“This suggestion is excellent! Since the main business is done, how about we go to the Zhuangyuan Tower to celebrate?”
Zhong Yanchong also became interested.
“Brother Zhong, you can’t forget us for such a good thing!”
Several scholars who were close to them immediately gathered around. The most pressing matter had been dealt with anyway; the papers had been submitted, and whether they passed or failed was now up to fate.
After handing his things to Xu Fengnian to take back, Han Mo plunged into Zhuangyuan Tower with Zhong Yan Chong and the others.
This was perhaps the first time he had drunk so freely since coming to the Song Dynasty.
Although the wine was light and not as potent as modern baijiu, they were not afraid to guzzle it from the jars.
Han Mo didn’t even remember how he got home. When he woke up, it was already two days later.
“You’re awake, you’re awake! Brother Mo, you’re finally awake!”
As soon as he opened his eyes, Chun Tao rushed into his arms.
“Why are you crying? I just took a nap!”
Having not eaten or drunk anything for three full days, Han Mo felt as if his throat was about to catch fire.
“A nap? Do you know you’ve been asleep for two days and two nights? If you hadn’t woken up, the imperial physicians from the palace would probably have been summoned!”
Before Han Mo could finish speaking, he heard Han Shu’s voice.
“Uncle! This young man was too reckless. I got carried away with happiness and drank too much…”
Although Han Shu was not much older than him, his seniority was there. Han Mo apologized with a contrite expression.
“Alright, now that you’re awake, I can go home! You have no idea how worried my father was during these two days you were sleeping!”
Han Shu dropped his words and turned to leave.
“Sister Chun Tao, the young master hasn’t had any food or water for two days and two nights. It would be best to let him eat something first!”
Hearing the commotion from the inner room, Yue Nu hurried in with a bowl of chicken soup.
Reminded by her, the little girl finally realized that Han Mo hadn’t eaten for two days and needed to eat something quickly.
While Han Mo was sleeping soundly, the paper grading work was finally coming to an end.
Cai You had put in a great deal of effort to single out Han Mo, that scoundrel.
He was unwilling to let go of any paper that could be disqualified.
After finishing the last paper, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Scholar Meng, Official Cai, have your lists been finalized? His Majesty is waiting to see them!”
Just as Cai You was about to complete the final step, Liang Shicheng’s voice came from outside the door.
“Grand Commandant Liang, why have you come in person today? Is such a trivial matter worth Grand Commandant Liang’s personal visit?”
Cai You really didn’t expect Liang Shicheng to come in person.
“His Majesty is anxious. Since I have nothing else to do, I obtained an imperial decree from His Majesty and specifically came to see how you two are doing!”
“All the grading work has been completed, and there are absolutely no problems with the entire process. Grand Commandant, you might be a step too late!”
Cai You said with a double meaning.
“Too late? I think it’s just about right!”
Liang Shicheng also smiled, not taking it to heart.
Although the grading of the Ministry of Rites examination was the responsibility of these examiners, the emperor still had the right to ask them to select a few more papers from those who were disqualified!
After all, Han Mo was someone Emperor Huizong used to pit his two sons against each other. If he were directly kept out of officialdom, his future usefulness would be greatly diminished.
“Remove the anonymity seals!”
Cai You said with a cold smile, signaling the examiners to complete the final step.
The Ministry of Rites examination only decided whether one passed the Jinshi degree; the ranking was a matter for the imperial examination.
As they removed the anonymity paper, someone began to loudly proclaim the list of Jinshi graduates this year.
On the other side, several eunuchs who were prepared spread out sheets of yellow paper and began to copy.
After all, passing this exam meant becoming a new Jinshi graduate for sure, and they would have to report the good news.
“Jingjilu, Zhong Yanchong!”
“Jinghubeilu, Ke Sidao!”
“Jiangnan Dao, Luo Heng!”
…
As the pile of papers in front of him dwindled, Cai You’s smile grew wider.
He could hardly wait to see Liang Shicheng’s enraged expression later.
They had handled the entire process flawlessly this time.
Even if the emperor wanted to vindicate that brat, he intended to directly reject him.
After all, although imperial decrees recalling positions had become rare in recent years, it did not mean they had no right to do so.
Although doing so came at a great cost, he was willing to pay it rather than let this brat who had schemed against them enter officialdom.
In any case, they were in the right. Even if the emperor insisted on appointing this brat in the end, he would be forever stigmatized.
Lacking the Jinshi background would be a fatal flaw for any scholar.
Since the founding of the Great Song Dynasty, those who achieved high positions without a Jinshi background were truly rare among civil officials.
“Hebeidao, Han Mo!”
At this moment, an examiner suddenly called out.
Instantly, the entire examination room fell silent.
Cai You’s expression turned extremely ugly. How was this possible?
How could this brat have passed?
“Bring me the paper to look at!”
Cai You said with a dark expression.
“Yes!”
The examiner dared not waste any more time and quickly handed over the paper.
Liang Shicheng also leaned over with a smile, looking at Han Mo’s paper.
After quickly reading Han Mo’s paper, Cai You’s face became even more grim.
Wasn’t this brat from the Han family of Xiangzhou?
Why did all the answers follow Wang Anshi’s Three Classics New Interpretations?
The most disgusting thing was that every quote and reference from beginning to end complied with the requirements of the Three Classics New Interpretations.
At this point, Cai You was completely dumbfounded. He couldn’t help but curse Han Mo’s ancestors in his mind.
You’re from the Han family, aren’t you?
Why are you studying your sister’s Three Classics New Interpretations!
“Scholar Cai is indeed magnanimous!”
Liang Shicheng could tell what was going on just by looking at his expression. At this moment, he was starting to like this young man Han Mo.
He didn’t think highly of scholars who lacked backbone. For example, someone like Li Bangyan, the prodigal minister, was looked down upon not only by scholars but even by him, a eunuch.
However, he detested those with too much backbone, such as Li Gang and Zong Ze. Although they also supported the crown prince, their temperaments were really annoying!
Compared to them, Han Mo’s advantages were too obvious.
This was someone who could bend and stretch!
This was a true talent!