Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 523 - 359: Audience with the Emperor

As Gu Chengyu was looking down at the ground, counting ants, Grand Secretary Xia Qing emerged from the Taihe Palace.

"Scholars, listen to the announcement..." This voice startled Gu Chengyu, who hastily knelt down along with the other examinees, raising his eyes to look at the official standing on the steps; the results of the Imperial Examination were about to be announced. This person was Grand Secretary Xia Qing, whom he had once seen from a distance.

All the examinees perked up their ears, listening intently, waiting for their names to be called.

"First place in the Imperial Examination, Gu Chengyu!"

Gu Chengyu was caught off guard hearing his name. He looked up at Xia Qing. Xia Qing’s face was expressionless, without even a glance at Gu Chengyu, only looking towards the other officials in front.

Gu Chengyu had imagined he might become first, but since Xia Qing held great power in the court, it was possible for him to be pulled down. However, during the Imperial Examination, after the Emperor glanced at his paper, he had gained some confidence.

No matter what method Xia Qing might use, as long as the Emperor picked him, Xia Qing had no way. Though Xia Qing’s face showed no expression, Gu Chengyu knew Xia Qing was frustrated inside.

Gu Chengyu stood up, moved two steps to the right, and was then led by an official from the Ministry of Rites towards Taihe Palace.

Gu Chengyu walked forward at a measured pace, still hearing the call for the second place, surprisingly Fu Yanshan, with Min Feng being third. He was a bit puzzled, Xia Qing didn’t use his position to secure a good rank for Min Feng, at least not the second?

Could it be Xia Qing, to avoid suspicion, deliberately placed Min Feng third? Or was it the Emperor who intentionally placed Min Feng third? These things Gu Chengyu could not know.

Pondering distractedly, Gu Chengyu suddenly noticed the golden yellow figure sitting on the Dragon Throne ahead. He quickly lowered his head, staring at his toes, stepping into Taihe Palace. This was usually where the court assembly took place; it was Gu Chengyu’s first time entering Taihe Palace, and he was quite excited inside.

Not daring to raise his head, he heard footsteps gradually approaching from behind; it seemed the other nine scholars had arrived.

Once everyone was inside, they lined up according to their ranks and then knelt down together. Being the top scholar, Gu Chengyu naturally reported his résumé first.

Actually, Gu Chengyu wasn’t very nervous at this moment; his voice was steady, showing no signs of panic while reporting his résumé. The Emperor nodded approvingly; this young man’s composure was indeed reliable and worthy of great responsibility.

Some of the following scholars were so nervous that their voices trembled. Since the order was by odd and even ranks, Min Feng stood behind Gu Chengyu. Min Feng, looking at the slender figure ahead, felt a mix of emotions.

Originally, he had little hope for the first position, having noticed the Emperor’s focus on Gu Chengyu during the Imperial Examination. Yet, not being even second stirred his anger.

This past month, under the personal guidance of Xia Qing as his closed-door disciple, he had made rapid progress. Fu Yanshan, not as scholarly adept, still managed to seize the second rank, making Min Feng deeply frustrated.

Unable to maintain composure through honor or disgrace, Min Feng’s smile was somewhat forced.

"Where is the top scholar Gu Chengyu?" The Emperor, looking at the ten scholars kneeling below, then focused his gaze on Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu shuffled his knees two steps to the right, kneeling in the center of the hall, "Here I am, Your Majesty!"

"Hmm! Did you just say you’re only fourteen? Haven’t you had the coming-of-age ceremony?" The Emperor’s expression softened, addressing Gu Chengyu kindly.

"To answer Your Majesty, I am indeed fourteen this year and have not yet had the ceremony; my teacher said it would be held after I became an Advanced Scholar."

The mention of the teacher by Gu Chengyu brought a reminiscent look to the Emperor’s face. How could the Emperor not know that Gu Chengyu’s teacher was Liang Zhirui? Liang Zhirui, an old minister, had been loyal beyond measure. After his retirement, there was regret, but there was no position to reinstate him.

The position of Grand Secretary was given to Xia Qing; even if Liang Zhirui returned, he likely wouldn’t be willing to serve under Xia Qing.

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then returned from his thoughts to ask, "Have you chosen a courtesy name?"

"To reply to the Emperor, my teacher hasn’t had the chance to choose one." The teacher had mentioned that with the ceremony, a courtesy name should be chosen. However, the ceremony was still some days away, and the courtesy name matter wasn’t brought up yet.

The Emperor nodded, "Since you’re about to enter the court, perhaps I should give you a courtesy name! Given your name contains the character Yu, let it be Jinyu!"

Bestowing the courtesy name also stemmed from the Emperor’s respect for Liang Zhirui; Liang Zhirui had managed the Cabinet loyally for over a decade, being a true Pure Minister.

Taking more care of Gu Chengyu was also a gesture to respect Liang Zhirui’s face.

Gu Chengyu never expected the Emperor to bestow a courtesy name; he was a bit overwhelmed with unexpected honor. Then he thought, perhaps it wasn’t him being valued so much, but rather benefiting from his teacher’s reputation.

There was no doubt in Gu Chengyu’s mind that the Emperor knew his teacher was Liang Zhirui. His résumé had likely already reached the Emperor’s desk, detailing even three generations of his ancestors.

Min Feng, behind Gu Chengyu, was breathing somewhat heavily at this time, not expecting Gu Chengyu’s good fortune. A courtesy name bestowed by the Emperor himself! Who in the entire court could claim such an honor? What could Gu Chengyu possibly possess to earn such distinction from the Emperor?

Not just Min Feng; the officials and other scholars present also felt Gu Chengyu was exceptionally lucky. They wished they hadn’t yet held their coming-of-age ceremonies to receive an imperial courtesy name.

Even Fu Yanshan, usually fully engrossed in his studies, couldn’t help but react slightly.

Gu Chengyu quickly gave thanks for the imperial favor, "I express my gratitude to Your Majesty for bestowing the courtesy name. May His Majesty live ten thousand years!"

The Emperor, seeing Gu Chengyu so astute, was even more satisfied with him.

At this point, the other nine new scholars faded into the background. The Emperor encouraged them briefly, asked Fu Yanshan a few questions, and then announced the start of the Imperial Examination ceremony.

Min Feng turned pale with anger, not realizing he suffered from his teacher’s implications. The Emperor’s disregard puzzled him greatly.

Gu Chengyu and the others went to the side hall to change into their official uniforms. Gu Chengyu put on a red silk round collar robe, with a white silk inner garment, complete with brocade and knee cover. He also had a Huai Hui in hand, a gauze hat on his head, a silver belt around his waist, a set of medicine jade pendant, and a pair of court shoes and felt socks.

Once dressed, they had to return in front of the Taihe Palace to await the start of the Imperial Examination ceremony, while civil and military officials repositioned themselves outside Taihe Palace.

At this time, the Imperial Guard, Music Department, and Sound Bureau set up the grand music from Taihe Gate’s sides, with officials in court attire, arranged according to rank, proceeded into the red steps.