Chapter 2208: Meng Yunzheng, The Top Scorer!

Chapter 2208: Meng Yunzheng, The Top Scorer!


Everyone was stunned, but before they could react, the Emperor spoke directly, "From Shuntian Prefecture, Jin Lin, granted the title of Imperial Scholar, First Rank Tanhua."

Jin Lin, who stood at the forefront, was somewhat surprised. As someone from the capital's noble family, he had heard many things about Meng Yunzheng, and his thoughts were similar to many others.

He also believed that with only three people left in the hall, Meng Yunzheng should be the one to become the top scorer based on his appearance. As for himself, he should be in the top two ranks.

However, he didn't expect...

He might have thought that, but Jin Lin quickly stepped forward and knelt to express his gratitude for the imperial favor.

The Emperor nodded and said a few words before continuing, "From Luozhou, Chu Qiuping, granted the title of Imperial Scholar, First Rank Bingyan."

Chu Qiuping, in his forties, was a gentlemanly middle-aged man.

He didn't speculate like Jin Lin did, and even when he learned he was the second-ranked scholar, he remained calm and stepped forward to express his thanks.

Finally, there was only Meng Yunzheng left in the great hall.

The people present found it somewhat unbelievable. Wasn't the Emperor displeased with him? They shouldn't have misunderstood what was said during the previous examination hall meeting, right? The Emperor seemed to be chastising Meng Yunzheng.

They couldn't believe that he became the top scorer. What was more, he had secured the first place in all six rounds of examinations. This was unprecedented, especially considering his age.

The Emperor also mentioned this, "Meng Yunzheng, you've secured the first place in all six rounds of examinations, a rare achievement in history, especially at your age. Do you have anything to say?"

"I am deeply grateful for your favor, Your Majesty."

The Emperor paused, a bit puzzled by this simple response. "If you are so grateful for my favor, shouldn't you have accepted what I said earlier?"

The others were also puzzled. What did the Emperor mean? Besides the conversation they heard during the palace examination, what else had the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng discussed?

They had analyzed the previous conversation multiple times and understood that the Emperor had expressed dissatisfaction.

However, the Emperor did not elaborate further, only issuing a light cough to move on.

"From Changjin Prefecture, Meng Yunzheng, granted the title of Imperial Scholar, First Rank Top Scorer."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With the announcement of the names concluded, all the scholars had received their rankings.

The top three scholars with flower-decorated garments left through the Zhengyang Gate, escorted by musicians and attendants, preparing to ride through the streets.

The scholars from the second and third ranks left through the East and West Huamen Gates.

In the bustling streets of the capital, the atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was unprecedented.

Shu Yu sat in the upstairs elegant room of her own shop, along with Shu You, Madam Yao, Kang Shi, Madam Hou, and Xiao Shi, among others.

Zhao Xi, Da Niu, Yuan Gui, and the others were in another elegant room.

Madam Yao sat by the window with a broad view and said happily, "I didn't expect your shop's location to be so fortunate, providing us with the perfect place to watch the excitement."