The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 46: Forty-Six Treasures

Zijiu was aware that Xu Zhen had a Hu person by her side and had heard that this Hu person could stay in Chang'an all thanks to Xu Zhen putting on a show in front of the Emperor.

At first, she thought of Xu Zhen as a good person, willing to offend the Emperor for the sake of her beloved, but now it seemed that she was just like anyone else.

The two continued discussing the autumn exam details.

Zijiu explained to Xu Zhen about the setup for the venue. The autumn exams were held in designated courtyards in each provincial city or in the imperial city, usually presided over by the Minister of Rites or the Deputy Minister.

Most students would be taking the Jinshi exam, which involved three sections: “Classical Texts, Strategic Questions, and Rhetoric.” Each section lasted for three days and nights. Once completed, the papers would be handed over to the Ministry of Rites for grading and selection, and then submitted to the Ministry of Personnel for review. Those who performed exceptionally well could be directly granted official positions, while those who merely passed would be eligible to participate in the palace examination in the spring of the following year.

After the palace examination, as long as one earned the Emperor’s favor, they would basically have the chance to be appointed as a local or minor official in the central government.

This year’s autumn exam was different from previous years because it would be based on questions set by the Emperor himself, making it effectively an imperial examination.

However, the grading and other procedures would still be handled by the Ministry of Rites, along with the supervision.

Examinations were a serious matter and could not be taken lightly.

While Zijiu spoke, Xu Zhen nodded, trying to understand and making note of the key points.

Once they were nearly done chatting, Zijiu glanced again at the small sword at Xu Zhen’s waist and smiled as she took her leave.

Xu Zhen didn’t quite understand the meaning behind that glance.

Having just begun her role as Minister, with responsibilities weighing heavily on her, she hurried off to grade the students’ assignments from Taixue after listening to what Zijiu had said.

Most of the writings were on classical texts or rhetoric, and occasionally there were some drawings—like plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, all beautifully crafted but holding little appeal for Xu Zhen.

After grading assignments until the afternoon, Xu Zhen finally finished and wearily gathered the papers to take them to the Taixue.

Tang Yanzhi followed closely behind her.

After walking a couple of steps, Xu Zhen turned back to ask, “Aren’t you worried about someone reporting you for being out like this?”

Tang Yanzhi still wanted to apologize for the previous incident.

If she hadn’t been so useless, Xu Zhen wouldn’t have been scolded because of her.

Today, she had come along to talk about what had happened before.

But Xu Zhen had obviously forgotten about it.

She asked, “By the way, where is the Taixue?”

Tang Yanzhi quickly replied, “To the east, at the Kaiyang Gate.”

Xu Zhen continued to ask, “Which way is east?”

Tang Yanzhi ran ahead to lead the way.

Following behind, Xu Zhen asked how Tang Yanzhi had been doing lately and whether she had gotten hurt during the heavy rain.