Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 148 The Autumn Examination! One question asked, Jiang Xingzhou's standard answer!
On the 30,000 hectares of clear water in Taihu Lake, the lingering smoke of battle still hangs.

Governor Wei Guanlan ordered the 100,000-strong naval force of Jiangnan to remain stationed on the shores of Taihu Lake, their battle flags billowing in the damp lake breeze, lest the demons of the East Sea remain undeterred and launch a comeback.

The soldiers laid down their swords and bows, and together with the millions of conscripted laborers, they rammed earth and piled stones to build the Taihu Lake water conservancy project—the bloodstains on their armor mixed with mud, which congealed into dark brown scabs under the scorching sun.

The water conservancy project that spans Taihu Lake is gradually taking shape day by day.

Once the water conservancy project is completed, it will be absolutely impossible for the sea monsters of the East Sea to make a comeback!
The scholars in blue robes from the ten prefectures of Jiangnan had no time to celebrate their victory at Taihu Lake and returned to Jinling City to take the imperial examination.

In their packs, besides several well-worn volumes of scriptures, lay a newly transcribed "Strategy for Exterminating Demons"—a treatise forged in blood and fire.

Without a doubt, Governor Wei Guanlan is very proud of his successful extermination of the Taihu Demon Court and will definitely set this question as one of the most likely questions to be asked in the autumn examination of Jiangnan Province!

The autumn imperial examinations are approaching.

The entire city of Nanjing was immersed in a solemn scholarly atmosphere.

The number of scholars from ten prefectures who came to Nanjing for the imperial examination this time reached as high as 10,000—many of whom had accumulated their talents over the years and would take the examination almost every autumn.

Among these scholars in blue robes, some had graying temples and were quite old, yet they still held their yellowed books with unwavering determination.
Some are no more than twenty years old, fresh out of school, their eyes gleaming with a determined light.

However, no more than three hundred people could pass the imperial examination! This rare opportunity, where only three out of a hundred could pass, caused countless scholars in Jiangnan to grow old and weary.

The imperial examinations in autumn are an opportunity that only comes once every three years!
If you fail, it's three years later. Three years after three years! Who dares to say they can endure several three-year periods?!
Outside the walls of the Jiangnan Examination Hall, countless scholars are buried, their sighs echoing "three years after three years."

The atmosphere in Jinling City suddenly became tense.

In the inns and guesthouses at midnight, the oil lamps cast the silhouette of scholars bent over their desks onto the paper windows.

There are countless people who stay up late reading.

Confucius said, "Even if the barbarians have rulers, it is not as good as the Chinese having no rulers."

Confucius, standing by a river, said: "Time flows on like this river, never ceasing day or night."

Some people tied their hair to the beams with ropes, some used mugwort to fumigate their eyes to refresh themselves, and some repeatedly copied their strategies under the moonlight.

At this moment in Jinling City, even the night watchman struck the clapper softly, lest he disturb the scholars' reading.

Wait until the autumn imperial examinations!

Midnight (11 PM - 1 AM)

The night was pitch black, and the dew had turned to frost.

The blue bricks and gray tiles of the Jiangnan Examination Hall gleamed coldly under the moonlight. The vermilion gate was tightly closed, with only the stone lions on both sides standing solemnly, as if scrutinizing the vast army of scholars heading to the autumn examination hall.

The saddle-adorned horses and fine carriages of the powerful families of Jiangnan would quietly stop a hundred feet away from the examination hall.

The noble young men, dressed in fine clothes and jade belts, adjusted their hats and dismounted. Before departing, their elders earnestly reminded them: "Remember to carefully read the question!"

Outside the Jiangnan Examination Hall, the Qinhuai River reflects the night sky, and crowds surge in front of the Confucian Temple Street.

Those accompanying the examinees thronged the streets, including white-haired old men leaning on canes and craning their necks, servants in blue robes carrying examination baskets, and young ladies wiping away tears, tucking an embroidered handkerchief into their lovers' hands, offering countless words of advice.

Tens of thousands of yamen runners and soldiers from Jinling Prefecture were already fully armored and armed, standing guard within a hundred feet around the Jiangnan Examination Hall to maintain order at the autumn examination site.

Candidates from Jiangzhou Prefecture, Yangzhou Prefecture, Suzhou Prefecture... all the counties in the ten prefectures of Jiangnan had already lined up according to their respective prefectures and counties. The dark mass of candidates stood silently like a forest under the dim light of the lanterns.

They occasionally spoke in hushed tones, or the soft clatter of books clattering together, but no one dared to make a loud noise—with the autumn imperial examinations approaching, no one wanted to invite bad luck.

Jiang Xingzhou, dressed in a blue robe, stood quietly among the examination procession from Jiangyin County, Jiangzhou Prefecture.

Surrounding him were fellow candidates from the same county—Han Yugui, the Xue brothers, Cao An, Lu Ming, Li Yunxiao, Gu Zhimian, as well as Zhou Guangjin, Zhang Youyi, and more than a hundred other scholars.

Among these people are both newly emerging talents and repeat students who have failed the exam several times.

This autumn, the white-haired old scholar Zhang Youyi was unusually well-behaved. He did not dare to set up an altar and offer sacrifices in front of the Jiangnan Examination Hall as he had done in previous years. Instead, he tightly gripped the examination basket, with beads of sweat on his forehead.

"In this autumn imperial examination, Brother Jiang is sure to pass!"

We must all exert our utmost efforts to have even a sliver of hope of passing the imperial examination!

Han Yugui's knuckles turned white, and his voice trembled slightly.

Although Jiangyin County had over a hundred scholars taking the imperial examinations, only three to five of them would actually pass.

This means that 97% of the candidates will ultimately fail!
Cao An, who was usually full of vigor, was silent at this moment, his knuckles clenched tightly in his sleeves until they turned white.

Lu Ming, who was usually the most unrestrained and carefree, lowered his head and brows, even his breathing became cautious, as if he was afraid that even the rustling sound of his robes would disturb something.

"Relax and treat it as just a normal little test!"

Jiang Xingzhou spoke gently to his classmates from Jiangyin County.

"Take a deep breath!"

The candidates either closed their eyes and recited silently or gripped their exam baskets tightly. Although their expressions varied, their backs were all taut like a fully drawn bow, as if they were about to face a battle.

"Call the names to confirm the conclusion—"

The shouts and cries of the yamen runners pierced the night, sharp as a blade.

Candidates from the ten prefectures and counties of Jiangnan lined up in groups of five and took turns going forward.

Hundreds of search officers stood on both sides of the examination hall, their eyes scanning like hawks, their fingers rummaging through clothes, cuffs, shoes, socks, and even hair buns were taken apart and carefully examined.

In the autumn wind and night dew, tens of thousands of candidates wore only a single layer of clothing, yet no one dared to utter a single complaint—the crime of smuggling in contraband could result in expulsion from the examination hall at best, and disqualification at worst; who dared to speak out!

"Take off!"

His clothes were completely removed, and his shoes, socks, and hidden pockets were all examined and inspected.

Jiang Xingzhou stood holding his breath, carrying the examination basket.

When the yamen runners and inspectors saw him, they were extremely respectful. After a brief search, they let him pass. He was the number one scholar in Jiangnan Province, the most favored scholar of Prefect Wei, the most respected scholar in the ten prefectures of Jiangnan Province, and the most promising candidate for the provincial examination. Whether he was searched or not made no difference.

Having rendered unparalleled service in assisting the governor in suppressing the Taihu demon court, the governor, as the chief examiner, must surely guarantee Jiang Xingzhou a place among the successful candidates in the Jiangnan Circuit.

Who would dare to actually search him and prevent him from taking the exam?
Other candidates weren't so lucky!
Han Yugui, standing beside him, was pale, while the Xue brothers gritted their teeth and let the rough fingers of the bailiffs search through their clothes.

After verifying their identities, the examinees' rattan examination baskets were inspected.

The basket contained writing brushes and ink, three candles, and a bag of dry rations—all of which had to be broken into pieces and inspected on the spot to prevent concealment.

"Sealing the exam basket!"

A vermilion seal was affixed to the opening of the examination basket, and the official seal of the examination hall was affixed. Only after the candidates entered their examination cells could the examination basket be opened.

As the candidates looked up, a golden plaque hung high above the main gate of the Jiangnan Examination Hall, the four characters "Mingjing Qushi" (meaning "Selecting Scholars Through Classical Studies") shining brightly under the glow of the golden lanterns.

"Leap over the dragon gate—!"

The bailiff shouted, his voice shaking the roof tiles.

The candidates took a deep breath and stepped over the ebony threshold of the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

The moment the boots touched the ground, some staggered, uneasy; some straightened their backs and walked on; and many more ignited a desperate, all-or-nothing glint in their eyes.

The importance of this autumn imperial examination far surpasses that of the Xiucai and Tongsheng examinations.

It's not just about getting promoted to a higher academic rank.

From then on, they entered the ranks of "officials" of the Great Zhou Dynasty, becoming officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and could be granted official positions by the Ministry of Personnel of the Imperial Court, no longer being commoners.

This leap could lead to meteoric success or another three years of wasted potential!

At the beginning of the Yin hour, stars hung low over the plains.

Inside the Jiangnan Examination Hall, wisps of smoke curled from the bronze cauldron, and candlelight illuminated the memorial tablets of sages. The officials stood solemnly and dignifiedly.

Chief examiner Wei Guanlan, dressed in a crimson official robe with a gold fish pouch hanging from his waist, led the officials of the region, standing solemnly before the sacrificial altar.

Deputy examiner Du Jingchen, dressed in a dark blue academic uniform, held a eulogy in his hands, his voice clear and resonant like the clinking of gold and jade:

"Wei Guanlan, appointed by imperial decree as the chief examiner of the Jiangnan provincial examination, Prefect of Jiangnan Circuit, and Academician of the Hanlin Academy—" "Du Jingchen, appointed as the deputy examiner, Education Commissioner of Jiangnan, and Lecturer of the Hanlin Academy—"

"Leading all the examiners, supervisors, proctors, inspectors, and supply officers of the Jiangnan Examination Hall—"

"With this offering of pure wine and simple delicacies, along with various offerings and sutras, we solemnly announce before the spirit tablets of all the sages, near-sages, semi-sages, philosophers, and Confucian masters of all ages, as well as the Wenchang Emperor, in the Temple of Literature—"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the officials bowed in unison.

Du Jingchen unfurled the yellow silk eulogy, his voice booming like a bell:
"It is auspicious that Heaven has opened up a new era for literature and that the sacred teachings are flourishing..."

The night wind swept past the ancient cypress trees outside the palace, rustling softly as if the sages were whispering.

When the eulogy reached the line, "May many scholars cherish their virtues and talents, and fully express their brilliance; may all wise men soar like dragons and phoenixes, and present their magnificent works,"

Nearly ten thousand candidates for the imperial examinations in Jiangnan stood in silence, as if a literary aura descended from the heavens and enveloped the entire city of Jinling.

"May you enjoy this meal!"

With the final bow, wisps of smoke rose straight into the sky.

At the third quarter of the hour of Yin (3:45 AM), the sacrificial ceremony was completed.

Wei Guanlan turned around and walked into Zhigong Hall side by side with Du Jingchen, the academic director, and the other deputy examiners.

The vermilion gates of the Jiangnan Examination Hall slowly closed, leaving only the mournful sound of the wind outside.

The autumn imperial examinations in Jiangnan have officially begun.

Inside the Zhigong Hall, the candlelight flickered red.

Fifteen rosewood official hat chairs were arranged in a left-right formation, with Wei Guanlan sitting upright in the center, his fingertips lightly tapping the blank scroll on the table.

The fourteen deputy examiners held their breath and lowered their eyes—they were Du Jingchen, the educational commissioner of Jiangnan Circuit, the prefects or educational commissioners of the ten prefectures of Jiangnan, and Zhou Dunshi, a Hanlin scholar.

According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the chief examiner had the sole authority to set the questions for the provincial examinations, and any unauthorized comments by the deputy examiners would be considered a great disrespect.

Outside the hall, the water clock dripped, and Du Jingchen's fingers curled slightly inside his sleeve.

This official, a graduate of the Hanlin Academy, was even breathing very softly at this moment.

"The first question in the autumn examinations in Jiangnan."

Governor Wei Guanlan suddenly spoke, startling the candlelight, “Strategy essay—How can we eliminate the scourge of Taihu Lake and ensure peace for a thousand years?”

Suzhou Prefect Su Ze's eyelids twitched.

On the surface, these are all policy issues.
However, in reality, the scourge of Taihu Lake has been eradicated and no longer exists.

The standard answer to this question has long been known—Jiang Xingzhou's strategy of eliminating the Taihu Lake demon army is the most standard and has been proven correct by facts.

Your Excellency, this is to present Jiang Xingzhou with the "first-class" score of the first policy question in the autumn examination of Jiangnan Circuit.

However, other candidates could not copy Jiang Xingzhou's answers and had to find another way.

This is clearly a way to use this policy question to make the candidates describe their achievements in exterminating demons—the higher the achievement, the higher the grade!
Su Ze glanced at Du Jingchen out of the corner of his eye, only to see the other man adjusting his jade belt with a blank expression—the buckle of which was engraved with the four characters "明镜高悬" (meaning "a bright mirror hangs high").

"Do any of you have any objections to this question?"

Wei Guanlan asked.

Prefect Li Shouyi of Changzhou was the first to bow, saying, "Your Excellency is wise; the Taihu Lake monster is indeed a major threat to Jiangnan. This is an excellent question!"

"I second that opinion."

Qian Daxin, the prefect of Huzhou, had a voice that sounded like it had been sanded.

The educational commissioner, Du Jingchen, was the last to rise, his wide sleeves spreading out like a blue cloud in the candlelight: "In my opinion, Your Excellency the Prefect's questions are rigorous."

Wei Guanlan stroked his beard and smiled, then used his red brush to mark a question on the examination paper, making a heavy stroke.

"The exam begins!"

At 3:45 AM, before the dawn had broken.

Inside the Jiangnan Examination Hall,
Jiang Xingzhou stood in front of Examination Room No. 1, Class A.

In the cramped space of the blue-tiled house, about half a meter square, two elm planks gleamed coldly.

The upper panel has accumulated ink stains in the recessed areas, while the lower panel has been worn smooth and rounded at the edges.

The chamber pot and charcoal brazier sat quietly in the corner, with dents on the rim of the copper basin still visible from when a former criminal examinee had kicked it over.

"despair."

Jiang Xingzhou placed the examination basket on the cutting board.

He then sat cross-legged, waiting for the autumn imperial examination to begin.

In the tens of thousands of examination rooms,
The scholars either closed their eyes to rest, gently stroked the question paper, or even dipped their fingers in water to draw on the table as if they were preparing the exam questions.

At Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the morning light breaks through the darkness.

At the Jiangnan Examination Hall, the bells and drums signaling the start of the examination rang out, startling the sparrows and swallows on the branches.

"Boom-thump-thump-"

Each sound was like a heavy hammer blow to the hearts of countless test takers.

Jiang Xingzhou suddenly opened his eyes from his meditation.

In the morning light, hundreds of bailiffs, their faces pale, moved through the examination alley, each carrying a test board with a question on it: "Strategy for Exorcising Demons in Taihu Lake," passing in front of each examination building.

The ink characters were like knives, and Jiang Xingzhou's pupils constricted slightly!

The exam started with a louder roar, the cloud-like canopy seemed to split open in the sky.

"Qiang——!"

The metallic tremor pierced the deathly silence of the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

As the scholars picked up their pens, they suddenly felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end, as if countless eyes were watching the examination rooms through the carved windows of the Zhigong Hall, monitoring for any cheating.

After reading the exam questions, Jiang Xingzhou pondered for a moment, then wrote his policy essay on the Xuan paper with a wolf-hair brush, the ink flowing freely.

[Examinee: Jiang Xingzhou, a student from Jiangyin County, Jiangzhou Prefecture]
Respectfully yours:

Your subject has heard that the ways of Heaven are clear and that calamities and auspicious omens are foreshadowed; the rise of monstrous phenomena is truly related to the gains and losses of governance and education.

The vast Taihu Lake, spanning 36,000 hectares, is truly the lifeblood of the Wu and Yue regions and the lifeblood of their people.

Since the Demon King Ao Li seized Taiyuan and established the Demon Court in the Water Palace, the demonic atmosphere has become increasingly rampant: at midnight, weeping sounds disturbed the fishing lights, black winds whipped up waves that devoured merchant sails, and the horrifying sight of demon soldiers devouring people caused boatmen to bind their feet and markets to wither.

Your Majesty, I have devoted myself to devising three strategies to quell the evil, and I humbly submit them for your consideration:
The first is: the strike of thunder.

Taihu Lake is the throat of the Grand Canal; how can we allow evil spirits to occupy it for long? We should send a valiant army to wipe out the demon's lair, eradicate its evil den, and eliminate any future troubles.

The second is: a strategy to take drastic measures.

Constructing sluice gates is like building iron locks, and dredging the three rivers is like wielding sharp blades. By controlling the vital waterways, aquatic creatures are like fish trapped in a dry rut, and calamities will cease on their own!
Thirdly: a strategy to consolidate the foundation.

The navy is trained like a dragon, the people are taught like an impregnable fortress. The people possess the courage to carry a bow, and the weapons to slay dragons; even if there are demons or monsters, how dare they act recklessly?

I observe that the severity of the calamities is five-tenths due to water-related disasters and five-tenths due to political factors.

If we can address its key issues and strengthen its foundation, then Taihu Lake can turn misfortune into fortune and forever serve as the granary of Jiangnan and the pillar of Southeast China!
Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation and anxiety, and thus I respectfully submit this memorial.
although,

At this moment, the scholars taking the autumn imperial examinations have not yet entered officialdom, but they are answering the exam questions as candidates who are about to enter officialdom.

Therefore, in the autumn imperial examination hall, when answering questions on policy essays, drafting official documents, or reciting classical texts, each candidate must imitate the tone of an official, referring to themselves as "臣" (chen, meaning "your subject"), and must not imitate the arrogant manner of scholars by referring to themselves as "吾" (wu, meaning "I") or "余" (yu, meaning "I").

(End of this chapter)