Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 522 - 358: Effort Wasted
"How could I trouble the Emperor with such trivial matters when His Majesty is already burdened with a multitude of affairs?"
The Emperor gazed steadily at Xia Qing for a while, making Xia Qing’s back break out in a sweat. Yet, his expression remained calm and composed, as he bowed his head without daring to meet the Emperor’s eyes.
"Oh? Are you advanced in years? I remember Xia Aiqing is not as old as I, correct?"
The Emperor’s cold voice reverberated in Taihe Palace, causing Xia Qing’s heart to leap to his throat.
He regretted his words as soon as he spoke them. Today, he must have been possessed to let such words slip. He was younger than the Emperor by several years; if he claimed to be old, it implied the Emperor was also aging.
Every court official knew that Emperor Huiming detested being called old. Historically, Emperors have never admitted to aging. Who would willingly leave the Dragon Throne? Who would abandon earthly riches and power?
The officials standing behind him broke out in cold sweat, not even daring to lift their heads, wishing they could shrink their heads into their necks.
At the same time, they cursed in their hearts, wondering how Xia Qing could make such a mistake. Had he grown accustomed to presiding over the court, to the point of disregarding the Emperor?
"How could I remember the Emperor is quite a bit younger than me?" Xia Qing glanced at the Emperor, feigning deep puzzlement.
"Your Majesty appears so youthful that it makes me look older by comparison."
Xia Qing never imagined that one day he would utter such sycophantic words. As the influential Xia’s Mansion, he ended up flattering the Emperor in front of fellow officials, thoroughly losing face.
The officials behind were also stunned by Xia Qing’s words. It turned out even Xia’s Mansion had to placate the Emperor when His Majesty was angered, which secretly pleased them.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s demeanor softened a little; Xia Qing handled Cabinet matters for him diligently.
Even if there wasn’t merit, there was effort. Although the Emperor had been displeased with Xia Qing’s frequent maneuvers lately, Xia Qing was still considered a Pure Minister and competent in his role.
With the matter temporarily set aside, the Emperor brought up the subject of the examination papers, "Do all of you believe that these three test papers can’t determine a first-place?"
The officials below remained silent, none daring to stand out, afraid of the Emperor’s wrath being directed at them.
Seeing this, the Emperor’s expression turned stern again. He originally intended to call names to elicit explanations. However, standing nearby, De An spoke, "Emperor, it’s getting late. We shouldn’t miss the auspicious hour!"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was reminded of the upcoming Imperial Examination and decided to select the top three.
"I recall Gu Chengyu’s answers were exceedingly well done, and his appearance is outstanding too."
Everyone knew the Emperor had reviewed Gu Chengyu’s test paper, but what was meant by the last sentence?
Since Emperor Huiming’s ascension, each top scorer chosen was of modest age. Understandably, those making it to the Imperial Examination were not young.
This year saw an unprecedented emergence of youthful talent, marking a thriving period in the examination history.
They already guessed the identity of one test paper among the top three; it could very likely be Fu Yanshan.
All three are promising young talents, with Gu Chengyu the youngest and most attractive.
The top scorer ought to be older, while the one who is best-looking and young might be named third-place scholar.
Was the Emperor inclined to let Gu Chengyu become the third-place scholar? Didn’t that mean Xia’s Mansion’s deliberate efforts yielded unintended results?
Gu Chengyu stood outside Taihe Palace, gazing at the grand palace complex ahead, contemplating his forthcoming audience with the Emperor. During the Imperial Examination, while the Emperor visited Baohe Hall and stood behind him for a while, Gu Chengyu hadn’t glimpsed the Emperor’s countenance.
According to his teacher, the Emperor sometimes consumes elixirs he himself concocts. Those elixirs contain heavy metals, toxic substances, and it’s uncertain how such might have affected the Emperor’s complexion.
Upon realizing the Emperor’s implication, Xia Qing felt elated, believing the Emperor intended to appoint Gu Chengyu as the third-place scholar due to his handsome looks being a hindrance.
A moment later, just as Xia Qing assumed the matter settled, the Emperor spoke again.
"However, Gu Chengyu possesses remarkable talent. Whether it’s composing verses or answering questions, all are excellently done. He understands state affairs profoundly. With the talent of a top scorer, merely appointing him third would be regrettable."
No sooner had the Emperor finished speaking did the ministers below draw back their lips. It turns out the Emperor also enjoyed dramatic pauses; having stated Gu Chengyu was gifted enough for the top spot meant the role should naturally be Gu Chengyu’s.
The three examination papers were already unsealed earlier, and the Emperor planned to rank the three individuals.
"Gu Chengyu has already been top scorer and examination winner; if he claims the top spot here again, he’ll achieve a Triple Champion, thus exemplifying our nation’s abundant talent when parading through the Capital."
The more the Emperor considered this ranking, the more satisfactory it seemed; Gu Chengyu was young, exquisitely attractive, and already famous, making him a fitting top scorer.
"Top scorer is Gu Chengyu, second place is Fu Yanshan, third place is Min Feng. Do any of you have objections?" As the Emperor spoke, he scanned the ministers below, with particular emphasis on Xia Qing.
Upon hearing the Emperor place Min Feng third, Xia Qing felt frustration, knowing Min Feng was academically superior to Gu Chengyu, but slightly edged out by Fu Yanshan. What was the Emperor’s purpose in this? Was it a warning?
The officials standing behind Xia Qing felt equally puzzled, having seen Fu Yanshan’s test paper themselves. Although decent, it didn’t match the other two, having been included by Xia Qing merely as filler, yet unexpectedly ranked above Min Feng. Was this discontent from the Emperor toward Xia Qing?
Indeed, they guessed right; Xia Qing’s tangled relationships in court, though the Eldest Prince’s faction could relegate him, had become overly arrogant recently, devoid of the caution he once practiced. It seemed his prolonged tenure in power made him forget who the Emperor was, and disregard his duties as a minister.
The Emperor aimed to instruct Xia Qing that despite his meticulous planning, the Emperor’s word alone could render his efforts futile; such is the sovereign’s power!
At last, Xia Qing regained his composure. Dissatisfaction could only be harbored internally. He maintained a straight face, enduring the Emperor’s appraisal, and was the first to flatter His Majesty, "I have no objections. The Emperor’s wisdom is incorruptible!"
The officials behind promptly expressed agreement, fearful of being left behind. Yu Zheng breathed a sigh of relief; he had hesitated last time over Gu Chengyu’s test paper, ultimately drawing a circle. He felt supremely fortunate now.
If he had drawn a triangle on Gu Chengyu’s paper, the Emperor might not have been so agreeable.
Outside the hall stood the Imperial Examination candidates, none disturbing the peace, all lining up according to their ranks, awaiting the Emperor’s summons for the top ten.
