The Ten Branches of the Imperial Examinations had begun. Previously, the literary division was held at the Gongyuan (Imperial Academy), where candidates' writings were judged based on the depth of literary essence. The top-ranked compositions were selected and assessed for final scoring, forming a part of the Ten Branches, though not affecting performance in other disciplines.
Subsequently, the real examinations commenced in StarNet, the virtual examination realm, using the familiar "one day equals three years" time-dilation format.
Each examinee entered the realm with the opportunity to act as the governor of a region, allowing them to showcase their technical skills and talents across various disciplines. The goal was to stand out among peers.
In this examination space, candidates pulled out all the stops. Countless talents bloomed like a hundred flowers, each striving to demonstrate their strengths and improve their overall scores.
In just three short days, the examinations concluded. Now, all that remained was the announcement of the results.
"I wonder how many talents will rise to the top this time."
Looking into the void, Yi Tianxing mused aloud. Great Yi needed talent—vast numbers of capable individuals to sustain and grow the empire. Talent was the bottleneck to full-scale expansion. The moment talent was secured, Great Yi's official expansion could begin in earnest.
…
The Next Day – Grand Court Assembly
At dawn, the Hall of Heavenly Mandate was filled with court officials of Great Yi, gathered early and awaiting the start of the imperial assembly.
Grouped in pairs and trios, the ministers chatted amiably. The imperial exams had just concluded, and Great Yi was flourishing—strong, prosperous, and at its peak. The officials were determined to work together to further strengthen the empire and contribute their efforts.
This atmosphere of unity and purpose was unheard of in other human dynasties. Having all experienced the dark days of oppression by alien races, they cherished the hard-won peace. The outside world remained chaotic—any complacency could lead to disaster. No one wanted to see Great Yi fall. The stronger it grew, the more they stood to gain.
"Elder Huang, this year's exams have indeed produced many fine talents. Among them, Fan Zhongyan, Sima Guang, and Su Zhe all show promise as contenders for the top spot. I wonder who will claim the title of Zhuangyuan (Champion Scholar) this time," said Wu Yong with a smile, engaging Huang Chengyan in conversation.
"Yes, they're all outstanding candidates, brimming with literary essence and potential," Huang replied, shaking his head gently. "However, when it comes to true Champion material, they fall a bit short. My pick is someone else entirely."
Though Fan Zhongyan and the others were remarkable, attaining the title of Zhuangyuan demanded an almost all-encompassing brilliance—someone who could not only dabble in many fields but also excel in each. That required not only effort but rare, innate talent.
"You're speaking of Pei Ju, aren't you? Indeed, a genius like no other," said Lu Shi, joining the conversation.
"Exactly. Even his essay during the literary exam stood out—a true masterpiece. But beyond that, his performances in Education, Agriculture, Law, Commerce, Military, Engineering, Medicine, Governance, and Civil Affairs were equally stellar. His insights were unique and profound. He's likely to top the charts overall. Compared to him, the others still fall slightly short," said Huang Chengyan, impressed.
This year's examination had indeed drawn forth countless elite candidates, but Pei Ju shone the brightest.
It was undeniable—the recent population influx of tens of billions had brought with it a wealth of hidden talents, like pearls waiting to be discovered.
"With the exams now behind us, we must be preparing for another campaign. Now that talent has been secured, and with our army strong and morale high, we must not miss this golden opportunity," said Qi Jiguang decisively.
Among the military ranks, the desire for battle was fervent. Everyone hoped to contribute to Great Yi's expansion—and to build up their own achievements and power.
Time passed swiftly. As the court convened, the great hall doors opened.
The ministers entered in orderly fashion, separating into the civil and military ranks.
At the top, upon the dragon throne, sat Yi Tianxing, already present. A majestic imperial aura radiated from him, permeating the entire hall. Behind him, the throne's nine lifelike True Dragons exuded an imposing presence.
This was the Dragon Throne—not a seat anyone could casually sit upon. Without the proper fate, destiny, and national fortune, sitting on it could drain one's fortune or even lead to instant death.
Even in ancient times, there were stories of commoners who dared sit on the emperor's throne, only to fall dizzy, faint, or even dead—unable to bear the collective will of the people embedded within.
In an Imperial Dynasty, this effect was real and magnified. Anyone not blessed by the mandate of the people would be crushed by its weight.
After the officials paid their respects, Huang Chengyan stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty, the second Imperial Examination concluded yesterday. The final results have now been compiled. We await Your Majesty's decision on the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan (Second Place), and Tanhua (Third Place), so we may officially post the results and register these talents under Great Yi's name."
Millions of candidates still lingered in Xuanhuang City, anxiously awaiting the results—hoping to see their names on the golden list.
"Indeed, this is today's top priority. Let me take a look at the list," Yi Tianxing nodded.
Huang Chengyan handed him the compiled results.
Yi Tianxing took the list and began scanning it carefully. Due to his absence during the Death Maze Incident, this was his first time reviewing the candidates.
The list was straightforward, ranked by total scores from highest to lowest. Determining the top three was simply a matter of looking at the first few entries.
"With tens of billions of new citizens, there should be some familiar historical names," he mused.
Sure enough, the names leapt out at him.
🔶 Pei Ju
Literary Arts: 10
Education: 7
Agriculture: 6
Law: 7
Commerce: 8
Military: 8
Engineering: 9
Medicine: 6
Governance: 9
Civil Affairs: 9
Total Score: 79
"Pei Ju! Could it be that Pei Ju? Scoring the same 79 points as Zhuge Liang from the first exam?! A true all-rounder—worthy of the Zhuangyuan title!"
Yi Tianxing was astounded.
This was an extremely rare and high score. No one was perfect, but Pei Ju had demonstrated not just competence but mastery across all domains—the very image of a Prime Minister-level genius.
If it was the historical Pei Ju he remembered, then this man was indeed a famed statesman, diplomat, strategist, and geographer from the Sui and Tang dynasties. A member of the elite Hedong Pei clan, he had held titles like Minister of Personnel, Minister of Internal Affairs, and had even pacified barbarian tribes.
His capabilities were unquestionable. Very few in history could match him.
"What an unexpected surprise! To unearth such a gem!"
Yi Tianxing was overjoyed. Talents like these—there could never be too many.
As he read on, other familiar names appeared.
"Su Shi, Sima Guang, Fan Zhongyan—these are all famed ministers. With them, my Great Yi truly teems with talent."
Joy bloomed in his heart. The imperial exams had once again proven to be the most effective path for recruiting top-tier talent.
But then, another name caught his eye.
🔶 Cai Jing
Literary Arts: 7
Education: 8
Agriculture: 5
Law: 6
Commerce: 8
Military: 4
Engineering: 6
Medicine: 6
Governance: 8
Civil Affairs: 8
Total Score: 66
This was a very respectable score, placing him among the top ranks. Clearly, his talents were considerable.
"If this Cai Jing is truly the historical grand chancellor of the Song Dynasty, this presents a dilemma…"
Cai Jing was a controversial figure—one of the Song's most powerful yet corrupt officials. Serving four emperors, he had vast power and influence, but also amassed wealth through massive corruption.
Still, to rise to such a position, talent was a prerequisite. The question was—could he be used?
Such a man was a double-edged sword. Used wisely, he could be invaluable. Used poorly, he could spell disaster. But to ignore such talent entirely also seemed wasteful.
After a brief silence, Yi Tianxing made his decision.
"Post the list immediately. Zhuangyuan: Pei Ju, Bangyan: Fan Zhongyan, Tanhua: Su Zhe. Announce the full rankings. Let the Golden Roll be sung throughout Great Yi!"
He had chosen not to erase Cai Jing's name.