Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 637: Chapter 316: Imperial Examination

On the sixteenth day of the first month, the court resumed early morning sessions.

Just at dawn, the gate of the imperial city was already crowded with ministers. Logically, having just celebrated the New Year, they should have been energetic and spirited as they attended the court, but in fact, it was quite the opposite. They appeared listless and fatigued, yawning incessantly as if they hadn’t slept well.

From the court recess until now, the ministers had not attended early court sessions for more than twenty days. Suddenly having to attend court right after the Lantern Festival felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable to them.

Taking advantage of the time before court began, the ministers quickly yawned, for if they were to yawn during the court session, they would face severe punishment. No one wanted to be punished during the first early session of the New Year. If punished on New Year’s first court, they believed the entire year would be unlucky, possibly leading to significant troubles. Despite their learned nature, the ministers were quite superstitious.

Standing at the front were Prime Minister He, Chang Xiao, and a few others, chatting happily, looking to be in excellent spirits. Not just excellent, they seemed very excited, as if anticipating something.

The other ministers kept glancing at them, silently speculating on what discussions they might have had with the Emperor in the days before the New Year and in recent days.

From the eighth day of the month, the Emperor had been summoning Prime Minister He and the others to the palace, discussing something all day long. Even yesterday’s Lantern Festival saw Chang Xiao and colleagues entering the palace in the afternoon and leaving only at dusk.

During the New Year period, no matter how the other ministers inquired, they could not glean any information.

Though the nature of the matter was unknown, judging from the excitement of Prime Minister He and his companions, it was undoubtedly something extraordinary.

"The early session is about to start, and my heart is racing," said Chang Xiao, covering his chest with an excited expression, "I’ve lived most of my life and never felt this nervous."

Prime Minister He stroked his beard and smiled, "I too have never felt so exhilarated."

Chang Xiao beamed, "You have no idea how excited I’ve been these past few days, I can hardly sleep."

Prime Minister He scrutinized Chang Xiao’s complexion teasingly, "You look quite refreshed, almost a few years younger."

Chang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh heartily, "I too noticed in the mirror these days that I look much younger, even the wrinkles on my face seem fewer." After speaking, he deliberately glanced at Prime Minister He, "Prime Minister He, you look radiant, as if you’ve regained youth too."

Prime Minister He laughed, "A joyful event brings spirit to life."

"You might laugh at this," said Chang Xiao gleefully, "I’ve been so full of energy lately, as if I have endless strength. My appetite has improved a lot too, I can eat three bowls of rice per meal now."

Prime Minister He raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, "This happy?"

"Certainly happy," Chang Xiao reflected, "Just thinking about this matter makes me feel like a young man, full of passion. This is an extraordinary thing, unprecedented. Dare I say, we are making history here."

"Indeed, it’s something very grand and remarkable." Although these days have been busy due to the imperial examination, the busyness is very worthwhile. "It is..." Prime Minister He almost let slip "His Highness," but quickly rephrased, "The Emperor made history, and we are fortunate to witness this historic moment."

Chang Xiao nodded in agreement, "You’re right." Suddenly remembering Grandmaster Liu in Shu, he chuckled gleefully, "Pity Grandmaster Liu missed such an important event."

Prime Minister He imagined Grandmaster Liu’s expression upon learning this and couldn’t help but laugh, "If Lao Liu finds out, he would surely be very envious of us."

"Hahaha, I can’t wait to see Lao Liu’s envious yet admiring face."

Other ministers saw Prime Minister He and Chang Xiao laughing and were very curious about what they were laughing at.

It was at this moment that the palace gates opened, and the ministers filed in.

It was not yet time for the court session, and the main hall doors of Chengguang Hall were not yet open. The ministers had to wait in the side hall first.

As soon as they sat down, the eunuchs brought hot tea.

The capital was still very cold in the first month, and after standing a while at the palace gate, the ministers’ hands and feet were already chilled. Drinking a cup of hot tea before court was just the thing to warm them up.

The Emperor was also drinking tea. After finishing, he rose and headed towards Chengguang Hall.