Early spring in Haojing experienced several days of snowfall.
Abundant snow promises a fruitful year.
After the first round of exams ended,
the numerous Advanced Scholars had half a day's rest, but in the evening, they still had to queue to enter the Imperial Examination Hall from the Dragon Sect.
However, for the sake of this half-day of respite, many Advanced Scholars preferred to wait in the cold night.
Zhang Jian also stepped out.
Zhang Lu had long been waiting at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall and came forward to greet him.
In addition, an old eunuch with a gentle face trotted over, bringing many food items.
"May I ask why this gentleman has brought so much food? We shouldn't be acquainted!"
At this moment, Zhang Jian looked at the eunuch with some surprise, though most of this surprise was feigned.
When the eunuch approached, he had a vague guess about the person's identity.
Previously, he had seen this old eunuch delivering messages at the Qi Mansion.
Sure enough, the old eunuch, wearing a Landlord Hat, kindly said, "Young Master need not worry, we are servants from the Eldest Princess's Mansion, ordered to bring you some warm food and drink to ward off the chill!"
"So, you are from the Princess's Mansion. Please convey my humble thanks to Her Highness on behalf of this commoner!"
Zhang Jian smiled as he accepted the basket of food and drink.
The old eunuch nodded lightly at this.
He was quite pleased with being called an old steward by Zhang Jian, especially since Zhang Jian's clear eyes showed no hint of disdain, which was very comforting. He had a good impression of this young man.
Soon after, he arrived in front of a small sedan chair and respectfully bowed.
The silhouette inside the sedan chair nodded slightly, and the guards lifted the sedan chair and turned it away.
"Princess Qingfeng!"
Zhang Jian thought to himself.
It seems his uncle really did manage to win over the widowed Her Highness.
This position as the Imperial Consort was assured.
He smiled slightly and didn't dwell on it, found a place to have a good meal, and then went ahead into the Imperial Examination Hall to rest.
The second round started promptly the next day.
This time, Zhang Jian began to use his Vast Righteous Qi according to his plan. As he picked up the brush and infused it into the Xuan paper, his otherwise plain essay suddenly seemed to come alive, infused with a power that repelled all evil and made spirits shy away.
The appearance of the Vast Righteous Qi was as if a genuine halo of righteousness manifested above the examination hall, causing the gods above to retreat.
This scene was immediately detected by the Daoists at the Dong Shen Temple surrounding the Imperial Examination Hall, who immediately reported it to the Observatory Platform.
Possessing Vast Righteous Qi was the kind of special talent the Daqian Court aimed to recruit.
Zhang Jian's guess was correct; this indeed was a bonus item in the imperial examinations.
...
Inside the Imperial Palace, the young Emperor Jingwu quickly received the news. He was handling state affairs in front of a table, and upon hearing the news, he just smiled and instructed the reporting eunuch.
"Continue to investigate!"
"Yes!"
The eunuch, having received the imperial command, hurried off.
Emperor Jingwu pondered for a moment, then picked up a memorial from the table sent secretly earlier by Wu Hongqiao, the Governor of Jixian County.
Aside from detailing the specific circumstances of bandit suppression in Jixian County, the memorial commended two young Advanced Scholars.
They were Shi Lun and Zhang Jian.
Emperor Jingwu glanced over it, and based on the conclusion that those possessing Vast Righteous Qi must be candid and free of malice, he felt quite pleased.
"Indeed, they are loyal and righteous!"
The young emperor mustered a slight smile; his mood had been quite good recently.
After dispatching Yang Gonghu of Changming County to replace Cai Hengxing as Grand General of Rebellion Suppression in the Southern Governor, the roving bandit uprisings in the Southern Provinces were gradually being suppressed.
The State Preceptor from the Dong Shen Temple also dispatched several high disciples to quell the arrogance of the Xuan Du Sect.
There was hope to capture alive the Xuan Du Sect Leader, Changli, who claimed to be the Ming King reincarnated.
Good news came one after another, providing the young emperor with some comfort.
However, Emperor Jingwu also knew that the Daqian Court, as it stood, had problems as deep as mountains to solve; suppressing an Xuan Du Sect rebellion would not address the fundamental issues.
This required able ministers and officials to continue revitalizing the Daqian Court.
Emperor Jingwu was truly eager for talented individuals.
With a slight sigh, Emperor Jingwu returned his gaze to the mountain of memorials in front of him. After a brief rest, he resumed reviewing them.
The eunuch standing nearby was accustomed to such sights.
Emperor Jingwu was extremely disciplined.
Strict with himself, and naturally, strict with others.
...
The nine days and six nights of the Ministry of Rites' spring examination concluded amidst the swirling snow.
When the Dragon Sect gates first opened, many of the Advanced Scholars couldn't help but sigh with relief, feeling as if a lifetime had passed.
Zhang Jian was the first to step out from the Dragon Sect, draped in a long blue robe, standing tall and poised, not showing weariness; instead, he seemed full of spirit.
"Young Master!"
Seeing Zhang Jian come out, Zhang Lu was already prepared with hot water and towels for washing, with several servants nearby carrying hot food and drink, ready to arrive.
Not only Zhang Lu, but also many relatives of officials and eunuchs were present to personally welcome them.
Zhang Jian glanced around, finding the snowy scene quite heartwarming.
Some Advanced Scholars struggled to step out of the Imperial Examination Hall, only to faint at the doorway.
The Imperial College seemed prepared for such occurrences, promptly sending waiting physicians to assist.
Some rejoiced, while others were worried.
Some were confident, while others were downcast.
Zhang Jian did not wait for his other friends to come out together but first went to wash up, then proceeded to the restaurant they had agreed upon.
Champion Scholar's Residence.
It was a rather cliched name, but at this time it was very popular among the Advanced Scholars and was already crowded.
As Zhang Jian stepped inside, Shi Lun, Zhan Xiong, and others quickly greeted him.
"Brother Zhang, how did it go?"
This was the first question asked by the Advanced Scholars upon seeing Zhang Jian. He just smiled slightly, noticing the smile on Shi Lun's face, indicating a successful experience this time.
He knew that being overly high-profile wasn't ideal, but being too modest wouldn't work either; it would likely leave a false impression in the eyes of these young spirited Advanced Scholars.
This would be detrimental to his future reputation as an official.
"Not bad!"
Zhang Jian chose a moderate answer, which nonetheless drew attention from the other Advanced Scholars, who looked on with admiration.
The many Advanced Scholars gathered at the restaurant for the day, then dispersed, as the results would be announced in ten days, and they couldn't afford to relax. If they were lucky to make it to the Imperial Examination Results, they would still compete in the Palace Examination.
However, the national Palace Examination was mostly for determining ranking, and unlikely to disqualify anyone.
But the order of ranking still mattered to career prospects.
The Three Listings of Advanced Scholars might strive their entire lives and never catch up to the second and first listings.
Moreover, the dedication, resources expended, and risks borne only increased.