Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 756: Ascending to the Heavens (Part 1)
We have to say, Minister Dong has a unique talent for understanding and anticipating the Emperor’s intentions.
The Emperor is determined to establish the female examination to select female officials, and the inaugural exam is particularly important. This time’s acceptance rate sets a precedent for future female exams.
One out of five is indeed much better than the men’s ratio of one out of twenty. However, there have been very few women who have studied since childhood. Even fewer actually register at the Ministry of Rites and enter the examination hall. From this perspective, one out of five seems quite appropriate.
Sure enough, after Minister Dong presented twenty selected exam papers at Zhaohai Palace, Jiang Shaohua smiled and praised, "Minister Dong handles things efficiently."
Minister Dong responded solemnly, "I am deeply indebted to the Emperor. Relieving the Emperor of worries is my duty."
"Establishing the female examination to select female officials is a significant event beneficial to the country. I personally oversee every aspect to ensure the selection of truly useful talents for the Emperor."
"I have selected twenty papers, and I ask the Emperor to review them one by one. The actual rankings will be determined after the palace examination, decided personally by the Emperor."
Generally speaking, those who pass the provincial exams usually do not fail the palace exams, which only determines the final ranking. With the Emperor personally marking the exams and setting the rankings, all the new Advanced Scholars become the Emperor’s disciples.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "The palace exam is in ten days. On the day of the exam, I will be the chief examiner, and Minister Dong will be my assistant examiner."
Actually, the tasks still fall on Minister Dong, while Jiang Shaohua carries the title of chief examiner. This is originally the duty of the Minister of Rites.
Minister Dong promptly agreed with a smile.
After Minister Dong departed, Jiang Shaohua carefully reviewed the twenty female examination papers.
All the exam questions were personally set by Minister Dong, with one third fewer than the men’s exam, significantly easier, and different in focus. This was tailored to the reality of women’s education. The young ladies from prominent families mostly read poetry and essays for leisure and temperament. The exams required readings from classical texts and writing on national policies, which was indeed challenging for women.
Therefore, Minister Dong focused on memorizing classical texts, with only two questions on national policy essays.
The number of women attending the female examination is indeed small, but all of them have genuine talent and skill. Li Ying and Cui Wenxiu were undoubtedly among those selected.
There was another girl with the surname Li, who should be a relative from Empress Dowager Li’s family.
There were surnames Cui, Lu, Wang, and surprisingly, even Zhang. Look, Minister Zhang is not foolish at all, subtly building allies while enjoying the benefits of having female officials.
Jiang Shaohua chuckled slightly, amused.
Upon seeing the name on the last exam paper, Jiang Shaohua glanced and laughed, turning to Chen Jinyu, "Lu Zhen indeed has potential and was also selected."
Chen Jinyu’s eyes lit up, and she leaned over for a closer look.
Lu Zhen started studying at the age of eight, spent six years at Ye County Women’s Academy, and consistently topped the assessments each year. She can be said to be the most outstanding student nurtured by Ye County Women’s Academy.
"Lu Zhen’s handwriting is excellent," Chen Jinyu praised with a smile. "Even without considering the content of the article, just looking at the handwriting, it’s top-notch."
Jiang Shaohua smiled with agreement, "Her articles are also well-written."
A young girl stepping into the world, full of vigor and courage. When writing articles, her style is particularly sharp. Talent and boldness are truly evident.
After reading the paper, Chen Jinyu couldn’t stop praise for Lu Zhen, "Excellent! This Lu Zhen is a promising prospect. After the palace exam, let’s bring her into the palace for work. I will personally guide her."
Chen Jinyu is already twenty years old and has reached the age to consider offspring. Previously, she couldn’t find time, but with female officials entering the palace in the future, she’ll make time to have a child, ensuring the Emperor has no worries about lack of attendants.
Compared to the young ladies from prominent families, Lu Zhen from Ye County’s commoner background seemed more fitting to the Emperor’s liking.
Speaking of priorities, the most crucial requirement for serving by the Emperor’s side is absolute loyalty to the Empress. Ladies from the Lu Family, Cui Family, Li Family, and Wang Family, despite their high learning, might pose concerns. Should the Emperor’s orders conflict with family interests, would they be too biased towards their families?
Lu Zhen faces no such concerns. Her family is ordinary folk far away, leaving her alone in the palace. She has no connection to the court or nobility. From this point of view, she is even more suited than Chen Jinyu to be an Imperial Attendant.
Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, "After the palace exam, we’ll review her paper and award her a good ranking."
...
Lu Zhen naturally didn’t know that before even passing the palace exam, she was already pre-determined for high rankings by the Emperor.
On the day the provincial exams were announced, the men’s list was posted first. The women’s list was much shorter, with only twenty names. A crowd gathered below the list, making it difficult for the women to squeeze in.
Miss Li, Miss Cui, Miss Wang, and Miss Lu all sent their servants to check the list.
Li Ying also sent her servants to check the list. In total, there were only twenty names; squeezing forward for a peek would let them see them all.
The servant struggled to get to the front and soon returned with a gleaming smile to report, "Great joy! Mountain Master and Mr. Cui are on the list, and Miss Lu also passed!"
Li Ying and Cui Wenxiu exchanged smiles.
Lu Zhen couldn’t contain herself. Upon hearing the joyous news, she smiled brightly, happily exclaiming, "I passed! Teacher! Mountain Master! I passed!"
Li Ying smiled and patted Lu Zhen’s head, "Well done!"
"Still, the palace exam awaits. Prepare carefully to achieve a good ranking," Cui Wenxiu confidently told her beloved student, "Perhaps, the Emperor will directly keep you in the palace for work. This is indeed a great leap forward!"
Lu Zhen nodded vigorously, her bright eyes shining with joy.
Who would have thought that a girl from a weaving family in Ye County could study in an academy, participate in the female exam, and successfully become a female official? 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
The distant aspirations she set since childhood are now within reach.
In the following days, Lu Zhen stayed indoors, diligently practicing national policy essays under the guidance of Li Ying and Cui Wenxiu.
County Magistrate Cui came from a double-ranked scholar background, and Li Ying, who accompanied her husband in studying, has profound expertise in national policy essays. Even after passing the female exam, Li Ying would return to Ye County Academy to continue as Mountain Master managing the academy. Cui Wenxiu, likewise, left only Lu Zhen in the Capital City for official duties.
The two almost entirely relinquished their palace exam pursuits, focusing solely on guiding Lu Zhen’s preparation.
On the day of the palace exam, a hundred men and twenty women formed three lines, entered the Jinluan Palace in sequence, and, under the guidance of the Ritual Officer, saluted the Emperor.
Jiang Shaohua glanced across the tense faces, smiling slightly, "Be at ease, take your seats. Today is the palace exam, and I am your chief examiner."
"Minister Dong, proceed!"
Minister Dong responded and instructed two officials from the Ministry of Rites to distribute the exam papers.
