Of course, Emperor Jingwu had another thought in mind.
That was because Zhang Jian was even younger.
A young scholar triumphing over the world, this could be considered a testament to the success of the country's education, and in itself, an auspicious sign.
During this period, the Daqian Court was not having an easy time, with severe droughts in the south, followed by ice disasters in the north, leaving disaster victims displaced, while some evil forces took advantage of the situation to spread rumors in various provinces, claiming that the Emperor was muddleheaded and had offended the heavens, and that this was a punishment from above on Daqian.
Emperor Jingwu also needed such an auspicious sign to stabilize people's hearts and restore the Court's prestige.
The next day, the day of the results announcement arrived!
The location was still under the east wall of the busiest Imperial Street on Jade Capital Street.
On the street, the snow and ice in Haojing City had already started to melt, with a pervasive damp chill in the air.
And in front of the east wall, circles of scholars who had risen early were already gathered to view the list.
Among the crowd was Zhang Lu; this time, Zhang Jian did not come, so Zhang Lu patted his chest and took on the task of checking the list.
In front of the street, many scholars from the southern provinces also saw Zhang Lu among the crowd. They had a strong impression of Zhang Lu, not only because of his rare stature but also because he often followed closely behind Zhang Jian.
Always inseparable!
Yet today, Zhang Jian was not seen around, so they asked.
"Zhang Lu, did your young master not come personally?"
Hearing this, Zhang Lu smiled and replied, "My young master is quite exhausted recently and needs to rest at home, so I volunteered to come and check the list for him!"
"Brother Zhang is truly composed, we couldn't sit still!"
At this time, the speaking scholar somewhat mocked himself, while Shi Lun, standing among the crowd, just smiled slightly, knowing that as second on the list, Zhang Jian was likely to make it to the First Layer, naturally he need not worry too much.
Even if he could not reach the top of the Three Tripod Armor, becoming an Advanced Scholar would already place him above many scholars present.
From a distance, Shi Lun saw that the top scorer, Wangqing Province, was also standing nearby, surrounded by many scholars.
Just at that moment, the crowd suddenly became lively.
There was a commotion in the front.
"The list is here, make way at the front!"
A governmental official with a loud voice announced at the front while making a path.
The crowd quickly made way, and they saw a group of officials from Haojing Prefecture approach, escorted by several governmental officials.
At this moment, one of the officials held a yellow list in his hand.
The crowd naturally understood that the yellow list was finally about to be announced.
The four officials did not delay, quickly pasting the yellow list on the wall after reapplying a layer of paste.
At this time, everyone could see two bright characters on the right side of the unfurled yellow list, "Golden List."
Then came a line of text.
By order of the Emperor, in the sixth year of Jingwu, on the first day of the third month, the Palace Examination was conducted at Chengtian Hall for more than 285 Imperial Examination Candidates from all over the country. The First Layer is granted the title of Advanced Scholar, the Second Layer the rank of Scholar, and the Third Layer the title of Associate Scholar. It is hereby announced.
The First Layer, titled Advanced Scholar, First Name: Zhang Jian, from Fengyang Fengxi County (Zhang Family's Valley in Fengxi County).
Second Name: Wangqing Province, from Dongling Nine-zhang Ping.
Third Name: Peng Yuanshou, from Wuying County, West City Street, San Yuan Li.
Fourth Name: Wu Xiangsheng, from Jiulian County, West Mountain Alley.
...
In total 285 names were magnificently listed on the list.
At just a glance, Zhang Lu's eyes widened, unable to contain his excitement.
"Champion Scholar, my young master is the Champion Scholar!"
The many scholars beside him paid no heed, focusing more on the list, each showing a shocked expression.
Zhang Jian's triumph over all was indeed beyond many people's expectations, especially as many scholars had high expectations for the top scorer Wangqing Province.
But the scholars were more concerned with finding their own names!
"Am I the second-place scholar?"
At this moment, Wangqing Province stood in place somewhat dazed, instinctively pulling his clothes closer, with a slightly disappointed expression, as he ultimately missed becoming the Champion Scholar.
But after a moment of blankness, he gracefully accepted the congratulations from many scholars around him; being ranked second among the Three Tripod Armor was already not bad.
Meanwhile, the laureate Peng Yuanshou was also surrounded by many scholars, his face full of joy.
To be named as the laureate, Peng Yuanshou was not only exceptionally talented but also very handsome. It was heard that not long ago, he had already been favored by a high-ranking minister in Haojing City as a potential son-in-law.
Now being named the laureate, it was indeed a double blessing!
Meanwhile, the four officials began announcing the names.
During each Palace Examination, the Emperor would dispatch special officials to announce the names in front of the Jade Capital Sect, demonstrating a recruitment for talents, eager for virtue.
Additionally, the prefect of Haojing would instruct numerous governmental officials to convey the message.
With the official's announcement, the atmosphere under the yellow list became even livelier.
Standing among the crowd, Shi Lun also saw his own rank.
Granted the rank of Scholar, twenty-ninth name, Shi Lun, from Jixian County, Shi Family Workshop.
"First in the Second Layer?"
In the depths of Shi Lun's eyes, there was still a trace of regret; he too hoped that Emperor Jingwu would show favor due to the great contributions made to the Court by the two of them.
Now it seemed, he had asked for too much.
However, Shi Lun also understood that being promoted from a rank of one hundred and ninth in the Imperial Examination Results to first in the Second Layer, there must have been some favor from Emperor Jingwu, otherwise, with his actual level, he might not have claimed the first title of the Second Layer.
The first in the Second Layer was actually not inferior to those at the tail end of the First Layer.
The first in the Second Layer is also a first, and being first always makes one memorable.
Who remembers the second, third, let alone the ranks behind?