The palace examination could be completed in a single day.
That night, the chancellor and other officials first reviewed the examination papers, selecting twenty of them to present to Li Mao for the final decision on the top three candidates.
These top three were known as Zhuangyuan (first place), Bangyan (second place), and Tanhua (third place), collectively referred to as the first class of Jinshi degree recipients, awarded the title “Jinshi Jidi” (presented with the Jinshi degree).
According to the system of the Great Zhou dynasty, each palace examination would select three classes of Jinshi. The first class consisted of three people, the second class seventeen, and those remaining were classified as the third class, known as Tong Jinshi (equivalent Jinshi), awarded the title “Tong Jinshi Chushen” (equivalent Jinshi degree). This title carried a sense of regret.
Li Mao glanced through the twenty examination scrolls and, as expected, found the name Zhang Tianxiang, causing his gaze to darken.
This man possessed extraordinary destiny, and his literary talent alone was sufficient for him to achieve the title of Huiyuan (top scorer in the metropolitan examination). It was also rumored that his martial skills were formidable. If he were also skilled in military affairs, even Li Mao felt that he could not be allowed to remain.
Thus, the topic for the palace examination was deliberately designed as a trap by Li Mao!
If Zhang Tianxiang had no knowledge of military affairs, it would be fine. But if he displayed great expertise, it would only lead to his doom!
“Hmm?”
Upon reading the paper, Li Mao let out an exclamation of surprise and doubt.
Zhang Tianxiang’s literary style was naturally exceptional, his handwriting elegant and flowing, yet his answers were somewhat abstract and theoretical, bearing the marks of a scholar’s limited perspective.
This eased Li Mao’s concerns.
Unbeknownst to him, at that moment, Zhang Tianxiang was also feeling uneasy beneath the platform, recalling his past murders.
Although even if this were exposed, his literary reputation and status would ensure the court’s protection, he had resolved to adopt a strategy of “hiding his abilities.” Unexpectedly, fate had granted him a reprieve.
“This is this year’s Huiyuan’s paper? It seems somewhat hollow, bordering on empty theorizing…”
Li Mao tossed the examination scroll aside, leaning back in his chair as he spoke to the chancellor.
“His Majesty is wise and enlightened!”
The chancellor expressed regret as well, but considering that Zhang was merely a scholar unfamiliar with military affairs, it was understandable. Moreover, the essay was indeed well-written, so he was still recommended to the emperor.
After all, he was the Huiyuan; demoting him to the third class would become a laughingstock for the court. Thus, the chancellor said, “Although Zhang Tianxiang holds a scholar’s perspective, we ministers believe his literary and classical knowledge is still exceptional…”
The implication was clear: if the emperor disliked him, simply assigning him to the bottom of the second class would suffice.
Li Mao smiled slightly and continued reviewing other papers. After a long while, he closed his eyes in thought before finally saying, “For this year’s first class, let Wu Bodao be the Zhuangyuan, Ding Xian the Bangyan, and Chen Guang the Tanhua.”
“Splendid decision by His Majesty!”
Once pronounced, this became an irrevocable imperial decree, determining the fates of those who would leap from commoners to officials.
“Furthermore…” Li Mao’s contemplation this time lasted longer than all previous combined. “As for Zhang Tianxiang… let him be ranked seventeenth in the second class!”
Having ruled as emperor for a long time, he deeply understood the art of imperial governance.
This man possessed unique traits. If directly demoted or placed in the third class, he might become enraged and cause trouble, potentially worse than killing him outright.
Granting him an official post would integrate him into the system. Even if he were a dragon or tiger, he would have to follow the rules. There would be ample opportunities to manage him later.
Yet, recalling intelligence reports and recent suspicions that Zhang Tianxiang might have been involved in a murder case, Li Mao felt uneasy. He immediately asked, “How do you plan to assign duties to these new Jinshi graduates?”
“Hmm…”
The chancellor was somewhat surprised but answered truthfully, “According to the system, the first class Jinshi are appointed as seventh-grade editors in the Hanlin Academy. The second class are eighth-grade officials, serving in various ministries or as county vice-magistrates. The third class are ninth-grade officials, serving as county clerks…”
“Is the envoy from the Bai Xiang Kingdom still at the foreign guests’ quarters?”
Suddenly, Li Mao asked an unrelated question.
“Indeed, Bai Xiang is one of the thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions. After the old king passed away, the new king ascended the throne and requested investiture from our Great Zhou dynasty…”
The chancellor respectfully replied.
“Wasn’t the chief envoy already decided? Send a deputy envoy along with Zhang Tianxiang. Of course, this mission is arduous, so I won’t treat him poorly. Promote him directly by one rank to the seventh grade! Upon his return, there will be further rewards!”
Li Mao’s eyes flickered as he suddenly declared.
“This… Your servant obeys the decree!”
The chancellor was puzzled.
Being dispatched to the Western Regions was no good assignment. It meant a journey through endless sands, years away, akin to exile. Officials with real connections would never volunteer for such a mission.
Yet the promotion of a rank was exceptionally rare; even first-class Jinshi would usually have to wait years to advance naturally.
So was this a reward or a punishment? Even the chancellor, experienced and deep in political maneuvering, was momentarily stunned.
Li Mao, having decided this matter, felt quite pleased, silently thinking:
“This man is no ordinary person. He may possess great fortune. To kill or imprison him rashly would be improper. Even if he were eliminated, his fortune might transfer elsewhere, causing even more trouble!”
“Once integrated into the system, whether in local or central government, his fortune might flourish, accelerating his rise—also undesirable!”
“The only option is to send him far away overseas, exiled thousands of miles…”
…
“Excellent strategy, Heavenly Dao friend!”
On the summit of the clouds, Wu Ming witnessed this scene and slightly bowed toward a distant part of the sky.
It was said that in the Western Regions there was a Brahman deity, while in the far west there was the God of Light. In Central China, naturally, there was the Heaven Court, governing mountains, local deities, and the underworld, known as the Jade Emperor of Heaven.
Each emperor throughout history claimed to be the son of the Jade Emperor, demonstrating his majesty.
As the Jade Emperor of Heaven, he naturally could secretly influence the thoughts and decisions of earthly emperors.
Whether Li Mao attacked or suppressed Zhang Tianxiang, as long as Zhang possessed the imperial dragon’s aura, he would inevitably turn misfortune into fortune, transforming danger into safety. Conversely, excessive pressure might provoke him to rebellion, causing chaos across the land and initiating a great calamity.
However, exiling him overseas completely severed his ties with Central China. Moreover, by bestowing honors and generous rewards, there was no fear of Zhang harboring resentment.
After all, unless pushed to the brink, Zhang at this time likely had no intention of openly rebelling.
This was a joint scheme between the Jade Emperor of Heaven and the Five Patriarchs of the Daoist sects, representing the inevitable trend of the entire world. Even if the Brahman deities and the God of Light exerted all their efforts, they would be powerless.
…
Before the Jiyin Hall.
Many newly selected Jinshi graduates entered the palace once more. When the name of the seventeenth-ranked second-class graduate was called, the announcement ceremony began.
The new graduate named Li Zhiqing, although slightly pale, had a clear voice and composed demeanor, earning nods of approval from the officials.
Li Zhiqing opened the imperial list, took a deep breath, and then proclaimed:
“On the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month of the Bing Shen year, the imperial examination was held for the candidates from across the empire. The first class Jinshi are awarded the title ‘Jinshi Jidi.’ The first among them… Wu Bodao!”
Wu Bodao below was still dazed until the name was repeated the second time and someone nudged him. He hurriedly stepped forward and knelt on the left side of the imperial path.
“Second place—Ding Xian!”
Ding Xian, the Bangyan, displayed better composure than Wu Bodao, bowing and kneeling on the right side of the imperial path.
“Third place—Chen Guang…”
…
As the rankings continued, Zhang Tianxiang felt the subtle glances from the other candidates.
Since ancient times, scholars have often held disdain for each other. Many of these candidates had been overshadowed by Zhang in the metropolitan examination and were not entirely pleased. Now seeing his lower ranking, most seemed secretly delighted.
“Seventeenth in the second class—Zhang Tianxiang!”
Zhang Tianxiang himself remained expressionless, hearing his name, stepping forward, kneeling, and waiting for the third class rankings to finish. Then the music ensemble played the “Xianping” melody, and all the Jinshi graduates and officials performed the triple kowtow to the emperor, each movement precise and proper, appearing entirely normal.
However, this calm was broken when the official appointments were announced.
“What? Promoted two ranks to seventh grade as a deputy envoy, dispatched to the Bai Xiang Kingdom?”
The newly selected Jinshi graduates were stunned upon hearing Zhang Tianxiang’s assignment.
Honestly, being promoted one rank was highly enviable, but being sent to the Western Regions was akin to exile. The arduous journey might even lead to illness and death. Those with influential connections would certainly avoid such a mission.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianxiang was slightly surprised: “Could it be that my past murders have been discovered? Is this a punishment, an exile? But why promote my rank and offer generous rewards?”
…
In the Sihai Pavilion, several leaders of the cycle travelers gathered, glancing toward the imperial palace, whispering among themselves.
“These Daoist sages and ancient gods in the Great Zhou Records of the Western Regions are all deep in thought. This heavenly tribulation, I believe, is a process where the six central figures first betray outsiders, then turn on their own…”
Xin Jue, still dressed as a young scholar, spoke carelessly, “Originally, I thought there would be many dangers in the Western Capital, but unexpectedly, following the plot has been smooth sailing. I suppose after the rankings are announced, we’ll have to follow Zhang Tianxiang to the Western Regions to endure the sandstorms…”
“Yes… The Bai Xiang Kingdom in the Western Regions is no pleasant place…”
Ji Fu’s expression was grim: “Especially after entering the middle stage, the mission difficulty increases dramatically, making it extremely difficult…”
“Brother Xin Jue, be cautious with your words!”
Beside him, San Gu smiled slightly while pursing her lips: “Those great beings are all immensely powerful. Don’t mention their names, or you might attract their attention, leading to dire consequences for you!”
“Didn’t we previously test it, finding that fate no longer exists and divination cannot foresee it?”
Xin Jue smiled faintly, revealing his clean set of eight teeth: “However, since Senior Sister San Gu has spoken thus, your younger brother will comply!”
“Based on my analysis, this time’s main mission should not be related to the Western Regions!”
Ji Fu pondered before stating his judgment: “Our strength is so shallow, like mere ants. Even if we go, we probably won’t survive. Surely the Main Temple wouldn’t assign a certain-death mission to us?”
[Ding!]
At that moment, a sudden light screen appeared before their eyes:
[Final step of the main mission activated: Eliminate!]
[Mission time: Seven days!]
[Mission description: Kill the Dragon-Tamer Sage!]
[Mission success, reward: 1000 great merits! Mission failure or time-out, penalty: Erasure!]
[Hint: This mission allows inviting plot characters to assist!]
“The Dragon-Tamer Sage! It’s actually him!”
Ji Fu rubbed his head: “This is the top figure of the Fan Sect in the Western Capital…”
“It seems the Main Temple doesn’t expect us to complete this mission together either. Isn’t this encouraging us to seek help?”
Xin Jue looked at the prompt, his eyes flashing with a cold light.
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