Chapter 625: I feel like the world I live in is a fantasy
Chapter 625: I feel like the world I live in is a fantasy
Although this result surprised Jiang Luo a little, it was also reasonable. He had studied hard for so many years, from being the first place in the Jieyuan exam at the beginning, to being the first place in the Huiyuan exam later, and now being the first place in the first class of the Jinshi exam, it was also reasonable.
As for the top three, the emperor will personally select them during the palace examination.
On the day when the results were announced, Lin Cheng came back specially to congratulate Jiang Luo. He felt that it was only natural for Jiang Luo to get first place.
Jiang Luo said helplessly: "Look at how happy you are, is it really that serious?"
Lin Cheng said: "Of course! This is what you deserve!"
Jiang Luo hummed calmly and said, "It can be said that hard work pays off. As for the results, we can only wait until after the palace examination."
Lin Cheng said: "I believe you will definitely win the emperor's favor and successfully obtain the title of No. 1 scholar!"
Jiang Luo chuckled: "Don't brag. If you don't get the top prize, won't that disappoint you?"
Lin Cheng shook his head: "I will never be disappointed in you. You didn't get the top score because others didn't recognize your talent. In my heart, you will always be the most talented person in Qijiang!"
Jiang Luo smiled bitterly, thinking that Qi Jiang might never be able to return.
Now he just wants to seek justice for his father, but the Fourth Prince behind him is now in the limelight and is likely to be named the Crown Prince.
The third prince was implicated in the Jiang family's affairs and was exiled to the border, and the imperial concubine was even banished to the cold palace. It is extremely difficult to overturn the verdict for the Jiang family.
Lin Cheng patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, what you are thinking about has already been realized."
Jiang Luo was puzzled: "What?"
Lin Cheng said: "I have already contacted the Third Prince. He has also been investigating the incident privately for a long time. Those Night Court Guards died or escaped after returning to the capital. As long as we find them, I think we should be able to find clues. The Night Court Guards are the sword in the emperor's hand. If this sword slips out of his hand, the emperor will be afraid."
Jiang Luo understood, and he nodded heavily, thinking that so many people were working hard for his father, so what reason did he have not to cheer up?
On the day of the palace examination, the sky was slightly bright and the capital was shrouded in a thin mist. Jiang Luo got up early, washed up, and changed into a brand new blue robe. He wore a square scarf on his head and held a pen and ink, looking particularly elegant. Lin Cheng personally tidied up his clothes for him, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation: "Xiao Luo, today's palace examination, just do your best, don't be too nervous."
Jiang Luo smiled slightly and nodded: "Xiao Linzi, don't worry, I will do my best."
Lin Cheng patted his shoulder and said firmly: "No matter what the result is, I will wait for you outside the palace gate."
Jiang Luo looked at Lin Cheng deeply, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. He took a deep breath, turned around and walked towards the palace.
Outside the palace gate, many candidates who were going to take the palace examination had already gathered. Some were nervous, some were confident, some were talking in low voices, and some were thinking alone. Jiang Luo stood in the crowd, his eyes calm and his expression calm. He knew that today's palace examination would be one of the most important moments in his life.
As the bell rang, the palace gate slowly opened, and the eunuch announced loudly: "All candidates, please enter the palace to take part in the palace examination!"
Jiang Luo followed the crowd into the palace, walked through the long palace road, and finally arrived in front of the main hall. The hall was magnificent, with a towering dragon throne. The emperor sat on it with a majestic and deep look. On both sides stood the important officials of the court, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.
Jiang Luo stood in the hall, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down. He knew that today's palace examination was not only a test of his knowledge, but also a test of his character and personality.
The emperor glanced at the candidates in the palace and slowly said, "Today is the palace examination. I want to test your ability to govern the country. I hope you can speak freely and don't be restrained."
The eunuch then announced the topic of the palace examination: "Today's palace examination topic is 'What is the basis for governing a country?' Please answer it."
Jiang Luo pondered for a moment, and had an answer in his mind. He picked up his pen and dipped it in ink, and began to write furiously on the rice paper. His pen tip danced on the paper, and his handwriting was neat and powerful. Combining the experience of governing the country in ancient and modern times, he proposed a set of governing concepts based on "people's hearts as the foundation, rule of law as the guideline, and moral governance as the supplement".
He wrote: "The way to govern a country is to win the hearts of the people. The people are the foundation of the country. When the people support it, the country prospers; when the people oppose it, the country declines. Therefore, those who govern the country should put the people first, understand their feelings, and follow their will."
He then discussed the importance of the rule of law: "Law is the foundation of a country. Those who govern a country should rule the country by law, make laws clear, and impose strict penalties so that the people know the law and fear it, and the country will be in order."
Finally, he emphasized the role of moral governance: "Morality is the support of a country. A ruler should use morality to educate the people, implement benevolent policies, and carry out good governance, so that the people will feel morality and do good, and the country will be harmonious."
Jiang Luo's article was clear and well-organized, with incisive arguments, and his profound knowledge and unique insights were revealed between the lines. After he finished writing the last stroke, he gently put down his pen, feeling a sense of relief.
After the palace examination, the emperor ordered the eunuchs to collect the candidates' answer sheets and personally reviewed them. He opened Jiang Luo's essay and his eyes gradually became focused. Jiang Luo's writing was as smooth as flowing water, with clear views and sufficient arguments, which was refreshing.
After reading Jiang Luo's article, the emperor was very impressed. He looked up at Jiang Luo and asked, "Ci Jinglin, I have read your article. I agree with your idea of governing the country with 'people's hearts as the foundation, rule of law as the guideline, and rule of virtue as the supplement'. Can you elaborate on it?"
Jiang Luo bowed respectfully and answered loudly: "Your Majesty, I believe that the way to govern a country is to win the hearts of the people. The people are the foundation of the country. When the people are in favor, the country prospers; when the people are against it, the country declines. Therefore, those who govern the country should put the people first, understand their feelings, and follow their will."
He paused and continued, "Secondly, the ruler should rule the country by law. Law is the backbone of a country. Clear laws and strict punishments will make the people know the law and fear it, and the country will be orderly. Finally, the ruler should educate the people with virtue. Virtue is the support of a country. Implement benevolent policies and good governance, so that the people will feel virtue and do good, and the country will be harmonious."
After listening to Jiang Luo's argument, the emperor nodded with satisfaction: "Ci Jinglin, your opinion is very much in line with my opinion. I ask you, if you were an official, how would you practice this way of governing the country?"
Jiang Luo paused for a moment and replied, "If I become an official, I will put the people first, understand their feelings, listen to their voices, and solve their problems. At the same time, I will strictly enforce the law and enforce it impartially so that the people know the law and fear it. In addition, I will implement benevolent policies, implement good policies, set an example, and educate the people with virtue."
The emperor's eyes flashed with approval when he heard this: "Ci Jinglin, your answer satisfies me very much. Today I will personally appoint you as the top scholar and make you an editor in the Imperial Academy. I hope you will serve the court and benefit the people of the world."
Jiang Luo was overjoyed when he heard this, and immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "I thank your majesty for your grace, and I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."
The emperor waved his hand, signaling him to stand up: "Get up. I look forward to your performance."
After the palace examination, Jiang Luo walked out of the palace, his heart filled with joy and excitement. He walked out of the palace gate quickly and saw Lin Cheng waiting outside the palace gate from a distance. When Lin Cheng saw Jiang Luo coming, he hurried forward and asked with concern: "Xiao Luo, how is it? Did the palace examination go well?"
Jiang Luo smiled slightly, his eyes full of joy: "Xiao Linzi, I have been appointed as the editor of the Hanlin Academy!"
When Lin Cheng heard this, a trace of ecstasy flashed in his eyes. He hugged Jiang Luo and said excitedly: "Xiao Luo, that's great! You really are the top scorer!"
Jiang Luo's eyes were slightly red. He hugged Lin Cheng tightly back, his voice choked with sobs: "Yes! Xiao Lin, I did it, I really did it!"
Lin Cheng patted Jiang Luo's back gently and said softly, "Xiao Luo, all this is the result of your own efforts. I just accompanied you for a while, and it is you who really reached the end."
Jiang Luo raised his head and looked at Lin Cheng, his eyes full of gratitude: "Xiao Linzi, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. All this is because of you."
Lin Cheng shook his head and said firmly: "Xiao Luo, you don't have to thank me. I just hope that you can realize your ambitions, vindicate the Jiang family, and clear your name. Now that you have taken the first step, I will continue to accompany you on the road ahead."
Jiang Luo nodded gently, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. He knew that no matter how many storms there were in the future, Lin Cheng would be by his side and face them together with him.
The capital city was sunny and breezy in spring, and the scene was full of vitality. The streets were already crowded with onlookers, and the atmosphere was bustling. Today was the day for the new champion to be paraded through the streets, and everyone in the capital was eagerly waiting to see the young talent.
Jiang Luo, wearing a bright red top scholar robe, a golden-winged black gauze hat, and a top scholar plaque bestowed by the emperor on his chest, rode a tall horse and slowly drove out of the main gate of the palace. Beside him were officials from the Ministry of Rites in official uniforms, and behind him followed a majestic ceremonial guard, with gongs and drums beating and flags fluttering.
When the people on both sides of the street saw Jiang Luo, they all exclaimed in amazement: "Look! That's the new champion Ci Jinglin, he is really young and promising!" "I heard that he won the first prize in his early twenties, he is really a genius!" "Look at his delicate features and extraordinary bearing, he is really a rare talent!"
Jiang Luo rode on his horse with a faint smile on his face and a gentle and calm look. Although he was excited, he did not show it, and just nodded to the people on both sides. His eyes swept through the crowd and suddenly caught a familiar figure in the crowd - Lin Cheng.
Lin Cheng stood in the crowd, wearing a plain robe, his eyes closely following Jiang Luo, his eyes full of pride and satisfaction. Jiang Luo and Lin Cheng's eyes met in the air, and their thoughts were silently conveyed at this moment. Jiang Luo nodded slightly, with a faint smile on his lips, and Lin Cheng gently waved his hand, signaling him to go forward without worry.
The parade slowly moved forward, and the people on both sides of the street cast envious and admiring glances at Jiang Luo. Some shouted loudly: "Congratulations, top scholar!" Others whispered: "I heard that this top scholar came from a poor family, but he was able to win the first prize in one fell swoop. It's really not easy!"
Jiang Luo listened to the voices around him, feeling a lot of emotions in his heart. He remembered his past rough experiences, Lin Cheng's companionship and support along the way, and his determination to redress the Jiang family. He knew that today's glory not only belonged to him, but also to those who had helped him.
The parade passed through the busy streets of the capital and finally stopped in front of the Zhuangyuanfang in the city. The official of the Ministry of Rites announced loudly: "The new champion, Ci Jinglin, has been paraded here. I specially grant him the champion plaque as a reward!"
Jiang Luo dismounted and respectfully took the plaque from the official of the Ministry of Rites. He then turned to face the onlookers and said in a loud voice: "I am Ci Jinglin. Today, I am honored by your majesty's grace and have won the first place in the imperial examination. I am extremely grateful. I will do my best to serve the court and benefit the people of the world!"
His voice was clear and powerful, and every word was sonorous, which attracted applause and cheers from the people around him. Some people in the crowd shouted: "Well done, No. 1 scholar!" "May the No. 1 scholar have a bright future and serve the country and the people!"
Jiang Luo smiled slightly and bowed to the people again. His eyes fell on Lin Cheng again, and he saw Lin Cheng standing in the crowd, his eyes full of satisfaction and pride. Jiang Luo's heart was filled with warmth, and he knew that no matter what the future held, Lin Cheng would always be his strongest support.
After the parade, Jiang Luo and Lin Cheng returned to their residence together. They sat in the courtyard, watching the sunset, leaning against each other. Jiang Luo said softly, "Xiao Linzi, today's glory is ours. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here today."
Lin Cheng gently stroked Jiang Luo's hair and whispered, "No, Xiao Luo, there are a hundred of me accompanying you. If you don't work hard, there will be no such result. You are good enough to deserve such a result. You deserve all this!"
Jiang Luo shook his head: "No, Xiao Linzi, no matter when or where, you are the most important person to me. Without you, I would not be able to get to where I am today."
A hint of tenderness flashed in Lin Cheng's eyes. He nodded gently and whispered, "Xiao Luo, no matter how many storms there are in the future, I will stay by your side and face them with you."
The two people's vows echoed in the sunset, and their hearts were completely integrated at this moment. They knew that the road ahead might be full of challenges, but as long as they were with each other, they would have nothing to fear.
That night, Jiang Luo and Lin Cheng sat in the courtyard, looking at the starry sky, leaning on each other. Jiang Luo said softly, "Xiao Linzi, I'm lucky to have you along the way."
Lin Cheng gently stroked Jiang Luo's hair and whispered, "Me too. It is my greatest luck to have you by my side in this life."
But at this moment Jiang Luo's heart was still full of confusion. He always felt that his life was too dramatic, as if something was always pushing him forward.
Even the unexpected disasters faced by the parents seemed to be arranged.
Jiang Luo asked Lin Cheng: "Xiao Linzi, do you feel that life is like a play?"
Lin Cheng said: "Just like what is said in the storybook? Life is like a play, and a play is like life."
Jiang Luo shook his head and thought that was not the case, but he didn't know how to continue. He always felt that the world he lived in was like a fantasy, but everyone was obviously a living person, which made him puzzled.
He thought that maybe he was too tired and too tense over the past year, and maybe everything would be fine after his father was rehabilitated.
A few days later, Jiang Luo entered the Hanlin Academy and began his work as an editor.
in2ebook