Chapter 477 (1/2)
Chapter 477
Chapter 477: The results of the Court Examination!
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
. . .
Three weeks later . . .
Winter had arrived in the Great Xia .
The snow covered the ancient city, leaving behind a silver, glistening layer .
The wind was strong .
Countless citizens stood at the gates to the palace . They wore many layers of thick clothing as they waited in antic.i.p.ation .
Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping stood at the front, the officials standing at the side . All of the candidates looked at them .
Snow continued to fall from the sky, landing on their shoulders . However, they did not move .
They were all waiting . . .
They were waiting for the results of the court examinations!
Ordinarily, only the results of the theory examinations carried such unknowns . After all, the results of the combat examination were clear for all to see .
However . . .
This was an exception .
No one knew what the results of the court examinations were . No one knew who would take home the top spot .
Then, the doors opened .
A warm gust of air gushed out from inside as the officials and candidates tensed . They straightened their backs and lowered their heads . However, they all glanced at the doors .
There was no Minister of Rites nor a Chief Imperial Messenger . This would mean that the Emperor or the Left Prime Minister would announce the results .
However, despite the doors opening, Emperor Lin Mubai was nowhere to be seen .
At the very moment, eight soldiers in golden armor stood by the door .
Each one of them had a solemn expression as they carried a huge tablet in their hands . This was the results tablet .
”Are they just going to present the results?”
The candidates and officials looked at each other without speaking . However, the same thought was going through their minds .
The Imperial Decree Hall was where the Emperor's held their ceremonies when they ascended the throne .
Similarly, it was the location for the announcement of the court examination results . After every announcement, there would be a tablet with the names of the candidates inscribed in gold .
This was the emphasis placed on the court examinations .
However . . .
Usually, the court examination results would be announced before the tablet was revealed to the ma.s.ses . However, this time seemed to be different .
The tablet was being carried out .
Neither the officials nor the candidates spoke . The icy wind sent a chill down all their spines .
The eight guards' footsteps were steady as they trudged through the snow . The snow was thick, but they didn't wobble .
They came to a halt .
They stopped at the gates of the hall and placed the tablet on the ground .
”Reveal!”
A crisp voice rang out from inside the Imperial Decree Hall . It was not loud, but everyone could hear it clearly .
The message was relayed all the way to the entrance .
”Reveal!”
”Reveal!”
” . . . ”
The voices echoed all the way to the entrance of the palace . Then, the message was pa.s.sed all the way to the walls .
The city was bustling with activity .
Everyone, from businessmen to soldiers, stopped what they were doing and looked towards the Imperial Decree Hall .
The golden parchment was removed from the tablet .
The golden names were revealed . There were only 10 names on the tablet .
”I'm on the tablet!” An excited voice rang out .
”Me too!” Yet another candidate screamed . To be ranked on the tablet was a great honor .
Then, there was a third voice, then a fourth . . .
”Nangong Hao is first!”
”Indeed . Nangong Hao did great work in the Southern Region, signing a peace treaty with the Southern Region for 10 years . It is only right that he is in first place . ”
”Yes, but . . . why is Yan Xiu third?”
The candidates looked at the top few rows of the tablet . Nangong Hao's name was clearly inscribed at the top .
”No, there are only nine names here!”
”Nine?!”
”Look, Nangong Hao's name is not in the center!”
”Not in the center?!”
”Yes, based on the position of his name, there is someone else to his right . . . ”
”You're saying that Fang Zhengzhi . . . ”
When the candidates noticed Yan Xiu's ranking, they also realized that there was something wrong with the tablet . However, when they spoke of Fang Zhengzhi, they all went quiet .
”The results are out . The top three candidates have the opportunity to partic.i.p.ate in the Heavenly Dao Pavillion selections seven days from now . Nangong Hao, will you be partic.i.p.ating?” Another voice rang out . This voice ignored the discussions happening below .
”I will!” A figure in white stood out from the crowd . His blade glistened in the sun .
”Mm, it is the Great Xia and Nangong Family's honor to have you represent us at the selection!” The figure replied approvingly .
All of the other candidates were envious at such an opportunity . The Heavenly Dao Pavillion was the best place to cultivate .
”Young Master Nangong, you will definitely make it through!”
”That is a given . You had the abilities to partic.i.p.ate in the selections four years ago . It will be a piece of cake for you now . ”
”Congratulations!”
All of the candidates sent their well wishes to Nangong Hao .
Nangong Hao bowed to them, then turned and returned to the crowd, just as calm as before .
The person at the door of the Imperial Decree Hall looked out at the crowd, his gaze finally resting on an icy face .
”Yan Xiu, will you be partic.i.p.ating in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion selections?” The voice rang out .
”Why isn't Fang Zhengzhi on the tablet?!” A figure walked out from the crowd, his face pale . He was clearly still recovering from severe injuries .
However, his back was straight despite the chill and wind . His robe flapped in the wind .
His name . . .
Yan Xiu!
”Yan Xiu, he is asking you if you will be partic.i.p.ating in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion selections! We can discuss any other matters after the selections are over!” One of the officials hollered .
”I asked why Fang Zhengzhi's name isn't on the tablet!” Yan Xiu ignored the official as he stared into the Imperial Decree Hall .
His gaze had never left the Imperial Decree Hall .