As the voice fell, Xie Junheng stepped slowly out of the gate of light.
His father, Xie Wenheng, stood outside the crowd, his eyes suddenly reddening. He forced himself to keep a stern face, but his fingers trembled slightly inside his sleeves.
Beside him, another official from the former Purple Dusk court spoke sourly. "Old Xie, stop holding it in. If you want to smile, smile."
Xie Wenheng glared at him, then could no longer stop the corners of his mouth from lifting.
Yun Tianluo propped his chin on one hand, cast him a sidelong glance, and chuckled. "Is that your son?"
Xie Wenheng forcibly suppressed his smile and bowed respectfully. "Indeed, he is my unworthy son."
Through layer upon layer of overlapping space, Yun Tianluo watched the newly crowned top scholar, narrowing his eyes slightly. Why did he keep feeling something was...
Just then, the second and third gates of light opened in succession.
The Ceremonial Officer continued in a ringing voice:
"Second place-Pei Junyao."
"Native place: Chen Capital Prefecture."
"Examination assessment: biased in his understanding of law, narrowly passed the heart-questioning trial, yet skilled in statecraft and sound judgment, decisive in a crisis, adept at deploying unconventional forces, capable of defeating enemies and bringing peace to the people!"
"Ranked second in the first class."
The moment Pei Junyao emerged, he heard the words "biased in his understanding of law" and could not help rubbing his nose.
The Ceremonial Officer continued announcing:
"Third place-Liu Fuqu."
"Native place: Chen Capital Prefecture, Purple Dusk."
"Examination assessment: skilled in statecraft and caring for the people, discerning human hearts and stabilizing turmoil. Excels at reassuring the populace, aiding the vulnerable, and harmonizing all trades!"
"Ranked third in the first class."
Liu Niang stepped out slowly, a smile in her eyes. She wore a