The Imperial Street Parade
Several ministers who had also wanted to flatter Qi Xugu inwardly for being a sycophant, and quickly joined the others in shouting in unison, "Your Majesty is wise; the nation is fortunate indeed!"
Xiao Ge's expression softened slightly, and he raised his hand, saying, "All of you, rise."
"The newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) takes his leave," the imperial eunuch announced loudly at Xiao Ge's signal.
Lord Mo and several officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices quickly led the scholars out of the main hall.
After leaving the palace, the second and third-class graduates were led by other officials to the main hall where the imperial examination had been held, where the Qionglin Banquet would be held an hour later.
The three top scholars were led out of the palace by Lord Mo and others, who were going to parade through the imperial street.
According to custom, the third-place scholar must be a young and handsome man.
However, the top scholar Zhao Ruxi was a beautiful young woman, and the second-place scholar Duan Chen was a handsome young man. Ruyu Lu Shanchu, who was also young and handsome, was promoted to the third-place scholar, Xiao Ge felt that everyone in the Great Jin would say that he judged people by their appearance and did not value their true talents. Even the censors who had nothing better to do would submit several memorials criticizing him.
Therefore, he simply kept the unshaven, third-place finisher in the imperial examination in his original position and made him the third-place finisher.
Therefore, the third-place scholar in this year's imperial examination was a burly man with a full beard and a height of eight feet, Ding Lianjin.
Looking at the two outstanding scholars, Ding Lianjin felt like he was dreaming. He had originally thought he wouldn't even make it into the top rank.
On the way, Lord Mo asked Zhao Ruxi with a nervous expression, "I wonder if Miss Zhao has ever ridden a horse before?"
Before the Emperor's selection, they did not know whether Zhao Ruxi could be ranked in the first class. Therefore, they did not consider this. Men in the academy had to learn archery and horsemanship, so this issue had never been a problem before.
Now this problem was right in front of him, making Lord Mo's heart leap into his throat—if Zhao Ruxi couldn't ride a horse, how could they complete the part about praising the official? Even if someone led the horse slowly ahead, the young lady might not dare to sit on its back.
If she were to accidentally fall off her horse and get injured, the Emperor's decision to appoint Zhao Ruxi as the top scholar would become a joke, proving that the Emperor's decision was wrong.
If the emperor becomes enraged and cannot openly blame Zhao Ruxi, he will inevitably vent his anger on these officials, and they will lose their official positions.
Thinking of this, a thin layer of sweat appeared on Lord Mo's forehead.
"Yes, I will." Zhao Ruxi noticed Lord Mo's nervousness and quickly replied, "Don't worry, I'm quite good at riding horses."
Lord Mo breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good, that's good."
Duan Chen and Ding Lianjin also breathed a sigh of relief.
If Zhao Ruxi hadn't been able to ride a horse, their grand performance today might have been in serious trouble. This was supposed to be the most glorious moment of their lives. Duan Chen was alright, not feeling anything because of his goddess, but Ding Lianjin felt it would be a lifelong regret.
The list of winners had already been posted when the list was finalized at the grand ceremony of announcing the winners' names, Kang Shilin, who had connections inside the organization, was the first to receive the news.
"Hahaha, I never expected that my female disciple would become the top scholar! She's truly amazing! Quick, quick, let's go to the teahouse and make a reservation. I want to watch the Imperial Street Officials' Praise."
"Congratulations, sir! Congratulations, sir!" Kang An and the servants hurriedly offered their congratulations.
Soon after, all the masters of the Kang Residence found out and came to congratulate Kang Shilin.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Miss Zhao has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination!" A servant rushed into the inner courtyard of Grand Princess Shangde's Residence in the capital to deliver the good news to the Grand Princess Shangde.
"What?" Everyone in the room stood up and looked at the servant.
"The top scholar, Miss Zhiwei is the top scholar!" the servant said, panting.
"Oh, heavens! His Majesty is wise!" the usually composed Madam Cui cried out, tears streaming down her face.
At this time, not only Madam Cui was in the room, but also Madam Chen and several other teachers who helped Grand Princess Shangde manage the academy.
They came here specifically to wait for news from the palace so they could know Zhao Ruxi's ranking as soon as possible.
Now that their wish had come true, everyone was overjoyed and wept tears of happiness.
"Zhiwei truly brings honor to us women."
"Yes, I never expected it, I really never expected it, she's amazing."
After her initial joy subsided, Grand Princess Shangde asked the steward, "Is the private room booked?" Receiving a positive answer, she wiped away her tears, stood up, and said, "Let's go see Zhiwei Kuaiguan."
"Let's go." Everyone stood up.
Grand Princess Shangde then instructed her maidservant, "Go personally to the Earl of Suiping's Residence and invite the Old Madam of the Duke of Sui and the Wife of the Earl of Suiping to come and see the ceremonial procession."
"Yes." The nanny quickly left.
At this time, the Earl of Suiping's Residence had also received the good news.
"Heavens, heavens, our Earl of Suiping's Residence is truly blessed! Miss Xi has actually become the top scholar in the imperial examination! May Buddha protect us!" The old lady almost fainted when she heard the good news.
"His Majesty is truly wise, deserving to appoint our Miss Xi the top scholar. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Lady Zhu sincerely kowtowed three times towards the direction of the palace.
She got up, wiped away her joyful tears, and quickly sent someone to inform Kang Shilin and Zhao Yuanxun of the good news.
Suddenly remembering something, she called Ma Sheng over and instructed, "Quickly go and see if there are any seats available at the teahouses on Imperial Street. Reserve a private room. If there aren't any, the seats outside will do. The young lady is going to perform at Imperial Street later, so we need to go and check."
"Yes, yes, we should go see," the old lady said repeatedly, then called to Matron Jin, "Quickly bring me my best clothes, I want to get dressed."
Then she said to Lady Zhu, "You too. Now that you're the mother of a top scholar, you should dress better and not embarrass our Miss Xi."
Having followed Zhao Ruxi for the past two years, Ma Sheng has learned her meticulous thinking, always considering things ten steps ahead of her.
He said, "I tried to book a private room at the teahouse five days ago. But there are only two teahouses on Yujie Street, and the private rooms were already booked. I could only get a table outside."
Upon hearing that Ma Sheng had booked a table five days prior, Lady Zhu was quite pleased. "A table elsewhere is fine too."
Today is the most glorious day for the Earl of Suiping's Residence. Sitting in the open seats and receiving the envy and praise of others is a kind of enjoyment. Whether or not they have a private room doesn't really matter.
"Madam, Madam!" A maid suddenly ran in and said to the two, "Grand Princess Shangde has sent someone to invite you two to the teahouse to see Kua Guan."
"Ah!" The old lady and Lady Zhu exchanged a surprised glance. "Quickly, please invite them in."
The person who came was the nanny who served Grand Princess Shangde. She came in to offer her congratulations and extended an invitation. The old lady and Lady Zhu quickly changed their clothes and took a sedan chair to the Imperial Street.
When they arrived at the teahouse closest to the palace gate, Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui were already seated. In addition to them, Princess of Zhennan and Xiao Ruotong were also present.