This villain has become a ghost

Qiu Shuangwan, who was bullied again, said: "..."

Good, good, the world in which only he is hurt is achieved.

Nangong Wanqing burst out laughing, and the meaningful smile disappeared with the wind.

She said, "...If you're tired, take a rest first, and we'll take care of the rest."

Yue Liuyun really felt very tired. He didn't sleep much last night, and he struggled to get up and walked such a long way. Now he felt like all his yang energy had been sucked out.

She thought for a moment, took out a letter from her bosom, handed it to Qiu Shuangwan, and said:

"Then I'll catch up on some sleep. Before the imperial examination begins, remember... to give this to Ling Chaomian."

Qiu Shuangwan took it and nodded repeatedly.

"Okay, leave it to us."

-

On the morning of the day of the announcement of the imperial examinations, the towering palace walls with red walls and golden tiles sparkled brightly under the rising sun.

The palace gates were closed, the doornails gleaming, and a gentle breeze blew. In the dim light of dawn, the streets of Dongdu were already bustling with activity. Today was the day for the announcement of the imperial examination results, the grand ceremony of calling out the names of the top three winners, and the people of Dongdu eagerly awaited the occasion.

Inside and outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials, dressed in court robes and official hats, rang out the drums and music at the command of the Rector of Ceremonies, officially beginning the ceremony. The Imperial Guards, with their procession and carriages, lined the hall in front of it. The Music Department's Harmonious Music Bureau performed the Zhonghe Shao music under the hall's eaves, while the Danbi Da music was performed inside the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

The princes and officials wore court robes, and the newly-appointed scholars wore the three-branched and nine-leafed crown, and were arranged at the end of the east and west steps according to their odd and even rankings.

However, the new top scholar disappeared.

The second place winner, Tan Tinghe, and the third place winner, Wei Sheng, were dressed in blue and green robes respectively, with expressions of confusion and anxiety on their faces.

Shen Yue frowned, wondering what they were doing.

Nangong Qianshang turned his gaze to Nangong Mingzhu.

In the main hall, the young emperor sat on the dragon throne, his eyes as sharp as torches, and his gaze swept calmly over everyone present.

Consort Shu was under house arrest, and Consort Xian declared herself gravely ill, so the emperor was flanked only by the younger Empress Dowager and Prince Xuan, Nangong Qianshang. Ye Zhaoxi seemed unaccustomed to such solemn occasions and appeared somewhat uneasy, her small hands nervously clutching her sleeves as if forcing composure.

Nangong Mingzhu glanced at her indifferently without saying anything.

The Minister of Personnel stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty... Today is the grand ceremony for the roll call of the newly minted scholars. Why has this newly crowned number one scholar disappeared?"

"You ask me?" Nangong Mingzhu said casually.

The Minister of Personnel choked and for a moment forgot what he wanted to say.

The court officials below were also discussing the matter.

Climbing the ladder isn't easy. Becoming the new top scholar is a tremendous honor. Today should be a day of unparalleled glory, but the protagonist hasn't arrived yet. Are you so ruthless? Aren't you afraid of offending the emperor, not only losing your position but also bringing about a fatal disaster?

And...isn't this a big deal? Why does the emperor look so calm?

Song Haotian frowned and stepped forward and said, "If Your Majesty needs it, can you order me to search for them?"

Nangong Mingzhu's voice was neither loud nor soft, as indifferent as the breeze, yet it carried an unquestionable majesty. He said:

"No need. The ceremony continues with the roll call for the second and third place winners."

What is this operation?

Song Haotian was surprised and said: "But..."

This is too ridiculous.

Nangong Mingzhu didn't say much, but just uttered two words, emphasizing each word:

"I said... continue."

Song Haotian had no choice but to retreat first.

The ministers and scholars looked at each other, but did not dare to say a word.

Or does it mean that the emperor already has murderous intentions and is now planning a big move?

Never mind, it has nothing to do with them anyway, just wait and see.

Tan Tinghe and Wei Sheng knelt before the emperor in turn and reported their names and places of origin to him.

Afterwards, the Grand Secretary brought out the golden list from the Hall of Supreme Harmony and placed it on the yellow table set in the middle of the red stone steps.

The official announcing the names of the successful candidates held the golden list in his hand, ready to read out the names aloud, but he felt a little nervous.

...Since the new number one scholar has not arrived yet, should he still call out her name?

Nangong Mingzhu glanced at him and said, "Just proceed as usual."

"Yes." The official in charge of heraldry said quickly.

After the announcement of the names was started, it was passed on by the gate and passed down to the steps, where the guards shouted out the names.

The herald officer took the imperial edict from the table and sang:

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, decrees that on March 27, the fourth year of Mingchang, the imperial examinations will be held to select the tribute scholars of the land.

The first place was awarded the title of Jinshi.

The second class was awarded the status of Jinshi.

The third class was granted the same status as a Jinshi.

The first place in the first class is Yue Liuyun.

The second place in the first class is Tan Tinghe.

Wei Sheng is the third place in the first class.

The second place winners include Feng Yan and seven others.

......"

……

As soon as the singing ended, all the civil and military officials immediately saluted the emperor and sang praises:

"Long live the emperor. Long live the emperor. Long live the emperor."

Nangong Mingzhu didn't raise his eyes and said calmly, "My dear ministers, please stand up."

Then, the Imperial Academy official took the gold plaque in his hands and began to address the audience:

"The nation's saints have been passed down from generation to generation, and the sound of string music and chanting fills the four seas..."

"..."

After the speech, the names of the top three were called out one by one. After that, the first place in the second class and the first place in the third class came up next. The five people came forward in turn to express their gratitude. Finally, it was the turn of all the new scholars ranked in the second and third classes.

Nangong Mingzhu tapped his cold fingers lightly on the armrest, as if waiting for the ceremony to end. He also looked at everyone below casually, as if thinking about something.

The newly-appointed Jinshi paid homage to the emperor four times, and the ceremony of announcing the names of the successful candidates was declared over.

The Imperial Academy steward held aloft the golden list, supported by a cloud disk. Guards held umbrellas and ceremonial guards, accompanied by drums and music. It was supposed to be the newly crowned top scholar, along with the other Jinshi, nobles, and officials, who followed the list. Instead, Tan Tinghe had no choice but to take her place. Everyone followed them to the east side of the square, where the list was hung. It remained there for three days.

Nangong Mingzhu was about to leave his seat.

At this time, Ling Chaomian arrived late and walked up the stairs.

He took off the white clothes he usually wore and put on court clothes. His long hair was tied up high and his sleeves fluttered, giving him the temperament of being "well-versed in geography and able to fly in the air".

Everyone turned their eyes to him, all of them were surprised.

Nangong Mingzhu glanced at him and raised his eyebrows, "...Isn't the Imperial Master ill?"

Ling Chaomian: “?”

When did he say that?

Originally, I simply didn't want to attend this kind of occasion, but now I have been entrusted by someone to come here, so I have no choice but to come.

Ling Chaomian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have been entrusted with an important matter."

Nangong Mingzhu looked at him quietly for a few seconds, and guessed something in his heart. He suddenly curled his lips, revealing a smile with a hint of coldness, and his eyes were stern.

He said coldly: "Speak."

Ling Chaomian realized that Nangong Mingzhu was in a bad mood and sighed in his heart, but still unfolded the letter in his hand and said in a deep voice:

"In your hands is the letter of apology from the newly crowned number one scholar, Yue Liuyun. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to read it aloud."