The Prime Minister’s Darling-Chapter 507 - 254 Top of the Honor Roll (First Update)_3

Chapter 507: 254 Top of the Honor Roll (First Update)_3

Chapter 507: 254 Top of the Honor Roll (First Update)_3

As for their family background, Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Liulang were from humble families, while the Prince of Ann County and Yuan Yu came from noble families.

Oh, right, Xiao Liulang is that little cripple, isn’t he?

Thinking of the crutch he had seen, the emperor’s brow furrowed.

…

All the examinees and their family members in the capital city began the long and anxious wait for the exam results. Even though everyone was basically a scholar, the worst case would be to become an associate scholar, but no one was really content with being an associate scholar.

The incense at Puji Temple had became more popular again, supposedly by the examination candidates coming to pray.

In Bishui Alley, a family looked as if nothing was the matter, but in fact, everyone was restless.

The old lady was no longer sneaking sweets and she wasn’t playing cards anymore; every day, she commanded the old housekeeper to buy skewers in the streets, actually just to inquire about news.

In these days, the Yao Family was not making pastries anymore, early in the morning they went to their neighbors’ houses, actually waiting for news.

Little Jingkong had been studying diligently these past few days because he was worried if his brother-in-law does not pass the examinations, the family would have to depend on him.

When he grew up, he would take the examination and bring the title of top scholar back to Jiaojiao!

The day the results were posted was on the twenty-seventh of April. As the list of successful candidates was written on yellow paper, it was also called the golden list.

The exam candidates could not wait at home for the announcement. They had to enter the Palace to meet the Emperor. They would only post the list in the major Yamen and the Imperial College in the Capital City after their meeting.

At dawn, Gu Jiao and Xiao Liulang got up. After a simple breakfast, Gu Jiao sent Xiao Liulang off on Liao Quan’s carriage.

“The results aren’t out yet, don’t wait for me.” Xiao Liulang said to Gu Jiao.

“Hmm, alright.” Gu Jiao nodded.

Xiao Liulang dropped the curtain, thinking for a moment, and then lifted the curtain again.

Gu Jiao looked at him: “What happened?”

Xiao Liulang hesitated: “Nothing, it’s still early, go back to sleep for a while.”

Gu Jiao smiled: “Okay.”

Xiao Liulang glanced at her, ultimately deciding not to say anything. He put down the curtain and arrived at the Imperial Palace by carriage.

The candidates had mostly all arrived, including Fen Lin, Lin Chengye, and Du Ruohan.

Whether it was because he had been too nervous during the Palace Examination or not, Fen Lin had taken ill once he returned home. It was really fortunate that Lin Chengye and the housekeeper Zhou were there to care for him, allowing him to recover from his illness.

It was said that there were those who fell ill and never rose again, even losing their lives, so the path of the Imperial Examination was not an easy one.

Fen Lin, having barely recovered from a major illness, still looked a bit pale.

After exchanging a few words, a commotion erupted from the back of the crowd and the Prince of An county came walking forward with the help of several servants.

“Huh?” Du Ruohan widened his eyes in amazement, “Why is he limping too?”

Xiao Liulang was also surprised. He glanced over, and coincidentally, the Prince of An was also looking his way. As their eyes met, Liu Liulang could clearly sense a certain coldness from the Prince’s gaze.

Feeling puzzled, Xiao Liulang didn’t take it to heart.

Just an unimportant person. What did it matter whether he liked him or despised him?

In line with their registration numbers, they all entered the Taihe Hall. The desks and mats used during the Palace Examination were removed, making the hall spacious, simple, and elegant. The presence of the Emperor and senior officials such as Chancellor Zhuang and Minister Yuan made it even more solemn and reverent.

Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, they all bowed to the Emperor. Then, Eunuch Wei handed the list of successful candidates to the Emperor.

The candidates were about ten metres from the Emperor which was quite a distance. Those who mustered up courage and wanted to take a look at the Emperor were immediately overwhelmed by his majesty before they could even lift their heads.

The Emperor, not fond of playing mysterious games, started to read directly the top three in Class Alpha.

“The examinee from Yaocun, Guizhou, Ning Zhiyuan, ranked third in the Class Alpha, is awarded the degree of an admitted candidate.”

Ning Zhiyuan was stunned, the others were shocked. The third-place candidate was already announced?

“Ahem!” The eunuch beside him quickly gave a signal to the stunned Ning Zhiyuan.

Ning Zhiyuan quickly regained his sense, stepped aside, walked to the front of the Emperor, stopped at the designated place, opened his robe, and gave three bows and nine kowtow salutations. With choked words, he said, “Your subject, Ning Zhiyuan, gives thanks for your imperial benevolence! Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”

The emperor commanded him to rise, then continued, “Guizhou’s Yaocun candidate Zhuang Yuheng ranked second in Class Alpha, is awarded the degree of an admitted candidate.”

All eyes then shot towards the Prince of Ann County.

The Prince of Ann County is… the runner-up?

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

It was somewhat unexpected.

A touch of disappointment flashed through the Prince of Ann County’s heart. He limped with his injured leg under the gaze of others, either of envy or surprise. He came before the emperor, knelt down and offered three bows and nine kowtows, saying, “Your subject, Zhuang Yuheng, gives thanks for your imperial benevolence! Long live Your Majesty… long live, long live!”

The Emperor glanced at the Prince of Ann County but said nothing.

Next would be the top scholar.

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on Yuan Yu, the eldest grandson of Yuan Shoufu’s (first counselor’s) family. He opened the roster and loudly proclaimed, “The first place examinee in the Class Alpha of April in the year of Gengwu is Xiao Liulang!”