At the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, candidates taking the imperial examination and some of their families gathered here, nervously waiting for the announcement of the results.
"Are the results really going to be announced today? Didn't it take about a month in previous years?"
"The notice has already been posted, how could it be fake?" He winked at the person asking the question meaningfully, "Don't you know why the imperial examination was moved forward this year? How could it be the same as in previous years?"
"Judging from the current situation, the palace examination should be soon." The person next to him added to himself.
"No way? It's only been a few days since the exam?"
Hearing this, some people couldn't help but sigh, "I don't know whether this situation this year is good or bad?"
"Of course it is! You have to know that this year's admission quota is more than double that of last year."
“There is relatively less time available to prepare for the exam.”
“So opportunities are reserved for those who have real talents and are always prepared.”
"So how did you do on the test?"
“I’ve finished writing it.”
“…”
When everyone was talking, the sound of gongs and drums was heard.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Jiang Yueyang, Kong Jijiu, and the Minister of Personnel walking side by side in the front.
The officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the academicians from the Imperial Academy who participated in the examination followed closely behind, and on both sides were officials holding gongs.
Soon, they arrived at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, in front of a group of students.
Jiang Yueyang saw at a glance Jiang Xun and Song Xihe standing in the front, as well as Fang Yu'an, Wen Jinnian, He Jing, Li Qinghuan and others who were a little further back.
She smiled at Jiang Xun and winked mischievously.
The Minister of Personnel turned his head and asked in a low voice: "Master Xiao Jiang, would you like to say a few words to the examinees?"
"No need, just tell me." Jiang Yueyang waved her hand to refuse.
The Minister of Personnel nodded, then looked at the candidates and said, "I know that all of you are eager to know whether you are on the list, but before that, I would like to say a few words.
The imperial examination is an exam to select talents for the imperial court. It is not a trade that can be traded with money, nor is it an activity that can be cheated for personal gain! I hope all students...keep this in mind.
The imperial court has decided to ban eight students who attempted to cheat on the imperial examination day from taking the examination for life. I hope all students will take this as a warning!
The palace examination is scheduled for three days later and will be presided over by His Majesty himself.
Finally, I wish all students a bright future and to become an honest and upright official loved by the people. "
All the candidates bowed and said, "We will definitely live up to your expectations."
The Minister of Personnel looked at an official from the Ministry of Personnel, and the official immediately understood what he meant and posted the list.
As the list gradually unfolded, the candidates' hearts were in their throats.
When the list was fully unfolded, they nervously looked for their names.
Those who found their names couldn't help but cheer, while those who didn't find their names lowered their eyes dejectedly, and some even couldn't help but beat their chests and cried loudly.
Li Qinghuan confidently started from the 100th place and soon found her name on the list. She ranked 69th this time.
Seeing this ranking, she couldn't help but look at Jiang Yueyang, and happened to meet the other person's gaze towards her.
Li Qinghuan told Jiang Yueyang with his eyes—I did it.
Jiang Yueyang responded with an encouraging smile, as if telling her to cheer up.
At this time, the Minister of Personnel handed over a scroll.
"Master Xiao Jiang, these are the top ten candidates. You are needed to announce their rankings."
Jiang Yueyang nodded and reached out to take the scroll.
"Bang!"
The official suddenly struck the gong, which startled the candidates and also drew their attention.
Jiang Yueyang cleared his throat, unfolded the scroll and said loudly: "The circumstances of this imperial examination are special. His Majesty has ordered to speed up the process and recruit talents. I am here to announce the top ten candidates. Everyone, please listen carefully."
The scene suddenly became quiet, with only the sound of the breeze gently blowing the corners of clothes.
"No. 10." Jiang Yueyang's eyes swept across the faces of several people, "Ren Sichen."
Ren Sichen, who originally thought he had failed the exam, was stunned at first when he heard his name, and then his eyes were filled with surprise.
The students who knew Ren Sichen all congratulated him, and he couldn't hide his excitement and smiled in response to their thanks.
"Ninth place, Lin Xuyao." Jiang Yueyang continued reading, "Eighth place, He Jing..."
As the names were read out one by one, the atmosphere became increasingly tense.
"No. 3..." Jiang Yueyang looked up from the list at someone in the crowd, "No. 3 is Fang Yu'an."
Song Xihe said excitedly: "Fang Yu'an, did you hear that? You are the third place!"
"I...I heard it, Miss Song."
He was the first place winner in the provincial examination. Although he failed to win two first places this time, he was still very satisfied with this result. (Students of the Imperial College can participate in the imperial examination without passing the various examinations.)
Jiang Yueyang continued to read: "No. 2, Wen Jinnian."
"ah!"
There was a sudden scream of surprise from the crowd, and everyone looked over instinctively and saw a girl wearing a veil.
Wen Jinnian looked the girl up and down, then curled his lips and walked towards her.
Jiang Yueyang raised her eyebrows slightly. Didn't the Minister of Personnel tell the princess the rankings? Why did he let the princess come to see the list in person?
She turned her head and looked at the Minister of Personnel, her eyes seemed to say that you are too ignorant.
The Minister of Personnel noticed the gazes coming from the side and couldn't help but turn his head to look over.
When he met Jiang Yueyang's gaze, he inexplicably understood the meaning of that look.
Minister of Personnel: “…”
After this little episode, Jiang Yueyang's gaze returned to the scroll.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Jiang Yueyang, curious about who would win the championship.
When Jiang Yueyang saw the last name, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise, and then she looked at Jiang Xun and said loudly: "No. 1, Jiang Xun!"
When Jiang Xun heard that he was first place, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly returned to his usual calm expression.
The candidates around him gathered around to congratulate him, and Jiang Xun bowed to thank them one by one.
Song Xihe also ran over and patted him on the shoulder, "You are worthy of being my nephew, well done!"
After announcing all the rankings, the Minister of Personnel and others did not stay long. They just reminded the candidates about the time of the palace examination and left.
Jiang Yueyang walked down the steps and came to Jiang Xun's side, looking at him with a smile in his eyes, "Brother, congratulations."
Jiang Xun smiled at her lovingly, then cupped his hands and said, "Master Jiang, congratulations."
At this time, on the other side, Lu Yunting brought Xu An and several of His Majesty's secret guards to the outside of Yaoling Valley.
The entire mountain peak of Yaoling Valley is filled with mist, like a fairyland.
As we got closer, we saw an unfinished chessboard at the entrance of Yaoling Valley. The black chess piece was surrounded by enemies on all sides and was in a desperate situation.
It is written on the stone wall: Black chess can enter the valley only after breaking the game.
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