Chapter 338: The Minor Imperial Audience

The Minor Imperial Audience was a private summons granted by the Emperor to the top ten newly appointed jinshi. The final rankings from the palace examination would only be officially confirmed and recorded in the official and ceremonial Golden Lists after this audience.

The smaller Golden List was submitted to the Imperial Secretariat and stored within the inner palace.

The larger Golden List, sealed with the Imperial Jade Seal marked “Treasure of the Emperor,” would be hung outside the Left Gate of Chang’an on the fifth day of the third month during the grand ranking ceremony, to announce the results to the entire nation and ensure all would hear of them.

Because of the idiom “the carp leaps over the dragon gate,” the Left Gate of Chang’an was also known as the Dragon Gate, hence the Golden List was displayed there.

By the time Gu Huaizhi arrived at the palace gates, the other nine candidates had already gathered. Together, they entered the palace with the palace attendants.

Anyone who participated in the palace examination would never dare take the Minor Imperial Audience lightly. If any of the summoned failed to appear, their ranking would be demoted to the lowest spot within the top thirty.

Therefore, it was often said: On the day of the Grand Proclamation^[1]Grand Proclamation (传胪, chuán lú): A formal court ceremony held after the final results of the palace examination (殿试) were confirmed. During this grand event, the Emperor personally … Continue reading, there may be successful candidates who do not attend; but on the day of the Minor Imperial Audience^[2]Minor Imperial Audience (小传胪, xiǎo chuán lú): A private imperial audience granted only to the top ten scorers of the palace examination (jinshi) before the final rankings were confirmed. … Continue reading, none dare to be absent.

Everyone remained silent. Some were visibly nervous. However, the palace examination itself had already been personally overseen by the Emperor, emphasizing his role as the supreme teacher of the realm and affirming that those who passed were now “disciples of the Son of Heaven.” Since they had already seen the Emperor once, the nervousness this time was significantly less than during their first encounter.

What made this occasion different was that everyone already knew Gu Huaizhi’s identity. The Emperor had once been his younger brother. Though he had now acknowledged his true ancestry and returned to the imperial clan, their bond remained strong. It was even said that his own younger sister had entered the palace to serve as the young Emperor’s study companion.

Such imperial favor—how could ordinary people ever hope to enjoy it? Even the highest-ranking ministers in court could do nothing but envy it.

While some speculated about his final ranking, others were already considering whether they ought to curry favor with him. After all, forming ties with someone like him could never be a bad idea.

But when the first candidate, Wang Xueqin, was summoned into Qinzheng Hall and came back out, his face was deathly pale, cold sweat beading on his forehead, all those messy thoughts instantly vanished into thin air. When he looked at Gu Huaizhi, his gaze was filled with sympathy.

The attendant announced, “Gu Huaizhi, your audience.”

Gu Huaizhi pressed his lips together and stepped forward under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Someone who was familiar with Wang Xueqin quietly asked, “What happened?”

“The Regent and the Grand Chancellor were present to assist,” Wang Xueqin replied, wearing a meaningful expression that told the others to think carefully.

Everyone’s expressions subtly shifted. Even though Gu Huaizhi had a close relationship with the young emperor, he had only recently returned to the palace and was still very young. All governmental matters had to pass through the hands of the inner cabinet and the Regent. He had no real authority.

The Regent was known for his ruthless methods and disregard for personal ties, while the Grand Chancellor was famously upright—a man from a humble background who valued true talent and learning. The idea that the young emperor might try to win them over to grant Gu Huaizhi special treatment was pure fantasy.

For Gu Huaizhi to become the top scorer in the metropolitan exam, it must have been due to genuine ability. With such talent, making it into the top ten in the palace exam would be a given.

Those who had previously suspected that Gu Huaizhi’s top ranking had been manipulated all dismissed their doubts.

Unaware of the speculations swirling outside, Gu Huaizhi entered Qinzheng Hall and saw Jingyun seated on the dragon throne. After nearly a year of tempering, Jingyun now exuded the bearing of someone in power. He had learned to manage his emotions well, yet his eyes shone brightly, clearly showing that he was in a very good mood.

To the side sat Ji Xuan and the Grand Chancellor, both of whom knew Gu Huaizhi’s true identity. The two appeared relaxed and at ease.

Following proper protocol, Grand Chancellor Xu asked him a few questions. Gu Huaizhi responded fluently and eloquently, his answers outstanding. The chancellor couldn’t help but clap his hands in praise. “How did you find the experience of the imperial examinations?”

“They think I cheated?” Gu Huaizhi said slowly, unhurried. “They believe I only became the top scorer in the metropolitan exam and placed in the top ten today because of my relationship with His Majesty. Now that they see the two of you present, they assume that no matter how capable I am, I could never form such ties in so short a time. Since His Majesty lacks real authority, it must be that I relied on my true abilities. But the moment my identity is revealed, they’ll say, ‘Of course—he got in through the back door.’”

Grand Chancellor Xu couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Let them talk. I did take the back door,” Gu Huaizhi said with complete calm. “What I’ve attained, others could never reach in a lifetime.”

“You’re shameless,” Xu said with a laugh. “Shall we post the top ten essays for public view?”

“There’s no need for that,” Gu Huaizhi replied. “Even if my writing is outstanding, they’ll only think I had prior knowledge of the exam questions. Given my years in officialdom, it’s already unfair compared to the other candidates. I’ve reaped the benefits—shouldering a few curses is nothing.”

Gu Huaizhi was completely at ease. “Taking the imperial examination was simply to make things easier for me going forward.”

Grand Chancellor Xu coughed a few times, fully understanding the meaning behind Gu Huaizhi’s words. He was indeed a clear-sighted man—his goals well-defined, advancing step by step with calculated care.

“How is Zhao’er’s health?” the Regent asked with a slight furrow of his brow, his voice calm. “Be cautious these next few days.”

Gu Huaizhi responded with seriousness, “Yes. Palace affairs will trouble Father to oversee more closely.”

The Regent: “…”

He had a wife to accompany too.

Gu Huaizhi’s situation truly didn’t allow him to be burdened with too many duties. The Regent shifted his gaze toward Grand Chancellor Xu.

Grand Chancellor Xu turned his face away and coughed softly, clearly meaning This old man is ill and frail—I cannot take on any more burdens.

The Regent: “…”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. For the time being, stay with Zhao’er.”

Just looking at Gu Huaizhi was an eyesore. With a wave of his hand, he said, “Leave.”

Gu Huaizhi performed a smooth, elegant bow, then turned and exited the hall.

The others outside saw him come out. Some were tempted to ask him a few questions, but were elbowed by fellow examinees, signaling them to keep quiet.

Wang Xueqin, standing nearby, saw Gu Huaizhi leave. After hesitating and glancing toward the inner hall, he struggled with himself before catching up and asking, “We can leave already?”

Gu Huaizhi replied calmly, “The audience is over. Stay or leave as you wish.”

Wang Xueqin asked dryly, “Brother Gu, will the selection for the Hanlin Academy be made strictly according to ranking this time, or will they choose young and exceptionally talented jinshi from the second and third tiers?”

Gu Huaizhi paused in his steps. “According to precedent.”

Wang Xueqin let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t dare hope for the top three, but if he made it into the top ten, he would qualify to serve as a buxi jishi, an assistant compiler, and remain in the Hanlin Academy.

Then he froze for a moment—Gu Huaizhi had clearly told him without the slightest attempt at secrecy. Did he have powerful backing at court?

Wang Xueqin broke into a sweat. Glancing at the elegant and composed Gu Huaizhi, he suddenly felt he had been using the heart of a petty man to judge a gentleman.

Gu Huaizhi returned directly to his residence.

Beneath a peach tree in the courtyard stood a reclining chair. Su Wan lay on it with a book resting over her face, napping in the warm sunlight.

Gu Huaizhi paused for a moment, then walked over. The breeze carried falling petals onto her clothes and into her hair.

He gently touched her hand—warm, not cold.

Then he reached out to feel her round belly.

The child inside seemed to sense him and immediately began to punch and kick, causing a lively ruckus like a heavenly rebellion.

He could clearly distinguish which of the little bumps were caused by fists and which by tiny feet.

Su Wan gently pushed his hand away with her soft fingers and said with displeasure, “It had just quieted down, and now that you’re here, it’s rebelling again. I’m starting to worry this belly might get stretched to the point of tearing…”

She lifted her short top, revealing her fair, round belly. Her navel had been pushed flat, and under the sunlight, her taut skin glistened, looking nearly translucent.

“Nonsense,” Gu Huaizhi said as he pulled her clothing back down over her belly. His voice was gentle. “There’s a breeze outside. Why didn’t you cover yourself with a light blanket?”

“It’s hot,” Su Wan replied, raising one leg and resting it on his lap. “My legs are sore. Give them a massage.”

Gu Huaizhi sat down beside her and began massaging her legs with practiced ease.

Su Wan sighed. “Mother said that if you take first place in the exam, you should return to your hometown in glory and inform your ancestors.”