Chapter 69: Chapter 59: Noble Consort Cui

After the Empress left, Zheng Yi turned his gaze towards Noble Consort Cui, whose expression was calm as still water.

Her name was Cui Xiabing, and she was the granddaughter of the current cabinet minister, Cui Jinghao, and came from a prominent family.

Her looks were not of the dazzlingly beautiful kind, but rather exuded a gentle and serene aura.

It was said that she particularly enjoyed reading, and was once a famous talented woman in the capital, with a notably strong scholarly air.

In Zheng Yi’s eyes, she belonged to the category of scholarly beauty.

If she were to wear glasses… she’d be even more extraordinary.

“Noble Consort Cui.”

Noble Consort Cui was visibly taken aback, then quickly rose and said, “Your Majesty.”

“Are you feeling better?”

“In response to Your Majesty, I have mostly recovered.”

“That’s good to hear. I was worried that the Imperial Physicians’ skills weren’t high enough to treat your ailment.”

“Your Majesty overestimates.”

“I heard you have many rare books in your palace. May I have the honor of seeing them?”

Noble Consort Cui looked resigned and could only say, “If Your Majesty wishes to see them, I will of course welcome you.”

Zheng Yi responded with satisfaction, “As expected of my beloved consort…”

Just as he finished speaking, he felt several jealous looks shooting toward him.

Especially from the Empress and Consort Duann, even from such a distance Zheng Yi could sense a wave of jealousy.

Zheng Yi simply smiled serenely. He was the Emperor; he could visit any palace he wished and spend time with any consort he desired.

Who could control him, and who would dare?

Ah yes, Consort Duann mentioned wanting to present Jian Yu to him; he wondered about Jian Yu…

His gaze instinctively shifted behind Consort Duann, where Jian Yu stood quietly.

He had previously bestowed upon Jian Yu the title of Noble Lady, intending for her to enter the palace together with the selection.

If only he hadn’t said such words, he could have tasted what Jian Yu had to offer earlier.

But there was no rush, after all, he had plenty of time, and eventually, he could share a spring evening with Jian Yu.

Perhaps sensing Zheng Yi’s passionate gaze, Jian Yu instinctively looked over.

Her face promptly turned red, and she quickly lowered her head.

The Emperor promised her the title of Noble Lady, a promise as solid as gold, though normally she was teased by many of her sisters.

Now, feeling the Emperor’s intense gaze, her heart grew more anxious.

The dancers swayed gracefully, and glasses clinked amidst the celebration.

The Emperor’s disciples all laughed heartily and raised their cups frequently.

Zheng Yi was also welcoming to all, and soon felt a bit tipsy.

However, he was a First-grade Martial Artist and quickly sobered up.

“Summon… the top three of the civil and military examinations for an audience!”

As soon as these words fell, six people stepped forward.

The top scholar of the civil examination, Cui Xiazhao, the runner-up, Li Ziyang, and the third place, Wang Anshi.

The top scholar of the military examination, Cui Xiawu, the runner-up, Chen Hongxiu, and the third place, Zhao Tieshan.

After the military top scholar was appointed, Zhao Tieshan and Tian Yiguang had a bout.

The victor was Zhao Tieshan, who was immediately named third place in the military examination!

Poor Tian Yiguang, who was outside the hall playing games and drinking with friends until he was dead drunk.

Beside him, Liu Cheng’en had prepared the eunuch’s draft and announced loudly, “By the Emperor’s decree: Bestow upon the civil top scholar, Cui Xiazhao, the position of Hanlin Academy Editor.”

“Bestow upon the civil runner-up, Li Ziyang, the position of Hanlin Academy Compiler.”

“Bestow upon the civil third place, Wang Anshi, the position of Hanlin Academy Compiler.”

“May the three ministers diligently serve the public for the country and its people, with this decree!”

The three immediately knelt down and respectfully said, “We students will obey the decree!”

In each examination, the top scholar is made Hanlin Academy Editor, a sixth-grade official.

The runner-up and third place are made Hanlin Academy Compilers, seventh-grade officials.

However, this is just by convention; after staying at Hanlin Academy for a while, they will have various adjustments.

After the civil examination appointments, it was the military examination’s turn.

The three stepped forward, and Zheng Yi smiled, “You three are the first top military exam participants since the founding of Great Yu, with no precedent for appointments.”

“So I ask now, do any of you have any thoughts?”

The words had barely left his mouth when the surrounding officials’ faces changed slightly.

Was the Emperor preparing to directly appoint them to positions of real power?

Immediately, an official stood up to dissuade, “Your Majesty! Appointing Golden Champion Scholars without assessment contradicts ancestral practices.”

“Moreover, there is no precedent for females holding official positions…”

Although there are cultivators and powerful martial artists in this world,

there still haven’t been any women serving in official roles in court.

“Ancestral practices?”

Zheng Yi retorted, “Did ancestral practices include the military examination?”

“Now, with the Wu Country’s encroachment and the Six Northern States in turmoil, I make these decisions for the sake of Great Yu, adapting to the times as needed. Why not?”

“Or do you have a better solution for the Wu Country’s encroachment and the turmoil among the populace?”

The official’s face immediately flushed red with shame, saying, “I, I am incompetent.”

“Step down then!”

“Yes, yes, yes…”

The official quickly withdrew, and Zheng Yi continued, “Have the three of you made your considerations?”

Cui Xiawu promptly stepped forward, saying, “In response to Your Majesty, I am willing to enlist in the Northern Territory, to seize merit and reward on the battlefield!”

“Approved!”

Zheng Yi immediately said, “I hereby appoint you as Assistant General of Binzhou, to take up your post with the Binzhou Border Army!”

“However, you must know, the Binzhou Border Army’s structure has long collapsed due to the Wu Country’s incursion and civil unrest.”

“Once you arrive there, you’ll need to personally rebuild it. Any objections?”

“I… have no objections!”

“Good! I trust you!”

Zheng Yi laughed heartily, “If you can rebuild the Binzhou Border Army, I’ll bestow upon you the position of General or Commander, even!”

“Thus, I’ll assign you one thousand Imperial Guards and a squad of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with you as the Commanding Officer heading to Binzhou!”

“I kneel to thank Your Majesty!”

Cui Xiawu, overwhelmed with emotion, loudly proclaimed, “With Your Majesty’s trust, I am grateful beyond words.”

“I swear today to remain loyal to Your Majesty my entire life, until my last breath!”

“I will also bravely slay foes on the battlefield, even if I return wrapped in a horsehide!”

“Should there be any disrespectful act, may I be scorned by both gods and men!”

These words caused the surrounding officials’ expressions to change further, discussing fervently.

Some envied Cui Xiawu for easily securing the position of Assistant General, while others were jealous of the Emperor’s trust.

An Assistant General is a third-grade military position!

Although military positions aren’t as prestigious as civil ones, it’s still a third-grade post.

If there is such a thing as ascending to great power effortlessly, this is it!

Furthermore, many took notice of Cui Xiawu’s oath,

especially officials from the Cui Clan like Cui Jinghao, whose expressions grew more sullen.

Zheng Yi knew that, without the disruption of a Sima Clan Luox River Oath, the importance of oaths in this world was immense.

Failure to uphold one’s sworn oath would likely draw widespread condemnation.

Zheng Yi remarked with satisfaction, “I trust you.”

“Chen Hongxiu, what about you?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep