socalfunplaces Chapter 334 Transcript
Chapter 334 Transcript
Because there were so many applicants for the competition, 90% of them were eliminated in the first stage.
After the results were released, Shuntian Prefecture posted the results sheet at the entrance of the government office.
That's right!
It's a report card!
It's not just a list of candidates who entered the second stage; it's a large list of thousands of people, with their scores clearly written on it.
Furthermore, Shuntian Prefecture set a cutoff score; those who exceeded this score were considered excellent and had a very good grasp of legal knowledge. The reason they didn't advance to the second stage was simply because there were others who were even more capable.
For a moment, those who were initially disappointed for not being able to enter the second stage were overjoyed to see that they had received an excellent evaluation, even one personally certified by the Shuntian Prefecture.
Don't underestimate the word "excellent." This is a report card stamped with the seal of Shuntian Prefecture, representing the prefecture's approval. It's something you can brag about.
……
On the day the results were announced, Wen Zongji was not at the Shuntian Prefecture government office, but was summoned to the Eastern Palace by the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince no longer needs to attend court sessions at the Eastern Palace; instead, he has begun to handle most of the memorials and will preside over court meetings in place of Emperor Shun'an.
It can be said that nowadays, apart from the morning court session, Shuntian Prefecture has handed over most of the government affairs to the Crown Prince. He himself has started to enjoy a healthier life ahead of time. Perhaps because he has had enough rest, Emperor Shun'an is getting old and his spirits are getting better and better.
East Palace
As soon as Wen Zongji entered, he was met by a noblewoman dressed in palace attire.
Wen Zongji bowed: "This humble official greets the Crown Princess."
The Crown Princess smiled and raised her hand, saying gently, "Lord Wen, there's no need for such formalities. The Crown Prince is waiting for you."
Wen Zongji straightened up and made way for the Crown Princess to go first.
This is the Crown Princess, carefully selected by the Empress for the Crown Prince. Her character, appearance, and conduct are all impeccable, and she is highly regarded by Emperor Shun'an. It can be said that the Crown Princess's status is as orthodox as that of the Crown Prince.
Especially with the Crown Princess already pregnant, it can be said that she is only one step away from having her status as secure as Mount Tai.
The Crown Princess and her entourage left the East Palace to go to the Phoenix Palace to assist the Empress in handling the affairs of the inner palace.
The head palace maid behind her whispered, "Your Highness, Lord Wen is highly regarded by His Highness. This is the second time he has come to the East Palace this month."
The Crown Princess glanced at her indifferently.
The head palace maid immediately shut her mouth.
The Crown Princess never paid much attention to matters of the court, and even if her family intentionally or unintentionally reminded her to take care of another family, she would pretend not to hear it.
She is the Crown Princess.
As long as she can settle down peacefully and smoothly transition into the position of Empress, that would be the greatest care for her family.
The Crown Princess was fully aware of this, so after marrying the Crown Prince, she focused on two things: serving the Crown Prince and being filial to the Empress.
Over the years, the palace has mostly praised the Crown Princess.
Wen Zongji entered the side hall and said, "Your Majesty, I have just met the Crown Princess."
After reviewing the memorials, the Crown Prince looked up and said, "The Crown Princess is just about to go to Fengyi Palace."
"Shouldn't the Crown Princess reduce her activity level now that she's pregnant?"
The crown prince countered, "Was my cousin less active back then?"
Wen Zongji shut his mouth.
The Crown Prince said, "The imperial physicians come to check on her pulse every day, and the Crown Princess knows what she's doing."
Wen Zongji smiled and said, "If the Crown Princess can give birth to a son this time, the Crown Prince will be able to relax a bit."
Giving birth to the eldest grandson puts pressure on not only the Crown Princess but also on the Crown Prince.
He preferred a legitimate eldest son to a son born out of wedlock, believing it would help stabilize his rule; he himself was a prime example.
Therefore, even though there were two concubines and other maids in the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince still visited the Crown Princess's room the most, all in order to give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible.
Now that the Crown Princess is pregnant as she wished, the Crown Prince can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
As for whether the child will be a boy or a girl, that depends on fate; it won't be up to their wishes.
The crown prince did not reply, but simply said, "Sit down."
The eunuch served tea to Wen Zongji.
"You've made such a big fuss about a legal education competition, even creating a results report. What's your intention?"
Throughout history, the imperial examinations held by the court have only ever produced a list of successful candidates; otherwise, the term "on the list" would not exist.
Dao Wenzongji took a different approach and created a results sheet, showing the results of everyone who participated in the competition.
Dozens of officials spent several days copying this list of thousands of people; otherwise, the list could have been published much earlier.
Wen Zongji explained, "Your Highness, although most of these people who came to participate in the competition are here for the only minor official position, I am holding this legal education competition because I genuinely want to promote legal awareness and change the people's attitude of 'ignorance breeds fearlessness.'"
"There is only one spot for a minor official, and only a few dozen people are on the list of those who will receive a cash reward, but there are thousands of people who can participate in the competition."
"To maintain the enthusiasm of the people and make them feel that they have not memorized the laws and regulations in vain, that report card is an explanation."
"Even if they don't receive excellent feedback, knowing exactly how many points they scored and how much of their effort paid off is good for them."
The crown prince looked at him with a complicated expression: "You've always been quick-witted..."
With the announcement that the final reward would be a minor official position in Shuntian Prefecture, almost everyone's attention was focused on this.
Only Wen Zongji still remembers his original intention in organizing the legal education competition.
And we have been making arrangements and efforts toward this goal.
Wen Zongji cupped his hands in thanks: "I must thank Your Highness for your support."
Wen Zongji was able to spend two years preparing for the legal education competition not only because of Chai Dingchong's support, but also because the Crown Prince supported him and helped him persuade the cabinet.
"Regarding your promotion, is there any government office you'd like to apply to?"
The promotion of Wen Zongji was decided long ago and has nothing to do with this legal education competition.
However, having this kind of experience on one's resume would make one more convincing to others when getting promoted.
Wen Zongji was certainly not so arrogant as to make the choice himself: "Your Highness, this humble subject will leave it to you."
The Crown Prince said, "There aren't many vacant third-rank official positions in the court, but two provinces are lacking provincial administration commissioners."
The Vice Minister of the Provincial Administration Commission was the deputy to the Provincial Administration Commissioner, essentially the second-in-command, holding a high position and wielding considerable power.
After the Crown Prince finished speaking, he shook his head: "If I transfer you away from the capital, not only will my cousin not be spared, but my mother will probably not let me off the hook either."
Wen Zongji has a powerful background, which brings many advantages, but also limitations, namely that he is unlikely to have the opportunity to serve in a local position.
After all, neither Emperor Shun'an nor the Eldest Princess wanted Pei Rujing to leave the capital, but it was unrealistic to separate the couple, so Wen Zongji had no choice but to stay in the capital.
Wen Zongji lowered his eyes and did not respond; this was not an easy topic to pick up on.
The Crown Prince didn't expect him to respond, and sighed, "Never mind, I'll think about it more carefully. For now, you can continue organizing the legal education competition."
He hasn't yet decided which specific government office Wen Zongji should go to.