At this moment, several friends around Shi Lun saw this scene and couldn't help but cast envious glances at him.
Second Grade's first place is already a coveted position for many advanced scholars.
...
Just as Zhang Lu ran back to report the news, a constable from the Haojing Prefecture Government Office had already been to Zhang Jian's temporary residence, striking a copper gong and beating drums.
Zhang Jian was startled awake from his cultivation by the sound of gongs outside. He glanced outside the small courtyard, knowing that today was the release of the results, and it seemed good news was arriving.
"I wonder which position in the Three Tripod Armor I ranked?"
Zhang Jian believed he had performed perfectly in the palace examination, so falling out of the first grade seemed unlikely.
He hoped to contend for the Three Tripod Armor.
He had noticed the moves of many courtiers, yet he couldn't guarantee that there would be no surprises.
Opening the door, he found several constables with red flowers on their bodies. Seeing Zhang Jian come out, their eyes lit up, and the leading sturdy constable couldn't help but ask,
"May I ask if this Young Master is Master Zhang Jian of the Wenqu from Fengyang County?"
"I can't claim to be Wenqu, but I am indeed Zhang Jian!"
Upon hearing this, the lead constable bowed and repeatedly congratulated him, "Congratulations, Master Zhang, on winning first place in the palace examination, and being appointed Champion Scholar by the Emperor!"
With that, he handed the good news in his hand to Zhang Jian.
Zhang Jian glanced at it, astonished. He knew he had a chance at the Three Tripod Armor, but had not expected his performance in the palace examination to yield such astounding results.
He had unexpectedly won the top spot, securing first place on the Golden List.
"Reward!"
In high spirits, Zhang Jian smilingly took out the prepared dozens of strings of copper coins from his sleeve and tossed them to the constables, leaving them beaming with joy.
Each string of copper coins was worth several months of their salary.
This Champion Scholar was indeed generous.
One wave of heralds after another arrived, just as Zhang Lu returned, so Zhang Jian asked Zhang Lu to bring out baskets of copper coins, sharing among the constables equally.
Meanwhile, Zhang Jian noticed that as his name was listed on the Golden List, a vast and magnificent stream of Spiritual Mechanism from the Profound Void surged into him, strengthening his Dantian Magical Power.
Within the Golden Liquid Dharma Spring, countless golden runes formed and circled around. These runes, inherently part of the Treasure Record, contained the ultimate principles of Heaven and Earth.
These golden runes condensed into a ring, gradually forming an enclosed rune pattern. Within the center, drops of golden liquid coalesced, subtly transitioning from liquid to solid state.
A small illusory golden core image gradually emerged from within the golden rune ring.
Within moments, the accumulation of his Golden Liquid Stage was nearing Perfection, forming an illusory golden core, approaching the edge of the Golden Core Realm.
The speed of his cultivation was beyond even his own imagination.
Furthermore, the vast Spiritual Mechanism from Heaven and Earth continued to pour into him unabated.
When absorption was complete, he might leverage this opportunity of being named on the golden list to condense a golden core.
"This is truly a great blessing!"
Zhang Jian secretly delighted at this, which made him happier than simply being named on the golden list or becoming the Champion Scholar.
Some of the excess vast Spiritual Mechanism was guided into the depths of his Dantian.
It flowed through the hundred orifices of his body into the Dragon Roar Sword at his waist, nourishing this Spirit Sword.
However, Zhang Jian couldn't quiet his heart to cultivate because, as a Champion Scholar, he would soon ride through the streets with officials from the Capital City.
Winning honor, bestowed with noble clothing, these were all upcoming tasks.
This included riding through the streets, attending the Jade Forest Banquet, also known as the Enrong Banquet, and finally being granted an official position.
To Zhang Jian, riding through the streets and the Jade Forest Banquet were merely lively events, whereas being granted an official position was the focal point.
Traditionally, the Three Tripod Armor and some first-grade new advanced scholars were granted entry into the Sports and Arts College, remaining in Haojing to become Capital Officials, the most esteemed kind of officers.
Officials of the Sports and Arts College were often summoned by Emperor Jingwu, either for the Scripture Reading Ceremony, as Assistant Readers, or they could become Editors or Compilers. Occasionally, with luck, they might help Emperor Jingwu draft imperial decrees.
This was akin to the previous dynasty's court, where a faction of the Emperor's close confidants received special nurturing. In the future, even if sent out, the Emperor would extend some help due to this golden experience in the palace.
Their transfer promotions would happen faster.
After all, they were known and personally met, trusted far beyond other external officials.
Even if criticized or promoted, the Emperor would not easily harbor malice towards them.
Advancing scholars from the palace examination were valued as disciples of the Emperor. Entering the Sports and Arts College for golden experience was akin to receiving true inheritance beside the Emperor.
...
At the Princess Qingfeng's Mansion
Inside the mansion, Princess Qingfeng was seated before the warm hearth, dressed in elegant and luxurious attire. Even in her private quarters, she carried an unspeakable nobility, though her looks were only slightly above average.
At this moment, the eunuch who delivered meals to Zhang Jian was bowing his head, a smile on his face.
"Your Highness, who would have thought Qi Su's nephew would be so fortunate, appointed as a Champion Scholar by the Emperor? A Champion Scholar not yet sixteen years old is indeed rare!"
Princess Qingfeng's dignified jade-like face carried a slight smile.
"If Yuan Wu knew about this, he'd surely be delighted. I've heard him mention that his nephew is extremely talented and had hopes of becoming an advanced scholar, but I never thought he'd actually become the Champion Scholar!"
"I originally thought that once he became an advanced scholar, we might be able to help him, but it turns out he doesn't need our help anymore!"
Princess Qingfeng smiled slightly.
After the palace examination, it was customary for the Champion Scholar to be appointed as a compiler at the Sports and Arts College, and the second and third places as editors.
Other advanced scholars who passed exams could also hold various support positions in the Sports and Arts College. After a three-year examination period, they would be appointed as compilers and reviewers.
The rest would be assigned to various departments, holding positions such as Chief Officer or observer, or initially be appointed as county magistrates, referred to as scattered officials.
Advanced scholars from the Sports and Arts College typically rose quickly in rank. The Daqian Dynasty was much like the previous dynasty, gradually forming a tradition where no one could enter the Sports and Arts College unless they were advanced scholars, and no lecturer or scholar from the Sports and Arts College could be one of the Nine Ministers.
"This Zhang Family young master has nothing to worry about. I just wonder when Yuan Wu will return victoriously!"
On Princess Qingfeng's beautiful face, there was a trace of melancholy.
The old eunuch, upon seeing this, said,
"Your Highness, rest assured, the rebellions in the southern provinces are gradually being suppressed. This time, it's clear that the Emperor intends to compensate. Once General Qi returns, a brilliant future awaits, and the Emperor might even issue a decree for marriage!"
Princess Qingfeng, upon hearing this, had a bit more smile on her jade-like face.
"The Emperor can sometimes appear harsh and unapproachable, but after all, I watched him grow up. He is not a heartless ruler!"
The old eunuch, upon hearing these words, kept his head lowered, not daring to respond to such comments.
...
"Being appointed as a compiler at the Sports and Arts College would be an exceptional opportunity!"
At this moment, after the Jade Forest Banquet, Zhang Jian was also waiting for the appointment ceremony.
If he could stay within the Sports and Arts College, it would align perfectly with Zhang Jian's wishes.
Not only are officials in the Sports and Arts College considered stepping stones to becoming senior courtiers above the third rank or local officials, but the college also holds a wealth of court-assembled books.
For his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart to grow, it requires an extensive accumulation of knowledge.
The Sports and Arts College is not merely the Emperor's leisure and study entourage but also hosts the largest 'library' of the Daqian Court. With this esteemed official position, he can openly read the various collections accumulated by the Daqian Court to broaden his horizons and enhance his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart.
...
At this moment, after the Jade Forest Banquet, Zhang Jian and Shi Lun began to bid farewell to some friends who did not pass the exams.
After the release of the Yellow List, many advanced scholars were prepared to embark on their journey home.
Among them, their friend Zhan Xiong was also included.
However, to their surprise, among those seeing off Zhan Xiong was a gracefully dressed, beautiful woman. Zhan Xiong wasn't eager to leave; instead, he wanted to remain in Haojing City and continue striving for another three years.
At this moment, the woman said, "Zhan Lang, a true man's ambition should be like the majestic river flowing east into the sea, not dwelling in the land of gentleness!"