novelraw Chapter 582: Three Kingdoms Cannon Fodder 24
Chapter 582: Three Kingdoms Cannon Fodder 24
Several days later, it was finally time for the palace examination.
Gazing down from the high platform at the young man below, who stood over eight feet tall, wore the currently popular blue scholar's robe among northern students, had a long scholar's headscarf, and was currently bowing his head to write, An Ning still couldn't help but take an extra look.
How to put it? She didn't know if it was just psychological, but at first glance, he really seemed extraordinarily intelligent and wise.
Thinking about it this way, the ancient theories of physiognomy weren't entirely without merit.
It was no wonder An Ning was surprised; the fame of the person before her was truly thunderous to later generations.
Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, a formidable figure who had taken first place in the very first imperial examination, even achieving the rare feat of placing first in two consecutive exams, and potentially even a third in the future.
Speaking of which, as a power that dominated one region, planting spies in other areas was now considered standard operating procedure for An Ning. She had previously found it strange that while Imperial Uncle Liu had already risen to prominence, she had never heard this man's famous name.
But upon reflection, it wasn't actually that strange.
Setting aside the butterfly effect for now, no matter how much of a heaven-sent prodigy one was, it was impossible to join a group and immediately push aside the old-timers to occupy a high position and achieve fame and prominence. Besides, that Imperial Uncle had quite a few capable people around him during this period.
So, at the time, she just thought about it briefly and quickly put it out of her mind. Who would have thought...What was this? A great blessing falling from the heavens!
For this first-ever recruitment of scholars through examinations, and considering the prolonged period of turmoil, An Ning had not specifically restricted candidates based on household registration. Her original intention was to gather talents from across the land. She hadn't expected to grow such an unexpected delight!
Thinking of the policy essay this man had written earlier. On the high platform, An Ning couldn't help but feel immensely pleased in her heart. Regardless of anything else, this gentleman was truly a master of internal administration.
Although he still lacked some experience for the time being, many of his viewpoints were already eye-opening.
Truly worthy of being the top scorer who stood out among thousands of talented scholars.
Of course, besides this man, there was another person An Ning was quite delighted about.
That was the second-place graduate, Cai Wenji, the genuine talented daughter from a prestigious family whom An Ning had rescued and settled six years ago while dealing with the northern Xiongnu.
To repay the favor, this lady had personally transcribed over four hundred ancient texts from memory. And this was only what she could recall clearly and accurately.
Not a single error.
Her vast knowledge and extensive learning even stunned the book-loving Great Beauty Zhen. Afterwards, the two even became close friends. However, due to many years of displacement, she had suffered considerable damage, both physically and mentally.
After receiving the medicinal tea An Ning gifted her, she had spent these years mostly secluded in her homeland, organizing her father's remaining scrolls.
Unexpectedly, this time she was also willing to take the imperial examinations and enter official service.
But overall, it was indeed good news, especially for Great Beauty Zhen. With her little friend about to serve as an official in the same court, her mood had been visibly quite cheerful these past few days.
Time passed slowly. Below the great hall, many scholars gradually stopped writing. After being reviewed by several Grand Scholars, An Ning soon had over ten selected policy essays in her hand.
The top scorer and second-place graduate naturally raised no objections. As expected without surprise, over three hundred candidates passed the palace examination and made the list this time. Nearly half of them were scions of scholar-official clans from various regions, and the rest were at least from impoverished gentry families (whose ancestors had been glorious but were now fallen). Those truly from ordinary commoner backgrounds could be said to be very few.
Altogether, less than twenty to thirty percent.
Most of those still came from the territories An Ning had occupied earliest and where she had vigorously promoted education.
Regarding this, An Ning wasn't surprised.
The north had just been stabilized. For ordinary families, having enough to eat and wear was a luxury not long ago, where would they get spare money for schooling? In some places, the county schools had only been built for a few years.
To produce results, it wasn't that simple.
For this imperial examination, recruiting talented individuals was one purpose, but "encouraging learning" and pointing out a path of upward mobility for the lower classes was the key.
Besides, there were still pleasant surprises.
With such a massive base, she had indeed fished out a few geniuses from ordinary backgrounds. Pausing her gaze on the handsome young face of this fourth-place candidate, An Ning casually moved his ranking up a notch.
Ordinary background, young, handsome appearance. See, how perfectly suited to be the face of the Third Rank Graduate.
Moreover, this person even made An Ning sigh in admiration; the world never lacked intelligent and sharp individuals.
He came from a family with only a few meager fields, his father worked as an accountant in a city tavern, which was how he had the chance to learn a few characters and gain some knowledge—an ordinary person.
Yet, precisely in such an environment, as early as when An Ning had entered the Northern Ji region and began establishing schools everywhere, he was able to keenly sense something through the fragmented conversations in the tavern.
At that time, he was only eight years old. Not only did he persuade his family to send him to study, but for the next ten years, he diligently persevered for this goal. When he grew older, he worked as an accountant in a bookstore while never forgetting to borrow books from the library and review articles.
The court gazettes and even the major newspapers were nearly worn out from his reading.
Even though he hadn't obtained the opportunity he desired for a long time, year after year, the lamp at night never went out...
How to put it? Some people can succeed, even seize opportunities, because they deserve it.
Not long after, accompanied by An Ning's final decision from above, the top three of the first rank, and even the top ten for this examination, were announced.
As a leader who loved creating spectacles and loved excitement, the public announcement of names before the great hall, the procession along Xuanwu Avenue, the subsequent mounted parade of the advanced scholars through the streets, and the crowds jostling to catch a glimpse and throw flowers in admiration of the famous scholars were just minor festivities.
On the road, accompanied by a tremendous roar, a spherical object dozens of feet high exploded in the sky.
Before the crowd could even be startled, a sky full of dancing flower bouquets drifted down from the heavens, scattering fragrance throughout the city.
A rain of flowers filled the sky, butterflies danced in profusion.
No one had expected such a spectacle.
For a moment, on the long street, cheers and exclamations of wonder grew increasingly incessant, instantly pushing the atmosphere to its peak. It also successfully elevated the joy and glory of having one's name on the golden placard to the utmost.
This day was destined to be savored by countless people.
Even with this, An Ning still sighed with regret, "What a pity, it's daytime. If it were night, it would be even livelier!"
If there was one downside.
Amidst the deafening cheers, the man at the lead silently plucked the countless flower petals scattered on his shoulders, sleeves, and even his headgear. As for the butterfly, unintentionally attracted by the fragrance, that had alighted on his shoulder, his fingertip paused for a moment. In the end, he still carefully maintained his body's balance, unwilling to disturb this tiny, beautiful life.
Only his gaze couldn't help but lift upward for a glance.
It was said that the current Sage was from a family of reclusive nobility and was extremely skilled in mechanical arts. Indeed, it was true.
Above his head was the continuously falling rain of multicolored petals. All around were countless rising and falling clamors of excitement, and along the way, the occasional handkerchief or two tossed over.
Roughly estimating, about half the city's population had turned out along this route! Presumably, only those living without worries could have such leisure. Recalling the scenes he had witnessed earlier in the countryside, the vast difference between the two places made even the man before him pause in slight astonishment for a moment.
The last trace of regret in his heart vanished without a trace.
It's just...
This scene was a bit too lively! Amidst the constantly incoming flowers and scented handkerchiefs, the leading Mr. Zhuge couldn't help but sigh quietly.
Such a grand spectacle; he, a man of the mountains and wilds who had lived in seclusion for over a decade, really wasn't quite accustomed to it!