TN: bonus chapter💕

After the morning court session ended, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Emperor Kaiping Zhao Fu, surrounded by eunuchs, left the Hall of Imperial Benevolence and went to the Spirit Invoking Platform to meditate. Eternal lamps were placed in a row on iron racks, and the young eunuchs carefully added oil to the lamps, fearing the flames might go out. Inside the Spirit Invoking Platform, the surroundings were draped in white curtains, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

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After meditating for an hour, Zhao Fu softly asked, “What time is it?”

Ji Fu immediately came in from outside the hall to assist the emperor with changing clothes, as the emperor was about to go to the Hall of Diligent Governance to review memorials. He replied, “It’s already chenshi (7-9am), Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu responded with a soft “hmm” and was again surrounded by eunuchs as he proceeded to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

The Great Song Dynasty enjoyed peace and prosperity, with favorable weather and good harvests. Twenty-six years ago, when Zhao Fu first ascended the throne, he was very diligent, handling everything personally. But twelve years ago, one late night while reviewing memorials, Zhao Fu suddenly fainted. After waking up, he became obsessed with cultivating immortality, seeking eternal life, and delegated much of his political power. Minor matters were handled by the Six Ministries, while major affairs were managed by the Palace Secretariat and the Privy Council.

The number of memorials sent to Zhao Fu each day was no more than a hundred.

Zhao Fu held a vermilion brush, writing comments like “Reviewed, approved” on the memorials.

After reviewing forty or fifty memorials, Zhao Fu reclined on a Luohan couch, and Ji Fu gently massaged his shoulders. The two had known each other for over forty years, and Ji Fu, with the eunuch’s distinctive high-pitched voice, softly said, “Your Majesty, do you still remember the student from the Imperial College?”

A glint of light flashed in Zhao Fu’s half-closed eyes, but he lazily replied with a “hmm.”

Ji Fu said, “This servant found out that the student’s name is Tang Shen, from Gusu. He’s a well-known talent at the Imperial College and ranked first in the academic classes.”

Zhao Fu showed little interest and did not respond.

Ji Fu inwardly cursed but maintained a respectful and attentive demeanor.

The emperor’s mind was difficult to fathom. Just last night, the emperor was interested in Tang Shen, but after just one night, he lost interest. Ji Fu didn’t particularly pity Tang Shen; to him, someone who wasn’t even a juren was insignificant. However, the effort he put into getting information from Dean Lin seemed wasted, and the favor spent was for naught!

Zhao Fu sat up, and Ji Fu poured water for him.

Seeking some gain, Ji Fu continued, “This servant heard that Tang Shen is a student of Fu Wei daren.”

Zhao Fu finally showed interest, took a sip of tea, and looked at him: “Is that so?”

Ji Fu replied, “Indeed.”

“Since when did Fu Xiru take another student? A few years ago, he told me that having one student like Wang Zifeng was enough, and he wanted to retire and return to his hometown.”

Ji Fu laughed along, “Perhaps Fu daren cherishes talent. This servant acquired a poem written by Tang Shen. Though I am illiterate, I still found it remarkable and wanted to recite it for Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu scolded with a smile, “If you’ve prepared it, then recite it quickly.”

“Yes.”

Ji Fu recited Tang Shen’s examination poem. Zhao Fu’s expression changed subtly, and Ji Fu couldn’t guess his thoughts. Despite serving Zhao Fu for many years, Ji Fu found it increasingly difficult to understand the emperor’s mind as he aged. After a long pause, Zhao Fu gently placed the tea cup down and stroked his long, graying beard: “For fear of startling those in heaven. This Tang Shen is quite interesting.” He said this with a slight smile.

Only then did Ji Fu breathe a sigh of relief, seeing that the emperor was in a good mood.

The emperor’s visit to the Imperial College became a widely praised story.

The thirty-two students personally taught by the emperor felt like they were walking on clouds for a month, even waking up from dreams filled with joy. Tang Shen, however, didn’t think much of it. Mei Shengze was worried that Tang Shen’s comment about “a gentleman’s friendship” might get them punished by the emperor, but a month passed with no reaction from the emperor, as if he had forgotten the three students who met him.

Mei Shengze felt both relieved and regretful: “Jing Ze, we didn’t seize this opportunity.”

Tang Shen replied, “With your talent and foundation, Sheng Ze, you’ll definitely top the dianshi examination next spring. His Majesty once personally praised you as the ‘pillar of the country’, and maybe he can still remember you.” 

Mei Shengze smiled and said: “I accept your good wishes. How are you preparing for next month’s autumn exam?” 

Tang Shen immediately grimaced: “Sheng Ze, don’t bring it up and we’re still good brothers.”

“Haha, if I truly believed your nonsense, Jing Ze, I’d be a fool!”

Tang Shen blinked innocently.

As the days grew cooler, the triennial autumn examination approached.

In mid-July, Tang Shen registered at the Imperial College to participate in the autumn examination. Most students at the Imperial College were already holders of the juren title, with only three or four who were still xiucai. The xiangshi examination was on August 8th. On the 4th, Tang Shen took leave from the Imperial College to return home and study. But instead of going home immediately, he went to the Fu Residence.

Te page boy Wen Shu led Tang Shen to Fu Wei’s study, saying, “Tang gongzi, are you going to take the xiangshi examination?”

Tang Shen replied helplessly, “Yes.”

Wen Shu wished him success, “May you achieve great results!”

Tang Shen said, “Thank you for your kind words.”

Entering the study, Tang Shen saw Fu Wei standing at a wide sandalwood desk, painting. Tang Shen’s gaze fell on Wang Zhen, who stood nearby. He paused and greeted, “Senior Brother Zi Feng.” Receiving a nod from Wang Zhen, he addressed Fu Wei: “Sir.”

Fu Wei looked up briefly, “Jing Ze, come quickly and see this painting I made for you.”

Tang Shen approached to take a look.

Fu Wei had painted a scene of mountains at sunrise, with rolling green hills and strong pines. A red sun emerged between the mountains, casting golden light. Tang Shen had seen only a few paintings before, mostly those collected by his professor from his previous life and some by Liang Song. Two years ago, during the Double Ninth Festival, he saw Fu Wei’s painting “Chrysanthemums by the East Window” and found it impressive, although Liang Song deemed Fu Wei’s painting skills “mediocre.”

Now, after visiting Wang Zhen’s residence regularly and seeing many of his collections and often preparing ink for him while he painted, Tang Shen had a better appreciation.

Fu Wei eagerly stamped his seal in the corner, signing it as the “Master of Insignificant Talent.” He asked, “Jing Ze, what do you think of this painting?”

Tang Shen sincerely replied, “It’s magnificent, truly a masterpiece!”

Fu Wei sighed, “It’s been a while since I painted. Creating this in one go was invigorating. Come, Zi Feng, you appraise it.” Then he quickly added, “Actually, forget it, you can’t appraise anything. Just write a poem and inscribe it for me.”

Wang Zhen smiled gracefully, “I dare not refuse sir’s command.”

Wang Zhen rolled up his sleeves and took a brush from the rack. Tang Shen instinctively picked up the ink stick and prepared the ink for him. Wang Zhen looked up at Tang Shen, who didn’t realize anything was amiss, as he often did this in the Minister Residence.

Wang Zhen’s eyes showed a hint of smile, and he softly said, “Thank you, Little Junior Brother.”

Then he dipped the brush in ink and inscribed on the upper left of the mountain sunrise painting.

Fu Wei commented, “The Five Peaks rise in a hazy mist, the setting sun falls among the paulownia and mulberry trees. Once there was a man who found a rotten ax, leaning against the osmanthus tree, he asked about Shang Tang. The poem is good, but the writing is average. It’s a pity for my mountain sunrise painting.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zhen put down his brush and smiled, saying, “Sir is quite right.”

Fu Wei, with his extremely thick skin, did not refute, looking as if to say, “Indeed.” Once the ink dried, he instructed Wen Shu to roll it up and hand the painting to Tang Shen. He said, “In a few days, you will take the xiangshi examination. I gift you this ‘Rising Sun’ painting, wishing you a brilliant future and success in the exams.”

Wang Zhen also looked at Tang Shen and said, “May you achieve high honors.”

Tang Shen, feeling flattered. Previously he hadn’t thought much of it, but now suddenly he felt a tremendous amount of pressure.

He took the painting home, hung it on the wall, and looked at it every day to motivate himself to study hard.

The next day, Yao San arrived north from Gusu.

Yao San said, “Little boss is about to take the xiangshi exam; how can I not come? I must take care of the little boss!”

On the morning of August 8th,

Feng Bi packed his things, prepared the long-eared exam basket, and went out with Yao San to see Tang Shen off. When they arrived at the examination hall, Tang Shen found that the steward of the Minister Residence was also present. The old steward had prepared a long-eared exam basket and, upon seeing Tang Shen, walked over and said, “Gongzi is at the morning assembly, so he sent me here. Since this is Tang gongzi‘s first time taking the xiangshi exam, you might lack some things, so I’ve prepared some extra supplies.”

Feng Bi took the exam basket, and Tang Shen inspected it closely.

Inside the long-eared exam basket were high-quality writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and filling dry food, with even incense included.

Tang Shen said, “Please thank Senior Brother Zi Feng for me.”

The steward replied, “Tang gongzi is too kind. Gongzi wishes you success in achieving high honors.”

Hearing “high honors” for the second time, Tang Shen suddenly had a realization, “So that’s what it meant!”

The xiangshi exam was always held in August, also called the autumn examination. When the results were announced, the fragrance of osmanthus flowers could be smelled, hence the name ‘Osmanthus List’. Osmanthus, or ‘muxi’. When Wang Zhen wrote ‘Leaning against the osmanthus tree, he asked about Shang Tang’, he was congratulating him on his future success!

Tang Shen felt immense pressure. He took a deep breath and entered the examination courtyard with the exam basket.

Yao San and Feng Bi anxiously waited outside. Tang Shen had only been inside for a quarter of an hour yet they were already framing their necks.

The steward of the Wang Residence said, “No need to worry. Tang gongzi won’t be out for a few days; we just need to wait patiently.”

The sky was still dark, and stars were scattered across it.

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Outside the examination hall, a government officer struck a brass gong and loudly declared, “Autumn exam, doors closed!”

With a creak, the doors shut.

In the 26th year of the Kaiping era, the xiangshi exam officially began.

AN: Neighbor Wang: I just remembered a phrase, ‘Red sleeves add fragrance.’ (TN: A phrase to describe the presence of a beauty accompanying you in your studies)

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The Confucius Temple in the Imperial College was different from the one Tang Shen had visited in the modern world

This Confucius Temple was located at the back of the Imperial College dormitories. Normally, like the Biyong Palace, students were not allowed to enter. Except for the annual Confucius Memorial Day and the triennial autumn and spring exams, students participating in the imperial examinations could enter the Confucius Temple to pray for blessings, led by the dean.

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First, they passed through the gate of the First Teacher, then through the Stele Forest of Scholars. Tang Shen and the other two behaved cautiously, not daring to raise their heads, following behind Eunuch Ji.

After an unknown length of time, they reached the deepest part of the Confucius Temple, the Chongsheng Shrine. Eunuch Ji waved his duster and smiled, saying, “This is as far as I go. Please, you three scholars, proceed inside.”

Tang Shen and the others replied, “Thank you, gonggong.”

The inner palace guards standing outside the Chongsheng Shrine pushed open the door for the three. None of them entered first. Tang Shen looked at the dark bricks and suddenly took the first step inside. Liu Fang and Mei Shengze followed him.

Behind them, the door creaked shut.

In the center of the main hall of the Chongsheng Shrine stood a life-sized white jade statue of Confucius. A faint scent of ambergris incense wafted through the air. On the left was a carved display cabinet showcasing various rare treasures. On the right hung a painting of the evening glow over the mountains, with Mount Tai standing majestically among them.

The three of them looked up to see an elderly man in a white robe with a white beard sitting in the main seat. They were startled, and Liu Fang and Mei Shengze immediately knelt down. Tang Shen didn’t have the instinct to kneel, and only after they had knelt did he hurriedly follow suit. However, he heard Zhao Fu kindly say, “Rise.”

At his words, two young eunuchs beside Zhao Fu stepped forward and helped the three up.

Liu Fang and Mei Shengze exchanged glances, feeling both excited and confused.

Even the top three in the imperial examinations did not have the chance to meet the emperor so closely! Though they were outstanding in the Imperial College and might one day make the list of top scholars, they were currently only juren, and Tang Shen was just a xiucai!

How could a mere xiucai have such an opportunity to meet the emperor!

Zhao Fu’s thoughts were entirely different from theirs. He was gentle in temperament, dressed in a silver-patterned Taoist robe, and said to the three, “Zhen simply only wants to ask some ordinary questions.”

The three replied, “As you command.”

Zhao Fu appeared to be seriously observing the three young talents before him. However, the two eunuchs familiar with him noticed his impatient fiddling with the tea cup and knew that the emperor was already bored.

Half a year ago, Zhong Taisheng was secretly poisoned to death in prison by the emperor, disguised as a severe illness. Following that, seven high-ranking ministers died overnight. Unbeknownst to the world, more than twenty low-ranking officials who were once part of the Songqing Party also died that night!

Since then, Zhao Fu had been in a foul mood, feeling a growing resentment whenever he thought about it. It was only half a month ago when Li Xiaoren, the chief official of the Bureau of Astronomy, suggested that the emperor could host a “Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong” to win the hearts of the scholars, that the emperor’s mood slightly improved.

The eunuchs thought: What is the top three of the Imperial College’s examination worth? It’s uncertain if they can even pass the palace examination and become jinshi! Even the dynasty’s zhuangyuan, of these eight zhuangyuan seen over the 26 years of His Majesty’s reign, how many have actually caught the emperor’s eye? Most were still idling away in the Hanlin Academy as idle book compilers!

The emperor wanted to put on a good show but was unwilling to bother with these three students.

At this moment, Eunuch Ji entered the room and approached Zhao Fu. He immediately noticed Zhao Fu’s intention to dismiss the students casually but struggled to find a good pretext. Eunuch Ji’s eyes flickered as he poured tea for Zhao Fu and said, “Today, His Majesty wishes to test the three students. It is indeed a fortune brought from their previous lives.”

Mentioning reincarnation and the pursuit of immortality, Zhao Fu showed a bit of interest. He said, “In that case, let me test you.”

The three replied, “As you command.”

Zhao Fu casually glanced around the room and noticed the tea the eunuch had just poured for him. He said, “Seeing this cup of water, what does it make you think of?”

Tang Shen and the others were stunned.

The first to speak could catch Zhao Fu’s attention. Liu Fang first spoke, “To answer Your Majesty’s question, as it is said, ‘The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without competing. It dwells in places that all disdain; thus, it is close to the Way.’ Water is a model for us gentlemen.”

Zhao Fu took a sip of tea but did not respond.

Liu Fang’s face dimmed.

Mei Shengze thought for a moment and said, “As Xunzi said, ‘Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. The people are like water, vast and mighty. The state is like a boat, broad and endless. When the water is calm, the boat is steady, and the world is at peace.'”

Zhao Fu’s eyes moved, but he still showed little interest. He smiled perfunctorily and said, “Pillars of the state.”

Mei Shengze was overjoyed.

After the two had finished speaking, only Tang Shen remained. Tang Shen said, “To answer Your Majesty’s question, the ancients said, ‘When water is too clear, there are no fish; when a person is too scrutinizing, they have no followers.’ I have some thoughts, but I dare not speak.”

Zhao Fu glanced at Tang Shen indifferently, with the demeanor of a wise ruler, and said, “Speak freely.”

Tang Shen bowed slightly, neither humble nor overbearing, and said something that made the room fall silent: “The ancients said, ‘When water is too clear, there are no fish; when a person is too scrutinizing, they have no followers.’ If one demands too much of others, they will have no companions, just as if water is too clear, there will be no fish. But I have always wondered… in this world, is there really any water that is completely clear?”

Eunuch Ji was startled, holding his whisk, unsure whether to scold Tang Shen for great disrespect or to have him arrested immediately. But seeing Zhao Fu’s flickering expression, he kept silent. Whatever the emperor decided, he need not interfere.

In the stifling silence, Tang Shen bowed even lower and continued, “A gentleman’s friendship is as bland as water; a villain’s friendship is as sweet as wine. Using water as a mirror, one should sharpen oneself and take on the responsibility of being as clear as water. If there truly is clear water, clear water merges with clear water, like mutual oversight, so how could there be no followers? I don’t understand. Could it be that there is no truly clear water?”

After saying this, Tang Shen’s bow was parallel to the ground.

He respectfully asked, as if he were an innocent student purely seeking knowledge.

Mei Shengze and Liu Fang did not dare to speak, and the eunuchs did not dare to move.

After a long time, Zhao Fu laughed and said, “Childish words.”

Liu Fang was delighted, and Mei Shengze looked worriedly at Tang Shen. Only Tang Shen continued to bow respectfully, as if he had not heard the emperor’s rebuke.

Zhao Fu gently placed the teacup on the table, making a clicking sound that made everyone’s heart tremble.

Zhao Fu: “Return to the palace.”

Eunuch Ji shouted loudly: “Return to the palace.”

Amid the scent of ambergris incense, Zhao Fu and three eunuchs left the Chongsheng Shrine.

After they left, Mei Shengze hurried to Tang Shen’s side and said, “Jing Ze, why did you say such things? A gentleman is like water, how could you say there is no truly clear water and no true gentlemen! Fortunately, His Majesty did not blame you and only said you spoke childishly because of your young age. Otherwise, if it had led to punishment, what could be done?”

Tang Shen stiffly straightened up. Seeing Mei Shengze’s anxious look, he smiled and said, “It’s nothing.”

Mei Shengze: “Oh, you!”

The three left the Chongsheng Shrine together.

Although Tang Shen said it was nothing, Mei Shengze didn’t know that his back was already drenched in sweat.

Back at the Imperial College, Dean Lin summoned the three and asked them what they had said to the Emperor. They recounted everything. When he heard Tang Shen’s answer, Dean Lin gave him a strange look, frowning. Suddenly, as if understanding something, he said oddly, “Who knows if it might be a blessing in disguise.”

Back in the classroom, Tang Shen wiped the sweat from his back. He picked up his book and listened to the lecturer, but his thoughts drifted back to the Chongsheng Shrine an hour ago.

The emperor’s visit to the Imperial College was one of the greatest opportunities of Tang Shen’s life.

And he had the chance to meet the emperor!

Tang Shen was only fifteen this year. No matter how gifted and talented he was, he had only been in this era for three years, and next year, the fourth year, he would take the spring huishi examination. Once he passed the exam and became a jinshi, he would then participate in the dianshi examination. Historically, no official who did not come from a jinshi background had ever reached a third-rank official position; only jinshi could become high-ranking officials.

To enter the three departments and six ministries and hold significant power, he at least needed to be a top rank candidate!

Without a top ranking, he would need strong backing.

Wang Zifeng, at the age of twenty-five, was already the Minister of Revenue, partly because he was the zhuangyuan of his year, with the emperor personally inscribing “Unparalleled Scholar.” And since entering politics, he had also gained the emperor’s favor. Additionally, because he was Wang Zifeng!

The Wang family of Langya had thirty-six officials in the court. Ten of them were of the fifth rank or higher. Five were of the fourth rank or higher. Three were of the third rank or higher. The Minister of Revenue, Wang Zifeng, held a second-rank position. The current Right Chancellor of the Palace Secretariat, Wang Quan, was Wang Zifeng’s second great-uncle, holding a first-rank position.

Tang Shen had no backing, so his only path to success was to gain the emperor’s favor.

From the moment Dean Lin informed him of the emperor’s upcoming visit to the Imperial College half a month ago, Tang Shen had been pondering why the emperor would come.

The emperor’s visit to the Imperial College was a tradition. It showed the emperor’s respect for scholars by coming to lecture at the Imperial College, demonstrating care for Confucian students. This had happened many times in previous dynasties, but rarely in this one. Especially in the twenty-six years of Zhao Fu’s reign, this was his first visit to Biyong Palace.

Zhao Fu would not come to Biyong Palace to lecture without reason; something must have happened.

Over the past year, many events had occurred: snow disasters in the south, earthquakes in the southwest, the Liao people plotting to break the treaty and seize Song territory. But none of these were enough to make Zhao Fu lecture to a group of students. Only one thing…

“Zhong Taisheng died.”

After Zhong Wei’s death, scholars everywhere mourned.

Every scholar in the country knew this. Zhao Fu came to lecture at Biyong Palace to win the hearts of scholars.

Tang Shen had this suspicion but didn’t expect that Zhao Fu would personally meet three students from the Imperial College. This was a rare opportunity he couldn’t miss.

In the Imperial College, even if Tang Shen said something as “childish” as he did, as long as he wasn’t treasonous, Zhao Fu wouldn’t take his life. Because just after the emperor’s visit, if Zhao Fu immediately killed a student from the Imperial College, his purpose for visiting would be ruined.

So Tang Shen took a risky move, using “childish words” to gain the emperor’s favor. Even a little favor would be the foundation for his future rise.

There are no true gentlemen of absolute purity in this world. The saying “a gentleman’s friendship is as insipid as water” is an utter joke.

These words were a scolding directed at Zhong Taisheng and the great scholars who followed him in committing suicide!

If his teacher was still alive, he would probably kick him out the door and angrily call him a “rascal.”

Tang Shen propped his chin on his hand, looking at the words in the book, and suddenly felt that his own skin had grown thicker and his heart darker.

Of course, he didn’t know that after nightfall, Zhao Fu returned to the palace. He first bathed and changed clothes, then meditated and cultivated for an hour on the altar, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. As he was about to sleep, the chief eunuch, Ji Fu, helped Zhao Fu change clothes. Zhao Fu suddenly remembered: “That student from the Imperial College today was quite interesting.”

Ji Fu was startled. His first thought was of Mei Shengze. But Ji Fu didn’t speak; he pondered carefully in his mind and then said, “Is Your Majesty referring to the student who talked about ‘a gentleman’s friendship’?”

Zhao Fu didn’t respond further. He changed into a Gusu embroidered robe while Ji Fu knelt to remove his boots.

Zhao Fu asked, “What was his name again?”

Ji Fu replied with a troubled expression, “This slave doesn’t know, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu: “Oh.”

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After serving Zhao Fu until he fell asleep, Ji Fu left the emperor’s bedchamber an hour later. He called for his godson and said, “First thing tomorrow morning, go to Dean Lin’s residence at the Imperial College and tell him to send me information about that student before the morning assembly. The youngest and handsomest one. Tell Dean Lin that I ask for this favor and will repay it in the future.”

AN: Neighbor Wang: Does this chapter count as containing my scenes?

Author [pointing at four instances of the name ‘Wang Zifeng’]: Of course it does!

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In an instant, all the officials knelt on the mats facing Biyong Palace, slightly bowing their heads and holding their jade tablets.

At the appointed time, Dean Lin led thirty-two students through the central main gate. On both official paths knelt a gathering of high-ranking officials. Before today, these students never imagined they would walk among so many powerful officials! The timid ones were already pale with fear and trembling legs. Tang Shen was also shocked but steadied his mind, lowered his head, and followed Dean Lin silently into the Biyong Palace.

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As he was about to enter, Tang Shen saw Wang Zhen in the second row of officials on the left side.

In the shimmering sunlight, Wang Zifeng, dressed in crisp bright red official robe, knelt calmly and serenely on the mat. On his left was a middle-aged man with a big beard, and on his right was a potbellied old man. Wang Zhen’s good looks were even more distinguished in this comparison, making him appear elegant and outstanding.

The students entered the Biyong Palace. On the cold floor tiles of the palace, thirty-two mats had already been placed.

Dean Lin walked to the front and announced loudly, “I, Lin Lun, the Dean of the Imperial College, lead thirty-two imperial students into the Palace of Biyong to listen to the Son of Heaven’s teachings!”

As he finished speaking, the old eunuch commanded, “Kneel!”

Dean Lin immediately knelt down, and the thirty-two students followed suit, kneeling like dumplings dropping into the pot. There were five rows of mats: the first row had three, the second row had three, the third row had six, and the fourth and fifth rows each had ten mats.

Tang Shen placed his hands horizontally in front of him and performed the ceremonial rite.

Under the scorching sun, officials knelt outside the Biyong Palace while the students knelt inside.

The hall and its surroundings were silent; no one dared to make a loud noise, and even breathing seemed to disappear.

After waiting for an unknown amount of time, steady, slow footsteps came from the back of the hall. Tang Shen immediately straightened his back. Inside the Biyong Palace, all the students of the Imperial College also tensed up, not daring to breathe. They heard someone slowly walk up to the emperor’s seat in the Biyong Palace and gently sit down.

Tang Shen heard the emperor’s aged yet steady voice: “Begin.”

The old eunuch announced loudly, “On June 16th of the 26th year of Kaiping, the Son of Heaven teaches at the Palace of Biyong in the Imperial College!”

After his words, two eunuchs standing on either side of the palace doors shouted in unison, “On June 16th of the 26th year of Kaiping, the Son of Heaven teaches at the Palace of Biyong in the Imperial College!”

Then four more voices echoed, “On June 16th of the 26th year of Kaiping…”

The announcement was passed down in sequence, resounding throughout the Imperial College, grand and majestic.

In the Biyong Palace, the emperor spoke, and all officials listened.

The emperor said, “I have often heard, Mencius said: ‘He who uses force as a pretense of humaneness is a hegemon. But such a hegemon must have a large state in order to be effective.'”

The old eunuch repeated loudly, “I have often heard, Mencius said: He who uses force as a pretense of humaneness is a hegemon. But such a hegemon must have a large state in order to be effective.'”

Two young eunuchs repeated the sentence loudly again.

This sequence continued.

From the early morning until noon, the students knelt for six full hours. Outside the hall, the officials of Shengjing also knelt for six hours. Under the wind and sun, the officials held their jade tablets high, without a word of complaint.

When the emperor finished speaking the last word and the eunuchs finished echoing it, the old eunuch announced loudly, “The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong, and all officials listen.”

The reigning emperor, Zhao Fu, placed his hands on the emperor’s seat. His hair was graying, but his face showed few wrinkles, only a fine ring of lines at the corners of his eyes. Though over sixty years old, Zhao Fu’s eyes were sharp and bright like a hawk’s. He looked at the thirty-two students of the Imperial College kneeling before him, and beyond them, at his own civil and military officials kneeling outside the door.

The old eunuch called out, “Students, listen closely, the Son of Heaven will give his critique.”

The students of the Imperial College straightened up, waiting for the emperor’s critique.

They only heard Zhao Fu lightly say one word: “Excellent.”

Dean Lin heaved a sigh of relief. If not for the emperor’s presence, he would have dared not be presumptuous, but he now wished he could lie down and sleep for three days and nights without waking!

Thus, the Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong came to an end.

Throughout the entire process, Tang Shen did not see Zhao Fu once. He did not dare to look up, nor was he allowed to. After Zhao Fu left, the officials outside the hall left according to their ranks, and lastly, it was the turn of the students inside the hall.

Dean Lin said, “Tang Shen, Liu Fang, Mei Shengze, come with me.”

The three immediately followed Dean Lin.

Dean Lin led them out of the Biyong Palace and towards the Confucius Temple in the rear courtyard of the Imperial College. Halfway there, they saw an old eunuch with a smiling face, holding a duster, waiting outside the temple. Seeing Dean Lin, he glanced at the three students and smiled, “Lin daren, these are the top three students in this evaluation of the Imperial College?”

“Indeed, Eunuch Ji.”

“From here, I will take them to meet His Majesty.”

“This…”

Eunuch Ji smiled at Dean Lin, who dared not speak further.

“Everything will be as Eunuch Ji wishes.”

Eunuch Ji let out a light huff from his nose, turned, and said, “You three, follow me.”

“Yes.”

Mei Shengze was nervous and, following Eunuch Ji, sneaked a glance at Tang Shen, signaling: Do you know what this is about?

Tang Shen was also puzzled.

How could he know…

What Wang Zhen mentioned half a month ago as a great benefit turned out to be an audience with the emperor for the top three students!

Outside the Biyong Palace, the officials were being helped by their attendants as they left the Imperial College.

Most officials of rank four or higher were over thirty years old, with few under thirty. The emperor’s teaching at Biyong Palace lasted for six full hours. The emperor sat on his throne, reading a speech prepared by the Hanlin Academy, but they had knelt outside the hall for six hours.

Among the crowd of officials, only Wang Zhen did not need a servant’s assistance; he walked with ease.

Seeing this, the Deputy Minister of Rites felt both jealous and admiring, remarking, “Wang daren is indeed young!”

Wang Zhen smiled slightly, bowing to him, “Li daren.”

The Deputy Minister of Rites bowed back, limping as his servant helped him leave the Imperial College and get into his carriage.

As Wang Zhen walked out of the alley of the Imperial College, about to board the minister’s carriage, he heard someone calling his name from behind. Turning around, he saw an official dressed in a Taiji Eight Trigrams robe, with a five-colored golden pheasant feather in his hat, hurrying over, “Wang daren.”

Wang Zhen said, “Li daren.”

This Li was not the same as the Deputy Minister of Rites. Though the Deputy Minister of Rites was also surnamed Li, this Li daren was the highly favored Chief Astronomer, Li Xiaoren.

Li Xiaoren said, “Wang daren, you are quite energetic and don’t need anyone to support you. I just knelt outside the Biyong Palace for six hours, and now my legs feel like they’re filled with lead, making it hard to move!”

Wang Zhen: “Li daren, are you going back to your residence to rest?”

Li Xiaoren: “No, I need to stay at the Imperial College and wait for His Majesty to finish his audience with the students before returning to the palace with him.”

The two exchanged pleasantries.

Li Xiaoren leaned in slightly and whispered, “This time, thanks to your brilliant idea, Wang daren, for the Son of Heaven’s visit to the Imperial College. Since Zhong Taisheng’s death, His Majesty has been in a bad mood, feeling that the hearts of the scholars across the country were leaning towards the rebels. Without your brilliant idea, how could His Majesty be so pleased and personally visit the Biyong Palace?” This way, he didn’t have to constantly witness the emperor’s unpredictable moods in the palace and live in fear of inviting death!

Wang Zhen, surprised, said, “Li daren, what do you mean by this? I have never discussed His Majesty’s visit to the Imperial College with His Majesty. Was it not you who, out of concern for His Majesty’s health, loyally made the suggestion?”

Li Xiaoren was momentarily stunned and then laughed repeatedly, “Wang daren, you are right.”

Wang Zhen cupped his hands and said, “The Ministry of Revenue is busy, so I must take my leave.”

Li Xiaoren: “Take care, Wang daren.”

Wang Zhen got into the carriage and headed to the Ministry of Revenue.

After he left, the apprentice who had been following Li Xiaoren whispered, “Master, even though Wang Zhen is a second-rank minister, you don’t even care about the Grand Marshal of the Western Expedition, so why do you treat him with such deference?”

Li Xiaoren slapped him.

The apprentice covered his face, “Master?”

“You ignorant fool! How will you ever survive if you don’t understand? The Grand Marshal of the Western Expedition is just a brute with nothing but physical strength, a mere courageous fool. Compared to a crafty official like Wang Zifeng, even ten Grand Marshals of the Western Expedition wouldn’t be enough to outsmart him.”

“I understand my mistake,” the apprentice said, admitting fault, but felt aggrieved inside.

No matter how cunning Wang Zifeng was, if Li Xiaoren said a word, His Majesty could secretly kill someone like Zhong Taisheng in the prison.

Li Xiaoren knew his apprentice’s dissatisfaction but couldn’t be bothered to explain further.

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If Zhao Fu were truly an incompetent and tyrannical emperor, he would listen to whatever Li Xiaoren said, and he wouldn’t have to live in constant fear like he did now. If he dared to slander Wang Zifeng in front of Zhao Fu, Zhao Fu would be the first to take his head!

It seemed that this foolish apprentice needed to be abandoned sooner rather than later, to avoid being dragged down by him someday.

AN: Neighbor Wang: My knees hurt from kneeling.

Little Tang: You didn’t even tell me about the audience with the emperor! You didn’t tell me!

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On the rice paper, the elegant and graceful writing of the Guange style was neat and tidy. However, the irrepressible sense of grandeur burst through the meticulously written small regular script, surging on the paper like rivers and seas, creating waves.

“The perilous tower rises a hundred feet, hands could pluck the stars…

Not daring to speak loudly, for fear of startling those in heaven.”

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In the main hall, the examiners repeatedly recited the short four-rhyme poem. Dean Lin, holding Tang Shen’s paper, read it again carefully and commented, “The topic this time is ‘the stars are clear,’ focusing on a poem about climbing a mountain to observe the stars. Tang Shen’s poem doesn’t mention mountains even once, yet every line is steep and thrilling. It achieves the effect of having mountains without mentioning them. Truly marvelous!”

One of the examiners said, “The height of the mountains and the vastness of the stars are all captured in this poem.”

Dean Lin read the poem three more times, not to check for mistakes, but to fully understand and appreciate each of the twenty characters. He praised, “Earlier I said that Liu Fang would surely be the top scorer of this examination. Now I see that my old eyes were mistaken, nearly causing a grave error. Tang Shen’s eight-legged essay was already outstanding, with novel ideas, ample reasoning, and elegant language. Now, looking at his test poem, he undoubtedly deserves the first place! Colleagues, what do you think?”

“Tang Shen as first place is well-deserved.”

“Excellent!”

Tang Shen had never expected that he could place in the top three of the examination even without copying Li Taibai’s masterpiece. He wrote the Immortal Poet’s work just to secure a top-three spot, not realizing it would instead earn him the top position.

The next morning, after the court session, Dean Lin quietly approached Fu Wei.

“Fu daren.”

Fu Wei turned to see Dean Lin and said, “Lin daren.”

Dean Lin respectfully bowed. Like Dean Lin, Fu Wei was currently a third-ranked official, so he returned the salute.

Dean Lin said, “Yesterday at the Imperial College examination, Fu daren’s outstanding student Tang Shen, Tang Jingze was truly astounding! As they say, a great teacher produces great students. Fu daren taught the distinguished Wang Zifeng, earning immense respect from all the lecturers at the Imperial College. Now, your newly admitted student also shows great talent. I wonder when Fu daren might have the time to come and lecture at our Imperial College so that we can all learn from your teaching methods.”

Fu Wei thought: Tang Shen wasn’t taught by me at all. But he didn’t show it and instead smiled slightly.

In officialdom, one must have a thick skin and a dark heart. The higher the rank, the thicker the skin, and the darker the heart. Fu Xiru, when he held significant power as the Right Chancellor of the Palace Secretariat, had very thick skin. Fu Wei, with a pleasant smile, said, “Lin daren overpraises me. What has my student Tang Jingze done?”

Dean Lin had already had a copy of Tang Shen’s paper transcribed and brought it today for Fu Wei to see.

Fu Wei took a look. The eight-legged essay was excellent and could rank among the top three even in the talent-filled Imperial College. As he read the test poem, Fu Wei raised an eyebrow. Just as Dean Lin was about to speak, Fu Wei said, “My students enjoy writing poetry and painting. Ai, this must be when they say such striking expressions come out unexpectedly. This essay still needs improvement, so I must trouble Lin daren to teach him.”

Dean Lin: “Not at all.”

The two exchanged formalities, and Fu Wei bypassed the matter.

Upon returning to the Fu Residence, Fu Wei immediately went to his study and wrote down Tang Shen’s test poem.

“My student, is he hiding his talents, or was it just a flash of brilliance?”

Meanwhile, in the lecture hall of the Imperial College.

Usually, the examiners took three days to grade the students’ papers after the monthly evaluation. But this time was different. They spent a night grading the papers and focused all their efforts on preparing for the upcoming visit of the emperor to Biyong Palace.

The students of the Imperial College had never waited for the evaluation results as anxiously as they did today.

In the morning, a gray-haired examiner entered the lecture hall carrying a thick copy of the “Analects.” He placed the book down and looked at the students seated below. There were more than forty students in the Zhengyi Hall, including Tang Shen and Mei Shengze. The old examiner said, “I know you are all very concerned about the results of this evaluation, so before the lesson, I will announce the names of the students who placed in the first and second ranks.”

There was a stir among the students.

Who wouldn’t want to witness the first visit of the emperor to Biyong Palace in twenty-six years?

“Second rank, twenty-sixth place, Qi Jian, Qi Rushan.”

“It’s me, it’s me!”

“Second rank, Zhou Gong from Youzhou Prefecture…”

There were twenty-six students in the second rank, and among the more than forty students in the Zhengyi Hall, five achieved second rank status. These students beamed with joy, unable to contain their excitement. The students who didn’t make it into the second rank knew they had no chance of being in the top rank, and their faces turned pale with regret for not studying harder and missing such a great opportunity.

Among them, only Mei Shengze and Tang Shen still held out hope.

Usually, in each class at the Imperial College, Tang Shen was always among the top in the second rank. His eight-legged essays were always well-written, and his Guangge style calligraphy was impeccable, but his test poems were somewhat mediocre and overly crafted. Mei Shengze noticed that Tang Shen was not in the second rank this time and became worried for him. However, upon seeing the hopeful expression on Tang Shen’s face, he asked in surprise, “Jing Ze, are you confident?”

Tang Shen didn’t hide anything: “I have given it my all.”

Mei Shengze replied, “Good! Let us witness the grand event of ‘The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong’ together!”

There were only six people in the top rank class at the Imperial College. The old lecturer announced, “Third place in the top rank, Mei Shengze from Shanxi.”

Mei Shengze was overjoyed, and his fellow students congratulated him.

Next, the old lecturer continued, “First place in the top rank, Tang Shen from Gusu, Tang Jingze!”

The hall was abuzz with astonishment.

Before this, the first place in the top rank was either Liu Fang or Mei Shengze. Although Tang Shen was exceptionally talented, he was indeed young and lacked depth, having never achieved the top rank. However, no one doubted Tang Shen’s abilities, as his eight-legged essays were truly excellent and witnessed by everyone.

Mei Shengze congratulated him, “Jing Ze, congratulations, your scholarship has improved again.”

Since Tang Shen hadn’t yet become an official, his face wasn’t thick enough to hide his embarrassment, and he blushed at these words.

At this time, the old lecturer said, “Tang Shen wrote an outstanding test poem this time. Everyone, come and appreciate it.” With that, he recited Tang Shen’s poem aloud. The hall was once again filled with astonishment. Mei Shengze, who was skilled in poetry and loved it, looked at Tang Shen with amazement, as if discovering a great treasure.

“Jing Ze, this masterpiece is truly remarkable!”

Tang Shen’s face blushed so much that it almost seemed he would turn red on the spot. He bowed and said, “The composition is natural; a skillful hand may occasionally grasp it. This was just a moment of inspiration, far inferior to you, Brother Sheng Ze.”

The Imperial College spent the entire morning discussing Tang Shen’s test poem. It was only the next day that they began preparing for the upcoming grand event of ‘The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong’ in half a month.

As usual, Tang Shen came to the Minister Residence. This time he brought a basket of Gusu white pork, which Tang Huang had sent from Jiangnan a few days ago. Unsurprisingly, Wang Zhen was not at home, and Tang Shen waited for him in the flower hall until dark. When Wang Zhen finally returned, he came to see his junior brother without even changing out of his official robes.

Tang Shen immediately stood up and said, “Senior Brother Zi Feng.”

Wang Zhen looked at him for a moment before saying, “Stay for dinner at the residence today.”

“Okay.”

After dinner, Wang Zhen asked Tang Shen to write something for him. He said, “Just write that ‘afraid of startling those in heaven’ poem.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Good news never goes beyond the door, bad news spreads a thousand miles; the ancients did not deceive me!

As he was leaving the Minister Residence, Tang Shen earnestly said, “Senior Brother Zi Feng, you know how my test poems usually are. It’s rare for me to write a good one, and I’ve been worried for days that I won’t be able to write something as good next time. What should I do?”

In his previous life, Tang Shen was just an ordinary science student, and all the poems and essays he had learned were returned to his Chinese teacher after the college entrance examination. He didn’t remember many poems. Tang Shen never intended to use these poems to gain an advantage in this era permanently; he neither had the conditions nor the intention.

Wang Zhen looked at Tang Shen steadily, smiling: “Little Junior Brother’s talent is remarkable, so what are you worried about.”

Tang Shen suddenly understood.

Yes, what he relied on in this era was not the works of ancient poets. His eight-legged essays had been recognized by the lecturers at the Imperial College, Liang Song, Fu Wei, and even Wang Zifeng. With five thousand years of glorious Chinese history, only a few poets had reached the pinnacle. Tang Shen was not without talent; the imperial examination was merely his means to enter the officialdom, not his foundation!

“Thank you, Senior Brother Zi Feng.”

Wang Zifeng, indeed, was as insightful and rounded as Mr. Liang said, and could be somewhat trusted.

Having figured things out, Tang Shen was about to leave when Wang Zhen stopped him again. Wang Zhen told the steward, “Give the snacks bought from Caiqi Villa today to my junior brother.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zifeng was still that inexplicable Wang Zifeng!

Half a month passed quickly. On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, Tang Shen put on his brand-new scholar’s robe, a light blue long robe, and donned a square cap. When he arrived at the Imperial College, he saw that all the students were dressed in new scholar’s robes. Even those who could not enter the Biyong Palace to listen to the emperor’s lecture were unwilling to be left out.

Before entering the Imperial College, the entire alley was sealed off, prohibiting entry.

Tang Shen and the other students entered the Imperial College from the back alley, where Dean Lin and other lecturers had been waiting for a long time.

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At the appointed time, the main gate of the Imperial College opened wide, and the side gates on both sides were also opened. Officials dressed in bright red official robes filed in, creating a grand spectacle. All officials above the fourth rank in Shengjing at this moment held their jade tablets and entered the Imperial College, walking along the central official path to the front of the Biyong Palace.

They stood on both sides, where mats had already been placed on the white jade official paths.

The doors of Biyong Palace were wide open, and an elderly eunuch with a white face and a thin build shrilled, “Kneel!”

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After classes at the Imperial College, Tang Shen took the test poem he had written today and went to the Minister Residence to find Wang Zhen.

As the Minister of Revenue, Wang Zhen was busy with official duties every day. Of the ten times Tang Shen visited, six times Wang Zhen was not there. Usually, Tang Shen would hand his completed assignments to the steward, who would then give them to Wang Zhen for review. The next day, Wang Zhen would make time to wait for Tang Shen at the residence. But today, after much consideration, Tang Shen said to the steward, “May I wait here for Senior Brother Zi Feng to return?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The steward was taken aback and said, “Tang gongzi, if you have the time, of course you may.”

The steward welcomed Tang Shen inside and treated him with respect.

When the moon was high and the stars filled the sky, Wang Zhen returned from outside, dressed in a crisp crimson official robe. The steward informed him that Tang Shen was still waiting at the residence. Wang Zhen paused slightly, whispered “Is that so,” and then showed no surprise, as if he had already known Tang Shen would wait for him today.

Tang Shen was drinking tea in the flower hall. When he heard footsteps, he turned around and saw Wang Zhen coming to find him still in his official attire. In the interplay of candlelight and moonlight, Wang Zifeng’s handsome and elegant face appeared very gentle and approachable. He smiled gracefully and said, “Little Junior Brother, have you been waiting long?”

Tang Shen: “Only an hour.”

“Have you had dinner?”

“Waiting for Senior Brother, I didn’t dare to eat.”

Wang Zhen turned to the steward and said, “Little Junior Brother has been here for so long, and you haven’t offered him a meal. This is neglect.”

The steward repeatedly apologized to Tang Shen.

Wang Zhen said, “Then have dinner with me.”

The two went to the main hall. Tang Shen sat at the dining table and waited for a while. Wang Zhen went to change into a white brocade robe and came out from the inner room. Without his official robe, he looked like a handsome and elegant scholar, truly deserving of the phrase “Unparalleled Scholar.” Tang Shen thought that even when wearing official attire, his Senior Brother was very different from other high officials, outstanding and remarkable.

The maid served the dishes, including braised sturgeon slices, yellow cabbage braised with ham, four seasonal dishes, and a scallop soup.

Both Tang Shen and Wang Zhen were from Jiangnan, and their tastes were similar, so most of the dishes were in Jiangnan style.

As the saying goes, “Do not talk while eating, do not speak while sleeping.” After finishing their meal, they went to the flower hall to drink tea. Wang Zhen took Tang Shen’s test poem and read it several times. This time, he didn’t comment on the quality of the poem but asked, “How long have you been practicing the calligraphy of the ‘Famen Temple Stele’?”

Tang Shen didn’t understand why he asked this: “Almost two months.”

“Little Junior Brother’s calligraphy has improved quickly.”

“Senior Brother overpraises me.” Tang Shen’s expression was calm, without a hint of pride in his tone.

In Gusu, he practiced fifty sheets of large characters every day. In Shengjing, he had already practiced the ‘Famen Temple Stele’ one thousand three hundred and twenty-one times. He didn’t want to waste any time; in the August autumn exam, he was determined to achieve a good ranking, at least in the top ten. This way, he wouldn’t be too far behind other candidates in the spring exam next year.

Wang Zhen lightly recited the poem written by Tang Shen: “The moon shines brightly across the sky, stars hang over the fixed sea tower…” After reciting, Wang Zhen paused for a moment and sighed regretfully, “Little Junior Brother’s eight-legged essay is novel in its conception and rigorous in structure. As long as it is not off-topic, it will not be wrong. But your test poems can only be described as average.”

Tang Shen also knew that his test poems were quite average.

If the eight-legged essay tested mainly the candidate’s logical thinking and argumentative structure, the test poem tested a person’s literary talent. No matter how good Tang Shen’s memory was, even if he could recite texts backward, he couldn’t suddenly transform from a student of the sciences into a great literary talent. Writing poetry relied not only on skill but also on a sudden flash of inspiration and true talent.

Wang Zhen: “If Little Junior Brother’s test poems improve, you should be able to rank in the top three in this year’s Imperial College final exams.”

Suddenly mentioning the Imperial College’s final exams, Tang Shen’s eyes flashed as he looked up at Wang Zhen.

Tang Shen specifically waited at home today for Wang Zhen to return, not because he wanted to see Wang Zhen, but because—The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong! He wanted to know why the emperor suddenly decided to give a lecture at Biyong Palace and whether there would be any issues with this lecture.

After a moment of contemplation, Tang Shen said, “In the monthly tests at the Imperial College, because my test poems are average, I’ve mostly received B grades and never an A grade.”

Wang Zhen smiled and said, “Ordinarily, that’s fine, but if you can place in the top three during the Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong, the benefits will be considerable.”

Tang Shen was stunned, staring fixedly at Wang Zhen in shock, “Senior Brother?!”

Tang Shen rarely had such a startled expression, his eyes wide and round. Wang Zhen was intrigued. He gently lifted Tang Shen’s chin with a white fan, his voice soft and smiling, “Junior Brother, can you place in the top three?”

Ten days later, on the first day of June, the Imperial College’s examination began.

Hundreds of students sat upright in the lecture hall, opening the exam questions with expressions more serious and solemn than ever before. Tang Shen sat in the middle of the main hall, opening the question for the eight-legged essay, which read “Heaven is so high.”

From “Mencius • Li Lou”: “Heaven is so high; the stars are so distant. If we investigate their works, through the solstices of a thousand years, we can sit and attain them.” This means that although the sky is vast and the stars are endless, as long as their patterns can be calculated, even festivals a thousand years later can be determined according to these patterns.

Tang Shen frowned deeply.

This question seemed simple, discussing the idea that everything has its own rules. As long as these rules are followed, success is certain. This is a common philosophical theme in “Mencius.” Using “Heaven is so high” as a topic one could start writing from the complexity of all things or delve into the essence of universal rules. The former was safer, while the latter was too broad and easy to stray from or even get wrong.

However… he had to place in the top three this time!

Tang Shen hardened his resolve and began to write, “To seek the greatness of creation, one must exhaust the subtleties of ethics. All eight trigrams lead to the ultimate, all things must have one…”

After spending a full two hours writing the essay, Tang Shen checked for errors and neatly copied it onto the exam paper. Then he opened the topic for the test poem.

The Imperial College’s monthly exam only tested two questions: one eight-legged essay and one test poem.

This time, the test poem’s topic was “The stars are clear.” The original line was “The stars are clear around me,” from a poem by a poet from the previous dynasty about climbing a mountain to watch the stars.

Climbing a mountain, watching the stars…

Tang Shen pondered deeply. After nearly half an hour, he wrote the first line on the draft paper, “The wind stirs the mountain’s fluff, shadows enter the marks of stars and moon.”

This line was actually an inverted sentence, describing the wind blowing the leaves on the continuous mountains, and the shadows of the stars and moon blending into the mountain’s reflection, disappearing. But after writing it, Tang Shen quietly looked at the line, remaining silent.

The Imperial College had 561 students, with two over forty years old and seventy-six over thirty. These people had experienced many exams, and everyone wrote excellent eight-legged essays. The Imperial College had two famous individuals: one was Liu Fang, thirty-two years old, whose eight-legged essay was once praised by the head examiner as the best among his peers; the other was Tang Shen’s friend, Mei Shengze, whose test poems were exceptional and full of talent.

These two were almost certain to take the top two spots, leaving only one spot open.

The Imperial College was the place where all the talents of the Great Song Dynasty gathered. Since Wang Zhen had hinted that the top three would receive great benefits, it must be an enormous benefit, one that even Wang Zhen valued enough to give Tang Shen a hint.

Tang Shen silently looked at the lines he had written, sighed deeply, and thought, “Poet Saint Azure Lotus, I must apologize and offend you.” (TN: Li Bai’s art name is Householder of Azure Lotus, and is also known as Immortal Poet, Poet Saint, etc.)

Then he smoothly wrote a flowing poem on the paper.

The exam ended, and the examiners collected the students’ papers.

The Imperial College’s exams were not like the official imperial exams; there was no anonymous grading. Even the dean took this exam very seriously. He personally came to the grading hall and said, “Find the papers of Liu Fang and Mei Shengze, let me see.”

The examiners quickly found the two papers.

Dean Lin first looked at Liu Fang’s paper. The more he read, the brighter his eyes became, “Excellent! Though the complexity of creation is difficult to know, there is an easy method to understand it, showing that it doesn’t need to be forced. This essay is extremely well-written, though the test poem, while proper, lacks spirit.” Then he picked up Mei Shengze’s paper.

Dean Lin said, “Using the complexity of all things to open the topic is clever but lacks originality. However, the essay is well-structured and well-reasoned, a good piece. This poem is excellent! What a line, ‘The stars surge, the mountain moon is clear!’ It seems that Liu Fang will surely be first, and Mei Shengze second.”

Dean Lin solemnly said, “My colleagues, let me be frank. After the Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong, His Majesty will personally test the knowledge of the top three from this exam.”

The hall was in an uproar.

Dean Lin continued, “I only learned this afternoon from Eunuch Ji. Therefore, we must grade the papers meticulously and without error. Otherwise…” He snorted coldly, “Otherwise, there will be severe punishment! At best, a reduction in salary; at worst, dismissal from office!”

Just then, a voice of astonishment came from the middle of the grading examiners.

Dean Lin looked at the man, “What is the commotion?”

A bearded examiner was holding a paper, wide-eyed in shock, not even realizing he had made a sound. Hearing the dean’s question, he quickly apologized, “Please forgive me, daren. I was so engrossed in an excellent eight-legged essay that I didn’t hear your words. But when I turned to the test poem, I couldn’t help but exclaim.”

Dean Lin walked over, “What is this eight-legged essay and test poem?” He took the paper and read it.

“To seek the greatness of creation, one must exhaust the subtleties of ethics. All eight trigrams lead to the ultimate, all things must have one…” The dean read carefully and said, “An excellent piece! I thought that among the students, only Liu Fang dared to take such a bold approach, discussing ‘the rules of universal balance’ and making a logical argument. I didn’t expect anyone else to write such a fine essay. Huh, this is Tang Shen’s paper?”

The examiner said, “Yes, it is the paper of Tang Shen from Gusu Prefecture.”

Many examiners in the hall showed expressions of understanding.

“No wonder, being Fu daren‘s student, he can write such a fine essay, he is indeed talented.”

It was no secret in the Imperial College that Tang Shen was Fu Wei’s student. But the dean also knew that the recommendation letter for Tang Shen’s admission to the Imperial College was not written by Fu Wei but by Wang Zhen! Wang Zhen personally brought Tang Shen into the Imperial College, showing that Wang Zhen was very fond of his junior brother.

Dean Lin became more serious and opened the second page of the paper. He had already decided that since Tang Shen was Wang Zhen’s junior brother and Fu Xiru’s student, and the eight-legged essay was indeed excellent, even if Tang Shen’s test poem was very mediocre, as long as it wasn’t completely terrible, he would give Tang Shen the third place in this evaluation, to gain favor with Wang Zifeng and Fu Xiru.

However, the moment he saw the test poem, Dean Lin’s eyes widened, his face turned red, and he couldn’t say a word for a long time.

After a cup of tea, he finally exclaimed three times, “Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Everyone, come and look at this extraordinary poem!”

The lecturers were very curious and immediately took the paper to read. Though they were officials, they were also scholars. This short five-character, four-rhyme poem made them all radiant with excitement and joy.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“The perilous tower rises a hundred feet, hands could pluck the stars…

Not daring to speak loudly, for fear of startling those in heaven!”

AN: Neighbor Wang: Sigh, my junior brother only waits for me so obediently when he needs something from me.

Little Tang: Can’t you just be more straightforward? Stop being so secretive! Talking to people like you is exhausting!

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Compared to the previous dynasty, the Song Dynasty’s imperial examination system was stricter. Starting from the xiangshi exams, they implemented an anonymized naming system. After each exam, the examiners would immediately cover the candidates’ names with paper, so the grading was done anonymously. Therefore, if Wang Zhen really wanted to be the chief examiner and give Tang Shen an unfair advantage, he could only recognize Tang Shen by his handwriting.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

During the reign of the previous emperor, there was an incident of cheating in the imperial examinations. At that time, a candidate bribed an examiner, and the poem he wrote for the exam had specific characters at the end of every two lines to identify his paper. Unfortunately, this method did not succeed. Trying to subtly find a specific paper among ten thousand in three days using cheating marks or handwriting recognition was equally difficult and not much different.

Tang Shen, mimicking Wang Zhen’s actions, threw all the fish food into the pond.

Wang Zhen: “I’ve heard that a fish’s memory only lasts a few moments.”

Tang Shen was stunned: “?”

Wang Zhen gazed at the dozen or so koi in the pond for a long time and suddenly pointed to one that had overeaten and was floating belly up, “Look, you’ve almost fed it to death.”

Tang Shen: “…”

What do you mean I fed the fish to death! You’re feeding them the same way!!!

Having been in the ancient times for so long, Tang Shen had the urge to give someone the middle finger for the first time. But he held back, lowered his head, and dared not look at Wang Zhen again, afraid that one more glance would make him want to punch his handsome and elegant face.

Wang Zhen seemed completely oblivious. He clapped his hands and said, “Being the chief examiner for you might be a way out. Little Junior Brother, have you guessed who the chief examiner for this year’s autumn exam is?”

Tang Shen had composed himself and replied, “I haven’t. I just arrived in Shengjing and know very little about things here. When I was in Gusu, I heard that Grand Secretary Luo Zhen was originally set to be the chief examiner for this year’s xiangshi exam in Jiangnan Academy. Unfortunately, he committed suicide, and now no one knows who the chief examiner is.”

Wang Zhen: “Currently, the Hanlin Academy has fifteen academicians and four grand secretaries. The xiangshi exams across various regions, unless otherwise noted, are conducted by academicians dispatched to serve as chief examiners. Shengjing and Jiangnan Academy are exceptions, where the grand secretaries set the exam questions. These four are Grand Secretary Li, Grand Secretary Yang, Grand Secretary Zhou, and Grand Secretary Pan.”

A servant quickly entered the garden, serving tea and snacks to Wang Zhen and Tang Shen at the pavilion by the pond. The two walked into the pavilion, and Tang Shen looked at the white rice cakes on the stone table with a peculiar feeling. He looked up at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen said, “Among the four, Grand Secretary Li is elderly. The xiangshi exams consist of three sessions, each lasting an entire day. It’s a torment for the candidates and equally so for the examiners. Grand Secretary Li hasn’t served as a chief examiner for eight years. Grand Secretary Yang is from Jinling. If nothing changes, the rule of not having examiners from the same region as the candidates means he likely won’t go to Jiangnan Academy.” Pausing, Wang Zhen smiled and asked, “Little Junior Brother, don’t you like pastries?”

Tang Shen silently took a piece of rice cake and ate it. “So, Senior Brother is saying that if Grand Secretary Yang doesn’t go to Jiangnan Academy, he is likely to be the chief examiner for this year’s xiangshi exam in Shengjing?”

Wang Zhen didn’t answer but instead said, “Everyone knows that Grand Secretary Yang is skilled in the ‘Book of Changes’ and loves the ‘Miscellaneous Hexagrams Commentary.’ Grand Secretary Zhou is skilled in ‘Spring and Autumn Annals,’ and Grand Secretary Pan is skilled in the ‘Book of Changes.'”

Tang Shen was suddenly taken aback and looked at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen’s voice was gentle: “Studying the ‘Book of Changes’ more is always beneficial.”

Tang Shen was greatly surprised.

Wang Zifeng had just told him in a few words who the chief examiner for this year’s provincial exam in Shengjing would be!

Tang Shen’s mind was in turmoil, but he showed no reaction on the surface and respectfully said, “Thank you, Senior Brother, for the information. I will go back and study the ‘Book of Changes’ more.”

With more than four months until the autumn exam, it was customary to know the list of chief examiners for the xiangshi exam after the Qingming Festival next month, when the emperor would finalize and place the list in the Hanlin Academy’s Jade Hall. No one knew who the chief examiner for the Shengjing xiangshi exam was, but Wang Zhen dared to say to read the ‘Book of Changes’ more. Tang Shen suddenly felt that even if the originally intended chief examiner was not Grand Secretary Yang or Grand Secretary Pan, Wang Zhen would ensure it was one of them.

With a tacit understanding, the two drank tea and ate pastries.

Wang Zhen looked at the essay and poem Tang Shen had written, asked a page boy to fetch some ink and brush from the study, and made some minor corrections. “Take these back and review them. Rewrite them tomorrow and submit them to me.” He also asked the page boy to bring a copy of “Famen Temple Stele” for Tang Shen.

Tang Shen did not open the copy of “Famen Temple Stele,” thinking it was Wang Zhen’s calligraphy. Two years ago, before he apprenticed under Liang Song, he had seen Wang Zhen’s calligraphy. The brushstrokes were vigorous and majestic, and no words could do it justice.

Tang Shen: “Thank you, Senior Brother Zi Feng, for the calligraphy. I will practice it more.”

“This is not my calligraphy.”

Tang Shen looked at him in surprise.

Wang Zhen took a sip of tea and said casually, “It’s Zhong Taisheng’s ‘Famen Temple Stele.'”

Zhong Wei, Zhong Taisheng!

Tang Shen’s eyes dilated slightly, and he softly responded, “En.”

When Tang Shen left the Minister Residence, he not only took back his essay and poem but also received a copy of the calligraphy and a box of pastries. Who knew where Wang Zhen got so many pastries from; Tang Shen had not seen Wang Zhen eat any while talking. These pastries seemed to have been specially prepared by Wang Zhen to entertain him.

Tang Shen couldn’t help but feel something was off: “Wang Zifeng can’t possibly be treating me like a child to be spoiled, right?”

“…That can’t be.”

“It definitely can’t be!”

When he returned home, Shopkeeper Lu had already bought a few capable servants from the middleman agency.

Shopkeeper Lu: “Little boss, see if any of them are suitable to stay by your side.”

Tang Shen observed the four newly acquired servants for a while. The servant he needed was different from other servants; this was his personal servant. He would go to Wang Zhen’s residence for lessons every day, so the servant would be half a page boy and needed to follow along. If he chose poorly and Wang Zhen saw it, Tang Shen would feel uncomfortable.

After thinking for a while, Tang Shen asked, “Do any of you know how to read?”

The four servants looked at each other.

Shopkeeper Lu said, “Little boss, you need one who can read? I didn’t ask for that when I bought them. Literate servants are valuable and need to be specifically reserved to purchase.”

Suddenly, a small servant stepped forward: “I can read a bit.”

Tang Shen made an “oh” sound and asked, “What books have you read?”

The servant looked ashamed and said, “I only listened outside the private school window with my cousin when I was a child. I haven’t read any books, but I can recognize words.”

Tang Shen asked a few more questions and found that this servant indeed could read, though he hadn’t read the Four Books and Five Classics, having only read about half of the ‘Analects.’

“It is decided then. Do you have a name?”

“I’m called Liu Shunzhu.”

Tang Shen: “…” After a moment of silence, he said, “From now on, you’ll be called Fang Huan.”

“Yes.”

After a while, Tang Shen felt it was inappropriate and said, “Wait a minute, you can’t be called Fang Huan. You’ll be called… Feng Bi instead.”

Feng Bi was confused, but whatever Tang Shen said was fine with him: “Yes, from now on, I’ll be called Feng Bi.”

Fu Wei had a page boy who assisted with his reading and another who played the qin. Tang Shen, following his example, found someone to assist with writing.

After Shopkeeper Lu and Feng Bi left, Tang Shen returned to his room. He placed Zhong Taisheng’s “Famen Temple Stele” on his desk and picked up the essay and test poem Wang Zhen had personally revised. Tang Shen looked at the circles drawn on the rice paper and the few lines of small annotations, and after a long while, he chuckled and said, “Why did I almost give the servant that name!”

The Rivers Zhen and Wei, overflow on their way. The lovely lad and lass, hold in hand fragrant grass. (TN: Wang Zhen’s name is the same character used in the River Zhen)

When naming Feng Bi, the first poem that came to Tang Shen’s mind was “The Book of Poetry: Zhen Wei.”

“…It’s better to stay away from Wang Zifeng in the future.”

Even though he said this, the next day Tang Shen still took the revised essay to the Minister Residence to find Wang Zhen. Unfortunately, Wang Zhen was not home this time; he was working at the Ministry of Revenue. Wang Zhen had ordered the steward to entertain Tang Shen and to have Tang Shen leave the revised essay. When Tang Shen left the Minister Residence, he had in hand another box of new pastries.

And so, a month passed.

During the Qingming Festival, Tang Shen gazed south from his home, burning incense to commemorate Liang Song and to honor his grave from afar.

After completing these tasks, Tang Shen wrote a letter and called Feng Bi: “Deliver this letter to the Minister of Revenue’s residence, to the hands of the Wang family’s steward. My senior brother once said he sends things to Jinling Prefecture every month, and if there’s anything to be delivered, it can be given to the steward. Go to the Minister Residence early today.”

Feng Bi took the letter and ran to the Minister Residence, handing it to the steward.

When Feng Bi returned, Tang Shen saw that he was carrying another box of pastries.

Tang Shen: “…”

This is really unbearable!

As June approached, the weather grew hotter. Shengjing’s winters were much colder than those in Jiangnan, but the summers were just as hot. The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and the Imperial College housed hundreds of students and dozens of scholars. However, they had no right to enjoy ice basins. The lecture halls were sweltering, and the students sweated profusely while diligently studying.

“…The meaning of writing the ‘Spring and Autumn Annals’ is to await a sage; there is also joy for a gentleman in this.”

After the students finished reading in unison, the lecturer, a scholar sitting in a wide chair, couldn’t bear it anymore and shouted, “Today’s lesson ends here.”

The students rejoiced, each eager to rush out of the lecture hall. Tang Shen was among them, but he was not in a hurry. At first, too many students tried to rush out, blocking the door. Everyone squeezed together, making them even sweatier. It was better for him to wait in the back.

“Jing Ze, are you going to join me for a lesson at the Zhengyi Hall this afternoon?”

Tang Shen looked up to see a slender, gentle young man in his twenties smiling at him. Seeing who it was, Tang Shen’s expression brightened, and he smiled, “I took the afternoon off; I have some things to do. Let’s go together tomorrow.”

Mei Shengze smiled, “Alright.”

The two took their books and were about to leave the lecture hall when a rough voice suddenly shouted, “Everyone, go back. Why are you in such a hurry? You are students of the Imperial College, the pillars of the nation, and you’re so eager to leave this place of sages?”

The students hurried back to the lecture hall. Tang Shen and Mei Shengze exchanged a glance and returned to their seats.

Tang Shen was startled to see that it was Liu Siye who had come in.

The dean of the Imperial College was Lin Jijiu, with the official rank of third grade. Below him were two deputies, ranked fourth grade.

Liu Siye stroked his graying beard and, seeing all the students back in the lecture hall, snorted angrily and said, “Class has just ended, and you all are rushing to leave as if escaping. Mengzi said, ‘When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their resolve, exhausts their muscles.’ You can’t even endure a bit of heat?”

The students dared not argue, lowering their heads in submission.

Liu Siye was satisfied and said, “I came today to inform you that you must prepare well for the test at the beginning of June. Each month, based on your essays and test poems, you will be graded into four levels: A, B, C, and D. Usually, it’s just routine, but you must take next month’s test seriously.”

A student curiously asked, “Daren, is there something unusual about it?”

Liu Siye smiled, “Unusual? You guessed right! In June, the military readies its chariots and horses for battle. That’s the way of warriors, wielding swords and spears. But we scholars wield pens. For the test at the beginning of June, those who score in the A and B levels can attend a lecture at the Biyong Palace of the Imperial College in mid-June.”

Some students still didn’t understand, and Tang Shen was also puzzled.

However, Mei Shengze gripped his book tightly, his face glowing with excitement and his eyes burning with anticipation.

Tang Shen quietly asked, “Brother Sheng Ze, what is the Biyong Palace? I’ve been at the Imperial College for two months but haven’t been there.”

Mei Shengze excitedly explained, “The Biyong Palace is usually closed. As you know, our Imperial College is the Imperial College of the Great Song Dynasty in Shengjing. Every month, scholars from the Hanlin Academy come to lecture. You attended the lecture by Grand Secretary Li, right?”

Tang Shen: “Yes, that was at Zhengyi Hall.”

“Biyong Palace is only opened for lectures by distinguished guests. And there is only one such distinguished guest in the entire realm.”

Tang Shen instantly understood. He tightened his fingers, staring intently at Mei Shengze.

Mei Shengze spoke each word slowly and clearly, “A sage descends to the world, bringing blessings to the Imperial College. Only when the emperor arrives will the Biyong Palace be open. This is the legendary ‘The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong’!”

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Revenue.

Wang Zhen sat in the main seat, with the left and right vice ministers seated on either side of him. The left vice minister was a middle-aged man with a goatee and a thin build. He sighed deeply and said, “The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong, why did His Majesty suddenly decide to lecture at the Imperial College during this morning’s court session? Since His Majesty ascended to the throne twenty-six years ago, he has never been to the Biyong Palace.”

The right vice minister was much younger, but he also had a full beard, looking more like a fierce general than a scholar. He glanced at Wang Zhen, who was drinking tea, before saying, “The Son of Hewaven Comes to Biyong is a good thing. Xu daren, we should prepare early.”

Xu Linghou, the left vice minister, said, “Qin daren is right. What does Wang daren think?”

Both vice ministers turned to look at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen gently blew away the steam rising from his hot tea, took a sip, and said, “This year’s Mingqian Longjing tea?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Xu Linghou: “Yes.”

Wang Zhen: “Excellent. What did Xu daren just say?”

Xu Linghou and Qin Si exchanged glances, remaining silent.

Wang Zhen put down his teacup and sincerely praised, “The emperor is diligent in learning. The Son of Heaven Comes to Biyong. This year, the students of the Imperial College are truly fortunate.”

AN: Neighbor Wang: Hmm, don’t you like eating snacks?

Little Tang: ╭∩╮（︶皿︶）╭∩╮！！！

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