Chapter 254 Passing the Imperial Examination (First Update)
The emperor was reviewing the examination papers of the candidates in the Golden Palace, with the Minister of Rites, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, and several Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet standing beside him.
Although the exam papers were graded by several people, the emperor would still question them if he had any doubts.
Everyone was very nervous, but the most nervous of all was the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies.
Of course, not all the examination papers presented to His Majesty were clean. Some were mixed in with candidates whom their respective factions wanted to promote. These candidates were certainly not bad in terms of ability; those who were too bad would not have made it to the palace examination.
The fear was that the emperor might not approve of their work and single them out, requiring a re-selection from the papers ranked 20th or lower. This was rare, but it did happen.
After the emperor finished reading each exam paper, if it was placed on the right, it meant it had passed and could be kept; if it was placed on the left, it meant there was objection.
Papers with objections are unlikely to be ranked in the top tier, but they also generally won't fall into the top three.
The emperor has already reviewed ten examination papers, and so far there have been no cases of papers being missed.
The weather is nice today. The Imperial Study is quiet, with only a gentle spring breeze blowing in from outside.
The exam paper was blown up by a corner, and Eunuch Wei quickly grabbed a yellow jade Pixiu paperweight to weigh it down.
The emperor didn't look up, but he was very pleased with Eunuch Wei's thoughtfulness; he was indeed an old man who had been by his side for many years.
The emperor coughed softly, and Eunuch Wei quickly handed him a cup of hot tea.
Look, even the tea temperature is just right.
"Your Majesty, you've been reviewing documents all morning, please take a rest," Minister Li advised with concern. "Your health is of utmost importance."
"I'm fine." He was just a little feverish. That's the downside of being an emperor; even the slightest disturbance could cause chaos. That's why he didn't like to admit he was unwell.
The emperor took a sip of tea and continued grading the exam papers. He had just finished grading the papers of Yuan Yu and Ning Zhiyuan, a talented scholar from Jiangnan, whose papers were currently ranked in the top three.
The overall strength of this year's candidates is more outstanding than that of previous imperial examinations, making the selection process much more difficult.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies was one of the people who tampered with the exam papers. He knew that the emperor would soon be reviewing Xiao Liulang's exam paper, which had a low score, placing him at the bottom of the top twenty.
There was a reason for this. He had written treasonous words, but he was still allowed in because he was the top scholar in the imperial examination. The top scholar's examination papers were not to be reviewed, which was a customary rule. Even if they were to review them, it wouldn't be up to them; the emperor himself would have to do it.
Everything was so perfect.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies kept his eyes fixed on the second exam paper that was pressed down.
The emperor finished grading Song Ping's exam paper but was not very satisfied, so he placed it on the left.
Minister Li's heart sank. Song Ping was his protégé, so it seemed there was no hope for him.
The emperor reached out and took down an examination paper. It belonged to a candidate named Zhu Guangmao, a poor scholar with no special background. He had not performed particularly well in the imperial examinations and ranked only in the teens in the local provincial examinations, so he had not yet attracted the interest of any political party.
After his work is revised, it will be Xiao Liulang's turn.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies was on tenterhooks. Although he was sure there wouldn't be any problems, he had done something wrong and felt a little guilty. He wondered what would happen if the emperor recognized that it wasn't Xiao Liulang's handwriting.
In fact, the imitation of the characters is so good that even Xiao Liulang himself might not be able to tell at a glance that it is a forgery, let alone the emperor.
Just as the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies was feeling nervous and uneasy, a eunuch suddenly announced from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Zhuang requests an audience."
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies shifted his gaze from Xiao Liulang's examination paper to the doorway.
Why did Grand Tutor Zhuang come over at this time?
The emperor put the examination paper he had just picked up back down and said to the door, "Summon them."
"Yes," the eunuch replied. "His Majesty summons Grand Tutor Zhuang to an audience—"
Eunuch Wei shrugged. This was a newly appointed eunuch whom he had promoted. He was too conventional in his work. His Majesty had long since abandoned such strict rules.
What's there to announce? Just let them in.
Grand Tutor Zhuang was also taken aback. He had originally planned to walk in openly and gracefully, and bowed with his hands clasped in a curtsy. However, the new eunuch had made the scene so formal that he had to kneel down and perform a kneeling ceremony for the emperor after entering the imperial study.
The emperor waved his hand dismissively, signaling Grand Tutor Zhuang to rise: "What is it, Grand Tutor?"
The ministers also bowed to Grand Tutor Zhuang.
After bowing in response, Grand Tutor Zhuang looked at the emperor and said solemnly, "I have something to report."
"Now?" His Majesty looked at him.
"Yes," Grand Tutor Zhuang replied, bowing.
Minister Li tactfully said, "Then we shall take our leave."
"Yes," the emperor agreed.
After leaving the Imperial Study, Minister Li and his entourage did not go far; they had tea in a nearby side hall.
The emperor's gaze fell on Grand Tutor Zhuang's face once more: "What's the matter that's so urgent? Can't you wait until I've finished grading the exam papers?"
Grand Tutor Zhuang glanced discreetly at the exam papers on the table and saw that Xiao Liulang's was the second one he was about to grade. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He stepped forward and said, "On my way back just now, I suddenly remembered that the Empress Dowager's birthday is in a few days. I... dare to go to the temporary palace to visit the Empress Dowager."
The Emperor paused, put down his imperial brush, lowered his eyes, took a sip of tea, and then looked at Grand Tutor Zhuang and said, "The Empress Dowager is not feeling well. The imperial physician said that she should not be exposed to the wind or receive guests. I will send someone to the temporary palace later to see if the Empress Dowager is feeling better, and then inform the Grand Tutor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Grand Tutor Zhuang bowed deeply. As he stood up, he seemingly accidentally bumped into the examination papers on the table. A stack of examination papers knocked over the emperor's teacup, and the teacup fell to the ground.
"I deserve to die!" He hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness and frantically picked up the exam papers.
Eunuch Wei hurriedly went to check if the emperor had been scalded by the tea, and the emperor also lowered his head to brush the water droplets off his body.
Taking advantage of the moment when the two were not paying attention, Grand Tutor Zhuang hid Xiao Liulang's examination paper in his left sleeve and took out Xiao Liulang's original paper from his right sleeve and put it inside the examination paper.
...
After leaving the palace, Grand Tutor Zhuang met Marquis Xuanping, whose hands were tucked into hand warmers.
It's April already, and I don't know why people still use this kind of thing.
Marquis Xuanping had a cold and stern look and a profound temperament, but as Grand Tutor Zhuang walked over, he raised an eyebrow with a rather unrestrained air: "Oh, Grand Tutor, you're quite fast. You're still as sharp as ever."
Grand Tutor Zhuang was so angry that he felt a lump in his throat, unable to utter a word: "I've already put the exam paper back, so why don't you release the Prince right now!"
"Release him if you will," Marquis Xuanping said, turning his head with an irritating tone. "Chang Jing."
Chang Jing threw Prince An out of the carriage—
Grand Tutor Zhuang: "..."
The driver of the Zhuang family was also released and hurriedly carried Prince An to his own carriage. Prince An was injured, and blood was flowing freely from one of his legs.
Grand Tutor Zhuang's fists clenched so tightly they cracked.
Marquis Xuanping said, "Hurry up and heal his wounds. Do you want him to become a cripple? Tsk tsk tsk, what kind of grandfather are you? You don't care about your own grandson at all."
Grand Tutor Zhuang nearly exploded on the spot.
Don't you have any idea how my grandson got hurt? How could you have the nerve to say something like that?
This is infuriating! This guy is absolutely infuriating!
"Hmph, do you think he can definitely get first place like this?" Grand Tutor Zhuang had seen Xiao Liulang's exam paper, and to be honest, it was indeed well done.
Unfortunately, Prince An had already discussed this policy question with the ruler of Chen back in the Chen Kingdom. At that time, Prince An did not know that the imperial examination would include a similar question; he was simply listening to the ruler of Chen Kingdom talk about the way to govern the country and maintain peace.
Xiao Liulang was indeed a man of great talent and learning. He was eloquent, his words were substantial, and he quoted classical texts in a way that made him convincing. However, he was not a true politician, and he was not as experienced as a monarch in governing a country.
Therefore, what the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies said was true; the two examination papers were indeed equally excellent. Furthermore, the examination papers of Ning Zhiyuan, a talented scholar from Jiangnan, and Yuan Yu, the grandson of the Grand Secretary Yuan, were also outstanding.
Even if Your Majesty doesn't favor Zhuang Jia, surely you won't favor Chief Minister Yuan? Chief Minister Yuan is a veteran of three reigns.
Grand Tutor Zhuang snorted coldly and said, "Don't be too happy yet, the top scholar may not necessarily be that kid!"
Marquis Xuanping remained calm: "I won't listen, it's just nonsense."
Grand Tutor Zhuang: "...!!"
You're the bastard!
Who on earth is this person?!
Grand Tutor Zhuang cannot stay any longer; if he stays any longer, he will die young.
Grand Tutor Zhuang turned and left!
Marquis Xuanping tilted his head and smiled, "Take care, I won't see you off."
At this moment, in the Imperial Study, the Emperor was indeed hesitant about how to rank the top three candidates. Grand Tutor Zhuang had served the Emperor for many years and had a certain understanding of him. In terms of the depth of the essays, Prince An's exam paper was the most thought-provoking; while in terms of literary talent and the overall vision of the candidates, Xiao Liulang's paper was more to the Emperor's liking; however, Ning Zhiyuan's and Yuan Yu's exam papers were not bad either.
Of the four, the youngest is Xiao Liulang, who is eighteen years old; Prince An is nineteen; Yuan Yu is twenty-five; and Ning Zhiyuan is the oldest, at thirty.
As for their backgrounds, Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Liulang came from humble families, while Prince An and Yuan Yu came from high-ranking families.
Oh, by the way, isn't Xiao Liulang the little cripple?
The emperor frowned as he thought of the cane he had seen.
...
All the candidates and their families in the capital began a long and anxious wait for the results. Although most of them had become Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), or at the very least Tongjinshi (successful candidates in the same imperial examinations), no one was willing to actually become a Tongjinshi.
The incense at Puji Temple has become popular again, reportedly because it is full of students taking exams who come to worship.
In Bishui Hutong, the family seemed nonchalant, but in reality, they were all restless.
The old lady stopped stealing candied fruit and playing cards. Instead, she ordered the old priest to buy skewers on the street every day, which was actually just to gather information.
These past few days, Yao has stopped making pastries and has been visiting her neighbors at dawn, actually waiting for news.
Xiao Jingkong has been studying very hard these past few days. He's always worried that his bad brother-in-law won't pass the exam, and then the family will still have to rely on him.
When he grows up, he'll become the top scholar in the imperial examination for Jiaojiao!
The results were announced on April 27th. Because the list of successful candidates was written on yellow paper, it was also called the Golden List.
The successful candidates could not wait at home for notification; they had to enter the palace to receive their official appointments. Only after they were officially appointed would the results be posted in various government offices and examination halls in the capital.
At dawn, Gu Jiao and Xiao Liulang got up. After a simple breakfast, Gu Jiao saw Xiao Liulang off to Liu Quan's carriage.
"The results won't be released for a while, don't wait," Xiao Liulang said to Gu Jiao.
"Okay, sure." Gu Jiao nodded.
Xiao Liulang lowered the curtain, then, as if remembering something, pulled it open again.
Gu Jiao looked at him: "What's wrong?"
Xiao Liulang hesitated, then said, "It's nothing. It's still early. Go back to sleep for a while."
Gu Jiao smiled and said, "Okay."
Xiao Liulang glanced at her, but ultimately said nothing. He lowered the curtain and took a carriage to the palace.
The candidates had almost arrived, including Feng Lin, Lin Chengye, and Du Ruohan.
Feng Lin was so nervous during the palace examination that he fell ill after returning home. Fortunately, Lin Chengye and Steward Zhou took care of him and helped him recover from his illness.
I've heard that some people fell seriously ill and died, so the path of the imperial examinations is not easy.
Feng Lin had just recovered from a serious illness, and his face was still somewhat pale.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, a commotion suddenly broke out at the back of the crowd, and then Prince An was seen walking over, supported by several servants.
"Huh?" Du Ruohan's eyes widened in surprise. "Why is his leg lame too?"
Xiao Liulang was also quite surprised. He glanced at the other party, and coincidentally, Prince An was also looking at him. Their eyes met, and Xiao Liulang clearly sensed a hint of coldness in Prince An's eyes.
Xiao Liulang didn't understand, nor did he take it to heart.
He's just an insignificant person. What does it matter whether he likes me or hates me?
The group entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the order indicated by the quotation marks. The tables and cushions from the palace examination had been removed, and the hall was bright, spacious, and ancient, yet it was made even more solemn and dignified by the presence of the emperor, Grand Tutor Zhuang, Chief Minister Yuan, and other cabinet ministers.
Led by the master of ceremonies, the group kowtowed to the emperor, after which Eunuch Wei presented the list to the emperor.
The candidates were about ten feet away from the emperor, which was actually quite far. Some people mustered up their courage to catch a glimpse of the emperor's face, but before they could even raise their heads, they were overwhelmed by the emperor's imposing presence and could hardly breathe.
The emperor disliked such cryptic pronouncements and went straight to announcing the top three in the first-class ranking.
“Ning Zhiyuan, a candidate from Yaocheng, Gongzhou, ranked third in the first class of the imperial examination in the fourth month of the Gengwu year, and was granted the title of Jinshi Jidi.”
Ning Zhiyuan was stunned, and the candidates were shocked. This...this...this is the third-ranked scholar?
"Ahem!" The eunuch beside him gave the bewildered Ning Zhiyuan a wink.
Ning Zhiyuan quickly regained his composure, stepped out of the ranks, and walked to the emperor. He stopped at the designated spot, lifted his robe, and performed the three kowtows and nine prostrations, choking back tears as he said, "Your subject, Ning Zhiyuan, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your grace! Long live the Emperor!"
The emperor told him to rise, and then read out: "Zhuang Yuheng, the second-ranked scholar in the first class of the imperial examinations in the fourth month of the Gengwu year, is hereby granted the title of Jinshi."
Everyone immediately turned to look at Prince An.
Prince An is... the second-place scholar?
That was somewhat unexpected.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Prince An's heart. Dragging his injured leg, he approached the Emperor amidst the envious and astonished gazes of the crowd, and knelt down to perform the three kowtows and nine prostrations: "Your subject, Zhuang Yuheng, kowtows in gratitude for the Emperor's grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The emperor glanced at Prince An but said nothing.
Next up is the top scorer.
The emperor's gaze lingered for a moment on Yuan Yu, the grandson of the chief minister, before he opened the register and announced loudly: "Xiao Liulang, first place in the first class of the imperial examination in the fourth month of the Gengwu year!"
Yuan, the chief minister: Did you enjoy being a little cheeky?
Emperor: o(*￣︶￣*)o
Also, are you guys in the comments section serious about wanting to be Liu Lang's stepmother? ←_←
(End of this chapter)
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