We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 939 Imperial City Ranking (Part 2)

Although Qian Bin is now old and no longer involved in specific government affairs, the title of "Three Dukes" in Daqing is now just an honorary title.

However, no one doubted the old minister's position in His Majesty's heart.

The symbolic significance of His Majesty personally announcing the names far surpasses that of any other official, demonstrating His Majesty's high regard for the matter.

Qian Bin raised his hand in a gesture of pressing down, and after the laughter subsided slightly, he said in a gentle tone:

"Therefore, when I call out the names later, I hope that all of you will keep your voices down and not drown out my voice."

"Even if I shout until my throat is hoarse, I will make sure everyone can hear me clearly, so that the students who have studied hard for years will not miss their rankings."

Seeing that the old Grand Tutor was so polite and spoke so earnestly, the people naturally echoed his sentiments.

The scene quieted down considerably in the next moment.

Qian Bin nodded in satisfaction, his smile fading.

He then turned to face the enormous golden list, his expression becoming solemn and dignified, and said in a loud voice:

"Take up the challenge!"

A palace attendant respectfully acknowledged the order, stepped forward, and unveiled the bright yellow silk covering the golden list.

At the same time, Qian Bin's voice resounded in every corner in front of the imperial city:

"In the first year of the Tianxing reign, he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations). His Majesty personally designated him as the first-ranked candidate—"

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the countless anxious and expectant faces below, finally settling on a certain direction:

"Zhang Qian of Fenzhou!"

In an instant, Zhang Qian felt a dizzying sensation, and the blue bricks of the imperial city beneath his feet seemed to become soft and unstable.

All the blood rushed to his head, his vision blurred, and the hardships and grievances accumulated over the past twenty years intertwined, turning into scalding tears that streamed down his face like a broken string.

He swayed, almost collapsing to the ground.

Lin Qingyuan, who was standing nearby, reacted quickly and stepped forward to steady him.

He then burst into loud laughter, his joy evident in his voice: "Brother! Did you hear that? You're the top scholar! The first top scholar in Daqing!"

"Hahaha! I told you long ago, brother, when you do speak, you're sure to amaze everyone! You're truly a genius!"

His shout broke the silence around Zhang Qian.

Several fellow disciples from Yunmeng Mountain immediately surrounded him, bowing respectfully with smiles on their faces.

Congratulations, Brother Zhang!

Congratulations, Brother Zhang, on achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination!

Immediately afterwards, the surrounding students also crowded forward, their voices filled with unprecedented enthusiasm:

"Congratulations, Brother Zhang! No, congratulations, Scholar Zhang!"

"Brother Zhang is a genius of unparalleled talent, rare throughout history, and deserves this position!"

"The first top scholar in the founding of the People's Republic of China, Brother Zhang, has a limitless future and is truly a role model for us all!"

"If we serve in the same court someday, I hope that you, the top scholar, will offer me much guidance and support!"

If we were to say that Zhang Qian topped the list in the last imperial examination, people would still harbor some jealousy and disdain for this farmer's son.

At this moment, the words "top scholar" have completely swept away all the noise.

The first top scholar from Daqing, and also the first top scholar in history, will surely be remembered in history.

This identity is a get-out-of-jail-free card. The emperor will protect him for the sake of the court's reputation. As long as he doesn't rebel, he will surely rise to prominence in this life.

The sudden rise in status has reached a level that makes it difficult for anyone to even feel jealous.

Many people, however, turned their attention to Lin Qingyuan standing beside Zhang Qian, secretly thinking:

"This young man is truly lucky and has excellent judgment! He recognized this farmer's son's talent early on and became sworn brothers with him. It's a pity... if only I had humbled myself and befriended him sooner..."

At this moment, Zhang Qian seemed oblivious to the congratulations pouring in from all around him.

Once he regained his senses, he gently broke free from Lin Qingyuan's support and said, "Brother, I'm alright now."

Then, under the gaze of countless astonished eyes, the newly crowned champion knelt down with a thud.

He bowed deeply to the north with all his might!

"Father--"

"Your unfilial son! I have wasted more than twenty years of my life, bringing shame upon you!"

"Thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom and boundless grace, your son... your son has finally... distinguished himself!"

He practically roared out the last word.

With his forehead pressed against the ground and his shoulders trembling violently, the emotions that had been suppressed for many years finally broke down at this moment.

Lin Qingyuan stood beside him, his smile gradually fading into a soft sigh.

He stepped forward and gently patted Zhang Qian on the shoulder to comfort him.

The students looked at each other, their faces showing complicated expressions.

Logically speaking, it would be impolite to offer congratulations only to be ignored.

But at this moment, not a single person felt the slightest dissatisfaction.

"The top scholar... truly a benevolent and filial man!" Someone in the crowd murmured in admiration.

"Yes, it's rare to be so wealthy and yet not forget your roots!"

"Only with such qualities can one be worthy of the title of top scholar!"

Exclamations of praise rose and fell, it was unclear whether they were praising Zhang Qian or the top scholar.

Qian Bin observed Zhang Qian's reaction with a kind and benevolent expression.

Seeing that he had not become arrogant due to his sudden rise to a high position, but instead remained filial, a look of relief flashed in his eyes.

Only after Zhang Qian had calmed down a little did he clear his throat again:

"A top-ranking scholar in the imperial examination, designated as second place by imperial decree..."