The capital city of Yanjing, the government office of the Jingzhao Prefecture.
Outside the Jingzhao Prefecture government office, a queue stretched for miles.
And there are two such teams.
Zhong Tian and Zhong Shenxiu both joined the queue.
Zhong Tianpai's team was for the martial arts test, while Zhong Shenxiu's team was for the literary test.
"This is the scene of a dynasty of destiny!"
"A single imperial examination directly impacted the entire Burial Land of Immortals, drawing countless talents to the Primordial Dynasty. This is something no mortal dynasty could ever achieve."
Zhong Shenxiu stood in the queue, a look of amazement on his face. He had only been in line for a short while when hundreds of people had joined behind him, and the number was still increasing. Fortunately, the Jingzhao Prefecture was very efficient, registering people almost one after another.
After waiting for a cup of tea, it was time for Zhong Shenxiu.
"Name, age, registered residence".
"A clerk from the Jingzhao Prefecture said without even looking up."
“Zhong Shenxiu is eighty-seven years old and comes from Taishan County, Lu State.”
Zhong Shenxiu said without a smile.
The official from the Jingzhao Prefecture was taken aback. He looked up at Zhong Shenxiu, who was dressed in coarse cloth, with snow-white hair and beard, yet appeared vigorous, and said in surprise, "Old sir, are you going to participate in the imperial examination of our Taichu Dynasty?"
"Indeed, I am going to take the imperial examination."
Zhong Shenxiu nodded slightly and said.
"Okay, sir. I have recorded the location and examination room for the first county-level examination of the imperial examination. We will announce it together. You can come here to pick up a certificate when the time comes."
The official from the Jingzhao Prefecture hesitated for a moment, then quickly recorded Zhong Shenxiu's information.
"Thank you for your trouble."
Zhong Shenxiu thanked the official from the Jingzhao Prefecture and then walked aside to leave with Zhong Tian, who had already registered.
The official from the Jingzhao Prefecture gestured to a yamen runner next to him and then called out, "Next."
The constable quickly left.
After a while.
Outside the Imperial Palace, outside the Qianqing Palace.
"Your Majesty, I have important matters to discuss with you."
Nangong Qingyue seemed to appear out of thin air outside the Qianqing Palace, and spoke to those inside with utmost respect.
"Come in."
Li Jing put down the memorial in his hand and said calmly.
Nangong Qingyue entered the Qianqing Palace, bowed to Li Jing, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities, just speak, what is it?"
Li Jing said calmly.
"Your Majesty, we have just received a message from the Jingzhao Prefecture that Zhong Shenxiu, the former prime minister of the State of Lu, has arrived in Yanjing City of our Taichu Dynasty and has registered to participate in this imperial examination."
Nangong Qingyue said with a solemn expression, "Zhong Shenxiu became the Prime Minister of Lu at the age of twenty-seven and held power in Lu for fifty years."
During the time when Zhong Shenxiu was in charge of the government of Lu, the state was politically stable and prosperous, the people lived in peace and contentment, and the national treasury was full.
He was considered to possess extraordinary talent and the ability to govern the country, truly a talent fit to be a king's advisor!
"oh?"
Li Jing's face lit up with interest as he said, "How come I've never heard you mention this person before?"
From Nangong Qingyue's introduction, Li Jing knew that this person was definitely a rare talent in the Burial Ground of Immortals.
A person who can be called a king's advisor is not someone to be trifled with!
"Because Zhong Shenxiu has been retired and returned to his hometown for ten years."
"Whether in governing the country or in military affairs, he was exceptionally capable."
"He has no talent for martial arts."
"In addition, he is quite old, so my astronomical bureau has not been able to collect his information."
"I never expected that he would actually come to our Taichu Dynasty to register for the imperial examination."
After considering for a moment, Nangong Qingyue spoke to Li Jing.
Li Jing pondered for a moment, then asked Nangong Qingyue, "Do you know where Zhong Shenxiu is now?"
"Your Majesty, after Zhong Shenxiu arrived in Yanjing City of our Taichu Dynasty, he immediately went to the Jingzhao Prefecture to register for the imperial examination, and then went to the Zhong residence."
"This Zhong Mansion was purchased by Zhong family assassins who arrived in Yanjing City a day in advance."
Nangong Qingyue replied without hesitation.
"Come, take me to see Zhong Shenxiu. I want to see this talent, a potential advisor to the king, for myself!"
Li Jing suddenly stood up and said to Nangong Qingyue.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey your command."
Nangong Qingyue responded and then disappeared into the Qianqing Palace.
Li Jing took a step forward and quickly followed.
Zhao Li hurriedly followed.
In no time at all.
Nangong Qingyue led Li Jing and Zhao Li to the outside of a mansion called Zhong Mansion.
Li Jing gave Nangong Qingyue a look.
Nangong Qingyue understood and walked to the gate of the Zhong family mansion. She said to the Zhong family guards, "Please inform them that Nangong Qingyue, the Grand Director of the Sky Patrol Division of the Taichu Dynasty, has come to visit."
"Please wait a moment, esteemed guest, I will inform them immediately!"
Upon hearing Nangong Qingyue's words, the expressions of several Zhong family assassins changed slightly. One of them quickly reacted, said something to her, and then strode towards the Zhong residence.
Soon, two footsteps approached the main gate of the Zhong residence.
It was Zhong Shenxiu, the head of the Zhong family, and Zhong Tian.
When Zhong Shenxiu arrived at the main gate of the Zhong residence and saw Nangong Qingyue, Li Jing, and Zhao Li, he paused for a moment, then quickly stepped forward, knelt down, and said with a respectful expression, "This humble subject, Zhong Shenxiu, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
"This humble subject, Zhong Tian, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Zhong Tian's face showed shock, and he hurriedly knelt down as well.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Several of Zhong family assassins knelt down and paid their respects.
"No need for such formalities."
Li Jing waved his hand and said to Zhong Shenxiu and the others.
Li Jing didn't care at all how Zhong Shenxiu recognized him.
Although he stood behind Nangong Qingyue, appearing to be in Nangong Qingyue's shoes.
But Zhong Shenxiu is a man of great stature; it would be strange if he didn't realize that he was the one truly in charge.
Unless he is unworthy of his reputation and has only a hollow name!
"Your Majesty, please."
Zhong Shenxiu excitedly extended her hand to Li Jing in invitation.
Although he believed he possessed extraordinary talent, how could he not be excited that the Emperor of the Taichu Dynasty personally came to visit him simply because he had just arrived in Yanjing City of the Taichu Dynasty and registered for the imperial examination?
This is the ruler of a dynasty ruled by destiny, far surpassing the rulers of ordinary dynasties!
Even with his years of cultivating his inner strength, he couldn't maintain his composure at this moment.
Li Jing smiled calmly and, led by Zhong Shenxiu, entered the Zhong residence, proceeding to the main hall where he sat down in the seat of honor.
Looking at Zhong Shenxiu, who had regained his composure and calmness, Li Jing said with a smile, "Old Master Zhong is very talented. He does not need to participate in the imperial examination of my Taichu Dynasty. He can directly enter the civil service and serve as the Minister of Personnel of my Taichu Dynasty. What do you think, Old Master Zhong?"
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