Because Xu Qing did not achieve the top rank in the provincial examination, the impact was significant.
However, directly having Old Liang as the chief examiner to select Xu Qing as the top rank would lack credibility. By appointing Huo Jing as the chief examiner, it was not only a compromise in the court struggle but also to clear Xu Qing's name.
The reason Huo Jing made unfavorable remarks about Xu Qing was also to lay the groundwork in advance.
Of course, aside from these matters, Xu Qing also needed to produce convincing essays.
In this regard, the Grand Secretary naturally had no worries.
Although the provincial examination system was stricter, making cheating more challenging, the chief examiner's authority to search for lost papers meant that they could find the essays they wanted to spot.
Moreover, Xu Qing's essays were undoubtedly the most outstanding.
This was beyond doubt.
As long as Huo Jing did not oppose this essay, Xu Qing naturally could be selected.
