We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 943 Imperial Horse Parade Through the Streets, His Majesty's Favor

Lin Qingyuan was slightly taken aback, then bowed politely and replied, "My appearance is a gift from my parents, and I am truly ashamed that I have no credit for it."

Upon hearing this, Li Che laughed heartily, thinking that this young man was not only talented but also had high emotional intelligence.

He changed the subject, asking with a hint of inquiry, "I've heard that your master's lineage is descended from Guigu, a school of profound learning. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to meet your esteemed master?"

Lin Qingyuan hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, my master is a free spirit, and his whereabouts are unpredictable. I do not know whether he is still in Yunmeng Mountain at this moment."

"But Your Majesty is a wise and enlightened emperor who is eager to seek out talented people. If my teacher knew that Your Majesty wished to meet him, he would be overjoyed and come to see you under the cover of night."

Seeing that he was neither humble nor arrogant, lacking the aloofness of a hermit's disciple, and giving him ample face in his words, Li Che admired him even more.

He was indeed interested in the Guigu School, but it wouldn't warrant him personally visiting Yunmeng Mountain three times to seek out the thatched cottage.

It wasn't that Li Che was inferior to Liu Bei, but rather that their statuses were different.

When Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage three times, his team was still in its infancy. He was willing to sacrifice his pride for talent. But things were completely different after he became emperor.

How can we lower ourselves like this? What will the court officials think? Are we all inferior to a disciple of Guiguzi?

Li Che nodded and said, "That's very good. If I can meet your esteemed teacher in the future, I will certainly reserve a seat for you and humbly seek your guidance."

Afterwards, Li Che dismissed Lin Qingyuan and glanced at all the newly appointed scholars in the hall:

"You six hundred or so people are all outstanding talents of today, and the backbone of Daqing's future!"

"From today onwards, you will step into the imperial court, either as officials who speak out against wrongdoing, as local officials, or as noble and powerful figures."

"I hope that you will remember the glory of today, but also remember your responsibility as 'disciples of the emperor'. In the future, when you serve as officials, you should set an example, enforce the law impartially, and seek the well-being of the millions of people in our Daqing."

"We students will humbly follow Your Majesty's teachings and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's great favor!" More than six hundred people responded in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

Li Che waved his hand and laughed loudly:

"Good! Newly appointed scholars, parade through the streets in accordance with regulations and receive the cheers you deserve!"

A changing room had already been prepared in the side hall of the Hall of Heroes, and all the people were led there to change their clothes.

Zhang Qian changed into the scarlet silk robe specially bestowed upon him as a first-class Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), wrapped a jade belt around his waist, and wore a black gauze Jinshi hat on his head.

When she came out again, her whole demeanor had been completely transformed.

His scarlet official robe added to his imposing presence. Although his eyes still retained the simplicity of a farmer, the confidence boosted by honor had transformed him completely.

A look of amazement flashed in Lin Qingyuan's eyes, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "Indeed, clothes make the man, and gold makes the Buddha! Brother, you look truly magnificent in this outfit, not at all tarnishing the prestige of being the top scholar of our Great Qing!"

The other successful candidates also changed into robes of their respective ranks, and then, guided by officials from the Ministry of Rites, they all went to the square in front of the imperial city.

On the square, a cavalry team was already waiting, the horses were all plump and strong, and their saddles and bridles were bright.

The master of ceremonies stepped forward and handed Zhang Qian a riding crop decorated with red silk, pointing out, "Scholar Zhang, your mount is at the head of the procession."

Following the direction, everyone looked and saw a magnificent black horse standing at the very front of the procession.

This horse was half a head taller than ordinary horses, and its coat was jet black and glossy, without any other colors. In the sunlight, it shimmered like the finest black satin.

With its four hooves like pillars and its head held high, the horse exudes an untamed and regal air.

The horse was also equipped with a magnificent saddle inlaid with silver ornaments, covered with a bright red brocade pad, and a cluster of red tassels on its forehead, making it stand out from the crowd.

However, a sense of doubt arose in everyone's hearts.

Why is it that everyone else's mounts are docile white or chestnut horses, but the top scholar's mount is a black horse that looks extremely difficult to control?

Moreover, the horse's color seems somewhat inappropriate for this festive occasion.

The official from the Ministry of Rites seemed to sense the doubts of the crowd and raised his voice to explain, "Sir, fellow scholars, please hear what I have to say."

"This horse is named 'Black Wind'. It accompanied His Majesty in his campaigns and made great contributions. It is His Majesty's most beloved imperial horse."

"No one other than His Majesty has ever ridden this horse before. Today, His Majesty has bestowed the great favor of allowing 'Black Wind' to ride the top scholar through the streets. This is an unprecedented grace."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

The imperial horse! His Majesty's warhorse, which he considers a companion!

His Majesty's treatment of Zhang Qian is truly beyond words; it's not like he's treating a top scholar, but rather like he's raising a death squad!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian was deeply moved.

He quickly turned around, faced the palace, bowed deeply, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will certainly live up to your trust!"

After the ceremony, he walked slowly toward Black Wind, supported by the master of ceremonies.

Perhaps sensing the approach of a stranger, Black Wind snorted impatiently, its front hooves gently pawing the ground, its head slightly turned away, as if unwilling to let Zhang Qian touch it.

Seeing this, Zhang Qian did not force his way forward, but instead stopped.

To everyone's surprise, he actually bowed respectfully to the horse and said earnestly:

"I am Zhang Qian. By the grace of His Majesty, I am honored to parade through the streets today with the presence of Brother Black Wind."

“Knowing that you are His Majesty’s favorite horse, I dare not be presumptuous. I hope that you, Brother Black Wind, will do me a favor and help me complete this ceremony of honoring an official on the Imperial Street.”