A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 286 The Three-Tailed Husband
Following the order of Cai Qi from the Ministry of Rites, the Imperial Guards, fully armored and in full helmets, led the way.

The band played the piece "Eternal Joy," which was passed down from the Tang Dynasty.

Cai Qi gestured to Song Xuan, the top scholar, to be the first to leave, and that no other scholar should overtake him.

Song Xuan gently nudged the horse's belly, and Di Qing led the reins towards the Donghua Gate.

The gold belt was not visible from a distance, but Song Xuan, riding a white horse, wearing a gold flower in his hair, and with a handsome face, was the first to walk, with everyone else lagging behind, making him even more eye-catching.

Zhu Yu, who was standing on the side, was the first to spot him.

It has to be admitted that being able to pass the imperial examination at such a young age, parade through the streets on horseback, and become the first person to do so, always makes people unconsciously put a filter on Song Xuan.

Zhu Yu was momentarily stunned!
Song Ming, on the other hand, was in a great mood and immediately jumped up and down, waving his arms:
"Twelfth Brother!"

Song Xuan looked over and waved in response, calling out "Seventh Brother".

Song Ming immediately felt his face glow with glory.

He knew his twelfth brother wouldn't turn his back on him just because he passed the imperial examination with top honors.

When we're away from home, we're all family.

Song Ming also wanted to call his fifth brother to see how impressive his twelfth brother looked.

But Fifth Brother Song Hao huddled in the crowd, not even raising his head, looking completely lost and dejected.

Song Hao didn't want to see Song Xuan's smug smile; he should have been the one riding first.

In his mind, fate just loves to play tricks on people!
Some people, when faced with failure, never consider that it is their own fault, but instead push all the responsibility onto others.

Song Xuan and Zhu Yu high-fived as they passed by.

Zhu Yu snorted, seemingly unaffected by her failure to pass the exam.

He felt that Song Xuan did it on purpose.

Song Xuan understood as well.

He was then led out of the cave by Di Qing on horseback.

"I'm coming."

"It's finally out."

The music started playing first.

Next to walk through the city gate were the golden-armored giants who cleared the way.

Then came the band.

Then Song Xuan, riding a white horse, emerged from the dark Donghua Gate, immediately eliciting cheers.

"The top scholar has arrived!"

At the sound of the roar, the people of Tokyo eagerly craned their necks to see Song Xuan's face.

Some people even wanted to touch Song Xuan a couple of times, just to absorb some of his literary aura and get a good omen.

The top scholar of the Song Dynasty who passed all three levels of the imperial examinations.

This is truly a rare sight.

Fortunately, there were guards who stopped the frenzied crowd; otherwise, Song Xuan's golden belt might have been snatched away by the others.

Li Junyou shouted loudly, knowing that the Li family would also have a chance to benefit in the future.

After all, his father and his family were really useless, so his grandfather always hoped to preserve the family's wealth and status through marriage.

Otherwise, the money he embezzled during Emperor Zhenzong's reign would not have been easy to keep.

Zhao Yundi, who was also watching the spectacle, looked at the top scholar Song Xuan, who was parading through the streets on horseback, with a complicated expression.

He had just been released, but now his official position had been revoked, and he could only rely on his father, Zhao Yuanyan, for food, clothing, and daily necessities.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't angry!
But after listening to his father's earnest admonitions, he could only swallow his anger and endure it.

When Song Xuan was just a candidate for the imperial examination, he dared to provoke me. Now he has become the top scholar in the Song Dynasty and an official.

With the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's favor, how could they not be arrogant?
Let him fight with the Chen brothers first; you'll get your revenge then.

Zhao Yundi had no choice but to listen to his father, otherwise he would still be imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court.

Chen Yaozi's son looked at the smug Song Xuan, while Chen Xianggu's face turned ashen, wishing he could drag Song Xuan off his horse.

But in the noisy crowd, no one cared about a few ugly faces.

Crowds thronged both sides of the Imperial Street in Tokyo, with people eagerly gathering to see the newly appointed scholars.

The windows of teahouses and taverns were all wide open.

The bookstore owner was overjoyed and told his employees to hurry up and sell the collection of essays by the top scholar.

This is a collection of Song Xuan's works that he collected privately, and he even got Song Xuan's imperial examination essays through someone.

All this effort is for the sake of making a fortune today.

"Three hundred coins a book? Why don't you just rob it?"

"I'm sorry, we're sold out for today. If you'd like some, please come back tomorrow."

The bookstore owner wore a smile on his face, and even though he was asking for 300 coins, people were still buying from the surging crowd.

Everyone's chasing after the new top scorer, right?

Di Qing's hometown also produced Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), but none were as enthusiastic as those from the capital city of Tokyo.

He was about the same age as Song Xuan, and was also at an age where he wanted to show off.

Now, seeing the cheers of the people around him, Di Qing felt even more envious.

Song Xuan was also somewhat surprised by the surging crowd.

After all, when people are crowded together, stampedes can easily occur.

Even though the street was crowded with people, the second-floor windows were already throwing incense and handkerchiefs at Song Xuan, like snowflakes falling.

They were all girls, and they didn't care at all whether Song Xuan was engaged or not.

This may be the boldest thing they have ever done.

Song Xuan reached out and grabbed the handkerchief, waved to the young women by the window, and then threw the handkerchief back.

It's a pity it fell next to a passerby.

Song Xuan's actions prompted a large number of young women to throw things at him.

Before long, Di Qing's arms were filled with many silk handkerchiefs and incense.

When the time comes, we can sell them and get more money for alcohol to treat our colleagues to drinks.

Anyway, Di Qing is now living in the military camp, so he doesn't need to rush to save money when he receives his monthly salary.

The cost of living in Tokyo is indeed quite high.

There were also many leftover handkerchiefs and various incense sticks on Song Xuan's white horse, some even still warm from his body.

"The people of Tokyo are so warm and welcoming."

Zhang Fangping was standing next to Song Xuan, her head also covered with a handkerchief:
"Twelfth Brother, I'm afraid someone might actually kidnap me and take me as their son-in-law."

Because he really hadn't gotten engaged yet, Wang had been protecting him ever since the provincial exam results were announced.

Wang Bao's physique deterred those who came to abduct him.

"Let them take it if they want."

Song Xuan said nonchalantly, "It depends on you. For example, Han Qi and I are already engaged, and we might get married this year."

"what?"

Zhang Fangping exclaimed in surprise:
"So fast?"

Everyone has just passed the imperial examination with flying colors, and they're already thinking about getting married?
Zhang Fangping was still having trouble accepting the change in his identity.

"If you don't believe me, ask Han Liulang."

Han Qi nodded in agreement.

That's what he means; he plans to go home and get married.

Then he took his wife and mother with him to take up his post in another place.

"Wouldn't that mean I'd have to attend a lot of weddings?"

Zhang Fangping sighed softly:

"If I'm the only one who hasn't gotten married by then, won't the role of best man at your weddings fall solely on my shoulders?"

Song Xuan laughed twice, ignoring Zhang Fangping.

The group chatted and laughed as they headed toward the Great Xiangguo Temple.

At Donghuamen Square, Zhao Zhen heeded the advice and went directly to talk to the students who had failed the imperial examinations.

This immediately moved the group of students who had failed their exams.

After all, who wouldn't envy those newly appointed scholars who rode horses through the streets and enjoyed the admiring gazes of the crowd?
They also wanted to be one of them.

Unfortunately, they ultimately lacked the necessary strength.

Now that the government has taken the initiative to encourage them, many students burst into tears.

As Zhao Zhen listened to the words of gratitude from these unsuccessful students, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

He could even see a student with gray hair in the crowd.

But that's how the imperial examinations were conducted.

It has always been the case that those who rank higher become officials, while those who rank lower fail; otherwise, there simply wouldn't be so many places in the world to appoint people to official positions.

Not only the Jinshi degree, but also the Mingjing degree, which admitted even more people.

The Song Dynasty truly did not have much space to accommodate everyone.

Zhao Zhen could only encourage everyone to do well in the next palace examination, and even gave them some advice.

Those with ideas should first take up a position or travel to study at Yingtian Academy. Not only can they teach other students, but they can also hone their own writing style.

When the teacher examines the students' essays and other errors, he may be able to avoid making the same mistakes himself.

In this way, the chances of passing the imperial examination would actually increase.

Zhao Zhen never expected that he would come up with this idea.

In his view, once the list of the top scholars in the fifth year of Tiansheng was spread, Yingtian Academy would surely become famous throughout the world.

However, most of them went to study, and very few thought about becoming teachers.

After Fan Zhongyan was transferred to Tokyo to serve as an official, the pressure on his successor as dean was still quite great, and there were not enough teachers.

Even if many of these people failed the imperial examinations, Zhao Zhen believed that they could still thrive as teachers in local areas and perhaps cultivate more talent for the Song Dynasty in the future.

Zhu Yu couldn't help but smile as she listened to the emperor's words. It seemed that her twelfth brother had quite a bit of influence over the emperor.

Such a method of appeasing people is not something an ordinary person could come up with.

How many people present would be willing to not take the exam?
The allure of the imperial examinations for scholars was something even the emperors of the Song Dynasty could not control.

Not to mention the newly appointed scholars, represented by Song Xuan, who had just passed by in the imperial examinations and achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations.

Listen to the clamor of the people outside the palace; who could resist the temptation of such exposure?

Gain both fame and fortune!
With the emperor's departure, the students were released from the palace.

Zhao Zhen stood on the city wall, looking at the people outside the imperial city.

At this point, most people left, having followed the marching crowd.

Zhao Zhen stood with his hands behind his back, unable to suppress the smile on his face.

This year is great!
I am young, and my twelfth brother and the others are young too.

The simultaneous occurrence of three consecutive hits and three consecutive hits with the tail is truly a once-in-a-millennium event!
Zhao Zhen felt that his luck as emperor would be extremely good.

Could the Song Dynasty's fortune be anything but bad?
Although he had received his father's warning that there were no immortals in the world, everything he did was for the sake of consolidating the Zhao Song imperial power.

However, the concept of destiny still held considerable sway in the Song Dynasty.

Looking at the bustling city of Tokyo outside, Zhao Zhen felt a surge of ambition filling his chest, and he longed to make a name for himself.

"But when will I be able to rule in my own right?"

No one answered Zhao Zhen's inner thoughts; he simply glanced back at the situation inside the palace.

The officials dispersed, some carrying out their duties, others returning to their respective offices.

"Fan Xiwen, I have transferred you to the capital. Who can succeed you as the headmaster of Yingtian Academy?"

"Wang Zhu".

Fan Zhongyan said with absolute certainty:
“Although this young man is young, he is bold and decisive. Mr. Zhang Shide and other teachers are getting old and either ill or in poor health. We can appoint Zhang Shide as the dean and Wang Zhu as the vice dean. Wang Zhu can handle the specific affairs of the academy.”

"Wang Zhu?"

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow: "I think I've heard this name before."

"Many of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) of the second year of the Tiansheng era, including Song Xuan, Han Qi, Zhang Fangping, Wang Yaochen, and Fan Xiang, all came from the top class he taught."

"Very well, I am willing to trust Fan Xiwen's judgment."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly.

After all, thanks to Yan Shu's efforts, Yingtian Academy had become an official school.

The fact that the top five schools are now dominating the rankings will only push Yingtian Academy to the throne of the number one academy in the world.

Fan Zhongyan's successor was capable and was also a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations)!
Emperor Zhao Zhen decided to personally issue an imperial edict to Wang Zhu to encourage him and also to bestow upon him a minor official title as a form of encouragement.

These were all honorary titles held by civil servants without any actual official positions, and they also provided them with an additional salary.

It can be said that Wang Zhu suddenly became the most awesome "teacher" in the entire Song Dynasty, with four of the top five students coming from his class.

Even the great Confucian scholars Liu Yun and Feng Yuan, who were spending their time in Tokyo at that time, did not achieve such results.

They are simply academically gifted and have taught a large number of students, but they have never encountered such a cluster of outstanding students.

When Song Xuan and other newly appointed scholars arrived at the Daxiangguo Temple, they began to pay homage to Confucius and Mencius under the guidance of Cai Qi, an official from the Ministry of Rites, and held a series of ceremonies.

The people of Tokyo surrounded the place so tightly that it was impossible to move. If it weren't for the dazzling swords and spears of the Imperial Guards, they might have dared to kidnap the scholars and stuff them into their daughters' beds.

Shi Xiaosun stood ramrod straight, his brother-in-law becoming the first "three-tailed gentleman" in thousands of years!
The Shi family had previously been relieved of their military power over a cup of wine, and they didn't need the title of "Three Scholars" to elevate their status, because they didn't even dare to dream of it.

She just wanted to have a brother-in-law who was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

None of the brothers expected that Song Xuan would introduce them to more than just a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations)!
This kind of luck alone is beyond what ordinary people can compare to.

The Shi brothers were extremely satisfied.

Shi Yuansun immediately stopped performing his duties and jogged out of the palace to follow his younger brother, now standing beside him:

"I'll have to send a generous gift to thank the top scholar later!"

"When he gets married, our family will definitely send him a generous gift."

Shi Yuansun doesn't value money at all.

But once he was no longer short of money and found himself in the vortex of fame and fortune in Tokyo, he came to a profound understanding that money sometimes cannot solve many problems.

Whether they can even preserve the family's vast wealth is still an unknown!
Power is the most important thing.

Investing in newly appointed scholars was a common practice in the Song Dynasty officialdom.

Most of them had to pass the provincial examination first, and then open the blind box in the palace examination.

Otherwise, once someone in your family becomes a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), they will have enough confidence, and if you try to curry favor with them at that point, the significance will be greatly diminished.

As the "big brother," Song Xuan, under the guidance of Cai Qi, an official from the Ministry of Rites, acted as the leader and had a lot of odd jobs.

By this time, it's time for lunch.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites also provided meals, or you could leave if you didn't want to eat.

They awaited the imperial banquet to be held so that they could gather again.

Song Xuan didn't leave first. It was already this late, and there were crowds of people outside. He didn't know when he would be able to eat.

He took his "lunchbox" and ate it right there at the Xiangguo Temple.

Han Qi and the others all sat down around it.

Ruan Yi smiled and said, "Twelfth Brother, I really didn't expect to be on the list."

Hu Yuan and Zhang Yuan, who lived with him, all failed the exam.

In addition, Ruan Yi was already on the verge of death before, who would have thought that things would turn out this way?
It's like stepping into heaven or hell.

"If one survives, there will be future fortunes."

Ruan Yi smiled; he never expected things to turn out this way!
He was appointed as the military commissioner of Zhenjiang, a rank of eighth grade, which was not bad.

Ruan Yi smiled knowingly upon hearing this.

When Song Xuan handed him a gold leaf when he was destitute, he felt like he was dreaming, and he couldn't believe that he could survive and achieve what he has today.

"Twelfth brother is right."

Fan Xiang couldn't hide his smile no matter what: "Your Majesty is praising me as the Three-Tailed Gentleman!"

"Yo yo~ yo!"

Song Xuan joked:
"Unprecedented and unparalleled, you, Fan Xiang, are truly one of a kind! Only high-ranking officials in the imperial court can be called 'Prime Minister.' You have a bright future ahead of you!"

Fan Xiang chuckled; he had been overwhelmed by a huge surprise today.

Bao Zheng then spoke up, saying, "I never expected Brother Zhu to fail the exam."

"Yes."

Han Qi echoed in agreement.

Although he was not talkative, he was aware of Zhu Yu's strength.

"Perhaps Zhu Dalang is not good at this policy question, after all, none of us have guessed the exam question correctly."

Song Xuan gave an explanation, but quickly moved on, and the group became engrossed in a heated discussion.

After they finished eating, they had to ride back to Donghua Gate, at least to retrieve their clothes and return their military horses.

These horses are extremely valuable!
Many of the newly appointed scholars were extremely excited after today's parade.

Song Xuan and the others were no exception; they didn't sleep until they were completely drunk after returning home.

News of the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) was promptly relayed back to their hometowns by government officials.

Song Xuan's examination paper concerned his status in the household registration system. The news was not sent to the bookstore in Yingtianfu Songcheng, but instead went directly to Ningling County.

At the same time, the local magistrate was also notified.

When the county magistrate heard that a top scholar had emerged from his jurisdiction and achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, he was overjoyed, for this meant he was about to be promoted!
Where did the top scholar of the Song Dynasty live?

The county magistrate immediately ordered people to prepare official residences and sedan chairs for him, and also to arrange a ceremonial guard.

As the local "tyrant," he could command most people to get moving at a moment's notice.

Which Song Dynasty scholar was it?

"But is it Song Xuan, Song Twelve?"

"Exactly."

Officer Gao was stunned for a moment, then he quickly spoke:

“Master Wu, I have a long-standing relationship with Twelfth Brother and know where his home is!”

"Oh?"

Magistrate Wu immediately summoned Constable Gao:

"Quickly tell this magistrate about the matter of the top scholar Song."

Officer Gao immediately began to praise Song Xuan, praising his self-reliance, righteousness, and ability to eliminate two evils in one day.

Even Song Xuantang's uncle, who was a minor official in the county government, couldn't sit still and hurriedly asked his colleague.

But his name is Song Xuan?
After receiving a definite answer, he was so excited that he trembled slightly.

Apart from his nephew, who was known as the "head of the three scourges of Lema Town," who passed the provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture, no one else in Ningling County had achieved such a feat!

"Good good."

Magistrate Wu nodded repeatedly, then pointed at Constable Gao and said:

"From this day forward, you will be the head constable of this county. Once today's business is finished, you will begin your duties tomorrow."

Officer Gao was immediately taken aback. He had only mentioned Song Xuan and had been promoted to head constable.

This was a position he had sought for over a decade without success.

Who would have thought that connections would come in handy at this time?

Officer Gao was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude. Magistrate Wu waved his hand dismissively.

He could foresee that Song Xuan's future achievements would certainly surpass his own.

Now I'm almost forty and still just a county magistrate; it'll be many more years before I can wear the purple robe.

But Song Xuan is different!

Following Wang Zeng's precedent, even Song Xiang was promoted and allowed to remain in the capital as an official, despite the unusual circumstances.

He became an official in the capital.

Many officials of the Song Dynasty dreamed of this!
Only by serving as an official in the capital can one have the opportunity to rise to the position of prime minister.

Otherwise, you'll never be promoted to the fifth rank in your entire life.

Magistrate Wu didn't know this before, but now he needs to investigate Song Xuan's family background in detail so that he can better approach him.

Not only did Constable Gao seize the opportunity, but Song Xuan's uncle also mustered up his courage and came over to ask the county magistrate if they were from the Song family in Lema Town.

After receiving a positive reply, Song Xuan's uncle immediately introduced himself.

His father and Song Xuan's grandfather were brothers, a relationship far closer than that of Constable Gao.

Magistrate Wu immediately promoted Song Xuan's uncle as well.

Anyway, he usually doesn't care about these things in the county government.

However, as the county magistrate, he had the power to promote or dismiss everyone in the county government.

Now he and Song Xuan are "officials" of the same class.

Of course, we should express our gratitude properly.

Led by Magistrate Wu, the messengers carrying the good news headed towards Song Xuan's hometown.

Although Song Xuan wrote back about this matter, Old Master Song did not tell anyone. When his uncle met the messenger, he had some doubts but did not reveal it to anyone.

Who would have thought that this kid would actually become the top scholar in the imperial examination?
After all, he, as the eldest uncle, is somewhat inhuman.

But today, the county magistrate himself came to the door, and the messenger who brought the good news also announced Song Xuan's results: he had won the top three honors in the imperial examination.

This immediately caused an uproar among the Song family and their neighbors.

This is truly a case of a golden phoenix flying out of a chicken coop.

Like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, he instantly became an official!

Although the Song family had produced Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) before, Song Xuan's second uncle died young, leaving behind little political legacy.

Now, Song Xuan, at such a young age, has brought glory to the Song family.

Grandpa Song stood up exceptionally straight today.

The county magistrate personally paid a visit; how many families in the entire county would receive such treatment?
In particular, all that came out of the county magistrate's mouth were kind words and flattery.

How can you not make people happy?

However, Song Xuan's biological father was still not at home, but was passing the time in the gambling den.

No busybodies went to inform him.

Because the neighbors all knew that Song Xuan had looked down on his father since he was a child, and that he was independent and self-reliant since he was eight years old. This was something his father could do.

Not only Song Xuan's hometown, but also his own place of residence.

Because of its proximity to Yingtian Academy, the students who had failed the provincial examinations and came to study there had already spread the news that Song Xuan had become the top scholar in the provincial examinations and dominated the list of successful candidates.

However, now that the dean has been summoned to the capital by the emperor, Zhang Shide is managing many miscellaneous affairs.

Zhang Shide was in poor health and could only deal with the situation slowly, so he did not answer any questions about these matters.

He even knew long ago that Song Xuan had won the top scholar title.

The academy would absolutely not announce it first before the government did.

However, many students go to the Twelve Bookstores every day to check in and ask if any news has been sent back.

Xiao Zhihong, who was in charge, suppressed his smugness and said that his young master had not written a letter yet and was unaware of what had happened.

But today, the largest temple in Songcheng, Lingtai Temple, suddenly put up a sign.

These were the top five students in the first class of the fifth year of the Tiansheng era, as well as many students studying at Yingtian Academy. They often came to the temple to eat vegetarian meals and study.

To celebrate Song Xuan's triple crown in the imperial examinations, Fan Xiang's triple crown in the imperial examinations, and many other Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) from Yingtian Academy.

Lingtai Temple held a grand celebration for three days, preparing sumptuous vegetarian meals each day for the pilgrims.

Liu Sanbian, who was eating a vegetarian meal at the temple, was somewhat bewildered.

He studied at Yingtian Academy for a period of time, then returned to his hometown, but now he is unwilling to give up and has returned again.

I never expected to hear such explosive news.

Liu Sanbian knew that Song Xuan was capable, but he was far superior to him in poetry, even after the imperial examinations were reformed.

Was his policy essay also extremely well written?
"If this is not enough, sir, we can serve you more."

Hearing the welcoming monk's reminder, Liu Sanbian looked up blankly: "Is the news true?"

“Of course I would not dare to use the reputation of Song Zhuangyuan to deceive you, and besides, monks do not lie.”

Liu Sanbian sighed softly:

"I am forty-three years old this year. I have been struggling in the imperial examination for many years, but now I can't even pass the provincial examination. I am also a close friend of Twelfth Brother. He was so young that he was able to pass all three levels of the imperial examination. It is truly lamentable!"

"If you could calm down and study at Yingtian Academy, and occasionally follow their example and come to my Lingtai Temple to cultivate your character, you might just pass the exam."

Listening to the welcoming monk's words, Liu Sanbian actually lost hope. He even wanted to take the path of being granted special permission to become an official after failing the exam several times.

Although there's no future in it, it's still better than starving to death.

The news about Lingtai Temple caused a sensation among the people of Songcheng.

Many people came to Lingtai Temple to inquire.

After all, such a matter should be announced by Yingtian Academy.

However, the official congratulatory message went directly to Song Xuan's hometown and did not have time to be sent to the academy.

In particular, Song Xuan's hometown was closer to Kaifeng Prefecture.

Li Di succeeded Yan Shu as the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture. He failed in his struggle with Ding Du for the position of Hanlin Academician, and Ding Du was also a member of Lü Yijian's faction.

Wang Zeng could only allow Li Di to cultivate his reputation in Yingtian Prefecture and achieve some political success.

It can be said that Yingtian Prefecture had everything it needed: security, education, water conservancy, and commerce.

As long as Li Di doesn't act recklessly and Yan Shu paves the way, Wang Zeng believes that Li Di can also achieve some political success.

If he couldn't even pick fruit, then Wang Zeng thought Li Di was not suitable to serve as an official in the central government, because he was unqualified.

Hearing the drumming noise coming from outside, Li Di immediately asked what was happening.

Upon learning that Song Xuan had achieved the highest honors in three consecutive examinations, Fan Xiang had achieved the lowest honors in three consecutive examinations, and that all five top scorers in the first-class examination came from Yingtian Academy, Li Di was somewhat bewildered.

Because he knew that Song Xuan had already secured the top scholar position.

However, he was unaware of any news about Fan Xiang, Han Qi, Zhang Fangping, and others.

How strange!

Li Di truly did not expect this outcome.

This shows that Yan Shu and Fan Zhongyan did a great job, and their outstanding achievements have been widely recognized.

Now that I've taken over Yan Shu's position, no matter how well I perform, I doubt that things will be like this three years from now.

If another top scholar were to emerge from Yingtian Academy, Li Di would consider his political achievements to be quite good.

He himself was the top scholar in the imperial examination more than 20 years ago, so he knows how difficult it is to become the top scholar!

Song Qi, the magistrate of Songcheng, learned of this news and his brother Song Xiang's new official position through correspondence.

However, upon hearing this news at the county government office today, I was equally incredulous.

How come Song Xuan and his classmates from Yingtian Academy are so powerful?
It was thought that the two brothers, as the face of Yingtian Academy, would be enough to elevate the academy to a higher level.

However, Song Qi was certain that Song Xuan's appearance directly propelled Yingtian Academy to the throne of the number one academy in the world.

"Magistrate Song, do you think this matter is credible?"

Hearing Li Di's question, Song Qi nodded:
"The temple's sources are probably faster than ours, so it can't be fake news."

The temple owns quite a few businesses and makes a lot of money.

Moreover, the Xiangguo Temple, known as the "Number One Temple Under Heaven," is renowned far and wide, and many temples send monks there for further study.

It's quite normal for someone from Lingtai Temple to be in Tokyo and to send back accurate information.

"Now the pressure is much greater."

Li Di stood with his hands behind his back and sighed softly:

"We two are even more determined not to let our achievements in education and moral education fade away."

Both of them needed political achievements to get promoted.

No one wanted to be an official in the city all the time; they wanted to seize every opportunity to go to Tokyo.

Although prices in Tokyo are extremely high, it's still much better than wandering around with no "room for advancement."

Song Qi didn't care. He had only been transferred there recently, and it was prefect Li Di's job to be in charge of education.

As the magistrate of the county seat, he really had a hard time making a difference.

Not only Song Xuan received such treatment, but the other Jinshi who lived nearby also received the same treatment. Those who lived far away were unaware of what was happening and their families continued to live in poverty.

When Fan Xiang's parents received the news, they could hardly believe that their son, who had been away from home for three years, had passed the imperial examination.

He even became known as the Three-Tailed Gentleman.

Even the local magistrate came in person. Seeing their dilapidated house, he waved his hand and ordered the county government to take charge of repairing it.

Such favors must be genuinely reciprocated.

After all, the Fan family is not what it used to be.

The list of Song Xuan's examination results in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era is destined to be remembered by history, as it created many incredible achievements.

This same discussion never stopped among the people of Tokyo.

Snapped.

Chen Yaozi's anger remained unabated; he had become agitated by the mere mention of Song Xuan's name these past few days.
"Second brother, why hasn't the Guo family made a move yet?"

As an enemy of the Chen family, who could stand it when people praised Song Xuan wherever he went?

"Don't be impatient."

Chen Yaozuo opened his eyes and told his younger brother not to get too excited.

Otherwise, it could damage our livers or something. We're already getting old, and if that young Song Xuan uses the same old-fashioned tactics, we two brothers really won't be able to handle it.

So even when nothing is wrong, you should still pay more attention to your health.

Chen Yaozi also felt aggrieved.

This incident was caused by the second brother, which damaged the Chen family's reputation.

As a result, he was jumping up and down in a fit of anger, while his second brother remained calm and composed.

I don't know what he was thinking?

"What's the rush? Even if there's no Guo family, there's still the Zhao family."

Chen Yaozuo picked up his teacup and said:

"I heard that Zhao Yundi was released by the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs. Do you really think he would be willing to lose his official position and go to jail because of Song Xuan?"

Chen Yaozi then sat back down in his chair and pressed on with his question:

"So, Second Brother is planning to use a two-pronged approach?"

"Prime Minister Lü said long ago that we must be patient, because there will always be someone who gets anxious before us."

Chen Yaozuo's face showed no trace of a smile: "They are also waiting for us to make the first move."

"Ok?"

Chen Yaozi then became somewhat disheartened.

All three factions hope that the other will make the first move, and they scheme against each other, so in the end, the only one who can benefit is Song Xuan.

"If they don't suffer more losses at Song Xuan's hands, how can they be so determined to form an alliance with us?"

Chen Yaozuo looked at his easily angered younger brother:

"This matter cannot be rushed. As long as Song Xuan is in Tokyo, we will have a chance to make our move."

Early April.

In the royal gardens of Tokyo, colorful tents lined the Golden Pond.

The Imperial Guards, each wielding a golden mace, stood in formation, while musicians from the Imperial Music Bureau played music.

Song Xuan and other newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) had already arrived.

Today is a banquet hosted by the Emperor, and it is also an opportunity for the Emperor to further communicate and exchange ideas with his students, hoping that they can make more contributions to the Song Dynasty in the future.

"I heard today's meal was fancy, but not very tasty."

Zhang Fangping sat next to Song Xuan, holding melons and fruits as appetizers.

"Who attends the Qionglin Banquet really just to eat?"

Song Xuan chuckled: "I ate several pieces of beef in the kitchen before I left to fill my stomach."

"Where did the beef come from?"

Zhang Fangping was shocked. Cattle were strategic resources, and killing them was strictly prohibited.

"We can get our hands on many things that the imperial court forbids to be sold in Tokyo."

Song Xuan chuckled: "With such a corrupt bureaucracy, it's fortunate you didn't go to serve as an official in a local area, otherwise how could you have maintained your integrity?"

Zhang Fangping nodded in deep agreement, and they whispered among themselves.

When Emperor Renzong of Song, Zhao Zhen, entered the garden in his imperial carriage, all the newly appointed scholars stepped forward to greet him.

Zhao Zhen gestured for everyone to dispense with formalities and sit down.

Then he noticed that Song Xuan was quite far away from him, so Sui was granted a special seat in front of the emperor, opposite Wang Zeng and Lü Yijian.

To prevent Wang Zeng and Lü Yijian from looking down on Song Xuan, Zhao Zhen turned around and smiled:

"My relationship with the top scholar of the Song Dynasty is like that of Emperor Taizong and Lü Mengzheng."

Lü Yijian certainly knew that his uncle had served as prime minister three times during the reign of Emperor Taizong and had paved the way for his children and grandchildren, which was why the Lü family was where it was today.

Will the Song family become the next rising family?
However, Song Xuan's other brothers did not pass the exam, and Lü Yijian heard from his cousin that their relationship was not very good.

Wang Zeng glanced at Song Xuan meaningfully, but didn't say anything.

Seeing the awkward silence, Emperor Zhao Zhen sent someone to summon Fan Xiang and have him sit next to Song Xuan.

This is a fair way to treat the two prime ministers, and it's not too outrageous.

Lu Yijian noticed how much favor Song Xuan received, but with Fan Xiang's arrival, he no longer gave him those meaningful glances.

It seems that the emperor truly believes that the two of them are both lucky and capable, and wants to keep them by his side.

Even though Fan Xiang hit the jackpot three times in a row, it was still the last time he saw him, and even if he was granted an exception, he could not stay in the capital to serve as an official.

Otherwise, it would be breaking the rules.

Emperor Zhao Zhen raised his cup, and everyone else followed suit.

After three rounds, they finally started eating and drinking.

Zhao Zhen was perhaps enjoying himself immensely these days.

Not only did it attract so many talented people, but even Empress Guo stopped causing such a ruckus.

Song Xuan finally managed to subdue her.

Even after a period of time, Zhao Zhen, despite his young age, had developed a sense of comfort that comes with middle-aged men when their wives visit their parents' home.

He desperately needs this kind of space.

Otherwise, no one can stand having a surveillance addict around them all the time.

Overjoyed, Zhao Zhen immediately inquired:
"Twelfth Brother, how is your hometown?"

"That is the place where my ancestor rose to power, and I have never been there before."

The officials began questioning each person individually.

Everyone listened attentively, and in their hearts, they considered what to say.

Song Xuan thought for a moment, then smiled and said:

"My hometown—"

Above him stood the stars of Yingtian (Yingtian Prefecture), and beneath his feet flowed the vast waves of the Sui River (the Sui River encircles the city).

On the left, I hold the ancient tripod of the State of Song (the capital of the State of Song during the Spring and Autumn Period); on the right, I rest my head on the old snow of Liang Garden (built by King Xiao of Liang during the Western Han Dynasty).
In front of the gate is Ebo watching the fire (Ebo Terrace is the altar of the fire god), and behind the house is Cangjie creating characters (legend has it that Cangjie was buried in Yucheng, Shangqiu).

By day, a thousand sails raced across the Grand Canal (a magnificent sight along the Sui and Tang dynasties' Shangqiu section); by night, ten thousand merchants lit their lanterns (it was the largest port east of Beijing during the Song dynasty).

The moment Song Xuan uttered those few words, the entire room gasped in amazement.

Zhao Zhen clapped his hands and smiled in praise:

"What a magnificent Song City, renowned for its literary and military prowess!"

But after Song Xuan finished speaking, Fan Xiang was dumbfounded.

He hadn't expected Song Xuan's starting stance to be so flashy.

If the emperor asks me this, how am I supposed to answer?
Sure enough, sometimes the more you don't want to do something, the more likely it is to happen.

Upon hearing the emperor's question, Fan Xiang could only open his mouth and then close it again.

"Abba."

Zhao Zhen thought Song Xuan's words were excellent and was still savoring them, but he hadn't quite heard Fan Xiang's reply:

"Ok?"

"what?"

"Fan Qing, please repeat that."

Fan Xiang, quick-witted, gave a thumbs-up:

"I cannot describe it, but I feel that my hometown is the best."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Zhen reached out and smiled:

"Fan Qing, there's no need to be nervous. I was just asking casually. I didn't expect you to be as eloquent as your twelfth brother."

"His talent is just like Zhang Fangping's photographic memory."

Who can compare?

Hearing the emperor's words of comfort, Fan Xiang was truly moved to tears.

Perhaps in a few years he will mature and will not be so easily fooled by Shangguan.

However, Fan Xiang had absolutely no experience in the workplace.

Originally, his position was ranked last, but because of a single word from the emperor, he ended up sitting next to his twelfth brother, the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, right next to the emperor.

Such a grand favor—which of the newly appointed scholars present could compare?

Zhang Fangping, who was suddenly called, grinned but did not answer.

The food was really small in portion and not very tasty.

Given the beautiful scenery and the occasion, Zhang Fangping truly felt they should have some grilled meat skewers.

Wen Yanbo was ranked low, and he looked at Song Xuan from afar.

Moreover, he recognized the young man who had been chasing after them and asking questions at the Daxiangguo Temple that day as His Majesty.

Wen Yanbo was quite certain that Zhao Shouyi knew his name, but he did not receive any special treatment.

He didn't know why. Could it be that his writing was really that bad?

Song Xuan and Fan Xiang entered and sat closer to the emperor, with two prime ministers sitting opposite them.

Wen Yanbo had a vague idea in his heart that the Emperor's arrangement meant that Song Xuan and the other two were going to take over the official positions of Wang Zeng and others.

But I was definitely one of the fortune tellers that day!
(End of this chapter)