While the clamor below had already begun, Han Mo and Zhong Yanchong showed no signs of tension.
The Song Dynasty's imperial examinations divided successful candidates into three tiers. The first to be announced were the most common ones, namely the *Tong Jinshi* from the Third Class and those granted *Te Zou Ming*.
The so-called *Tong Jinshi Chushen* were legitimate *Jinshi* themselves, merely ranking lower in the final examination results.
As for *Te Zou Ming*, this was an imperial grace granted to scholars who had repeatedly failed to pass the examinations.
Although they would also be conferred the title of *Tong Jinshi Chushen*, the record of *Te Zou Ming* simultaneously meant they were considered inferior when standing alongside *Jinshi*.
It was merely a matter of spending some money to support these individuals, preventing them from defecting to Western Xia or Liao.
Given their caliber, if they were merely *Tong Jinshi*, there would be no need for surprise; in fact, neither of them would likely accept such a result.
Even though it was only *Tong Jinshi*, it was enough to make countless people rejoice.
Ten years of diligent study went unnoticed, but the announcement of success brought renown to the whole world.
As long as one passed as *Tong Jinshi*, they gained eligibility to enter officialdom.
Speaking of which, it was necessary to mention the Song Dynasty's bureaucratic system once more.
Whether it was the current Three Divisions Method or the direct imperial examinations held previously, passing the examinations merely meant that ordinary people were qualified to enter officialdom.
As for whether you could truly become a glorious official of the Great Song, that still depended on your specific performance and your own background resources.
Both *Tong Jinshi* and ordinary *Jinshi* automatically became *Xuanren*.
The so-called *Xuanren* were those who held an official rank but no actual post.
The Song Dynasty implemented a system of separation between rank and post. Many people held official positions in the Ministry of War but worked in the Ministry of Revenue, receiving the salary of a Hanlin scholar. Such a phenomenon, unimaginable in other dynasties, was very common in the Song Dynasty.
Upon obtaining official rank through imperial examinations, hereditary privilege, or imperial decree, one could be called an official.
However, without a specific assignment, you still couldn't enjoy the court's welfare benefits.
After discussing the Third Class, the remaining were the Second Class, known as *Jinshi Chushen*.
Generally, the top three scholars, *Zhuangyuan*, *Bangyan*, and *Tanhua*, were referred to as the First Class, *Chuan Lu*, and *Jinshi Jidi*.
The remaining *Jinshi* in between were all called *Jinshi Chushen*.
Only the top three scholars of the year, *Zhuangyuan*, *Bangyan*, and *Tanhua*, were directly granted both rank and post. The rest had to queue up at the Ministry of Personnel to await their assignments.
Of course, as newly successful *Jinshi*, they would be placed at the forefront of the personnel awaiting assignments.
Once a post became vacant, they would immediately begin selecting from among them.
Moreover, as a general rule, when the court assigned current posts to newly successful *Jinshi*, they would try to select metropolitan officials.
And when assigning duties, they would also grant many privileges.
Furthermore, within the officialdom of the Great Song, there was an unwritten rule: basically, all prime ministers throughout the dynasties were *Jinshi Chushen*.
Without *Jinshi Chushen*, one could not be appointed as a Hanlin scholar. Without the status of a scholar, in this world dominated by civil officials, one could at most reach the middle ranks, and would be unable to step into the upper echelms for life.
Therefore, this perverse bureaucratic system also gave rise to the perverse worship complex of the people in this world.
If the list of *Tong Jinshi* was merely a warm-up, the appearance of the *Jinshi* list turned into a climax.
“Passed, passed, I passed!”
A deliriously happy scholar shouted with laughter, and before he could even finish his words, dozens of men with green eyes swarmed him.
The man resisted feebly for a few moments before being directly carried away.
This was the famous "picking the groom from under the announcement list," and of course, this was just the first step; the person had been captured.
But whether they could be successfully taken home depended on the professionalism of these people.
There were only so many *Jinshi* each year, and there were even more families needing *Jinshi* sons-in-law.
The market demand far exceeded the annual quota of *Jinshi*, naturally leading to competition.
These people who picked grooms from under the announcement list generally had clear divisions of labor: some had keen eyes and ears, some were responsible for capturing, some for escorting, and some for intercepting potential competitors.
Of course, everyone adhered to one rule: weapons were not to be used on such occasions.
As long as no lives were lost, the Kaifeng Prefecture would not interfere, which created a unique spectacle for the entire city of Bianliang.
The hotels outside Donghua Gate were operating all night today, with everyone treating this day as one of the most important days of the year.
“Young Master, you passed! You passed!”
While Zhong Yanchong was enjoying the spectacle, a young servant ran over, shouting with laughter.
“Congratulations, Brother Zhong!”
Han Mo, confident in securing a top three position, was not in a hurry.
But Zhong Yanchong was different; he had now fulfilled his duty to his family, having studied since childhood, and now he had not failed his family.
“We congratulate each other!”
Although Zhong Yanchong spoke casually, his face was beaming with joy.
“Here’s a new *Jinshi*!”
Seeing the young man’s triumphant expression, Han Mo suddenly shouted with laughter.
“Charge!”
Hearing Han Mo’s words, Zhong Yanchong was stunned, but upon turning to see the swarming strong men, he could no longer laugh.
With so many people rushing forward, he would be trampled to death before even being captured.
“Brother Han, you!”
Looking at Han Mo’s schadenfreude, Zhong Yanchong felt like weeping without tears.
He could no longer watch the spectacle. Seeing the crowd getting closer, he could only roll up his sleeves and leap from the third floor.
He was from a military family, so this height was not difficult for him. With a few movements, he had already escaped to the ground floor.
“Hahahaha!”
Han Mo laughed even more heartily, but his得意 lasted only a moment before someone recognized him.
“The list for the First Class is out!”
“Young Master Han has become the *Zhuangyuan*!”
“The *Zhuangyuan* is here!”
At this moment, the celebratory atmosphere reached its peak.
Wealthy families who had not yet found a match for the night immediately rushed forward. Seeing their frenzied state, Han Mo could no longer laugh.
He ducked his head, took off his outer robe and handed it to Xu Fengnian, then turned and ran towards the staircase.
As soon as he got downstairs, he was surrounded by countless people.
“Everyone, calm down, calm down! Han Mo is already betrothed and will be married soon!”
Han Mo offered an awkward, dry laugh.
“What’s a betrothal worth? At most, two women serving one husband! Go for him!”
“Be careful, son-in-law, we’re here to save you!”
Han Mo finally experienced the enthusiasm of the Song Dynasty people. Fortunately, he was naturally strong.
Seeing the situation, he could only cover his face, lower his head, and charge out wildly without direction.
However, just as Han Mo broke through the crowd, he was directly pulled into a carriage.
“Don’t move! It’s me!”
Upon hearing Zhe Yourong’s voice, Han Mo finally stopped struggling.
“Your strength is too great!”
“Hmph! What did you think? Talented Scholar Han!”
Zhe Yourong playfully flexed her small fist as if to show off.
“Indeed, a daughter of the Zhe family has grown up…”
Han Mo flipped over, panting slightly, and said.
“Son-in-law, what’s the next line?”
His own son-in-law was a great talent, so the young maid, Ping’er, eagerly pricked up her ears.
“The next line?”
Han Mo scratched his chin and then stole a glance at Zhe Yourong.
“Mmm-hmm-hmm!”
The little girl nodded her head frantically.
“His strength uproots mountains and his spirit covers the world!”
“Han Mo! Go to hell!”