin Muzhen spoke very directly, "I am a farmer's son and wish to return to my farm. I beg Your Highness to take the trouble to arrange a good place for me."
Xiao Zhixing appreciated his strategy, which naturally delighted him. He intuitively felt that he had found a kindred spirit, so he was not worried that Xiao Zhixing would make random arrangements for him.
“Okay, wait a moment.” Xiao Zhixing agreed.
Ji Bai then said in a low, veiled voice, "Your Highness, I would like to wait until your Gentleman's Academy is completed..."
Xiao Zhixing raised an eyebrow, secretly praising Ji Bai's keen insight. Had he noticed something?
"Okay." Xiao Zhixing didn't ask him what he had figured out. Since that was the case, they would all wait and see.
Xiong Chumo frankly told her about his helplessness and distress, "You know, I prefer fighting on all sides to being a civil official."
He never expected to pass the imperial examination. Now his father comes to his room every day to urge him to take up his post, whether it's being sent to a post outside the capital or staying in one of the Six Ministries. His father is constantly making trouble and causing him great annoyance.
Xiao Zhixing said softly, "No rush, we'll make arrangements after the Gentlemen's Academy graduates."
She was also waiting to see their next steps.
Jiang Tan replied, "I would be very satisfied if I could secure a county magistrate position to protect this region."
Then there's Mu Zixi. She still can't see him clearly, but she didn't expect him to be willing to attend her banquet today. He must understand what this means.
Because everyone who came today is considered one of her people.
Mu Zixi naturally understood, and he smiled and said, "General Xue wants me to go to Feiyun Pass, but if Your Highness can give me a good place to go, I am willing to do so."
What does that mean? Are they planning to come closer? Is it his idea or Xue Chen's?
However, he is also a member of the Genjiin, so he probably won't have control over his own future arrangements.
After talking with them, she felt more confident.
That evening, Xiao Zhixing and Ying went to see Chen.
"Ms. Chen seemed to know something; she managed to evade two assassination attempts with her daughter."
She only agreed to come along because she knew he was one of Xiao Zhixing's men.
The two entered a small courtyard and met Chen, who had already washed and dressed.
"Prince Yuansheng!"
Xiao Zhixing cut to the chase, "No need for formalities. You seem to know someone wants to kill you?"
Chen smiled bitterly, “Our Chen family, with more than twenty members, was killed more than ten years ago. My father and I were sent away by my grandfather at all costs. We have been living in seclusion in Qianjia Village as small merchants ever since. My father told me everything before he died.”
Madam Chen said, "I will tell you everything I know. I only ask one thing of you."
"explain!"
"Protect my daughter and me. If possible, if you find the enemy who killed our Chen family, please let me know."
She didn't mention revenge. If the other party was Prince Yuansheng's enemy, then the prince would naturally deal with them. It was enough for her to know the outcome.
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