Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 211 We All Have a Bright Future

"First place in the first class, Lin Daqin, from Chaozhou Prefecture, Guangdong Province—"

As the loud voice rang out, many students were momentarily stunned.

To be honest, before the exam, some scholars couldn't help but discuss among themselves that the top scholar for this year's exam had probably already been decided.

After all, everyone knows that there was a fellow student who was granted a courtesy name by the emperor at a young age.

After the imperial examination, those who had read "Journey to the West" all expressed their feelings in private.

Damn, that's awesome!
No wonder His Majesty loves watching it!

Furthermore, his second-place ranking in both the provincial and metropolitan examinations proves that he indeed possesses genuine talent and learning.

He was talented and favored by the emperor. Even though he harbored some jealousy and resentment, it seemed that becoming the top scholar was a foregone conclusion...

however.

It's not like that now?

Your Majesty is wise!

Fair and impartial!
"Me! I've become the top scholar?"

Lin Daqin, who had been handpicked, trembled with excitement and almost stopped breathing. Under the envious gazes of the students around him, he quickly walked out of the crowd.

As he passed Haiyue, he paused and subconsciously looked at his close friend.

Instead of being distraught, he greeted her with a smile and a congratulatory look: "Jingfu, go quickly!"

Lin Daqin smiled, completely relieved, quickened his pace, and stepped into the Fengtian Hall first.

When the top scholar entered the palace, the announcer's voice rang out again.

"Second place in the first round, Haiyue, from Qiongshan, Guangdong—"

Haiyue, who was already in second place, walked out and, under everyone's expected gaze, steadily ascended the steps.

He wasn't just pretending to be relaxed to comfort his friend; he genuinely felt quite happy.

There has never been a first place in literature, and becoming a top scholar at the age of nineteen is not an easy task.

Especially considering the previous bestowal of a title and the Journey to the West incident, even if he truly possessed extraordinary talent, he would still be subject to criticism.

Moreover, Haiyue knew very well that her literary talent was definitely not enough to surpass all others.

He knew his own situation best. When he was studying in Qiongshan, his goal was very clear: to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi. He never thought about being at the top of the class; getting a third-class ranking would be good enough.

After all, being ranked in the top three doesn't affect future promotions; it just means you'll start at a lower level compared to those in the top one or two.

Later, he met Lin Daqin, entered the Imperial Academy, and was taught by many talented scholars from the Yixin Society. After more than a year of hard study, he has reached his current level.

Being able to be the second-highest scorer in the country and second in the nation, what more could one ask for?

It's quite interesting to look back at the three rounds of the imperial examinations, where I came in second in every single one.

Being first in every game is the title of Triple Crown Champion, but what about being second in every game?

It can't be Sanya, can it?
"Third place in the first round, Li Qidong, from Chuxiong, Yunnan..."

After Haiyue entered the hall and met up with Lin Daqin, she was surprised to hear that someone had come in third place.

Historically, the top three in the first-class imperial examination this year were Lin Daqin, Kong Tianyin, and Gao Jie.

Haiyue thought that since she had replaced the second-place winner, the order would be pushed back.

But now it seems that it's not just his own ranking that has changed.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

When the three top scholars entered the hall and bowed to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty on the throne, Haiyue finally met Zhu Houcong, one of the most intelligent and difficult rulers in history.

Zhu Houcong in his youth was undoubtedly more responsible than in his old age. Even if this responsibility did not stem from benevolence and love for the people, but rather from the consolidation and maintenance of his own imperial power, he was still able to work diligently to govern the country, which was commendable.

However, human nature is a continuous process. In his youth, Jiajing could indeed be called a wise ruler, but his cold-heartedness and sensitivity did not change. He still had many good qualities, but once those qualities were discarded, all that remained was indifference and selfishness. He would no longer be a human being, but a twisted old dragon.

Haiyue wasn't naive enough to want a perfect boss. Anyway, there were still more than ten years before he went down the wrong path. Every difficulty would be overcome, and every step would be taken one at a time.

"Well!"

When Zhu Houcong saw Haiyue for the first time, he was quite impressed by her imposing appearance and graceful demeanor.

He was always attracted to good looks, and the reason he still favored Xia Yan was because of the latter's handsome appearance and pleasant voice. Now, seeing the student he had admired long ago, he felt even more satisfied.

After surveying the top three scholars of this year's imperial examination, the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty began to encourage them: "In my ten years on the throne, what I have most abhorred are those mediocre officials who spend their days talking about morality and philosophy without any practical application. You are the pillars of the state personally selected by me. You are not only well-versed in the study of practical application of knowledge, but also know how to adapt to the times. After entering the Hanlin Academy, you should make it your priority to cultivate true talents and practical knowledge. You will surely become great people in the future!"

"Your Majesty, I will follow your instructions!"

Lin Daqin and Li Qidong were truly moved to tears. For many Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), this moment of meeting the emperor was the most glorious in their lives. Afterwards, they were sent to the capital, and some might never be able to set foot in this center of power again. However, as the top two scholars, they didn't have to worry about that. But to meet the emperor for the first time and receive such teachings was truly a profound experience. Haiyue couldn't be as excited, but she still delivered her emotions perfectly. Her slightly trembling fingertips and her carefully steady voice reminded Zhu Houcong of the moment he received the imperial seal in the Fengtian Hall when he first ascended the throne—the deepest emotions are often hidden beneath the most restrained appearance.

The treatment of those ranked first was indeed different. Only after the emperor finished his encouragement did the announcer continue shouting.

"The first place winner in the second class, Gao Jie, is from Chengdu Prefecture, Sichuan Province—"

"Second place in the second class, Sang Qiao, from Yangzhou Prefecture, Southern Zhili Province—"

……

"Sixth place in the second tier, Hai Rui, from Qiongshan, Guangdong—"

Haiyue's eyes widened, revealing joy.

He never expected his younger brother to rank so high; this was truly a joyous occasion.

Hai Rui's talent was definitely not low, and with his progress over the past two years, he has made leaps and bounds that were absolutely impossible to achieve during his time in Qiongshan.

However, Hai Rui was not a test-taking talent, but rather a pragmatist. He couldn't write those flowery and ornate articles, which inevitably put him at a disadvantage in terms of ranking.

However, since the last reminder, Hai Rui seems to have figured out the key point. He improved from twenty-seventh place in the provincial examination to tenth place in the metropolitan examination, and now he has achieved a high ranking of ninth in the whole country.

This is a good opportunity to become a probationary official, even if it doesn't compare to being directly admitted to the Hanlin Academy with top honors, the starting point of one's official career is completely different.

After a long announcement, Haiyue finally heard the name of the last member of the Yixin Society:
"Ranked sixty-seventh in the second class, Su Zhigao, from Gu'an County, Shuntian Prefecture—"

Compared to his outstanding ninth place in the provincial examination, Su Zhigao's performance in the palace examination was obviously mediocre. Fortunately, he still ranked second, making him a genuine Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

Haiyue didn't count the people behind her, but she heard the announcers taking turns, their loud voices piercing the twilight and echoing over the Forbidden City.

As the 298 successful candidates shouted "Long live the Emperor!" in unison, the bronze crane incense burner in front of the Fengtian Hall emitted wisps of smoke, which mingled with the stars in the night sky.

This grand imperial examination, which lasted for a full day, has come to an end, forever etching the glory of the emperor's students into the lives of these successful candidates.

Of course, the glory of becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) is not over yet, but that will not be today.

After a full day of exams, both the newly appointed scholars and the examiners were exhausted.

The latter, in particular, had his prestige boosted by His Majesty's influence, leaving him feeling utterly exhausted.

After the palace examination ended, even Zhang Cong and Yan Song, who had the strongest desire for power, hurriedly took their leave and returned to their respective residences.

However, once inside the carriage, the weariness on Yan Song's face dissipated considerably.

He is not as old as he appears.

He is fifty-three years old this year, and what makes him secretly proud is that he is only two years younger than Zhang Cong, but he is much healthier than Zhang Cong.

This capital alone was enough to give Yan Song the confidence to win the battle and take his place!
Not only for themselves, but also for those who will carry on their legacy.

Although Yan Shifan failed to pass the imperial examination this year, Yan Song did not think that Yan Shifan had no hope. With his intelligence and talent, as long as he calmed down, he would surely pass the exam next year.

The group of energetic new scholars who passed the imperial examination today stirred up his thoughts. He also thought of Yang Tinghe and his son Yang Shen, the father who was the Grand Secretary and the son who was the top scholar in the imperial examination. If Yan Shifan could also pass the examination with his talent, Yan Song would be very pleased.

However, as soon as they entered the mansion, Madam Ouyang stepped forward to help them change their clothes, but her expression was somewhat strange.

Yan Song immediately noticed his wife's hesitant expression and his face hardened slightly: "Madam, what has happened?"

After a slight hesitation, Madam Ouyang said in a low voice, "Master, please don't get agitated after hearing what I'm about to say..."

After a while, a roar that seemed to tear the roof off came out, and a sturdy old man rushed toward the inner courtyard.

As soon as I entered the room, I saw Yan Shifan lying on the bed, his buttocks tilted to one side, engrossed in reading "Journey to the West".

"You, the high school runner-up who wrote this book, spend all your time here looking at it!"

Yan Song flew into a rage, grabbed something nearby and slammed it down on Yan Song's face: "You all entered the academy together, and you're the only one who passed, and you came in last place! Are you trying to drive me crazy?!"

"Father! Father! Don't hit him! Don't hit him!!"

Yan Shifan was surprised that his usually restrained father would start talking like this. He clutched his head and cried out, "Father, I was just trying to make a name for myself. Fame and fortune are important, but isn't His Majesty's favor even better? Once we capture the thief woman and uncover the secrets of the Liyuan Society, what's there to be afraid of when I can remarry after divorcing my wife? It's just that a little accident happened... Ouch!!"

"In order to gain merit, you dared to joke about such an important matter as your life, and you even kept your parents in the dark..."

Yan Song trembled with rage: "You married a thief woman whose identity you knew was unusual, treating her like a treasure! You've disgraced the entire Yan family for eighteen generations!"

Yan Shifan knew his father was truly angry, so he dared not argue any further and quickly promised, "I will study hard for the exam and will definitely pass the imperial examination next time, bringing honor to our ancestors!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but look mournful.

I should have studied harder.

Some are now among the top three scholars, some are on track to become probationary officials, some have already passed the imperial examinations, and some are preparing for the next year's exams.

Everyone in the Yixin Society has a bright future!
(End of this chapter)