Today was the palace examination.

The Yulin Army, clad in armor, lined up in two rows in front of Wumen. The white pheasant tails on their helmets swayed in the wind.

The examinees were queued outside Wumen, being searched one by one by the Jiefan Guards.

They had already changed into green official robes and black boots, and, aside from the absence of rank badges on their chests, they were indistinguishable from officials of Daning.

Qi Zhenzhuo glanced around, then turned to Li Xuan, “I just saw Zhang Zheng stop you at the entrance of the Dudufu. What did he say? Will my master appear today?”

Li Xuan looked straight ahead, not answering.

Qi Zhenzhuo pouted, “Alright, alright, you don’t trust me, do you?”

Bored, he turned his gaze to the examinees, only to see Shen Ye standing in the front row, yawning.

Qi Zhenzhuo teased, “Brother Shen, didn’t you boast about wanting to be *Zhuangyuan*? Why do you look so listless?”

Shen Ye wiped the sleep from the corners of his eyes, “The provincial examination emphasized classics, and the palace examination emphasizes current affairs. My classical studies are not as good as Wen Zong’s, so I can’t compare to him. Originally, I thought of competing in the palace examination, but Wen Zong went back to Luzhou for mourning. Even if I become *Zhuangyuan* today, people will only say, ‘In the absence of heroes, an unknown person becomes famous.'”

Shen Ye let out another big yawn, “I almost wish I could go home and wait for Wen Zong’s next examination, and compete again in three years.”

Qi Zhenzhuo’s eyes widened, “You’re not planning to win today?”

Shen Ye laughed, “Of course I am, since I’m already here.”

A Jiefan Guard shouted loudly in front of Wumen, “No loud talking! Any unruly behavior before the emperor will result in disqualification and never being employed!”

After the search, a Jiefan Guard waved a flag at the top of the Wumen gate tower, and the left and right side gates suddenly opened.

The examinees entered through the side gates in an orderly fashion, heading towards Huangji Hall.

In the square outside Huangji Hall, three hundred and twelve desks, along with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, had already been set up. Shen Ye walked directly to the front row, lifted his robe, and sat kneeling directly on the ground.

Then, Wu Xiu walked out from inside the hall, unfurled an imperial edict, and read aloud, “I, succeeding to this great enterprise, only wish to uphold the glorious virtues of my ancestors and meet the expectations of my officials and people. However, observing current policies, I am deeply concerned by the suffering of the people. The system of taxes and levies is fraught with abuses. Some own vast fields yet pay no tax, while others have no land yet their descendants are burdened with labor. The poor grow poorer, the rich grow more indulgent, and the national treasury also suffers losses.”

“You, who possess strategies for governing the world, are to thoroughly examine this matter. I hope you will express your views directly, consulting history and verifying the present, without adhering to old clichés or vague current theories.”

“I will personally review them.”

As these words were uttered, the court officials were all astonished.

It was not uncommon for the palace examination to test on current political弊. What shocked the officials were the last three words of the imperial edict: “I will personally review them.”

In previous years, with so many examination papers, His Majesty had never personally reviewed them.

They were all first sent to Wenhua Hall, where the Grand Secretaries and department heads selected ten papers to be presented to the emperor, who would then choose the *Zhuangyuan*, *Bangyan*, and *Tanhua* of the first class, and the top seven of the second class.

But this year, His Majesty was actually going to review all the examination papers?

The palace examination began.

Shen Ye shed his previous fatigue, rolled up his sleeves, and picked up his brush to write: “Your subject hears that a sage who governs the world must assess the times and circumstances, adapt to changes, and ensure the people are not weary. Now His Majesty presides over this inquiry, deeply concerned about the inequality of taxes and levies, and the treachery of corrupt officials. Though your subject is ignorant, how dare I not pour out my heart and soul in response?”

“Your subject submits that laws cannot be abolished, but their abuses must be reformed. There are three key elements to reform: first, land surveying, as surveying land is the basis for equitable taxation… second, paying silver in lieu of service… third, performance evaluation, as evaluation is the whip for enforcing laws… At the end of the year, those who have completed their tasks well are promoted, and those who are negligent are dismissed.”

“Your subject submits that this policy also has three benefits: first, the laws are simple and easy to follow; second, service is tied to land, which can relieve the burden on the people, and the powerful will have nowhere to hide; third, the national treasury will be full, and the people will not suffer…”

While other examinees were still deep in thought, Shen Ye had already eloquently written over two thousand characters.

He picked up the *Xuan* paper, blew on it, and loudly declared, “Shen Ye, a *Gongshi* from Yangzhou, presents his policy to His Majesty in front of Huangji Hall. I request His Majesty’s personal review.”

Wu Xiu beckoned from in front of the hall. A young eunuch carried Shen Ye’s examination paper and ran into the hall, then Wu Xiu presented it to the emperor.

Emperor Ning on the imperial throne silently scanned it a few times and calmly said, “A great talent. Pass it to the Grand Secretaries to see.”

Wu Xiu quietly responded, “Yes.”

He walked out of Huangji Hall, whispered a few words to the young eunuch, who then carried Shen Ye’s paper and ran towards Wenhua Hall.

Wenhua Hall was quiet. The Grand Secretaries sat in the warm hall, closing their eyes to rest, awaiting the papers.

The department heads gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves, but what they discussed was not the palace examination. Instead, they frequently stole glances at Grand Secretary Chen.

The palace examination was a momentous event, yet the officials’ thoughts were preoccupied by another matter.

Just then, Grand Secretary Hu, without opening his eyes, slowly said, “Grand Secretary Chen, you probably haven’t slept well these past few days.”

Grand Secretary Chen, also with closed eyes, calmly replied, “What is Grand Secretary Hu referring to?”

Grand Secretary Hu smiled, “Naturally, I’m speaking of your Chen family’s Chen Wenzong. He clearly won the *Huiyuan* but had to return to Luzhou for mourning, wasting three years of time. Otherwise, at today’s palace examination, the Chen family would be the main characters… Otherwise, what does Grand Secretary Chen think I’m talking about?”

Grand Secretary Hu’s words were barbed, comparing the Chen family to main characters on a stage, but performers were considered low-class. This was clearly veiled praise with underlying criticism, and the last sentence directly pricked Grand Secretary Chen’s heart.

Wenhua Hall suddenly fell silent. The department heads only dared to quietly observe the two, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.

Grand Secretary Chen slowly began, “Grand Secretary Hu, your words are mistaken. Our Ning Dynasty is founded on filial piety; how can mourning be called wasting time? Do not speak of this again, or the Censorate will impeach you.”

Grand Secretary Hu smiled, “My Hu family has never produced an unfilial son. As for that lad from your Chen family, I have heard that when he was in Luocheng, he severed ties with his birth father, and upon returning to the capital, he caused chaos in the household.”

Someone brought the matter into the open, and Grand Secretary Chen finally opened his eyes, “Grand Secretary Hu seems very concerned with my Chen family’s private affairs.”

Grand Secretary Hu teased, “It’s not that I’m concerned, but this matter is widely known, so I can’t help but know.”

Grand Secretary Chen spoke unhurriedly, “A bit of commotion is good. Grand Secretary Hu, you and I are old now. We know that we are but a grain of sand in the universe, and we know that there are too many things in this world that cannot be accomplished, and many regrets must be carried into the coffin. But that lad from my Chen family does not believe in fate; he believes that as long as one dares to act, there is nothing that cannot be achieved…”

However, in the next moment, Grand Secretary Chen suddenly said with conviction, “But, not believing in fate is a good thing.”

Grand Secretary Hu was silent for a moment, “I thought your Chen family was going to reenact the matter of severing ties. It seems I misunderstood.”

Grand Secretary Chen smiled, “I know, Grand Secretary Hu, you provoked me today, hoping I would get angry and that he would leave the Chen family to join your Hu family’s border army. But family members need to be tempered by their own family to know their limits; entrusting them to outsiders is not reassuring.”

Grand Secretary Hu sneered, “In my life, I despise the word ‘temper’ the most. If all sharpness is ground away, how can one accomplish anything? Your Chen family has too many rules, and your hearts are not united. Don’t waste a good talent.”

As they spoke, the door of Wenhua Hall was pushed open, and the young eunuch entered with Shen Ye’s examination paper: “Esteemed Grand Secretaries and Department Heads, this is the paper of Shen Ye, a *Gongshi* from Yangzhou. His Majesty said it shows great talent and sent it for you all to see.”

Someone took the *Xuan* paper and first handed it to Grand Secretary Chen.

The young eunuch continued, “His Majesty has an oral decree: the results will be announced today, and a Qionglin Banquet will be held at the Guozijian, which His Majesty will personally attend.”

The officials in Wenhua Hall were stunned again, then looked at each other.

In previous years, the announcement of the palace examination results would wait two days, first being announced by name in Huangji Hall, and then the golden榜 would be proclaimed to the world.

But what was happening today? They weren’t even willing to wait two days for deliberation?

Grand Secretary Hu scoffed, “His Majesty can’t wait either. He also wants to see the excitement.”

Grand Secretary Chen ignored him and lowered his head, concentrating on reading the paper. After a moment, he passed it on: “You all should take a look too.”

A middle-aged official took it, glanced at it twice, then quickly and discreetly passed the paper on, taking a step back without saying a word. What Shen Ye said was all about new policies, many of them audacious. However, in Wenhua Hall, some supported reform, and some opposed it, and he couldn’t afford to offend either side.

The papers were passed around, and no one dared to speak.

It wasn’t until the paper reached Grand Secretary Hu’s hands that he shook it and loudly said, “Minister Zhang, is this person your protégé? What’s written on this paper are clearly all the new policies you want to implement!”

Wenhua Hall fell silent, and everyone looked towards the corner.

Minister Zhang Zhuo was buried in his documents, writing furiously. He hadn’t interjected a single word when Grand Secretary Hu and Grand Secretary Chen were bickering earlier.

If Grand Secretary Hu hadn’t spoken, everyone would have almost forgotten that this new Grand Secretary, who had entered the cabinet in his prime, was also in Wenhua Hall!

Zhang Zhuo heard the words, looked up, and slowly smiled, “Oh? Let me see what this Shen Ye wrote.”

Someone passed the paper to his desk. Zhang Zhuo scrutinized it for a moment, then praised, “His words are earnest and pragmatic. Indeed, heroes across the land share similar insights.”

Someone quietly rolled their eyes.

No wonder Shen Ye dared to speak so wildly outside the Gongyuan; it turns out he’s Zhang Zhuo’s man!

Before this, no one had heard even a whisper.

Today, was it still about testing talent?

It was clearly about setting the direction of the court.

Grand Secretary Hu praised, “Minister Zhang has excellent self-control. If the matters of the new policies for several prefectures hadn’t been decided at Renshou Palace a few days ago, this person would probably have given the assembled officials a big shock today.”

Zhang Zhuo humbly said, “I also didn’t expect the new policies to go so smoothly. Many thanks to Grand Secretary Hu and Grand Secretary Chen for your strong support.”

As he had said to Chen Ji before, had it not been for the matter of the Crown Prince, his entry into the cabinet and the implementation of new policies would have probably had to wait five years. During those five years, he would have had to continuously stir things up, and Shen Ye’s palace examination was one step in that process.

Now, Shen Ye’s move seemed less important.

Grand Secretary Chen suddenly asked, “Minister Zhang, is the lad from my Chen family currently staying at your Zhang family’s residence?”

Zhang Zhuo shook his head, “Grand Secretary misunderstands. Chen Ji has not been at my Zhang family’s residence these past few days.”

At this moment, the examination papers of the other *Gongshi* were also being sent to Wenhua Hall, passed around among the Grand Secretaries and department heads.

Someone handed a paper to Grand Secretary Hu: “Grand Secretary, please review this.”

Grand Secretary Hu waved his hand impatiently, “His Majesty has already decided the *Zhuangyuan*. What more do you and I need to review? Just wait for the Qionglin Banquet tonight.”

He turned to Grand Secretary Chen, “However, today there is something even more interesting than the Qionglin Banquet. I’m quite eager to see it.”