A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 272: Making a stumbling block

Although at the imperial court level, the matter of Yuan Songxuan insulting the Prefect of Kaifeng has come to an end.

But in Tokyo, there are no secrets that can be kept hidden.

Unless it's someone like the emperor.

Everyone has completely wrapped him up in a thick information cocoon.

Most importantly, no one dared to offend the Empress Dowager.

Upright prime ministers like Wang Zeng turned a deaf ear and remained silent on the matter.

When Empress Dowager Liu was alive, anyone who mentioned such a thing would die!

Aside from the matter of the emperor, it seems that the royal family doesn't care much about other things.

In addition, Song Xuan is currently a hot topic of discussion, so this matter has become a subject of heated discussion among the public.

Throughout history, public opinion has generally not held that officials are good people.

The inherent position of power asymmetry, and the empathy effect of the weak.

Moreover, there are numerous examples of officials forcing the people to rebel.

In addition, there's the sense of superiority that comes from supporting "rebels."

In any case, the cost of their "keyboard justice" discussions over meals and tea is close to zero, and they don't have to bear any real consequences.

How could Song Xuan's rebellion against Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, not be hotly debated?
Besides, the people of Tokyo love gossip the most!

The gambling dens in Tokyo used Song Xuan as bait, but the fish got away and they lost a lot of money.

So much so that now, with the imperial examination just around the corner, they dare not open betting odds on Song Xuan winning the top scholar title again, which has drawn scorn and condemnation from many ordinary people and gambling addicts.

After all, betting on Song Xuan to become the top scholar in the imperial examination really made a lot of money for many people.

Even if Song Xuan passes the imperial examination with top honors, he will still be a commoner, though his family will be exempt from corvée labor and other privileges.

After all, it's traditional practice for officials to do bad things in the eyes of the people.

People who have experienced the chaos of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period will naturally teach their descendants: "It is better to gamble on one honest official than to trust a hundred cruel officials."

Otherwise, Bao Qingtian wouldn't have been called that for so many years.

Most people believe that Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, was a poor performer.

They forced the scholar to break off the engagement and instead married her daughter, even going so far as to detain and drug him.

They really have no shame.

If you were a lowly businessman doing this, it would be one thing.

Ironically, the Chen family produced three top scholars in the imperial examinations.

That's really beneath me!

Not only that, the Chen family also encouraged the censors to impeach Song Xuan, a scholar who had not yet become an official.

Fortunately, thanks to the discerning eyes of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the censor was demoted to Lingnan and forced to eat insects.

That was a good death indeed!
Even if the censor impeached him for this matter, even if Zhao Wenyu went to Lingnan to eat insects, he wouldn't dare say that it was the Chen family who ordered it.

Once a charge of forming a faction arises, even more people will be implicated.

In addition, news of Song Xuan publicly berating a member of the imperial family had begun to circulate.

The image of Xiao Song in the mouths of the people of Tokyo was elevated by a huge margin.

Upon closer examination, Song Xuan had always dealt with opponents who were "stronger" than him.

Chen Yaozuo has been on duty these past few days with a gloomy expression.

He always felt that the minor officials and temporary workers in the government office were all talking behind his back.

After all, the Chen family suffered a setback because of the forced son-in-law's imprisonment of Han Qi.

Originally, he was planning to strike first, but Han Qi's father-in-law struck first and filed a complaint.

Chen Yaozuo originally thought that Cui Li would not dare to oppose him, but he never expected that a series of mistakes would lead to the current situation.

The officials from Kaifeng Prefecture all knew that their superior was in a bad mood, so they dared not step forward to speak.

It's just that Chen Yaozuo was being overly sensitive.

People want to play with crickets, and it's more convenient and relaxing to work in teahouses and entertainment venues.

Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, sat in the room, plotting how to cause trouble for Song Xuan before the palace examination.

Otherwise, he really wouldn't be able to swallow this insult!

However, on his way home from get off work, he still heard people talking about it from time to time, which made Chen Yaozuo blush.

In addition, they were all discussing the matter of Song Xuan becoming the top scholar in the Song Dynasty, saying things like it was almost certain.

This further upset Chen Yaozuo.

After he returned home, Chen Yaozi was still sulking.

After all, he bears an unshirkable responsibility for the exile of Zhao Wenyu, Zhao Anren's son.

Who would have thought that Prime Minister Wang Zeng would suddenly launch an attack, and even Prime Minister Lü couldn't protect Censor Zhao Wenyu.

Even so, he argued his case and managed to save Zhao Wenyu from death.

"Second Brother, this matter absolutely cannot be left like this!"

Chen Yaozi slammed his fist on the table in frustration.

"Then what do you want to do?"

Chen Yaozuo also looked unwell, and had been sulking these past few days.

Prime Minister Lü said that the matter should be let go, otherwise it would be difficult to explain to the Empress Dowager.

After all, you're not in the right in this matter, and you've come out on the wrong foot.

If she continues to entangle herself with Song Xuan, she will likely become increasingly entangled.

Especially since Zhang Qi relayed Song Xuan's words to Empress Dowager Liu.

Lu Yijian told the two brothers to just focus on their work.

These are minor matters; becoming prime minister is far more important.

"Since he wants to be the top scholar, let's give him a push!"

Chen Yaozi said fiercely:
"Or let him use a broken inkstone, so that the exam paper will be unknowingly contaminated during the exam."

"Or you could correct his paper while he's copying it."

"There are quite a few people who want to be bribed."

The number of officials and their division of labor for the palace examination were as follows: three officials in charge of detailed examination, two officials in charge of compilation, three officials in charge of preliminary examination, three officials in charge of supplementary preliminary examination, three officials in charge of supplementary supplementary examination, one official in charge of checking the examination papers in the preliminary examination, one official in charge of checking the examination papers in the supplementary examination, five officials in charge of reading aloud, two officials in charge of sealing, and two officials in charge of patrolling the examination.

Supervision is like a stack of bunk beds; everyone has to be supervised.

The careful selection of officials for the palace examination and the detailed division of responsibilities helped improve the quality of candidates and prevent corruption.

Chen Yaozuo suddenly looked up:
"Do you think the Emperor won't personally review the exam paper of the top scholar during the palace examination?"

Everyone knew that this was the first time the Emperor had presided over the palace examination.

Anyone who tries to sow discord at this time could face unacceptable consequences if investigated.

"Besides, were these officials chosen arbitrarily?"

Chen Yaozuo felt his younger brother was too impulsive:
"Whether it is the provincial examination or the palace examination, the selection of examiners is very strict, and there are three conditions."

"First, one must be talented and learned, pass the imperial examination, and be appointed as an official in charge of preliminary examination, re-examination, and final determination. The Secretariat will also select literary officials to fill these positions."

"Secondly, one must be honest, law-abiding, loyal, and reliable."

Third, officials in charge of recommending candidates should avoid nepotism.

"Second brother, as a Hanlin scholar, I should be eligible to be selected for official positions."

Chen Yaozi lowered his voice: "It's worth a try."

"No, the risk is too great."

"If this won't work, and that won't work, what else can we do?"

Chen Yaozi stood up angrily:
"That Song Xuan, a mere mere scholar, dares to insult the Chen family's traditions! I will never swallow this insult!"

"Give him a half-broken inkstone, preferably one that leaks halfway through writing. As long as it stains the exam paper, it won't matter how eloquently he writes."

"Are you sure that inkstone can be placed accurately on Song Xuan's table?"

Chen Yaozi stood up and began to carefully consider the feasibility of this matter.

Arranging seating is an extremely important matter.

The imperial examination was a competitive arena, and even candidates who prided themselves on ethics and morality often disregarded shame.

In the examination hall, deceit and treachery were evident, and cliques formed.

They either begged from others or passed it on to one another, creating a chaotic and confusing situation that was impossible to discern.

In the second year of Emperor Taizong's Yongxi reign (985), the Ministry of Rites was ordered to arrange seating in the examination halls.

However, by the early years of Emperor Zhenzong's reign, the seating arrangements for the palace examination were not yet fixed.

Some candidates agreed to sit together before entering the examination hall, while others changed seats at the last minute during the examination. They copied from each other, making it difficult for the examination papers to reflect each person's true level.

Therefore, in the palace examination in April of the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era (1008), tents were first set up in the hall corridor, and seats were arranged with the names and titles of the examinees. The list of names was then posted to indicate their order, and examinees were instructed to take their seats after reading it.

Once inside, no changes are permitted; violators will be prosecuted.

"It's not impossible to manipulate Song Xuan's seat."

"Then I'll quickly find someone to do this."

Chen Yaozi chuckled: "I guarantee that little thief Song Twelve will suffer in silence, unable to express his bitterness."

"and many more."

Chen Yaozuo then spoke up, "Do you think I have a chance if I use the palace examination questions to lure Song Xuan?"

"Hmm?" Chen Yaozi looked puzzled. "What do you mean, Second Brother?"

"Proposition".

"I don't know."

Chen Yaozuo further explained:

"The questions for the palace examination were either decided by officials or written by the emperor himself, but there were two general requirements: first, they must not be the same as the questions for the provincial and prefectural examinations."

"During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, before setting the exam questions, he would 'examine all the questions issued by the prefectures and counties of the three capitals and all the questions on the subject matter, in order to avoid duplication.'"

"Second, we must strictly prevent the leakage of test questions."

Chen Yaozuo emphasized the word "leak": "My Chen family has produced three top scholars in the imperial examinations. We naturally have our own unique methods for speaking to Han Qi, but Song Xuan doesn't know them."

"My idea is to invite him to come tomorrow to apologize and let's clear up this misunderstanding."

"Then give him the test questions."

"Where are the exam questions?" Chen Yaozi asked, looking puzzled.

"If that didn't happen, how can I give it to you?"

“We invited the great scholar Sun Shi to accompany us. If Song Xuan makes contact with Sun Shi beforehand, it means he intends to leak the exam questions.”

The great Confucian scholar Sun Shi served as the emperor's tutor and would also discuss the questions for the palace examination with the emperor.

Once everyone is gathered, regardless of whether anything is done or not, it will have the same effect as Lin Chong mistakenly entering the White Tiger Hall with a knife.

Chen Yaozi thought about it for a long time before he understood what it meant.

With the renowned scholar Sun Shi acting as an intermediary, Song Xuan couldn't possibly refuse to come.

Kill two birds with one stone.

"Second brother, that's brilliant!"

……

As the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, Yan Shu had not yet stepped down from his post, so he organized a gathering of the candidates from Yingtian Prefecture.

Those who didn't make the list, keep trying! His Majesty has already announced plans to expand recruitment, so your chances are still pretty good.

As for those who passed the provincial examination, they need to work even harder to avoid being eliminated in the palace examination.

Of course, not everyone was present. Some candidates, upon learning that they had failed the provincial examination, immediately set off back to the academy to study diligently.

After all, the cost of living in Tokyo is extremely high.

As the top scholar in the imperial examination, Song Xuan naturally sat to Yan Shu's left.

Wang Yaochen sat to Yan Shu's right, listening to Yan Shu tell him to do well on the exam and not to have too much mental pressure.

"Thank you, Lord Yan. I am determined to win the top scholar title this time."

"it is good."

Yan Shu stroked his beard with deep emotion and said, "Young people should have such ambition!"

Then, with an air of watching the spectacle with a hint of amusement, he patted Song Xuan on his left:

"Twelve, Wang Yaochen said he would win the top scholar title, thus ending your dream of winning the top three in a row."

Upon hearing this, Song Xuan laughed twice.

"Lord Yan, how did you become so bad after being transferred to Tokyo?"

"Just tell the truth."

Yan Shu, however, didn't seem to care and pointed to the few people present, each of whom looked like they were destined to be top scholars.

Unfortunately, they were all in the same year.

The battle was bound to be extremely fierce.

Song Xuan looked at the opponents that Yan Shu had pointed out to him:

"What if there are other dark horse candidates among the top scholars in other prefectures?"

"That only means that the list from the fifth year of the Tiansheng era is of very high quality, and many prime ministers will surely emerge in the future."

Yan Shu picked up the teacup and took a sip:
"Don't get cocky, kid. This final shudder will make the fight even more intense."

Song Xuan nodded. Now that he had come this far, he was determined to challenge for this year's top scorer.

Then Song Xuan lowered his voice and said, "Prime Minister Yan, the people you just mentioned are very strong."

"As long as you know."

"But I am stronger!"

Yan Shu paused for a moment, holding the teacup, then a smile appeared on his lips:
"Good heavens, Song Twelve, so confident. I haven't seen your true colors in a long time."

Song Xuan chuckled twice: "I thought that when the news of my passing the imperial examination with top honors reached Song City, you would be overjoyed and that's why you came to Tokyo to take up your post."

That was the original plan.

Yan Shu then lowered his voice and said:
"It's all because of you that you caused trouble. I'll be the proctor for this last exam to prevent anyone from messing around. There are plenty of ways to get back at you."

Song Xuan also put down his teacup:
"This is the first time the Emperor has personally presided over the palace examination. Anyone who dares to cause trouble this time is courting death!"

"What, you've gotten into the habit of pretending to be confused since you came to Tokyo?"

Faced with Yan Shu's teasing, Song Xuan gave an awkward smile.

"Now the Empress Dowager is in charge of the court."

Yan Shu glanced at the examinees eating and drinking around him.

Those who failed the exam indulged in a feast, while those who were preparing diligently for the final exam were all in low spirits.

The pressure they were under was immense.

"Make sure you carefully check the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone they give you, to avoid any mistakes. Their methods are dirty!"

"it is good."

Song Xuan didn't say anything more to Yan Shu. At this moment, a candidate came over to ask for advice.

"Twelfth brother."

Song Ming ran over with a grin, holding a wine glass: "When I heard that you had passed the imperial examination with top honors, I was truly overjoyed."

"Seventh Brother."

Song Xuan raised his wine glass and said with a smile, "Let's strive to achieve a place on the imperial examination."

“I’m ranked low, so my chances are slim, but Fifth Brother is ranked high, so maybe you two brothers can make it on the list together.”

Song Hao's face was also extremely happy. He followed Song Ming slowly and said with a smile, "Twelfth Brother."

He felt that if he answered well in the palace examination, the Empress Dowager would follow the model of selecting the top scholar in the second year of the Tiansheng era.

Perhaps I, as the older brother, can win the title of top scholar.

He had always hoped for this.

Back then, the younger brother Song Qi should have been the top scholar, but because Empress Liu E intervened, believing that the older brother should be ranked first, she made Song Xiang the top scholar.

"Fifth brother."

Song Xuan smiled and said, "Fifth Brother's ranking is also extremely high, which is truly impressive."

"Hahaha."

Song Hao felt that it was all worth it to humbly learn from the real top scholar, Song Qi!

He chuckled a few times: "With my twelfth brother's brilliance preceding us, we mustn't become mere bricks!"

Song Xuan chuckled in agreement, "I hope we can all pass the imperial examinations with flying colors and return home in glory."

"must."

Song Hao drank it all in one gulp, looking very pleased.

Only then did he go to see Yan Shu.

Song Ming patted Song Xuan on the shoulder and followed.

So Song Xuan gave up his seat, took his teacup, and walked to the other side.

Liang Qian walked over and said with a smile:
"Twelfth Brother, how did I become the eternal runner-up?"

Song Xuan laughed a few times.

Back then, Han Qi topped the provincial examination, surpassing Liang Qian.

He demanded to see Han Qi's and Song Xuan's exam papers, which greatly displeased Yan Shu.

Because Song Xuan's exam paper could not be easily shown to others.
They'll be exposed as soon as they see it.

Liang Qian was indeed indignant, believing that it was impossible for Song Xuan to fail the preliminary examination, and that someone must have deliberately suppressed him by taking advantage of Dou Chou's incident.

But Yan Shu still managed to push him down.

"What, you don't have any thoughts about this year's top scorer?"

Song Xuan leaned against the window: "Are you going to just hand over the title of the top scholar of the Liang family?"

Liang Qian carried the expectations of her family.

After all, two generations of his family had produced top scholars in the imperial examinations, so naturally, he, as the third generation, would also strive towards that goal.

Many people want to be the top scholar, but unfortunately only one person can be it.

Liang Qian leaned against the other side of the window and pointed to the people sitting there:
"If we only test policy essays, I'm afraid I can't even compare to Zhang Fangping, let alone the other top students."

“Wang Yaochen and Zhao Gai are under a lot of pressure, especially you, Song Twelve, are under their weight.”

Song Xuan put down his teacup, unsure of what to say.

"Take another day off tomorrow, the exam starts the day after tomorrow."

Liang Qian looked at Song Xuan, who wasn't nervous at all, and said, "You seem quite confident."

"Who have I ever been afraid of?"

Upon hearing Song Xuan's reply, Liang Qian couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Song Twelve's boldness is truly unmatched by ordinary people.

Liang Qian sighed softly.

It seems that this year's top scorer will really have no chance to bring the honor back to his family.

Not only Song Xuan, but also Wang Yaochen and Zhao Gai were like this.

Even Han Qi and Zhang Fangping are no less capable.

Liang Qian felt that it would be difficult for her to even maintain her position as the perennial runner-up!

Wang Yaochen nodded and raised his glass to Song Xuan through the crowd, then walked over:
"Twelfth Brother, I will not give up the title of top scholar."

"Hahaha." Song Xuan couldn't help but laugh: "Brother Wang, have you forgotten that everything I, Song Twelve, want is something I obtain by my own efforts? Why should I need others to give it to me!"

Wang Yaochen clicked his tongue a few times and shook his head. Song Xuan was still as arrogant as ever.

But this is the Song Xuan I know!

Wang Yaochen was under considerable pressure. Song Xuan had achieved the top rank in both the provincial and metropolitan examinations, while he himself was aiming for the top spot in the imperial examinations, but his ranking in both of them was not high.

This was also his idea to skip a term and then participate in the palace examination again.

Now Wang Yaochen realizes that each cohort is stronger than the last, and there's no escaping it; he can only give it his all.

Yan Shu did not let everyone drink too much. He gave each person some more instructions before the party ended.

We leisurely strolled back during the day.

"Go for a walk."

Yan Shu invited Song Xuan to give him a few words of advice.

After all, the waters of Tokyo were too deep, and he voluntarily withdrew from it back then in order to protect himself.

Returning here now, I have many feelings.

Song Xuan did not refuse, and Zhang Fangping and the others tactfully walked ahead.

After all, there was a very high chance that the twelfth brother would pass the imperial examination with top honors in all three categories, becoming the "greatest political achievement" of Prime Minister Yan in his vigorous development of Yingtian Academy.

"Dean Fan asked me to pass on a message for him."

"Oh?"

Song Xuan perked up: "What did he say?"

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. It would be best if you could become the top scorer, but if you don't, you can retake the exam."

"Hahaha." Song Xuan laughed a few times: "I don't believe Dean Fan said this."

The most perfect person in the Song Dynasty would never say such utilitarian things, forcing students to conform to that kind of "success" model.

"As expected, you were just pretending to be confused at the banquet."

Yan Shu was too lazy to test the waters any further, and instead told Song Xuan that he was coming back soon.

It's because you stood up for Han Qi that you angered the Chen brothers.

The eldest son of the Chen family rose to the position of prime minister and was a man of extremely upright character. However, his two younger brothers suffered repeated setbacks and retaliations in the officialdom because of his integrity and incorruptibility.

Therefore, the two Chen brothers were much more ruthless than their elder brother.

They certainly won't easily swallow this resentment.

It could be said that these brothers truly transformed from dragon-slaying youths who rebelled against the darkness of officialdom into evil dragons themselves.

It embarked on a cyclical path.

In officialdom, this might be a powerful curse that many cannot escape.

"I thought that with the mediation of Privy Councilor Zhang, this matter would be over."

Song Xuan then reached out his hand: "What I mean is that we know we have to give the Empress Dowager face on the surface, but I never thought they wouldn't retaliate."

"Although the Empress Dowager ruled as regent and wielded great power, many people secretly disdained a woman in power."

Yan Shu sighed softly: "Now that the Emperor is still quite young, he is more likely to be schemed against in many ways."

"Who would truly be of one mind with an emperor? After all, serving a ruler is like walking on thin ice."

"Therefore, in the city of Tokyo, there were many instances of feigning one way to advance another while secretly advancing another."

"That's why I'm so sure the Chen brothers will come up with some tricks, especially in a place like the palace examination, where even if you suffer a loss, there's no way to salvage the situation."

"Why should the other candidates be implicated by you and have to take the exam again with you?"

Yan Shu was referring to the worst possible outcome.

"Do they really have the courage to give up their positions as Hanlin Academician and Prefect of Kaifeng?"

Song Xuan looked puzzled: "After all, they are all wearing fancy shoes, unlike me."

“Wake up. This is Tokyo. Don’t keep thinking like you did back in your hometown when you were a scoundrel.”

Yan Shu then carefully gave Song Xuan a few more instructions, telling him not to have a bad temper and to avoid arguing with everyone he met, as it could easily escalate conflicts.

Even if you, Song Twelve, truly become the top scholar in the imperial examination, then those who will be connected with you will include your father-in-law Cao Liyong, Dean Fan Zhongyan, and myself, Yan Shu, and so on.

The relationships within the imperial court were already deeply intertwined, so much so that a single move could have far-reaching consequences.

Song Xuan understood that their relationship was inherently a form of "clique".

However, it's still somewhat understandable, just as Lü Yijian also used this relationship to build his own interest group, bringing many officials into it.

By encompassing the middle-aged, young, and elderly, the smooth transition of power ensures the long-term maintenance of the group's shared interests.

With that, the two arrived at Song Xuan's residence, where Yan Shu was invited in for tea and to familiarize himself with the place.

He clicked his tongue in amazement, thinking that Cao Yongli really had a lot of influence. Zhang Qi owned more than 700 houses, but he had never rented them out.

Just then, the old servant delivered an invitation, saying it was sent by the Chen family.

"Chen family?"

Song Xuan didn't even answer the call: "Which Chen family? I don't think I know any scholars in the capital city with the surname Chen."

"Chen Yaozuo".

Hearing the old servant's reply, Song Xuan chuckled:
"Just leave it there, pretend you didn't see it."

Old servant: ? ? ?
"Let me see," Yan Shu demanded directly, "I'll help you see what tricks they've come up with."

Yan Shu opened the invitation; inside, besides the Chen family's emblem, there was also a short letter.

In any case, it was in accordance with Prime Minister Lü's opinion that it was better to resolve enmity than to create it.

What was originally a small matter has escalated into this mess.

As the top scholar in the imperial examination of the Song Dynasty, when he told Han Qi to strive for the top scholar title, it wasn't about manipulating the palace examination, but rather about the unique learning methods of the Chen family.

Otherwise, how could one family produce three top scholars?
Anyway, it was a misunderstanding. To show his sincerity, he asked Prime Minister Lü and the renowned scholar Sun Shi to act as intermediaries. Let's settle this matter here.

A time was finally agreed upon, and Song Xuan was invited to a banquet at the Chen residence the next day.

"Oh ho, this is a trap."

Song Xuan made a joke.

Yan Shu nodded in deep agreement, agreeing that this was indeed the meaning.

Judging from the content of the letter, it is indeed very sincere.

But once inside the Chen family home, many things became uncontrollable.

"What do you think is the problem?" Yan Shu put down the letter in his hand.

"No banquet is ever a good banquet, and no person is ever a good person."

Song Xuan poured Yan Shu a cup of tea:
"I'm not going. What if they give me laxatives? How will I be able to take the imperial examination the next day?"

"Am I supposed to perform public defecation in front of the emperor and numerous ministers in the main hall?"

Yan Shu was about to praise Song Xuan, but before he could even utter a word, Song Xuan shut him down with his vulgar remarks.

After a long pause, Yan Shu finally praised:
"You're absolutely right."

"It's all thanks to Prefect Yan's excellent education."

"No, no, no!" Yan Shu quickly reached out to stop him.
"Your teacher is Wang Zhu, and your dean is Fan Zhongyan. When you go out, mention their names, but don't mention mine. You, Song Twelve, never think of me when things go well, but you always drag me out to shield you from trouble."

"This is not Yingtianfu. The waters of Dongjing City are too deep for even me to handle."

"Good good."

Song Xuan nodded repeatedly: "You'll regret this."

Yan Shu immediately waved his hand, picked up the letter, and said, "Just pretend you didn't see this letter. I'll take care of it for you."

"Thank you."

Song Xuan stood up to see him off; he really didn't want to attend any banquet.

Especially at banquets where there are grudges, he wished he could punch those annoying old faces a few times to help them get a good night's sleep.

Deep down, Chen Yaozuo was hoping that Song Xuan would arrive.

After all, the great Confucian scholar Sun Shi was willing to mediate between them and was also willing to meet Song Twelve, whom he greatly admired.

If his methods for managing the Yellow River succeed, it will be a contribution for generations to come.

Sun Shi taught his whole life, and many of his students came from his school.

But Song Xuan, this candidate, surprised him greatly, and he felt that even if he died on the spot, he could die in peace.

As for the questions for the palace examination, that was decided by the emperor himself, and no one was told.

Therefore, Sun Shi did not have to "go to jail" like he did for the provincial examination.

Lu Yijian wanted to win over Song Xuan, so he was happy to accept the Chen brothers' invitation to be a witness.

The banquet is now ready, and we are just waiting for Song Xuan, the main character of the day, to make his appearance.

Polite people always arrive early; there's no such thing as arriving on time or being late.

At this time, there was still an incense stick's time before Song Xuan was to attend the banquet, and the appointed date would arrive.

Chen Yaozi immediately became anxious.

With such a grand scheme already in place, yet Song Xuan is nowhere to be seen, how can we lure him into the trap?

Lu Yijian also noticed the anxious look on the Chen brothers' faces. Could it be that Song Xuan hadn't agreed to let them come?

As the time drew closer, even Sun Shi noticed something was wrong.

"how?"

Sun Shi put down his teacup: "Is Song Twelve holding a grudge and unwilling to attend the banquet?"

"That's certainly true." Chen Yaozi said with a cold smile.

"Prime Minister Lü and Attendant-in-Ordinary Sun have both seen it. It's not that the Chen family is unwilling to reconcile, but that brat Song Xuan is simply too arrogant!"

"Third brother, don't say any more."

Chen Yaozuo also looked displeased. If this matter could not be accomplished today, then he would have no choice but to rely on the trick of arranging seating tomorrow and getting Song Xuan a broken inkstone.

This "cheating" was far more effective than what we've seen today!
"please."

Yan Shu held Song Xuan's invitation in his hand: "It's been a long time since I've been back to Dongjing City, and I don't even recognize the roads anymore, which is why I'm late! Please forgive me!"

Chen Yaozi was greatly surprised to see that it was Yan Shu who came to the banquet, instead of Song Xuan.

"When did Uncle Tong return to Tokyo?"

Lu Yijian stood up with a smile to greet him. Although he knew the transfer order given to Yan Shu, he was still unsure.

"Just the day before yesterday, and yesterday we gathered the candidates from Yingtian Prefecture for a drinking party. After all, many of them passed the exam, which really made me, the prefect, very proud."

"Hahaha, that's it."

The great scholar Sun Shi also wore a smile on his face:

“I have been teaching all my life and I have never encountered so many outstanding students. You, Uncle Yan, have all come along with them.”

Yan Shu also smiled and bowed, placing the invitation on the table:
“Yesterday, that lad Song Xuan was in high spirits and drank too much. He hasn’t woken up yet today, so I’m attending the banquet in his place to avoid disappointing Prefect Chen’s sincere heart.”

Chen Yaozi looked annoyed.

Chen Yaozuo felt that Yan Shu's words were barbed.

Yan Shu appeared, but Song Xuan did not.

Whether they were truly drunk and unconscious, they could not obtain confirmation.

If you need a reason, you can just make one up!
Lu Yijian noticed that the Chen brothers weren't very pleased with themselves, and said with a smile:

"Since we're all old friends, let's have a chat. Please sit down."

Looking at Chen Yaozi's expression, Yan Shu knew that today's banquet was definitely not going to be anything good.

It was right that Song Xuan didn't come.

Especially with the imperial examination approaching, any unexpected event would be irresponsible towards one's own life.

The top scholar in the imperial examination, which is being hotly debated in Tokyo, seems to be Song Xuan.

However, the candidates who entered the palace to take the exam did not think so.

Before the final results are announced, everyone wants to try their luck at becoming the top scorer.

After all, this time it's just a single subject: policy essays.

At 5:45 AM, torches outside the palace burned like dragons.

Song Xuan, dressed in a white robe and with the Ministry of Rites' verification token hanging from his waist, lined up outside Xuande Gate with more than a thousand other candidates.

Entering the palace is no easy task.

This time, you don't even need to bring your own exam basket; the palace has prepared them for you in advance.

This was just in case someone wanted to assassinate the emperor.

Upon entering the imperial city, the first checkpoint is a special search officer who makes everyone undo their hair and remove their boots to check if they are carrying anything.

At this point, including the booklet is not the main point.

If there's any sharp weapon, that would be terrible.

What if the emperor were interested in taking a look around during the palace examination?
Other proctors weren't allowed to patrol and check, but the emperor was an exception!

"What is that? Take it out."

Hearing the Imperial Guards' questioning, Wu Yu quickly replied, "It's just a steamed bun."

"Eat it now or leave it aside. Nothing is allowed to be brought into the palace."

Upon hearing the Imperial Guards' demands, Wu Yu was momentarily stunned; they wouldn't even allow him to bring food inside.

Eating a steamed bun in this cold wind is really not very satisfying.

But he still obediently continued to gnaw on it.

Dissatisfied with his ranking in the palace examination, Wu Yu sought another opportunity to participate in the special imperial examination, becoming the "examination god" second only to Su Shi.

Song Xuan had intended to get some candy, but it was also discovered during the search.

So he broke off half a piece of maltose and handed it to Wu Yu, who was standing next to him:

"This stuff is quite filling."

Wu Yu nodded and thanked him.

The imperial guards only allowed Song Xuan to line up and go in after he had finished eating the candy.

However, the imperial guards on duty still scolded him not to look around and to quickly follow the crowd.

Standing guard with weapons in such cold weather is truly hard work.

In particular, the Golden Gourd Warrior angrily rebuked the students, saying, "Watch your step! Who told you to step on the dragon head pattern on the Imperial Road? This is a great disrespect!"

This path was only for the emperor; no one else was allowed to use it.

The students were terrified and quickly looked down at the road to avoid stepping on the imperial path.

The emperor held an imperial examination at the Chongzheng Hall, where the Ministry of Rites presented the successful candidates.

Song Xuan was led to the first row in the corner.

However, he was already sitting next to a stranger.

Who can blame them when the students from Yingtian Prefecture dominated the list?

In such situations, their seats must be separated to prevent anyone from cheating.

Chen Yaozi glanced at Song Xuan sitting in the first seat, then quickly looked away and stopped looking.

Even though Song Xuan didn't go, the two brothers discussed it for a long time.

It's not just that the inkstone got frozen due to the cold weather; when hot water thaws it, problems will naturally arise.

Moreover, Ranxiang, who was beside Song Xuan, had also done something subtle to make him drowsy and unable to concentrate.

Especially during exams, it's perfectly normal to be so tired that you fall asleep.

Song Xuan was merely inspecting the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones when he discovered that the Chengxintang paper bestowed upon him by the emperor had tiny ink spots, indicating that it was of inferior quality and easily bleed through.

He felt that Yan Shu's reminder was correct, and indeed, he managed to get these things out.

It seems that the Chen brothers had a private relationship with the eunuchs in the palace.

I woke up so early today, and there was queuing and waiting in a hall where the doors couldn't be closed. Luckily, I was in a corner at the front, otherwise my back would have been exposed to a cold draft.

Song Xuan then covered himself with his fur coat and lay down on the table to catch up on sleep.

……

Emperor Zhao Zhen was very nervous.

Even if he was the one proctoring the exam.

Today is the first time that Emperor Zhao Zhen has presided over the palace examination, and he will also meet Song Xuan as the emperor.

I'll definitely give him a scare then!
Zhao Zhen was also a little worried. What if his twelfth brother was frightened and couldn't write policy essays?

He set three questions: "Ode to the Sage's Instructions", "Poem on the Southern Wind", and "On Governing Like Metal and Stone".

No one was informed beforehand.

When the exam was approaching, he drew lots to decide which question would be asked.

The renowned Confucian scholars Sun Shi and Liu Yun, Hanlin Academicians Song Shou and Zhang Yaozi, as well as the preliminary examiner Yan Shu, all saw these three questions.

Because, in their presence, the emperor would select a question for the scholars to answer.

This compilation was entirely done by the emperor alone; no one else could participate.

Sun Shi and Liu Yun both said they didn't think there was any problem.

In particular, Liu Jun didn't care at all, only thinking about getting it over with as soon as possible, and completely ignored the young emperor's excited mood.

Liu Yun had completely given up at this point.

He passed the imperial examination thirty years ago and was very popular. He was not only sought after by scholars and officials, but also had a very smooth career.

Under the patronage of Emperor Zhenzong, his official career flourished.

With Zhao Zhen's ascension to the throne, he remained in important positions such as Hanlin Academician and Inspector of Imperial Examinations.

However, over time, even the most important positions will eventually lose their appeal if people remain stuck at the same level without any progress or promotion.

Liu Yun is a case in point.

He had served as a Hanlin Academician and the Imperial Examination Supervisor several times, and it was incredibly difficult for him.

Not to mention himself, even his colleagues saw it. Some people talked about him to his face or behind his back, saying that he "entered the Forbidden Forest three times and served as the Tribute Officer three times".

This argument can be seen as a form of admiration: look at him, he has served as a Hanlin scholar three times and as an examiner for the imperial examinations three times, holding such important positions three times.

On the other hand, it can also be seen as ridicule and mockery: Look at him, he has served as a Hanlin Academician and the Imperial Examination Supervisor three times, and he is still "standing still".

Once you reach the position of Hanlin Academician, who wouldn't want to climb the ranks and become the prime minister?
Unfortunately, there was no opportunity, nor was there any direction for him to go in that direction.

Liu Yun actually felt that all three questions were quite difficult, no matter which one she drew!
But he was too lazy to take the lead in speaking.

Even if you say it, it won't make a difference.

It's better not to say anything and let the little emperor have his own fun.

Everyone could see that the young emperor was truly delighted. Empress Liu did not appear on this occasion, except when it came to the final decision.

So don't be fooled by Zhao Zhen's apparent delight; the final decision wasn't actually in his hands.

"Your Majesty, it's almost 8 o'clock. Let's draw lots quickly so that someone can copy the names onto the plaque."

The exam is scheduled to start at 8 o'clock.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen no longer hesitated and immediately ordered Zhang Maoze to write three slips of paper, crumple them up, and throw them into the bottle.

He reached out and grabbed a slip of paper, handing it to the long-unseen child prodigy, Yan Shu.

Yan Shu took it and unfolded the crumpled note:
"So that the Emperor may know that the essay topic for the imperial examination in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era was 'On Governing Like Metal and Stone'."

As Yan Shu presented his answer, Liu Junze clicked his tongue twice, exclaiming, "Good heavens, all three questions are difficult! In the end, His Majesty drew the most difficult one."

He believed that once the final results were in, even if the government wanted to expand the recruitment to around 500 people, there would be no chance!

Ultimately, it was a loss due to a lack of experience.

Zhao Zhen laughed heartily and said, "I have long wanted to take this exam, it is truly the will of Heaven!"

(End of this chapter)