Chapter 2208: Meng Yunzheng, Top Scorer!
Chapter 2208: Chapter 2208: Meng Yunzheng, Top Scorer!
The crowd was momentarily stunned, but before they could react, the Emperor directly announced, "From Shuntian Prefecture, Jin Lin, bestowed the title of Advanced Scholar, first class third place."
Standing at the front, Jin Lin was somewhat surprised. Coming from a family of officialdom in the capital, he had long heard many stories about Meng Yunzheng, naturally sharing similar thoughts as many others.
He also thought that, with only three people left, Meng Yunzheng would be the one whose appearance earned him the third place. As for himself, surely he should be in the top two.
Unexpectedly...
Yet thinking this way didn’t stop Jin Lin from reacting swiftly, stepping forward to kneel and thank the Emperor for his favor.
The Emperor nodded slightly, said a few words, and continued, "From Luozhou, Chu Qiuping, bestowed the title of Advanced Scholar, first class second place."
Chu Qiuping, over forty, appeared as a very elegant middle-aged man.
Unlike Jin Lin, he had no various guesses in his mind, knowing he was in second place left him very calm, stepping forward to express his gratitude.
Finally, Meng Yunzheng was the only one left in the grand hall.
Everyone present felt somewhat incredulous; wasn’t the Emperor displease with him? The things he said last time, surely they hadn’t misinterpreted, he was directly admonishing Meng Yunzheng, right?
Unexpectedly he turned out to be the top scorer, that’s right! He had been first in all previous exams, indicating... he was the consecutive winner of six exams.
The Emperor also mentioned this matter, "Meng Yunzheng, you consecutively topped the county exam, prefectural exam, academy exam, provincial exam, metropolitan exam, and palace exam, winning six exams in a row at such a young age, rare in history, do you have anything you want to say?"
"Your servant is grateful for Your Majesty’s immense favor."
The Emperor, "..." That’s it?
"If you are indeed grateful for my immense favor, then should you not comply with what I told you earlier?"
The crowd, "..." Wait, what words? What besides what’s been said during the palace exam did the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng discuss?
The dialogue on the day of the palace exam had already been analyzed repeatedly by them, it indeed expressed the Emperor’s dissatisfaction.
There was nothing in those words indicating any promises to be made.
The civil and military officials in the grand hall were astonished, was there something happening with Meng Yunzheng that they were not aware of?
Meng Yunzheng had not expected the Emperor to bring up this matter at such a time, indeed the ’thief’s ambition persists,’ continually seeking means to have him relinquish his grand ambition of becoming a dean.
"Your Majesty, a ruler’s word is golden."
The Emperor quietly clicked his tongue, regretting slightly for letting him become the top scorer.
But he was truly moved by the term winner of six exams in a row; it was all due to Meng Yunzheng’s exceptional performance in the earlier exams.
The Emperor felt some regret but ultimately said nothing more, only clearing his throat, finally remembering to continue the naming.
"From Changjin Prefecture, Meng Yunzheng, bestowed the title of Advanced Scholar, first class top scorer."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The naming ceremony concluded, all ranks of Advanced Scholars were announced.
The top three scorers in the first class were adorned with flowers and reds, escorted by music and ceremonial guards out of Zhengyang Gate, preparing to parade on horseback.
The second and third classes exited the palace from the East Gate and the West Gate.
At this moment, the most bustling street in the capital was already teeming with voices, an unprecedented grand occasion.
Shu Yu was sitting in the elegant room on the second floor of her shop, accompanied by Shuyou, Madam Yao, Ms. Kang, Madam Hou, and Xiao Ruojun.
Zhao Xi, Daniu, and Yuan Gui were in another elegant room.
Madam Yao, sitting by the expansive window on the second floor, joyfully said, "I didn’t expect your purchase of this shop would be so fortuitous, giving us the perfect spot to enjoy the festivities."