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Following the examinations, the candidates opted to remain in the capital to await the results. The top ten performers would earn the opportunity to partake in the Palace Examination, a chance to rise to new heights in their careers. This prospect fueled the hopeful hearts of all the candidates, each believing they had a shot at breaking into the top ranks.

In ancient times, there were no standardized answers; each question required a comprehensive essay response. The examiners’ scoring depended largely on whether the essay aligned with their personal preferences.

Despite the results not yet being disclosed, the candidates had organized small groups for sightseeing tours throughout the capital or held intimate poetry gatherings with friends. Wealthier candidates would host banquets for three to five close companions, taking turns as the hosts, while those without sufficient funds consciously declined such invitations. Among scholars, preserving one’s reputation was of paramount importance.

Compared to candidates from distant locales, Su Bin was in a considerably happier position. With Qin Zhenzhen personally preparing his meals, he enjoyed both excellent food and rest. He awaited the rankings with little anxiety.

The Crown Prince, however, extended a secret offer to enlist Su Bin for his own benefit. If Su Bin agreed, the Crown Prince would arrange a backdoor entry into the Palace Examination, potentially securing a top-three position for him. This could pave the way for a prosperous future in the capital.

Nevertheless, Su Bin declined with a firm stance. “I apologize, but I serve only the emperor.”

Hmph! Would he serve someone who sought to exploit his wife and attempt to ensnare him? Absolutely not!

Furthermore, Su Bin had long been aligned with the Third Prince. He remained committed to assisting the Third Prince in ousting the Crown Prince from his position.

Upon hearing that Su Bin had turned down the Crown Prince’s offer, the Crown

Prince’s countenance darkened. “You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!”

Of the five Grand Scholars responsible for overseeing the examination papers, four hailed from the Crown Prince’s camp. Since the day the test papers were released, these five individuals had been cut off from the outside world, essentially placed under house arrest within the palace, where their needs were meticulously catered to. This measure was intended to prevent them from leaking the examination questions.

Nonetheless, the Crown Prince maintained various channels of communication with them. While he didn’t dare tamper with the test papers, he had the means to manipulate the rankings of the top ten candidates.

When he discovered that Su Bin’s test paper was exceptionally outstanding and that he deserved the top spot, the Crown Prince realized he had been duped by Su Bin. Back then, Su Bin had masqueraded as a timid scholar, deceiving both him and the emperor.

In truth, Su Bin had concealed his true abilities. The revelation of the Eighth

Imperial Uncle’s rebellion had been orchestrated by Su Bin. He and Qin Zhenzhen had collaborated from both inside and outside the palace to effortlessly eliminate the Eighth Imperial Uncle and the Jiang family. With such formidable capabilities, Su Bin had no intention of being manipulated by the Crown Prince, who was undoubtedly attempting to suppress him.

The Crown Prince composed a discreet note and surreptitiously passed it to the examiners, instructing them to ensure that Su Bin was not among the top ten candidates.

Upon receiving this directive from His Highness the Crown Prince, the examiners found themselves in a dilemma. Su Bin’s answers had undeniably shone the brightest, and they had already contemplated ranking him first. However, they could not afford to defy the Crown Prince’s orders.

As a result, the four examiners went to great lengths to scrutinize Su Bin’s answers, seeking any errors or flaws they could exploit. Ultimately, they collectively decided to position Su Bin in eleventh place.

However, one of the examiners vehemently dissented.

A heated debate ensued among the five chief examiners, ultimately resulting in Su Bin being placed in the tenth position.

Tenth place granted him the eligibility to participate in the Palace Examination.

Upon receiving this news, the Crown Prince did not express excessive dissatisfaction. He reasoned that competing in the Palace Examination as the tenth-ranked candidate was akin to being a mere companion to the event. After all, the top three positions were unlikely to be awarded to someone ranked tenth..