Rebirth: From being expelled from the imperial court to becoming a high-ranking official

"I'm going to register for the imperial examination. Brother Lin, would you like to come with me?"

After the Qionglin Banquet, Qin Yunhe made up his mind to take part in the imperial examination.

Lin Zhaotang seemed to have made up his mind long ago: "I don't plan to take the imperial examination. I asked Lord Pan at the Qionglin Banquet, and there should be several vacancies for county magistrates in the next few days. I plan to accept the position immediately."

How did Qin Yun know that in his previous life, Lin Zhaotang was also among the top two, but he did not stay in the capital, but was appointed as a county magistrate.

However, in this life, Lin Zhaotang passed the imperial examination and ranked second, which was a better result than in the previous life. Unexpectedly, he still gave up the imperial examination and chose to work outside the capital.

"With Brother Lin's talent, it's a pity that he didn't join the Imperial Academy. There is a rule in the court that 'only Hanlin scholars can join the cabinet.'"

Lin Zhaotang smiled and said, "It's nothing to regret. I may not be suitable for the Imperial Academy. There are so many editors, compilers, and scholars in the Imperial Academy, how many of them can enter the cabinet? Even if they can enter the cabinet, how many years will it take to enter the cabinet? It's different for the county magistrate. I can take up the position immediately. If I make some achievements, I can also benefit the people."

Qin Yunhe knew that what Lin Zhaotang said made sense, but his rank was not prominent, so if he waited for a vacancy, he would probably have to wait for a long time, even a year or two. How could he afford to wait?

Only by trying your best in the imperial examination can you be appointed as an official as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, Qin Yunhe felt a little melancholy. It was probably because he was not knowledgeable enough that he got a low ranking in the exam.

Qin Yunhe registered for the imperial examination on his own, and three days later he went to Baohedian to take the examination.

The imperial examination consisted of one question each on essay, memorial and poem, and was also completed in half a day.

Another day passed, and the results of the imperial examination came out, but Qin Yunhe was not selected.

……

Although he was mentally prepared, Qin Yunhe still felt a little disappointed when he found out that he was not selected, and he didn't know what to do.

Soon Lin Zhaotang was appointed as the magistrate of Xunlin County, Xu Ning Prefecture, just like in his previous life.

After accepting the position, Lin Zhaotang did not delay and immediately began to pack his bags, preparing to go home to visit his family before taking up the post.

Qin Yunhe has received an order to go to the Ministry of Rites to learn how to walk within ten days, and he has been preparing for this in the past two days.

He was already very familiar with Qin Weilai and Feng Baochu, who also failed the imperial examination and received orders to learn how to walk.

Two people came to play with Qin Yunhe that day, and when they talked about waiting for the position, Qin Wei came to ask Qin Yunhe.

"Hey, has your fellow villager Brother Lin Nian received a job vacancy?"

Qin Weilai and others all knew that Qin Yunhe was familiar with Lin Zhaotang.

"I have received it. I am the magistrate of Xunlin County, Xu Ning Prefecture."

Qin Weilai clicked his tongue and shook his head: "What a pity, what a pity."

Qin Yunhe was puzzled: "Why is it a pity? Brother Lin was directly appointed without waiting for the position, isn't this a good thing?"

Qin Weilai was always well-informed. Seeing Qin Yunhe asking this, he said, "I heard that the post of county magistrate of Hualin County in Tongjiang Prefecture will be vacant in about half a year. Hualin County is a high-ranking county. Although they are both county magistrates, they are half a level higher than the county magistrate of Xunlin County. Think about it, Brother Lin is a second-class candidate. If he is willing to wait, won't he get the post soon?"

Qin Weilai expressed his regret with his eyes, and Qin Yunhe also felt it was a pity, but Lin Zhaotang had already received the official position, so it was a little late to say anything.

We still can't be impatient, Qin Yunhe thought, if Brother Lin could wait a few days, maybe he would know the news.

Feng Baochu said, "Brother Qin Xian is really well-informed! I'll have to trouble you to keep me informed of my brothers' vacancies. When there are any good vacancies, please remember me."

Qin Weilai said, "Hey, I'm also waiting for a vacancy, so why would I worry about you? I just happened to hear some news by luck."

"There is a chance only if there is news! You are well-informed and must have got the job before us. I only hope that you will get the position and don't forget me if you have any more news."

Qin Weilai was also somewhat proud: "Of course, of course."

Qin Yunhe was puzzled: "Isn't the vacancy arranged by the Ministry of Personnel? Even if we get the news, what can we do?"

Qin Weilai and Feng Baochu both showed an expression that said "you are still too young".

Feng Bao showed an expression of a child who is incorrigible: "My dear brother, only when you know the job vacancy can you make targeted efforts to get it. Do you think the job will fall to you out of the blue? How long will you wait?"

I see?

How come there are such malpractices everywhere?

Lin Zhaotang had already received his official certificate and deed, and had scheduled his return trip for the day after tomorrow.

In the evening, Qin Yunhe watched Lin Zhaotang busy packing up. After hesitating for a long time, he finally told Lin Zhaotang what Qin Weilai and others had said during the day.

Unexpectedly, Lin Zhaotang just smiled and said nonchalantly: "Even if the position in Hualin County is really vacant, it may not be my turn as a newly-appointed Jinshi, and I don't have the money to bribe. Besides, I can't wait. If I don't have to wait for the appointment, I would like to return home after the exam."

Qin Yunhe didn't understand. No matter how deep their relationship was, they wouldn't be so anxious.

Lin Zhaotang is always calm and composed, so why is he always so anxious when it comes to going home?

"Brother Lin, why are you so anxious? You are a second-class candidate. His Majesty has ordered that you can take up the position at any time as long as there is a vacancy."

Lin Zhaotang was packing his books, but he stopped and turned around after hearing what Qin Yunhe said.

"How come you don't know?" He took a deep breath and said slowly after a while, "Because she was worried that I wouldn't have enough money to go home after failing the exam, my wife gave me most of their savings as travel expenses. She sells oil for a living, so she doesn't have to worry about her livelihood. But, she will be worried every day if I don't come back, and I don't want her to wait in vain."

Qin Yunhe was silent after hearing this.

Lin Zhaotang then smiled and said, "Besides, Xunlin County is a great place for me. When I heard about Xunlin County, I was afraid that it would not be granted to me. After all, Xunlin County and Fuyu County are both adjacent counties and belong to Xu Ning Prefecture. When I learned that I was granted the title of Xunlin County Magistrate, I was ecstatic."

Qin Yunhe guessed and asked, "Why are you so happy? Is it because Xunlin County is close to home?"

I thought about how I was worried before taking the exam that the place I would be working in would be too far away, so I made this guess based on my own experience.

"Yes, this will also make it convenient to pick up family members..."

Qin Yunhe was silent again: So that's how it is, no wonder Lin Zhaotang chose to be appointed to Xunlin County in his two previous lives.

It seems that Xunlin County is indeed a great place to go.

What about me? Where should I go?

It's a pity that my senior brother has already gone to take up his new post, so I can't discuss this with him now.

Thinking of this, Qin Yunhe suddenly remembered: "Oh, Senior Brother Gu went to Xu Ning Mansion to serve as the Tongzhi. He took up the post a few days ago. So he is your superior."