A thousand-year-old family begins with one fighting against ten thousand.

"For you, even if you have just entered the court, an official position below the fifth rank is a disgrace."

"The Grand Master of Remonstrance is a fifth-rank official, which is exactly the superior of the Remonstrance Official, so it couldn't be more suitable."

"Even if His Majesty is wary, you will surely rise to the rank of general and prime minister in the future, and the position of Grand Counselor is just a stepping stone to becoming prime minister."

"Even if His Majesty is unwilling to grant you the title of Grand Counselor, the fifth-rank official positions in the Secretariat have similar powers and can meet your needs."

"However, the previous Grand Counselor was implicated by Li Linfu and was dismissed from office, so the position is now vacant, and you still have a good chance."

Li Bai seemed to be deep in thought, and his strategy of retreating as a means of advancement proved that experience truly matters.

"Moreover, this is your first request upon entering the court, and His Majesty dares not disagree! Otherwise, it would be a slap in the face to the Wei family, something even His Majesty wouldn't dare to do!"

Li Bai gave a thumbs up, "Teacher, you're awesome!"

"After entering the court, don't rush. First, figure out the workings of the court."

"Listen more, observe more, and speak less. When you have seen through the ways of the court, then you can speak."

"You may be looked down upon by others in the court, but that is only temporary. There is a long future ahead, so do not forget the purpose for which you entered the court."

Li Bai bowed to Wei Wen and said, "Disciple understands, thank you for your teachings, Master."

Wei Wen nodded in satisfaction, looking at his outstanding disciple with a touch of reluctance.

The imperial court has never been a good place.

That's the biggest power arena in the world, a place that devours people without spitting out their bones.

Having navigated these murky waters, would Li Bai still be the same white-robed youth halfway through his life?

On his way back from the Prince of Yan's residence, Li Bai pondered what to do with his brothers.

Cen Shen and Gao Shi were skilled in martial arts from a young age, well-versed in military texts, and knowledgeable about border affairs, making them suitable for the Ministry of War. But what about Du Fu and Yuan Jie?

And what about Wang Wei? Where would he be best suited?

Back at the mansion, Gao Shi and the others were chatting in the courtyard when Li Bai came to his spot and asked them directly.

"Brother Cen, Brother Dafu, you have both passed the imperial examinations. What are your plans for the future?"

Gao Shi and Cen Shen were somewhat at a loss for words when Li Bai asked them, "What do you mean by that, Brother Taibai?"

"The imperial court has four provinces and six ministries, each with its own responsibilities. What are your intentions?"

Gao Shi was startled, his eyes somewhat blank. "Brother Taibai, isn't this arranged by the imperial court?"

"Isn't the court's inquiry just a formality?"

According to his understanding, although the imperial court would inquire about the preferences of newly appointed scholars, the best official positions were often given to those from aristocratic families, and their requests often resulted in nothing more than a lack of vacancies.

It was only then that he realized he had almost forgotten that Li Bai now held a prestigious position, and they had benefited from his influence.

"Brother Taibai, do you have any suggestions?"

Cen Shen looked at Li Bai. In the past, they always waited for the court to assign them tasks, but now that they were suddenly asked to choose, they were somewhat at a loss.

"Both brothers are well-versed in military strategy and skilled in martial arts. Why don't you join the Ministry of War?"

"That is my wish, but I dare not ask."

Cen Shen and Gao Shi exchanged a smile and bowed deeply to Li Bai.

"You're too kind."

Li Bai quickly stopped him.

"We are willing to follow Brother Taibai's arrangements."

Du Fu and the others also bowed to Li Bai. They were not from prominent families and did not know much about the court, so they could not compare to Li Bai's choice.

Li Bai nodded slightly, "Brother Mojie is proficient in rites and music, poetry and prose, and is skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy and painting. He is most suitable for the position of Taichang Boshi, who is in charge of rites and music, sacrifices, the Five Rites, ancestral temple rituals, and the formulation of ritual systems."

Wang Wei's eyes flickered slightly. It seemed that Li Bai's arrangement for him was to work in the Ministry of Rites. With Li Bai as his backer, he would naturally not go for years without a promotion.

"Brother Zimei, your family has a long tradition of poetry and scholarship, and you are well aware of the hardships of the common people. Would you be willing to serve as an advisor in the Secretariat with me?"

"We should follow your advice."

Du Fu cupped his hands in greeting.

"Cishan is not fond of extravagance, but excels in practical matters and understanding the people's conditions. He is suitable for the Ministry of Revenue. In the future, whether we enter the central government or are sent to serve as governors, we can realize our ambitions."

Li Bai then looked at Yuan Jie and said with a smile.

"good!"

Yuan Jie nodded.

……

Three days after the results were announced, the Ministry of Rites issued an edict to hold the Qujiang Grand Assembly.

Li Bai, dressed in a brand-new green robe, sat at the head of the winding stream as a clerk, with Du Fu, Wang Wei, Gao Shi, Yuan Jie, and others standing to his left and right.

First, an eunuch issued awards to the newly appointed scholars on behalf of the emperor, followed by the famous Qujiang Banquet where poems were composed on the winding stream.

Place the cup on the wooden plaque and let it flow down the Qujiang River.

Whoever the wine is placed next to must drink a cup of wine and compose a poem.

There were also court musicians playing court music and dancers performing, all of them incredibly beautiful.

"Your Excellency, His Majesty invites you to a banquet at Ziyun Tower."

A eunuch hurried over and respectfully addressed Li Bai.

Li Bai bowed apologetically to the many scholars around him and left with the eunuch.

"As expected of the Prince of Yan's disciple, even at the Qujiang Banquet, he was able to receive an audience with His Majesty."

"Unlike ordinary scholars like us, who may never see His Majesty more than a few times in our entire lives."

A scholar standing nearby remarked enviously.

"My fellow brothers, I hope you will continue to guide and support me in the future."

Some astute scholars had already set their sights on Du Fu and others. Li Bai, despite being a fellow Jinshi (successful candidate in the imperial examinations) of the same batch as them, was of a noble status, but the difference between them was like the difference between Qujiang and the Yellow River.

Du Fu and others were very close to Li Bai, and were destined to surpass him in the future. Taking advantage of this opportunity to build a good relationship would be a valuable connection for them when they entered officialdom.

Others were also reminded and flocked to Du Fu, Gao Shi, and others to try and win their favor.

Even the sons of some aristocratic families and nobles of the court gathered around, hoping to befriend them and indirectly get involved with Li Bai.

Recently, Du Fu, Gao Shi, and others have gotten used to being surrounded by so many people, chatting and laughing in an orderly manner without making any promises.

In the realm of romance, this would undoubtedly be considered the behavior of a scumbag.

But in officialdom, this is a sophisticated way of dealing with people.

On the top floor of Ziyun Tower, Li Longji sat there, looking down at the scholars who had gathered around Du Fu, Gao Shi, and others. In his heart, he labeled these scholars as unsuitable for important positions.

As Jinshi (successful candidates in the imperial examinations), they should naturally be grateful and loyal to the court. What's the point of them crowding around Li Bai's people?

Even though Li Longji didn't think these people would achieve anything in the court, it didn't stop him from disliking them.

"Your Majesty, the top scholar has arrived."

Gao Lishi approached Li Longji and whispered something.

Li Longji put on a smiling face, looked at Li Bai as he approached, and said with a smile, "My top scholar has arrived!"

"This humble subject, Li Bai, greets Your Majesty!"

Li Bai quickly bowed to Li Longji.

"No need for formalities. Someone, please give the top scholar a seat."

Li Longji said with a smile, and Gao Lishi even brought a chair for Li Bai. Li Bai sat down on the chair that Gao Lishi brought, without even glancing at Gao Lishi.