Chapter 2808

Yun Xi remained silent. In truth, as long as Li Gang did not make any mistakes during the palace examination, securing a place in the second rank was virtually guaranteed.

Three days later, Yun Xi and Li Gang changed into their special ceremonial robes and arrived at the entrance of the main hall in the imperial palace.

Attendants would soon emerge to call out names one by one. The candidates would enter in order and take their designated seats.

The palace examination lasted for one day. The imperial kitchen would provide a meal during the break.

The topic for this examination focused primarily on the new policies.

Yun Xi had already anticipated the Emperor’s emphasis on these reforms. Thus, seeing the prompt caused him no surprise. He immediately began to structure his essay in his mind.

She decided to start with specific points and gradually expand, detailing the achievements of the new policies and how they should be implemented. She also subtly addressed the potential difficulties that might arise during the reform process.

Once Yun Xi began writing, he did not stop. His thoughts flowed like a rushing river.

The Emperor personally came to inspect the hall. When he reached Yun Xi’s seat and read the content of his essay, he could not look away.

She had heard Wang Lanxuan’s high praise for Yun Xi, but she had never met the boy in person. Although she held great hopes for Yun Xi, it was only upon seeing her now that she understood why Wang Lanxuan recommended her so highly.

At only fifteen years old, Yun Xi lacked the recklessness typical of youth. Instead, he possessed a rare steadiness, yet he had not lost his youthful passion. He had blended passion and composure perfectly.

The Emperor nodded slightly. Indeed, people should not be compared so easily. At this moment, in his heart, Yun Xi was far superior to his own sons.

Moreover, Yun Xi’s writing struck a chord with him.

The Emperor held Yun Xi’s draft, reluctant to let go. When Yun Xi turned around, intending to copy his essay onto the final paper, the Emperor had to cough lightly to remind him.

The Emperor chuckled dryly, returned the draft to Yun Xi, and returned to his seat.

The Emperor’s presence had put immense pressure on the surrounding candidates. However, seeing Yun Xi remain completely unfazed made them admire him even more.

After the examination, everyone exited the hall to await the results. Only then did Yun Xi realize that the other candidates were looking at him with admiration.

Yun Xi raised an eyebrow slightly. Although he did not know exactly what had happened, he reasoned that the only major event today was the palace examination, and the Emperor had come down to inspect. With this in mind, he understood why they admired him.

Because he understood, Yun Xi did not display any arrogance.

Inside the hall, the Emperor did not hesitate. He directly named Yun Xi as the Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar).

Yun Xi’s exam paper did not require special review. He had consistently ranked first throughout all previous stages, resulting in the rare achievement of "Six Firsts." The officials present were not surprised. Because of this, the Emperor ordered Yun Xi’s paper to be collected and taken back for careful study.

Next, he named the Bangyan (Second Place) and Tanhua (Third Place). Li Gang never expected to finish fourth in the palace examination, earning the title of Chuanlu.

Once the rankings were determined, attendants were sent to announce them.

Thus, Yun Xi smoothly became the Zhuangyuan.

She then waited for the next day to parade through the imperial streets, followed by the Qionglin Banquet that evening. At the banquet, the first-place scholars (Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua) would receive their assignments, while the second-rank Jinshi and third-rank Tongjinshi would face their respective appointments.

Upon returning home, Yun Xi had Yun Jian burn a large bundle of incense at the ancestral shrine set up in the side room.

The next morning, Yun Xi paraded through the streets. In the evening, he attended the Qionglin Banquet.

Yun Xi’s age was evident. At only fifteen, he had a starting point higher than most people. This fact made some attendees feel a desire to provoke him.

"Zhuangyuan Yun, how about composing a poem for us at this Qionglin Banquet?" someone suggested.

Yun Xi looked at the speaker and smiled slightly, showing no surprise. Becoming Zhuangyuan at such a young age inevitably made others resentful.

Yun Xi smiled again. "That is acceptable." He was very familiar with poetry and literature, so he spoke his lines effortlessly.

Seeing Yun Xi’s calm demeanor, neither humble nor arrogant, combined with his exceptional poetic skill on the spot, the attendees were left speechless.

The Emperor, who had been observing secretly, now walked out with Wang Lanxuan.

The Emperor was satisfied with Yun Xi’s performance, though he did not show it on his face. He said, "I am delighted to see all my ministers. I hope you will work together in the future to help me develop Da Ru."

"We obey Your Majesty’s decree," the crowd knelt and bowed.

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and continued, "I am very happy this year. Since the establishment of Da Ru, we have seen our first 'Six Firsts.' This is Da Ru’s fortune. Zhuangyuan Yun Xi, listen to the decree."

Yun Xi quickly stepped forward and knelt. "This subject, Zhuangyuan Yun Xi, listens to the decree."

The Emperor said, "Traditionally, the Zhuangyuan is appointed as a Hanlin Compiler of the Sixth Rank. However, since you have achieved 'Six Firsts,' you cannot be treated the same. Therefore, I appoint you as an Imperial Lecturer of the Hanlin Academy, Fifth Rank."

Among the attendees were new Jinshi and older officials. Some were dissatisfied, but they could do nothing about it. The Emperor had clearly stated that this was due to Yun Xi’s unique achievement of "Six Firsts," which had never happened since the dynasty’s founding.

Thus, the crowd could only sigh silently. No one dared to object.

"This subject Yun Xi thanks Your Majesty for your great grace. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years." Yun Xi kowtowed to express his gratitude.

"Bangyan Xie Chengyi and Tanhua Murong Wuhen, step forward to listen to the decree," the Emperor continued.

"This subject Xie Chengyi (Murong Wuhen) listens to the decree." The Bangyan and Tanhua stepped forward.

"Bangyan Xie Chengyi and Tanhua Murong Wuhen are appointed as Hanlin Editors of the Seventh Rank."

"This subject Xie Chengyi (Murong Wuhen) accepts the decree and thanks Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years."

"The one hundred and twenty second-rank Jinshi may participate in the court examination. Those who pass will enter the Hanlin Academy in three years. The rest will serve in local positions. The one hundred and twenty third-rank Tongjinshi will be appointed after assessment by the Ministry of Personnel. Regardless of where you serve in the future, you must take the responsibility of Da Ru upon yourselves," the Emperor continued.

"We accept the decree and thank Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years." The new officials knelt to express their gratitude.

With the end of the Qionglin Banquet, the imperial examinations for this year were complete. Everyone was granted a three-month holiday to return to their hometowns to worship their ancestors. Afterward, they would return to study or begin their duties.

Yun Xi did not bring his family for this ancestral worship, as they had already done so before departing. He went alone with his attendants, spending only a month and a half before returning to the capital.