Do You Know?: Rule the World

A deep bell sounded, the noisy crowd suddenly quieted down, and the palace gate slowly opened.

Minister of Rites Han Zhang came out holding a bright yellow imperial edict, followed by a team of eunuchs in red robes, and stood in front of everyone.

"In the Dingyou year of the second year of Jiayou, the palace examination roll call—"

"The first place winner of the first class is Yu Sixian from Qizhou, Shandong!

"The first and second place winners are Ganyuan from Xinzheng, Henan!

"The third place winner of the first class is Zhao Han from Yangzhou, Jiangnan!

"..."

When Zhao Han heard his name, he breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense shoulders finally relaxed.

Hualan's hand, which was tightly holding the handkerchief, loosened and her eyes were filled with endless joy.

Rulan was tugging at Minglan's sleeve and jumping for joy, but Molan was still holding her round fan, looking thoughtful.

The three members of the first class will be called out three times, while the others will only be called out once. This is a special honor that belongs only to the first class.

The roll call lasted for a full hour until the last Jinshi finished expressing his gratitude.

Nine cannon salutes announced the successful conclusion of this imperial examination event.

Next was a parade to praise the officials, with officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites holding the imperial edict and beating gongs to clear the way.

The top three scholars of this year's imperial examination wore red robes, with palace flowers in their hats, and rode tall and fine horses, walking slowly on the Imperial Street to accept the congratulations of all the people.

The Imperial Street was deserted, and even the windows on the second floor of the nearby teahouses and taverns were crowded with guests who came to watch the fun.

No matter whether they were daughters from official families adorned with pearls and emeralds or common women in straw hairpins and cloth skirts, they all crowded on both sides of the Imperial Street, throwing handkerchiefs and flowers in their hands like raindrops at the three people. Of course, the third place winner, Zhao Han, received the most.

Seeing this, Hualan's eyes were filled with pride and her heart was shaken.

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Chapter 41: Hanlin Lane House

After the parade to praise the officials, officials from the Ministry of Rites led Zhao Han and others to the Qionglin Garden beside Jinming Lake for a banquet.

This is a banquet specially organized by the imperial court for the successful candidates of this year's imperial examination.

It is also a good opportunity for the six ministers and important cabinet officials to recruit talents and select good sons-in-law.

On the second day after the banquet, at dawn, the scholars had to go to the palace together to express their gratitude and meet the emperor.

As for the bestowal of official positions, the Ministry of Personnel still needs to select them based on the rankings in the palace examination, vacant official positions and the family background of the successful candidates.

Of course, the three who rank first in the list can often obtain important official positions within a month. According to convention, the top scorer is usually awarded the sixth-rank Hanlin Academy editor, and the second and third-rank scholars are usually awarded the seventh-rank Hanlin Academy editor.

Most of the second-class Jinshi were also arranged within three months, and most of them entered the imperial court or served as local officials.

As for the top three, if they are lucky, they can get an official position within a few months. If they are unlucky, they may have to wait for a year or even longer.

This morning, Zhao Han brought Chang Qing to the store in Dongcheng.

If you want to buy a property in Bian Jing, using a broker is the most reliable channel.

But if you want to find a good deal or a bargain, the store is the best place to go.

The Dianzhaiwu was an office established by the imperial court to manage the leasing, repair and sale of official properties.

After the residences of some officials who committed crimes were confiscated, they would most likely be sent to the store and property affairs department for appraisal and sale.

If you are lucky enough to come across a good house that has just been released and has not been snatched up, it is common to find that the price is 30% to 40% lower than the market price.

As soon as I stepped into the store, an old clerk with white hair and beard came to greet me with a smile on his face.

The clerk in charge of miscellaneous matters on the side was also very considerate and came forward to pour tea and water.

"Look at your appearance and demeanor, could you be this year's new Jinshi?" As the old clerk spoke, he narrowed his eyes and secretly looked at Zhao Han.

Zhao Han nodded, pondered for a moment, and said gently, "Not bad. Does anyone here have any recommendations for suitable accommodation?"

"Sir, you have asked the right person!" The old clerk slapped his thigh and his voice became louder.

"I have received so many new scholars in recent times that I can't even count them on my fingers."

"Just yesterday, a second-class Jinshi signed a contract in Tianshui Lane, in the courtyard with three entrances."

After saying this, the old clerk stood up and took out a stack of house lists, introducing: "If you want to go to court and serve in the Hanlin Academy in the future, you need to choose a house in Hanlin Lane, which is the cheapest."

"Leave the alley and turn a corner. It will take less than an incense stick of time to reach the outside of the imperial city."

Hearing the words "Hanlin Lane", Zhao Han couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Bianjing was divided into the inner and outer cities. Land in the inner city was extremely expensive, and the price increased the closer to the imperial city.

Not only does the identity of the homebuyer need to be verified at each level, but he also needs to have two court officials to act as guarantors.

For example, in Hanlin Lane, people living here are either old scholars from the Hanlin Academy or heads of the six ministries.

Even if merchants spend a fortune, they cannot afford to buy a house like this.

"Brother, including the silver that Mother Hu sent, we only have a little over thirty thousand taels."

"I'm afraid you can't even buy a decent three-story house in Hanlin Lane." Chang Qing frowned and leaned over to whisper in Zhao Han's ear.

Zhao Han's eyes darkened slightly. Only today did he finally understand what it meant to live in the capital. It was not easy!

No wonder the old man of the Sheng family was willing to spend all his family savings to buy a mansion in Jiying Lane when he married the only daughter of Marquis Yongyi. He was so wise!

This move not only earned the Sheng family honor, but also laid the foundation for future generations to gain a foothold in the capital.

Seeing Zhao Han in a dilemma, the old official moved his eyes and said, "As the saying goes, it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. I have some fresh news here——"

He looked around, making sure no one was paying attention, then moved closer. "We just acquired a five-story house the other day. It's at the west end of Hanlin Lane. It was originally the residence of an official from the previous dynasty who was confiscated for corruption."

"Then it was awarded to Eunuch Zhang by the Emperor. I don't know why they suddenly put it up for sale recently. The price is negotiable."

"I've been to this house and it has everything, including pavilions, towers, rockery, and running water. The main hall is made of top-quality nanmu wood."

Hearing this, a gleam of light flashed in Zhao Han's eyes.

The house of an official who had committed a crime was unlucky, so some officials in the court who were particular about feng shui were unwilling to take it over.

But now, it is a rare opportunity for him.

However, the old official suddenly looked troubled and sighed softly, saying, "Although this house is nice, it requires cash payment, and..."

He stretched out three fingers, slowly moved closer, and waved them in front of Zhao Han.

"Three hundred thousand taels?! Brother, let's go! They're clearly taking us for granted!"

After Changqing finished speaking, he grabbed Zhao Han's sleeve and was about to walk out.

"What three hundred thousand taels? It's thirty thousand taels..." The old clerk quickly stretched out his hand to stop him.

Chang Qing frowned and questioned, "A five-story house in Hanlin Lane, even if it belonged to an official who had committed a crime, would cost at least fifty or sixty thousand taels. With such a low price, I'm afraid there must be something dirty there."

"Brother, let's go!"

The old clerk immediately looked angry and glared.

"Nonsense! I've worked in this shop for over thirty years and never sold haunted houses!"

After saying this, he immediately took out a document with the seal of Kaifeng Prefecture and said, "This house has been inspected by the three officials. It is spotless!"

Zhao Han's gaze lingered on the document for a moment, and he quickly said, "Old Master, please calm down. I, the servant, am also worried and confused."

Hearing this, the old clerk immediately resumed his original attentive and enthusiastic appearance.

"To be honest, Eunuch Zhang thinks this house is unlucky and has long wanted to sell it."

"I'm selling it at a low price now, firstly to make things go smoothly, and secondly to make a good relationship with this year's Jinshi."

Zhao Han's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood. After a moment's thought, he immediately took out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve and said, "This is a deposit of 5,000 taels. The rest will be sent within three days."

The old clerk took the banknote with a smile on his face, "Great! Great!"

Three days later, with the guarantee of Sheng Hong and another colleague, the house was successfully contracted and stamped with the official seal.

In Hanlin Lane, Sheng Hong looked up at the "Zhang Mansion" plaque still hanging from the door lintel and said softly, "This house has an excellent location. It's really good. Thirty thousand taels of silver is really a great bargain."

"It's been vacant for a long time, so we need to send someone to repair and tidy it up."

"After some time, I will ask the Madam to invite the Taoist priests from Yuqing Temple to perform a ritual to drive away the bad luck."

For someone like Sheng Hong, who has been immersed in officialdom for several years and is very ruthless, he already knows that Zhao Han's purchase of this house was not a coincidence at all, but was clearly an olive branch extended by Eunuch Zhang.

However, this kind of thing is too common in the officialdom of Bian Jing. Right now, all the officials in the court are trying every means to win over talented people.

If his official position was not still low, he would also like to train a few capable disciples.

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Chapter 42: Enjoying the Imperial Meal Together

Since the names were called out outside Donghua Gate, the three people who ranked first became the favorites of many officials in Bianliang.

Four or five days passed, and Zhao Han was busy taking care of the house and dealing with various social engagements.

Even though Wang Ruofu sent someone to help, he still didn't have a moment to rest.

Today, in Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion, inside Weiruixuan.

The sun was rising higher outside the window. Wang Ruofu glanced at the time and frowned slightly.

"It's almost noon, why hasn't the master come back yet?"

Madam Liu thought for a moment and said soothingly, "Don't worry, Madam. The Master must have been delayed by something, or perhaps he was called away for a drink by a colleague."

Wang Ruofu twisted her handkerchief, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.

In the past, if Sheng Hong had something to do and couldn't return home, he would definitely send someone back to inform him. He would never do it so silently.

"Is Dongrong back?"

Mother Liu shook her head, and just as she was about to speak.

Dong Rong, wearing a navy blue short jacket, ran in breathlessly and knelt down at Wang Ruofu's feet with a plop.

Seeing this, Wang Ruofu thought to herself that something was wrong and her eyelids twitched.