Princess Promotion

At the same time, the notice board at the city gate was crowded with people, and the people were vying to look at a newly posted imperial examination notice.

This is not just a piece of paper, it is a symbol of hope and an opportunity to change your destiny.

Before this, they had never thought that ordinary people would have the opportunity to rise to the top and become officials.

In the crowd, an old man trembled as he squeezed to the front. Tears glistened in his eyes and his hands trembled as he stroked the notice.

He kept muttering, "Is this true? Can peasants like us become officials?"

His voice was not loud, but it was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

The people around began to whisper, some were surprised, and some were half-believing and half-doubting.

A young man waved his arms excitedly and shouted, "This is our chance! As long as we study hard, we can become successful people!"

His words were like a fire, igniting the passion in everyone's hearts.

A middle-aged woman, holding her child, said with tears in her eyes, "My son will also take the imperial examination in the future. He wants to become an official and bring honor to our family."

As the news spread, more and more people gathered.

Li Qing stood in front of the city gate, his eyes fixed on the imperial examination notice that had just been posted.

His heart was beating so fast that it seemed like it was about to jump out of his chest.

He rubbed his eyes, afraid that he had seen it wrong, but the words on the paper were clearly written.

Anyone who is committed to the country and the people, regardless of their social status, can take the imperial examination and display their talents.

"I... I can also be an official?" Li Qing murmured to himself, with excitement that was hard to conceal in his voice.

He felt a surge of blood in his heart, as if a flame was burning.

He never thought that a person like him who came from a poor family would have the opportunity to pass the imperial examination and enter the officialdom.

He once envied those scholars who came from wealthy families and could easily achieve fame and honor without any effort.

He knew that his talent was not inferior to anyone else's, he just lacked a good background.

Li Qing clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, causing bursts of stinging pain.

But he was completely unaware of it, and his heart was beating abnormally fast.

Li Qing hurriedly passed through the bustling crowd, trying to hurry back to prepare for the exam.

However, just as he was about to step out of the crowd.

A sudden force knocked him hard, almost making him lose his balance.

Li Qing exclaimed and quickly steadied himself.

He looked up and saw a middle-aged man in a green shirt standing in front of him, with a look of surprise and apology between his brows.

"Sorry, I left too hastily." The middle-aged man bowed slightly, his tone sincere.

Li Qing shook his head, indicating that he was fine.

He noticed that the man's eyes revealed a hint of complex emotions, as if he was thinking about something important.

"Are you...Mr. Liu?" Li Qing asked tentatively.

He had met this retainer at Lord Wu's residence and knew that he was quite famous in the literary circle.

Mr. Liu was slightly startled, then nodded: "Exactly. You know me too?"

Li Qing smiled, briefly introduced himself, and mentioned a previous encounter.

But Mr. Liu's mind was obviously not here. After a brief greeting, the two of them left.

Mr. Liu looked at Li Qing's departing back, feeling mixed emotions.

The temptation of the imperial examination attracted him like a magnet, but reason was like a high wall, ruthlessly blocking him outside the door.

He knew that his relationship with the Wu family had long been inextricably linked and difficult to sever.

Mr. Liu came from a poor family and was well-read and knowledgeable since childhood.

He longs to realize his ideals and ambitions through his talents.

However, the hardship of life forced him to bow his head and become a retainer of the Wu family.

As a retainer of the Wu family, he must obey the orders of Lord Wu and consider the interests of the Wu family.

He had to participate in the action of undermining the imperial examination system, which made him feel extremely painful and helpless.

Mr. Liu closed his eyes, feeling a sense of sadness in his heart.

He knew that he had lost the opportunity to take the imperial examination and could no longer fight for his dream.

He could only watch those who came from poor backgrounds like him change their fate through the imperial examinations.

And he could only lament silently the tricks of fate here.

Mr. Liu sighed deeply, turned around and left, his steps heavy and firm.

He knew that although this road was difficult, he had to go on.

There was no turning back for him.

At the same time, on the other side of the imperial capital, Li Yinhan rushed back to the imperial capital exhausted.

There was a hint of fatigue on his face, but there was a determination glint in his eyes.

At this moment, he was eager to enter the palace and report the situation to Yao Chuguang.

As he was hurriedly walking down the street, he passed Mr. Liu.

Neither of them noticed the other, each lost in their own thoughts.

Xiao Liang, who was following Li Yinhan, also noticed the notice about the imperial examination system on the street.

His eyes were drawn to it and he read the contents carefully.

He was shocked and did not expect that the court would introduce such a policy.

Although Xiao Liang came from a powerful family, he did not agree with the interest transactions in the court.

He knew very well that those powerful people would often use any means necessary to fight for power and interests.

He was extremely dissatisfied and indignant about the fact that the interests of the court and the people were even sacrificed.

Therefore, when he saw the notice about the imperial examination system, he thought it was a good thing.

Some people looked happy, with hope glimmering in their eyes.

Some people frowned and sneered in disdain.

A group of playboys stood not far away. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes and behaved arrogantly.

They looked at the crowd in front of the bulletin board with contempt in their eyes.

They did not dare to directly destroy the announcement, but expressed their dissatisfaction in another way.

One of the dandies said loudly: "Humph, these common people are really wishful thinking."

"You think you can be on par with us just because you know a few words? You even dare to take the imperial examination? What a joke!"

Another dandy boy chimed in, "That's right, the imperial examination is just a sham."

"The personnel list has already been finalized. It would be a waste of effort for them to go."

As soon as they finished speaking, the other playboys joined in with bursts of shrill laughter.

They pointed at the crowd unscrupulously, as if they were watching a farce.

However, faced with these arrogant playboys, everyone could only be angry but not speak out.

They either lowered their heads and avoided each other's gaze.

Or clench your fists, but then loosen them weakly.

No one dared to stand up and refute, because they knew that there were powerful forces behind these playboys, and if they offended them, the consequences would be unimaginable.

For a moment, the atmosphere under the city gate became extremely depressing.

Only the laughter of the playboys echoed in the air, irritating everyone's nerves.

At this moment, a clear voice broke the silence: "You are going too far!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young scholar standing out. Although he was dressed simply, his eyes were firm and fearless.

The scholar shouted, "The imperial examination system is to select talents. Everyone has equal opportunities. Why do you look down on us?"

His words were powerful and inspired everyone.

The faces of the dandies were filled with anger and disdain, and they were about to teach the scholar who dared to refute them a lesson.

However, at this moment, the soldier guarding the announcement came out.

He is tall and strong, with sharp eyes, and it is obvious that he is a veteran who has been on the battlefield for a long time.

He stood between the scholar and the dandy, shouting, "Stop! This is the city gate, you are not allowed to make trouble!"

The dandies were intimidated by the soldiers' momentum and stood there in a daze for a moment.

But the dandy young man in the lead was still unwilling to give in. He glared at the soldier and shouted, "Do you know who I am? I am..."

The soldier interrupted him and said coldly, "I don't know who you are, but I know Lord Yu Zhijian. If you start a fight in the street, you'll get a beating. Do you want to try it?"

When they heard Yu Zhijian's name, the faces of the playboys changed instantly.

Of course they knew this killer, who had investigated and beheaded more than a hundred officials in just half a month. His ruthless methods and decisive actions were terrifying.

Ordinary people highly respect Yu Zhijian and think he is a hero who eliminates harm for the people.

But for these playboys, Yu Zhijian is the person they fear the most.

The dandies looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally they left the scene in shame, not daring to get entangled with the soldiers and scholars anymore.

After the soldier drove the playboy away, the scholar nodded to him to express his gratitude.

The soldier smiled slightly and then returned to his post to continue performing his duties.

Xiao Liang stood aside, watching all this silently.

There was surprise and confusion in his eyes, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

The scene before me was so unfamiliar. It had only been a month since I left, and yet, earth-shaking changes had already taken place.

In the past, it was common for these playboys to cause trouble in the city.

They rely on their family background and connections to act tyrannically and no one dares to mess with them.

And those soldiers often just turn a blind eye, and sometimes even take advantage of the situation and bully the weak.

But now, everything has changed.

Not only did the soldiers take the initiative to stop the behavior of the playboys, but they also scared them away in disgrace.

This made Xiao Liang feel very surprised and shocked.

And who is Yu Zhijian?