Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 493 - 329 Examination
As for Tong Zhouyi being demoted, the Capital has been talking about it, but not in detail, and he hadn’t been paying attention. He didn’t expect it was for this reason.
So, he turned misfortune into a blessing. Although the Emperor probably didn’t demote Tong Zhouyi because of him, it made the Emperor’s impression of him deeper.
The Fourth Prince sat at his desk, tracing the calligraphy practice book he bought, writing a few characters and comparing them carefully, then sighed and tossed the paper into the copper basin.
His pale lips pressed tightly together as he held the calligraphy practice book in hand and observed carefully, studying the angle of each stroke before picking up the brush to dip it in ink, preparing to copy a few more characters.
Suddenly, a person appeared in the room, "Master!"
The Fourth Prince was not startled upon seeing the newcomer, "How’s the task going?"
"The list has been drafted, and the Emperor has approved it. It will be posted tomorrow." The Hidden Guard’s voice was flat and emotionless, standing in the shaded corner, obscured from view.
The Fourth Prince gave a barely audible response, then said, "Deal with that adviser discreetly, make sure no clues are left behind."
He wouldn’t leave evidence like his elder brother, which would bring endless trouble. As for scouts, he had plenty; losing one was no big deal.
The Hidden Guard acknowledged his order, tapped his toes, and vanished from the room.
The Fourth Prince looked at Gu Chengyu’s lyric on the table, chuckled softly, and murmured, "You should be thanking me! If it weren’t for me, could you have advanced so smoothly?"
Early the next morning, Gu Chengyu had already groomed and waited in the mansion, expecting the constable to arrive with congratulations shortly.
Ming Yan had already sent someone to the post-list area to check the board. Today the Yellow List would be posted, concerning the previous fraud case. Gu Chengyu was eager to know how that matter would be handled, having been running around for days because of it.
Suddenly, Gu Chengyu heard the sound of gongs and drums in the courtyard; he knew the congratulatory messengers had arrived.
"Congratulations, Young Master! You’ve achieved first place in the examination, the messengers are already here, right in the courtyard." Ming Mo beamed with joy, jogging inside to share the good news with Gu Chengyu.
Even for Gu Chengyu, a person of composure, his heart couldn’t help but surge excitedly; this examination victory was hard-earned!
Gu Chengyu walked toward the outer courtyard. Although he had already instructed Ming Mo to prepare the reward money, he knew he still needed to be present personally.
Upon entering the outer courtyard, he saw two constables waiting there.
"Examination success announcement! Congratulations to Jingyuan Prefecture’s Young Master Gu Chengyu for winning first place in the Capital examination." One constable proclaimed swiftly upon seeing the rightful recipient arrive; this was the examination victory! Observing the impressive estate, a reward of silver was expected. Both men smiled broadly, eyes glowing as they looked at Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu understood immediately and received the congratulatory notice from the constable’s hand, giving Ming Mo a look. Ming Mo promptly pulled out two red envelopes from his sleeve, handing them to the constables.
The two felt it, realizing they were ten-tael silver ingots, and immediately grinned ear to ear, each congratulating Gu Chengyu, "Congratulations, Mr. Gu! We wish you high success in the Imperial Examination."
Gu Chengyu humbly replied, "I appreciate your kind words!"
The ranking from the examination usually doesn’t change much during the Imperial Examination, as the Emperor would adjust the preferred candidates’ positions a bit afterwards, but not drastically. Being the first in the examination, during the Imperial Examination, Gu Chengyu would likely end up among the First Class, reaching one of the top three spots: the top scholar, second place, or third place.
After sending off the two constables, Gu Chengyu then inquired about Ming Mo and Sun Xian’s conditions.
"Have you sent anyone to keep an eye on the Sun Family and Ye Family?" Because Sun Xian had previously told Gu Chengyu that passing this examination wasn’t possible for him. But, what if he did pass?
However, since Sun Xian mentioned his foundation wasn’t solid yet, not passing was also good, lest the ranking fell behind and after the Imperial Examination, he was granted the same rank as a Advanced Scholar, that would be truly helpless!
The difference between same-rank and Advanced Scholar is just a character, yet their statuses differ drastically. Passing as Advanced Scholar allows one to compete in the Hanlin Academy as a scholar and become a candidate for the Cabinet. The top three are directly in the Hanlin Academy, with no need for further exams.
While same-rank could only serve as a regional official, with the biggest achievement reaching the fourth-rank magistrate, and progressing further would be difficult. Nor can they serve in the Capital, but must be posted elsewhere. So if someone, usually thinking highly of themselves, ends up as same-rank, they would truly weep.
Of course, there are exceptions unless favored by a court minister or the Emperor and subsequently transferred, which would be considered fortunate.
Even for some candidates, this would remain a lifelong regret, feeling inferior in the presence of Advanced Scholars.
Speaking of the Ye Family, last time Ye Zhiqiu also ran around for him for several days, after which he presented thick gifts to the Ye Family. Sun’s mother was very warm to him, often inviting him to the Sun Family as a guest.
Ye Zhiqiu’s academic talent was undeniable; even if his ranking was not high, it wouldn’t be too low. As long as he was within the top fifty, a promising Advanced Scholar title was highly likely.
Gu Chengyu returned to the study, instructing Ming Mo to deliver congratulations to those two families and bring news of their high achievements.
"Young Master! The servant who checked the list returned; Mr. Ye ranked forty-eighth, but couldn’t find Second Brother-in-law’s name." Ming Yan glanced at Gu Chengyu, worried he might be disappointed.
Gu Chengyu didn’t mind; after all, Sun Xian himself managed his expectations. They had already abandoned hope early on. This examination was challenging; even though over three hundred passed, many hadn’t completed all the questions!
For this ranking of Ye Zhiqiu, Gu Chengyu considered it a decent performance, although reaching the fringe of the Imperial Examination’s second class. As long as he doesn’t slack during the Imperial Examination, remaining within second class is feasible. As long as not ending in third class, the beginning and end of second class don’t differ much.
"What did the Yellow List I asked you to see say?" Gu Chengyu eagerly wanted to know how the Yellow List addressed the issue.
Ming Yan knew some particulars and was puzzled over what the Yellow List outlined.
"It clarified the previous fraud case as unfounded. Furthermore, two officials habitually extorted bribes, opening doors of convenience for certain individuals. They were two large corrupt officials, embezzling some 200,000 taels of silver. Considering their previous contributions to the nation, Song Shuqing was sentenced to exile a thousand miles away. The two mansions’ male members were sentenced to exile, while females were either sent to the Music Bureau or sold as slaves."
"Additionally, Guo Shi, for falsely accusing court officials, was already deceased, the men of Guo Mansion were sentenced to execution, while women were to become military prostitutes."
Gu Chengyu was shocked; that silver belonged to the Eldest Prince, not only was he clear about it, but several in the court were aware too. Was the Emperor doing this to protect the Eldest Prince?
Yet what about that batch of silver? Was the Emperor entirely unconcerned or was it that the Emperor knew exactly where that silver was or how it was used?
