Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 293 Imperial Conferment of the Title of Assistant Musician

Thanks to the emperor, Zhang Dai enjoyed the most exhausting cultural performance of his life tonight. By the time he left the hall, his mind was still foggy.

"May I ask, Zhang Liulang, how many questions have you prepared for the poetry test?"

After everyone left the hall, someone quickly came up to Zhang Dai, staring wide-eyed and asking curiously.

"I can't quite remember how many I drafted. I would compose a poem for each song I heard, and by the end, my thoughts were blocked and my writing was sluggish."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai spoke up, but he did not appear too arrogant, so as not to provoke any unnecessary jealousy.

However, upon hearing this, some people couldn't help but exclaim in surprise: "Zhang Liulang actually solved all ten questions? I am truly impressed. I have exhausted all my thoughts and only managed to solve six questions."

"What! There are ten questions? I only remember eight, and I haven't finished three of them, and I only wrote the words to answer two of them..."

Someone else exclaimed in surprise, which made everyone burst into laughter.

These young people should have been competitors with conflicting interests, but because the format and content of tonight's exam were too tricky and difficult, some candidates simply gave up the idea of ​​competing.

When they heard Zhang Dai say that he had finished writing all the test questions for each piece, they were all filled with admiration. After witnessing the obvious difference in their talents, their earlier resentment lessened considerably, and they all crowded around to ask Zhang Dai about the verses he had written for each piece.

Zhang Dai was not arrogant because of his outstanding performance. He knew his own limitations. If he hadn't had those cheating techniques and had actually performed according to his actual level, his performance might not have been better than these people. At best, he would have only been an above-average student.

The group chatted as they walked, and by the time they arrived at Jixian Academy, they had learned quite a bit about Zhang Dai's poetry, which only increased their admiration for him. Answering all ten questions was already quite an achievement, especially since almost all of them were above average; this was naturally even more remarkable!
"Zhang Liulang can truly be called a prodigy who passed the imperial examination at a young age; his talent in poetry and prose is already worthy of being called an expert!"

Li Xian, son of Prince Xin'an, couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Unlike his younger brother Li Xia, who was impetuous and loved to join in the fun, he was also quiet and studious. However, even after exhausting all his talents, he could only draft five poems today, many of which were his daily practice pieces. Naturally, he felt increasingly inferior to Zhang Dai.

Hearing this, others chimed in, including some who had previously harbored deep resentment towards Zhang Dai. On one hand, they genuinely felt inferior; on the other hand, losing to a young scholar made them feel better, and they even secretly took pride in it.

"You flatter me, I really don't deserve such a title!"

When Zhang Dai heard this somewhat childish nickname, he was both amused and exasperated.

Such a title doesn't mean much to him, even with the qualifier "young man" added before it. Since ancient times, there has never been a first in literature. If he really dares to label himself like that, he will inevitably encounter all sorts of trouble.

Scholars often studied and wrote at Jixian Academy, so there were plenty of rooms available. Everyone was assigned a room, and after hurriedly taking care of their own needs, a few of them, still full of energy, gathered together to chat.

But everyone else, including Zhang Dai, was exhausted, so they went to their rooms to rest.

Zhang Dai slept soundly until the sun was high in the sky. The morning bells and drums in the palace did not wake him. When he opened his eyes, it was already daylight. He then stretched, put on his clothes, and got out of bed.

"Congratulations, Liu Lang! Congratulations, Liu Lang! You've achieved consecutive successes in the imperial examinations and topped the list once again!"

As soon as he reached the door, several officials from Jixian Academy rushed up to him, surrounding him with smiles and offering their congratulations.

"The results are out already?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai was taken aback at first, and then quickly asked a question.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and one of them even said with a smile, "The three candidates selected for the Hongwen Scholars Examination were ranked as follows: two were ranked as Grade B and one as Grade A. That one is Liu Lang!"

Several people were still congratulating him when others from the academy heard the commotion and rushed over. Soon, they surrounded the room, making it impossible for Zhang Dai to get out.

"Lord Yan is here! Please make way!"

At this moment, shouts rang out from behind the crowd. When everyone looked back, they saw Zhang Yue, who had just finished the morning court session, walking towards them in his court robes. They quickly moved aside to make way for him.

"You're awake? Have you heard the news?"

Zhang Shuo went straight to the door and greeted Zhang Dai, who was walking in to welcome him, with a smile. He was already quite old, and had stayed up all night grading exam papers until nearly dawn. He should have been exhausted, but his eyes were bright and alert. He patted Zhang Dai on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Originally, I intended to classify the three scholars I selected as second-class, but after the Sage personally reviewed them, he said that since this examination was established to await extraordinary talents, and now that he has indeed selected exceptional individuals, they should naturally be classified as first-class as a form of praise!"

"Your Majesty's kindness is truly overwhelming!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai immediately bowed deeply towards the direction of the imperial residence.

Then Zhang led him to the hall, and ordered someone to summon the other two people who had been selected in the second category. As for the others who were not selected, there were no other arrangements, and they could go home.

Besides Zhang Dai, the other two selected individuals were Zhang Tongru, grandson of the late Duke of Han, Zhang Renyuan, and Wang Qian, son of Wang Qiu, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Both men came from distinguished families. Zhang Renyuan was a renowned general of the Tang Dynasty, whose construction of the Three Surrender Cities played a crucial role in the conflict with the Turks, and the defenses of the Shuofang border still rely on his strength to this day. However, Zhang Renyuan died of illness in the early years of the Kaiyuan era, and his family fortunes declined somewhat.

Wang Qiu, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, came from the prestigious Langya Wang clan of the Southern Dynasties. He was a cousin of Wang Yao, the son-in-law of Emperor Xuanzong's eldest daughter and the Imperial Son-in-Law. Wang Qiu himself was a top student who passed the imperial examinations for children in his youth and the imperial examinations for adults in his early twenties.

"The three of you have all lived up to your family's reputation and the Emperor's favor. Your success in this imperial examination is truly commendable. Please stay at the Jixian Academy for a meal first, and then proceed to the Secretariat to await your imperial decree."

Zhang looked at the three of them with a smile and said that he was mainly worried that his eldest grandson was hungry, so he invited the three of them to have a meal here.

Upon hearing this, the three men quickly bowed in thanks and took their seats in the hall. After the food was served, they began to eat. Wang Qian ate slowly and deliberately, befitting a nobleman, while Zhang Tongru ate rather poorly, probably wanting to finish quickly so he could go to the Secretariat to receive the imperial edict.

Zhang Dai was also quite curious about what official position he could be appointed to. Even his grandfather was not very clear about this, because the list of those to be admitted and their titles were only finalized before the morning court session. As for the specific position to be assigned, it was still up to the emperor to decide.

Zhang Dai now holds the rank of Junior Eighth Grade Gentleman of the Palace, and has now passed the special imperial examination with top honors. Although this special imperial examination was rather simplistic, it was still held by imperial decree and personally supervised by the emperor, so he should be commended. Therefore, his official position should at least be at least the eighth grade.

The highest-ranking official position among the eighth graders was that of the Censor. Although this position was lowly, it was very special, serving as the starting point for many high-ranking officials and being involved in many important court affairs.

For example, Du Xian, the prime minister of the time, began his rise to power in the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era as an inspector to oversee the land reclamation in the western desert. He entered the court and became prime minister in the fourteenth year of the Kaiyuan era.

There was an even more impressive guy named Yuwen Rong. In the ninth year of the Kaiyuan era, while serving as an imperial censor, he submitted a memorial suggesting the reduction of households and land. In just a few years, he gained immense power and influence in the court. Last year, he even managed to bring down the prime minister, Zhang Yue!
Because the position of Censor-in-Chief was lowly yet powerful, it was rarely the first post an official was appointed to. One had to go through several transfers and then be recommended by high-ranking officials before being eligible for the position. Even if Zhang Dai were merely the grandson of Zhang Yue, or even just the emperor's grandson, he would never have been appointed Censor-in-Chief immediately upon starting his career.

Aside from the Censor, the second best official position within the eighth rank was the County Assistant Magistrate in the counties under the jurisdiction of the three prefectures of Jingzhao, Henan, and Taiyuan. The County Assistant Magistrate was the deputy to the County Magistrate and presided over the affairs of the county. In particular, the counties under the jurisdiction of the three prefectures were all superior counties, and it was unlikely that the position of Prefect in these counties would be given to a complete novice with no administrative experience as a starting position.

"Thank you for the food, Lord Yan. I fear that you, my lord, will keep me here for too long, so I will take my leave now."

While Zhang Dai was still calculating the official position he could obtain, Zhang Tongru had already finished his meal, put down his chopsticks, and came to say goodbye to Zhang Shuo.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Dai and Wang Qian, who had not yet finished their meal, had no choice but to stop eating and get up to bid farewell to Zhang.

"Go now, and after receiving the decree, do not wander outside. Return home as soon as possible!"

Upon seeing this, Zhang Shuo waved his hand and gave Zhang Dai another instruction. His grandson had finally been promoted to an official position, which was undoubtedly a joyous occasion, and the family should naturally celebrate.

After leaving Jixian Academy, the three headed straight for the Secretariat. On the way, Zhang Tongru couldn't help but ask Zhang Dai and the other man, "According to your assessment, what official positions should we be appointed to later?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Qian immediately became serious and said, "Regardless of whether it is a serious or trivial matter, or a matter of purity or impurity, it is all bestowed by the grace of Heaven. We should simply handle our affairs respectfully and not worry about them further."

"While that is true, duties are divided into those that are demanding and those that are inconsequential, and those that are not, so they cannot be viewed in the same way. I previously served as a guard, and after completing my term, I was appointed as the county magistrate of Shannan..."

Zhang Tongru was much older and more experienced than the two men. Hearing Wang Qian's naive and ignorant answer, he couldn't help but sigh.

As they spoke, the three quickly arrived at the Secretariat. The Secretariat had already received the imperial edict of appointment from the Chancellery, and as soon as the three arrived, they immediately began to read the edict aloud.

"The four seasons' qi harmonize to form musical scales; the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity is paramount, and nothing surpasses rites and music. Zhang Dai, the Founding Viscount of Fanyang County, is a scholar of outstanding learning and talent, with remarkable potential and elegant writing style that surpasses all others. He is hereby appointed as the Assistant Musician of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, with his honorary titles remaining unchanged."

As Zhang Dai stepped forward to receive the imperial edict, still pondering what position he would receive, the officials of the Secretariat read out his appointment decree. Without time to think it over, he hurriedly bowed and exclaimed, "Your subject Zhang Dai respectfully thanks Your Majesty for this gracious appointment!"

(End of this chapter)