sjar Chapter 942 I humbly submit that the Holy Dynasty governs the world with filial piety.
Chapter 942 I humbly submit that the Holy Dynasty governs the world with filial piety.
Upon hearing this, Li Che's lips twitched slightly.
Taking leave right after starting the job? You're such a lazy bum, huh?
But Zhang Qian continued, "I have an elderly father at home who is frail and lives with me."
"I have studied diligently for over ten years, yet I have never been able to fulfill my filial duty to my father. Now, I am fortunate enough to have achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to return home first, to properly settle my elderly father, and to fulfill my filial duty as a son."
"Once everything at home is settled, I will ride as fast as I can back to the capital to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty and without the slightest slackening!"
After saying this, Zhang Qian bowed again, his attitude respectful and earnest.
quiet!
Deathly silence!
The scholars felt their heads buzzing and could hardly believe their ears.
What kind of wish is this...?
He gave up promotions, wealth, and honors to take a six-month leave to go home and serve his father.
If someone else were to become the top scholar in the imperial examination, they would be eager to take up their post immediately, fearing that they might delay even a moment.
You actually went and asked for a six-month delay?
Is this top scholar... utterly foolish? Or exceptionally pure and filial?
However, Li Che and his officials saw something completely different.
In this era, filial piety is the most basic yardstick for measuring a person's character.
Even if a person is exceptionally talented, an unfilial person will find it difficult to gain trust and be given important responsibilities.
Faced with such a huge temptation, Zhang Qian's first thought was not for himself, but for his elderly father far away in his hometown. How precious is this pure heart!
Li Che was also deeply shaken.
He came from a later era, and although he did not agree with some outdated filial piety practices, he understood that a person who did not even love his closest relatives must have questionable loyalty and sense of responsibility.
If someone doesn't even love their own family, they're a pure egoist. What can you expect them to do for you?
Looking at Zhang Qian kneeling on the ground, Li Che was filled with emotion:
"I humbly acknowledge that the Holy Dynasty governs the world with filial piety, and the scholar's benevolent and filial heart moves Heaven and Earth, which greatly pleases me!"
"Good! Good! Good!"
He said "good" several times, clearly in a very good mood.
But then, he changed the subject, revealing a hint of difficulty: "However... the imperial court also needs a top scholar like you, and a six-month vacation is really too long. Besides, Fenzhou is far away, and you'll have to travel back and forth..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian couldn't help but show disappointment on his face.
“However—” Li Che’s voice rose again, “I have a solution that satisfies both sides. I can send capable people to Fenzhou to bring your father to the capital in a grand and peaceful manner so that he can reunite with you!”
Zhang Qian looked up, his face filled with astonishment.
Li Che's gaze swept over all the newly appointed scholars in the hall, and he spoke in a loud voice: "Not only that! I will also send people to the hometowns of all of you!"
"I will send good news to your homes, and I will have the procession proclaim your achievements all the way, so that your parents, clansmen, and fellow villagers can share in this glory!"
Li Che then looked at Zhang Qian: "Your Excellency, I will make sure your father arrives in the capital in a grand and glorious manner, riding in a carriage bestowed by the Emperor, amidst the envious gazes of your neighbors!"
His words were like a warm current that instantly flowed through Zhang Qian's body.
The other successful candidates were also overjoyed, and their loyalty to Li Che instantly soared.
What an honor it is for the emperor to announce good news to one's home!
It would be enough to bring glory to one's ancestors, and even dedicate a chapter to the family genealogy.
Zhang Qian's eyes instantly reddened, brimming with tears, and he kowtowed heavily: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! Your Majesty's compassion is something I can never repay even with my life!"
"Rise," Li Che said, raising his right hand slightly. "I do not like people kneeling and bowing at the drop of a hat."
He then looked at the others and said, "You too, as Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), you possess a scholarly air. Kneeling too much will cause that air to dissipate."
"Today's kneeling is my way of thanking my teacher as a disciple, and it will not be repeated."
"The student obeys."
Li Che looked at him, becoming more and more satisfied, and smiled, "You are filial and do not want to ask me for a reward, so I will make the decision for you."
"Huai'en, convey my decree: bestow upon the top scholar Zhang Qian a residence in the inner city of the capital, ten maids and servants, and one hundred taels of gold to help him settle down and establish a career in the capital, support his father, and not let the top scholar be troubled by trivial matters, so that he can concentrate on serving the country."
When the imperial decree was issued, the other successful candidates were alright, but the officials were all green with envy.
His Majesty's generosity is truly astounding, with mansions, servants, gold... the care is meticulous.
Looking back at the rewards given by the late emperor during his reign, they were mostly superficial gifts such as seasonal fruits and vegetables and calligraphy works by the emperor. How could they be as substantial as this?
Zhang Qian was also deeply shaken and bowed deeply again: "This student... thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace!"
Li Che nodded in satisfaction and encouraged him, "I hope you will not disappoint me and will strive to do your best."
Then, Zhang Han, the second-place scholar, stepped forward to express his gratitude.
Li Che also offered gentle words of comfort, bestowing upon him crowns, robes, gold, and silver, but without any further special rewards.
Zhang Han remained calm and composed. After expressing his gratitude, he respectfully withdrew without showing any dissatisfaction.
Then, Lin Qingyuan, the third-ranked scholar, calmly stepped forward and bowed to express his gratitude.
His white clothes made him stand out, and his elegant demeanor was captivating.
Li Che looked at him and couldn't help but laugh, "The third-ranked scholar is indeed handsome and talented, living up to the name of 'third-ranked scholar'."