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On the contrary, Tang Zhichuan’s expression seemed somewhat difficult to read, a mix of amusement and helplessness.
Chen Shuming really couldn’t guess what they would be facing, but he also felt that it might indeed be as Song Jingyun said, probably nothing too bad. His heart gradually settled a little.
The two followed Tang Zhichuan and the others to the main hall.
Although it was their first time meeting the Emperor, they knew the etiquette and simply bowed their heads, knelt, and paid their respects when they reached the front, “Greetings to the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years.”
“Rise quickly,” the Emperor was too restless to sit still on the dragon throne and quickly approached Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming. “Which one of you is Song Jingyun?”
“In response to Your Majesty, this student is Song Jingyun,” Song Jingyun stood up and bowed again.
The Emperor scrutinized Song Jingyun from head to toe.
Tall and slender, with a handsome face, well-proportioned features, and a hint of youthful vigor and a gentle smile between his brows, he gave off an aura of both calmness and likability.
The Emperor couldn’t help but nod repeatedly, “Excellent, truly excellent.”
He carries the demeanor of a Taoist master!
“Very impressive!”
After a series of compliments, the Emperor affirmed even more, “Truly a talented young man, a worthy assistant to me, a pillar of the court!”
“This candidate Song deserves the top spot,” the Emperor put his hands behind his back. “Pass on my decree, in this palace examination, Candidate Song shall be the Zhuangyuan (top scorer), and the candidate next to him, Candidate Chen, shall be the Bangyan (second place).”
When these words were spoken, Chen Shuming was stunned.
Song Jingyun was already the Huìyuán (top scorer in the provincial examination) and was known for his extensive knowledge. He was a hot candidate for the Zhuangyuan in this palace examination, so getting the top spot was within everyone’s expectations.
Chen Shuming also had a high ranking in the provincial examination and had prepared very actively for the palace examination, hoping to enter the top three.
Getting the Bangyan was naturally a cause for joy.
But this Bangyan came…
So easily?
Wasn’t it too hasty?
While Chen Shuming hesitated, Song Jingyun knelt and bowed, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace, may the Emperor live ten thousand years.”
Being personally selected by the Emperor was a gift from the sovereign, and there was no reason to refuse or question it.
Chen Shuming then came to his senses and hurriedly thanked the Emperor as Song Jingyun had done.
“Your Majesty is wise,” Tang Zhichuan bowed and asked, “As for the Tanhua (third place) candidate…”
The Emperor raised his eyebrows and pondered, “I have already decided on the Zhuangyuan and Bangyan. For the Tanhua and the others, you may handle it as you see fit. After the rankings are announced, assign positions accordingly. Just remember, after Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming enter the Hanlin Academy, they need not take up the positions of editors. They should stay close to me and manage my personal affairs.”
This was a plan to heavily utilize them.
Tang Zhichuan narrowed his eyes slightly, “Yes, this minister obeys.”
“I will return to the Qingxu Hall first,” the Emperor, satisfied with finding the person guided by the divine being, now only wanted to hurry back to meditate and see if he could receive more enlightenment and ascend to immortality sooner.
“Farewell, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor walked slowly away, and when he reached the door of the main hall, he turned back and instructed Tang Zhichuan, “After the palace examination, there is no need to strictly follow those formalities. The court needs to use its talents. Have Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming come to serve me the day after tomorrow.”
“This minister obeys,” Tang Zhichuan responded without hesitation.
Seeing this, the Emperor left, fully satisfied.
Only when the footsteps had faded into the distance did Tang Zhichuan straighten up.