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?”

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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.

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“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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