Female Supremacy and Rise to Power: Lin Shu's Imperial Examination Adventures

"Oh? What brilliant plan does Zhao'er have?" The Empress became interested upon hearing Feng Zhao's words.

Feng Zhao raised his head, his gaze resolute as he looked at the Empress, and said loudly, "In my opinion, first of all... (abba aba, ten thousand words omitted here)"

"Good, very good. The Crown Princess's suggestion has been meritorious, saving the people from suffering. She should be richly rewarded." After Feng Zhao finished speaking, the Empress nodded repeatedly to express her appreciation. "Someone, draft an edict. Crown Princess Feng Zhao shall take over this matter from this day forward. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works must fully cooperate. I want to see results within three months."

"My son, I obey."

"The minister obeys the order."

The Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works immediately stepped forward and received the imperial decree together with the Crown Princess.

However, the Third Princess Feng Qing, standing to the side, had a gloomy expression. Her second sister was truly cunning; with a single scheme, she had brought the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works under her control, and with the addition of the Ministry of War, where her maternal family's General Zhenguo was located, she had taken over half of the six ministries. Moreover, if this matter succeeded, she would surely accumulate a great deal of prestige among the people.

Thinking of this, she said in a sarcastic tone, "I never expected that my royal sister would have such a good plan. However, I have some doubts. Why didn't you come up with it before? It caused the people of my Fengming Kingdom to be displaced and suffer heavy casualties."

Upon hearing this, the Empress glanced at her ambitious third daughter and frowned slightly.

Feng Zhao smiled slightly, bowed to the Empress, and said, "Mother, to be honest, this good plan is not my doing. I only obtained it recently."

"Oh? Who came up with such a brilliant idea? I wonder if I recognize it?" the Empress asked with great interest.

"This plan came from the examination papers of Mengzhou Prefecture, and the person who offered the plan was none other than Lin Shu, who ranked first in this examination." Speaking of this person, a hint of appreciation appeared on Feng Zhao's gentle and refined face.

The Empress was taken aback at first, but then praised her highly: "Good! With such a talent in Fengming, how can we not prosper! Once she passes the exam in the capital, I will definitely see for myself what kind of person she is."

The court was immediately in an uproar. His Majesty's words meant that Lin Shu would definitely get an official position no matter what, and even if things went badly later, she would not be allowed to fail the exam. What good luck!

After court, Feng Qing returned to the Princess's residence and couldn't help but smash a lot of things. Her advisors, seeing this, advised, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. Perhaps someone is even more anxious than we are!"

"You mean... that idiot eldest princess?" Upon hearing this, Feng Qing thought for a moment, then suddenly realized, immediately composed herself, and said to the door, "Someone, tell Her Highness the eldest princess 'in detail' what happened in court today. Also, have the people in Mengzhou Prefecture win over Lin Shu as soon as possible..."

Princess's Mansion.

While Feng Zhao's advisors were happy that the Crown Princess had taken over the two ministries, they were also somewhat wary of Lin Shu. If she couldn't be used by them, then...

After listening to the opinions of her advisors, the Crown Princess confidently said, "It doesn't matter. If this person is easily won over, what difference does it make whether he is first or last? Besides, I have confidence in my own abilities." From this person's writing style, one can tell that he is a man of unwavering integrity.

"However, it wouldn't hurt to have someone make contact. I remember Xiao Qi is still in Mengzhou Prefecture, right? Sending a message to him is to have him check out that exceptionally talented person on my behalf..."

"Yes, Your Highness."

……

At this moment, on the top floor of Tianxiang Tower in Mengzhou Prefecture.

A seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy was lying on a soft couch when he heard the middle-aged man below speak. He almost rolled off the couch in a flash: "What did you say? My sister wants me to make contact with that forest or that tree? No way! I'm already in love with someone, Zhu Lin... where are you?"

The middle-aged man rushed over and helped the person up, muttering, "Oh dear! My little darling! Be careful!"

"Daddy, I'm fine! Tell me quickly, what is my elder sister thinking?" Xiao Yu, or rather Feng Yu, was puzzled at this moment, wondering why her elder sister would do such a thing.

After confirming that Feng Yu was alright, the wet nurse said, "Her Highness the Crown Princess probably just thinks this person has some talent and wants the Seventh Prince to evaluate him for her."

Feng Yu suddenly realized, but still looked troubled, saying, "Then let's go take a look. It just so happens that the 'Ink Fragrance Poetry Gathering' is just around the corner in May, so this prince will reluctantly stay and check on behalf of my elder sister. You go and tell Aunt..." Great! Aunt is setting off back to the capital tomorrow, so this is a good opportunity to avoid her. I still need to find someone...

……

Lin Shu was unaware that these people were already eager to propose to him. She was currently taking a walk with Su Mu in her own courtyard. Originally, the master of ceremonies was supposed to go with Su Mu to propose marriage, but because Su Mu was unwell, Song Yun accompanied Xue Wen to Yun County with the betrothal gifts and betrothal papers to propose marriage.

"Are you feeling unwell today?" Lin Shu looked at his pale face, which hadn't looked good for almost a month, and hadn't noticed it at all before.

"I feel fine, and I'm sleeping well now after taking the medicine. Besides, every man in the world goes through this." Su Mu rested his head on Lin Shu's chest, his eyes overflowing with tenderness. He reached out and touched his stomach, then looked at Lin Shu, who was holding his waist. This was the life he wanted, exactly the same as his childhood dream.

Lin Shu nodded. Indeed, childbirth for men here was just as difficult as it had been for women in her previous life, and even more dangerous. However, the men all hoped to bear children with their wives, children of their own blood. She wouldn't try to change Amu's mind with her own ideas, because deeply ingrained beliefs couldn't be changed so easily. She could only do her best to give them the best.

Su Mu suddenly remembered something and asked, "The provincial examination is the day after tomorrow, my wife, are you ready...?"

"Don't worry, Amu. Just take good care of yourself." Lin Shu shook her head helplessly.

The two talked for a while longer until they saw that Su Mu was tired, then they took him back to his room to rest.

……

Two days later, the provincial examination was held.

The provincial examination, presided over by the provincial education commissioner, lasted two days and was held at the examination hall. It consisted of two sessions: the first, the formal examination, tested candidates with two essays and one poem; the second, the re-examination, tested candidates with one essay and one poem. After the examinations, a long table was distributed, with the candidate ranked first being designated as the head of the table.

At the entrance of the examination hall.

A young woman dressed as a female yamen runner is checking the candidates' household registration and family support records. After she finishes checking, she will ask them to go into the inner room to undress. There, someone will check for any smuggled items. Only after a series of checks are completed will their names be called out. After the guarantor confirms their identity, they can enter the examination room.

"Liu Qiqi, a native of Yun County, facial features: average appearance, single eyelids, short stature..."

Lin Shu looked in the direction of the constable's voice, and the constable naturally saw her as well. He was first ashamed and indignant, and then angrily gave her a thumbs-down gesture.

"She's sick!" Li Yun'er was about to rush forward when Lin Shu stopped her.

"Don't pay any attention to it." Lin Shu didn't want to cause trouble.

About fifteen minutes later it was Lin Shu and the others' turn. The bailiff read out:

"Li Yun'er, a native of Yun County, facial features: above-average appearance, almond-shaped eyes, broad and plump..."

Li Yun'er quietly turned around and said to Lin Shu, "Now I finally understand why Liu Qiqi was so ashamed and angry!"

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