March arrives with green grass, April with blooming flowers.
In mid-April, the imperial examinations results were announced. Two of the top three scholars hailed from humble backgrounds. Liu Donghuai’s name was on the list; he had achieved the rank of Tanhua.
The Zhuangyuan was Fang Silin, grandson of a former Hanlin academician. The Bangyan was Jia Fangcheng, from a scholarly family in Baofu Prefecture. The Tanhua was Liu Donghuai, a scholar from Donglin.
Except for Jia Fangcheng, who was past thirty, both Fang Silin and Liu Donghuai were young talents, handsome and upright gentlemen.
After the palace examination, Emperor Mingde was highly satisfied and hosted a Qionglin banquet.
At the same time, the imperial peach blossoms were in full bloom, and Lingyao organized a flower appreciation banquet, coinciding with the Qionglin banquet.
Emperor Mingde placed great importance on this imperial examination, as many positions in the court were vacant. Everyone understood that he intended to cultivate new talent, which did not sit well with the old officials.
Therefore, led by the Left Prime Minister, some old officials began to express their dissatisfaction, causing trouble for Emperor Mingde at every turn.
Furthermore, with Xiao Shan’s departure, those who had been cautiously keeping a low profile began to assert themselves. Memorials impeaching Xiao Shan piled up on desks.
Everyone knew that Emperor Mingde and Xiao Shan had a public disagreement. It started with a few tentative memorials. Seeing no reaction from the Emperor, the number of such memorials had suddenly increased recently.
“Xiao Shan has only been gone for a few days, and these old fogeys can’t keep their tails tucked anymore. It seems he wasn’t that terrifying after all. We should have taught them a lesson before he left.”
“Should I have my brothers from the Xianwang Sect pay them a visit tonight?” Yu Liu flexed her fist.
Lingyao shook her head, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
“Before, with Xiao Shan blocking the front, I only had to be a pretty fairy, just sitting there. It seems the court officials misunderstood.”
“I will now show those old fossils that I am different from my father.”
Yu Liu’s eyes sparkled, eager to act. “Princess, shall I call a few people?”
“No, there’s no need to make a big fuss.”
She wanted these old fossils to see that she, the Goddess, could be quite volatile.
She also wanted to show her Imperial Brother that she was not a Goddess who saved the world and illuminated all beings. Jing Kingdom was not her responsibility; she could cast it aside like a burden at any moment!
She could even destroy it.
“Lingxi, you take charge here. Imperial Sister will go to the Qionglin Garden to take a look.”
“Ah, Imperial Sister, can I do it?”
There were so many ladies here, some she knew, some she didn’t. In the past, during banquets, she would quietly sit aside and eat, never interacting with them. She felt a little unconfident.
“You are a royal princess, how can you not do it? Who here is more noble than you? If you don’t understand anything, ask the governesses. If anyone speaks improperly, slap them to teach them a lesson.”
Lingxi’s courage surged as Lingyao spoke. Her Imperial Sister meant she was in charge, and anyone who disrespected her would be slapped. She understood!
Ling’er also understood, rubbing her fingers behind her back.
There were a few noble ladies she had wanted to hit for a long time. Just now, one of them hadn't even paid respects to the Princess. When the Princess was about to discipline them, she could step in, saving the governesses the trouble.
Did they think the Princess was still the same invisible girl as before? Such ill-bred people!
Lingyao went to the Qionglin Garden with Yu Liu.
The main focus of today was the newly appointed scholars, especially the top three who were highly valued by the Emperor. The topic of the palace examination was the current pressing issue for the Great Jing: how to increase revenue and enrich the national treasury without imposing heavy taxes?
The one who pleased him the most was naturally Fang Silin, the Zhuangyuan. After all, he came from a prestigious family and had been personally tutored by his grandfather, giving him a perspective that those from humble origins could not match.
Jia Fangcheng was second. Liu Donghuai was the true commoner among the top three. His experience was limited, and he still appeared somewhat naive, all due to his background. However, it was evident that he was a promising talent who, with time, could become a pillar of the nation.
Emperor Mingde was very pleased and in a good mood.
He did not harshly reprimand the old officials for their inappropriate remarks.
Many people surrounded the Zhuangyuan. He had a good background, had won first place, was young and handsome, and was favored by the new Emperor, with a bright future ahead.
He was also the only newcomer not subjected to criticism from the old officials.
Beside the Bangyan, there were only a few people. Liu Donghuai had no one around him. Before the imperial examination, he was burdened with a murder case. If the Emperor had not later overturned the verdict, he would not have been able to proceed with the examination, and he would have lost his life.
It was one thing to be favored by the Emperor, but now it seemed the Emperor was not giving him special treatment. He had a low background and no support. If he did not gain the Emperor’s favor in the future, then today would be the most glorious moment of his life.
Among the old officials, only Cao Li, the Minister of War, spoke a few words to him, along with a few scholars he knew from the same examination.
However, he showed no surprise, remaining calm. He had long understood the intricacies of the court.
He had no background. If he wanted to establish himself in this predatory capital, he had to be prepared for a path fraught with thorns.
Several old officials acted superior, adopting a condescending attitude. Even if the Emperor appointed new officials, they would not soar to great heights; they would still be working under them.
Therefore, their tone during conversations was inevitably tinged with a sense of tutelage.
Liu Donghuai’s expression remained unchanged; he was accustomed to such gazes.
Jia Fangcheng’s face was a little stiff. Zhuangyuan Fang Silin had the advantage of his grandfather’s connections, so he received less attention, but his expression was no longer as spirited as when he first arrived.
Emperor Mingde’s expression grew somber. He did not want to lose his temper on such a day and make a spectacle for the new scholars. However, if these people went too far, he could no longer tolerate it.
Seeing that the Emperor’s smile had vanished, the old fellows began to flatter him again.
“Jia Bangyan, His Majesty is currently implementing new policies and needs young people like you who are passionate and ambitious. We are old; our strength and energy are not enough. In the future, it will depend on you.”
“Youngsters are truly formidable. This old man only passed the Jinshi examination at twenty-eight. Tanhua is only twenty-one this year, with boundless potential. If he gains the Emperor’s favor, rapid advancement is within reach.”
“Zhuangyuan is truly young and accomplished, possessing the same demeanor as your grandfather. In the past, this old man also worked in the Hanlin Academy and received guidance from an old Hanlin scholar. I will find an opportunity to visit him again and pay my respects to the elder gentleman.”
When Lingyao arrived, she saw a scene of harmonious imperial and ministerial relations.
However, the faces of a few unfamiliar newcomers still showed a trace of discomfort.
“Princess is arriving—”
As the eunuch announced her arrival, silence fell upon the hall. The officials still held some reverence for the Goddess of Great Jing. Although she did not appear often, ordinary people possessed an instinctive fear of the supernatural.
Moreover, they had personally witnessed the divine power the Goddess possessed – the might to collapse buildings with a single palm, the surging energy during the shattering of the altar. These were enough to make them act with restraint.
Fortunately, the Goddess’s primary duty was to predict disasters for the nation, and she generally did not participate in court affairs.
“Your Highness, we pay our respects.”