The Qin Dynasty entered the game with love.

The imperial examination was a major cultural event, and it was originally scheduled to begin two years ago. However, there was considerable resistance from powerful families, and the Guangtai Academy already had a thousand talented individuals, making the Qin state's talent pool somewhat saturated.

With annual entrance examinations, there was no shortage of basic-level talent, so the imperial examination system was put on hold.

Now that we are launching a major attack on the Zhao state, it will be too late to hold the imperial examinations again later. After discussing with Ying Zheng, we decided to start the imperial examinations every three years from this year.

The character "政" (politics) still earned him extra points; after three years of study, he had almost unified the Qin script.

To keep Zhang Liang from getting bored, Ying Ji granted him some power.

Zhang Liang wondered, "Would the King of Qin not approve of me getting involved in the imperial examinations?"

Ying Ji replied casually, "He entrusted this matter to me. I can do whatever I want. As long as things are done well, that's fine. Besides, I've been recovering well lately. Getting out and about is good for my health. These next few days will be perfect for him to stay by my side."

Zhang Liang's lips unconsciously curled up, and he transformed his peach blossom eyes into puppy eyes, blinking as he looked at Ying Ji.

"Princess, why are you so kind to me?"

Ying Ji couldn't resist such a seductive charm, so she pulled him over and kissed him: "Because you are Zhang Liang, my little lord, who else would I be nice to if not you?"

Zhang Liang, already somewhat used to it, nestled into the woman's arms and nuzzled her affectionately, saying, "Then I'll go with you."

Seeing how adorable the man was, Ying Ji picked him up and put him in the carriage.

"There is no time to lose. These exam questions must not be leaked. From today onwards, the deputy examiner will stay by my side. We must not let anyone steal the exam papers."

Zhang Liang immediately got into the zone: "Of course, if the exam questions were leaked, it would definitely be because someone secretly left."

Ying Ji nodded solemnly: "That's right, the deputy examiner is not allowed to leave, otherwise he will be punished according to family rules."

After saying that, he bounced the man around. In front of everyone, Zhang Liang poked the woman's waist, telling her not to do anything reckless.

Ying Ji raised an eyebrow but made no unnecessary movements.

The establishment of the Imperial Examination Office was like a trapped beast fighting for survival; one could only enter but not leave. All those involved in setting, judging, and revising the questions were not allowed to leave the Imperial Examination Office until the results were distributed and posted.

This test not only covers basic knowledge but also policy essays. The bonus questions are created by representatives from each subject, and you will get extra points if you can answer them correctly.

Ying Ji did not participate in setting questions, but only selected them. Zhang Liang was in an important position for the first time and found it novel, keeping him busy every day.

Ying Ji didn't say anything, but took good care of the person. As long as the body could hold on, she let Zhang Liang make arrangements for her.

An extremely easy-going woman, watching TV while holding her baby.

[Host, when will this country be destroyed? This side quest hasn't appeared in three years, my debt has reached 2783 gold, and host, you always make me take out loans. The main god is blocking me so badly, waaaah, other people's TV dramas haven't updated in ages.]

Ying Ji picked up the somewhat plump fox and stroked its fur: "I'm also very anxious, but I think they'll move east this year. Zhao Yan of Zhao has already ascended the throne. If we hold the imperial examinations now, they won't realize anything. Once they're indulging in pleasure, we can start to destroy the country. It'll just take a few more years, though; Zhao is a tough nut to crack."

[Host, but the Supreme God really won't give me a loan anymore, what should I do?]

Ying Ji took out a popcorn and popped it: [I'm taking out a big loan, a thousand at once, saying I'll get 1500 gold back in a year. I guess I can borrow some from other people.]

Tuanzi bristled: "No way! We'll still owe 4283 gold. Even if we destroy Zhao, we still won't be able to pay it back."

Ying Ji strokes her fur: [What's the rush? This is what I owe. We Tuanzi don't take out loans. Host will definitely pay it off for you. Think about it, do you want to go without any good food in the future?]

The little dumpling wagged its tail, its simple mind wavering slightly. It wasn't like it was the one paying back the money, after all; it seemed like it really could: "How about I borrow 2000 gold coins and pay it back 2500 a year? That seems cheaper."

Seeing that the little guy had already fallen into the trap, Ying Ji tried her best to tempt him: "Of course, the host will help you pay it back later. How about I give you 200 gold coins as your little treasury?"

The dumpling's tail wagged even more vigorously: 【Well... alright then, let's make this clear first, this loan is in your name. I happen to have a friend who's rather stingy, but he definitely has some secret stash of money. I'll ask him. Don't miss me these next few days, host.】

Ying Ji felt a pang of longing the moment Tuanzi disappeared: [Waaaaah, my drama is stuck at a crucial point! Did the male lead and the third male lead kiss? I haven't seen it yet!]

Without the dumplings, Ying Ji felt itchy all over and was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Bored, she could only look at the memorials, which only made her more bored.

Finally, he sent someone to summon Zhang Liang, who was then entangled by eight claws: "Liang, you haven't spent time with me for several days now. Why don't you work here with me for the next few days?"

Zhang Liang had just put down what he was doing when he was pestered by a coquettish tone, which made him both amused and exasperated: "The test questions will be distributed in the next few days, and I'm very busy. How about we wait a couple more days?"

Ying Ji didn't answer, but instead wrapped her arms and legs around the boy even tighter.

Zhang Liang had no choice but to move his affairs to Ying Ji's house.

A man who is serious and busy is exceptionally charming, which is why Ying Ji always likes to prepare some snacks while inviting people to dinner.

Eat some red plums, red beans, and imported fruits.

With the exam papers distributed, there's finally a moment of respite. The busy schedule will resume three days later when the exam papers from various regions are gathered. Before that, I can rest for a week.

Ying Ji would cling to anyone who could rest, from morning till night, wanting nothing more than to kiss and cuddle them.

Zhang Liang liked the princess's clinginess and indulged her. Several times they almost went too far, but since she was only half a year away from adulthood, Ying Ji was still very law-abiding.

But he tried many other tricks, and for several days the boy would unconsciously clench his buttocks whenever he saw Ying Ji.

The joyful time passed quickly. Seven days later, Ying Ji was no exception and spent her days grading exam papers.

After a month of intense work, the lists of the top three candidates were finally prepared.

As soon as she left the Imperial Examination Hall, Ying Ji couldn't help but burst into tears: "Heavens, I'm finally alive again."

Zhang Liang wasn't in good health. He had lost weight from exhaustion over the past month, and Ying Ji felt that a gust of wind could blow him over.

He picked up the deputy examiner and placed him in the carriage, then went straight back to the palace.

He hurriedly tossed the list to Ying Zheng and went straight to the Zifang Palace to catch up on sleep.

Ying Zheng felt that the two hadn't exchanged a single word upon meeting, and after throwing down the list, he turned and left.

After catching up on seven days of sleep, he finally recovered, and by then the list had already been posted.

The imperial examination happened to be today, and Ying Ji and Zhang Liang sat at the lower level to watch this year's new top scholar.

Ying Zheng, dressed in black royal robes, exuded an aura that required no words. Since taking control of the government, he had been decisive in his actions, appointed virtuous and capable officials, built the Zheng Guo Canal, established the Zhengzi (政字) system, and founded the Taixueyuan (太学院). His great talent and strategic vision were evident without needing to be explained in detail.