Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1394: Chapter 1346: Even More Outstanding

When Zhang Ji returned, he couldn’t conceal the joy on his face. After all, he was not yet the mature and steady middle-aged man he would become. At just over twenty, he still had the heart of a young man. Such a grand opportunity falling from the sky, how could he not be ecstatic?

”Derong, is there any good news?” Jiangg Xu saw the joyful expression on Zhang Ji’s face as he returned and casually inquired.

”I’m going to be the Magistrate of Yanzhou Shanyang Commandery.” Zhang Ji spread open the appointment order and said with a smile.

Instantly, everyone lifted their heads to look at Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji coughed lightly twice and, with a smile, read the order aloud again, then looked at everyone. ”I’m going to be the Magistrate of Shanyang Commandery.”

”Congratulations.” Everyone was stunned. After a moment, Jiangg Jiong was the first to respond, cupping his hands to congratulate him, and the others quickly followed suit with their own gestures.

This group looked at Zhang Ji’s appointment with envy and surprise, but at that moment, they all congratulated him on his good fortune. The camaraderie among fellow townsmen was evident here. However, Zhang Ji’s sudden rise did indeed surprise them.

”Earlier in Yongliang, I heard that Lord Xuande selects the talented and capable, and it truly seems so.” Jiangg Xu praised with a face full of admiration, ”Previously, Derong mentioned he didn’t do well in the exam, yet now he’s so quickly appointed to a position worth six hundred stones.”

”When I said I didn’t do well in the exam, I meant it.” Zhang Ji saw the envy on others’ faces, pulled his mouth into a bitter smile, and said.

”I went off-topic in my essay.” Zhang Ji said helplessly.

”Ah!” Yang Fu looked at Zhang Ji in disbelief, as did the others.

”Yes, I went off-topic, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Although it was off-topic, Minister Li thought my content was substantial and therefore appointed me as the Magistrate of Shanyang.” Zhang Ji sighed, but nothing could hide the excitement on his face.

”This truly is a blessing in disguise.” Zhao Ang commented speechlessly, then, brushing away the previous envy, said, ”Let’s go, today we should take Brother Zhang out for a walk. Brother Zhang, you’ll have to treat us to a meal.”

”No problem, no problem!” Zhang Ji didn’t mind spending money at this moment. After all, soon he would have new living expenses. It would be good to have some fun with his fellow townsmen now.

”Feast, let’s go!” Jiangg Xu shouted with envy, and the others followed suit. It was clear that Zhang Ji’s successful appointment filled these young people with hope.

Just as Zhang Ji and the others were about to leave, Wang Yi returned. ”Hey, are you all heading out?”

”Cousin Yi, Derong is appointed as the Magistrate of Shanyang Commandery, and we’re going to celebrate.” Jiangg Xu said with a smile, ”Would Cousin like to join us?”

”Oh, congratulations to Derong.” Wang Yi inclined forward with a gesture, then smiled and said, ”Since you’ve been appointed as the Magistrate of Shanyang, would you like to hear a bit about Shanyang Commandery from me?”

”Cousin Yi, you have knowledge about Shanyang?” Jiangg Jiong asked curiously, while Zhang Ji also pricked up his ears to eavesdrop.

”Yes, don’t you know what I do?” Wang Yi asked with a mischievous smile, then realized her reclusive cousins didn’t know she was also an official, responsible for organizing various documents.

”Oh, I really forgot to tell you.” Wang Yi said awkwardly.

”Hehehe...” Zhao Ang pulled at his mouth, suddenly finding this distant cousin unreliable at times.

”You see me leave early and return late every day, but I’m not out playing. I work for Lord Xuande as the Chief Secretary, helping Administrator Lub handle various regional affairs.” Wang Yi twirled her long hair into a ring and said with a giggle, leaving everyone astonished.

”Ha, I forgot to tell you. But Brother Zhang, going to Shanyang as a Magistrate, it’s a very good position because there is no Prefectural Governor in Shanyang.” Wang Yi said calmly to Zhang Ji, leaving everyone completely shocked.

”No Prefectural Governor...” Zhang Ji looked at Wang Yi in disbelief and asked, ”What does that mean?”

”Exactly what it sounds like. There should be no Prefectural Governor appointed in Shanyang. Previously Chen Gongxi held the position concurrently, then it was suggested General Yu do so, but now it seems unnecessary to fill it.” Wang Yi smiled at Zhang Ji as she explained.

”Why wouldn’t they appoint a Prefectural Governor there?” Zhang Ji asked, a silly question.

”What do you think?” Wang Yi rolled her eyes, ”Do well; I’m going to find my sister. The exam results should be released tomorrow.” Here, Wang Lii obviously showed a hint of excitement. ”We’ll go see the results together then.”

After saying this, Wang Yi waved and left. Jiangg Jiong and the others saw a hint of excitement on Wang Yi’s face, but since she didn’t want to say more, they didn’t feel comfortable asking.

As a result, everyone turned their heads to look at Zhang Ji. A Magistrate! They couldn’t help but be envious, realizing how highly Li Youu thought of Zhang Ji.

”Let’s go; what do you want to eat and drink today? It’s on me!” Zhang Ji tried to calm his excitement.

”Sister, Sister, Sister!” Once inside the Legalist household, Wang Yi discarded her previous lady-like demeanor and excitedly dashed toward the inner courtyard.

Wang Yi crashed into Jiangg Ying’s arms, almost knocking her over, then hugged her arm and jumped up in excitement.

After a good while of letting out her emotions, Wang Yi finally calmed down, prompting Jiangg Ying to ask, ”What’s going on? What happened to make you so happy?”

”The political exam, Sister Zhaoji recommended me for first place!” Wang Yi exclaimed excitedly. Previously, she had hopes of dominating all the exams, but after various setbacks, especially being severely beaten in the calculation test, she no longer hoped to rank first in any subject.

But just now, Cai Zhenji secretly told Wang Yi that her sister recommended Wang Yi for the top spot. Instantly, Wang Yi’s sense of happiness exploded; never did she expect the possibility of securing first in the main political subject, which was much more satisfying than math.

Of course, Wang Yi had no idea that Cai Yan also found it challenging to select her as first. Among those who did well in this political exam, none really stood out head and shoulders above the rest, Cai Yan had observed.

Of course, except for Fan Jian. Having read the articles seen by Fan Jian, Cai Yan understood what was implied in every word of this essay - it was a mere imitation, lacking any original thought; thus, Fan Jian had to be disqualified.

Hence, among the most excellent candidates, their levels were quite comparable, with each having their strengths. Given this context, male candidates were naturally all passed over. After all, Cai Yan resonated with Chen Xi’s theory of favoring one’s people under equal circumstances.

Finally choosing Wang Yi was more because Cai Yan believed Wang Yi could withstand others’ criticisms. Even if Cai Yan suppressed all candidates once, seeing as Wang Yi’s abilities couldn’t distinctly outshine others’, she wouldn’t escape criticism behind closed doors.

[Your path is difficult; for a woman to rely on her talents to forge a way is very challenging. You must prove yourself more excellent and determined than them. I recommended you, hoping you won’t resent me.] Cai Yan slowly wrote Wang Yi’s name at the top.