Among the imperial examination rankings, the most well-known ones are probably the No. 1 scholar who placed first in the first class, and probably the third best scholar in the first class. On the contrary, the second place in the rankings is not as dazzling as the first and third place.

The number one scholar is understandable. After all, he is the top student selected from among the students in the world. It can be said that winning the number one scholar means standing at the top of the culture at that time. Although Tanhua is ranked third, it loses a lot of luster than the number one scholar.

Why is Tanhua so famous? This is inseparable from the Tang Dynasty. Although during the Tang Dynasty, talents selected through the imperial examination could not hold high positions, but in order to show that the court valued talents, so during the Tang Dynasty, those selected through the imperial examination were

Talented people who become Jinshi will be celebrated with a garden tour, and it is named "Flower Visiting Banquet". Young and beautiful people are called "Flower Visiting Envoys".

This custom was continued into the Song Dynasty. Due to the reform of the imperial examination in the Song Dynasty, Jinshi had to pass the emperor's palace examination, and the emperor established the first grade, which were number one, number two, and top prize.

Since there was a celebration banquet named "Tanhua Banquet" handed down from the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty named the first and third person "Tanhua", and mostly selected young and beautiful people as Tanhua. It can also be said to be a kind of respect for the third person.

compensation, or a political need.

This also led to the fact that the reputation of the second place in the first class was far less than that of Tanhua. After all, who doesn’t like young and talented young talents. Therefore, Tanhua has become the favorite in all the imperial examinations, and has become the most popular girl in every family.

The object of competition among middle-aged daughters was also the main object of love for young girls at that time.

The official designated Li Zhan as the third flower, not only because Li Zhan was young, but also because Li Zhan was handsome, with the appearance of Song Yu and Pan An, and he was a beautiful young man. He liked him very much, so he did this.

However, looking at the chattering and protesting ministers, the officials reluctantly compromised.

"It is true that I failed to consider it this time. I will take it as a lesson in the future. As compensation, this time I will be awarded an official position. The first three people should all be compiled by the Hanlin Academy of the sixth grade!"

Due to the gradual improvement of the imperial examination, some unspoken rules have gradually emerged in this dynasty. For example, non-Jinshi will not enter the Hanlin Academy, and non-Hanlin people will not serve as governors. Therefore, being able to enter the Hanlin Academy is a shortcut to rising through the ranks in the future. This is the same as other top two.

And the unspeakable pain in this life for a top three Jinshi.

When Han Qi saw the look of regret on the official's face, he immediately bowed and responded.

"The official sage!"

This ended the debate and calmed down the storm. Of course, Li Zhan had no knowledge of these secret fights.

In the evening, news came from the Ministry of Rites that they had entered the palace to attend the Qionglin Banquet. The new Jinshi entered the imperial garden happily and participated in a grand celebration banquet under the auspices of the officials. During the banquet, the officials

The family encouraged all the Jinshi, especially the first and third graders, and placed great expectations on them.

Li Zhan had a very good impression of the official family. The longest-serving official in the Song Dynasty was a rare sage king who was virtuous and benevolent. "History of the Song Dynasty" praised: ""Biography" said:'

Being a ruler should only be based on benevolence. The emperor is sincere and has no shame." Historians summarized his reign as "the prosperous rule of Renzong". He was good at calligraphy, especially Feibai calligraphy.

After attending the Qionglin Banquet, the new scholars were given a few months' leave to go home to visit relatives, return to their hometowns in fine clothes, and then join their jobs and go their separate ways.

Li Zhan did not stay, so he rented a boat and returned to Yangzhou along the waterway. At this time, the Sheng Mansion had received the news that Li Zhan had won the lottery and was admitted to the Hanlin Academy. Sheng Hong was overjoyed, but felt a little sad in his heart.

As soon as Li Zhan entered the officialdom, he studied in the Hanlin Academy of the sixth rank, and he was almost on an equal footing with him. Sheng Hong started from the lowest level as an alternate governor (the ninth rank), and was sent to serve in a bitter and cold place.

After many years of hard work, he was finally promoted to Yangzhou Tongpan.

In the main hall of Shouan Hall, three people were sitting separately, and the atmosphere was solemn and restless.

Old Mrs. Sheng sat in the middle, looking at the Sheng Hong couple on both sides, with a look of understanding on her face, calmly, waiting quietly for the Sheng Hong couple to speak.

Fortunately, Sheng Hong was an old man who had been in the officialdom for many years. The city was deep and he could suppress the anxiety in his heart and never spoke. However, Wang Ruofu was different. He was impatient, outspoken, and couldn't hide anything in his heart.

Something happened. Seeing that neither Mrs. Sheng nor Sheng Hong opened their mouths, they couldn't hold it back. They stood up anxiously and said impatiently.

"Mom, Zhan'er has won the third prize, and Hualan is already fifteen!"

Wang Ruofu may have spoken too hastily, so he didn't take a deep breath and had some stutters. He paused and calmed his breathing before continuing to look at Mrs. Sheng and speak.

"It was you who proposed the marriage between Hualan and Zhan'er before, and we agreed. In order not to affect Zhan'er's election, we didn't mention it. Now is it time to finalize the marriage?"

Wang Ruofu kept talking, speaking very fast, with obvious impatience on his face. After he finished speaking, he looked at Old Mrs. Sheng who was sitting in the seat with helpless eyes and felt uneasy.

Mrs. Sheng glanced at Sheng Hong, who was nodding his head. Knowing that this was the common thought of the couple, she coughed, opened her throat, and then said to the impatient couple.

"Why are you so anxious? Zhan'er hasn't come back yet. It won't be too late to rest for a while after he comes back!"

When Sheng Hong heard this, he couldn't control the anxiety in his heart. He quickly stood up and stopped Mrs. Sheng.

"Mom, no, this matter must be struck while the iron is hot to avoid long nights and nightmares!"

Mrs. Sheng glanced at Sheng Hong who was really anxious, sighed helplessly, and then said.

"We really can't rush this matter. If we mention this matter as soon as Zhan'er comes back, it would be a coercion, which would be bad!"

Sheng Hong paused and felt a little embarrassed. He naturally knew this, but because Li Zhan won the lottery, he suddenly became very popular. Countless wealthy families in Bianjing City coveted his intended son-in-law, and every family background

They are all more prominent than the Sheng family and will be of great benefit to Li Zhan's future. He is really worried.

When Mrs. Sheng saw Sheng Hong's expression of embarrassment, she still couldn't bear to see her son worried, so she finally confessed, giving Sheng Hong and his wife some reassurance.

"I actually mentioned this matter to Zhan'er in an indirect way. He is a smart man and naturally knows what I mean. He mentioned it to me before leaving Yangzhou. Regardless of whether he is in high school this time, after he comes back,

Just discuss this matter! I also agreed to the marriage at that time, but I was just worried that if Zhan'er failed, you and your wife would regret it, so I didn't tell you!"

When Sheng Hong heard this, his old face turned red with embarrassment. The reason why he didn't directly arrange the marriage between Li Zhan and Hua Lan before was because he really had this consideration. He was worried that if Li Zhan didn't win, he might as well regret not mentioning it.
Chapter completed!