Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 524 - 360: Imperial Examination Ceremony
Officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple had already set up a yellow table on the east side of the Taihe Palace. The Cabinet Scholar presented the Yellow List, placing it on the yellow table, with all preparations completed.
After the three kneels and nine kowtows ceremony, the official from Honglu Temple began to announce the decree: "In the thirty-fourth year of Huiming, the imperial examination for scholars from across the realm was conducted. The First Class receives the title of Advanced Scholar and first rank, the Second Class receives the Advanced Scholar title, and the Third Class receives a title similar to Advanced Scholar."
After announcing the decree, when the first place of the First Class was proclaimed, as soon as Gu Chengyu heard his name, the Honglu Temple official led him out of the rank to kneel on the left side of the imperial road. When the second place of the First Class was announced, the official led Fu Yanshan out of rank to kneel slightly behind on the right side of the imperial road. When the third place of the First Class was announced, the official led Min Feng out of rank to kneel again on the left, further behind.
The names of the three from the First Class are announced three times. However, only the First Class enjoys this honor.
Gu Chengyu noted that the candidate called Li Yuan placed in the Second Class, was a man in his thirties. Gu Chengyu later heard that the forty-third place in the Second Class was Ye Zhiqiu, and the twenty-eighth was Zheng Lun. Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but feel nervous for Ye Zhiqiu, it seemed he didn’t perform well this time. However, he still made it into the Second Class, as anything beyond the fiftieth place would fall into the Third Class.
The Second Class and Third Class were only announced once and did not need to be led out of rank. After the announcement, the grand music played by Danbi was heard, and all the scholars performed the three kneels and nine kowtows ceremony. Subsequently, the Ministry of Rites official held the list, supported by a cloud tray, with a yellow umbrella leading the way.
Gu Chengyu and the others prepared to exit through the Taihe Gate and the Meridian Gate, the main gate of which only the Emperor usually passed through. Besides this, it was only during the Emperor’s wedding that the Empress could pass through, and the top three of the First Class had the opportunity as well.
By this time, the Emperor had already returned to the palace. All scholars, noble officials, and dignitaries followed the list outside, hanging it inside the "Dragon Pavilion" at East ChangAn Gate. Gu Chengyu led the scholars to follow the list outside. All the Golden Lists, after being posted for three days, would be respectfully submitted to the Cabinet.
Then, the Prefect draped a red sash over Gu Chengyu, placed a big red flower on him, and offered a cup of wine to Gu Chengyu, Fu Yanshan, and Min Feng each, then escorted Gu Chengyu onto a horse.
Gu Chengyu knew that the top scholar’s triumphant procession through the streets was about to begin. Gu Chengyu rode the high-headed steed bestowed by the Emperor, intending to display the "profound grace of the Emperor" as he passed through the imperial road.
Sitting on his horse, Gu Chengyu and his peers journeyed through the streets of the Capital. Today was the Imperial Examination announcement day, and people of all ages in the Capital knew that soon, the top scholar would parade through the streets. Therefore, the streets were bustling with excitement.
"Ming Yan! Do you think our young master will indeed become the top scholar?" Although Ming Mo was usually composed, he couldn’t help but feel nervous at this moment. Ten years of hard study—well, the young master hadn’t quite been studying for ten years, but almost.
Still, the young master’s whole purpose in studying was for this day. He was outstandingly talented and ought to become the top scholar. Ming Mo held onto Ming Yan on the second floor of a teahouse, waiting. If their young master paraded through the streets, this would be a perfect spot to watch him pass by. Don’t ask why they’re so sure the young master would parade; it was because Ming Mo and Ming Yan had confidence in Gu Chengyu!
Even if the young master wasn’t the top scholar, he could still be a top scorer or something similar.
"I have confidence in the young master. Let’s wait to admire his charming demeanor later," said Ming Yan, leaning at the window, glancing outside, feeling the view was somewhat obstructed. Unfortunately, the teahouses and wineries were fully booked today, with everyone gathered to witness the spectacle of the top scholar’s street parade.
Every year after the Imperial Examination announcement, the top scholar’s parade was a grand event. There were even unmarried officials’ offspring among the top three, with officials discreetly evaluating potential suitors. This year, all top three were unmarried, talented young men, each handsome and elegant, attracting so many women to watch that they were uncountable.
Even the women from wealthy households who rarely stepped out also came to watch.
Look, the women of Duke Zhen’s Mansion were in a private room at a restaurant, waiting for the top scholar to parade on his horse.
"Third Sister, it’s said that this top scholar Gu Chengyu is a handsome young man who became famous at a young age, but is it true?"
The speaker was the legitimate second daughter of the second branch of the Duke’s family, also legitimate from the second branch, this girl named Yao Mengdie was twelve this year and ranked fourth in her family. The news about the top three had long reached their Mansion after the Emperor confirmed them, so it wasn’t surprising for Yao Mengdie to know.
Yao Mengxian glanced at the second girl, Yao Menglian, sitting beside her sipping tea. It was Yao Menglian who had suggested they go and play at the Princess’s place today. Unexpectedly, they ended up here and heard that she was to meet with the Eldest Princess’s beloved daughter, Princess Rong Jia.
Speaking of Princess Rong Jia, she needs special mention here. She is the precious jewel of the Eldest Princess, with two older brothers before her, and her father is the Duke of Qin. Because she was favored by the Empress from a young age, she was given the title of Princess Rong Jia early on.
Besides Princesses, Princess Rong Jia was the indisputable royalty, even more privileged than those princesses not favored. As a result, she had a somewhat proud temperament and enjoyed riding and archery.
As for how Yao Menglian became close friends with Princess Rong Jia, Yao Mengxian truly couldn’t comprehend. Yao Menglian was quiet, didn’t like to move, and spent her days reading at home. Somehow, during an event, something must have happened to bring their relationship closer.
"Third Sister, Wan’er asked you something. Why are you staring at Second Sister? Don’t you know Gu Chengyu? Isn’t your maternal grandfather his mentor? You must have seen him, right?"
Annoyed at Yao Mengxian’s inattentiveness, Yao Mengdie shook her arm, insistent on gathering some information about Gu Chengyu.
Finally snapping back, Yao Mengxian looked at the cute little girl before her. The round, chubby-cheeked face and big, sparkling eyes made her look lively and adorable, but the pouting red lips already revealed a hint of displeasure.
She looked pure and sweet, but Yao Mengxian treated her with caution. These women of the deep, inner courtyards were idle and inevitably schemed against each other. The girl appeared innocent, but she was deeply calculating, as Yao Mengxian had learned from being caught by her several times before.
"Fourth Sister, how would I know what Gu Chengyu looks like? I’ve only seen him from afar a few times, and one must always remember propriety between men and women. Even when at my maternal grandfather’s, I would avoid encountering him."
Yao Mengxian dared not say she’d frequently seen him; otherwise, once Yao Mengdie reported back, heaven knows how it would be relayed! Wouldn’t they accuse her of clandestine interactions and violating etiquette?
"I don’t believe what Third Sister is saying..." Yao Mengdie was about to say more when Yao Menglian interrupted.
"Fourth Sister, your Third Sister already said she hasn’t seen him. Let’s not speak further. The Princess will be here soon, and we will witness the top scholar’s parade today. You want to know what he looks like? You’ll see for yourself shortly."
Yao Menglian knew that if she brought her two younger sisters out of the estate, their grandmother wouldn’t blame her.
The Commandery Princess had made arrangements to meet here, and although she was somewhat reluctant, she dared not decline to maintain a good relationship with the Princess. Her mother was aware and did not oppose it, instructing her to get along well with the Princess.
