Chapter 338: A Brief Biography

The first ten new Jinshi candidates were summoned by the emperor individually. The final ranking of the palace examination was officially determined after the Xiaochuanlu, and was filled in the big and small Jinbang.

The Xiaojinbang was handed over to the memorial office and kept in the palace.

The Dajinbang was stamped with the "Emperor's Treasure" jade seal. When the fifth day of the first lunar month was announced, it was hung outside the left gate of Chang'an to announce it to the world and let everyone know.

Because of the allusion of "carp leaping over the dragon gate", the left gate of Chang'an was called the Dragon Gate, so the Dajinbang was hung here.

When Gu Huaizhi arrived at the palace gate, the other nine had all arrived and entered the palace with the eunuchs.

No one who participated in the palace examination dared to despise the Xiaochuanlu. If someone was not in the Xiaochuanlu, his ranking would be reduced to the last of the three classes. Therefore, some people say: On the day of the announcement, some Jinshi candidates were not present. On the day of the Xiaochuanlu, no one dared not to be present.

Everyone was very silent, and some were nervous. However, when they took the palace examination, the emperor personally presided over the examination, which was intended to highlight the status of the supreme ruler as the "master of the world" and the identity of the "disciple of the emperor". They had already seen the emperor, and their nervousness was much less than the first time.

This time was different because everyone knew Gu Huaizhi's identity. The emperor used to be his younger brother, but now he recognized his ancestors, but the relationship was still deep. It was said that his sister entered the palace to be the companion of the little emperor. Such an honor, how could ordinary people enjoy it? Even the important officials in the court could only envy him.

While everyone was suspicious of his ranking, they were also thinking about whether to curry favor with him and make friends with him. It was not wrong after all.

But when the first person, Wang Xueqin, was summoned to the Qinzheng Palace, he came out with a pale face and cold sweat on his forehead. All those messy thoughts were thrown out of the sky, and he looked at Gu Huaizhi with sympathy.

The eunuch announced: "Gu Huaizhi is here to see the emperor."

Gu Huaizhi pursed his lips and entered under everyone's gaze.

Someone familiar with Wang Xueqin asked in a low voice: "What's wrong?"

"The Regent and the Prime Minister are assisting." Wang Xueqin showed a meaningful expression, letting everyone savor it carefully.

Everyone's expression changed. Although Gu Huaizhi had a close relationship with the young emperor, he had just returned to the palace not long ago and was still young. All the government affairs he handled had to go through the hands of the cabinet and the Regent, and he had no say at all.

The Regent was ruthless and did not recognize his relatives. The Prime Minister was extremely upright. He came from a poor family and focused on real talent and learning. The young emperor wanted to win over these two people to open a back door for Gu Huaizhi and show favoritism, which was simply a daydream.

Gu Huaizhi's ability to win the first place in the imperial examination must be due to his real talent and learning. Since he has real skills, it is not a problem for him to be in the top ten in the palace examination.

All those who originally doubted that Gu Huaizhi's winning the first place in the imperial examination had all dispelled their suspicions.

Gu Huaizhi didn't know what everyone was thinking. After entering the Qinzheng Hall, he saw Jingyun sitting in the dragon chair. After nearly a year of training, he had some of the aura of a superior. He was able to control his emotions very well, but his eyes were particularly bright, and he could see that he was in a good mood.

On the side were Ji Xuan and the chief minister. Both of them knew his identity and were idle.

According to the rules, Chief Minister Xu asked a few questions. Seeing that Gu Huaizhi answered fluently and very brilliantly, he couldn't help but clapping his hands and said, "How do you feel about the imperial examination?"

"Bullying people?" Gu Huaizhi said slowly, "They think that I have a relationship with the emperor. I just won the first place and today I am in the top ten. Now that they see you two here, they just think that no matter how powerful I am, I can't get to your level of relationship in a short time. The emperor has no say. I rely on my real talent and knowledge. When my identity is exposed, they will think that it is true. I went through the back door."

Chief Minister Xu laughed dumbly.

"Just say it, I originally took the back door. Others will never be able to reach my position in their entire lives." Gu Huaizhi was very calm.

"You are so shameless." Xu Shoufu asked: "Do you want to post the top ten articles?"

"No need to do this, even if my articles are outstanding, they will think that I know the test questions in advance. I have been immersed in officialdom for many years, which is unfair to the candidates. I have gained benefits, but I will only bear a few curses." Gu Huaizhi is very open-minded: "Participating in the imperial examination is nothing more than to make it convenient for me."

Xu Shoufu coughed a few times and knew what Gu Huaizhi meant. He was a clear-headed person.

The goal is clear and every step is taken carefully.

"How is Zhao'er's health?" The regent frowned and said in a light voice: "You should be careful these days."

Gu Huaizhi said seriously: "Yes, I will trouble my father to take care of the government affairs in the palace."

Regent: "..."

He also has a wife to accompany him.

Gu Huaizhi's situation really cannot be entangled in government affairs. He glanced at Xu Shoufu.

Xu Shoufu turned his face away and coughed quietly. The old man is seriously ill and cannot worry about it.

Regent: "..."

He pinched his brow: "Okay, you accompany Zhao'er during this period."

Gu Huaizhi was annoying, so he waved his hand: "Go out."

Gu Huaizhi bowed smoothly and then left.

The people outside saw Gu Huaizhi coming out and wanted to ask a few questions, but were nudged by their classmates to stop talking.

Wang Xueqin, who was standing aside, saw Gu Huaizhi leaving, looked at the inner hall hesitantly, hesitated again and again, and caught up with him: "Can I go out now?"

Gu Huaizhi said lightly: "The summons are over, you can stay or leave as you like."

Wang Xueqin asked dryly: "Brother Gu, will the selection be based on the ranking order this time, or will young and outstanding Jinshi be selected from the second and third classes?"

Gu Huaizhi paused: "According to the usual practice."

Wang Xueqin breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't dare to think about the top three. If he was in the top ten, he could serve as a Shujishi and stay in the Hanlin Academy.

Then he was stunned, and Gu Huaizhi told him clearly that this was not a taboo at all. Is there anyone in his court?

Wang Xueqin was ashamed. One look at Gu Huaizhi, who was as beautiful as a orchid and a jade tree, and he always felt that his villain's heart was like a gentleman's.

Gu Huaizhi went back home alone.

There was a deck chair placed under a peach tree in the yard. Su Wan lay on it with a book covering her face, taking a nap in the warm sun.

He was startled for a moment, then walked over, and the wind blew the petals and fell on her dress and hair.

Gu Huaizhi touched her hand and it was warm, not cold.

Then he touched her round belly.

The child seemed to sense it, and immediately punched and kicked him, making a big fuss in the palace.

He could obviously tell which bulging bag was caused by his fists and which bag was kicked by his feet.

Su Wan took away his hand with her soft hand and said dissatisfiedly: "It just stopped, and it rebelled again when you came. I was afraid that it would stretch its belly..."

She lifted up her shorts, revealing her fair and huge belly. Her navel was flattened, shining in the sun, and her skin was very thin.

"Nonsense." Gu Huaizhi covered his belly with his clothes and said warmly: "It's windy outside, why don't you cover yourself with a thin blanket?"

"It's hot." Su Wan raised a leg and stepped on his leg: "My leg is sore, give me a squeeze."

Gu Huaizhi sat on the chair and squeezed her legs skillfully.

Su Wan sighed and said: "Mom said that if you win the first prize, you will be able to return to your hometown in fine clothes and tell the news to your ancestors."