For them, this was somewhat bitter, but not unacceptable.
After all, they were simply less skilled than others, so they couldn't blame the emperor for valuing them. They were just outmatched, otherwise they wouldn't have ended up in this awkward situation.
The most disappointed person was undoubtedly Li Yuanlong!
He qualified as the third-place candidate in the re-examination, but he never expected to be surpassed by Zhang Fengfan. It was a rollercoaster of emotions for him, and he felt quite upset.
"I'm sorry, Brother Li!" Zhang Fengfan, being a quick-witted person, saw through his frustration at a glance, so he said with a wry smile.
Why!
Looking at Zhang Fengfan's apologetic expression, Li Yuanlong couldn't help but sigh and say with a wry smile, "Congratulations, Zhang Fengfan. I was outmatched this time, but I won't give up so easily!"
"Brother Li, why belittle yourself? This time you didn't lose because of your talent, but because of this question." Zhang Fengfan smiled wryly, realizing he had indeed had some luck this time.
If it were a test of talent, I'm not sure I could beat Li Yuanlong.
However, the question posed by the emperor gave him an opportunity to gain an advantage, because he came from a merchant family, which allowed him to have a deeper understanding of commerce in Great Liang.
In this way, one can naturally surpass others.
Li Yuanlong shook his head and sighed, "The Emperor created the imperial Imperial Examination to select officials, and this question is exactly what's needed to become an official, so I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."
He was a clever man and naturally understood the deeper meaning behind the emperor's question.
Even if his talent surpassed Zhang Fengfan's, the country wasn't looking for someone skilled in writing, so talent wasn't the primary factor in the selection of officials.
Zhang Fengfan indeed possessed remarkable insights into economics, which even impressed the emperor. It was normal for him to be valued by the emperor.
However, time will tell, and I still have a chance to catch up.
"Ha ha!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shiyu's opinion of Li Yuanlong immediately rose, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "As expected of the master painter Li Yuanlong, he's certainly someone who can accept defeat gracefully!"
"Sigh, we're in the same boat!"
The group exchanged glances and burst into laughter; no one wanted to lose face in the palace.
Cough cough!
At this moment, Li Yu coughed twice and said meaningfully, "Young people, you don't need to underestimate yourselves. You still have a chance. Even for those in the top three, becoming an official isn't so easy."
Seeing the group of confused and disappointed children, Li Yu couldn't help but offer a word of advice.
Huh!
Upon hearing this, not only Li Yuanlong and the others looked at Li Yu, but even Huang Longsi members couldn't help but turn around. Was there some other obstacle in the way?
"Hey, isn't this the Little White Dragon in the Waves, a friend of Little Lü Bu, a regular at the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion? Young master, do you know the inside story?" Zhang Shiyu recognized Li Yu in the crowd and couldn't help but exclaim.
puff!
Upon hearing this title, Li Yu nearly vomited blood. What the hell is this " Little White Dragon in the Waves"? My Li Clan's reputation is ruined!
He couldn't help but glare at Guo Jia, who was not far away. It was all because of this bad friend that he had ruined everyone's life.
He coughed lightly and said irritably, "You've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not some Little White Dragon in the Waves, I am Li Yu, a scholar of the Imperial Academy."
"Wait a minute, you are..." Zhang Shiyu's straightforward friend frowned slightly, about to retort.
This is clearly the Little White Dragon in the Waves; how could I possibly be wrong?
snort!
Li Yu glanced at him and said quietly, "To avoid you being completely inexperienced after taking office, you will need to undergo some training. I am one of your teachers..."
Forehead!
The person who had just spoken was stunned. He quickly covered his mouth and shook his head, saying, "Then I must have made a mistake!" This was his future teacher; he couldn't afford to offend him.
really!
At this moment, Lin Yi waved to Zhao Gao, who immediately stepped forward and produced an imperial edict.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!"
"Today, the Great Liang is holding a grand imperial examination to select officials, aiming to benefit the All Under Heaven and choose virtuous and capable officials. Therefore, after the Imperial Examination, the candidates need to enter the Imperial Academy for training."
Only those who achieve outstanding results can be granted official positions.
Training?
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, surprised that there was still a selection process to truly become an official; it really felt like facing eighty-one tribulations.
First came the preliminary examinations at the prefecture and county levels, then the national re-examinations, and finally the palace examination. Unexpectedly, there was also a training session. It was indeed much more cautious than the previous dynasty.
Recalling Li Yu's earlier words, they couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines; this guy must be one of their teachers.
snort!
Chen Qun glanced at them indifferently and said seriously, "The purpose of this training is to make you understand the responsibilities of an official, as well as to train you in the necessary skills and knowledge."
Although your official rank will be determined by your ranking, the time you are appointed to office is determined by your training, so don't make a mistake!
Chen Qun was particularly strict with this group of greenhorns, as he had to suppress their arrogance; otherwise, they would be ruined if they got carried away.
"I see!"
Zhang Zizai couldn't help but nod in approval. Such training was indeed necessary; otherwise, once they entered the job, they would be completely in the dark.
After such training, at least we can avoid making mistakes. The Emperor is truly thoughtful.
My family suffered losses because of a foolish prefect who was completely inflexible. Therefore, this training is crucial; otherwise, it could truly be a disaster for the country and its people.
The others realized what was happening and, not daring to object, immediately kowtowed in gratitude.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Alright, that's settled then. The Ministry of Personnel will handle the rest."
Lin Yi nodded slightly, handing over the task to the Ministry of Personnel. After all, the appointment and removal of officials was the current responsibility of the Ministry of Personnel.
Wen Tianxiang took a deep breath and said in a solemn voice, "Your subject obeys the decree!"
Now that Minister of Ministry of Personnel Jiang Wei has gone to the Western Regions, Wen Tianxiang, so naturally he will take over these people.
However, with the help of Guo Jia and Li Yu, it wasn't a major problem.
"Then let's adjourn the court!" Lin Yi waved his hand, announcing the adjournment of the court.
After he opened the system, he found a bunch of messages popping up, and he needed to sort through what he had learned.
This time, the issue isn't supporting these students, but rather the West has made a significant move.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for conquering others with martial prowess! Your general Xue Rengui has swept through the western small countries and pacified the northern kingdoms of the Frostwest Empire. You are rewarded with the Iron-Blooded Prince, the Soul of Anxi — Guo Xin, and receive 10,000 Anxi Army!"
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for successfully defeating the Black Skull Army with your martial prowess, becoming one of the three major powers in the West. Reward: Minister Tian Feng."
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for successfully winning over several small Western countries with your Win People Over with Virtue. You are rewarded with 100,000 Western warhorses."
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for winning people over with Win People Over with Virtue and successfully subduing the madman Zhang Zizai. Reward: One man annihilates a Wang Xuance. Reward: Detailed map of the West."
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for Win People Over with Virtue..."
"..."