extiles, weaving, and dyeing have always given bribes to the Weaving Bureau officials at every season.""At first, it was more subtle, but in the past two years, it has become increasingly open and abo...Chapter 849: The Point Star

For a full half hour, Li Chen kept refilling his tea, until it was almost tasteless, before Dantang Jingzhi finally put down the four scrolls in his hands.

Before Li Chen could ask, he suddenly stood up and bowed to Li Chen. "Your Highness, this old minister has something to say, but please grant permission."

“This champion, it must be Fu Minqing.”

Upon hearing what Dantai Jing had to say, Li Chen raised an eyebrow slightly.

Actually, deep down he leans more towards Fu Minqing. However, he feels that the gap between the four isn't significant, and they are all promising individuals worth nurturing. But it will take time and resources to cultivate them.

In Li Chen's view, they were all excellent, but none of them were outstanding enough to pull away from the other three.

That's why Li Chen hesitated.

It was precisely because of this that he was so resolute and somewhat surprised by Dai Tai Jingzhi.

Tan Tai Jing knew Li Chen would surely ask this question. He bowed and replied, "In my humble opinion, all four answer sheets are excellent. Among them, Fu Minqing and Xu Junlou stand out as particularly outstanding. Therefore, the top two positions, the champion and the runner-up, must be decided between these two."

But compared to Xu Junlou, Fu Minqing's vision is broader and his thinking clearer. What is particularly admirable is that this candidate can see through the deeper meaning of today's questions from Your Highness, and based on real-life situations, he provides the most practical answers.

"In contrast to Xu Junlou, while he also offers unconventional insights, his perspective remains somewhat theoretical. Many of his proposed solutions, while seemingly sound, are not practical for the current situation in Qin. Implementing them would be extremely challenging."

"Simply put, this examinee, Xu Junlou, is too idealistic and fails to consider the complexity and volatility of real-world situations."

While Fu Minqing, this examinee, is much more pragmatic. His literary talent, vision, mind-set, and strategies are all like those of a top scholar.

"Originally, the old minister should not have stated his position so clearly. However, he cherishes talent and cannot bear to see it buried, so he made this statement. I hope Your Highness will understand."

After listening carefully to Dantai Jing's words, Li Chen nodded slowly.

"Your Highness' meaning, this palace has understood."

When Dantai Jing heard this, he said no more and knew it was time to leave the East Palace. So he got up and took his leave.

After Dantang Jing had left, Li Chen sat back down on his golden throne and told Wan Jiaojiao to use cinnabar as ink and fetch a red brush.

This red pen, used exclusively for official documents, every stroke of it affects the entire Qin Empire's operations.

And today, Li Chen is going to use it to point out the top three in this year's civil service exam.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Chen finally put pen to paper.

Just after the top scholar was announced, confirming the top three in this imperial examination, news came from outside the palace that Zhou Ping'an requested an audience.

Have Wan Jiajiao collect the test papers and take them to the Ministry of Personnel. Then, have someone post the results for all to see. In the Xizheng Hall, Li Chen received Zhou Ping'an.

Zhou Ping an calmly stepped into the Xizheng Hall. Before he could even speak after bowing, Li Chen said: "It's about time for us to have a meal. Let's dine together and chat as we eat."

To be able to have a meal with the leader is considered a great opportunity for most officials, as it at least indicates that the leader does not dislike you and even quite likes you.

But Zhou Ping'an didn't react at all, just clasped his hands and agreed.

Soon, on the dinner table, there were three standard dishes and one soup. There weren't any fancy or luxurious foods, but with both vegetables and meat, the nutrition was definitely balanced.

Li Chen is not one to indulge in extravagance or waste. He doesn't have high expectations for food, as long as he can eat his fill. However, that doesn't mean he's being self-punishing.pale man was indignant and said, "I'm not joking with you now, you better be serious!""If you can mobilize the Eighteen Riders of Yan Cloud, then it means your position in King Ning's heart is irrepla...