Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Who could have imagined that the fifteen-year-old princess would not only participate in the palace examination but also claim the top spot?

At least the eight examiners who personally selected the top candidate never anticipated this outcome. But chosen she was, and the praises Yan Xizheng had spoken were the same ones the other seven had echoed. To now deny the princess's talent or the fairness of their selection simply because the "candidate" turned out to be the princess—let alone what Emperor Xingwu, who doted on her, would think of them—was something neither the six high-ranking civil officials nor the two esteemed grand academicians would do, as it would tarnish their integrity and reputation.

Amid Emperor Xingwu’s unabated joyful laughter, Right Chancellor Dai Lun and the others came forward in turn to confirm the name on the exam paper Yan Xizheng held, which had been concealed until then. In the brief moment it took to verify, several ministers had already regained their composure and formulated their responses.

Minister of Personnel Yang Zhimin first praised the princess’s running script, which captured seven-tenths of the essence of Wang Xizhi’s style: "Your Highness, at such a tender age, your calligraphy is so exquisite that none of us could identify your paper based on the handwriting."

Yang Zhimin was both a Founding Meritorious Official and a descendant of the emperor’s teacher’s family. Princess Qingyang treated him with respect and lightly teased, "In truth, the authentic works of master calligraphers from past dynasties, like swords, can be imitated and studied by anyone—how could they be gendered? But since societal biases exist, and even all of you are not immune to them, I had no choice but to create a diversion to prevent you from inflating my ranking out of deference to His Majesty."

Yang Zhimin nodded. "Your Highness speaks wisely. We were indeed narrow-minded. But Your Highness’s insight is profound, and your talent shines like the stars. To be ranked first is rightfully deserved; there is no need for us to flatter you deliberately."

Right Chancellor Dai Lun added, "Indeed. We were so proud of having selected a great talent for His Majesty, only to find that this talent was cultivated by the emperor himself. It makes us—and the realm’s esteemed teachers—ashamed."

Emperor Xingwu, finally ceasing his laughter but still smiling, waved his hand. "I always knew Ling’er was exceptionally bright, but I never imagined she would earn herself the top rank in the palace examination. If we must speak of credit, aside from her own diligence and love of learning, her exposure to all of you during her time at court before she turned ten also played a part. So, in a way, her achievement is also your doing—you helped me raise a top-ranking princess."

Princess Qingyang bowed respectfully. "Qin Lingwei thanks all her teachers."

Dai Lun and the others hurriedly expressed their unworthiness.

Yan Xizheng, who had remained silent while the other seven offered flattery, finally spoke when the princess looked his way, his eye twitching. "Your Highness is a heaven-sent talent, and we are in awe. However, as you are about to undertake the hair-pinning ceremony, you must not engage in such mischievous behavior again."

Princess Qingyang replied, "Left Chancellor, you are too severe again. If I truly wished to be mischievous, I could have sneaked into the metropolitan exam and caused the candidate ranked 231st to fail, simultaneously undermining His Majesty and the court’s reputation for impartiality in the eyes of scholars nationwide. Instead, I only gained entry to the palace examination, unexpectedly took the top rank, and had no intention of competing with the other candidates for the title of *zhuangyuan*. Nor did I hinder any candidate’s chance to be ranked among the top three. Given my consideration for the greater good, shouldn’t you be praising me, Left Chancellor?"

Yan Xizheng fell silent.

Emperor Xingwu interjected, "Alright, alright. I was overseeing everything. If Ling’er had been acting recklessly, I would never have allowed it. Left Chancellor, you can rest assured. Also, do not speak of Ling’er’s participation in the palace examination. Let it be as if it never happened."

The eight ministers accepted the decree.

Emperor Xingwu proceeded to select the top three candidates. With only ten to choose from, he quickly reached a decision.

The results were announced the following day. Then, as per tradition, on March 22nd, Emperor Xingwu hosted a banquet in Taiji Hall for the new *jinshi*, attended by a dozen or so high-ranking civil and military officials.

The ministers and *jinshi* entered the hall first and waited. As He Yuanjing announced, "His Majesty has arrived," the ministers led the *jinshi* in kneeling and kowtowing in welcome to the emperor.

"You may rise."

Yan Xizheng, Dai Lun, Prince Yong, Duke of Wei Zhang Jie, and Duke of Cheng Lv Zan led the others in thanking the emperor before standing.

Once everyone was on their feet, Yan Xizheng looked up and saw the princess, with the Third Prince, heading to her seat. Having witnessed such scenes too many times, he felt neither surprise nor displeasure.

Since the banquet was in honor of the new *jinshi*, the conversation between the emperor and his ministers naturally revolved around them, especially the *zhuangyuan*, *bangyan*, and *tanhua*.

Emperor Xingwu had brought the palace examination papers of the top three. He first called the *tanhua* forward to read his essay aloud to the assembly, followed by the *bangyan* and then the *zhuangyuan*.

All three essays were excellent, and each received effusive praise from the ministers and over two hundred *jinshi*.

When the applause died down, Emperor Xingwu said with a smile, "Actually, I have another paper here—one that the eight examiners unanimously agreed was the best in this year’s palace examination. However, due to the candidate’s special status, she was not included in the rankings. Today, I would like to have it read aloud for all to judge. What do you think?"

Yan Xizheng and the other seven examiners: "..."

Thankfully, they were all veteran officials, poised and steady. None foolishly glanced at the princess, prematurely revealing the answer Emperor Xingwu had deliberately concealed.

They remained discreet, and those unaware of the matter—Qin Hong, Qin Bing, and Qin Ren—all looked on with curiosity.

Emperor Xingwu handed the paper to Yan Xizheng to read, believing that such an essay of majestic grandeur required a senior minister to do it justice and convey its spirit.

The sixty-three-year-old Yan Xizheng understood the emperor’s intention. Standing below the imperial steps facing south, he read the essay with measured rhythm and passion.

The *jinshi*, who had been stunned moments earlier by the revelation of another top candidate, especially the *zhuangyuan*, soon became engrossed. As Left Chancellor Yan’s impassioned words filled the hall, they saw a vision of a mighty and prosperous Great Qi, respected by its neighbors and free from invasion. They saw a stable Yunzhou, enriched by military farms, building bridges and roads, encouragement of agriculture, and respect for scholars—a place where soldiers and civilians united to defend their homeland.

When Yan Xizheng spoke the final word, the 231 *jinshi* remained silent for a long moment before erupting into cheers.

The twenty-five-year-old *zhuangyuan*, Wei Bin, stepped forward and openly admitted that his abilities were no match, willingly offering to relinquish his rank.

Emperor Xingwu smiled, motioning for Wei Bin to return to his seat. He then signaled Yan Xizheng to pass the paper around, starting with the civil officials on the left. Since the content had already been read, the focus was on the candidate’s name and handwriting.

"Qin Lingwei?"

"Who is this?"

"A royal surname—perhaps a prince or a relative?"

Few *jinshi* from across the country knew the given names of all royal family members. Even among the court officials, not many could immediately connect "Qin Lingwei" with "Princess Qingyang."

The paper circulated quickly. When it reached Prince Yong, who had already heard his niece’s name but was in disbelief, he stared at the three characters on the paper and then looked at Emperor Xingwu and the princess. "Your Majesty, is this a case of same name, or...?"

Emperor Xingwu wasted no time in revealing. Addressing the *jinshi*, who were looking up at him expectantly, he said, "I believe you have all heard that on the day I ascended the throne, Heaven gifted me a daughter. I treasure her like a jewel, named her Lingwei, and enfeoffed her as Princess Qingyang."

All eyes instantly turned to the only princess present, seated beside the third prince. Those farther away ignored etiquette, craning their necks forward or leaning back to get a better look.

Emperor Xingwu then explained how his daughter had participated in the palace examination and how he had personally selected the question: "Left Chancellor and the other seven can attest to this."

Yan Xizheng and the seven others stood up, confirming that Princess Qingyang’s top rank was indeed well-deserved.

Emperor Xingwu said, "Ling’er, retrieve your paper."

Under the stunned gazes of her eldest, second, and third brothers, Princess Qingyang stood up. Facing the intense, burning gazes of the ministers and over two hundred *jinshi*, she walked to Prince Yong, took back her paper, but did not return to her seat immediately. Instead, she paused at the center of the hall and addressed the *jinshi*: "Throughout history, scholars have devoted ten years of arduous study to have the chance to come to the capital for the spring examination. Though I am young, I began my education at three and have studied diligently without pause for twelve years. My efforts are no less than any of yours. Thus, Heaven rewards the diligent, allowing me to compete alongside all you talented individuals."

The *jinshi* first saw a princess in magnificent robes, of stunning beauty. Had she not been a princess, and had this not been Taiji Hall, most *jinshi* would likely have been captivated by her appearance.

But this was Taiji Hall, and the beauty before them was not only a noble princess but also a top-ranking scholar whose essay had surpassed all of theirs!

The emperor, supreme and majestic, sat high upon the dragon throne, his authority deterring any improper scrutiny. The princess, holding her palace examination paper, stood below the imperial steps. Her calm, composed gaze carried an authority inherited from the emperor, commanding their attention and leaving no room for distraction—only awe for the imperial daughter.

Princess Qingyang now turned to Wei Bin, who had offered to yield his title. "Wei Bin, why did you come to the capital to take the examination?"

Wei Bin instinctively bowed slightly toward the princess and replied with downcast eyes, "To apply my learning in service to the emperor, the state, and the people."

Princess Qingyang said, "I study for the same purpose. So long as we can apply our knowledge, why cling to honorary titles like *zhuangyuan* or *bangyan*?"

Wei Bin was taken aback, then said with chagrin, "Your Highness’s guidance is wise. Your subject was momentarily misguided."

Princess Qingyang then looked at the *bangyan*, *tanhua*, and other *jinshi* behind him. "No matter how excellent an essay is, it remains mere words. As officials, we receive the mandate from above and bring peace to the people below. Alleviating the burdens of the emperor, the state, and the people is far more challenging than achieving a high rank. Today’s rankings are only the beginning of your official careers. I hope you will continue to strive, to compete for lifelong achievements in governance, to become wise ministers of Great Qi, and to earn a place in history for millennia to come!"

The princess’s voice was as clear and gentle as her beauty, but her words were passionate and soaring with ambition!

As her voice still echoed in the hall, Wei Bin and all two hundred *jinshi* rose from their seats and bowed toward Princess Qingyang at the front of the hall. "Your Highness’s teachings shall be etched in our minds. We will strive not for empty fame but for virtuous renown!"

Princess Qingyang smiled. Her gaze swept over Yan Xizheng and the other senior ministers before she turned, paper in hand, and looked up at her father on the dragon throne. "Father, did I speak correctly?"

Though seated high above, Emperor Xingwu saw his daughter as a rising sun, her brilliance so dazzling that even he was captivated.

"What Ling’er said is exactly what I think. However, the titles of first, second, and third rank *jinshi* are still worth striving for. After all, I do not know all the scholars under heaven and can only initially judge their talents through their essays. Later, I will promote and employ them based on their achievements." After instructing the *jinshi* to return to their seats, Emperor Xingwu gently corrected his daughter.

The ministers all chimed in agreement.

Emperor Xingwu glanced at Wei Bin, then said to his daughter, "Although Lin'er has no intention of competing for the title of top scholar, your position as the top scorer is acknowledged by all the ministers and the new *jinshi*. In that case, I will grant you an additional reward as compensation. How does that sound?"

Qingyang asked curiously, "What would you like to grant me?"

Emperor Xingwu stroked his beard. "As a princess, you lack nothing. Nothing comes to mind right now—why don’t you make the request yourself? As long as it is within my power, I will grant it."

Yan Xizheng raised an eyebrow. Why did this sound so familiar?

Before he could figure out why, the little princess, still standing in the center of the hall, spoke up: "I truly want for neither glory nor wealth. Then, I ask Father to cherish my talent and allow me to enter the court as an official."

Golden waist tokens granting access to the outer court or permission to leave the palace—though merely tokens of her father’s affection—were seen by the ministers as mere ways to indulge a child.

When she was younger, she truly was a child and could act like one. But now, as she approached her coming-of-age, Qingyang no longer wished to be treated as a child.

She wanted the same qualifications to serve in the court as her second and third brothers. She wanted to compete, just like those new *jinshi* who were less capable than her, to become a capable official for Great Qi!