Ji Xiaolan: Kill Qianlong at the beginning

"Zhang Xiang from Kaifeng, Henan, ranked twelfth."

An official handed a scroll wrapped in red cloth to a soldier.

"Wang Shi from Jinan, Shandong, ranked fifteenth."

The official repeated his previous actions.

……

The list of successful candidates was released, and the candidates gathered around it, discussing it animatedly.

Inside the room, Zhao Qing, dressed in men's clothing, stood quietly listening to what the people outside were saying.

Someone outside announced, "Report: Gao Yongsheng from Yanling Prefecture, Henan, ranked fifteenth."

Another person said, "Reporting, Wang Lin from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, is in eighth place."

More people shouted in succession:

"Report: Gao Guihu from Xuchang Prefecture, Henan Province, ranked twentieth."

"Report: Zhang Jun from Chang'an Prefecture, Shaanxi Province, ranked ninth."

"Report: Ma Wangfu from Baoding Prefecture, Henan Province, ranked thirteenth."

"Report: Ma Yongchang from Xuzhou Prefecture, Jiangsu Province, ranked sixth."

"Report: Li Changshou from Taiyuan Prefecture, Shanxi Province, ranked twenty-third."

Before anyone knew it, Zhao Qing had already sat down and was listening quietly.

……

"What are you two doing?"

"We're going to Yongle Inn, what about you?"

"Master Gao from Shanxi has passed the imperial examination! I'm going to deliver the news."

"Let's go and report this too."

"Walk."

The group met up and said this, then ran off.

"Hey, what are you doing?" one person touched the other's back.

The latter turned around and said, "What's wrong?"

The man said, "Your master passed the imperial examination."

"Really?" The other person was overjoyed.

"Let's go." The two ran off in a certain direction.

Heshen and Helin witnessed all of this.

He Lin said, "Brother, after this course, the He family army, if not completely wiped out, at least didn't work in vain."

Heshen laughed and said, "Ah, we're far from done yet; this is just the beginning. I'll definitely make a big splash in the next exam."

Lin said, "Okay, let's make our move as soon as possible."

……

Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The candidates stood in neat rows.

An official came out and said, "All candidates, listen to the proclamation."

The candidates all knelt down.

The official unfolded the list in his hand and announced loudly: "First place in the top tier: Li Ping. Second place: Han Shixin. Third place: Gan Xiaoxu."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qing stood up.

The official continued, "Fourth place: Zhao Xinjin. Fifth place: Zhang Chaoan. Those who have passed the imperial examination are awaiting the Emperor's summons."

The candidates whose names were not called left the scene in groups.

At this moment, Heshen and his men walked over, and someone greeted them.

Heshen had Zhao Qing follow him, and the two went to the side. Heshen said, "Gan Xiaoxu, I think you are a smart man. You were personally ordered by the Emperor to enter the examination. If you pass the examination, it will fulfill the Emperor's wish. If you disobey, the Emperor will blame you, and you will have more than one crime."

Zhao Qing made no comment.

Heshen said, "I believe you understand. Alright, I won't say anything more."

Zhao Qing still did not express her opinion.

……

All the candidates arrived at the gate, knelt down, bowed, and said in unison:

"Greetings to the Emperor."

Emperor Gaizhang, seated on the dragon throne, beckoned to the eunuch beside him.

The eunuch nodded, went outside the door, and loudly announced, "Summon the scholar to the palace."

The candidates entered the main hall.

Heshen nodded in satisfaction.

Mo Li smiled with relief.

……

While everyone was eating, Heshen and his entourage came over and sat down at the table.

The top scholar Li Ping noticed him, walked up to him, and said gratefully, "Lord He, you are my second parents. This title of top scholar was bestowed upon me by you."

Heshen waved his hand.

Li Ping continued, "From now on, I will serve Lord He like a beast of burden."

Heshen laughed and said, "In the future, say things like this at home. It's not convenient to say them here. Be careful that Mo Li and the others don't hear you. Come, sit down."

"Thank you, Lord Xie." The group sat down.