inspire-indiana Chapter 931 Jinshi Enters the Imperial Court
Chapter 931 Jinshi Enters the Imperial Court
More than 600 newly appointed scholars, each filled with excitement, followed Ma Zhong into the imperial city.
Unlike the hustle and bustle outside the city where the results were being posted, the imperial city was now much more solemn.
Passing through the many palaces, one can see flags fluttering and a solemn ceremonial guard in the square in front of the Xuanzheng Hall.
The officials stood in order, and beneath the black and red dragon banner canopy, a blurry figure sat on the dragon throne.
Although his face was not clearly visible, his domineering and arrogant demeanor was already palpable.
That is His Majesty the present, the ruler of Daqing!
The students involuntarily held their breath, their hearts pounded like drums, and even their steps became much lighter.
Upon reaching a designated area, Ma Zhong raised his hand to signal the group to stop and said in a deep voice, "Right here, students, line up and pay your respects to His Majesty."
One of the scholars standing in the front row, unable to contain his curiosity, asked in a low voice, "General Ma, are we... not allowed to approach and pay our respects to His Majesty?"
Upon hearing this, Ma Zhong smiled slightly: "His Majesty has decreed that fairness is of paramount importance in the imperial examinations."
"It is not appropriate for the chief examiner and the candidates to meet before the palace examination, so as to avoid bias and criticism. As the chief examiner of this palace examination, it would be inappropriate for His Majesty to summon you at this time."
"This is His Majesty's painstaking effort to uphold the reputation of the imperial examination system; all students should keep this in mind!"
Upon hearing this, the students were first taken aback, then their faces showed expressions of sudden realization.
So that's how it is. His Majesty is declaring to the world that the imperial examination is no child's play, and its fairness cannot be tarnished in the slightest.
Amidst their surprise, a sense of secret delight also arose in everyone's hearts.
His Majesty attaches great importance to the imperial examination, which shows that this matter will surely become a national policy for Daqing in the future.
As the first batch of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) to be awarded in the founding of the nation, their status was naturally of extraordinary value!
Without further ado, all the successful candidates quickly straightened their clothes and lined up neatly according to their ranking.
Then, facing the Xuanzheng Hall in the distance, they all bowed and said, "We students thank Your Majesty for your grace! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
The distance was too great for most people to see His Majesty's reaction clearly.
Only Lin Qingyuan, with his exceptional eyesight, vaguely saw the seated figure rise from the dragon throne, gaze in their direction for a moment, and then sit down again.
After the ceremony, Ma Zhong spoke again: "Alright, all of you, follow me out of the palace and go back to rest well in preparation for the palace examination the day after tomorrow."
"His Majesty is considerate, knowing that you must be too excited to sleep tonight, so he has specially scheduled the palace examination for the day after tomorrow, giving you ample time to calm your minds and conserve your energy."
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" The scholars expressed their gratitude once again.
Then, filled with excitement, they left the imperial city in an orderly fashion.
. . . . . .
Two days is neither a long nor a short time.
Zhang Qian has not relaxed these past few days, and has been reviewing with Lin Qingyuan and his fellow disciples. Time flies by.
On the day of the imperial examination, just as the sky began to lighten, Zhang Qian and Lin Qingyuan arrived at the capital.
The area outside the imperial city was already teeming with people.
All six hundred newly appointed scholars arrived early, none of them late, and all gathered here with solemn expressions.
They all arrived well in advance, clearly afraid of being late.
Just as everyone was eagerly anticipating the event, the imperial city gates creaked open slowly from the inside.
A young eunuch with a fair complexion and no beard emerged, followed by more than thirty eunuchs and palace maids carrying food boxes.
The young eunuch walked up to the crowd, bowed slightly, and said in a gentle voice, "My name is Huai'en. I have come by order of His Majesty to welcome all of you scholars."
His Majesty issued an edict: "The fact that the students have come early shows how much they value the palace examination, which pleases me greatly."
Presumably none of you have had breakfast yet, so I have specially ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a meal. You may enter the palace first, sample the food, and then proceed with the palace examination.
Upon hearing this, the scholars were first taken aback, and then a warm feeling welled up in their hearts.
Although we have never met, these small details alone reveal His Majesty's benevolence.
No wonder, when His Majesty was just the Prince of Ninggu, so many important ministers and generals were willing to die for him.
They all showed expressions of gratitude and bowed in unison: "We, your students, thank Your Majesty for your compassion and kindness!"
With a warm smile on his face, Huai En gestured to his eunuchs and maids to distribute the food.
Then, he personally picked up a rather exquisite food box and slowly walked up to Zhang Qian: "This must be Lord Zhang, right?"
The term '公' does not only refer to the elderly, but is also a respectful term for those who are talented, virtuous, and of high status.
Zhang Qian had never been addressed in such a way before, and was immediately flattered. He quickly waved his hand and said, "You flatter me, sir! Please just call me by my name, Zhang Qian."
Huai En was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, seemingly not expecting that the leader personally chosen by His Majesty would be so simple and humble.
Seeing this, Lin Qingyuan immediately smiled and smoothed things over, cupping his hands and saying, "Please don't take offense, sir. My elder brother comes from the countryside and is unfamiliar with the customs of the capital. If there has been any offense, I apologize on his behalf."
Zhang Qian then realized that the person in front of him was a palace eunuch, and that his earlier address was indeed inappropriate. He quickly apologized again.
"I was ignorant, please forgive me, sir."
Huai En would not take offense at such a trivial matter, especially since the person before him was the newly appointed top scholar whom His Majesty valued highly.
His smile remained unchanged as he handed over the food box, saying gently, "Chief Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."
"His Majesty knows that your family is poor and that your studies have not been easy. He has specially ordered us to bring you this royal breakfast. Please enjoy it."
Upon hearing this, all the scholars who had been listening intently showed expressions of admiration and surprise.
Although everyone else was served food by the emperor, Zhang Qian's meal was the same as the emperor's.
This has a completely different meaning; rounding it up, it's equivalent to dining at the same table as His Majesty.
What a grace this is!
Zhang Qian was so moved that he didn't know what to do. He could only bow deeply again and accept the food box with trembling hands: "This student thanks Your Majesty for your grace. I am deeply grateful!"
Huai En said nothing more, smiled and took his leave.
Zhang Qian carefully opened the food box, and everyone looked on curiously, only to find that the food inside was much the same as what everyone else had eaten:
Half a steamed sweet potato, a bowl of congee with rice grains blooming, a plate of refreshing pickled vegetables, and a hard-boiled egg.
The only difference was that there was an extra bowl of fragrant meat and bone soup, and an egg that smelled of tea.
Upon seeing this, the resentment in everyone's hearts lessened, and was replaced by admiration for His Majesty's frugality.
Your Majesty's frugality is a testament to the virtues of the late Emperor.
With reverence for His Majesty, everyone ate the royal breakfast cleanly, not daring to waste a single drop.
After the meal, the scholars lined up again, led by Huai En.
When they arrived at the last palace gate, Huai En stopped.
Turning to face the assembled scholars, he gathered his strength and uttered a long, drawn-out greeting:
"Students, straighten your hats and stand at attention—"
The more than 600 people fell silent instantly, quickly checked their clothes, and lined up in neat rows according to their rankings.
As the top-ranked player, Zhang Qian naturally stood at the forefront of the group, with Lin Qingyuan following closely behind.
After a brief silence, Huai En's clear and solemn voice rang out again:
"Announced—A Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the first year of the Tianxing era, he entered the court to pay homage—"