Chapter 295 The Female Top Scholar
Shui Xiu was unaware of the examiners' inner thoughts. She didn't dwell on the outcome but focused on the upcoming practical assessment.
During the simulated warehouse audit, Shui Xiu was "randomly" assigned to the most chaotic pile of ledgers, which clearly had several key pages secretly removed.
From an outsider's perspective, this is almost an impossible task.
The examiners, who had been bribed by powerful families, all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Shui Xiu walk to the pile of messy accounts as arranged.
However, Shui Xiu did not show the slightest impatience or discouragement.
She calmed herself and recalled a time when she visited her sister in the palace and happened to meet Shui Xian checking the accounts of the Imperial Household Department.
Shui Xiu only stood by and listened for a moment, but she had an insight at that time. She felt that the few words she heard were both different from and similar to what Manager Zhou said about managing the Dengdi Inn.
Recalling the similarities in how Manager Zhou and her sister handled problems, she stopped fixating on the missing pages.
Instead, they searched for clues in existing, seemingly unrelated inbound and outbound records, as well as personnel rotation lists for different time periods.
She discovered an unusually high consumption of a certain precious spice during a certain period. By comparing the duty roster records, she identified several eunuchs who might have been involved.
Furthermore, by examining the discrepancies between different ledgers regarding the timing of the same batch of silk entering the warehouse and being requisitioned, it was deduced that there might be fraudulent reporting and misappropriation.
She not only meticulously clarified the chaotic accounts, but also clearly pointed out the potential embezzlement and fatal flaws in the process in her answer sheet, along with specific suggestions for improvement.
Such as dual verification and regular job rotation systems.
His insight and problem-solving abilities impressed even the examiners who were grading the paper.
When handling the simulated palace servants' disputes, Shui Xiu displayed a composure and meticulousness beyond her years.
She listened patiently to the emotional accounts of the two sides in the dispute, played by palace maids, without being swayed by either side. Instead, through skillful questioning, she quickly grasped the core of the conflict...
This matter was not simply a matter of unequal division of labor, but rather stemmed from the resentment caused by an older palace maid who relied on her seniority and another newly promoted palace maid who was eager to make a name for herself but used inappropriate methods.
Instead of assigning equal blame to both sides, she clearly pointed out, based on palace rules, that senior palace servants should not use their seniority to suppress newcomers, and that new palace servants should also respect their seniors and pay attention to their communication methods.
Shui Xiu's proposed mediation plan was to redistribute the work fairly, but to give the senior palace servants a certain supervisory responsibility, while the new palace servants would need to report to the senior palace servants regularly.
This solution not only clarified responsibilities and rights, but also gave both parties a way out, and promoted the improvement of the relationship between the two through the mentorship program.
This handling of the matter was both in accordance with regulations and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of human relationships. Even the eunuchs playing the roles of palace servants were convinced and privately discussed how this Miss Shuixiu was no ordinary person.
However, the powerful clans were still unwilling to let Shui Xiu reach the top so easily.
In the final interview, an examiner surnamed Yu, who had close ties with Zhao Wenyuan, subjected Shui Xiu to a barrage of almost harsh questions.
The questions not only involved complicated court etiquette, but also cleverly incorporated some obscure historical anecdotes from previous dynasties, with the intention of embarrassing her in public.
Faced with a barrage of questions, Shui Xiu maintained a clear and focused gaze.
She quoted extensively from classical texts and answered fluently. Her profound knowledge and calm demeanor far surpassed those of her peers, and even some officials in the audience nodded in approval.
When the examiner realized he couldn't stump her, a sinister glint flashed in his eyes, and he unleashed his final trump card—an extremely treacherous trap question.
"Young lady, if one day you become a female official and encounter a situation where the Empress's orders slightly conflict with existing palace rules, how will you conduct yourself? Will you obey the Empress's orders or abide by the order of palace rules?"
This question strikes at the heart!
Regardless of which side you agree with, you could be accused of "disregarding palace rules" or "disrespecting the Empress."
This was already an extremely difficult question to answer, not to mention that Shui Xiu was the Empress's younger sister, making the question even more difficult for her.
The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Shui Xiu. Even Shui Xian behind the screen frowned slightly.
Shui Xiu remained calm. After a moment's thought, she looked up and stared directly at the examiner, her clear and firm voice echoing in the silent hall.
"Your Excellency, the palace rules are the guiding principles, established by our ancestors, and are the foundation for maintaining order within the palace."
"Her Majesty the Empress is the mother of the nation and the head of the harem. Her words and deeds are exemplary for the nation's mother. With the world in her heart, she will never violate the fundamental rules of the palace."
She first set the tone, placing both sides at an unquestionable level, and then calmly defused the situation by changing the subject.
"However, palace affairs are complex and varied. If there are unclear details, changes in circumstances, or instructions from Her Majesty the Empress, the duty of the female officials is to faithfully carry them out..."
Shui Xiu answered the examiner's questions calmly and comprehensively.
This response was flawless, upholding the authority of palace rules, highly praising the Empress's virtue and status, and clearly defining the scope of duties for female officials.
The female officials were loyal executors in the inner palace, but the final decision-making power still rested with the emperor and empress.
In the side hall, Emperor Zhaoheng heard the entire exchange clearly through the beaded curtain.
His eyes showed increasing admiration, and he tapped his fingertips lightly on the table as he whispered to Feng Shunxiang:
"She has exceptional insight and handles situations with grace. This younger sister of the Empress is indeed a promising talent."
Feng Shunxiang bowed and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty has discerning eyes."
Outside the examination hall, although Yuan Chiyu was unable to enter, he kept a close watch on what was happening inside.
When he learned that someone was trying to sabotage Shui Xiu during the assessment, especially in the practical aspects, his expression turned cold.
He did not directly intervene in what happened, but instead used his connections and methods.
On the one hand, he secretly increased patrols around the examination site to ensure order and prevent any possible accidents.
On the other hand, he cleverly compiled all the scattered evidence and rumors about certain noble families attempting to cheat by bribing examiners or finding out the exam questions in advance, and handed them to Emperor Zhaoheng's desk.
This is not a setup, but rather the timely presentation of existing clues.
As expected, Emperor Zhaoheng received the document but didn't even look at it.
It's obvious what aristocratic families do.
Emperor Zhaoheng directly instructed Feng Shunxiang to hand over the evidence collected by Yuan Chiyu to the chief examiner.
When the official received the evidence from Emperor Zhaoheng, his expression turned serious.
There are some things that the emperor can turn a blind eye to if he doesn't interfere.
But once the emperor intervenes, he can no longer pretend not to know.
Although not publicized, the proctor secretly strengthened the supervision and review of relevant procedures, thus clearing away some potential obstacles for Shui Xiu.
After Yuan Chiyu finished doing all this, he couldn't help but look up at the direction of Chuxiu Palace, his cold and stern eyes filled with concern.
He meant what he said; if he said he would support Shuixiu in passing the exam to become a female official, he wouldn't do anything to hinder her behind the scenes.
Three years is nothing, he can wait that long!
That evening.
All the assessments were finally over, and the examiners began to tally up the results.
Excellent in policy essays, outstanding performance in practical assessments, and amazing interview responses...
Shuixiu's overall score was far ahead, and it ultimately ranked first, which was indisputable.
When the final rankings were tentatively determined and the news spread like wildfire, the Chuxiu Palace was in an uproar.
The noblewoman surnamed Zheng, who had previously openly provoked Shui Xiu, looked at her own barely-surpassed mid-range performance and compared it with Shui Xiu's dazzling overall evaluation. Her face instantly turned ashen, and she could no longer utter a single sarcastic word.
Those who had previously held prejudices or looked down on Shui Xiu's identity were now speechless.
Facts speak louder than words.
The Empress's younger sister relied on her genuine talent and learning, which surpassed everyone else's.
This inaugural examination for female officials not only selected talented individuals, but also, in the most direct way, validated the new policies implemented by the Empress and vindicated Shui Xiu herself!
-
The next day.
On an auspicious day, the Ministry of Rites and the Palace Administration jointly posted a notice on the vermilion wall outside the Imperial City.
Before the imperial edict with its vermilion background and gold lettering, a large crowd gathered. All the women participating in the selection, their families and servants, and even the officials and spies in the court who were paying attention to the matter, held their breath and eagerly searched for the names on the edict.
When the words "Shui Xiu" (水秀, meaning "beautiful scenery") appeared prominently at the top of the list, an uncontrollable commotion erupted from the crowd.
Envy, amazement... a mix of emotions.
Then, a palace procession assembled and headed towards the Dengdi Inn.
Along the way, countless ordinary people had never seen such a spectacle before.
Some had heard about the first-ever examination for female officials in the palace, while others, who had no daughters or no daughters of marriageable age, had no interest in the matter at all.
Nowadays, royal processions are followed by a large number of onlookers.
When the people finally saw the sign for Dengdi Inn in the distance, they suddenly realized that the imperial ceremonial procession was not so unusual after all.
"They say the Dengdi Inn produces top scholars, how come another one has emerged?"
"What? This isn't the imperial examination system anymore, how could a top scholar suddenly emerge?"
"Didn't you guys hear about what happened a while ago... I think it was something about the palace recruiting female officials..."
"Female officials? These are people selected to be the emperor's concubines, right? If it's a selection process, then it's a selection process. Why call them female officials!"
"Honestly, how come you've never heard of this before..."
Outside the Dengdi Inn, the people were talking amongst themselves, whether with good intentions or bad, all waiting outside with curious expressions.
When the auspicious hour finally arrived, Shui Xiu, who was helping out in the kitchen, was called out by Zhou Yan and made to kneel in front of the imperial edict.
The palace eunuch, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, read it aloud:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: A woman of exceptional beauty, talent, virtue, and insight has emerged victorious in the inaugural examination for female officials and is hereby appointed as a sixth-rank female clerk..."
The eunuch's voice could be clearly heard even before the text was finished being read.
Someone in the crowd exclaimed in surprise.
"Wow, a female top scholar!"
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