Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 147 You Cao will perish, both in body and name.

After leaving the palace, it was already late, so Zhang Dai decided to find a place to stay nearby. He did not go to Gao Chengxin's house in Daoguang Ward, which was just a stone's throw away, but instead stayed at Qinghua Ward.

Recently, Gao Chengxin received his guidance and quickly resolved the issue of Changshou Temple, taking control of its pawnshop. However, as one of the most well-known and largest pawnshops in the capital, its operation and management were inevitably quite complex.

Therefore, Gao Chengxin was also extremely busy during this period. He even had to reassign some of the original monks from Changshou Temple who were originally going to be expelled to the management of the pawnshop. This made him look like an efficiency department, managing things haphazardly and without follow-through, unlike Zhang Dai who could easily start anew.

Furthermore, Gao Chengxin had no say in the matter of the flying money. Zhang Dai planned to wait until Gao Lishi returned to the capital before having a detailed discussion with him.

He was already deeply involved with his aunt, and he had also come to realize the considerable convenience that Consort Wu Hui's special status in the inner palace brought him. Naturally, he couldn't be like his cousin Wu Zhong, a lazy bum who just ate and did nothing and remained indifferent to this situation; he still had to actively help deal with it.

As the year drew to a close, Qinghua Ward was even more prosperous and bustling than at the beginning of the year. Numerous candidates, tribute students, and envoys from various prefectures gathered in the nearby wards, creating a lively atmosphere from morning till night.

Zhang Dai and his companions inquired at several inns in the area, only to find them all overcrowded and without any available rooms. They finally managed to find a side courtyard to stay in at Duting Post Station, thanks to a relative who served as the post station manager.

"Recently, there have been too many visitors from both inside and outside the capital. All the more than twenty government offices in the post station are occupied by officials. We can only ask Sixth Brother to stay here for the time being."

The postmaster, Liu Song, was a relative of Zhang Dai's great-grandfather, Zhang Guang. After leading Zhang Dai and his party to a courtyard with three row houses, he spoke to Zhang Dai apologetically.

"If one can find a shelter from the frost and cold, one should be grateful."

Zhang Dai hadn't expected the various neighborhoods in Luobei to be so lively at the end of the year. If he had known this, he would have preferred to go to Gao Chengxin's house in the North Neighborhood. Even if Gao Chengxin wasn't home, he could still enjoy watching his sister-in-law dance.

But the curfew had already begun, and Qinghuafang was the stronghold of the Imperial Guards. He didn't want to break the curfew and cause trouble, so he decided to make do here for the night.

In fact, Duting Post Station was already full of people; these few rooms were storerooms vacated from the front office to store supplies.

Although Zhang Dai was not particular, Liu Song still felt bad about it, so he personally led several postmen to deliver food, hot water, clean bedding, and other items. He also took the opportunity to chat with Zhang Dai for a few minutes while he was busy coming and going.

He has a son named Liu Congyuan, who was recently sent by Zhang Shuo to Zhang Dai, and then sent by Zhang Dai to the disaster area in Henan. This is one of the reasons why he is so attentive.

In wealthy families, whoever controls people and affairs naturally attracts favor. Although Zhang Dai has not yet been officially appointed to a high-ranking position, he is already a figure whom even his relatives dare not underestimate.

When Liu Song asked Zhang Dai if he wanted any more courtesans to accompany him, Zhang Dai waved his hand and refused.

The Tang Dynasty placed great emphasis on the construction of post roads, with more than a thousand post stations of various sizes both inside and outside the capital. The Duting Post Station in Luoyang was the largest post station, with dozens of official halls specifically used to receive high-ranking officials.

Those with official connections who arrived in Luoyang were generally happy to stay at the Duting Post Station. It not only provided basic food and lodging, but also offered a wide variety of entertainment, including hundreds of courtesans who would accompany them to bed and banquets.

While Zhang Dai was cultivating his mind and body, the official halls elsewhere were bustling with activity. Some prefectural governors and their assistants were taking advantage of the rare opportunity to visit the capital to host banquets for their colleagues and relatives, and music and singing could be heard from various halls.

Zhang Dai ate a simple dinner and then strolled around the small courtyard a few times. He heard the sounds of banquets and music coming from the nearby government offices. The melody of "Golden Thread Robe" could be heard from at least three or four places, which showed that the poem was really popular in the entertainment circles of Luoyang.

Although he was merely copying rather than creating, he felt a sense of pride and joy upon hearing these songs.

Among all these government offices, the one located directly in front of this small courtyard was the noisiest. It was clear that the gathering was mostly made up of young people, and they seemed to be this year's candidates for the provincial examinations.

Listening to their conversation, which mostly revolved around this year's prefectural examination and next year's provincial examination, Zhang Dai couldn't help but feel a little surprised. He, a native of Luoyang, had only stayed in a humble courtyard when lodging at Duting Post Station, while these candidates from the provincial examinations were able to enjoy a hall all to themselves. It was clear that they must have extraordinary backgrounds.

Zhang Dai himself had a powerful background, but he didn't think he was the only one with such a background among those taking the imperial examinations. He wasn't surprised by this. After wandering around for a while, he was about to go back to his room to rest when he suddenly heard the conversation in the front hall turn to him.

"This 'Golden Robe' was written by Zhang Yan, Gongsun Zhang Liu. Its tone and words are frivolous and unrestrained, completely contrary to dignity. I don't know why it has gained favor among the people!"

A slightly shrill voice rang out, and the hall fell silent for a moment before a series of echoes broke out: "That's right, the head of the Jingzhao Prefecture examination was already decided, it was Brother Du. Unexpectedly, Zhang Zongzhi, relying on his power and influence and currying favor with the imperial relatives, actually used a scheme to steal this honor!"

"What makes Zhang, a native of Henan Prefecture, qualified to take the imperial examination in the capital? It's just that the Henan Prefecture's clerk is the grandson of Yao Liang, who selects officials with integrity. Zhang probably couldn't get away with deception, so he went to great lengths to ask for favors..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai's face immediately darkened. If it were just ordinary praise or criticism, he wouldn't care much. After all, people can say whatever they want, and he couldn't control what they said.

However, these discussions have gone beyond ordinary evaluations and have even escalated to the level of slander.

While Zhang Dai may not have achieved his top score in the imperial examinations through genuine talent, the quality of the poems and essays he copied was undeniably high. "If I didn't copy, you might laugh at me, and I won't argue with that. But I copied, and you're still here mocking and slandering me—how can I tolerate that?" He went back to his room, picked up his outer robe and put it on, then took the half-jar of wine Liu Song had just brought but hadn't drunk. He then led An Xiaochen, bypassing the courtyard, towards the official hall.

Inside the government office were about a dozen people, ranging in age from their teens to their thirties. They were continuing their previous conversation when a young man sitting in the hall said, "Zhang Dai is indeed talented. After all, he is a disciple of Zhang Yan, with a family tradition of learning and considerable talent. It is no wonder that he has gained the appreciation and praise of the people in the capital..."

Such a somewhat objective evaluation immediately disrupted the atmosphere of unanimous condemnation in the hall. Although everyone was dissatisfied for a moment, they did not know how to refute it. After a while, a young man who was about twenty years old spoke up and said: "Zhang Zongzhi has won the appreciation of the times, so he must be talented. There is no need to question this."

However, upon examining his "Rhapsody on the Epang Palace," one finds numerous errors. Historical records state that the Epang Palace was never completed by the end of the Qin Dynasty, and the claim that it was unseen for thirty-six years is not actually about the Epang Palace. It is truly inappropriate for modern people to admire his literary prowess while ignoring his historical inaccuracies…”

"Du Silang's words are insightful! Zhang Zongzhi is a talented but incompetent, ignorant and incompetent person!"

Upon hearing this, the young people who had just lost their voices all applauded and cheered.

Just then, Zhang Dai also walked out of the hall. A servant stepped forward to stop him. He raised his hand and shook the wine jar he was carrying, and said with a smile, "I am also going to the capital to take the provincial examination. Drinking alone is not interesting. I heard that the candidates here are having a great time, so I came to join in the fun. I wonder who is the host in the hall and would be willing to give me a seat?"

“My son is a member of the household of Minister Du, a high-ranking official in the court. Please wait here while I go in to report.”

The doorman said with a proud look, then turned and went into the hall.

Upon hearing the servant introduce himself, Zhang Dai realized that he was a member of the family of Du Xian, who had recently been appointed prime minister. Du Xian had only recently arrived in the capital from Anxi, and his family had mostly lived in the countryside. It seemed that they had not yet settled in properly after arriving in the capital and were still residing at the Duting Post Station.

Before long, a young man who looked a few years older than Zhang Dai came out of the hall. When he arrived at the door, he saw that Zhang Dai had an extraordinary bearing and was dressed in fine clothes. He did not dare to be negligent and bowed to him, saying, "My name is Du Hongjian. I am the cousin of Master Du. Today, I am hosting a banquet in the hall to entertain my friends who are candidates for the provincial examinations from Jingzhao Prefecture. May I ask how you should address me, sir?"

"Lord Du, whose prestige resounds throughout Guanzhong, has now entered the court to assume power. Congratulations!"

Zhang Dai first offered his congratulations, and then said, "I am also a candidate for the provincial examination from the capital prefecture, and I am waiting to take the provincial examination next year. I wonder if Master Du would be willing to grant me a seat?"

Although Du Hongjian was born into the Du family of Jingzhao, his family had lived in Puyang for generations. Therefore, when his uncle became prime minister, the whole family went to Luoyang and he was not familiar with the people in the two capitals. So when he heard Zhang Dai say that he was a candidate from Jingzhao Prefecture, he did not ask any further questions and turned to lead him into the hall.

The two entered the hall one after the other, and all the candidates from Jingzhao Prefecture looked over. Suddenly, one of them exclaimed, "Zhang Zongzhi!"

"Now that all of you friends are gathered here in joy, let's not dwell on those unpleasant things and people. Allow me to introduce you to a talented scholar from the capital!"

Upon hearing this, Du Hongjian first chuckled, then raised his hand and turned around to introduce Zhang Dai.

Zhang Dai also stepped forward and smiled at Du Hongjian, saying, "Du Lang, you misunderstand. This gentleman is not trying to be annoying or bothersome. I am Zhang Zongzhi."

"What...how could this be..."

Upon hearing this, Du Hongjian's eyes widened in shock, and he was speechless for a moment.

"I overheard you all having a very pleasant conversation in the detached hall. I am honored to have mentioned it so often. I fear you may be thirsty, so I offer you a jar of wine to help you enjoy yourselves. I am Zhang Liu, but I am fortunate to have the opportunity to correct my shortcomings, my fellow scholars. Also, may I ask which one of you is Du Silang, the former head of the Imperial Envoy's entourage whom I recently fought to seize?"

Zhang Dai wasn't the type to gossip behind people's backs and get caught red-handed, so he wasn't embarrassed. He casually placed the wine jar on a side table, then looked around at everyone and asked with a smile.

"I am Du Mengyin, the Prefect of Jingzhao. May I ask what advice you may have for me, Zhang Lang?"

A young man stood up from his seat and spoke in a deep voice, though his eyes still darted around.

"I dare not presume to offer my guidance, but I have just acquired two newly composed couplets. I would also appreciate the critiques and criticisms of the scholars from the capital prefecture present here."

Seeing that there were writing implements such as brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones set up on one side of the hall, it seemed that they planned to compose poems and exchange verses when they were in high spirits later. Without any hesitation, he stepped forward, picked up his brush, and wrote in a few strokes: "I do not know that rotten rats can be delicious, and the speculation about phoenixes has not stopped. You and your names will perish, but the rivers will flow on forever."

After writing this pieced-together quatrain, he tossed the brush aside, waved to the crowd, and said with a smile, "Please continue the feast, everyone. I'm too drunk to drink anymore, so I'll head back now. Please forgive any inconvenience caused."

After saying this, he walked straight out of the hall, and even after he went back to the side courtyard to take off his clothes and go to sleep, the once noisiest official hall remained completely silent.

(End of this chapter)