In the grand hall.
As the Empress entered the hall, all the Jinshi knelt on one knee and bowed their heads in respect.
Although Nian Jiaojiao was also curious about the Empress's appearance, she suppressed her restless mind.
"You don't need to be so formal, everyone rise."
The Empress's voice was steady and carried an unquestionable authority.
Nian Jiaojiao returned to her desk and took the opportunity to look up, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Great Yue Empress's face.
As expected, she looked like an Empress…
That was her immediate assessment upon first seeing the Empress.
The Empress's hair was entirely white, but it was meticulously styled. She wore a golden phoenix crown, the sole adornment befitting an Empress.
While her white hair suggested an age of at least seventy, her face miraculously showed few wrinkles, making her appear at most forty.
The Empress's beauty was above average among the women Nian Jiaojiao had encountered. Her eyes were slender, her features exquisite, and it was easy to tell that she must have been a captivating beauty in her youth, capable of charming a harem of three thousand.
Besides Nian Jiaojiao, the other Jinshi also looked at the Empress with curiosity.
Clearly, the Empress was accustomed to this situation.
Besides the exam questions, perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the imperial examinations was meeting the Empress…
Seeing everyone seated, the Empress spoke again:
"Everyone, you must all be aware that our dynasty, no, all humanity, faces the threat of extraterrestrial demons.
Times have changed. From this year onward, the imperial examinations will be held annually, with the top thirty Jinshi qualifying.
Furthermore, the examinations will now be conducted through martial combat. You will be the first cohort to have their rankings decided in this manner."
Upon hearing the Empress's words, the Jinshi below erupted in cheers.
"The Empress is wise!"
"This is our fortune!"
"We will surely give our all and contribute to the defense of the Great Yue Dynasty in the future!"
The Empress showed a satisfied expression at the reaction below.
She raised her hand, signaling for silence, and immediate quiet ensued.
Then, she looked at the old eunuch beside her, her gaze conveying a message.
The old eunuch immediately understood the Empress's intent. He unfurled the yellow silk in his hand and began to announce the rules for the upcoming martial combat.
The eunuch's shrill voice made Nian Jiaojiao uncomfortable, her scalp tingling.
It was akin to her past life aversion to the sound of a knife scraping a wall…
After an unknown duration, the rules were finished, and the old eunuch ceased speaking. Nian Jiaojiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She couldn't help but admire the Empress. The Empress was closer to the old eunuch, so logically, she should have been the one most tormented. Yet, knowing this, the Empress did not have a young eunuch or a maid read the rules.
It seemed this eunuch was quite favored…
Nian Jiaojiao made a mental note, remembering the eunuch's appearance.
Soon, Nian Jiaojiao and the others moved to the actual venue for their "academic combat."
This hall was located behind the one they had just occupied.
The interior of this hall resembled an arena.
In the center was a massive, circular marble stage. Nian Jiaojiao and the others stood with serious expressions, awaiting the results of their earlier draw. The Empress, meanwhile, sat in her high seat, observing the Jinshi below.
Of course, besides the Empress seated at the highest position, numerous court officials were also seated on the sides of the viewing platform.
"Lord Shangguan, is Shangguan Xi from your Shangguan family? Your Shangguan family might just produce a top scholar this year."
"It's too early to say, too early to say, but Xi'er is my niece, and I see her constant efforts. It would be best if she could achieve the first rank."
"Ah! Lord Shangguan is too modest, too modest."
"Indeed, if the Shangguan family holds a banquet then, I will certainly come to partake in the feast."
"Hahaha, it is an honor, Lord Zhao, that you would grace us with your presence."
The area around the person referred to as "Lord Shangguan" was filled with cheerful conversation.
"Prime Minister Huang, who do you favor?"
The question came from a female general dressed in military attire.
"General Situ, the combat is about to begin. My speculation now is pointless."
Prime Minister Huang did not offer an answer.
General Situ let out a light "hmph," cursing "old fox" in her mind before continuing to drink.
The area around them remained quiet.
The imperial court had a Left and Right Prime Minister, and the only other minister whose status was comparable to the two Prime Ministers was this General Situ.
It was common knowledge that General Situ and the Left Prime Minister were at odds.
No one dared to interject when the two were bickering, as one could easily become collateral damage.
Although the Jinshi knew that the adults on the viewing platform were discussing them, their position made it difficult to hear their conversations. They were all in a state of tense "pre-battle" readiness.
However, this state did not last long. Several maids pushed forward a large display board, presenting it to everyone.