The night was getting darker and colder.
The night gradually deepened, and the cold air was somewhat heavy. The lanterns were brightly lit.
Outside the examination hall, the guards were still there. Groups of soldiers with long spears were patrolling, sealing off the examination hall. No one was allowed to enter.
Within the examination hall, all sorts of food had been prepared. There were chickens, ducks, vegetables, fruits and so on. For the past few days, they had been eating in the examination hall, and no one was allowed to enter.
Within the examination hall, all sorts of food had been prepared. There were chickens, ducks, vegetables and fruits. For the past few days, food had been prepared in the examination hall, and no one was allowed to go out.
All the examination hall officials were not allowed to go out as well. They had to review all the examination papers. The entrance was guarded like a nail. Not only were they wary of outsiders, they were also not allowed to leave.
An examiner put down the brush in his hand and rubbed his eyes. These past few days, he had been marking the examination papers in his room. He had stared at the papers for too long, and was feeling dizzy. He rubbed his eyes, "There are over a hundred papers, and I'm only missing these few papers before I'm done. I'm feeling dizzy."
Within the room, another examination hall official laughed, "It's our duty to select talents for the province. But it's been almost seven to eight days, and I'm feeling tired."
Hearing this, another examination hall official said, "Alright, stop complaining. After we're done today, I shall sleep until dawn tomorrow. The rest shall be handed over to the chief examiner to review. After that, we can submit the results to the chief examiner, and let the chief examiner decide who will pass the examination."
Since the founding of the dynasty, although there were only four subjects, it had become a tradition. Although the examination hall officials were mostly local scholars, the chief examiners were all scholars from other provinces.
The chief examiner was the chief examiner of the province, and was sent by the imperial court.
"All examination papers have been reviewed!"
"Examination completed. Pass the examination papers and results to the chief examiner."
Hu Ying Zhen read through the first fifty papers, and felt that they were not bad, "You all have put in a lot of effort, and the selection of scholars is fair. I have read until now, and have not found any mistakes."
When he got to the seventh paper, his eyes lit up, "Seems like this person is very refined."
As he continued reading, he thought to himself, "This person has the potential to become a Grand Scholar!"
"But this paper is only the seventh. Could it be that the previous papers are better than this person? Then this Grand Scholar is incredible. "As he was thinking, he started to read the next six papers.
After he had finished reading, he turned back and picked up the seventh volume. He frowned and thought to himself, "Nonsense. This essay is way ahead of the other volumes, and there are no mistakes or omissions. It should be at least in the top three."
They were all Jinshi, so they naturally understood that there was not much difference between the essays. Each had their own merits and could be ranked at will. However, if there was a gap between them, then it would be impossible. Even the Ministry of Rites would speak.
After pacing around the room for a few steps, he relaxed his brows, "Although his name was smeared in the examination, the standard of his writing is like a torch in the night. Even if his name was smeared, just by looking at his writing style, I can tell that he is a good writer."
"These local officials must have had their own considerations. Perhaps they had offended someone, or perhaps they felt that this person was too young and wanted to suppress him." Thinking this way, he shook his head in dissatisfaction and placed it first, "The Xu Dynasty has just been established, and they are following the traditions of the previous dynasty. This trend cannot be allowed to continue. This article can be the top of the list!"
As he said this, he placed the paper at the top of the table and looked around, "Does anyone have any opinions?"
"We have no objections," the examiners replied.
At this point, the sky was getting brighter, and the sun was peeking through the sky. A rooster was crowing in the middle of the courtyard. Hu Ying Zhen then said, "Since that's the case, the rankings have been decided. Open the papers!"
"The CEO has given his orders. Open the papers."
Since the papers had been decided, the High Scholar had been decided as well.
The corresponding paper was taken out and the names were recorded on it.
The first name was Pei Zi Yun.
"Top Examiner, Slow River County Elementary Scholar Pei Zi Yun!"
When the name was revealed, all the examiners were shocked. Even the CEO, Hu Ying Zhen was taken aback, "Fifteen years old, isn't that too young?"
However, since the rankings had been decided, they kept quiet and kept quiet.
One by one, they opened the paper and recorded their names. On the red paper, there were thirty-three names, which were divided into three sections. The first section had three names, followed by ten, and finally twenty.
"Since there are no objections, use your seal."
The twenty over examiners took out their seals and stamped their names on the paper. Finally, even the CEO had stamped his seal. This was the official list of names.
"Open the doors to the Imperial Court. Send this to the Governor's mansion and the Imperial Court. Open the results immediately."
Tribute Courtyard
Apart from a small number of Scholars who were still able to maintain their composure and wait for the examiners to arrive, many of the Scholars had already arrived at the Tribute Courtyard.
"The soldiers have all left. It's obvious that the results are about to be announced." In front of the Tribute Courtyard, there were many Elementary Scholars.
"Boom!" The door opened and the bailiffs came out. All the Elementary Scholars shouted in unison, "The results are out, the results are out!"
This shout was not predetermined, but all the Elementary Scholars shouted in unison. The triennial Prefecture Examinations carried the hopes and expectations of all the scholars.
Fu Mansion
The first rays of the morning sun shone on the walls, and a few magpies were chirping. More than ten Elementary Scholars were in the main hall. Although the serving maids had brought meat porridge, nobody paid much attention to it. Not to mention Elementary Scholar Yi, even Yu Guang Mao had taken a bath and changed his clothes. He stared anxiously at the door.
Fu Mansion was close to the entrance. After a while, the sound of horses galloping could be heard. Soon after, the sound of drums and gongs could be heard. Everyone present, including Pei Zi Yun, stared at the door.
"Rank 30, Dong An Prefecture Hong Hou County's Chen Jin Chun!" A group of examiners rushed up and shouted.
The gatekeeper had long been prepared. Hearing this shout, one of them rushed into the courtyard to announce the good news. Another hurriedly opened the door and led the bailiffs into the room. There were also some servants of Fu Mansion lighting up firecrackers. They were celebrating the good news.
Chen Jin Chun had been quiet all this while. At this point, he fell to his knees and cried out, "Father, mother, I've made it. I've finally made it."
"I've been taking the exams until I'm 35 years old, and I've finally made it!"
This person was like a child, crying out loud on the floor. Yi Zhi Quan forced a smile and helped him up, "Congratulations, congratulations, this is a good thing."
Actually, everyone's heart skipped a beat. Someone had made it, but what about themselves?
Even Yu Guang Mao's face turned pale.
"Rank 21, Dong An Prefecture Fu Le County's Yu Guang Mao!"
"Congratulations, congratulations!" Everyone was celebrating. Yu Guang Mao heaved a sigh of relief and regained some of his composure. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, "I lost my composure, everyone please forgive me."
No one replied. Yi Zhi Quan and the rest stared at the door. There were many onlookers discussing, "This High Scholar Fu is really talented. All these Elementary Scholars live here, and there are already two masters who have made it."
Nobody spoke as they continued to stare at the entrance. They watched as groups after groups of people walked past the entrance. As time passed, the hearts of the Elementary Scholars began to sink deeper and deeper. At this point, another round of drums and gongs could be heard. Ignoring the onlookers, they shouted, "Results of the Regional Examinations, Dong An Prefecture, Slow River County Pei Zi Yun, Top Scorer Pei.
Yi Zhi Quan and the rest felt as if their bones had been ripped out of their bodies. Their morale was gone, and they slumped into their seats. Even though Pei Zi Yun was a transmigrator, he could feel his head buzzing. He forced himself to remain calm and collected as he handed out the money.
The bailiff smiled as he received the money and congratulated him profusely.
The Elementary Scholars who did not make it were all pale and dejected. Some of them even started crying. Only Chen Jin Chun and Yu Guang Mao bowed, "Congratulations brother Pei, you have become a Top Scorer!"
"Congratulations, congratulations." Pei Zi Yun hurriedly returned the gesture. Actually, there was not much difference between a Top Scorer and a High Scholar.
Every new High Scholar would be given a certificate stating when they passed and what their ranking was. Usually, they would be exempted from taxes by 20 mu of land. Because of the previous dynasty's incident, many High Scholars sought refuge with the High Scholars, and the government could not collect any taxes. The dynasty had learned from this lesson, and the High Scholars were only exempted from taxes by 20 mu.
Next was the bestowal of a High Scholar's attire. Actually, a High Scholar's attire was similar to an official's attire.
Then, they were bestowed with a plaque and allowed to build a memorial arch. They were given 20 taels of silver, while the Top Scorer was given 30 taels of silver.
High Scholars could build a memorial arch in front of their doors, and be praised by others. The plaque was hung on the door, and represented the owner's family's glory. When outsiders saw it, they would know that this family was a scholarly family, and had at least produced a High Scholar before.
As for the officials and public servants, they were more polite to such people and would not bully them for no reason.
Amidst the commotion, High Scholar Fu walked over, "Congratulations, congratulations to the three new High Scholars. I have already prepared a banquet, please take your seats."
As he said this, he waved his hands, and firecrackers were lit at the entrance of the mansion. The small garden within the mansion had already been set up. At this point, the air was fresh, and the sun was warm.
The banquet was conducted in accordance with the ancient customs. Everyone was seated at a single table. The only exception was Mistress Cloud and Luo Li's table. All of these dishes were scattered all over the garden. Although they could not be considered delicacies, from the looks of it, there was pork tripe, duck soup, mutton beef, mooncakes, and even watermelon slices … There were more than twenty tables in total.
High Scholar Fu smiled, "Everyone, please take your seats. Those who did not pass this time, do not be disappointed. Come back in three years, you are still young."
"Come, let's drink!"
The Elementary Scholars were somewhat desolate, but they could not reject such a scene. What if they passed the High Scholar next time?
They forced a smile and raised their cups. High Scholar Fu had served many Elementary Scholars in this courtyard before, and knew how they felt. He did not try to persuade them, and after drinking a cup, he placed it down and ordered, "Start the opera!"
Several women walked out, playing the lute and singing. Since this matter had already been decided, many of the Elementary Scholars wanted to drink to drown their sorrows. In the blink of an eye, several cups of wine had been downed. Yi Zhi Quan was no exception. After downing three cups, his pale face regained some color. He laughed, "Brother Pei, brother Yu, when you and I arrived at the city on a boat, it was just yesterday. But after today, things have changed."
As he finished speaking, he clapped his hands and laughed, but two streams of tears flowed down his cheeks.
Pei Zi Yun couldn't help but sigh. Over the past few days, he knew that Yi Zhi Quan's family was not very well off. He was hardworking and diligent, and was able to ask questions with humility.
Other Elementary Scholars could ask questions as well. It was a pity that hard work was not the only thing that mattered in this world. Thinking about how Yi Zhi Quan had failed the exam and had to return home to teach, Pei Zi Yun felt sad. However, there was nothing he could say to console him. He could only raise his cup and drink it down in one gulp.
Only the little girl's face was flushed with excitement. She looked around and asked, "Aunt, is this what it means to be a High Scholar? Just passing the exam and there are changes. "
Mistress Cloud couldn't help but sigh, "It's like this. This High Scholar title is not ordinary. It's just that this is the fate of the Imperial Court, not your own. You have to remember this!"
The little loli was a little confused. She nodded her head again, but it was unknown whether she understood or not.
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