Palace Conceals Filth, Hall Gathers Rites

The Imperial Palace, the residence of the emperor, embodies all the wealth and power in the land. Along the way, the candidates are surrounded by palaces, pavilions, towers, carved beams and painted rafters, as well as gardens and landscapes, which are captivating.

After crossing the plaza in front of the palace and arriving at the front of several grand halls, the magnificent scene was even more breathtaking. The pillars were so huge that several people had to encircle them, making one feel insignificant.

Immediately, someone remarked. "This is indeed the forbidden area of the Imperial Palace; it's completely different from ordinary people's homes."

Qiu Yan looked at the scenery along the way, but his attention was on other things. He noticed that the People's Wishes were hidden everywhere in the palace, some harmful and some bad, some respected and some resentful. Deep in the palace, there was a dark atmosphere and a sense of filth.

Compared to Qiu Yan, the others were much more cautious, most keeping their heads down and remaining silent as they moved forward slowly.

In reality, after they passed through the palace gates and entered the Imperial Palace, their every move was subject to examination, with censors accompanying and recording it. In fact, they were being examined for their merits and demerits in terms of "etiquette".

However, etiquette is relative. The candidates must abide by it, and the imperial court cannot slack off either. Soon, the sound of ceremonial music could be heard from the front to welcome the crowd.

The Imperial Examinations was an opportunity for scholars to rise through the ranks, but it was also a way for the court to summon talented individuals to assist in governing the country, so it was natural to show them sufficient respect.

After walking and walking, the group arrived at their destination, the Hall of Gathered Excellence.

This palace occupies a considerable area, and one of its main functions was to be used for the Palace Examination.

When Pang Qianru entertained the students at the Pang Clan Estate, she set up many tables, but with so many people, the main hall couldn't accommodate them all, so they had to be set up in the courtyard.

However, the Hall of Gathered Excellence alone is larger than two or three of the Pan Household's villas, with more than three hundred tables set up. There are also cushions behind the tables, and quite a bit of space between the tables.

Stepping into the hall, Qiu Yan suddenly narrowed his eyes. A blurry image transmitted from the Prosperity Capital Will will connected to his consciousness, and with a quick thought, he understood some of its deeper meaning.

During the Palace Examination, one should emulate the way ancient sages lectured. Back then, stools had not yet been invented, and people sat on the floor. This was not a disgrace, nor was it to say that kneeling was better than sitting on a chair. Rather, it was to look back and show respect for the country, culture, and history.

The reason people gather together and recognize each other is precisely because of this respect. Otherwise, even if they share the same blood, they are still considered different races, which is more tragic than being possessed.

"Focus on one thing, stay true to one's principles, and then embrace all things with open arms and tolerance; only then can one endure for thousands of years and stand tall."

Qiu Yan entered the hall and saw the table and the prayer mat. The insights he received from the Prosperity Capital Will made him realize the mystery within and understand the principles behind the forms.

"Learning is found in every action, whether walking, sitting, or lying down. But only in the place closest to the Central Pivot of Human Path and the source of the Dragon Vein can one so clearly feel the True Intention. Even if this opportunity to take the Palace Examination is taken by someone else, and my Fleshly Body perishes, I will still gain something."

Thinking this, Qiu Yan slowly relaxed, abandoning his thoughts of exploring the future of Human Path, and wholeheartedly began to comprehend the mysteries of Human Path within the palace.

Compared to him, the other candidates were clearly less relaxed, each with their heads down, eyes downcast, not daring to be distracted at all.

State of Mind is reflected on their face, resulting in different expressions, which in turn develop into different temperaments.

"That person is Qiu Yan?"

Beside a pillar, several examiners gathered, observing the scene inside the hall. They were all examiners in charge of this year's Metropolitan Examination, including Luo Zhongjie and Hu Yong.

As the examiners watched the many candidates enter the palace, their eyes darted around before finally settling on Qiu Yan.

The low tables placed in the palace were inscribed with names and places of origin, arranged according to the rankings on the Metropolitan Examination list. When candidates entered the hall, they would be led by eunuchs to their assigned tables, and even if they had never met Qiu Yan before, they could recognize him from these tables.

Upon closer inspection, the group immediately noticed that Qiu Yan was different from the others.

"This Qiu Yan is indeed extraordinary. That's right, how could someone who Literary Staining of Examination Papers lack composure? He doesn't seem nervous at all; instead, he appears deep in thought, as if he's pondering something. I've been inquiring about him these past few days, and I've heard that Qiu Yan had many achievements back in Eastern Capital, and news of them has been circulating over the past few days."

"Indeed, back when I took the imperial Palace Examination, I was first stunned by the sight of the palace, and then when I entered the main hall, I found it so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and I became nervous again. It wasn't until I started writing the paper that I calmed down a bit, unlike him who is so composed."

"Among the other candidates, there were a few who looked quite well."

The examiners discussed the matter, but Luo Zhongjie and Hu Yong did not join in, as they were both considering other things.

The Emperor already knew that Qiu Yan Literary Staining of Examination Papers, and even issued an imperial edict on the day the results were announced, showing how much importance he attached to it. However, things have been strangely quiet these past two days.

The two were eager to find out more, but the people in the palace remained tight-lipped about it. Even the person in charge of going out to make purchases was unwilling to reveal anything, making the situation seem even more mysterious.

Adding to the matter of Wen Zhizhen's cheating, as well as the overt and covert power struggles, and Tian Youqing's seclusion at home to reflect on his mistakes, everything seemed particularly strange, giving Luo Zhongjie and Hu Yong a sense of something unusual.

The candidates sensed that they were being watched and reacted in various ways.

And so, various thoughts slowly unfolded.

Snap!

Suddenly, a loud crack of whips came from outside the palace, and then Wang Fu, dressed in official robes, walked out from one side of the palace.

Upon seeing him arrive, both the examiners and the candidates composed themselves and then made their own movements, peering into the depths of the palace.

Before long, the chief examiner Wang Fu was in front, followed by his fellow examinees. More than three hundred candidates, those who ranked higher, were at the front, tidying their clothes and waiting quietly.

On the way there, officials had repeatedly explained the procedures for the Palace Examination, so everyone knew that the emperor was coming.

Soon, footsteps echoed from the depths of the palace. Li Kun emerged and sat on the throne. Several more people filed in and stood before the emperor, all dressed in official robes, exuding an extraordinary aura, clearly not ordinary individuals.

From afar, Qiu Yan spotted a familiar face inside. The man was thin but vigorous, with a large frame that filled out his clothes. It was none other than Chancellor Ma Yang.

Upon seeing Ma Yang, Qiu Yan also understood the identities of the other people, knowing they were the other high-ranking officials.

Qiu Yan was not the only one who could recognize the prime minister. Among the many candidates, many came from powerful families. Books were expensive and studying was not easy. This Imperial Examinations was subject to many changes, with New Law being introduced and compromises between the two parties. It was no ordinary examination. Less than half of the candidates from ordinary families passed the exam.

These people recognized the prime minister and realized that the emperor attached great importance to the Palace Examination, even having the Central Pivot ministers put aside state affairs to come and observe the examination!

This inspired many people to become ambitious and eager to demonstrate their knowledge and leave a good impression on the emperor and his ministers.

However, some who knew the inside story noticed something amiss. According to past rules and the emperor's favor, Wang Fu should have accompanied the emperor, but the current situation was different, and the underlying reason was quite intriguing.

The examiners, with their keen sense of smell, had already begun to make plans, and even some of the candidates were pondering the implications.

Before His Majesty, several high-ranking officials were also observing the reactions of the many examinees.

"Shen Zhi, you are indeed different from before, no longer the ignorant fool you once were." Looking at Qiu Yan, Ma Yang nodded slowly, not showing any hostility towards Qiu Yan because of his policy essay.

"However, Tian Youqing is going all in this time. I wonder if Shen Zhi can handle it. If the Emperor determines that he is related to the Daoist Sect, then his chances of getting into the top three in the Palace Examination are basically gone. It would be such a pity..."

The other ministers had varying expressions, and all of them were somewhat wary of Qiu Yan. As members of the Council of State Affairs, they controlled the government and were well-informed. They had all heard some rumors about Qiu Yan and knew a little about his affairs.

Xu Jin looked at Qiu Yan and pondered to himself, "This is Qiu Yan? He is quite handsome, unlike what Ran'er said. I just wonder if he really has Divine Ability. However, Literary Staining of Examination Papers, so I wonder if the final result will be unexpected."

Zhang Lian looked disgusted. "This Qiu Yan is truly a traitor. I kindly helped him out, but I didn't expect him to use the same old tricks from the New Law. If Tian Youqing hadn't thrown things into disarray, the New Party would have won a great victory in this Imperial Examinations."

Not only the prime minister, but also Li Kun, who was sitting on the imperial couch, turned his gaze to Qiu Yan, feeling increasingly conflicted as he sensed the calm aura emanating from the other party.

At Li Kun's request, some information about Qiu Yan has been gathered. Although Qiu Yan did not deliberately flaunt his Divine Ability in the past, he did not deliberately hide them either, so there are many signs that indicate this.

However, upon closer inspection, Li Kun also realized that Qiu Yan's connection with the Daoist Sect was not deep, and that he had achieved such cultivation in a very short period of time, only a few years. This showed his talent. However, as cultivators progress to a certain level, their Fortune is affected, and apart from those with great perseverance, few can lean towards the human Human Path. For a moment, Li Kun was caught in a dilemma, both appreciating the talent and not daring to take the risk.

"In this Palace Examination, we cannot dismiss him, but we also cannot elevate him; the other party has become too powerful to control..."

Just as everyone in the hall was lost in their own thoughts, the master of ceremonies called out, "Proceed with the salutations!"

Immediately, the examiners all cupped their hands, raised their arms, and bowed deeply towards the emperor's throne.

This bow was not to the emperor personally; behind him lay the Fortune of the entire Great Rui Dynasty, and the collective will of all the people converging into a dragon.

Therefore, this bow is a bow to this dragon, and to all the people of the world.

After bending over, the Myriad People's Heart Fire in Qiu Yan's Divine Soul reacted, and the fused Prosperity Capital Will underwent a change. The Dragon Qi that had been cut off for several days reappeared, filling his heart and making him slightly dazed.

After the ceremony was completed, the students took their seats, and servants brought in sheets of white paper and placed them on the table.

Upon receiving the paper, the examinee should kneel upright. This is not an insult; in ancient times, people sat on the ground without distinction of rank, and it was all a matter of common etiquette. This reflects the emperor's respect for the virtuous and talented.

Then, a eunuch before the Emperor shouted out the questions for the Palace Examination.

"I have long heard that war is a matter of great importance to the state, and now there is war on the Northern Frontier..."

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