Di Ming

Chapter 202 Conferring of Official Titles Before the Palace, A Stunning Spectacle!
Achieving the highest honors in all three categories at the age of twelve is not only unprecedented but likely to remain so. And yet, this feat was accomplished during the reign of Emperor Wanli!
For a scholar to achieve the highest honor in passing the imperial examinations, there is nothing greater than this.

Thousands of people were momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe.

When Zhu Yin heard the name "Zhu Yin of Jiangning," although he was prepared, the surprise still gave him a bittersweet feeling.

I'm the top scorer!
The time traveler and cheater couldn't help but feel elated. He took a deep breath, trying his best to suppress his surprise, and remained calm and composed.

Under the watchful eyes of the masses, even the emperor couldn't help but glance at Zhu Yin, the first of the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

Zhu Yin, only twelve years old, was like a cloud emerging from a mountain, a lotus flower pure and untouched by the world, like a jade tree standing alone, orchids blooming in the courtyard. His temperament was exceptionally outstanding, truly possessing the elegance of the Wei and Jin dynasties.

His youthful beauty, clad in a simple blue robe, subtly rivaled that of the high-ranking officials. Even his undeniable naiveté possessed a profound and mysterious quality, radiating a captivating brilliance, like a Daoist boy incarnate as a celestial being, brimming with profound wisdom.

With such grace and poise, who could possibly look down on her like a child?

What's even more remarkable is that, despite achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination, he remained calm and composed under the watchful eyes of everyone, showing no sign of being overwhelmed by the honor. Leaving aside his prodigy's talent in achieving the highest rank in all three examinations, his calm and collected demeanor alone is truly extraordinary.

It is evident that although he is young, he is already capable of undertaking important tasks.

Indeed, seeing is believing. He truly deserves the title of the Ming Dynasty's prodigy who achieved the highest honors in all three imperial examinations—a blessing for the nation! This is a divine gift of literary talent, a stroke of good fortune bestowed upon the land!
Child prodigies throughout history, can we not admire Zhu Lang? He is truly a celestial being!

In an instant, amidst the admiration and wonder of the crowd, many couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

"A son should be like Zhu Zhihu!"

"What kind of old woman is she, to have given birth to such a precious child!"

"This man may be the one to govern the world!"

"An anomaly! An anomaly!"

It's no wonder everyone was amazed; Zhu Yin was simply too clever.

Zhu Yin was already very handsome, and his youthful innocence made him seem like a celestial child. Coupled with the transcendent temperament and unique background of a transmigrator, and now wearing the supreme halo of passing the imperial examinations in three consecutive rounds, he was undoubtedly a near-perfect genius.

The emperor, who disliked Zhu Yin because he was manipulated by his ministers, no longer felt the same aversion towards him when he saw Zhu Yin.

I just saw the imperial edict and realized that the top scholar I selected was actually the child prodigy Zhu Yin.

Zhu Yin's strategy article was so well written that he agreed with many of the points. At the time, he thought Zhu Yin was a learned scholar. It was only when he saw the imperial edict that he realized that the strategy article he admired was actually written by Zhu Yin!
It turns out that Zhu Yin, though young, possesses such talent and learning. Meeting him today, his demeanor is also exceptional; it is no exaggeration to call him an auspicious omen for the Ming Dynasty.

Even if the courtiers are using him as a pawn, that's not his true intention, so why should I hate him?

Couldn't he have become Chang Xun's teacher?
Thinking of this, Wanli suddenly recalled the memorials submitted by Hai Rui and Tian Yi, as well as the merits Zhu Yinli had made.

Zhu Yin deserves credit for enabling Tian Yi to seize so much silver from his home in Southern Zhili.

He suddenly remembered what the Imperial Concubine had told him before, about the idea of ​​Princess Rongchang marrying Zhu Yin, and he was even more tempted.

Thus, her dislike for Zhu Yin vanished instantly. She even began to like him, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.

To achieve the highest honors in all three categories at the age of twelve is truly auspicious and wonderful!
The earlier annoyance at having Zhu Yin selected as the top scholar vanished instantly.

This is why Heaven's will is unpredictable, for it is truly capricious.

At this moment, as the announcer called out Zhu Yin's name, all the drums and music of Zhonghe Shaoyue began to play the "Sheng An Zhi Qu," which officially marked the start of the grand ceremony of announcing the names of the emperors.

In the Northern Song Dynasty, the names were announced at the Donghua Gate; in the Ming Dynasty, they were announced at the Zhongji Hall.

After the three announcements of names were finished, the announcer called out, "Zhu Yin, step forward to express your gratitude!"

Guided by the master of ceremonies, Zhu Yin, stepping to the elegant rhythm of the "Song of Saint An," walked briskly with small steps to the foot of the steps. He then knelt down slowly and deliberately, prostrated himself, and said:

"Newly appointed Jinshi Zhu Yin kowtows to express his gratitude for His Majesty's grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The Wanli Emperor, seated high on the golden platform, nodded slightly and spoke in a gentle tone:

"You may rise now."

Wanli looked down at Zhu Yin, thinking to himself: Since he can no longer use his young age as an excuse to prevent his eldest son from studying, then he might as well let Changluo and Changxun study together, both under the tutelage of Zhu Yin. In that case, the courtiers would have nothing to say, right?
The master of ceremonies announced, "Thank you! Rise!"

Zhu Yin bowed again, "As you command! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After Zhu Yin finished expressing his gratitude, the Zhonghe Shaoyue music played "The Song of Peace and Stability".

According to the rites and music of the Ming Dynasty, during the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations, the "Sheng An Zhi Qu" was played first when the three top scholars were announced, and the "An Ding Zhi Qu" was played after the ceremony of expressing gratitude. The music had to be changed in between.

Zhu Yin stood up, cupped his hands, took five steps back, bowed again, and then turned around. This time, he did not use the stepping method, but the doctor's stepping method, and returned to his original position to the tune of "The Song of Peace".

Many court officials couldn't help but show a hint of delight, looking at Zhu Yin as if he were a rare treasure. With this son entering the court, His Majesty could no longer use his youth as an excuse to prevent His Highness the Crown Prince from starting his studies.

Even high-ranking officials like Shen Shixing held high hopes for Zhu Yin. They naturally regarded the prodigy who had achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations as one of their own in the struggle for the succession, as someone who would defend the ancestral system of the Ming Dynasty and safeguard the eldest son's position as heir apparent.

Among the court officials, Liu Yuanzhen and Wang Zudi, who had appointed Zhu Yin as the top scholar in the Southern Zhili region last year, were both gratified and excited.

Zhu Yin, you've truly lived up to expectations! You've achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, a truly glorious achievement that has vindicated us all. Let's see who dares to say there was any cheating in last year's provincial examination in Yingtian!
Tian Yi, the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, suddenly felt a little teary-eyed when he saw Zhu Yin, his nephew-in-law.

Zhihu, you've finally made it this far, reaching even greater heights and achieving even more than I anticipated.

From this day forward, you will be the glory of the Ming Dynasty, stunning the world. Do your best, do your best.

Dressed in his official robes and hat, Shen Yiguan was also extremely gratified. He recalled how Zhu Yin had become his disciple like a little adult at Hai Rui's residence two years ago, and his eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.

To have a talented and virtuous person to teach is a great joy in life.

Unexpectedly, the young tiger, at the tender age of twelve, achieved the highest honors in all three categories, a feat never before accomplished!

This disciple has truly brought honor to himself. It's possible that history will record his teacher's glory through his student.

Wang Shizhen, you'll probably regret refusing to take Zhihu as your disciple.

Hai Rui, with his white hair and beard, stood trembling in the ranks of second-rank civil officials, looking at the familiar and dear Zhu Yin, making no attempt to hide his joy.

Despite not having seen Zhu Yin for over a year, Hai Rui felt no sense of unfamiliarity.

Zhihu, you are a good boy, I was right about you.

You must be loyal to the emperor and love the people, be devoted to the country and serve as a pillar of the Ming Dynasty and a pillar of the nation. Avoid arrogance and impetuosity, become a renowned minister for all time, and live up to the glory of today.

Among the military officials, Zheng Guotai, the Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zheng Guorui, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Director of the Imperial Garden, and Zheng Guowang, a newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), all had grim expressions.

The Zheng family nobles naturally knew that Zhu Yin, the Ming Dynasty prodigy who had passed the imperial examinations three times in a row, was already a group of court officials who supported the eldest son of the emperor.

Once the child prodigy entered the court, and the officials submitted further memorials, it became impossible to stop Zhu Changluo from leaving the palace to study. Perhaps Zhu Yin would even become Zhu Changluo's teacher.

This son will inevitably be used by the court officials, hindering the plan to establish Changxun as the crown prince. He can only be an enemy, not a friend, to the Zheng family!
Zheng Guowang couldn't help but clench her fists, her peach blossom eyes as cold as a deep pool.

Envy, jealousy, and anger gnawed at her heart like a venomous snake.

She passed the provincial examination at eighteen and the imperial examination at nineteen, which can be considered a genius.

But compared to Zhu Yin, what is she?
Zhu Zhihu, you actually faked being sick to deceive me!
Zheng Guowang gritted her teeth. She had actually guessed that Zhu Yin had been feigning illness to lull Zheng into a false sense of security. She had indeed been deceived and hadn't continued to attack Zhu Yin.

Otherwise, Zhu Yin would never have had a chance to participate in the imperial examination; he would have fallen into her trap long ago. How could he have possibly succeeded?
hateful!

Zheng Guowang deeply regretted not having attacked Zhu Yin earlier. Now that Zhu Yin had won three consecutive victories, there was no longer a chance to strike.

Hao Yunlai, one of the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), felt very uneasy at this moment.

Envy, jealousy, and frustration are self-evident, but seeing Zhu Yin become the top scholar brought a strange sense of relief.

They both wished for Zhu Yin's downfall and for him to become powerful.

Young Tiger, you've won three consecutive championships! I can't argue with that, but I'm just not happy!

So, you've always had some reason to look down on me?
At this moment, among the foreign officials and vassal states, a Jurchen nobleman who had come to Beijing to pay tribute was looking at Zhu Yin with a look of delight.

It was Eidu who came to Beijing to pay tribute on behalf of Nurhaci!
Isn't this because I admire Prince Bei?! I actually saw my beloved Prince Bei in the palace! I never imagined that my admiration for Prince Bei was so great, becoming a scholar among the Han Chinese who could pass the imperial examination with top honors.

Eidu speaks very poor Mandarin, but he knows the weight of the words "top scholar".

However, Zhu Yin did not find Eidu. Even if he did, it would be inappropriate to meet him in this situation.

After the announcement of the top scholar was completed, the announcement of the second-place scholar was made, and it was Jiao Hong.

Zhu Yin chuckled inwardly. The historical top scholar had become the second-place scholar.

After the second-place scholar was announced, the third-place scholar was announced. The third-place scholar was Wu Daonan, who was the second-place scholar in history.

However, their dignity is not as good as that of the top scorer.

The glory of the grand ceremony of announcing the winners of the imperial examinations was shared by the top scholar alone, accounting for three-tenths of the honor.

After the top three in the first rank were announced, it was time for the second rank, and then the third rank. After their names were called, they all stepped forward to express their gratitude.

However, each person's name is only called out once, and after the name is called out, all the second-place winners and all the third-place winners give thanks together. This is unlike the top three winners, who each give thanks individually.

After the naming ceremony concluded, officials from the Ministry of Rites announced the imperial decree, officially granting Zhu Yin and two others the title of Jinshi (进士), Tao Wangling and sixty-seven others the title of Jinshi Chushen (进士出身), and Wei Xun and two hundred and seventy-seven others the title of Tong Jinshi Chushen (同进士出身).

After the Ministry of Rites finished announcing the decree, the official appointments were made.

The prowess of the Three Tripod Warriors was now on full display.

Although the Grand Ceremony of Announcing the List of Ranked Scholars conferred official positions, it only granted these positions to the top three scholars, meaning they were appointed immediately upon receiving the list!
As for those ranked second and third, I'm sorry, they will not be granted official positions for the time being.

One could either observe the administration of the Six Ministries or participate in the imperial examinations at the Hanlin Academy. It could take as little as six months or as long as two or three years before one was officially granted an official position.

Unlike the top three scholars, who were not only immediately appointed to official positions upon being listed, but also started as Hanlin scholars!
After the official in charge of announcing the results received the summons, Shen Yiguan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, immediately stepped forward and, according to procedure, presented his tablet and reported:

"The announcement of the results has been completed. The Ministry of Personnel has requested permission to appoint the top three officials in the first class."

The appointment of officials was a matter for the Ministry of Personnel, and this step was overseen by Shen Yiguan.

Shen Yiguan continued, "According to the rules, the top scholar in the imperial examination is granted the title of compiler in the Hanlin Academy of the sixth rank, while the second and third scholars are granted the title of editor in the Hanlin Academy of the seventh rank."

"However, the Ministry of Personnel has recorded Zhu Yin's merits. I request Your Majesty's decree on how to appoint him to an official position."

Having said that, he stopped talking.

The expressions on the faces of the assembled officials were quite interesting.

Because what follows is the emperor's declaration to grant official positions according to precedent. Although the emperor's agreement is merely a formality, this formality is indispensable.

Yes, Zhu Yin has rendered meritorious service, which is recorded in the Ministry of Personnel. His Majesty did not reward him with silver before, but said that if Zhu Yin were to become an official, he could be promoted one rank. This is recorded in the Examination and Evaluation Office.

So how should Zhu Yin be appointed to an official position?
To grant official positions as usual would mean His Majesty breaking his promise, for a ruler's word is not to be taken lightly. The court should be strict in its rewards and punishments; how can it treat this as a joke? Besides, this is something everyone already knows.

Tian Yi, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, whispered to Emperor Wanli, "Grandfather, Zhu Yin has rendered meritorious service, and the Ministry of Personnel's Performance Evaluation Department has records of it. According to His Majesty's decree, Zhu Yin should be promoted one rank and granted the official title of the sixth grade."

At this point, Tian Yi became a little nervous. He worried that the emperor disliked Zhu Yin and might deliberately grant him a regular sixth-rank official position instead of appointing him as a Hanlin scholar.

Tian Yi and Zhu Yin had a close relationship, but the emperor was unaware of it.

Although it's just an increase of one rank, there's a lot to consider when it comes to how it's done. A sixth-rank official in the Six Ministries is one rank higher than a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, but their future prospects are far inferior to those of a sixth-rank compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

Hai Rui remained silent. However, he decided that if the emperor granted him a regular sixth-rank official position instead of a Hanlin Academy position, he would strongly remonstrate against it.

Fortunately, Wanli had begun to take a liking to Zhu Yin, at least temporarily, and thus decreed:
"Zhu Yin has rendered meritorious service and should be promoted one rank. Let him be promoted from Compiler of the Hanlin Academy to Lecturer of the Hanlin Academy."

A sixth-rank lecturer in the Hanlin Academy!

Generally, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy could only be promoted to lecturer after accumulating three years of experience.

However, Zhu Yin was directly appointed as a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, a sixth-rank official!

Immediately, countless newly appointed scholars felt envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Not only did he achieve the highest honors in all three categories, but he was also promoted one rank and granted an official position!
Zheng Guowang and Hao Yunlai were even more frustrated.

Comparing people to each other makes people angry!
Shen Yiguan immediately replied, "I obey!"

Soon, the imperial edict appointing Zhu Yin as an official was filled in, along with his title of Hanlin Lecturer!

Then, the second-place finisher and the third-place finisher were appointed as compilers in the Hanlin Academy, holding the rank of seventh grade, a full grade lower than Zhu Yin.

After the three men were granted official positions, they were immediately given official robes. All the other successful candidates in the imperial examinations were also given official robes, which marked the beginning of their official careers.

After the conferment of official titles concluded, the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial issued another imperial edict, announcing that the Qionglin Banquet would be held the following day. The Grand Secretary Shen Shixing was appointed to preside over the banquet.

Then, they began to adorn the newly appointed scholars with flowers. Zhu Yin, as the top scholar, not only wore flowers but also pheasant feathers, making him quite the star.

The ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations was then concluded, and the crowd left the palace in turn after kneeling and bowing.

However, Zhu Yin took the imperial road and exited the palace through the main gate. Everyone else could only exit through the side gates on the left and right.

Only the emperor and empress could walk on the imperial road, and only the top scholar in the imperial examination could walk on it once.

The glory of the top scorer is once again on display.

After Zhu Yin left the palace, officials from Shuntian Prefecture were already waiting. Shuntian Prefecture had prepared parasols and ceremonial guards, and escorted Zhu Yin as he rode a large red horse away from the Meridian Gate.

This kind of treatment is only given to the top scorer!
Immediately, a yellow notice was sent out from the palace and posted at the Left Gate of Chang'an for three days, allowing the people to see it.

Before evening, Zhu Yin's name once again shook the entire city of Beijing.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the country!

(End of this chapter)