After two days and two nights of intensive answering, most of the candidates in Gongyuan had handed in their answer sheets and left the examination room in an orderly manner.
Only a very small number of candidates were still sitting blankly in the room, staring at the answer sheets they had no idea about. It was not until the officials came forward and took away their answer sheets that they realized how to take the test. It has ended!
Immediately, a sad cry was heard, and a gray-haired old man fell to the ground weakly, muttering incomprehensible words.
Soon, the official responsible for maintaining order came forward, helped the old man up from the ground, and tried to persuade him.
After all, those who can come to participate in the examination are all masters of the Juren Examination!
As for the candidates who had finished answering the previous part and handed in their answer sheets, they rushed to the place where they were staying after coming out of Zigong Academy.
They have to take advantage of the moment, when their memory is clearest, to write down the article silently, and then find a knowledgeable person to mark the paper, so as to estimate whether they have the possibility of passing the exam!
After completing these things, these candidates can enjoy the prosperity of the capital as much as they want, gathering together with their close friends, having fun, and listening to music, which are all routine operations.
And from this, many interesting stories have arisen, such as spending huge sums of money in order to win the smile of a beautiful woman. From time to time, there are also rumors that a promiscuous woman's worth has skyrocketed because of a poem!
Correspondingly, Yin Ding Shichang of Shuntian Prefecture became busy visibly to the naked eye.
"Can these guys be more peaceful? They have to bother me with matters as big as sesame seeds and mung beans!"
"Do you really think that if they have the status of being a civil servant, I won't dare to deal with them?"
After Ding Shichang finished complaining, he immediately picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.
Ding Shichang's wife patiently listened to her husband's complaints and immediately comforted him.
"Husband, you are doing quite well. I heard that those candidates are looking for someone to mark their papers!"
"Especially those elders in the pavilion are all surrounded!"
After listening to his wife's comfort, Ding Shichang felt visibly better and said hesitantly.
"real?"
"Of course it's true. If you don't believe it, you can go and see for yourself!"
After Ding Shichang's wife finished speaking, she immediately came to Ding Shichang and rubbed his shoulders to relieve fatigue.
"Oh, I don't know when I will be able to have candidates come to me to mark their papers!"
"After all, no matter what you say, your husband is a dignified Yin of Shuntian Prefecture, isn't he?"
When Ding Shichang's wife saw this, she didn't say anything. She just smiled and rubbed Ding Shichang's shoulders.
"Ouch, be gentle! It hurts..."
…
At this moment, Yan's study room.
Yan Song put the books in his hands aside, called the housekeeper, and asked.
"How's the situation outside?"
At this moment, the housekeeper felt quite uneasy. Seeing Yan Song asking about the matter, he had to muster the courage to say.
"Yan...Mr. Yan Ge, there are many candidates gathered outside, all coming to you for marking!"
"Look, should we blow them all away?"
Yan Song immediately reprimanded after listening to the housekeeper's proposal.
"Idiot, if we blow them all away, wouldn't we offend these officials who may gain honors in the future?"
After listening to Yan Song's rebuke, the housekeeper hurriedly responded.
"Yes, that's what you taught me!"
"But right now, these candidates have surrounded the entire Yan Mansion. Even the servants under them can't squeeze out if they want to go out to buy daily necessities!"
After listening to the butler's narration, Yan Song sighed helplessly and gave instructions.
"Let's do this. You go out and tell them that they can judge their own rankings. I will only judge the top three!"
"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge!"
After receiving Yan Song's instructions, the housekeeper walked out of the study with confidence.
At the gate of Yan's Mansion, the candidates saw the housekeeper coming out and quickly waved the articles in their hands, trying to attract his attention.
Then, the housekeeper coughed twice, and after focusing everyone's attention on him, he spoke.
"Everyone, Mr. Yan Ge sent me here to bring you a message!"
"He also took it one step at a time and passed the imperial examination, so he can understand everyone's mood."
"therefore……"
Before the housekeeper finished speaking, a candidate asked impatiently.
"Is Mr. Yan Ge willing to wait for me to grade the papers?"
The butler had a clear view of the expression on this man's face, and responded with a warm smile on his face.
"Exactly!"
When he said this, the butler suddenly changed the subject and continued.
"But, you also know that as the chief minister of the cabinet, Mr. Yan Ge is usually busy with affairs and cannot spare much time!"
"Therefore, you need to evaluate the rankings by yourself. Only the top three will be lucky enough to be judged by Mr. Yan Ge himself!"
As soon as the housekeeper finished speaking, many candidates below became excited.
After all, this is the first minister of the current cabinet who personally evaluates the papers. This is a treatment that many people can only ask for!
Even if he didn't win in the end, having this gimmick would be enough.
Youdao is the first in literature and the second in martial arts!
As literati, they naturally have a heart that refuses to admit defeat, especially those who have overcome many difficulties and finally came to the capital to participate in the examination.
When the material needs are met, the next step is the spiritual needs.
Let me ask you, what could be more shocking than the chief minister of the current cabinet personally judging the papers?
"Come on, let's find a place to see what our respective articles are like!"
"Making friends through literature is one of the most interesting things in life. Everyone, please!"
"All your purchases today will be paid for by you!"
Soon, the group of candidates who surrounded Yan Mansion quickly dispersed.
Seeing this, the housekeeper's face was full of excitement and he quickly ran to the study to report the news to Yan Song.
"Mr. Yan Ge, good news!"
"Your previous strategy worked. All those candidates have left!"
Yan Song seemed to have expected this. After listening to the butler's report, his expression was quite calm, he nodded and said slowly.
"Well, I understand, go down!"
"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge, I will resign now!"
Upon seeing this, the housekeeper bowed to Yan Song, then turned and left the study.
Just when Yan Song put on his reading glasses and planned to start reading, a bold idea suddenly appeared in his mind.
"Can I use this matter to make some articles?"
"Why not take advantage of this opportunity to attract more fresh blood!"
Afterwards, a complete plan gradually took shape in Yan Song's mind.
…
Forbidden City, Manna Palace.
At this moment, Jiajing was lying down on the chair lazily, opening his mouth from time to time to accept feeding from Mrs. Shen on the side.
Shen Shi gently put the peeled grapes into Jiajing's mouth.
"Your Majesty, today seems to be the end of the exam?"
"Well, it seems so."
Jiajing nodded and responded.
"I congratulate Your Majesty. Many well-educated people will enter the official career and serve Your Majesty!"
After hearing what Shen said, Jiajing shook his head and continued.
"Most of these officials who have just entered the official career will soon be eliminated in less than half a year. In the end, there will only be a few people who can be used!"
(End of chapter)
