Chapter 154: Everyone Knows

Upon his arrival in the capital, Yin Zhaoxian had interacted with many scholars from Dazhen and even conversed with prominent figures like Grand Tutor Li Mushu. Over the past few months, he had grown quite confident in his own scholarship.

However, Yin Zhaoxian was not an arrogant person; his character was quite similar to Ji Yuan's. While he was confident, he merely believed there was no way he would fail the exam. After all, the capital was now a gathering place for brilliant minds, teeming with hidden talents. There were many formidable figures, not just Yin Zhaoxian. Plenty of people possessed power, influence, connections, and knowledge, often all at once.

Therefore, although Yin Zhaoxian, like other candidates, yearned to be the top scorer, it was just a wish; he dared not claim it was a certainty. Yet, the clamor from the crowd universally confirmed that Yin Zhaoxian had secured the title of "Huiyuan" (first place in the metropolitan examination).

"Is Huiyuan Yin here?" "Does anyone know Yin Zhaoxian?"

"I know the name but haven't seen him!"

"Make way, make way, let us through!"

"Hey, stop pushing!"

Shi Yusheng and Yin Zhaoxian were both incredibly excited. Even Yin Zhaoxian pushed forward with all his might. They didn't need to be right at the front; just moving a few steps from the edge towards the center was enough to clearly see the Apricot Roll.

Sure enough, at the very top of the Apricot Roll, in prominent characters, it read: "Huiyuan, Yin Zhaoxian of Qizhou." The moment he confirmed the result, Yin Zhaoxian felt a slight dizziness.

At the Prince of Jin's residence, Prince Zhao Yan was chatting over tea with his teacher in front of a warm brazier, discussing the metropolitan examination.

"Teacher Li, aren't you going to join the excitement at the examination hall?"

"There's nothing for me there; none of my students are taking the exam this time. What's surprising is that Your Highness didn't go."

Having taught him since childhood, Li Mushu knew his student very well. Prince Jin was actually quite fond of joining in on the excitement, but his question wasn't one of doubt; it was meant as a jibe.

"No, I'm not going. Ever since the auspicious omen incident, my elder brother has found fault with me at every turn. So, unless absolutely necessary, I'm avoiding any major public events related to the court."

Li Mushu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and chuckled. "This might not be good for Your Highness, but it's certainly bad for His Royal Highness Prince Wu..."

Who is most likely to act out of line? Naturally, those who are driven to exasperation. Prince Wu's current state was quite similar. As the eldest and most established among the imperial princes, he was undeniably the choice for Crown Prince by right of primogeniture. However, in recent years, the court atmosphere had become delicate, and Prince Wu felt increasingly uneasy. On several occasions, when ministers proposed establishing a Crown Prince, the Emperor remained unenthusiastic. Therefore, the appearance of an auspicious omen at the Prince of Jin's residence was particularly jarring.

Fortunately, the Emperor was present at the time, allowing the event to be attributed to His Majesty's arrival. Even so, Prince Jin, the third brother, became a thorn in Prince Wu's side, and finding fault was inevitable. However, these matters were observed by all eyes both within and above the court. Yet, did Prince Wu not understand this? Even if he didn't, surely someone would have enlightened him. That seems unlikely. But understanding is one thing; controlling one's anger is quite another.

Just then, a servant rushed into the side hall of the Prince's residence.

"Your Highness, Grand Tutor Li, the Apricot Roll has been posted! The Huiyuan is Yin Zhaoxian of Qizhou!"

Despite their high hopes for Yin Zhaoxian, hearing this news still made the teacher and student exchange surprised glances. Li Mushu put down his teacup and remarked, "Yin Zhaoxian is truly an extraordinary talent!"

Prince Jin also smiled, pleased with himself. "I don't know where the rumor came from, saying that Yin Zhaoxian possesses immense righteousness and is a rare talent for a wise minister in this age. But it's undeniable that his scholarship is truly exceptional. This marks his second consecutive top rank!"

Hearing Prince Jin's words, Li Mushu turned to his student, his gaze extremely serious. "If he doesn't meet an early end, and with Your Highness's assistance, in fifteen to twenty years, this young man will surely secure a place among the powerful ministers in court. And this time, it's quite possible that we will witness the second 'Grand Slam' since the founding of our Dazhen dynasty."

Teacher Li's assessment made Prince Zhao Yan's smile fade. This evaluation carried significantly more weight than the previous one. Prince Jin had initially intended to remark that even the finest essays don't guarantee one can govern a nation. However, recalling *Discourse on Birds* and *On the Meaning of Knowing*, he refrained and instead said something else.

"'Grand Slam'? Teacher Li, do you believe Yin Zhaoxian can achieve this?"

"Hee hee hee... The metropolitan examination is already a comprehensive test, meaning Yin Jieyuan — no, Yin Huiyuan — has already won a round. Some people, even with a general understanding of the metropolitan exam's direction, still couldn't surpass him. And with His Majesty personally involved in the palace examination, hee hee..."

Li Mushu's chuckle made Prince Jin ponder for a moment before Li Mushu continued. "Moreover, His Majesty is very discerning. If given a choice, having a truly humble scholar become the Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the palace examination) would also align with his wishes. Yin Zhaoxian, both in terms of talent and background, is an excellent choice."

This was Li Mushu. Even with the relatively modest official title of Grand Tutor, he had earned Prince Jin's respect since childhood. At times, the Prince truly felt fortunate that Li Mushu had been his teacher.

At this moment, Prince Jin nodded slightly. Even if someone with ulterior motives were to discover that Yin Zhaoxian had attended a banquet at the Prince's residence in the future, it was, after all, before the metropolitan examination. As long as he subsequently avoided contact with Yin Zhaoxian to prevent suspicion, Yin Zhaoxian's own background remained beyond dispute.

With the Apricot Roll now public, some rejoiced while others despaired. In the remaining five days, all candidates prepared for the upcoming palace examination, each carrying their own unique mix of emotions.

The Dazhen Palace Examination had undergone several changes, shifting from the first day of the third month to the fifteenth, and finally settling on the fifth day of the third month. Various court ministries would compile numerous topics, from which the Emperor himself would personally select the examination questions. In theory, he would also personally preside over the examination. The examination no longer took place in the Imperial Examination Hall but within the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace, hence its name, the "Palace Examination."

For candidates from humble backgrounds, the immense psychological pressure was a significant challenge in itself. The majestic Imperial Palace, with its strict guards and numerous checkpoints, required candidates to undergo official document checks and multiple body searches before finally reaching the examination hall. Unlike previous examinations where candidates were separated by individual cubicles, the Palace Examination lasted only one day. Desks were arranged in the spacious palace hall, and candidates sitting close to each other could even see the sweat on their neighbors' necks and cheeks. Monitors were present everywhere, and occasionally, the Emperor himself would come to inspect, thereby asserting the chief examiner's authority.

By the end of the day, all candidates, under immense pressure, had poured all their knowledge and talent into the exam. The competition was not only about intelligence and memory but also about calligraphy. When the formidable Palace Examination finally concluded, all candidates were accommodated in post stations and inns arranged by the court, awaiting the results. Meanwhile, ministers from various departments were engrossed in the stressful task of grading the papers. Although the number of participants was significantly reduced from earlier rounds, the remaining candidates were all of high quality, requiring even greater effort and care from the graders, especially with the Emperor's watchful eye.

Over ten days later, in the Imperial Study, Emperor Yuande was flipping through a book: Yin Zhaoxian's *Discourse on Birds — Phoenix Chirping on the Paulownia*.

"What an excellent line: 'All birds under heaven pay homage to the phoenix, and the cranes of the thousand islands cannot surpass it.'"

In Emperor Yuande's view, this symbolized the supremacy of imperial power. It meant that ministers should not act with the self-importance of cranes from distant lands, engaging in arbitrary or reckless behavior. As soon as he learned that Yin Zhaoxian had secured two consecutive top ranks, some aspects of the man had already piqued Emperor Yuande's interest. Naturally, it was easy to obtain the books he had written. He hadn't had time to read *On the Meaning of Knowing* yet, but *Discourse on Birds* was not only fascinatingly written but also perfectly aligned with his imperial will. Every emperor hoped to be as sagacious and supreme as the phoenix depicted in the book.

At that moment, a eunuch slowly approached the Emperor's desk and reported in a low voice. "Your Majesty, the officials from the Ministry of Rites have arrived."

Emperor Yuande looked up and closed the book he was holding. "Let them in."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Shortly after the eunuch withdrew, several court officials entered the Imperial Study, carrying several trays, and bowed before the Emperor's desk. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the grading of the Palace Examination has concluded. Officials from all departments have reviewed the papers. These are the recommended candidates for the first rank. Please review them, Your Majesty!"

There were only three people in the first rank. Only the Emperor had the authority to determine their precise order. Once decided, these three were considered the Emperor's personal disciples.

"Present them!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

There were three trays in total, containing the examination papers of seven individuals, all chosen with the utmost care. Sometimes the Emperor would even personally participate in grading, in which case the rankings could basically be determined once the papers were reviewed. Even though Emperor Yuande did not participate in the grading this time, no one would dare to tamper with the results in such a matter.

Emperor Yuande flipped through the trays and indeed saw Yin Zhaoxian's name. His paper, like two others, was covered with a red cloth, indicating that they were considered largely equal in merit.

"You may withdraw. Tonight, I will carefully examine these papers, and tomorrow morning, I will determine the first rank."

"As Your Majesty commands!"

After the officials from the Ministry of Rites bowed and withdrew, Emperor Yuande sat alone in his study, meticulously reviewing the seven papers. He only briefly skimmed the others, focusing particularly on the three red-covered ones.

"Excellent, excellent..."

After offering this praise, Emperor Yuande then took up his brush to make the inscription...

A few days later, the news of Yin Zhaoxian achieving Jieyuan (first place in the provincial examination), Huiyuan, and Zhuangyuan consecutively, thus becoming the second person in Dazhen's history to achieve the "Grand Slam" of examinations, spread throughout the capital. It was rumored that at the Qionglin Banquet, the Emperor even personally bestowed wine upon him, making it a delightful topic of conversation among officials and common folk alike.

As the top scholar, Yin Zhaoxian felt both the weariness of constant social obligations and the excitement and joy of achieving the "Grand Slam." Even without an official position yet, he was undoubtedly the most prominent figure in the capital at that moment. This news would soon be swiftly carried by express riders to Qizhou, and then without delay to Ning'an County in Desheng Prefecture.

Standing in the Chu mansion's study pavilion, Ji Yuan gazed at Yin Zhaoxian's solidified white chess piece in his hand, upon which literary brilliance and righteous energy surged. He murmured, "Ten years of arduous study went unnoticed, but with one success, his name is known throughout the world."

After speaking, Ji Yuan stood up from the desk on the third floor of the study pavilion, reached out to retrieve his bundle from the curtain, then slowly walked to the pavilion door and gently pushed it open. The Green Vine Sword beside the table floated up and followed behind Ji Yuan.

"Master Yin, make good use of your situation!"

Musing to himself, he glanced in the direction of the city's post station, then closed the study pavilion door. Mist formed beneath Ji Yuan's feet, and he slowly floated upwards, hovering above the capital before drifting gracefully eastward.

On the desk on the third floor of the Chu mansion's study pavilion, a piece of Xuan paper with a message was left. It was unclear when the Chu family would discover it.