Zhu Wencong didn't expect Li Lianying to stick with him the whole day, making it so he couldn't watch the competition seriously and wasn't familiar with the contestants.
Fortunately, in the evening, Zhangsun Hongyuan brought over the examination list, ranking the names based on their scores.
The first place winner would follow Li Lianying to the Imperial Capital to meet the Emperor, which is both a great honor and a great misfortune, losing the opportunity to join Jiuding.
"Your Majesty, this is the list of the top ten. I've already communicated with the top winner, allowing them to pass the rank to the third place to avoid going to the Imperial Capital.
He personally has no favorable impression of the Imperial Court, and his family has suffered oppression from local government offices, holding great grievances.
I've arranged for them to wait at the gatekeeper's lodge, and they will formally join Jiuding starting tomorrow.
