The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

The next day was the day for new Advanced Scholars to receive their official positions.

The scholars stood once again in Zicheng Hall, vastly different from their previous anxious demeanor, now filled with ambition and readiness to achieve great things.

The Emperor sat on the Dragon Chair, pleased to see the expressions on their faces. This was his first major imperial examination since ascending the throne, and it was of great significance to him.

However, when his gaze fell upon Meng Yunzheng, his initially joyful expression stiffened, feeling a slight pang in his heart.

Today’s appointments were mainly for the top three names of the First Class, while the other Advanced Scholars, though having passed the palace examination, still had to participate in the court examination. Ultimately, those proficient in calligraphy and literature would be chosen as scholars, while others would be appointed to positions like masters of ceremonies.

After the group of Advanced Scholars performed their salutation, aside from the top three of the First Class, the others retreated to the side.

Only then did the Emperor glance at the eunuch beside him and say, ”Announce the decree.”

The Chief Eunuch opened the Imperial Decree and declared loudly, ”By the Emperor’s command, the second of the First Class of the new Advanced Scholars, Chu Qiuping from Luozhou Prefecture, the third of the First Class of the new Advanced Scholars, Jin Lin from Shuntian Prefecture, with outstanding talent... now appointed as editors of Hanlin Academy, rank seven... May you both serve the imperial court diligently, govern with dedication, and care for the people. Thus commanded.”

Everyone was collectively stunned at this point. Why did the Imperial Decree only mention the Second and Third Place, but not a word about Meng Yunzheng, who had been a topic of discussion for days?

Chu Qiuping and Jin Lin were equally puzzled, but they promptly stepped forward and knelt to express their gratitude.

The Emperor nodded slightly, ”Stand up.”

The two rose and retreated again, only then did the Emperor turn his gaze to Meng Yunzheng.

But neither of them spoke, the vast Zicheng Hall was silent except for the breathing of the civil and military officials.

It was Mister Qi who couldn’t help but step forward, cupping his hands in salute, ”Your Majesty, as for the Top Scholar Meng...”

The Emperor raised his hand, ”No need to rush, Grand Tutor, I know what you want to say. As for Meng Yunzheng’s position, I am also in a dilemma. How about you listen to his intentions?”

Qi Chan could only lower his hand, frowning with concern as he looked towards the people in the hall. The last time the Emperor spoke, Qi Chan thought the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng had a good acquaintance, yet now the Emperor had given positions to the other two, leaving him out, what was the meaning of it?

Meng Yunzheng already stepped forward and knelt, ”Your Majesty’s favor overwhelms me, I have let down the grace of the Emperor, please forgive me.”

Qi Chan was befuddled, and others were even more confused, what was going on?

”Top Scholar Meng, what do you mean?” Qi Chan asked in a low voice.

Meng Yunzheng raised his head, ”I plan to return to my hometown to establish an academy, and serve as the Mountain Master of the academy, teaching and nurturing people, away from court politics.”

”What?!”

Qi Chan turned his head to look at him in astonishment.

The hall was in an uproar, except for those who were privy to his plan like Emperor Xiang Weinan, everyone looked at him in shock.

”Yunzheng, are you crazy?” Yao Tianqin exclaimed incredulously.

Not only those who had been paying close attention to Meng Yunzheng, but even those who had never considered him, including some of the seasoned high-ranking officials, couldn’t help but turn their heads in surprise.

Everyone was unable to understand Meng Yunzheng’s thoughts and actions; he, a top scorer who achieved success at the imperial examination after years of hard study, was now intending to return home to become a teacher?

Vice Minister Yao was right; the man truly seemed to have lost his mind.