The examination organized by Lin Tian was similar to later ones, not lasting very long, concluding in a single day.
As it was the first imperial examination and paper had not yet become widely available, the examination questions were relatively simple.
Even if they used bamboo slips to answer, it wouldn't take much time.
Except for the last few questions that allowed candidates to distinguish themselves, the rest were very basic.
The reason for such basic questions was naturally that the Great Qin of this era required a large number of foundational talents.
As for truly top-tier talents, the subsequent difficult questions would naturally reveal them.
Lin Tian had a premonition that he would soon obtain some exceptional individuals.
However, the grading process took quite a long time, spanning a full half month.
After half a month, all the candidates' papers had been graded.
The rankings were also released.
As before, only the top one hundred were ranked; those beyond the hundredth place were considered to be in the same tier.
After their period of study before assuming office, they would be assigned official positions at random.
Of course, they would primarily be responsible for local affairs, equivalent to being superiors to the previously dispatched officials.
Their specific posts are not yet to be discussed.
After the examination results were out, Lin Tian eagerly reviewed the top one hundred positions.
When he saw the first-place winner, he was ecstatic.
"Han Xin, it's actually Han Xin! This is the Han Xin who was hailed as the God of War!"
Lin Tian never expected that, upon seeing the very first person, he would encounter someone whose name would echo through the ages.
Han Xin, the God of War, was one of the Three Heroes of the early Han Dynasty, a crucial figure in establishing the Han empire, and could be considered peerless.
Were it not for Han Xin, the establishment of the Han Dynasty would have been a different matter entirely.
Furthermore, because of Han Xin's extraordinary abilities, his military command was revoked after he defeated the Hegemon King Xiang Yu.
He was concurrently enfeoffed as the King of Chu.
Later, under false accusations from others, he was demoted to the Marquis of Huaiyin.
And subsequently, he met his end at the hands of Empress Lü and Xiao He.
This is the so-called "succeeding and failing with Xiao He."
With such a peerless figure appearing before him now, how could Lin Tian let him slip away?
Therefore, even before these hundred individuals had undergone the final palace examination, Lin Tian had already spoken to Ying Zheng.
"This humble general wishes to have the top-ranked Han Xin as his strategist!"
"Oh? Strategist? You've already chosen him before the final palace examination? Is he truly that talented?"
"Extremely talented. In terms of military prowess, he is no less than any general in the army, including the Great General Wang Jian!"
"In terms of governing ability, he likely rivals others!"
"Indeed? Does he possess such talents? Why have we never heard his name before? What family does he hail from?"
"He is not from any prominent family. Before this, he was merely a destitute scholar. But heroes emerge from all walks of life; as long as one has talent, Great Qin can employ them!"
Heroes emerge from all walks of life – this is the very meaning of the imperial examination.
Without the imperial examination, Han Xin would likely still be enduring the humiliation of crawling between people's legs.
Thus, this imperial examination was also a life-changing one for Han Xin.
Ying Zheng clearly perceived Lin Tian's profound admiration for Han Xin.
This further piqued his interest in Han Xin.
"Since you think so highly of this Han Xin, why not summon him for a private audience regarding governance?"
"A private audience? I think that's a good idea!"
Lin Tian agreed with Ying Zheng's suggestion.
Therefore, Han Xin was soon summoned to the imperial palace.
At this time, Han Xin was still a young man. Although he was talented, possessed an extraordinary demeanor, and could endure hardship, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous when summoned by Ying Zheng.
This was an unparalleled overlord; anyone would be nervous to be summoned by such a figure.
Upon entering the great hall, Han Xin found only two people present.
One was Ying Zheng, clad in dragon robes, and the other was Lin Tian, in magnificent attire.
Although Han Xin had never met Ying Zheng or Lin Tian before, with his wisdom, he could already guess who these two individuals were.
This realization made Han Xin even more nervous.
Lin Tian's presence was no less imposing than Ying Zheng's.
In fact, his prestige within the army far surpassed that of anyone else.
The feat of conquering three states was unique to him.
His reputation as the Sword God had spread throughout the land.
Ying Zheng and Lin Tian could both be considered the most renowned figures in the realm.
Their joint appearance immediately told Han Xin that this matter was not simple.
"Your humble subject Han Xin, pays respects to the King!!"
"Pays respects to the Great General!!"
"Rise!"
"Be seated!"
Ying Zheng made a gentle gesture, and immediately someone brought a cushion for Han Xin to sit on.
Han Xin was overwhelmed with gratitude and, at the same time, bewildered as to why the King and the Great General would summon him privately.
"Han Xin, do you know why you have been summoned privately?"
"Your humble subject does not know!"
"Then I shall tell you!"
"You have ranked first in this imperial examination, standing out from all others. Furthermore, the Great General greatly admires you and intends to recommend you as his strategist."
"Therefore, I have summoned you here for a private audience regarding governance!"
"If your answers satisfy me, I shall grant you the position of strategist in the army!"
"Thank you for your appreciation, Great General. I shall speak truthfully and without reservation!!"
Hearing Lin Tian's praise, Han Xin immediately showed his gratitude.
He knew that gaining Lin Tian's favor meant a boundless future for him.
If he could satisfy Ying Zheng and Lin Tian with his responses in this audience, he would soar to unprecedented heights.
Therefore, Han Xin immediately adopted a solemn demeanor and prepared himself.
"In your opinion, should our Great Qin now focus on recuperation, or should we raise warriors again?"
"Your humble subject believes that our Great Qin should press on with a single-minded effort to unify the realm!"
"Oh? Unify the realm? You also believe our Great Qin can unify the realm?"
"Great General Lin has already vanquished three states, essentially solidifying the general situation of the realm. With the current strength of Great Qin, no one can resist. We are fully capable of unifying the realm!"
Han Xin's words were spoken with conviction. Although he had not emerged into public life before, he had paid close attention to external affairs and was well aware of the battlefield situations.
Therefore, he firmly believed that Great Qin was fully capable of unifying the realm.
Although Ying Zheng had already affirmed this in his heart, hearing it from Han Xin made him smile with great joy.
"Excellent! Since our Great Qin is to unify the realm, from which country should we begin?"
"Wei!"
"Why?"
"Wei lies between the states of Chu and Qi, serving as a bridge between the two!"
"Once the state of Wei is taken by our Great Qin, then Chu and Qi will be completely cut off from each other!"
"At that point, whether it be Chu or Qi, they will be at our mercy, and the two states will be unable to unite!"
Han Xin's analysis of the benefits of attacking Wei was crystal clear.
He also clearly explained the differences in attacking Chu and Qi.
Let alone Ying Zheng, even Lin Tian listened and nodded repeatedly, agreeing with his words.
Afterward, the three of them conversed for half the day before Ying Zheng concluded the audience.
Ying Zheng was indeed very satisfied with the outcome of this audience.
"Excellent! You truly possess extraordinary talent!"
"From this day forth, you shall be the strategist under the Great General!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"
"Thank you, Great General!!"