Aside from Tangtang, the other nine students were gloomy, particularly those who had recently been highly recommended.
They might even see these ministers changing their minds one by one as a result of the two so-called anecdotes recounted by Shen Qingling.
Meanwhile, Shen Qingling distributed Xu Qing's paper to those who hadn't already seen it. Shen Qingling had been clutching Tangtang's paper because he was hesitant to offer it to others.
Shen Qingling only told two stories without stating his position, while the others couldn't. They needed to express themselves because the Emperor was still waiting.
The Emperor looked at the overly quiet ministers below and smirked, "Have you heard the stories told by Minister Shen just now? What do you think of them?"
The Emperor addressed Shen Qingling as Aiqing in front of the other ministers, but Minister Shen in front of Shen Qingling. The Emperor was undoubtedly reminding those ministers that Shen Qingling was the court's youngest minister as well as the former Number One Scholar selected by the past Emperor.
The three males in the Shen family were all significant court officials, and Shen Qingling's father was the prime minister. As a result, there was no need to explain why Shen Qingling was defending this man named Xu Qing at this time.
Prime Minister Shen was one of the few officials who said nothing when the officials displayed their attitudes just now. Although Prime Minister Shen didn't generally take sides, there was more to his silence this time.
The ministers below exchanged glances, knowing that things would not proceed as planned. At the very least, the candidates they had previously recommended were not those desired by the Emperor.
Those who were on the fence quickly went on board and began recommending Xu Qing. They even stated why they hadn't previously recommended him.
It was due to the fact that they had not read his article, which sounded extremely plausible. Shen Qingling observed the scene with disdain.
Did these people treat the Emperor as if he were an idiot by pulling such tricks on him?
Even if the Emperor did not summon them immediately, it wouldn't be long before he did something to them.
Meanwhile, more and more individuals were promoting Xu Qing. Because some people had started it, others would naturally follow suit.
These people were able to enter this hall since they were all astute watchers. Even though he had accomplished his purpose, the Emperor was still dissatisfied.
After hearing Shen Qingling's story, he realized that these people were similar to Qin Hui.
The Emperor did not agree with anyone. Instead, he asked Shen Qingling's father, Prime Minister Shen, "Prime Minister Shen, what do you think?"
Prime Minister Shen stood up, got out of his seat and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, what the ministers said makes sense. I also believe Xu Qing's paper is the finest. However, I encourage Xu Qing not because of my son's stories, but because I believe Xu Qing has a genuine genius. Is anyone here familiar with the backgrounds and ages of these ten students? Only Xu Qing, as far as I know, does not hail from the capital city. Furthermore, he is still under the age of 18. He hasn't yet reached the age of maturity. Such a youngster has such excellent understanding in his paper, and I admire him greatly. As a result, I believe Xu Qing is qualified to take first place in today's Final Imperial Examination."
Prime Minister Shen appeared to have spoken a lot, but if one listened carefully, one would find his answer somewhat unclear, which was great. When Xu Qing's family background was recounted, however, something occurred to the Emperor.
Because Xu Qing originated from a low-income family, if the Emperor named him the finest scholar in the Final Imperial Examination, he would be able to rely solely on the Emperor in the future.
After hearing what Prime Minister Shen had to say, the Emperor couldn't help but sigh at how similar Prime Minister Shen and Shen Qingling's perspectives were. What father and son!
After asking Prime Minister Shen for his view, the Emperor asked a few other ministers for theirs. Some of them advised Xu Qing, while others, predictably, advocated others.
At the same time, they slammed Xu Qing, claiming that he had broken the rules of his paper and that his response was irrelevant.
Shen Qingfei, who had been acting stupid, consented. "Lord Wang, I don't think what you said is right. I don't remember one has to follow the rules in his paper. I wonder when the Great Xia has such a rule?" If Lord Wang, you really can't find any fault in Xu Qing's paper, you might as well stay silent. Besides, the reason you gave to disparage Xu Qing's paper is irrational. You are embarrassing yourself by doing this, and you were saying that in front of those ten students. Save yourself some pride, Lord Wang."
Shen Qingfei's remark made Lord Wang's face livid and pale at the same time. He also found it hard to retort upon Shen Qingfei, and finally, he could only sat down with rage.
Now that Shen Qingfei had stood up, the Emperor had to ask, "Aiqing, what about you? Since you don't agree with Lord Wang, what do you think of the other nine papers?"
Shen Qingfei appeared to have gotten himself into another pickle. Every time Shen Qingfei mentioned something, the Emperor would find a flaw in it and then ask him to explain it.
Shen Qingling would have assumed the Emperor was interested in his brother if it hadn't been for the fact that the Emperor was already married. However, he afterwards realized that the Emperor's motivation for doing so was entirely to make fun of Shen Qingfei. When Shen Qingfei was embarrassed while racking his wits for an answer, the Emperor relished it.
Shen Qingling could only light a candle in his imagination to pay his respects to his brother. He could light more candles for him this time.
After all, Shen Qingfei was now defending his future spouse. Of course, whether Xu Qing was a wife or a husband, this was a serious situation. For the time being, Shen Qingling could only envision it. Shen Qingfei's face changed color as expected when he heard the Emperor's words.
He was now melancholy. He wasn't a talkative person to begin with, but whenever the Emperor requested him to say something, he had to utter so much that his lips dried up. This was not a pleasant sensation for Shen Qingfei.
Shen Qingfei blamed himself for his own stupidity and then followed the Emperor's order obediently, finding fault with the other papers.
Many papers, in Shen Qingfei's opinion, were full of foolishness, particularly those produced by the first and second in the Spring Imperial Examination. Shen Qingfei almost said "good for nothing," and those two students blanched.
Of course, there were some standouts. On the contrary, the papers prepared by students who did poorly in the Spring Imperial Examination were far superior.
Shen Qingfei not only pointed out the flaws, but he also highlighted certain positive aspects, which immediately made others who were not in the spotlight beam with joy.
Shen Qingfei had no other skills, but he had read a lot of books. People found it difficult to disagree with him since he was articulate and his beliefs were well-founded. As a result, when
Shen Qingfei finished speaking, the hall went silent once more. This time, no one talked since they didn't know where to begin. Prime Minister Shen and his two sons, it appears, would want to suggest this man named Xu Qing.
It was unclear how he had developed a bond with the Shen family, who had taken him under their wing.
Seeing that no one spoke, the Emperor felt that it was his time to speak.
The Emperor said, "Now that everyone has spoken up, I'll tell you what I've witnessed. Someone once informed me that as Emperor, I can't see things through the eyes of common people. I must decide how to conduct things in the most beneficial and beneficial way for the people. Today, I'd want to make a suggestion about governance. In his work, the author explains how to make the country prosperous while also ensuring that the people have a pleasant life. He also instructs me on how a smart ruler should deal with a noisy official. He tells me how much I should trust those who defend me and the people of the country in order for us to live in peace.-"
'"-If these twelve words are not accomplished correctly, the situation will be that "the people suffer regardless of the country's rise or fall." However, if properly carried out, the situation will be very different. People will have a happy life after the country prospers. The country will not fall if the people prosper. People are always the ones who care the most about their country. There is a home wherever there is a country."
"There is a home wherever there is a country." was the last sentence in Tangtang's paper. "Everyone is responsible for his country's rise or fall." His Dad had taught them so from childhood.
Therefore, his Dad had had no objection to him coming all the way to the capital city. Therefore, his Dad had had no objection to Guoguo fighting on the battlefield.
Tangtang began to smile as soon as he heard the Emperor's comments. He did not fail to live up to his father's expectations. Tangtang abruptly rose up and moved towards the center of the hall, step by step, when the Emperor completed speaking.
The young man had only recently turned 18. Manhood was just beginning to emerge from his features, yet there was still a hint of immaturity left.
The young man was dressed in white, and his shoulders were too narrow, but he appeared to be qualified to be the backbone already. The young man stood tall and walked firmly step by step.
Such a small trip attracted everyone's attention.
Tangtang went to the middle of the hall, knelt down and kowtowed. Then he got up and faced up to the Emperor, "Greetings from Xu Qing, the student, to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."
Tangtang kowtowed three times and then kept kneeling, remaining unmoved.
No one had ever taught him what to do, but he did well.
The image of Tangtang walking over captivated the Emperor as well. When Tangtang expressed greetings to him, he had not even responded. He came to his senses when the eunuch next him reminded him.
The Emperor coughed softly and said to Tangtang who was kneeling, "Please arise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Tangtang expressed his gratitude and stood up.
The Emperor asked him, "Is there anything you want to say?"
Tangtang said bluntly, "I want to ask Your Majesty for something."
"What is it? Tell me. "
Tangtang replied, "I don't want to take the Final Imperial Examination for the title of "best scholar" or anything like that this time. I simply want to be a local official in a city near to my home."
"Why? Isn't it good to be the best scholar? Or isn't it good to be an official in the capital city?" The Emperor asked.
Tangtang shook his head. "Of course it's great, but I have my own plan. Being a local official has its own advantages. How can I be an official in the capital city if I can't even control a region? It's not that I don't want to be a government official in the capital. I simply want to begin as a local official and work my way up to the position of capital official by my own efforts. I can assure you that as long as I'm safe and alive, I'll return to the capital sooner or later."
There was no suggestion of conceit or arrogance in his demeanor, but he exuded confidence. This, however, was the most appealing characteristic.
If Prime Minister Shen hadn't revealed that he was just 18, who would have guessed that such a man was only 18 and hadn't reached the legal drinking age?
He was just 18 years old when he ventured to pronounce such lofty things, having progressed from village graduate to provincial graduate, state graduate, and eventually to the Final Imperial Examination. How many people at this age could achieve this?
Some were shocked, some marveled, and some, of course, was sad.
Despite the fact that Xu Mu had warned Shen Qingling ahead of time, Shen Qingling did not anticipate this day to come so soon. He wasn't even interested in a rank in the Final Imperial Examination. Didn't he know that as long as he was named "the best scholar" of the Final Imperial Examination, his story would be spoken in the capital city for the rest of his life?
Shen Qingling made a shaky motion with his head. It's not that Xu Qing didn't know, but he just didn't care. He had no desire to be a government official or to wield power. All he desired was a stage on which he could demonstrate his abilities. Being an official was unquestionably the greatest option.
Tangtang had said it several times to Shen Qingling that this concept came from his father. Shen Qingling admired this person from the bottom of his heart, despite the fact that he had never met him before.
He respected him for having a son like Xu Qing. Shen Qingling was also aware of why Xu Qing had made such a decision. He could frequently return home after becoming a municipal authority near his home. He might also better utilize his talent and showcase himself.
It was, indeed, a wise decision. Xu Qing was originally from the countryside, thus he was unafraid of adversity.
Knowing full that this was the best and most appropriate choice for Xu Qing, Shen Qingling did not express his support for him. He didn't want to be too far away from Xu Qing, after all.
They were still friends for the time being, and they had a long way to go. When Shen Qingling was distracted, the Emperor had already granted Xu Qing's request, but he added that he had to award Xu Qing the title of "best scholar." The Emperor did this in a very casual manner.
However, everyone there recognized that this was an unavoidable consequence, and only Shen Qingling was unaware of what Xu Qing had just told the Emperor in order for the Emperor to grant Xu Qing permission to leave the capital to work as a local official.
Shen Qingling felt he couldn't hold out any longer. He wished for the Final Imperial Examination to be completed as quickly as possible so that he could speak with Xu Qing. He had so many questions for Xu Qing, and he also wanted to express his affections for him.
Before long, the Emperor announced the best scholar of the Final Imperial Examination, so it wouldn't take long before the rest of the rankings came out.
The Emperor had already got his answer after reading the papers, so he could give the ranking directly. Therefore, he called the names one by one, deciding the placing.
This time, however, the placement was completely different from that of the Spring Imperial Examination.
The original first and second pupils were promoted to ninth and tenth, respectively, while the original fifth and sixth students were promoted to second and third. Few predicted this, especially the first and second years of the Spring Imperial Examination.
Their color changed instantly. However, because they were in public, they couldn't lose their cool, so they had to suppress their rage. They, on the other hand, despised the Shen family and Xu Qing to the core.
Xu Qing, who had already become the public enemy, was still overjoyed because the Emperor had granted him permission to be a local official.
He intended to approach the Emperor for a favor in the near future since he wanted to take up the post one year later, so he could bring Guoguo's bride and kid home first, and then marry Baozi and Qingshu soon.
As for anything else, he didn't have enough energy left to think about them.
The students were allowed to leave after the Final Imperial Examination.
They merely had to wait for the examination results to be announced. They would return to the palace three days later to attend the feast honoring the finest scholar.
They only had to wait for the posts to be assigned to them. When the Emperor instructed the crowd to disperse, Shen Qingling was the first to depart to await the Emperor outside.
The Emperor had intended to ask him to stay so that he could continue his conversation with him. However, Shen Qingling had already vanished before he could have the eunuch talk to him.
The Emperor sighed, feeling helpless. He was somewhat satisfied with the Final Imperial Examination today, but more dissatisfied.
Finally, the Emperor bestowed the title "best scholar" on someone he admired, but he aspired to be a local official by his own efforts.
However, it would be years before a local official could achieve such a feat. As a result, the Emperor hadn't seen the greatest scholar in years, and the best scholar might not have been willing to come to the capital city at the time.
The Emperor was irritated, but because each of Xu Qing's statements struck the correct tone, he couldn't disagree, so he had to bear the agony silently and let go of the one he liked.
What the Emperor was most curious about right now was how Shen Qingling knew what Xu Qing knew.
Furthermore, just the two of them were aware of these events. Could they have been in cahoots with each other?
The Emperor considered it and concluded that it was impossible. After all, he was the one who had devised the test question and had kept it a secret from everyone.
They wouldn't have known what to do even if they had conspired in the Final Imperial Examination!
Thinking of this, the Emperor became more and more confused and curious.
Shen Qingling, who had been waiting, did not meet Xu Qing as soon as he had expected. Instead, he had waited for a long time without seeing him.
Meanwhile, he noticed that there were just a few ministers leaving the hall today. Shen Qingling pondered the situation and comprehended what was going on.
That is, Xu Qing was surrounded by ministers who could have gone home but did not.
Therefore, Shen Qingling decided to go back and take a look.
It was just as Shen Qingling had expected. Tangtang was indeed mobbed by the crowd.
Shen Qingling knew none of them, but judging from the robes they wore, their official positions were not low.
Probably except for those top-ranking officials, the rest of them all stayed around Tangtang, who wanted to leave but failed.
However, Tangtang didn't know these people. Even if he wanted to have some small talks with them, Tangtang didn't know how.
The most thing he asked was people's names, and he had been putting on a smile the whole time.
Not only these officials, but those students who had taken the Final Imperial Examination also came over to join them.
Tangtang was credited with their rankings, especially the fifth and sixth students of the Spring Imperial Examination, who had become the second and third of the Final Imperial Examination, so they came over to offer their gratitude.
Tangtang was surrounded in the middle and couldn't say anything. He reflected to himself. If he had known this was going to happen, he would have departed with Shen Qingling so that someone might come to his rescue.
At the thought of Shen Qingling, Tangtang heard someone outside the crowd saying, "So everyone is here. The exam is already over. Are you all still here to discuss something? You've been working too hard."
Shen Qingling forced his way through the crowd as he was speaking. He glanced at the one in the middle of the crowd, and it was indeed Xu Qing.
Shen Qingling squeezed into the crowd, reached out to grab Xu Qing's arm and pulled him outside.
As he was walking, he said, "Let's go. Your younger brother is still waiting for us outside the palace. He must be anxious from waiting. The lords are discussing the state affairs here. You are just a best scholar and don't even have an official title yet. Be sensible and leave."
Shen Qingling wasn't holding onto Tangtang's arm tight, but Tangtang followed him out obediently. He didn't really want to stay here anymore, so it was great that Shen Qingling came to his rescue.
Then, Tangtang apologized to these officials with a regretful look, walking outside with Shen Qingling.
When they left the crowd, both of them sped up, hoping to leave the palace as soon as possible.
Tangtang was credited with their rankings, especially the fifth and sixth students of the Spring Imperial Examination, who had become the second and third of the Final Imperial Examination, so they came over to offer their gratitude.
Tangtang was surrounded in the middle and couldn't say anything. He reflected to himself. If he had known this was going to happen, he would have departed with Shen Qingling so that someone might come to his rescue.
Tangtang would not refuse Shen Qingling in the future if they were intended to be together. Since his Dad and the others had approved of Baozi marrying Qingshu, he should have no problem taking a man who couldn't bear children home!
Tangtang was thinking with rapt attention. The two of them were still holding hands when walking out of the palace entrance.
Many people, including Guoguo, were waiting outside the palace. Guoguo couldn't help but raise his eyebrows as he saw the two holding hands.
They hadn't even been together for a half-day and they were already holding hands. Were they not fast? Guoguo, on the other hand, noticed something was wrong after glancing at them for a long. Someone had apparently set a spell on his elder brother, as he was entirely dragged out by Shen Qingling.
Guoguo leaned over and waved his hand at his brother's face, but his brother had no reaction at all.
Guoguo asked Shen Qingling, "Has someone cast a spell on my brother?"
Hardly had Guoguo finished his words than his hand was heavily slapped. "What are you talking about? You were cast a spell on."
The one slapping Guoguo was naturally Tangtang. Guoguo stroked the back of his hand with grievance. "You didn't react when I was waving my hand at your face, and now you're blaming me."
Tangtang gave Guoguo a scornful stare. "I was thinking."
The individual who had been given a disdainful look clapped his hands lavishly, suggesting that he was unconcerned with someone who had given him the cold shoulder.
Guoguo, on the other hand, added another mocking look to the hands that were always clasped together. Tangtang realized they were still holding hands after Guoguo's stare.
He remembered Shen Qingling holding his arm, but when did he start holding his hand? Could it be that he was thinking too hard right now?
Now that they had already held hands, it was useless for him to think so much. Tangtang just withdrew his hand calmly.
Shen Qingling had remained quiet the whole time. It was a funny scene to watch that two identical people were bickering.
However, when Xu Qing withdrew his hand, Shen Qingling still felt a little disappointed. Then he comforted himself. Since they had held hands once, they would naturally do it again. There was still time, and he didn't need to rush.
Tangtang and Guoguo were followed by Shen Qingling. He intended to ask Tangtang something he wanted to know on the journey multiple times, but Tangtang always shifted the subject, either purposefully or unwittingly.
He obviously didn't want to talk to Shen Qingling, and Shen Qingling couldn't stop him. He couldn't compel Tangtang to tell him, so he had to find a way to bring it up.
Tangtang, when they arrived in the small courtyard, did not ask Shen Qingling to stay for lunch, and even urged him to depart immediately. Shen Qingling and Guoguo were both unable to grasp it.
However, it was not appropriate for Shen Qingling to stay shamelessly, so he left with disappointment.
Tangtang sent Shen Qingling to the entrance of the courtyard. When Shen Qingling took a few steps away, Tangtang said suddenly, "Three days later, I will tell you my answer at the banquet for the best scholar in the palace."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingling looked back immediately. He saw that Tangtang was staring at him with a smile, and it seemed that there was something else in that smile.
Shen Qing asked at once, "Are you serious?"
Tangtang replied, "Of course I am. You will get the answer you want in three days."
Seeing that Tangtang didn't seem to be joking, Shen Qingling nodded earnestly. "Alright then, I'll wait for three more days. Three days from now, you must tell me your answer after the banquet for the best scholar."
Tangtang replied with a smile, "Okay."
Tangtang remained at the entrance while Shen Qingling left. Tangtang averted his gaze when Shen Qingling's figure was no longer visible.
He shut the door, only to find Guoguo staring at him with sparkling eyes the instant he turned around. Tangtang's smile faded. He didn't have to hide his emotions from his brother. He didn't want to smile just now, so he didn't.
Seeing that the smile on Tangtang's face was gone, Guoguo also straightened his face and asked, "What are you thinking, brother? Can I know that?"
Suddenly, Tangtang showed a helpless smile. "Haven't you guessed it? Why would you ask me?"
Guoguo answered, "I'm afraid we are thinking about different things, so I don't know how to start."
Tangtang looked at him. "It's exactly what you're thinking. That's right. It's impossible for me to be with him, at least not now. As for the future, what will be will be!"
Guoguo shook his head. "Brother, we are not thinking about the same thing. I'm not thinking about this now. What I'm wondering is what he wants to know from you, and why did you keep changing topics to discourage him from asking?"
Tangtang told Guoguo what had happened during the Final Imperial Examination honestly and said, "I can't answer the question he wants to ask. The only one who can answer him is Dad, so I have to stop him from asking."
Guoguo knew the majority of what Tangtang knew. They have made some educated estimates over the years.
The present Dad they had, who had been kind to them and painstakingly taught them, was unlike the foolish Dad they had previously had, who had faded into obscurity in their recollections.
That idiot Dad was that dumb Dad, and the current Dad was the Dad who had raised them, who was also their Father. Although there were many things that were difficult to understand, neither of the twins had asked their father about the truth, so they simply pretended to be unaware of it.
As a result, it wasn't that Tangtang couldn't answer the question, nor could Guoguo. He knew his sibling was acting responsibly.
Because their father had no intention of becoming a government official, he avoided making friends with government officials such as Shen Qingling.
It would be acceptable if Shen Qingling were to marry his brother, because Shen Qingling would be regarded family at that point, but their relationship had not yet been formed, and Shen Qingling was not yet family, therefore Shen Qingling could only know part of the narrative, not all.
Guoguo stopped asking about this. Since his brother was able to deal with it, he might as well act as if he knew nothing.
Guoguo shifted the topic to Tangtang's relationship with Shen Qingling. "Bro, have you made up your mind? You don't have to go to Yanzhou with me. I can go with Dad."
Tangtang shook his head. "This is different. He is your spouse, my brother-in-law, and you also have a baby. As a brother, as an uncle, shouldn't I go with you? Besides, apart from you and Dad, others will go too. Daddy, Baozi, and Uncle Zhuo's family will all go. We can visit King Yan at the same time. It's been some time since we came back, and it's unknown when we will go there again."
This was a done agreement, therefore Guoguo had no voice in the matter. As a result, they had to stick to the plan. Tangtang could put his romance with Shen Qingling on hold for the time being.
Anyway, he was still young, and his father had stated it was fine if they married later. Tangtang was more motivated to do what he needed to do at the banquet for the best scholar in three days now that he had made a decision.
Shen Qingling had not shown in three days, from the Final Imperial Examination to the feast for the best scholar, and Tangtang had not looked for him, nor had he encountered Shen Qingling on the street.
The only ones who came to disturb them were Wang Yi and Qi Sang. These two were here to apologize for what had happened on the day of the announcement of the Spring Imperial Examination result.
Even though he had been irritated at the time, it had been more than ten days and Tangtang had virtually forgotten about it.
Tangtang couldn't bear a grudge because the two came to them in person to apologize, so he just forgave them graciously, and their friendship resumed to as it had been before.
Tangtang had been hanging out with them all around the capital for the past three days. They had eaten well and had had enough fun. Tangtang and Guoguo had also purchased other items for the family and planned to return them as gifts.
Three days had passed in the blink of an eye and soon it was time to enter the palace to attend the banquet held for the best scholar. Guoguo sent Tangtang to the entrance of the palace as usual. "We will leave the moment you get back. I'm going back to pack up now."
Tangtang nodded. "Go ahead. I'll be back soon."
After that, the twins turned around at the same time and strode away in different directions.
Every three years, the finest scholar banquet was hosted. Those ministers, who had been working in court for dozens of years, had been to the feast numerous times and were accustomed to it.
The Emperor and the 10 pupils who had completed the Final Imperial Examination were most likely the only ones who became interested in the banquet.
It was the first time Tangtang and the other nine students had attended such a feast, and it was also the Emperor's first banquet after being enthroned, so he was rather delighted.
During the banquet, people would recite or write poems.
As the new number one scholar, Tangtang was naturally bound to do it too. However, Tangtang wasn't really good at writing poetry. He had heard people do that a lot, but couldn't do it himself. Besides, his Dad had not taught him before.
His Dad could only recite poems, but not write poems himself.
Nevertheless, since Tangtang had got a first and become the number one scholar, he had to write something during the banquet, no matter what.
Thus, Tangtang forced himself to say, "Your Majesty, I feel ashamed. Since I'm not good at writing poems, how about I write a pair of antithetical phrases!"
The Emperor looked at Xu Qing and said, "Phrases are not bad either. Since the best scholar wants to write a pair of phrase, then go ahead!"
Tangtang cupped his hands together and said, "The nation is prosperous and the people are strong; the army is powerful and the world is harmonious."
This was not some outstanding phrase, but the Emperor was quite happy about it and complimented it repeatedly.
"Best scholar, do you have a title for it?" The Emperor asked.
Xu Qing answered, "Please give it a title, Your Majesty."
Of course, Tangtang had a title for the phrase in his head, but he couldn't say it in front of the Emperor even if he had one.
The Emperor was well aware of this, so how could he fail to see the situation? However, because Xu Qing had asked, he felt compelled to bestow a title in favor of his new best scholar.
The Emperor pretended to be deep in thought and said after some consideration, "Peace reigns over the land."
Tangtang smiled. He thought the same way, so he knelt down. "Long live the Emperor."
The other ministers echoed.
Actually, Tangtang didn't mean anything else. He just wanted to please the Emperor.
Now that Xu Qing had written a phrase, those who had wanted to write poems started to write phrases.
The banquet started at noon and ended after dinner.
Despite the fact that it was late spring, the night in the capital city was still a touch chilly, so the Emperor asked no one to stay after the meal. Xu Qing, on the other hand, became the one who came without being invited.
He tracked down the Emperor's personal eunuch and informed him he wanted to meet the Emperor, thinking the eunuch would announce his arrival.
The head eunuch's mouth twitched. He reflected to himself. This finest scholar not only couldn't create poems, but he also didn't know how to seek for aid or use polite phrases.
However, the head eunuch felt that this best scholar was a kind person, and could be the Emperor's man.
Years later, he was happy that he had thought this way back then. It turned out that he was right.
The head eunuch still went to announce Xu Qing's arrival. Meanwhile, the Emperor seemed to be expecting his new best scholar 's arrival, so he had long been waiting in the study.
Xu Qing was taken to the study by the head eunuch, and then he walked out. Only the Emperor and Xu Qing were left in the study.
Xu Qing knelt down behind the Emperor's back and said, "Greetings from Xu Qing to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."
The Emperor turned around, stared at Xu Qing, who was kneeling on the ground, and waved his hand. "Arise. There's no need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Tell me, is there anything you want to say to me?" The Emperor asked.
Xu Qing replied, "I'm here to ask for leave. I can't take office this year, no matter where. I hope Your Majesty could grant me permission to take one year off and assign the position to me next year."
The Emperor laughed. "A few days ago, you told me that you wanted to be a local official, but today, you're telling me that you want to take one year off. I want to ask you. Do you want to be this official or not?"
Xu Qing cupped his hands together. "Of course I do. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken the Spring Imperial Examination."
"Then why are you asking for leave? You should know that no new best scholar has ever started his career as a local official, nor has any new best scholar ever requested leave before being awarded a position."
Xu Qing said, "Your Majesty, I have my reason. I have to go with my family to bring my brother-in-law and nephew home. It will be a long journey, and I'm afraid the round trip will take a year."
"Well, from where to where? Why will it take so long?" The Emperor asked with interest.
"Your Majesty, from Xu Village to Yanzhou. Xu Village is my hometown. It takes one month to get there from the capital city."
It really was far away. The Emperor thought to himself silently.
However, this was not due to the distance between the two locations, but rather to the fact that they could only travel on the mountain route.
Because there was little state road between the two places, the journey would be difficult, especially for carriages, and would take longer.
Xu Qing's explanation sounded reasonable, but the Emperor couldn't accept that he, the Emperor's new finest scholar, had delayed his time of service for so long in order to bring his brother-in-law home.
"What if I don't grant it? What would you do?" The Emperor asked.
Xu Qing thought about this question seriously and then said, "I didn't expect that Your Majesty would not grant my request before. Your Majesty is a wise emperor, and you are good at making choices, so in my opinion, I don't think Your Majesty should ask me this question."
The Emperor laughed. "You all like to put pressure on me by calling me wise. You did so. Shen Qingling did so. All the ministers in court did so. But sometimes, I really don't want to be this wise emperor."
Xu Qing lowered his head slightly. "Your Majesty, I didn't call you wise, nor did the ministers call you wise, but the people called so. Therefore, I think that only the people can put pressure on you by calling you wise, and no one else can."
The Emperor looked back, a meaningful smile on his face. "Your request has been granted, however there is one condition. In three years, you can work your way up to the capital city. I will not assist you, and I will not allow Shen Qingling to assist you. You just have yourself to rely on."
Xu Qing was stunned slightly. This was the second time that the Emperor had mentioned Shen Qingling. It seemed that his knew something.
Xu Qing hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "Yes, I will follow your order! Three years is enough."
Xu Qing knew that his request was granted by the Emperor, so he wanted to leave. Now it was dark, and Guoguo was still waiting for him, so he had to leave the palace quickly.
The Emperor spoke again, "Xu Qing, tell me. What do you be an official for?"
Xu Qing was stunned again, and then answered honestly, "I'm not sure whether you've heard the saying: The rich man's mansion stinks of booze, while the poor freeze to death down the roadside. I only hope the people are able to be satisfied and warm. I hope no one picks up money on the side of the road or closes the door at night when they are sleeping, because our country is already quiet."
At that moment, the Emperor's eyes were filled with admiration. He said, "That's my hope too. I will wait for you to come back in three years. Next year, you will be the magistrate in the province nearest to your home! Someone will tell you what to do then."
"As an official, I appreciate your grace!"
For the first time, Xu Qing called himself an official.
The Emperor waved his hand, indicating that Xu Qing could leave, but he sighed in his mind that Shen Qingling was not wrong about him.
Xu Qing walked out to leave, but hardly had he reached the door than he walked back and knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, I want to make another presumptuous request, and I hope Your Majesty could do me a favor."
The Emperor couldn't help but feel amused. Someone actually dared to ask the Emperor for a favor, which made him quite curious.
"I'm in a good mood today. Tell me, what kind of favor do you want to ask me for?"
Xu Qing took out a piece of jade pendant and put it on the Emperor's bureau. "I hope Your Majesty could give this jade pendant to the minister of Ministry of Works on behalf of me, tonight."
The Emperor was indifferent that it was a poisoned jade. He took a peek at it after picking it up. The jade had four distinct inscriptions etched on it, but he couldn't read them. He smiled as he brushed the carved words. "Alright, I promise you. Someone! Ask the minister of Ministry of Works to come into the palace."
The person outside responded. Xu Qing expressed his gratitude to the Emperor and left.
On the way out of the palace, Xu Qing hadn't met Shen Qingling, nor would he meet him.
Meanwhile, in the little courtyard that Shen Qingling had rented them, a carriage had been waiting for a long time.
Tangtang got into the carriage. The carriage started to move slowly and left the yard.
One month later, Tangtang and Guoguo arrived at Xu Village, and Xu Village's people also knew that there was a best scholar in their village.
Rarely, Xu Ran spent some good money and set a feast, which had lasted for three days.
Three days later, both the Xu family and the Zhuo family left for Yanzhou.
One year later, Guoguo finally brought his spouse and baby back home.
Shen Qingling, who was in the capital city at the time, had no idea the answer would be this. Tangtang vanished without a word, leaving behind a jade pendant engraved with the phonetic transcription of the Chinese character "Qing."
Meanwhile, the Emperor added salt to Shen Qingling's wound by informing him that Xu Qing had requested a half-year leave. He would not assume office until the next year.
While in the Emperor's study, Shen Qingling's face darkened. He clenched his teeth, wishing he could pull Xu Qing back and beat him up.
This was the first time he had been treated in this manner, and he had completely played the fool.
Shen Qingling walked out of the palace depressed, clutching the jade pendant. A large dazzling moon hung in the sky, making him smile proudly. "Wait for me, Xu Qing; you'll be mine soon."
11.15.21