Chapter 60: Her? A Fifth-Rank Lady Official?
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Just as Yu Jiao Jiao was being bundled into a carriage, ready to be sent off to Duke Courage’s estate, another procession arrived outside the Chancellor’s residence.
This group, too, was beating drums and gongs, exuding an air of festivity.
Today was the day the imperial examination results were announced. Everyone was focused on the outcomes and the movements of those delivering the good news.
Du Zi Heng, being a favored candidate in this year’s exams, had already attracted much attention. The earlier messengers had drawn quite a crowd of onlookers.
Now, seeing yet another procession heading toward the Chancellor’s mansion, the citizens of the capital were astonished. Even those who weren’t particularly interested found themselves gathering at the mansion’s gates, eager to see what this second group was up to.
Not just the onlookers, but even Du Zi Heng himself and the mother-daughter duo of Madam Yao and Yu Zhi Yi were surprised.
They had never heard of someone receiving congratulations twice in one examination.
Could it be that Du Zi Heng’s initial ranking was a mistake?
Yu Zhi Yi began to question everything she thought she knew.
In both her previous and current lives, apart from being manipulated into marrying Du Zi Heng, only today’s events had slipped out of her control.
Madam Yao didn’t step forward. Instead, she instructed Aunt Wen to go and inquire, to avoid any misunderstanding about their purpose.
After all, if these people weren’t here for Du Zi Heng but for another candidate among the onlookers, it would be a significant embarrassment.
Aunt Wen approached them courteously. “Gentlemen, may I ask whom you’re here to congratulate?”
One of the messengers chuckled, raising his voice so all could hear. “Congratulations to Chancellor Du! Double blessings have arrived!”
“We’re here to celebrate with the young madam of the Du family!”
“The young madam has been exceptionally appointed by His Majesty as a Fifth-Rank Official in the Ministry of Justice. She can assume her position after the Jade Forest Banquet!”
Yu Zhi Yi blinked in astonishment. “What?”
The crowd gasped. “What did they say?”
From inside the carriage, Yu Jiao Jiao was stunned. “Impossible!”
Before Yu Zhi Yi could react, Yu Jiao Jiao leaped from the carriage, looking wild-eyed. “You’re all liars! Everything you’re saying is false! Falsely proclaiming an imperial decree—just wait until His Majesty punishes you and your entire families!”
Though female officials had become more common in the Dasheng Empire over the past century, and many had made significant contributions in important positions, they all had spent years, even decades, climbing the ranks.
Even the legendary Princess, Jia Luo, from a hundred years ago, had earned her right to attend court only after monumental achievements.
And Yu Zhi Yi—what had she done to deserve this?
This question wasn’t just on Yu Jiao Jiao’s mind; it was shared by Du Zi Heng and his mother, as well as the onlookers.
Du Zi Heng had studied diligently for nearly twenty years. With a Chancellor for a father, he had just managed to secure the title of Third-Rank Scholar. Who knew how far he could go in the future?
But one thing was certain: he wouldn’t start his career as a Fifth-Rank official right away.
Among the crowd were countless scholars who had worked even harder than Du Zi Heng but couldn’t achieve high ranks due to various reasons.
Even many provincial graduates, who might eventually get opportunities to serve in the court, would have to start from the lowest positions.
Yet here was the Chancellor’s daughter-in-law, effortlessly obtaining a Fifth-Rank position!
In the Dasheng Empire, a Fifth-Rank capital official had the qualification to attend court meetings—a true figure in the core of power!
All eyes turned to Yu Zhi Yi.
Some were shocked, others curious or envious. But most were filled with jealousy and resentment.
Faced with these almost hostile gazes, Yu Zhi Yi wanted to say, “I have no idea what’s happening either!”
In her previous life, she had gone to great lengths for Zhang Tian Shun, but she hadn’t received any official title.
It was only after Zhang Tian Shun earned three first-class merits that, under her “persuasion,” he agreed to request a noble title for her.
In this life, she hadn’t planned on relying on anyone, much less using her abilities in metaphysics to gain anything.
The only title she had considered was to avoid having to bow to others.
“Mother, I truly don’t know what’s going on,” Yu Zhi Yi said earnestly, her eyes wide with innocence.
Madam Yao snapped out of her astonishment and smiled warmly. “Yi’er, with your talents, it’s only natural that His Majesty would recognize you.”
“While it’s true that most officials are selected through the imperial examinations, the system of recommending filial and virtuous individuals hasn’t been abolished. You used your foresight to save the young son of Marquis Wu’an and rescued those abducted women and children in the Ma Family Village. Such remarkable deeds are rare.”
Her tone was calm yet dignified, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. The poise of the Chancellor’s wife was evident, lending credibility to her words.
Those who had been doubting Yu Zhi Yi found themselves silenced.
Looking at Madam Yao’s composed face, Yu Zhi Yi felt a tug at her heart.
Madam Yao was helping her quell the public’s resentment.
Although the appointment was His Majesty’s decision, those who harbored doubts or grievances couldn’t direct their frustrations at the emperor…
But they could target Yu Zhi Yi.
Not that she was afraid.
But Madam Yao didn’t want her to get hurt.
Lowering her eyes, Yu Zhi Yi tried to hide the sudden moisture gathering there.
Suddenly, a loud voice emerged from the crowd. “Madam Du saved so many people—her merits are immeasurable! She absolutely deserves this position!”
With that, many in the crowd nodded in agreement.
In truth, most people didn’t care who held official positions; they cared whether those officials could serve the people.
Though Madam Du was a woman, her ability to foresee events seemed extraordinary. If she could use this to benefit the populace and the Dasheng Empire, why not?
The mood shifted.
Those scholars who had felt slighted swallowed their complaints.
That evening, Chancellor Du returned home, his usually stern face alight with joy.
Madam Yao was puzzled. “Husband, what has you in such high spirits?”
She had thought he might be angry that their son hadn’t performed better in the exams.
Chancellor Du chuckled. “Yi’er has gained His Majesty’s favor and made a name for herself. Isn’t that cause for celebration?”
“Indeed,” Madam Yao agreed, though a hint of concern lingered.
“As for that unfilial son…” Chancellor Du’s expression darkened. “I anticipated he wouldn’t do well this time. In fact, I expected he might not pass at all.”
Although he was the chief examiner, to avoid any conflict of interest, he hadn’t involved himself with the exam questions beforehand.
It was only after the exams that he learned His Majesty had changed the questions at the last minute.
And this sudden change was connected to Yu Zhi Yi!
Madam Yao looked bewildered. “How does the change in exam questions relate to Yi’er?”
With a sigh, Chancellor Du began to explain. “A few days ago, didn’t the Guardian Duke go to the Ma Family Village?”
She nodded.
“The public only knows that the Guardian Duke rescued those abducted women and children from the Ma Family Village. They don’t know what truly transpired during that mission.”
He paused, ensuring she was following.
“Rumor has it that during the rescue, they encountered unforeseen dangers. It was Yi’er who, using her foresight, provided crucial information that saved many lives, including that of the Guardian Duke.”
Madam Yao gasped softly. “I had no idea.”
“His Majesty values loyalty and talent. Hearing of Yi’er’s abilities and her contributions, he decided to reward her personally. That’s why she was granted the Fifth-Rank position.”
Madam Yao smiled, relief evident in her eyes. “Our Yi’er truly is exceptional.”
“Indeed,” Chancellor Du agreed. “We should support her wholeheartedly.”
Meanwhile, in her quarters, Yu Zhi Yi sat by the window, gazing at the moon. The events of the day replayed in her mind.
“Why did His Majesty appoint me?” she whispered to herself.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Yi’er, may I come in?” It was Madam Yao.
“Of course, Mother,” she replied, rising to open the door.
Madam Yao entered, her eyes gentle. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m… a bit overwhelmed,” Yu Zhi Yi admitted.
Madam Yao took her hand. “It’s a great honor, but also a great responsibility. If you ever feel unsure, remember that we’re here to support you.”
Touched by her sincerity, Yu Zhi Yi felt warmth spread through her. “Thank you, Mother.”
They sat together for a while, the silence comfortable.
“Mother,” Yu Zhi Yi began hesitantly, “do you think I’m fit for this role?”
Madam Yao smiled reassuringly. “I believe you are. You have a good heart and remarkable abilities. Use them wisely, and you’ll do great things.”
Feeling a newfound determination, Yu Zhi Yi nodded. “I will.”
Outside, the night deepened, but within the Chancellor’s residence, a new chapter was just beginning.