flstandardbreds Chapter 930, Part 1 & 2!
Chapter 930, Part 1 & 2!
After a brief moment of distraction, Zhang Qian's consciousness slowly returned like the receding tide.
He was startled to realize that he was now the focus of countless gazes.
Among those gazes were shock, curiosity, and inquiry, but naturally, there was also a considerable amount of jealousy and scrutiny.
Zhang Qian subconsciously felt a sense of unease, and a deep-seated inferiority complex almost made him lower his head again and shrink back into a corner where no one would notice.
However, just as his gaze was wandering and he was feeling timid, he caught a glimpse of Lin Qingyuan beside him out of the corner of his eye.
Lin Qingyuan still wore a warm smile, his eyes full of encouragement.
It's as if it's saying, "Brother Zhang, you deserve it!"
Zhang Qian was suddenly jolted, remembering Lin Qingyuan's help and encouragement, and also remembering that he was the top scorer!
The top scorer in the first imperial examination would undoubtedly be chosen by His Majesty himself, who would personally mark his "treasonous" essay as the best.
This attitude is quite clear; it goes beyond mere appreciation of him as a person.
It also expressed an attitude of indignation on behalf of the millions of ordinary people at the bottom of society, represented by Zhang Qian.
What His Majesty wants to change is precisely the unjust world he depicted in his writing!
And I, Zhang Qian, am the top candidate personally selected by His Majesty!
Being born into a peasant family is not a disgrace, but rather the starting point for His Majesty's efforts to change things!
If we were to show weakness now, wouldn't we be failing His Majesty's expectations and disgracing His Majesty?
Upon realizing this, a sense of responsibility welled up in his heart, and courage instantly filled his entire being.
His back, slightly hunched from years of hard work, straightened up like a resilient bamboo shoot in the wind and snow.
Zhang Qian took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and calmly met the complex gazes fixed on him.
Then, with neither servility nor arrogance, he bowed respectfully and spoke clearly:
"My name is Zhang Qian, from Fenzhou."
"I am honored by His Majesty's kindness and favor, and thus I have been placed first among them."
"I will need your guidance in the future, and I thank you in advance."
The students, seeing that although he was poorly dressed, he was calm and composed, spoke appropriately, and showed no fear in the face of the attention of the crowd, immediately held him in higher regard.
Considering that he surpassed all others and his talent ranked first among tens of thousands of students, the previous contempt for him because of his background was greatly diminished.
These are truly valuable people to befriend, regardless of their past.
The top scorer in the first imperial examination held extraordinary political significance, and their future career path would undoubtedly be much broader than that of ordinary students.
Thinking of this, the students exchanged pleasantries:
Congratulations, Brother Zhang! You truly deserve it!
"Zhang Bangtou is too modest! You are truly talented, we all admire you!"
"My name is Shen Yuan. I passed the imperial examination in the same year as Brother Zhang. We will serve as officials in the same court in the future. I hope Brother Zhang will give me your guidance!"
For a time, congratulations and offers of friendship arose one after another.
Zhang Qian returned each greeting calmly and with proper manners, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions, including admiration and reflection).
A month ago, let alone engaging in equal dialogue with these students.
Even if we met on the street, I'm afraid I wouldn't have the courage to even approach them and say hello, and they might not even give me a second glance.
But now, everything has changed simply because of the title of number one.
All of this made Zhang Qian understand more deeply why powerful families insisted on monopolizing knowledge and refusing to share it with the common people.
Because knowledge is power, and once you've tasted power, it's hard to give it up.
Just then, the sound of names being called out came from ahead again:
"The second place winner is Lin Qingyuan. May I ask which one of you is Brother Lin? Congratulations on passing the exam, Brother Lin!"
Lin Qingyuan was only slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but his expression quickly returned to calm, and he responded with a composed cupped-hand salute:
"My name is Lin Qingyuan, a native of Yunmeng Mountain."
Everyone's gaze immediately shifted to the distinguished young man in white standing next to Zhang Qian.
No sooner had Lin Qingyuan finished speaking than one busybody eagerly read out his evaluation:
"Lin Qingyuan, a native of Yunmeng Mountain, is twenty-five years old. His evaluations are: Classical Texts – Excellent! Calligraphy – Top-notch! Logic – Excellent! Policy Questions – Top-notch! Good heavens! Another prodigy with perfect scores in all subjects!"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Lin Qingyuan with even more amazement.
The top two on the list are actually close friends, and both are outstanding individuals. How can this not be amazing?
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian was genuinely happy for this good teacher and friend.
He quickly turned around, sincerely cupped his hands, and said, "Brother Lin, congratulations!"
Lin Qingyuan grabbed Zhang Qian's hand, a hearty smile on his face: "Brother Zhang, we met when we were both nobody, and it feels like we've known each other forever."
"Today, in the imperial examination, we are ranked first and second again. Is this not a destiny ordained by Heaven?"
"Qingyuan intends to take our relationship a step further with Brother Zhang and address him as a brother in the future. I wonder if you would be willing to accept me as your younger brother?"
His words were earnest, and without waiting for Zhang Qian's response, he took half a step back, solemnly cupped his hands, and bowed deeply.
"Qingyuan greets his elder brother!"
The two were close in age, with Zhang Qian being a year older, so he was naturally the elder brother.
Zhang Qian was taken aback by him, and then a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
She quickly reached out to help him up, her voice trembling slightly, "Brother... there's no need for such a grand gesture! I'm happy to oblige!"
Lin Qingyuan then stood up and grinned at Zhang Qian.
As they exchanged pleasantries, the final list was read aloud.
All six hundred-plus newly appointed scholars appeared, and those who were famous, regardless of their ranking, were all immersed in joy.
After all, obtaining the title of Jinshi (进士) was equivalent to having a stepping stone to officialdom.
The upcoming palace examination is the key to determining one's final official position; simply qualifying for it is a tremendous victory.
Those who failed the exam... Sun Hai, on the other hand, had different expressions.
Most people were dejected, as if they had lost their parents.
But some people quickly rallied, clenching their fists and vowing: "This time it was because I was not good at my studies and wasted my time!"
"Upon returning this time, I will certainly study diligently, even to the point of exhaustion, and wait for the next imperial examination to compete with you all!"
These bold words also inspired some of the still-spirited candidates who had failed the exam, who echoed their sentiments and expressed their determination to make a comeback.
Those who passed the exam naturally didn't put on airs and returned the gifts with encouragement.
Of course, many more people turned pale and dejected, silently turned around, and quietly left the imperial city.
The difficulty of the imperial examinations was obvious, and he knew perfectly well that he was just a nobody trying his luck, and no matter how many times he took the exams, the result would be the same.
Rather than adding to my sorrow here, I'd rather go back and rely on my empty reputation as a scholar to continue living in my hometown until I've completely squandered my fortune.
It's better to live a muddled life than to have to step into officialdom and engage in backstabbing and intrigue.
Just then, Ma Zhong, the official in charge of protecting the list, stepped forward again and spoke to quell the noise in the room:
Congratulations to all the newly appointed scholars!
"Your Majesty's grace is boundless. Please follow me into the palace to express our gratitude!"