The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Prime Minister Shen was called upon and promptly replied with a smile, "Your Majesty, since assuming the post of Prime Minister, I have observed that the young officials across various ministries possess remarkable ideas—especially the proposal put forth by the top scorer in the imperial examination. Though untested, it is highly innovative. Coincidentally, this year's palace examination topic revolves around how to be a good official and serve the people. Thus, I believe this is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the world that the top scholar selected by the court is not merely skilled in poetry and prose, but a capable official who truly works for the court and the welfare of the people."

Prime Minister Shen had risen through the ranks of the Ministry of Rites, which oversaw the imperial examination system—a matter of great public interest. Therefore, he was acutely aware of the controversies surrounding the examinations among the populace.

Since ancient times, what scholars sought was nothing more than the word "fairness."

Regardless ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‍of how the matter of Qin Ye becoming the top scorer was to be resolved, the foundation of the imperial examinations should never be undermined.

"Prime Minister Shen speaks well!" Jin Cheng applauded him. "My thoughts align perfectly with yours. The top scorer should rightfully be the one who earned it. If the people doubt this, we must find a way to convince them, rather than wrongfully discredit a talented scholar. Otherwise, would we not risk disillusioning all scholars who place their faith in the imperial examinations?"

With this, the Emperor had made his stance clear.

Other ministers who wished to voice further objections suppressed their words.

Today marked the new Emperor's ascension to the throne, and this outcome was already satisfactory. If the dispute continued, Luo Jingfeng, waiting nearby, would soon lose his patience.

"Your Majesty's wise judgment has won our sincere admiration."

Seeing the ruler and his ministers united in safeguarding the fairness of the examinations, the scholars were overjoyed and knelt in unison, proclaiming, "The Emperor is sagacious!"

Jin Cheng turned to Vice Minister Shao and said, "Proceed with announcing the rankings."

"As you command." Vice Minister Shao picked up the final list and began reading, "Second Rank, Second Place: Zhao Yin; Third Place: Cheng Zhidong… A total of one hundred and twenty candidates are granted the title of Advanced Scholars. Third Rank, First Place: Cao Guanghua… Two Hundred and Forty-Third Place: Wei Shaoling. A total of two hundred and forty-three candidates are granted the title of Associate Advanced Scholars."

"We thank Your Majesty for your grace."

The candidates knelt in gratitude, their hearts filled with complex emotions—especially the last-ranked Associate Advanced Scholar, Wei Shaoling.

Hailing from Jiangnan, the most culturally refined region, he had once been the top provincial scholar, a talent plucked from ten thousand. Yet, due to his unscrupulous nature and being caught red-handed by the young Emperor, he now found himself at the very bottom of the Third Rank.

Since the palace examination only determined rankings and did not eliminate candidates, Wei Shaoling could at least retain the title of Associate Advanced Scholar. However, given his dishonorable conduct, even if he passed the palace examination, he would never survive the subsequent court evaluation. His path to an official career was effectively sealed.

After the palace examination concluded, the Ministry of Rites divided into two teams.

One team prepared for the proclamation of the Emperor's abdication and the new Emperor's enthronement, working with the Hanlin Academy to draft the edict that would announce it to the world.

The other team arranged for the scholars to leave the palace and prepared the ceremonial robes for Qin Ye's procession as the top scorer. Just as the Ministry of Rites was fretting over the lack of a robe in his size, Zong Zhao sent over a set.

Luo Jingfeng clicked his tongue in irritation. "This was originally meant to be Jin Cheng's robe."

Initially, they had planned to act after the palace examination, so they had already prepared Jin Cheng's top scorer robes. However, due to the former Emperor's actions, Jin Cheng had ascended the throne prematurely, never getting the chance to wear the crimson attire.

Zong Zhao shot him a glance. "This isn't Jin Cheng's robe. I had it altered last night."

Luo Jingfeng was baffled. "Just how many things did you do last night?"

Between reviving the Crown Prince and altering Qin Ye's robes, he had certainly been busy!

Zong Zhao ignored him and strode toward Jin Cheng.

The Little Demon King was gazing enviously at Qin Ye as he went to change into his top scorer robes when Zong Zhao approached and said, "You have a set of top scorer robes too. If you wish to wear them, you can change in your chambers."

The Little Demon King's eyes instantly lit up. "Really? Really? Father, I can wear the top scorer robes too?"

Though the dragon robes were rarer than the top scorer attire, the latter had been his dream for three years. He still longed to try them on—preferably even have a portrait painted to immortalize the moment!

Nearby officials who had not yet dispersed were startled by the word "Father." The Little Demon King quickly covered his mouth and laughed awkwardly. "My apologies, force of habit. I'll work on changing that… slowly."

Though he said this aloud, inwardly he thought: I'll just call him that in private, away from prying eyes. Hmph!

The officials, seeing the young Emperor's maturity, nodded approvingly before taking their leave to attend to their duties.

Zong Zhao took his hand. "Come, I'll take you to change."

"Alright!" The Little Demon King was about to follow when he suddenly remembered, "Oh! His Highness is awake—I must see him first!"

The robes could wait, but His Highness had to be seen immediately!

Luo Jingfeng was discussing the arrangements for the imperial princes and consorts when the topic of the deposed Crown Prince arose. Just then, he heard the child's excited voice and looked up to see a jubilant figure darting toward the Eastern Palace.

Luo Jingfeng's expression darkened. "How should Chu Heng be dealt with?"

The official trembled. "Reporting to the Duke, upon the new Emperor's enthronement, the Crown Prince is automatically stripped of his title and reverts to the Eldest Prince. According to protocol, all princes left by the former Emperor are to be enfeoffed as lords. The Eldest Prince's title has yet to be decided."

Luo Jingfeng said coldly, "Then think carefully—preferably a title that reminds him daily to remain obedient and refrain from any treacherous schemes."

"Y-yes… This official will deliberate at once."

Eastern Palace, Crown Prince's chambers.

Jin Cheng fluttered in like a butterfly, his cheerful voice ringing through the halls before he even entered: "Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness!!"

The Crown Princess was feeding medicine to the Crown Prince when she heard the commotion and chuckled. "His Majesty must have finished the palace examination and is eager to see you. Listen to how happy he sounds." Lov&e^ t$his# st^o&r#y?. S%h+o#w s+u%ppo+rt at MV2-L!EM$P^YR..

"His Majesty the Emperor arrives!"

"His Majesty the Emperor arrives!"

The eunuchs' announcements echoed through the halls, but none could keep up with the Little Demon King's speed. He charged in, wailing, and immediately spotted Chu Heng propped up against the headboard.

The newly awakened Crown Prince wore pristine sleeping robes, his face still pale from illness, but his eyes were brighter than before his unconsciousness. With a gentle smile, Chu Heng murmured, "Jin Cheng… long time no see."

The Little Demon King's beaming face suddenly glistened with tears.

Laughing and crying, he rushed forward, clasping Chu Heng's hands as he whined, "Your Highness, I've waited so long for you to wake up! Last year, you nearly scared me to death—I thought… I thought I was going to lose you! Wuwuwu… Your Highness is the best in the world. No one can harm you, no one can bully you. I'll protect you forever and ever!"