Chapter 156: Golden List Inscription (Major Chapter)

Of course, Emperor Jingwu still had an idea.

That was because Zhang Jian was younger.

A youthful examination candidate topping the realm also counts as merit in the dynasty's education, and is itself an auspicious omen.

During this period, the court of the Great Qian dynasty was not doing well, with a great drought in the south, followed by an ice disaster in the north, displacing disaster victims, while some heterodox evildoers took the opportunity to spread rumors in various prefectures, claiming the emperor was muddled and had incurred heaven's wrath, that this was heaven sending down punishment upon the Great Qian.

Emperor Jingwu also needed such an auspicious omen to steady the people's hearts and restore the court's prestige.

The next day, the day of posting the results!

Still beneath the eastern wall of the busiest imperial street, Jade Capital Street.

On the street, the ice and snow in Haojing City had begun to melt, everywhere permeated with a bone-chilling damp cold.

Before the eastern wall, circles upon circles of early-rising examination candidates had already gathered to see the list.

Zhang Lu squeezed in the crowd, this time Zhang Jian did not come, so Zhang Lu patted his chest and agreed to take on the task of viewing the list.

Before the street, many examination candidates from the southern prefectures also saw Zhang Lu squeezed in the crowd, they had a deep impression of Zhang Lu, not only because of his uncommon stature, but also because Zhang Lu often followed behind Zhang Jian.

Never leaving his side!

But today, Zhang Jian was nowhere to be seen around, so they asked.

"Zhang Lu, your young master did not come in person?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu laughed: "My young master has been exhausted lately, needs to rest at home, I volunteered to come and view the list for my young master!"

"Zhang elder, you truly have composure, we cannot sit still!"

At this moment, the examinee who spoke was somewhat self-mocking, while Shi Lun in the crowd merely smiled faintly, as the second placer on the tribute list, Zhang Jian hoped to attain first class, naturally he need not worry so much.

Even if he could not win the top three classes, having the background of a successful jinshi candidate, his starting point already surpassed many examinees present.

Shi Lun saw from afar that the Huiyuan Wang Qingzhou was also standing not far off at this moment, surrounded by many examinees.

Just then, the crowd suddenly became lively.

A clamor came from ahead.

"The list has come, those in front make way!"

A voice loud as a bell from a constable at this moment shouted loudly ahead, simultaneously clearing a path.

The crowd hurriedly made way, yet saw a retinue of Haojing Prefecture constables escorting several officials approaching.

At this moment, one of the officials still held a yellow list in hand.

Naturally, everyone understood, the yellow list was finally to be posted.

The four officials did not delay, after recoating the wall with paste, they swiftly affixed the yellow list.

At this moment, everyone could see on the right side of the unfurled yellow list two shining characters: Golden List.

Then followed a line of text.

By Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees: In the sixth year of Jingwu, on the first day of the third month, at the Hall of Receiving Heaven, the examination policy tested over two hundred and eighty-five tribute scholars from across the realm, the first class granted presented scholars and degree holders, the second class granted presented scholar status, the third class granted same presented scholar status, thus this notice is given.

First class granted presented scholars and degree holders, first place Zhang Jian, a person of Fengyang Fengxi County (Zhang Family Hollow, Fengxi County).

Second place, Wang Qingzhou, a person of Dongling Nine Zhang Ping.

Third place, Peng Yuan Shou, a person of San Yuan Li, West City Street, Wuying Commandery.

Fourth place, Wu Xiang Sheng, a person of West Mountain Hutong, Nine Lian Commandery.

……

Overflowing, altogether two hundred and eighty-five names were respectively listed on the list.

At this moment, with just a glance, Zhang Lu already widened his bull eyes, unable to restrain his excitement.

"Top scorer, my young master is the top scorer!"

The many examinees nearby, seeing this, paid no heed, instead turning their gazes to the list, each one also shocked in expression.

Zhang Jian ultimately topped the realm, indeed exceeding many people's expectations, after all many examinees were very optimistic about the Huiyuan Wang Qingzhou.

But what many examinees cared more about was still finding their own names!

"Am I the runner-up?"

At this moment, Wang Qingzhou stood in place somewhat dazed, he could not help but tighten his clothing, his expression somewhat lost, he ultimately still missed the top scorer by a hair.

Merely stunned for a moment, he still accepted with grace the congratulations of the many examinees nearby, being able to place among the top three classes as runner-up was already considered not bad.

And the third placer Peng Yuan Shou at this moment was also surrounded by many examinees, he beamed with spring breeze.

Being named third placer, Peng Yuan Shou was not only outstanding in talent, his appearance was also extremely excellent, heard that not long before he had already been valued by a senior minister in Haojing City, sought as an excellent son-in-law.

At this moment also attaining third placer, truly double joy arriving at the door!

And beside them, those four officials also began to call out the names.

Each time for the palace examination, the emperor dispatches special officials to call out names before the Jade Capital Gate, to demonstrate the promotion of literary education, seeking talent as if thirsty.

At the same time, there will also be many constables from the Haojing Prefecture Commandery Office transmitting the news.

For a time, as this official called out names, beneath the yellow list became ever more lively.

Shi Lun stood in the crowd, at this moment also saw his own ranking.

Granted presented scholar status, twenty-ninth place Shi Lun, Shi Family Workshop, Xian Commandery.

"First place of the second class?"

In Shi Lun's eyes depths, there was still somewhat a trace of regret, he also hoped Emperor Jingwu would look upon the fact that they two had rendered great service to the dynasty, and bestow another heavenly grace.

Now looking at it, it was asking too much.

But Shi Lun also knew, being able to rise from first place on the tribute list to first place of the second class, this necessarily also involved Emperor Jingwu's benevolent consideration, otherwise relying on his true level, he might not necessarily be able to seize the first place of the second class.

First place of the second class actually is not inferior to those few presented scholars at the tail of the first class.

First place of the second class is also first, first is always able to make people remember.

Who would remember second place, third place, let alone the rankings behind.

At this moment, several of Shi Lun's close friends nearby, upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but cast envious glances toward Shi Lun.

Ranking first in the second class is already a highly coveted achievement that many examinees have long dreamed of.

……

Just as Zhang Lu ran back to deliver the news, the runners from the Hao Jing Prefecture Office had already arrived at Zhang Jian's temporary residence, holding copper gongs and beating them loudly.

Upon hearing the gong sounds outside, Zhang Jian was instantly startled awake from his cultivation. He glanced toward the small courtyard outside and knew that today was the announcement of the results—good news seemed to be arriving.

"I wonder which rank in the top three classes it is?"

Zhang Jian believed he had performed flawlessly in the palace examination, so falling out of the first class seemed highly unlikely.

He even hoped to contend for a position in the top three classes.

Having observed the various movements of court officials earlier, he was aware of them, but knowing that unforeseen events could always occur, he dared not guarantee that nothing would go wrong.

At that moment, he opened the gate. Outside, several yamen runners wore red flowers on their bodies. Upon seeing Zhang Jian emerge, their eyes lit up in unison. The leading, sturdy runner couldn't help but ask.

"May I dare ask, sir, are you Zhang Jian, the literary star from Fengyang Prefecture?"

"I dare not claim the title of literary star, but I am indeed Zhang Jian!"

Upon hearing this, the leading runner bowed with clasped hands and repeatedly congratulated: "Congratulations, Master Zhang! Congratulations, Master Zhang, for achieving first place in the palace examination and being personally appointed by the Emperor as Zhuangyuan Lang!"

Saying so, he handed the good news report to Zhang Jian.

Zhang Jian glanced at it, his eyes sweeping over it, and felt a surge of surprise. He knew he had hoped for a top-three-class result, but never imagined his performance in the palace examination could yield such astonishing results.

In one fell swoop, he seized the championship, his name inscribed at the very top of the golden list.

"Reward!"

In high spirits, Zhang Jian laughed and directly took out from his sleeve the more than ten strings of copper coins he had prepared earlier, tossing them to the several runners, who immediately beamed with joy.

Each string of these copper coins could equal several months of their wages.

The newly appointed Zhuangyuan Lang before them was truly generous.

As waves of well-wishers continued to arrive one after another, Zhang Lu happened to return at this moment. Zhang Jian simply had Zhang Lu carry out basket after basket of copper coins, distributing them evenly—everyone received a share, blessings shared equally.

At the same time, Zhang Jian noticed that, along with the announcement on the golden list, a vast and majestic spiritual mechanism from the depths of the void surged like a flood into his body, strengthening his dantian's magical power.

Only then did he see: within the golden fluid law spring, countless golden runes condensed and formed, encircling the golden fluid law spring. These runes were an intrinsic part of the mysterious profundities contained in the treasure record, embodying the ultimate principles of heaven and earth.

These golden runes coalesced into a ring, gradually forming a closed rune pattern. At the center of the pattern, within the law spring, droplets of golden fluid gradually condensed into a mass, faintly transforming from liquid to solid state.

A small golden elixir phantom gradually condensed and emerged from within the golden rune ring.

At this moment, the accumulation of his golden fluid stage had gradually reached perfection, forming a phantom golden elixir—already approaching the threshold of the Golden Core realm.

Such a cultivation speed was beyond even his own imagination.

Moreover, that vast heavenly and earthly spiritual mechanism continued to pour into him endlessly.

After the absorption was complete, perhaps with the aid of this opportunity from the golden list announcement, he might be able to condense a true golden elixir.

"This is truly a tremendous fortune!"

Zhang Jian secretly rejoiced in his heart—this was far more joyful than mere success in the golden list announcement or becoming Zhuangyuan Lang.

At this moment, the excess vast spiritual mechanism was also partially guided by him into the depths of his dantian.

Through the hundreds of apertures surrounding his dantian, it entered the Dragon Chant Sword at his waist, nourishing this spiritual sword.

However, Zhang Jian currently could not calm his mind for proper cultivation. As the newly appointed Zhuangyuan, he would still need to proceed with the subsequent horseback parade through the capital.

As the saying goes: "Hat adorned with palace flowers, jade banquet concluded; body touched by immortal dew, bestowed garments honored"—these are precisely what comes next.

This includes the horseback parade, participation in the Qiong Lin Banquet, which is also the Grace and Honor Banquet, and finally, the bestowal of official rank.

In Zhang Jian's view, the horseback parade and the Qiong Lin Banquet were merely lively festivities, while the bestowal of official rank was the true focus.

According to convention, the top three classes, as well as some of the first-class successful jinshi, would be granted entry into the Wen Ti Academy to remain in Hao Jing as capital officials—also the most esteemed class of officials.

Officials in the Wen Ti Academy are typically those frequently summoned by Emperor Jingwu for audience—either to lecture on scriptures, serve as readers, become editors of the Wen Ti Academy, or compile texts. If fortunate, they may occasionally assist Emperor Jingwu in drafting edicts and imperial decrees.

This is much like in the previous dynasty's court, where a portion of the emperor deliberately cultivated close ministers; even if later sent out to local posts, relying on the gilding they received in the palace, the emperor would still extend some favor.

Their promotions would be swifter.

After all, having met them personally and understood their character, officials trusted by the emperor enjoy a far greater degree of trust than those sent out to local posts.

If they face criticism or are considered for promotion, the emperor would not easily develop ill will toward them.

If one says that the jinshi who passed the palace examination can be called the emperor's disciples, then those who enter the Wen Ti Academy to pass through the golden stage are the true transmission residing beside the emperor.

……

Mansion of Princess Qingfeng, the Eldest Princess

Within the mansion, Princess Qingfeng, the Eldest Princess, sat before the warm stove. Her attire was dignified and splendid; even in a private setting, she bore an indescribable noble aura, though her face could only be described as moderately above average.

At this moment, the eunuch who had previously delivered meals to Zhang Jian lowered his head, a smile on his face.

"Your Highness, I never expected that Qi Su's nephew would have such good fortune—actually being personally appointed by the Emperor as Zhuangyuan Lang! A Zhuangyuan Lang under sixteen is truly rare!"

Princess Qingfeng's dignified jade-like countenance bore a faint smile.

"If Emperor Yuanwu were to learn of this, he would certainly be delighted. I have often heard him mention that this nephew of his possesses exceptional talent and has hope of passing the jinshi examination—yet I never imagined he could actually become Zhuangyuan!"

"Originally, I thought that after he passed the jinshi examination, perhaps we could still lend him a hand—but I never expected he would no longer need our help!"

Princess Qingfeng smiled faintly.

After the palace examination, the court had long established a convention: generally, the Zhuangyuan is appointed as a compiler in the Wen Ti Academy, while the Bangyan and Tanhua are appointed as editors.

Other jinshi who pass the re-examination will also remain in the Wen Ti Academy to serve in various auxiliary roles. Those who pass the re-examination after three years will respectively be granted the positions of editor or reviewer in the Wen Ti Academy.

The rest are assigned to various departments as clerks, observers, or similar roles, or prioritized for appointment as county magistrates—known as scattered officials.

Jinshi from the Wen Ti Academy typically advance quickly—much like in the Great Qian and the previous dynasty. Over the years, this has gradually formed a situation where non-jinshi do not enter the Wen Ti Academy, non-Wen Ti Academy lecturers and scholars do not become among the Nine Ministers.

"This young master of the Zhang family need not worry anymore—just uncertain when Emperor Yuanwu will finally return victorious!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of resentment appeared on Princess Qingfeng's beautiful countenance.

The old eunuch, seeing her state, then said.

"Your Highness, rest assured, the rebellions in the southern commanderies have gradually been suppressed; this time it is clearly His Majesty's intention to compensate, and once General Qi returns, he will surely have a brilliant future—perhaps His Majesty will even issue an edict to bestow a marriage!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Ke Feng's jade-like countenance brightened with a smile.

She then said: "His Majesty may at times seem stern and distant, but he is the emperor I have watched grow up—he is no heartless, unrighteous ruler!"

The old eunuch, upon hearing this, lowered his head and dared not respond to such words.

……

"If I could be appointed as a compiler in the Wen Ti Academy, that would be an excellent opportunity!"

At this moment, after the Qiong Lin banquet, Zhang Jian was also awaiting the official appointment ceremony.

If he could remain within the Wen Ti Academy, it would fulfill Zhang Jian's wishes.

Not only are the officials of the Wen Ti Academy a stepping stone to becoming senior ministers of the third rank or higher in the court, or even local officials, but also because the academy houses a vast collection of imperial archives.

For his Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart to grow, it requires sufficient accumulation of knowledge.

The Wen Ti Academy is not merely an institution for the emperor's entertainment and reading; it also houses the largest 'library' of the Great Qian court. Obtaining this esteemed post would allow him to openly read the various books collected by the Great Qian court, thereby broadening his horizons and enriching his Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart.

……

After the Qiong Lin banquet, Zhang Jian and Shi Lun began seeing off some of their friends who had failed the examinations.

After the yellow list was posted, many candidates prepared to return to their hometowns.

Among them was their close friend Zhan Xiong.

To the surprise of both, among those seeing off Zhan Xiong was a woman dressed in splendid attire, graceful in form, and beautiful—Zhan Xiong, at this moment, did not wish to depart, but rather desired even more to remain in Hao Jing City and continue striving for three more years.

At this moment, the woman said: "Zhan Lang, a true man's ambition should be like towering rivers and mountains, rushing eastward to the sea—why cling to the gentle countryside?!"