Chapter 60: Her? A Fifth-Rank Female Official?
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Just as Yu Jiao Jiao was being packed into a carriage and prepared for delivery to Duke Courage’s Mansion, yet another group arrived outside the Chancellor’s Mansion.
This group, too, came with gongs and drums, radiating jubilance.
Today was the highly anticipated day when the Imperial Examination results were released. All eyes were fixed on the announcements and the celebratory messengers.
As a top contender in this year’s Imperial Examination, Du Zi Heng had naturally attracted considerable attention, and the first wave of celebrants had already drawn a sizable crowd.
Now, seeing a second group heading toward the Chancellor’s Mansion, the citizens of the capital were astonished. Even those who had little interest in the examinations couldn’t resist gathering outside the mansion to find out what this second wave was about.
It wasn’t just the bystanders who were stunned. Even Du Zi Heng himself, along with Yu Zhi Yi and Madam Du, were flabbergasted.
In all the years of Imperial Examinations, no one had ever seen someone receive two separate celebratory announcements.
Could there have been a mistake with Du Zi Heng’s initial ranking?
Even Yu Zhi Yi, who prided herself on her meticulous planning, found herself questioning her understanding of events.
From her previous life to this one, apart from being schemed into marrying Du Zi Heng, only today’s events seemed to slip out of her grasp.
Instead of stepping forward herself, Madam Du instructed Governess Wen to inquire about the visitors’ purpose, to avoid any misunderstandings.
After all, if these people weren’t here for Du Zi Heng but for another candidate among the crowd, it would be an embarrassing mistake.
Governess Wen approached them, her demeanor courteous and composed. “Gentlemen, may I ask who you’ve come to congratulate?”
The celebratory messenger smiled broadly, raising his voice so that everyone could hear. “Congratulations to Chancellor Du! Double blessings upon the Chancellor’s Mansion!”
“We’re here to deliver good news for the Young Madam Du!”
“The Young Madam Du has been exceptionally appointed by His Majesty as a Fifth-Rank Official in the Ministry of Justice, effective immediately after the Qionglin Banquet!”
Yu Zhi Yi: “???”
The crowd: “???”
From within the carriage, Yu Jiao Jiao: “???”
Before Yu Zhi Yi could respond, Yu Jiao Jiao leapt out of the carriage in a frenzy. “You’re all frauds! Everything you’re saying is a lie! Spreading false decrees—prepare to have your entire families executed by His Majesty!”
It was true that, over the past century, the Great Sheng Empire had seen its share of female officials, many of whom had risen to prominence. However!
These women had spent years, if not decades, working their way into such positions.
Even the legendary Senior Princess Jia Luo, the Protectorate Princess, had only gained the right to attend court after achieving monumental feats.
But Yu Zhi Yi? How had she earned this?
This question wasn’t just burning in Yu Jiao Jiao’s mind—it was shared by Du Zi Heng, his mother, and the gathered onlookers.
After nearly twenty years of diligent study, with the support of a Chancellor father, Du Zi Heng had only just managed to earn the title of Tanhua (Third-Rank Scholar). His future prospects remained uncertain.
But one thing was certain: he hadn’t started with a fifth-rank position.
Among the crowd were countless students who had devoted even more effort than Du Zi Heng. Yet, for various reasons, they hadn’t succeeded in advancing.
Even those who had passed could only begin their careers in the lowest-ranking posts.
Yet here was the Young Madam of the Chancellor’s Mansion, effortlessly granted a fifth-rank official title!
In the Great Sheng Empire, a fifth-rank official in the capital held the privilege of attending court sessions. It was a position of true power!
Suddenly, all eyes turned to Yu Zhi Yi.
There were looks of shock, curiosity, admiration… but most were filled with envy and resentment.
Faced with these almost predatory gazes, Yu Zhi Yi wanted to cry out: she had no idea what was going on either!
In her previous life, she had schemed relentlessly for Zhang Tian Shun, even burning herself out with meticulous calculations, yet hadn’t obtained a single position.
Only after Zhang Tian Shun had earned three first-class merits did she manage to secure a modest noble title for herself under the guise of “virtue.”
In this life, she hadn’t relied on anyone or employed metaphysical schemes to fight for anything.
Her only aspiration for a noble title had been to avoid having to bow to others.
“Mother, I truly don’t know what’s happening,” Yu Zhi Yi confessed honestly, her innocence almost pitiable.
Madam Du, recovering from her shock, smiled and said, “Yi’er’s talents are extraordinary. It’s only natural that His Majesty would recognize her.”
“While most talent is selected through examinations, the tradition of promoting filial and virtuous individuals hasn’t been abolished. Yi’er first used her foresight to save the little master of the Marquis of Wu’an’s household, then rescued the elderly and women abducted from Ma Family Village… Such rare talent is unparalleled.”
Though her tone wasn’t sharp, it carried a poised authority, and her words were steeped in credibility.
Her gaze swept over the crowd with the composure befitting a Chancellor’s wife, lending an air of undeniable conviction to her statement.
Many who had initially harbored doubts about Yu Zhi Yi found themselves at a loss for words.
Observing Madam Du’s serene demeanor, Yu Zhi Yi was moved.
Madam Du was deflecting the resentment of the crowd for her sake.
Though the Emperor had conferred the appointment, those harboring grievances couldn’t direct their ire at the Emperor. Instead, they would target Yu Zhi Yi.
Even though she wasn’t afraid, Madam Du didn’t want her to suffer such hostility.
Lowering her gaze, Yu Zhi Yi felt a prickle of warmth in her eyes but refused to acknowledge it.
Suddenly, a booming voice broke through the murmurs of the crowd: “The Young Madam Du has saved so many lives—her merits are immeasurable! This appointment is well-deserved!”
As the words rang out, many among the crowd nodded in agreement.
Most people didn’t care who held office, as long as the official worked for the people’s welfare.
Though she was a woman, Young Madam Du seemed to possess extraordinary talents. If she could use them to benefit the citizens and the empire, it could only be a good thing.
The public sentiment shifted.
Even the students who had felt indignant earlier held their tongues.
That evening, when Chancellor Du returned home, his usually stern face was brimming with delight.
Puzzled, Madam Du asked, “What has made you so happy, my lord?”
She had expected him to be furious over their son’s performance.
Chancellor Du chuckled. “Yi’er has earned His Majesty’s favor and made a name for herself. Isn’t that cause for celebration?”
“It is indeed,” Madam Du agreed, though she still seemed troubled.
“As for that unfilial son…” Chancellor Du snorted. “I had already predicted he wouldn’t perform well this time. I didn’t even expect him to pass.”
Although he had served as the chief examiner, he had avoided reviewing the examination content beforehand to prevent any conflicts of interest.
It wasn’t until after the exams that he learned the Emperor had replaced the original questions at the last minute.
And the reason for this change? It was tied to Yu Zhi Yi!
Bewildered, Madam Du pressed for details. “What does changing the exam questions have to do with Yi’er?”
With a sigh, Chancellor Du began to explain, “A few days ago, didn’t Duke Courage go to Ma Family Village?”
She nodded.
“Everyone knows he rescued the abducted women and children. But what they don’t know is what happened during the operation…”