The rules of the Daqian Court differ from those of the previous dynasty.
The previous dynasty, although it had three grades, did not have only three levels.
There were five levels.
Three people were in the first level, and twenty-five people were in the second level.
The third and fourth levels had anywhere from dozens to a hundred people each.
The fifth level had a number similar to the third and fourth levels.
The first and second levels were collectively known as the first grade, usually awarded to those who passed as Advanced Scholars.
The second grade's third and fourth levels were given to Advanced Scholars, while the third grade's fifth level was only awarded to those of similar status as Advanced Scholars.
The Daqian Court, on the other hand, has only three grades and three levels.
The first grade still consists of twenty-eight people, while the number of Advanced Scholars in the second grade has been significantly reduced, just slightly more than the first grade, about a hundred or so.
The number of third grade Advanced Scholars far exceeds the norms of the previous dynasty.
In contrast, the previous dynasty had the fewest in the first grade, followed by the third grade, with the second grade having the largest number.
In the Champion Scholar's Residence, many Advanced Scholars were discussing passionately, with most talking about the examination questions, while some were discussing the few favored candidates most likely to win the top prize this time.
However, as they discussed, Zhang Jian realized that he was already on the list in the minds of many fellow scholars.
Even though he rarely participated in poetry clubs or other activities, his talent and writings had already spread widely among the scholars.
Zhang Jian understood that this was probably due to the Dragon Robe and Phoenix Attitude Life Plate.
This was indeed a good thing.
Having a reputation, to some extent, is equivalent to having a prestigious title.
If he made it to the list and ranked high, it would be well deserved, avoiding criticism and protest from many scholars and sparing much trouble.
...
After a gathering, the many scholars gradually dispersed. At this time, Shi Lun, unable to contain his excitement, quietly pulled Zhang Jian aside and whispered some news to him.
"Brother Zhang, my father mentioned in a letter that this time Jixian County was able to successfully suppress the infiltration and expansion of the Xuan Du Sect, and the two of us played a major role. Lady Wu has mentioned that she will report to Your Majesty to commend us for our achievements!"
At this moment, Shi Lun's handsome face carried a faint smile, and Zhang Jian glanced around, slightly furrowing his brow.
"Brother Cheng Feng, you haven't mentioned this to anyone else, have you?"
Shi Lun quickly waved his hand and said, "Brother Zhang, I naturally understand the gravity of this matter and have not mentioned it to anyone else other than you, not even to my family!"
Zhang Jian warned, "That's good, Brother Shi. The examination results will be announced in just twelve or thirteen days. At such a critical moment, one must not celebrate too early. Loose lips can sink ships!"
Loose lips can sink ships; discretion in words ensures security.
Zhang Jian recalled many instances where people were on the verge of promotion but, by spreading the news everywhere, alerted their opponents. As a result, their opponents took preventive measures, and just before the promotion, the position was snatched away, leaving them with nothing but disappointment.
If word of this were to spread, and Your Majesty found out, who knows what the Emperor might think? If he deemed the two of them arrogant and ignorant of the ways of a subject, he might demote them on a whim, leaving them with no recourse but tears.
"Zhang, you are absolutely right; I will remember it!"
Shi Lun nodded. His demeanor caught the attention of other scholars off in the distance, and they were greatly surprised.
This famous talent from the Shi Family in Jixian County was evidently so convinced by Zhang Jian, which was unexpected to many.
Of course, this also increased Zhang Jian's prestige in the hearts of other scholars. Being able to win over someone as arrogant as Shi Lun meant that Zhang Jian must have some remarkable abilities.
...
The results are announced on the morning of February 28.
During the ten or so days, Zhang Jian continued his regular habits without any deviation.
Part of his time was devoted to cultivation, including refining Magical Power, practicing Magic, and nurturing the Dragon Roar Sword with the Holy Virtue Sword Cleansing Technique.
Another part of his time was spent on extensive reading of ancient texts.
He fully utilized the Divine Power of the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart.
The Ancient Saints, with the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart, could comprehend the ultimate principles of the universe merely from ordinary texts, achieving extraordinary transformation.
Zhang Jian was striving in this direction.
At the same time, he aimed to transform the Iron Bone Jade Heart towards a Kind Heart and Bones.
If he could elevate the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart to the realm of the Saintly and Exquisite Heart, he believed it would greatly aid him in perfecting the Red Dust Dao Fruit.
And the growth resource for the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart was constant reading, being well-read, and understanding the profound principles of the cosmos.
This path was truly aligned with his direction.
...
On the 28th, the heavy snow in Haojing City gradually lightened, but a thick layer of snow still blanketed the city.
The Government Office mobilized many villagers from each neighborhood under the Village Chiefs to clear the snow from the streets, preventing road blockages and ensuring normal travel in and out of the capital.
Of course, this was 'uncompensated.'
However, the snow, knee-deep now, could not dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of scholars and the noble families within the city to check the results.
The results were not posted outside the Imperial College but rather on a famous street in Haojing, known as the Imperial Street.
This was a street called Jade Capital. All the officials who passed through were of certain ranks, and it was a street that many officials had to pass through during the early morning court.
At this moment, the yellow list had already been posted on the east wall, and the largest characters on it, Zhang Jian, could already see clearly.
The Ministry of Rites Examination Results for the Sixth Year of Jingwu.
From a distance, just a glance, Zhang Jian saw his name.
First place, Wangqing Province, Nine-zhang Ping, Dongling County.
Second place, Zhang Family's Valley, Fengxi County, Fengyang County, Zhang Jian!
Third place, West City Street, Wuying County, San Yuan Li, Peng Yuanshou!
"You've won, Young Master, do you see? You are ranked second on the Imperial Examination Results!"