On Zhao Yunqi's desk were three of the best examination papers. After all the ministers had read them, there were no objections, and the top three would be chosen from among these three.
Zhao Yunqi laughed and said, "Ji Bai, Li Jun, and Lin Muzhen are all equally outstanding and each has their own unique charm. To be honest, I also find it difficult to choose."
The officials smiled obsequiously, saying that the top three were roughly equal and it was up to the emperor to decide how to rank them.
Zhao Yunqi turned to Xiao Zhixing on his right and asked, "I thought you would strongly recommend Ji Bai, so why did you choose Lin Muzhen?"
Xiao Zhixing cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty is wise. I am speaking from the facts. Ji Bai is indeed excellent, but in terms of effectiveness and benefit to the country and the people, Lin Muzhen’s article is superior.”
Li Xiao nodded in agreement, “What Prince Yuansheng said is absolutely right. Food is the most important thing for the people. Lin Muzhen’s approach of starting with the agricultural matters that the people care about most is insightful and he is truly a master.”
Zhao Yunqi laughed, "Since that's the case, let Lin Muzhen be the top scholar, Ji Bai, with his outstanding appearance, be the third-ranked scholar, and Prince Li, the second-ranked scholar. What do you all think?"
He turned to the Duke of Li.
Duke Li bowed with delight, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The son of a high-ranking official won second place, a unique achievement, and the Duke of Li was beaming with joy.
"We have no objection."
Next, Fu Lu, beaming with joy, loudly announced the names: "The newly appointed top scholar Lin Muzhen, the second-ranked scholar Li Jun, the third-ranked scholar Ji Bai, and the first-ranked scholar Jiang Tan... Enter the hall to kowtow and thank the Emperor for his grace."
Jiang Tan ranked first in the second class, Feng Min second, Mu Zixi third, Liu Zizai fourth, Zhang Zhong ninth, Xiong Chumo eleventh, Qi Wuyi twentieth, Li Zheng twenty-first, Qi Mengli forty-eighth, Lin Ruyi fifty-first, and the other three members of the Jiang family also passed the imperial examination.
There are not many changes between the basic exam and the provincial exam.
She glanced at Feng Min; this man had actually endured the imperial examination despite his illness—truly a man of strong will despite his physical disability.
The newly appointed scholars entered the main hall in order of their ranking to express their gratitude to the emperor.
Looking at the young top three, Li Xiao chuckled and said, "I'm getting old, I'm getting old."
Eighty percent of those who passed the imperial examination this spring were young talents, and Zhao Yunqi was all smiles. “I am very pleased that such talented people are in this great Sheng Dynasty.”
The scholars, filled with excitement, kowtowed and cried out, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Xiao Zhixing scanned everyone, wondering to herself how many of them were from the main system.
It seems Yin Yi's workload is about to increase again; these people need to be investigated.
The sordid past is nothing to boast of; today, my unrestrained thoughts know no bounds. Riding a swift horse in the spring breeze, I see all the flowers of Chang'an in a single day.
The top scholars and third-ranked scholars paraded through the streets, making the entire capital city of Shengjing bustling with activity once again.
It is said that the handkerchiefs, purses, and flowers in the shops outside have been snapped up by enthusiastic girls, eventually turning into a colorful flower-lined parade path to welcome their smooth journey to heaven.
After the parade, there was the Qionglin Banquet, and below the Xianyin Tower was the Xianyin Hall, where the newly appointed scholars were enshrined as immortals.
Xiao Zhixing didn't want to come and join in the fun, but Zhao Yunqi gave her an imperial edict that she had to come, and many ministers were present.
"Ah, Prince Yuansheng has arrived!" The scholars recognized her as soon as she entered the Xianyin Palace.
By the time the results were released, everyone was already very familiar with her face.
"Greetings, Prince Yuansheng!" The scholars bowed in unison.
Xiao Zhixing smiled gently, "No need for formalities. I would also like to congratulate you all on passing the imperial examination and wish you a bright future."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Before long, Li Xiao, Duke Li, and others arrived, and unexpectedly, Zhao Yunqi also came in person.
The banquet reached its climax.
Zhao Yunqi raised his cup, "Come, let me toast you all."
Everyone drank the wine, but Zhao Yunqi suddenly said, "I know that your minds are not on me now, but on Yuansheng. Hahaha, oh dear, I and all my ministers are getting old. The future will surely belong to you all."
The scene was quiet.
The old ministers wondered: What is His Majesty up to now?
Looking again at the bewildered new graduates, I thought, "Young people, you are about to experience the same agonizing days we were in."
Xiao Zhixing's smile remained unchanged, waiting to see what Zhao Yunqi was going to do next.
Zhao Yunqi laughed and said, "The other day, Yuan Sheng's matter caused quite a stir, precisely because her marriage was still undecided. I have my eye on all of you talented young men..."
Snap!
Xiao Zhixing slammed her wine cup down. Some people just have a problem with this; they insist on forcing her to turn against them.
Is this an attempt to show these new imperial examination candidates how arrogant they are and how patient the emperor is?
Fortunately, he can recover his morale and win the hearts of the people in the future.
It's that trick again, so annoying.
"Your Majesty, I offer you three cups." She raised her full cup, her eyes fixed on Zhao Yunqi, interrupting him.
She didn't want to cause trouble at this time, lest she spoil everyone's fun.
Zhao Yunqi paused slightly, then said helplessly, "Alright, I'll have three drinks with Yuan Sheng."
Xiao Zhixing then forced Zhao Yunqi to drink three cups with him.
Then she stood up and went straight over, "Your Majesty, you are not a good drinker. Your humble servant and Eunuch Fulu will escort you back to Shengde Palace to rest."
Fu Lu: "...Uh, no need, no need, this old servant will take good care of Your Majesty."
His legs trembled slightly as he hurriedly went to help the emperor. He didn't know why, but he subconsciously made this insubordinate gesture.
Zhao Yunqi rubbed his forehead and was helped up by Fu Lu. "Alright, I'm going back. You can continue."
Xiao Zhixing cupped his hands in farewell, saying, "Respectfully seeing Your Majesty off."
The others were two seconds slower before hurriedly bowing and saying, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty."
Zhao Yunqi turned around and pointed at Xiao Zhixing, "You little rascal, you might get away this time, but you'll get away next time, humph."
Xiao Zhixing remained expressionless, almost disgusted. "Do we even know each other? This kind of attitude is just too damn annoying."
They acted as if they had a very good relationship with him, the ruler and his subject.
But she still had to act, pretending to be conflicted and complicated.
I really don't want to do this anymore, let's just destroy it!
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