Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 24: Naming Ceremony Outside Donghua Gate! (4k)

February 27th, dawn is approaching.

Outside Donghua Gate.

More than three hundred newly appointed scholars gathered together, all of them radiating excitement.

After decades of hard study, I've finally reached this point.

"Boom!"

The long, ancient bell tolled, and more than a hundred armored guards stood at attention.

"Jiang Huiyuan." The bell rang loudly, and the official from the Court of State Ceremonial responsible for guiding the way quickly stepped forward to direct him.

Jiang Zhao nodded and strode to the front.

As the top scholar, he was responsible for leading hundreds of newly appointed scholars into the palace.

Every now and then, a candidate would glance at him, but Jiang Zhao remained calm and nodded slightly, which made the candidate feel flattered and he would quickly bow.

The moment Jiang Zhao stepped to the front, the hundreds of tribute scholars had almost finished lining up.

So the group went to Chongzheng Hall.

Along the way, there was a stone slab stretching for over a thousand meters, with imperial guards standing solemnly on both sides with guns, exuding the majesty of the imperial family.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and the palace music played, creating a solemn atmosphere among both civil and military officials.

"Announce that the newly appointed scholars enter the hall."

The unique voice belonging to eunuchs was spread far and wide.

Jiang Zhao entered the main hall and glanced around briefly.

At a glance, there were about fifty or sixty people in the main hall besides the examiners, all of them wearing red and purple robes, and none of them were important figures in governing the country and the nation.

Among them were six elderly men in purple robes, all adorned with brocade sashes, jade rings, and jade bracelets, their sleeves embroidered with patterns, and wearing Liang crowns on their heads, exuding an imposing aura.

Even Han Zhang and Ouyang Xiu, both ministers, were ranked after the sixth.

Grand Secretary!
Below them are the Ministers of the Six Ministries, the Vice Ministers of the Six Ministries, the Chief Ministers of the Nine Courts, the Junior Ministers of the Nine Courts, the Chief Censor of the Censorate, the Chief Censor of the Censorate, the Chancellor of the Five Directorates, and the Academicians of the Hanlin Academy.
Every single one of them is a top figure in the officialdom!
Even Jiang Zhao's grandfather, Jiang Zhi, could only be ranked last.

As the scholars entered the hall, dozens of high-ranking officials clad in crimson and purple robes turned their gazes toward them. Even the unintentional lingering influence of these officials made the hundreds of scholars feel uneasy and their behavior hesitant.

Even Jiang Zhao felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Given his composure cultivated since childhood, it was unlikely that the attention of one or two high-ranking officials would make him uneasy.

Theoretically speaking, the attention of dozens of high-ranking officials scattered among hundreds of candidates is not as intense as that of one or two officials focusing on a single candidate.

However, theory is theory, and facts are facts.

In fact, Jiang Zhao is famous throughout the world, and his reputation is unparalleled among the younger generation. This time, he is the champion again.

A few days ago, a poem titled "Prodigy Poem" became famous again, and its popular verses were widely recited by writers.

He's so famous!
At least 60% of the eyes of the dozens of high-ranking officials were on him.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable in that situation.

Even the emperor would feel uneasy if he had people staring at him unexpectedly.

Hundreds of candidates stood in formation, and the bronze bells and chimes rang out in a long, solemn atmosphere.

Led by an elderly man on the left, the officials and scholars shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and performed the grand ceremony of three kowtows and nine prostrations.

"Be flat!"

Emperor Zhao Zhen, with one hand resting on the imperial desk and the other holding a vermilion brush to approve memorials, rose and surveyed the scholars below the steps. His demeanor revealed his diligence in governing and his love for the people, yet also his grand and majestic presence.

After a long pause, his temples were slightly gray, and he nodded gently: "All of you have been selected from among the best, having passed the examinations of the prefectures and counties and the selection process of the Ministry of Rites. You are truly one in ten thousand. I have observed your policies and proposals. Some of you are skilled in river management, some in border defense, and some in advising against current abuses."

"Today, for the palace examination, I have set the topic as 'The Spring and Autumn Annals and the Righteousness.' You all should know that in the past, Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi in uniting the feudal lords nine times, not only for the benefit of military force, but also for the promotion of propriety and righteousness. Now, our Great Zhou has enjoyed a hundred years of peace, yet Hebei is flooded, the Western Xia is eyeing our borders, and the deep-seated problems in the bureaucracy still exist. You all, please discuss whether governing a country should prioritize fame and titles or practical benefits?"

After speaking, Zhao Zhen sat back on the dragon throne and picked up his pen to process the memorials.

The old man on the left turned to face the candidates and read out the palace examination questions set by Zhao Zhen once more, announcing the official start of the palace examination.

Officials from the Court of State Ceremonial quickly provided directions.

The Chongzheng Hall was specially built during the reign of Emperor Taizu for this purpose. It is divided by several large gates on the left and right, and the seats for the examination are located when the gates are opened.

The imperial examination is always something we prepare well in advance of.

At this moment, the seats on both sides are marked with the candidates' names, and writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are all complete, all of them being top-quality tributes.

Jiang Zhao found his seat, straightened his clothes, and kept his eyes straight ahead.

Soon after, the papers were distributed, with only the faint sound of the examiners' footsteps remaining.

Jiang Zhao carefully analyzed the exam questions.

Furthermore, should governing a country prioritize fame and titles, or tangible benefits?

"Mingqi" means ritual objects that symbolize power, and can be extended to mean institutional things such as ritual norms, official titles, and moral status.

"Profit" means interests, and can be extended to refer to economic gains, military strength, and people's well-being that are related to the survival of a country, that is, material things.

This topic is about whether to adhere to the system or to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of current affairs.

It has a mix of reform and conservatism!

Jiang Zhao sighed.

These kinds of test questions aren't difficult to answer, but they're very difficult to answer well.

Simply answering for the sake of answering, whether choosing to abide by the rules and regulations or focusing on the pros and cons of current affairs, can lead to considerable arguments.

Adhering to the system emphasizes its advantages, while focusing on the pros and cons of current affairs emphasizes the nation's crisis.

However, choosing only one option is destined to be a inferior choice.

One question is whether conservative leaders are necessarily stubborn old fogies, and reformist leaders are necessarily reckless vanguards.

Certainly not!

Apart from a rare, stubborn conservative like Sima Guang, other conservatives were not entirely conservative.

The vast majority of important figures are actually capable of being conservative and reformable!

Those who rise to the top of the civil service are all people with a broad vision.

We can see both the benefits of successful reforms and the advantages of institutional inheritance.

It is precisely because of their broad vision that these important figures are able to see more, focus on the overall situation, and foresee the downsides of failed reforms and the disadvantages of rigid systems.

The reason for the existence of conservatives and reformers is simply due to conflicts of interest and differences in political views.

Whether a person is conservative or reformist is often the result of a comprehensive quantification and weighing of interests.

Furthermore, each faction can be further divided into reformists and conservatives.

Conservatism versus reform within a faction is not a fixed choice; it depends on the party leader's decision.

Similarly, whether a person is a conservative or a reformer depends on their life experiences.

Many officials' political views in the first half of their lives often contradict those in the second half.

Reformers become conservatives, and conservatives become radicals.

Therefore, for those important figures, especially those at the level of Grand Secretary or Minister, it was not important whether the candidates for the imperial examinations were conservatives or reformers.

Firstly, it is not surprising that there are conservatives and reformists within its own faction.

Secondly, the two sides are destined to be from different eras, and there is no political conflict of interest between them.

Thirdly, the reformists and conservatives are not standard factional divisions.

For civil servants, reform and conservatism are merely political views, more like a "temporary factional division." Reformists and conservatives only emerge when it comes to implementing reforms.

In reality, the true factional divisions are represented by six interest groups, with the Grand Secretary at the head of the six chairs.

That's the real faction!

Political views ≠ interest groups!
Interest groups, on the other hand, are the real factions.

These high-ranking officials cared about only one thing—pure insightful ability!
Neither conservatives nor reformers need to test the political views of newly appointed scholars.

After all, once they embark on their official careers, it's not even necessary to specifically discern which side the newly appointed scholars favor; it will automatically become apparent.

Conservatism versus reform, does it matter?
It may or may not be important; at least it is not important during the palace examination.

This applies to ministers, grand secretaries, and especially to emperors.

Jiang Zhao understood.

This palace examination question, on the surface, tested the distinction between reformists and conservatives, but in reality, it tested the candidates' vision and perspective.

Simply criticizing reformers or conservatives shows a lack of vision and perspective, failing to transcend the superficial division of factions and demonstrating a low level of insight into the exam questions.

When a faction chooses reform and when it chooses conservatism is not a fixed outcome, but rather a dynamic equilibrium. If a candidate combines both reform and conservatism, finding a balance, it demonstrates a broad perspective and transcends the crude division of so-called reformists and conservatives.

After a while, Jiang Zhao began to write furiously.

"Your Majesty, I reply: Fame, titles, and practical benefits are all equally important and should not be neglected. In the past, when Guan Zhong assisted the state of Qi, the granaries were full and rites and righteousness flourished; when Shang Yang strengthened the state of Qin, laws were enforced and the state's prestige was established. Now that the Holy Dynasty is in peace, we should carefully assess the situation and act accordingly."

The article was written in a flowing, fluent, and coherent manner, without the slightest hesitation or awkwardness.

"Your humble servant is ignorant and fearful, awaiting punishment."

As soon as the two words were spoken, Jiang Zhao breathed a long sigh of relief.

Just then, a voice came from behind: "What beautiful handwriting, what a fine article!"

Jiang Zhao was startled and subconsciously turned around to look.

The man had slightly graying temples and wore a dragon robe; it was none other than Emperor Zhao Zhen.

During the palace examination, candidates were not required to stand up and bow to the emperor. Zhao Zhen nodded slightly and slowly walked to other places.

After wandering around for a while, seemingly unable to find any more articles he liked, Zhao Zhen shook his head and walked back to his throne to review the memorials.

Jiang Zhao wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh of relief.

It’s stable!

In the imperial examination, there was only one question: policy questions. All the candidates answered the emperor's questions, presented their opinions, and offered good strategies.

The emperor assessed the students' answers and divided them into three ranks: the first rank was awarded the title of Jinshi Jidi, the second rank was awarded the title of Jinshi Chushen, and the third rank was awarded the title of Tong Jinshi Chushen.

In name only, the emperor was the sole examiner for the palace examination, and all decisions were made by him.

However, even if the emperor had the greatest ability, it would be impossible for him to review all the examination papers from three or four hundred candidates.

In order not to delay the important imperial examinations, the emperor would often select civil officials to assist in grading the papers.

From then on, a group of examiners with an absurdly high level of authority emerged.

For this imperial examination, six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet served as the examiners, with Grand Chancellor Fu Bi as the chief examiner and the other five Grand Secretaries as deputy examiners. In addition, twelve important officials, including the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Justice, the Hanlin Academician, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and the Doctor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, also read the papers.

Nearly four hundred examination papers were reviewed by twelve high-ranking officials.

During this time, the emperor specially suspended court sessions to watch his ministers read their scrolls, so as not to regret missing any gems.

After about three days, the generally accepted rankings have been determined.

Outside Donghua Gate.

More than three hundred scholars gathered together, all standing solemnly.

Imperial guards stood solemnly on either side, holding golden maces and axes, with banners fluttering and the sounds of sheng and xiao playing the "Deer Cry" melody, or sometimes the "Guangling San" melody, all conveying a sense of solemnity.

Further out were members of the imperial family, female relatives of officials, and other members of the wealthy and powerful who had come specifically to watch the roll call outside the Donghua Gate.

"Boom!"

A bell tolled, its long chime fading away.

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted from lively to quiet, and the room became increasingly solemn, with everyone falling silent.

In the Chuigong Hall, civil and military officials held ivory tablets and bowed their heads, their demeanor solemn.

Emperor Zhao Zhen sat upright on the dragon throne, his hands clasped together with his sleeves, resting on the imperial desk.

At the opportune moment, the eunuch presented the imperial edict. Grand Chancellor Fu Bi turned, took the edict, and loudly proclaimed: "By imperial decree, the list of successful candidates is hereby announced. All successful candidates, stand in order to hear the announcement—"

All the hundreds of candidates were completely focused and attentive.

Even Jiang Zhao couldn't help but hold his breath.

Even a lion needs to exert its full strength to hunt a rabbit, let alone this is the first Dragon and Tiger Ranking in a thousand years, he may not even be a lion.

It would be such a pity if someone with great talent jumped out and snatched the title of top scholar after you finally passed the imperial examination.

"Heaven blesses our Zhou Dynasty, and talents abound. You have studied diligently for ten years, and today you have achieved your goal. Those whose names are announced at the Donghua Gate should aspire to serve the emperor like Yao and Shun; those who are temporarily relegated should not lose their initial ambition to reach the heavens. Respect this!"

"Long live my emperor!"

All the civil and military officials, as well as the newly appointed scholars, faced the direction of the Chui Gong Hall and performed the grand ceremony of three kowtows and nine prostrations.

The howling sound shook the mountains and seas.

The imperial edict was slowly unfurled, and the drummer struck the red lacquered bamboo flute three times.

"The Emperor's grace is boundless, regardless of background, and he has opened the imperial examinations to select talents for the country. Now, the palace examination of the second year of Jiayou has been completed. The Emperor has examined the candidates from all over the country and has bestowed upon the three first-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examination), the seventy-three second-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the second imperial examination), and the three hundred and twelve third-class Tong Jinshi (successful candidates in the third imperial examination), totaling three hundred and eighty-eight people."

Although Fu Bi was nearly sixty years old, his voice was full of vigor when he proclaimed the imperial edict.

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Jiang Zhao of Yangzhou ranked first in the first class!"

As soon as the order was given, music began to play, and hundreds of officials from the Court of State Ceremonial announced in unison: "First place in the first class, Jiang Zhao from Yangzhou!"

The message traveled from the Chuigong Hall all the way to the Donghua Gate, its sound carrying far and wide.

Even Jiang Zhao couldn't help but feel his blood boil and his face turn red.

Even if you know that one of the examiners of the imperial examination will do his best to win the title of top scholar, the results are not yet out. Who can remain calm and not worry at all?
Now, as the names were called out outside Donghua Gate, a huge weight seemed to lift from Jiang Zhao's heart, and even her breathing became much easier.

He straightened his clothes, strode out, and walked alone with his head held high.

Every move he made exuded an air of grandeur and high spirits.

In the Chongzheng Hall, the moment Fu Bi announced the result, Jiang Zhi loosened his tightly clenched official robe and let out a long sigh of relief.

In just a short while, he was already sweating profusely.

He had never been so nervous about whether he would be promoted.

At the same time, Jiang Zhao's maternal grandfather, the Hanlin scholar Hai, also stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction.

With this grandson, the next generation of the Jiang, Hai, and Han families will at least be worry-free.

A top scholar in the imperial examinations truly has a bright future ahead of him.

Even when faced with political struggles, the top scholar would often wear a purple robe, just to avoid disgracing his status as the "top scholar".

In the hundred years since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there have been twenty or thirty top scholars in the imperial examinations. However, a few of them never reached the rank of third grade official, but almost all of them died of illness due to poor health.

What does it mean to have a bright future? This is a bright future!

On the other side, Han Zhang also looked delighted.

Even though he had participated in grading the papers and already knew his disciples' rankings, he was still overjoyed when the results were finally announced.

The top scholar!

The Wenquxing (a star in Chinese literature) is awarded every three years!
For Han Zhang, being the disciple of a top scholar has many advantages.

At least, there's no need to worry about the issue of succession.

I trust my apprentices who have been trained since childhood.

This matter could even help him stabilize his faction.

Outside Donghua Gate, officials and their families from Bianjing were already everywhere, and everyone was amazed, with endless discussions taking place.

"I wonder if Jiang Lang from Huaizuo is only eighteen years old and has not yet come of age? I wonder if he has any betrothal arrangements?"

"An eighteen-year-old top scholar, not yet of age but already the best in the world, his future is limitless!"

"The God of Literature has descended to earth!"

"The disciple whom Minister Han has taught since childhood is truly remarkable."

The sound of "Standing in the Snow at Han's Gate" still echoes today!

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Zhang Heng of Jianzhou ranked second in the first class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Dou Bian from Caozhou ranked third in the first class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, the first place in the second class was Luo Kai from Xunzhou!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Su Shi of Meizhou ranked sixty-third in the second class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, the sixty-fourth place in the second class was held by Lü Huiqing from Quanzhou!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Su Zhe from Meizhou ranked seventy-second in the second class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Zhang Zai from Fengxiang Prefecture ranked eleventh in the third class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Cheng Hao of Huangzhou ranked thirty-seventh in the third class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Zeng Bu of Jianchang ranked ninety-seventh in the third class!"

"In the second year of the Jiayou era, Zeng Gong of Jianchang ranked 260th in the third class!"

The names of the participants were announced, flowers were draped over their heads, they paraded through the streets, and the Qionglin Banquet was held.
Step by step, in perfect order.

　This one is still hard to sort!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)