Long Live the Empress

Chapter 308 The Palace Examination Ends

Zhuangyuan Building

The red list has been announced, and a lot more stakes have been added to the names of those students who are at the peak of their popularity!

Wang Yi touched his chin and looked at Kong Linan's place, which was empty...

Come to think of it, although Kong Linan has some talent, he is a poor scholar. It is not impossible for a poor family to produce a top scholar, but it is very difficult...

As for those sons of wealthy families, their families began to look for famous teachers from the moment they were born. During the enlightenment period, they had to learn all the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, kung fu, riding and archery! There were also all kinds of rare books in the collection...

People who come to Zhuangyuan Building to place bets also take various factors into consideration, which is why Kong Linan is not favored!

Wang Yi raised his eyebrows and smiled. “The huge sum of money, come into your Grandpa Wang’s purse soon!”

Finally the day of the palace examination arrived, and the successful students entered the palace to kowtow to the emperor.

The palace examination only tests policy questions. Candidates enter at dawn and go through rituals such as roll call, distribution of papers, praise, and salute before the policy questions are announced.

The topic of the essay is to circle four questions from the eight questions discussed by the ministers. The length of the essay is not limited, usually about 2,000 words, but special emphasis is placed on writing. From a certain perspective, calligraphy is often more important than writing.

The palace examination lasted only one day. At dusk, the papers were handed in and kept by the officials who received, held and sealed the papers. On the day of the examination, the papers were handed over to eight examiners, each at a table. They took turns to read the papers. If they thought the answers were good, the examiner would stamp his or her name on the papers. Then, the examiner would select the ten papers with the most seals and present them to the emperor.

The emperor personally approved the first, second and third place in the first class as the top scholar, the second place and the third place. The top three were called "Jinshi Jidi" or "Sandingjia". A number of people in the second class, accounting for one third of the admitted candidates, were called "Jinshi Chuanyuan". The first place in the second class was called Chuanlu. A number of people in the third class, accounting for two thirds of the admitted candidates, were finally filled in and announced by the list filling official.

After everyone paid their respects, the old emperor opened the test paper and nodded.

The chief eunuch announced: "The palace examination begins~~"

The students began to answer the questions. Some wrote furiously, some pondered, and some were so nervous that their hands were shaking while holding the brushes. If they were not careful, the ink would drip onto the paper...

Before the time was up, Pan Jinhai was the first to hand in his paper.

The old emperor asked the eunuch to bring the test paper. The beautiful "Slender Gold" script was written in a vigorous and powerful style, without any restraint, just like the unrestrained style of a god.

Looking at the content again, it is well organized and comprehensive!

Pan Jinhai bowed respectfully and stepped aside, waiting for other students to answer the questions.

The old emperor nodded with satisfaction, his eyes full of admiration!

The second person to hand in his paper was Pan Jinhai's strongest competitor, Deng Ziming.

Similarly, the old emperor nodded when he looked at the test paper presented to him. Apart from anything else, the powerful and forceful calligraphy that was written in a flamboyant style, with force that penetrated the back of the paper, was unforgettable.

The students handed in their papers, the officials sealed them, and the palace examination was over!

Just waiting for the imperial edict to be issued!

Prince's Mansion

Deng Ziming kneels in the prince's study

The prince stood by the window with his hands behind his back, his face full of gloom: "Do you know how important it is to be the first to hand in the paper?"

Deng Ziming knelt on the ground and said, "I know!"

"You knew that you would let Pan Jinhai get there first? Didn't you see how your father looked? He was obviously very satisfied with him! I spent so much time and effort just to help you get the top spot. If you fail, you know the consequences!" The prince tilted his head, his eyes gradually becoming cold.

"Your Highness, I have been so kind to you that I cannot repay you! If I fail, I will... end my life myself!"

The prince sighed, helped Deng Ziming up from the ground, and said in a much gentler tone, "You are someone I value. With your talent and wisdom, you will definitely be able to help me in the court! I have made all the preparations and will definitely help you pass the imperial examination!"

The prince's words were obviously a reward for a punishment, and Deng Ziming knew it very well. For the sake of future glory and wealth, it didn't matter if he accepted this little scolding!

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

The prince spoke a few more words to Deng Ziming and then let him go.

Pearl seized the opportunity and came in with a bowl of bird's nest.

"Your Highness, I saw that you have been very tired recently, so I stewed this bird's nest for you to try!"

The prince leaned back on the couch, squinting his eyes, "What's wrong with your head?"

Zhenzhu quickly covered the wound with a handkerchief, her face pale as she said, "Nothing...Nothing... Aunt Yue didn't mean it..."

Moon stunning?

The prince frowned slightly. This Yue Jinghong is really just a pretty face. She is still not honest even when she is pregnant! Why was he so blind to fall in love with her in the first place?

Thinking about that always calm and beautiful woman... the prince felt even more annoyed!

"Let the court doctor take a good look at it. Don't let it leave scars on such a beautiful complexion..."

Zhenzhu nodded without saying anything extra. She put down the bird's nest obediently and left.

Sometimes it is more useful to retreat in order to advance than to argue!

When Zhenzhu came back from the palace doctor, she heard the servants talking about how the prince had asked Aunt Yue to copy fifty Buddhist scriptures in order to pray for the baby in her belly...

Yue Jinghong was trying to protect her pregnancy, so now she could only write while lying on the bed.

Pearl smiled proudly, she wanted to take this opportunity to get pregnant!