The Great Yan Dynasty pioneered the implementation of the imperial examination system for official recruitment. When this news was announced, poor scholars across the land rejoiced and spread the word eagerly.

Where there is joy, there is also opposition. The opposing voices naturally came from the old aristocratic families whose vested interests were threatened. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t overpower the emperor. Although the current emperor had a reputation for being henpecked and his governance was generally lenient, he could be ruthlessly efficient when needed. Unlike the previous Liu dynasty, he didn’t need to rely on these local aristocrats to stabilize his rule. So after a brief period of chaotic opposition, the matter was settled. Moreover, not all aristocratic families opposed the examination system. Some enlightened individuals supported it, with the most famous representative being Gao Heng from Bohai Commandery.

Gao Heng came from a prestigious family. Although he had never held office, the Gao clan was a prominent family in Bohai, and Gao Heng himself was known as the “Crown of Bohai,” his reputation known to all. Shortly after the court announced the imperial examination system, when various aristocratic families were criticizing this new policy, he was the first to publicly express his support. Not only that, but he was also the first person in Bohai Commandery to voluntarily participate in the first imperial examination.

When this news spread, the entire Bohai Commandery was abuzz with discussion.

According to the detailed examination system that had been announced, the county-level, prefecture-level, and metropolitan examinations would all implement a strict anonymous grading system. As this was the first examination since the founding of the dynasty, the emperor attached great importance to it. To truly select talents and prevent fraud, the court dispatched officials to supervise the entire process in all thirteen provinces and one district across the country. If any private favoritism or fraud was discovered and verified, the heads of the involved officials and scholars would be at risk.

In other words, this would be a selection test based entirely on merit. With Gao Heng’s reputation, if he wanted to become an official, he didn’t need to take such a risky approach. In fact, in the eyes of others, this move was almost as shocking as it was unconventional.

Not to mention willingly lowering his status to participate in the examination with ordinary scholars, even if he ended up taking the top spot, it would only be icing on the cake for him. But if he were eliminated, it would be a stain on his reputation.

Gao Heng’s relatives and friends all came to dissuade him, but he wouldn’t listen. Instead, he was full of confidence and said with a smile: “The new dynasty is eliminating old malpractices and bringing about renewal in all things. The imperial examination system is like a fresh breeze caressing the face, its fragrance filling my nostrils. It shows the court’s intention to use talents without bias. As scholars, we are fortunate to encounter such a clear and benevolent government. We should do our utmost to serve, how can we hold back for the sake of preserving some previous shallow fame?”

When these words spread, everyone in and around Bohai couldn’t help but admire him.

Under the “star effect” of Gao Heng, some other aristocratic families, to show their loyalty to the new emperor, also sent their children to participate in the examination. In a short time, it became quite a trend.

Gao Heng’s words not only showed great class but were also full of confidence.

He indeed had the capital to be so confident. Not only was he extremely talented and well-versed in archery and horsemanship, but he also had insightful views on policy discussions. He passed the county and prefectural examinations smoothly, and in the spring of the following year, he went to Luoyang to participate in the final metropolitan examination as the top scorer from his prefecture. When the final rankings came out, he was listed among the top three along with two other scholars.

The chief examiner, the great scholar Fang Xi from the Imperial Academy, didn’t dare to make the decision himself. He separately listed the three answer sheets, along with all the other passing exam papers, and presented them to the emperor, asking him to personally determine the rankings.

……

In the afternoon, the bright sun shone on the layers of dark green glazed tiles of the palace buildings, with their ridge animals standing proud and eaves curling upwards.

Inside the Huaguang Hall of the North Palace, where the emperor and empress resided daily, a gold-inlaid bronze incense burner with a mountain-shaped lid slowly emitted wisps of fragrant smoke, swirling and dispersing. The immortals and spiritual birds carved on the burner’s waist seemed to be floating as if one were in the legendary Penglai Mountain on the sea.

Inside the hall, layer upon layer of gauze curtains filtered the bright light, gradually dimming as it reached the inner chamber.

Several colorfully dressed palace maids stood quietly in the corners of the hall, holding their breath as they waited for the empress to wake from her afternoon nap.

……

Fang Xi, granted a seat by the emperor, sat upright on an embroidered couch, eloquently evaluating the results of this metropolitan examination.

The emperor, behind his desk, listened to his evaluation while looking at the three selected answer sheets.

The paper exam sheets made a soft rustling sound as they turned between his fingers.

Half a year ago, after repeated experiments, the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works finally produced a paper that could completely replace silk and bamboo slips for smooth writing.

The newly made paper, unlike the coarse quality of the past that was unfit for formal use, was not only white and flexible, making it easy to write on, but also much cheaper than silk. The Ministry of Works spread the papermaking method throughout the country, and it quickly became widespread in a short time. For this imperial examination, as ordered by the court, all candidates’ answers were written on paper.

“Your Majesty, these three answer sheets were selected after careful review and repeated deliberation by us old ministers. They rank in the top three, especially the one by Gao Heng from Bohai…”

As Fang Xi was speaking, suddenly there came the sound of light footsteps behind him, as if someone was running and jumping in the imperial study.

This was extremely improper, especially since this was the emperor’s study.

Who would dare to be so unrestrained as to run and jump in front of the emperor?

Fang Xi paused, and then he heard a clear, tender child’s voice from behind: “Father Emperor!” Turning his head, he saw a little girl had entered the doorway.

The girl was only about two years old, but she was already exquisitely beautiful, and extremely lovable. She had a fringe of jet-black bangs across her forehead, with two little pigtails on either side. Her skin was snow-white, her eyes jet-black, and she wore a soft pink dress. She ran towards the emperor, bouncing and skipping as if no one else was there. When she reached him, she clung to the emperor’s arm and said in her childish voice, “Father Emperor, what are you looking at?”

Earlier, when the emperor was listening to his evaluation of the exam papers, Fang Xi felt that he seemed distracted for some reason, and even appeared a bit displeased.

This made Fang Xi feel uneasy, suspecting that the top three essays he had selected didn’t meet the emperor’s approval, so he had been vigorously explaining.

But now, he saw the emperor smile, picking up the little girl no bigger than a small radish and sitting her on his lap. Only then did he continue to flip through the exam papers.

Fang Xi was secretly amazed.

He naturally recognized that the little girl who had suddenly run into the imperial study was Princess Changning, the beloved daughter of the emperor and Empress Qiao.

He had also heard that the emperor doted on the princess extremely, not only allowing her free access to the imperial study, but even when discussing affairs with ministers if the princess happened to be there and didn’t want to leave, the emperor would simply hold her on his lap.

He hadn’t expected to witness this scene today.

Seeing the little princess sitting on the emperor’s lap, leaning on the imperial desk, resting her chin on her hands and tilting her head slightly, her eyes wide open staring at himself, Fang Xi couldn’t help but cough dryly. With a serious expression, he sat up even straighter and continued where he had left off: “Your Majesty, especially Gao Heng from Bohai, his essay is profound and beautiful, full of heavenly talent. His policy discussion answers are cut right to the point, and his writing is brilliant. This man not only has a reputation for talent, but in this imperial examination, the top position is well-deserved…”

The emperor had already put down the documents and looked at Fang Xi for a moment. At first, he said nothing, then suddenly his finger tapped the desk forcefully, making a loud “tak” sound.

Fang Xi was startled and stopped speaking.

The emperor said expressionlessly, “We understand. You may leave now!”

Fang Xi was unwilling to give up and quickly stood up, explaining further: “The top three papers from the metropolitan examination were selected collectively, and only after opening the name section did this old minister know that this paper was written by Gao Heng from Bohai. There was no favoritism. And it’s not just this old minister who was moved by his writing, the Prime Minister also praised Gao Heng’s paper endlessly after reading it—”

“Leave now.”

The emperor repeated, his tone even colder.

The little princess quickly turned her head to look at her father. Seeing his stern face, she jumped down from his knee and ran to Fang Xi. Looking up at him, she said softly, “My Father Emperor is not happy! The last time there was someone, my Father Emperor told him not to speak, but he kept talking and made my Father Emperor unhappy. In the end, he was scolded. So pitiful…”

Fang Xi racked his brains but couldn’t figure out how he had offended the emperor. His face alternated between red and white. Looking down, he saw the little princess gazing at him with sympathetic eyes. Touched, he managed a smile and bowed respectfully to her in thanks, then had no choice but to withdraw.

……

Xiao Qiao had accompanied Wei Shao in reviewing memorials until late the previous night, and after returning to her palace, she hadn’t slept well. Feeling drowsy at noon, she had taken a nap. After a long sleep, she woke up languidly and, opening her eyes to find Fei’er not by her side, asked the palace maids about her whereabouts.

The maids tied back the layers of light gauze curtains that blocked the sunlight, and the inner chamber was immediately filled with light.

One of them smiled and said, “Earlier, the little princess woke up and ordered us not to wake the empress. She quietly got out of bed herself, saying she wanted to find His Majesty. Spring Aunty took her there.”

Fei’er was now over two years old and was spoiled by her father to the point of almost being able to climb roofs and uncover tiles. When the emperor finished his morning court and was discussing affairs with ministers in the imperial study, if it wasn’t a major matter, the little princess would suddenly pop her head out from behind the imperial desk, giving unsuspecting ministers like Gongsun Yang a fright. This was a common occurrence.

Not only did the emperor not mind, but every time this happened, he would pick her up and sit her on his knee.

Then, the ministers would have to continue speaking while facing the little princess, who would be tilting her head, lying on the edge of the desk, staring intently at their moving mouths.

Such a scene had probably become commonplace for the ministers.

After combing her hair, seeing that Fei’er hadn’t returned, Xiao Qiao lightly touched up her makeup and left Huaguang Hall.

Since ascending the throne, Wei Shao had been diligent in governance, often reviewing memorials until late into the night before returning to the palace to rest.

At this hour, the morning court should have adjourned, and he would likely be in the imperial study.

……

Fang Xi, feeling dejected and confused, left the imperial study. As he was walking along the palace corridor, he saw Empress Qiao approaching from the opposite direction, accompanied by palace attendants. She was as beautiful as a flower, adorned with pearls and jade, looking like a celestial fairy. He quickly stopped at the side of the path from afar, and when she came near, he greeted her.

Xiao Qiao smiled and asked, “Has the Scholar come to see His Majesty about the metropolitan examination?”

Fang Xi knew that the idea of the imperial examination system had originated from Empress Qiao, and the emperor always listened to the empress’s advice. This was no longer a secret in the court. In front of her, there was nothing to conceal, so he said, “Indeed. This minister has just presented the top three exam papers to His Majesty. As for who will be named the top scholar, that is for His Majesty to decide.”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Who are these top three?”

Fang Xi reported the names of the other two and said, “Among the three, the youngest, whose name Your Highness may have heard, is Gao Heng from Bohai.”

Remembering the emperor’s reaction when he was evaluating Gao Heng’s essay, he was still puzzled and couldn’t help but complain: “Forgive this minister’s boldness, but I must say one more thing to Your Highness. His Majesty’s initiative of the imperial examination system for official recruitment is a matter of great importance to the state. Since His Majesty has entrusted this old minister with such a heavy responsibility, I must exert all my efforts and dare not be the least bit negligent. In this old minister’s opinion, Gao Heng’s essay is like a brocade, showing a mind as vast as the universe. The top position is truly well-deserved. However, when this old minister was recommending Gao Heng to His Majesty earlier, His Majesty seemed to have reservations. If his previous reputation causes him to be overlooked to avoid suspicion of favoritism, it would be a shame and also go against His Majesty’s original intention of establishing the imperial examination system to recruit talents from all over the world.”

Xiao Qiao naturally knew that Gao Heng had participated in the first imperial examination. When she first heard the news, she was quite surprised, and even more so to learn that he had made it to Luoyang.

While others might not know what was going on in the emperor’s mind, Xiao Qiao could usually guess eight or nine out of ten. She immediately understood what was happening. Looking at the puzzled face of the Imperial Academy Scholar Fang Xi, she smiled and said, “Even if His Majesty doesn’t choose him, he must have his consideration. Besides, the decision hasn’t been made yet. Scholar, please return and wait for the news.”

After Fang Xi left, Xiao Qiao entered the imperial study.

Spring Aunty and several palace attendants were standing outside the study. Seeing her arrive, they quickly came forward.

“The princess is inside. Earlier when she woke up, she wanted to come find His Majesty,” Spring Aunty said in a low voice.

Xiao Qiao nodded and entered. She saw Fei’er kneeling on Wei Shao’s lap. Wei Shao was holding his daughter with one arm and holding an exam paper with the other hand, reading it sentence by sentence to Fei’er, asking, “What does Fei’er think of this essay? Should we choose it for the top position?”

“But I don’t understand! It’s too difficult!” Fei’er squirmed on her father’s lap, frowning, “That white-bearded old man who Father Emperor just sent away seemed very knowledgeable. If Father Emperor doesn’t know, maybe he should call the old man back…”

Wei Shao looked up and saw Xiao Qiao had arrived, his hand pausing.

“Mother!”

Fei’er was still in the habit of calling Xiao Qiao “Mother” as before. Seeing her arrive, her eyes lit up, as if a great burden had been lifted. She quickly climbed down from Wei Shao and ran swiftly towards her.

“Mother! Father Emperor insists on reading me things I don’t understand! And he wants me to help him choose! It’s so hard! Mother, please help Father Emperor!”

After saying this, she left the emperor behind and ran out in a flash.

Xiao Qiao watched her daughter’s figure disappear behind the door, then turned to look at Wei Shao and walked towards him.

Wei Shao acted as if nothing had happened, casually pressing one exam paper to the bottom of the pile.

Xiao Qiao came close to him and said, “What were you doing just now? Instead of consulting the ready Imperial Academy Scholar, you’re asking Fei’er to help you decide the rankings. You’re being ridiculous.”

Wei Shao reached out and pulled her onto his lap, holding her just as he had held Fei’er earlier. He lowered his head to her fragrant neck, took a deep breath, and then mumbled, “I’m tired of listening to those old scholars lecturing me. Why don’t you help me decide?”

Xiao Qiao shot him a glance and replied with a smile, “Alright, I’ll dare to take liberties then.” With that, she reached out and pulled the document he had previously pressed down to the bottom.