RPAGF Chapter 346 Chen Xuan, the New Top Scholar
Chapter 346 Chen Xuan, the New Top Scholar
Chapter 346 Chen Xuan, the New Top Scholar
Just then, Ying Wuyou, with a smile on her face, said sweetly, "Father, do you know that the position of Tan Hua (third-place scholar) should, according to custom, be chosen from the person with the most outstanding appearance?"
The King of Qin, however, did not take it seriously and gently shook his head in rebuttal: "What use is mere good looks?"
Ying Wuyou blinked, a smile playing on her lips, and replied, "Father, you are mistaken. Good looks are not useless; sometimes they can be quite useful."
Faced with his daughter's coquettishness, the King of Qin couldn't help but find it amusing, but still followed her lead and asked, "In your opinion, what constitutes outstanding appearance?"
Ying Wuyou crossed his arms, tilted his head and thought for a moment before replying, "At least he has to be over eight feet tall, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, and an upright posture to be considered a handsome man with a good appearance."
The King of Qin nodded slightly in agreement: "Yes, I know this Li Yu. He is indeed handsome and dignified, and he is well-deserved to be selected as the third-ranked scholar."
Upon hearing this, Ying Wuyou laughed and said, "That's wonderful! Then I must find an opportunity to see this handsome third-place scholar in person."
Upon seeing this, the King of Qin couldn't help but laugh and scold, "You shameless girl!" However, there was no blame in his words, but rather his doting affection for his beloved daughter.
Before long, the officials who posted the imperial edict hung the list high. In an instant, the news spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys. Especially after learning that Chen Xuan had become the top scholar, the once peaceful courtyard erupted in excitement, with people running around spreading the news, their joy overflowing.
Most of these people came from impoverished families, barely making ends meet through hard work. For them, passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations) was already a stroke of good fortune, so how could the entire academy not be overjoyed when someone actually won the top prize and became the Zhuangyuan (the highest-ranking scholar in the imperial examinations)? Everyone exclaimed with pride, as if they themselves had shared in this glory.
Deng Zhou's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sincere smile, and he said slowly, "Congratulations!" Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan was momentarily dazed, as if he were in a dream, unable to believe what was happening before his eyes.
It's important to understand that although Chen Xuan had a certain level of confidence in himself when participating in the imperial examination, his humble origins made him worlds apart from the princes and nobles. He had initially envisioned achieving a decent ranking, but now he had become the remarkable top scholar!
This is an unprecedented event in the history of the imperial examinations! Chen Xuan felt a surge of excitement rush to his head, and his originally fair face instantly turned bright red, like a ripe apple. Even his breathing became rapid.
Not long after, a deafening sound of gongs and drums echoed from outside, resounding through the sky. Immediately afterwards, a large group of officials in their uniforms, looking imposing and dignified, marched in with orderly and powerful steps toward where Chen Xuan was.
Chen Xuan saw the group of officials in the distance and immediately understood their purpose: they had come to congratulate him. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the surging excitement within him. He closed his eyes slightly, regulated his breathing, and attempted to calm his wildly beating heart. However, although he appeared calm and composed on the surface, his bright eyes still betrayed a hint of nervousness and anticipation.
As the officials approached with steady, solemn steps, one of them slowly extended his hands, unfurling the golden imperial edict he held tightly. At that moment, the previously noisy and bustling hall fell into absolute silence; you could hear a pin drop. All eyes were fixed on the imperial edict, a symbol of unparalleled glory.
"Chen Xuan, the top scholar of this imperial examination! You must be Chen Xuan!" The official, dressed in a magnificent robe, announced in a loud voice, his face filled with joy and authority.
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to the person named—Chen Xuan. Although they already knew that Chen Xuan was the top scholar in this imperial examination, they still found it hard to believe when these words were clearly spoken again by the official. After all, the top scholar was incredibly prestigious, one in a million, a truly exceptional individual who had passed through countless rounds of selection. And now, this remarkable top scholar was standing right before them, someone they had spent countless days with.
What's even more astonishing is that Chen Xuan, born into poverty, managed to break through the competition among numerous nobles and achieve the top prize. This undoubtedly brings boundless hope to other students from impoverished backgrounds who also harbor dreams. From now on, perhaps more and more children from humble backgrounds like them will be able to rise above their circumstances and achieve success through their own efforts. Thinking of this, everyone present was deeply moved and unable to contain their excitement.
All eyes turned to Chen Xuan, who stood in the center of the crowd. These gazes contained a variety of complex emotions: some were amazed by his outstanding talent, some were filled with envy for his current brilliant achievements, and others sincerely praised this young talent.
Upon hearing his name read aloud in public, Chen Xuan's face broke into a radiant smile, as bright as the spring sun. At the same time, his eyes welled up with tears, glistening at the corners as if they might spill over at any moment.
Chen Xuan calmly straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, then respectfully gave the official a standard salute and said slowly, "My name is Chen Xuan."
As soon as he finished speaking, the official who had read the imperial edict earlier smiled and spoke again: "The newly appointed top scholar must ride through the streets on horseback to demonstrate His Majesty's favor. Young Master Chen, please make the necessary preparations quickly." With that, the official turned slightly to the side and waved his hand behind him, signaling the people behind him to quickly bring forward a bright red robe that had already been prepared for Chen Xuan to change into.
Seeing this, Chen Xuan quickly reached out and carefully took the magnificent red robe from the attendant's hands. In that instant, the students who had been watching from the sidelines seemed to be ignited with passion, instantly crowding around him excitedly. Their faces beamed with undisguised excitement, and they patted Chen Xuan's shoulder enthusiastically, rattling off a string of words filled with heartfelt blessings and congratulations.
Faced with such enthusiastic classmates and friends, Chen Xuan was filled with gratitude. He changed into his new clothes quickly and methodically, smiling as he responded to everyone's congratulations. Soon, once he was fully dressed in his brand-new red clothes, Chen Xuan looked dashing and distinguished. At that moment, the surrounding crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.
Surrounded by a crowd like stars around the moon, Chen Xuan steadily walked towards a tall, powerful, and glossy-coated horse. He nimbly leaped onto its back and settled firmly. Then, with a gentle flick of the reins, he guided the magnificent steed slowly towards the street.