Two hundred and twenty-one candidates who had stood out in the Special Imperial Examination gathered together. Their bright red robes made them extremely eye - catching, forming a sharp contrast with the officials on both sides, who were dressed in various colors and patterns.
Especially the young and delicate - looking girl standing at the very front. But none of the officials present dared to underestimate this girl.
She was not only the youngest candidate in this Special Imperial Examination, but also the beloved daughter of the renowned General of the Border Defense and Prince Qing, Su Qing. Moreover, she was the adopted daughter of the current emperor and the last disciple of Master Shanyin, the number - one lute player in the Great Chu. She also enjoyed high prestige among the common people.
The oldest candidate was already in his thirties, but for most of the court officials, he was still considered young.
Su Yuanyuan and the other candidates lined up neatly on the square. After waiting for a moment, another group of people appeared on the square from another direction. When Su Yuanyuan saw their faces clearly, her eyebrows wrinkled imperceptibly.
This time, it was the four princes, the Prince Qi, the Prince Jin, the Prince Xuan, and the Prince Huai, who represented four forces in the court. After their appearance, the atmosphere on the scene became even tenser.
Currently, the position of the crown prince was vacant, and the various factions were secretly fighting. The entry of new people into the court was a shock to all forces, but at the same time, it was also an opportunity. Whether to absorb new people to strengthen their factions or suppress them to maintain their original interests all depended on today's official - conferring ceremony.
Su Yuanyuan could feel a pair of eyes on her. The gaze was so direct and sticky that it made her extremely uncomfortable. Following the gaze, she unexpectedly saw the overly pale face of the Prince Jin.
As if sensing the girl's gaze, Xiao Zisheng lifted his lips at the girl, showing a smile he thought was handsome and elegant. Little did he know that Su Yuanyuan's arms were covered with goosebumps, and she immediately turned her face away.
Catching a fleeting look of disgust in the girl's eyes, Xiao Zisheng angrily tightened his grip on the armrest.
She still ignored him like this. Even in front of so many people, she didn't even bother to pretend. Was he really that unbearable in her heart?
While Xiao Zisheng's emotions were fluctuating violently, a eunuch appeared on the scene and loudly announced, "His Majesty is coming. Kneel down and kowtow!"
Just like a stone dropped into a lake, everyone on the scene, whether it was the guards holding flags, the powerful ministers, or these more than two hundred new talents, all knelt down at the same time and said in unison,
"Welcome Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live as long as the heavens. Long live, long live, and long live again!"
The emperor in a dragon robe walked slowly towards the dragon throne on the dragon carriage. Behind him, followed a tall and straight figure in a purple robe, who was Cang Xuan, the chief assistant of the cabinet of the Great Chu.
The emperor looked down with lowered eyes. His gaze swept over the backs of those kneeling on the ground, and his face remained calm.
It was not until he sat on the dragon throne that he raised his hand with a smile and said, "All my dear ministers, rise."
"Thank Your Majesty."
Everyone got up one after another, clasped their hands in front of their chests and hung their heads, afraid that looking up would disturb the emperor's dignity. Su Yuanyuan didn't have such concerns. She raised her head and looked forward. Sure enough, she saw the figure she most wanted to see beside the emperor.
And he was also looking at her at this moment.
Their eyes met and intertwined in the air, and finally turned into smiles that they both understood. And this scene fell into Xiao Zisheng's eyes. Watching the two of them flirting so blatantly, jealousy burned his internal organs. Although he knew it was not the right occasion, his face couldn't help but distort a little.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Zisheng forced himself to calm down.
Don't be impatient, don't be impatient. Just bear it a little longer.
He had already obtained the "Phoenix Star". With the blessing of the "Phoenix Star", the throne would surely be his sooner or later. By then, what else did he have to worry about?
Now that the emperor had arrived, the official - conferring ceremony officially began. There were not too many cumbersome procedures. First, the emperor congratulated the two hundred and twenty - one candidates who had passed the palace examination and said a few words of encouragement. Then, the official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward with the imperial edict stamped with the emperor's seal and announced the official ranks and destinations of these two hundred and twenty - one candidates.
A total of three hundred and sixty vacancies were opened in this Special Imperial Examination, but only more than two hundred candidates had passed the palace examination. After some deliberation and screening, only a hundred of them could get their desired positions. Among them were Su Huaiyuan, Su Huaisheng, as well as Qin Wanrong, Zhang Yingxue, and Zhuo Shu.
The rest were assigned to other vacancies where no one had passed the palace examination. Some even held two positions of the same rank. For example, Qiu Han from the Music Bureau had to concurrently serve as the left music master of the Music Department and the crier of the Ministry of Rites.
The Music Department was responsible for the music in court meetings, banquets, and sacrifices in the palace, and the Ministry of Rites was in charge of the music during court meetings, banquets, and sacrifices. It was quite suitable for her, but she would have to work harder.
There was also Su Zeqian. He lost to Su Huaisheng in the examination for the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice. Although he had passed the palace examination, considering his previous performance in the Ministry of Justice and his results in the Special Imperial Examination, he was assigned to be a registrar in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, with an official rank of the seventh - grade of the positive level.
Although it was different from the position he had originally aimed for, at least they were now officials with ranks. As long as they were dedicated and diligent in their duties, they would surely not stop at this level.
Su Yuanyuan listened as the familiar people around her one by one got their destinations, but her name still hadn't been announced. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She had received the court robe sent from the palace, which meant that she would surely get a position.
Finally, it was Su Yuanyuan's turn.
"Su Yuanyuan of the Prince Qing's Mansion has passed the examination for the music master of the Imperial Academy. Her written examination result is the second - class of the first - grade, her music examination result is the first - class of the first - grade, and her classroom examination result is also the first - class of the first - grade. Her overall performance is rated as the first - class of the first - grade. Although she voluntarily gave up the qualification for the last palace examination in order to resettle the refugees, considering your pure and good character, extraordinary courage, and whole - hearted dedication to the people, you are specially promoted and admitted as the music master of the Imperial Academy, with an official rank of the fourth - grade of the positive level."
As everyone had expected, Su Yuanyuan got the position of the music master of the Imperial Academy as she wished.
Looking back on the Special Imperial Examination until now, there had been many twists and turns, but she and Cang Xuan had resolved them one by one. She was extremely happy with this result.
Not only Su Yuanyuan, but the others were also very happy. Although it was not an appropriate occasion, some people still whispered their congratulations to Su Yuanyuan.
Su Qing even straightened his back, with a proud look on his face, as if he had also gained some glory from her. The Marquis of Pingyang's eyes fell on the girl's face. He let out a long breath. There was relief, melancholy, and the same pride as Su Qing in his eyes.
Among the many gazes, Su Yuanyuan showed a bright smile. She took a few steps forward, knelt on both knees, and raised her hands. "I, Su Yuanyuan, thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. From now on, I will surely set an example and teach more talented people for the Great Chu and Your Majesty. I will not fail Your Majesty's high expectations."
The girl's voice was clear and pleasant, just like her melodious lute music, which made people can't help but smile.
The official from the Ministry of Rites handed the imperial edict for conferring the official position and the ivory tablet belonging to Su Yuanyuan to her and said, "Congratulations, Mr. Su. From now on, we will be colleagues."
"Look, this is the youngest candidate in this Special Imperial Examination. I've adopted an extraordinary adopted daughter." The emperor stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Fubao, raise your head and let me have a good look at you."
Su Yuanyuan responded and raised her head, boldly meeting the emperor's gaze and letting the emperor look at her.
The emperor leaned forward, as if he couldn't see clearly, and said, "You're too far away from me. Come, come a little closer."