webnovelfull Chapter 244 Lin Jingyou Becomes the Top Scholar
Chapter 244 Lin Jingyou Becomes the Top Scholar
Mrs. Huang was disheartened and stared at Governor Huang. The light in her eyes grew dimmer and dimmer until it disappeared.
"What do you know? Do you think it's just a matter of a few arguments? You also know that the virtuous concubine's cause has not been accomplished. Didn't your words at the banquet yesterday put me on the fire?" The governor softened his voice because he was worried that Madam Huang would become desperate and do something irrational.
For the sake of the general and the Eighth Prince's cause, he could endure and do anything.
"It's all Shen Wanning's fault. If she hadn't been so sharp-tongued, we wouldn't have gotten into this situation. Master, we can't let Shen Wanning stay. She must be eliminated." Mrs. Huang shouted.
The governor looked at her disappointedly and said, "Madam, stay in the mansion with Jinnian for the time being. Don't go anywhere for the time being. If anything happens to Shen Wanning, I will be the first one to not forgive you."
"I don't. Why? Could it be that the master was seduced by that vixen? Why can't you let me touch her? She caused my brother to go to jail, and now she has brought our Huang family to this situation. Shouldn't she be cut into pieces?" Mrs. Huang screamed hysterically.
The governor was even more disappointed. He shook his head and left without saying a word.
Before leaving, he ordered the guards at the door, "No one is allowed to let the lady and the young lady out of the house without my order, otherwise they will be beaten to death."
"Yes." The guard responded and locked the door.
Standing under the eaves, the governor's eyes were dim and unclear. He kept turning the ring on his thumb, and no one knew what he was thinking.
After a long time, he sighed, returned to the study, and wrote a memorial.
Back to March 1st, a major event was also happening in the capital, far away from Fuzhou.
The first day of March was the day of the palace examination. In the morning, Yan Hui sent Lin Jingyou into the palace, while he waited outside the palace.
He took part in the provincial examination but failed, so he accompanied Lin Jingyou to take the palace examination.
In the Golden Throne Hall, the palace examination had just concluded. The Emperor looked from one student to another, undecided.
"All of you students have come from afar and have worked hard. The emperor has ordered that you all take a short rest. The emperor will discuss with the adults and will come to a conclusion soon." Eunuch Xi, who was serving on the side, announced.
Lin Jingyou was not panicked at all. He sat on the chair prepared for them by the emperor with an elegant posture and poured himself a cup of tea.
The others were extremely nervous, fidgeting, not knowing where to put their hands or feet. They stared straight ahead, waiting for the emperor and his ministers to come out and announce the results.
In the back hall, the emperor paced back and forth, wavering in his heart.
At this time, everyone looked at Master Qi, the most senior official in the court, and hoped that he would come forward to ask.
Grand Tutor Qi had no choice but to step forward and ask, "Your Majesty, Lin Jingyou's answer was the most brilliant. He is undoubtedly the top scholar. Why is Your Majesty so troubled?"
"Yes, I also know that Lin Jingyou's answer is the best, but... but among the top three, Lin Jingyou is the most handsome. Generally speaking, the third place winner is mostly a handsome man. But this year's third place winner is a man in his thirties. Isn't this a joke?" The emperor said after hesitation.
Lord Bao Huaimin, who always spoke frankly, said, "Your Majesty, when selecting talented individuals, how can you judge their ranking based on appearance? This is too unfair to Lin Jingyou and must not be allowed to do so."
"I know, but this year's third place winner is really...really...ah!" After talking for a long time, the emperor was too embarrassed to say that he was ugly.
Grand Tutor Qi continued, "Master Bao's words make sense. The Emperor selects capable men based on their academic achievements, not appearance."
The emperor nodded and said, "Since Grand Tutor Qi and Mr. Bao have said so, then I will personally appoint Lin Jingyou as the top scholar this time."
None of the other ministers objected, and the emperor led them out again. The students stood up, each standing straight, waiting for the emperor to announce the results of the palace examination.
"After discussions between me and my ministers, the results are in. Lin Jingyou, the top scorer in the first class, is awarded the title of Jinshi (Jingdi). Sun Qiao, the second place in the first class, is awarded the title of Jinshi (Jingdi). Deng Youwei, the third place in the first class, is awarded the title of Jinshi (Jingdi). ... Ouyang Bo is awarded the title of Tong Jinshi (Tong Jinshi)."
The emperor read out the names one by one, and with each name, someone's face lit up with joy. Only Lin Jingyou maintained a faint smile on his face, which made the emperor even more satisfied with him.
Ouyang Bo clenched his hands tightly and stared at Lin Jingyou's back like a poisonous snake.
After the emperor left, Marquis Zhongyong patted Lin Jingyou on the shoulder and sighed, "Young people are formidable, young people are formidable! Yan Hui should be waiting for you at the palace gate. I'll go tell him. He's already reserved a spot and is waiting to watch you parade through the streets."
"Thank you, uncle." Lin Jingyou bowed.
"Hey, what are you thanking me for? You scholars are just very polite." The Loyal and Brave Marquis smiled heartily and strode away.
Then, someone came and brought Lin Jingyou a red robe, took him to a side hall to change into it, and then put a big red flower on his chest.
When they arrived at the palace gate, he lined up in order with the second and third place winners.
There were flags and drums leading the way, thunderous cheers, deafening firecrackers, and the streets were decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, making it extremely lively.
Yan Hui had already received the news and was standing on the second floor of the teahouse looking down. Seeing the parade getting closer and closer, Yan Hui began to jump for joy.
He waved to Lin Jingyou, "Brother Jingyou, I'm here, congratulations, Brother Jingyou."
However, the streets were too busy and noisy, and his voice was soon drowned out.
Lin Jingyou was riding a horse, and along the way many girls were holding flowers and throwing them at him, but he dodged left and right and refused to take any.
The third place winner who was in his thirties at the back sighed. He should have been the most handsome one, but he didn't expect that he would be the third place winner at such an old age.
Lin Jingyou, who was ahead of him, had already taken all the limelight. No one threw flowers to the third place winner. Even the runner-up received a few flowers, but he didn't get a single one.
Gradually, Lin Jingyou came to Yan Hui's window sill. Yan Hui suddenly had an idea and picked up the lilies on the windowsill and threw them towards Lin Jingyou.
A flower hit him on the shoulder, and Lin Jingyou looked up unexpectedly. He saw Yan Hui lying on the windowsill, trying hard to look at him.
He picked up the lily and smiled at Yan Hui. This smile dimmed the world, as if only Lin Jingyou was left.
However, the girls who saw this scene were heartbroken. This top scholar was handsome, but it was a pity that he liked men.
Then, the girls all looked at the runner-up and threw flowers at him. Even the third place winner was thrown a few flowers by some of the aunties.
Finally, the parade ended. He had to go to the palace to attend the Qionglin Banquet in the evening, and in the afternoon, Lin Jingyou went to the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery's mansion to relax for a while.
Otherwise, many ministers would surely want to win him over at this time. However, he had plans for the future and did not want to have too much interaction with these officials for the time being.