Chapter 669 - 345: Imperial Examination
Chapter 669: Chapter 345: Imperial Examination
Countless promising young candidates, after staying in the examination cells for nine days, went in on their own two feet and came out carried on a stretcher.
These older men were so advanced in age that their very steps trembled. Did they really need to risk their lives for a chance at a career? De’an couldn’t wrap his head around it, no matter how hard he tried. If it were him, he would absolutely never do such a thing.
To put it another way, at their advanced age, even if they were lucky enough to pass and become an Advanced Scholar, what use would it be? Could they really buy an official position just to experience the thrill of it? Or perhaps this position could be hereditary and passed down to their descendants? Neither was possible, so risking their lives like this was completely unnecessary.
After all, De’an was from the countryside, too far from the political center in the Capital City, so he had somewhat limited knowledge of these matters. Xu Yanlin cleared up his confusion. "In recent years, the court has set a precedent of granting rewards to elderly scholars."
That was five years ago. At that time, the Empress Dowager explicitly stated in her edict regarding the Imperial Examination, "Among them are elderly candidates in their eighties or nineties who still participate in the examinations. Even if they have not yet succeeded, seeing these white-haired elders join the Imperial Examination makes them true marvels of longevity within the examination halls."
Thus, a new system was introduced: scholars over the age of eighty who failed the imperial exams could be granted the title of Hanlin Academy Reviewer, while scholars over seventy could be awarded the title of Imperial College Director of Studies. In reality, it was just an honorary title with no practical use whatsoever. Forget receiving a monthly salary—the court wouldn’t even distribute a single coin for seasonal allowances like ice or charcoal stipends.
But alas, an honorary title was still a title.
For ordinary households, this official title was quite impressive to outsiders. On a grander scale, it could warrant a dedicated page in the family genealogy and elevate the entire family’s status. For those who had spent their whole lives taking exams, which scholar could resist such a temptation?
Once tempted, they would risk everything. Even if something unforeseen happened in the examination cells, there was nothing to fear. After all, the Imperial Examination had dedicated Imperial Physicians on standby specifically for candidates like them. If they truly felt unwell, timely medical attention ensured they wouldn’t actually lose their lives.
Let alone De’an, Chen Wanqing, and Xu Suying having never heard of these details, even Old Madam and Mrs. Guo, who spent year-round in the inner courtyard, were momentarily astonished upon hearing it.
Seeing them dazed, Xu Yanlin asked with a smile, "Father mentioned this at a family banquet a few years ago. Do you not remember at all?"
As a core figure of the Royalist Party, Xu Shiniang was always irritable whenever the Empress Dowager was mentioned. This regulation in particular—while it didn’t directly pander to the promising young candidates, it genuinely won over the elderly scholars. Although it was of little practical use, it marked the Empress Dowager’s first step in extending her reach into the imperial examinations. It was no wonder Xu Shiniang was furious; back then, he had spent a full half an hour cursing and making pointed remarks at home.
Reminded by his words, Old Madam and Mrs. Guo also recalled the incident. However, they would have rather left it forgotten.
Xu Shiniang, a grown man, had acted as if he’d gone mad with anger back then, pointing fingers and shouting at the servants. Realizing the root of the problem, the family had subdued him and dragged him back into his room. Afterward, they severely warned the servants in the courtyard, strictly forbidding them from spreading word of the incident, which finally put the matter to rest.
Thinking about it now, they couldn’t even bear to mention it. It just gave them a headache.
The group turned their gaze to Chen Wanqing and saw her unhurriedly sipping her bird’s nest soup with peach gum and snow fungus.
Old Madam smiled and said, "That’s the way. Eat when you should, drink when you should, and don’t take trivial matters to heart. Just focus on nurturing the baby in your belly. When Jing returns, he’ll give you a lot of credit."
Chen Wanqing smiled. "I know. I can’t be of much help anyway, so Jing will just be deeply gratified as long as I don’t cause any trouble."
"That’s exactly right. Still, I see you haven’t put on much weight these past few months. Later, I’ll have the nanny consult the doctor to adjust your diet. How about adding another snack time to your day?"
Not wanting to turn down the elderly woman’s cheerful goodwill, Chen Wanqing replied with a light smile, "You have the experience, so just arrange it as you see fit. Just don’t tire yourself out; please rest more when you have the time."
"I rest from dawn to dusk. If I rest any more, my brain will turn to mush."
After leaving Old Madam’s courtyard, Chen Wanqing and Xu Suying walked out together. Xu Suying was currently living in Old Madam’s courtyard, but today, she needed to make a trip back to her own.
"I received a letter a few days ago saying that Kaiyan and Lian’er will be arriving in the Capital City over the next two days," Xu Suying said. "I need to reorganize the items I’ve prepared for Kaiyan. Once she arrives, I’ll have someone move them directly to her place."
When De’an and Sheng Saya got engaged, Xu Suying had a little bit of money, but not much. Even if they exhausted their entire family fortune, it wouldn’t have been presentable enough for Kaiyan’s betrothal gifts. Therefore, Xu Suying had clearly told Mrs. Sheng back then that once they returned to the Capital City and she regained control of her own assets, she would make it up to Kaiyan with an additional portion.