Chapter 9: Names on the Golden List
The results of the palace examination were announced, and both Zhou Jin and Fan Jin were ranked in the top three, becoming jinshi. This news made them ecstatic; their dreams of many years were finally realized.
The golden list was posted on the walls of the imperial city, attracting countless people to come and watch. Zhou Jin and Fan Jin's names were prominently listed, becoming the object of everyone's envy. They leaped from obscure scholars from poor families to imperial court officials in one fell swoop.
The emperor personally appointed official positions to the jinshi. Zhou Jin was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and Fan Jin was appointed as a director in the Ministry of Revenue. These positions gave them the opportunity to participate in important national affairs and realize their ambitions.
After becoming jinshi, Zhou Jin and Fan Jin's lives underwent tremendous changes. They moved into official residences, wore magnificent official robes, and enjoyed various privileges. Their former lives of poverty were gone forever.
However, they also realized that new challenges had just begun. As court officials, they needed to handle complex political relationships and fulfill their responsibilities. This was even more difficult than the imperial examination.
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin resolved to work hard and not let down the emperor's trust and the people's expectations. They hoped to make contributions to the country and people and realize their value.