The Dazhou Empire was in its golden age. There were thousands of High Scholars participating in the imperial examinations.
In this world, the Imperial Examinations were based on Confucian classics and strategies. Those who passed the Imperial Examinations would become Elementary Scholars, and those who passed the provincial examinations would become High Scholars. This time, the imperial examinations were also known as the Spring Examinations. There were three examinations, each lasting three days.
The general examination that was held once every three years was naturally a bustling event for the Western Capital. But for Ji Fu and the other Samsara travelers, it was just a bustling scene of inns, bustling with people, and a flourishing style of writing.
"Out of thousands of people, only 200 will be selected!"
On the day of the competition, Ji Fu and a few servants were waiting outside the main door. Looking at the huge crowd, they sighed, "I've heard that the elimination process for the provincial examinations is extremely harsh, and it is extremely difficult to become a High Scholar. But once you succeed, you will immediately enter the ranks of scholars and have many privileges. In an instant, you will be able to become rich … This method, this method …"
His eyes lit up, 'If I were to extend this method to the Dazhou Empire as well, why would I be afraid of the aristocratic families and sects?'
Of course, this was not something he could learn. Furthermore, the Imperial Court, which was on the verge of collapse, would be able to bear the consequences.
Thinking about the decline of the Imperial Court in the main world, Ji Fu's expression cleared up.
"Creak!"
Following a few loud noises, the gates of the courtyard opened and a flood of High Scholars poured out. There were even a few who collapsed to the ground the moment they stepped out.
"Seeing that Brother Zhang is so confident, I should congratulate you first. I wish Brother Zhang the best of luck in becoming a High Scholar!"
Ji Fu's eyes lit up as he looked at the calm Zhang Tianxiang and hurriedly congratulated him.
"I'm fine …"
Zhang Tianxiang smiled faintly and rejected the servant's offer to help him up. "Brother Li and the others, on the other hand, are exhausted from the journey and frightened, yet they are still holding on. Quickly send them back and ask the doctor to come and nurse them back!"
"Yes, Master!"
A few servants immediately stepped forward and helped High Scholar Li and the others back to the carriage.
Ji Fu followed behind and suddenly stopped in his tracks. He looked at a few black figures at the edge of the carriage.
"What's wrong?"
Zhang Tianxiang's martial arts skills were even higher than Ji Fu's. Following Ji Fu's gaze, he saw a few monks and a few hurried Hu people. He was surprised.
"These people are acting suspiciously! They don't seem to have good intentions! "
Ji Fu replied solemnly.
"Brother Ji, you worry too much. This is the Emperor's territory. What else would they dare to do?"
Zhang Tianxiang sneered and looked at Ji Fu thoughtfully. He thought to himself that if their origins were unknown, then this group of people should pay more attention.
…
A few days later, more than two thousand students crowded outside the hall, excitedly craning their necks.
"The results are out! The results are out! "
With two cannon salutes, the doors to the center of the hall opened wide. Two officials from the Ministry of Rites came out with a list made of yellow silk and had the bailiffs hang it up.
Hula!
Thousands of examinees surged forward like a tidal wave, searching for their own names. From time to time, there would be cheers of "I've won", "I've won", etc.
Of course, compared to the few who were excited, there were even more who were dejected, and those who had fainted from crying could be found everywhere.
Not far from the venue, there was a restaurant.
On the second floor, Zhang Tianxiang booked a table and quietly watched the scene with a few of his acquaintances. Their hearts were filled with mixed feelings. Even though they had ordered a table full of delicacies, wine, and delicacies, none of them had the mood to eat.
"This Imperial Examination is the hope of a poor scholar, and a shortcut to the heavens!"
Ji Fu looked at the scene in silence. He was somewhat lost, but he suddenly understood.
He was born into the royal family and had lived a luxurious life. Moreover, the world of Dazhou did not have an imperial examination system, and thus he did not have many feelings for it.
But at this moment, looking at the noisy crowd outside, he felt an indescribable power rushing towards him, almost suffocating him.
"Got it! Got it! "
At this point, there was a commotion below the restaurant. The servant who had been sent to look at the results reported excitedly, "Young master! You got it! Where's the first place! "
"Congratulations Huiyuan! Congratulations Huiyuan! "
The other examinees were all congratulating him. Zhang Tianxiang raised his cup in a toast. Although his expression was calm, his slightly trembling wine cup revealed the excitement in his heart.
The other examinees were very understanding, and did not laugh at him.
After waiting for half a day, there was only one report of success. It was obvious that the others had all failed.
Although the examinees were mentally prepared, they were still somewhat disappointed.
When Zhang Tianxiang saw this, he did not put on a happy expression. He accompanied the examinees for a few more drinks before leaving.
What he did not know was that the group of Samsara travelers behind him were looking at him with pity in their eyes.
"Sigh …"
Ji Fu looked at the noisy scene below and could not help but sigh, "Today, I finally know the value of being a Grand Scholar! What a pity … "
He looked to the side and saw that in the corner, a few black shadows flashed and then disappeared.
…
It was nightfall, and in a monastery on the outskirts of Xijing.
Although this place was secluded, the stairs were bright, and it was obvious that the incense was good. In the huge monastery, there were more than ten lamps that burned day and night, emitting the fragrance of sandalwood.
This temple was called the Luohan Monastery, and it was famous for its 18 pure bronze statues of Luohan.
In the Luohan Hall, the bronze statues of the Luohan were full of majesty and looked lifelike. It was as if they were about to jump down from the altar at any moment and display the power of subduing dragons and tigers.
At the bottom of the hall, there was only a white cushion with a monk sitting on it. His eyebrows and beard were all white.
The old monk chanted silently, and a layer of glazed brilliance appeared on his body. It carried the smell of incense and the power of will, and it complemented the 18 statues of Luohan. One of the Luohan was even overflowing with colors, as if it was about to come to life.
"Amitabha! Greetings, Dragon Vanquisher Sage! "
A monk came in from outside and put his palms together when he saw this scene. "Venerable One's power has improved, what a joy!"
"You must have something important to tell me since you're here to disturb my cultivation. Just say it!"
The old monk turned around and opened his eyes slightly, revealing the white of his cloudy eyes.
However, for some reason, Monk Fayin felt suffocated when he saw the other party standing under the statue of the Dragon Vanquisher Arhat. It was as if he was facing a real Luohan.
"Venerable One!"
He did not dare to delay and immediately bowed. "The Arhats of the three realms have finally found that person! We've investigated him thoroughly! "
"Who is it?"
"The Green Bamboo Scholar, Zhang Tianxiang! This person has passed the general examination and won first place in literary talent. He's been promoted to Huiyuan! "
Dragon Vanquisher Sage was slightly surprised. "He's already a Scholar? The Dragon Energy must have erupted and can't be broken so easily! "
"Yes …"
Monk Fayin put his palms together solemnly. "Venerable Heaven's Eye has personally gone to take a look, but he was blinded when he came back. He only told me one thing – Dragon Soars in the Sky!"
"Pass this news to the Imperial Astronomer!"
All of a sudden, Dragon Vanquisher Sage made a decision. "The Great Zhou Dynasty's Dragon Qi is at its peak right now. All the Dragon Veins in the world should be suppressed, but this kid has come out with the Dragon Qi. He can be considered a Flood Dragon, and only a True Dragon can deal with him!"
Cultivators who participated in such matters usually did not have a good ending.
Monk Fayin originally thought that the Lord of the Ten Directions Forest would settle it privately. Whether it was to help or deprive the Dragon Energy, it would greatly increase one's luck. He did not expect that he would alarm the royal family.
"Go quickly!"
Dragon Vanquisher Sage did not say much and shouted.
…
In the Western Capital Imperial City.
Dense golden Qi formed into clouds that shrouded the sky. There seemed to be a dragon pillar in the middle that connected the heaven and earth, suppressing all directions.
Of course, this scene could only be seen by Qi warriors, but in the eyes of ordinary people, they felt that the imperial city was extraordinary and awe-inspiring.
In the Imperial Study in the Imperial Palace.
The current Emperor, Li Mao, was only 33 years old. It was the best time for a man. He was full of energy, often correcting official documents late into the night. He could be considered a diligent Emperor.
"Sage, it's late. Please rest early!"
A Great Eunuch in a red and purple robe stepped forward and fiddled with the flame in the magical instrument. The light in the entire library suddenly became softer.
"Wait a little longer!"
Li Mao corrected a few more memorials before he stopped writing. He felt a little heavy and could not help but ask, "What time is it now?"
"It's already a quarter to one in the morning …"
The Great Eunuch observed his expression. He first brought a hot towel, then a cup of ginseng tea.
Li Mao warmed his hands and drank a cup of tea. He suddenly felt refreshed and seemed to have regained some strength. He smiled and said, "Ruling a country is like making a small dish. There are some things that if I don't do it now, the officials will dare to neglect …"
"Sage …"
The eunuch was also a capable actor. His eyes turned red and some tears flowed down. "It's a blessing for the country that the Sage is so diligent and loves the people. But please take care of your body!"
"Haha …"
Li Mao laughed. "You old servant, fine. I'll give you three more copies and you can rest …"
He picked up a booklet and smiled again. "Hmm … In this examination, the scholars were safe, and there were no epidemics or crowd gatherings. The officials from the Ministry of Rites are really diligent. Is Huiyuan Zhang Tianxiang Qingzhu? Bring me his examination paper! "
Since the Nine-Five Supremacy had given the order, the examination paper was quickly placed on the table.
"Good writing!"
When Li Mao saw that the words were round and smooth, with the grace of a great master, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. When he looked at the content again, he felt that every word and sentence had touched the bottom of his heart. He was even happier. "You're indeed a great talent!"
"Seeing that the Sage is so fond of him, I'm afraid that he will definitely be the top scholar …"
After the examination, those who passed the examination would be called scholars. They would also have to pass a court examination, which was personally marked by the Emperor. Zhang Tianxiang's literary talent was extraordinary, and he was also favored by the Emperor. How could he be the top scholar?
"Congratulations Sage, congratulations Sage. This is God's blessing, Dazhou. Only then can there be such a grand event in the literary world!"
He rolled his eyes and immediately congratulated.
"Oh? Why do you say that? "
Li Mao asked curiously.
"Since the establishment of this dynasty, there has never been a person who passed three consecutive examinations. Now that the Sage is going to produce one, isn't it a grand event?"
The old eunuch smiled.
Li Mao was startled and immediately laughed. "That's right!"
"Report! A secret memorial from the Imperial Astronomer! "
Suddenly, a memorial was sent in from outside the study. After Li Mao read it, he was completely stunned. He didn't even realize that the memorial was deformed. He said word by word, "Zhang, Tian, Xiang!"
"Sage …"
The old eunuch was completely stunned. He suddenly knelt on the ground, hating himself for flattering him too early.
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