Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 156 [Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you?] A farewell poem from Mingzhou!
The Jiangnan Examination Hall, the Hall of Supreme Justice.

Xie Qihe's pupils suddenly contracted, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

On the jade slip, the list of vacant trainee officials, written in vermilion ink, was glaringly obvious—

"The Commander of Jiangnan Circuit!"

"Prefectural Governor of Suzhou!"

The only two gleaming gold-plated state and prefectural-level positions swam like two koi fish swimming amidst densely packed, tiny characters.

The middle section is filled with drab, gray county-level official titles: "Commander of Jiangyin County," "Registrar of Taicang County," and "Assistant Magistrate of Qiantang County."
Even worse was the end, where hundreds of trivial official titles such as "Township Instructor," "Township Inspector," and "Postmaster" were so faintly marked that they seemed to be lost in the jade slip register at any moment.

Xie Qihe stared at the two lines of gilded characters: "The Jiangnan Sima can reside in Jinling, the Suzhou Prefect sits at Changmen Gate," his nails digging deeply into his palms.

—But he happened to be the third-place winner in the autumn imperial examination.

According to the rules, he had to wait for the top two scholars, the Jieyuan and Yayuan, to select the plumpest and freshest fruits like picking fruit before he could reach into the bottom of the basket.

Chief Clerk Liu Mingchuan subtly turned his ivory tablet in his palm, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Prefect Wei Guanlan's cloud-and-goose insignia. Seeing Wei Guanlan nod in acknowledgment, he then proclaimed in a drawn-out tone: "This year's top scholar, Jiang Xingzhou—chooses his post!"

"I request to be appointed as the Sima of Jiangnan Circuit."

Jiang Xingzhou's voice was like a piece of cold jade, calm and unyielding.

He wouldn't choose to become a "county official" or "township official," as that would only make his six-month internship in politics more difficult.

As the saying goes, "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings!"

Being a state or prefectural official is actually quite easy; they're all smart people who won't make things difficult for each other.

The further down you go, the more trivial the issues become, and the more likely you are to encounter all sorts of strange and cunning people, including naive and treacherous petty officials.

Jiang Xingzhou clasped his hands and accepted the four items representing officials from the tray held by the chief clerk Liu Mingchuan:

Silver official seal, Sima official robes, fish-shaped waist token—these are worn daily at the waist; Internship edict—documents issued by the Governor of Jiangnan Circuit appointing intern officials.

Sima's silver seal gleamed with a bluish light, and the gold-inlaid patterns on the fish-shaped tally stung the eyes of the scholars behind him.

What's even more eye-catching is the light scarlet official robe of a fifth-rank official—the Jiangnan Circuit government office is located in the most prosperous area of ​​Jinling City, just a stone's throw away from the ancestral home of the Wang and Xie families in Wuyi Lane.

The moment the gilded tray was presented.

All the candidates in the hall looked on with envy.

"Asian Yuan Han Yugui – Job Selection!"

"This student requests to be appointed Prefect of Suzhou!"

As soon as Liu Mingchuan finished singing, Han Yugui couldn't wait to step forward.

When Han Yugui received the bronze seal, he felt refreshed and invigorated.

Xie Qihe stared at the new silver fish pouches on the waists of the two men, so angry that his nails dug into his flesh inside his sleeves, feeling so frustrated that he felt like he was going to vomit blood.

The highest-ranking and best intern in Jiangnan Province was unsurprisingly chosen by the top scholar and the second-ranking scholar.

He, a direct descendant of the Xie family of the Twelve Families of Jinling, was actually being sent to the county town, to the countryside?

The moss-covered steps of those Jiangyin County and Taicang County government offices are probably not even as good as the hitching posts in front of the Xie family's gate!

Who knows, there might even be rats and insects roaming around the county government office!
The thought of it made him feel very uncomfortable.

"Student Xie Qihe requests to be appointed as the Registrar of Taicang County."

The incense sticks in the gilded incense burner had burned down to the last bit, and the wisps of smoke had dissipated.

Those who passed the provincial examinations earlier received their official seals from the county government. Although it wasn't as prestigious as being in the prefecture, it was still respectable. Cao An became the registrar of Jiangyin County, and Lu Ming became the assistant magistrate of Taicang County. The two of them held their official documents and stepped aside, looking quite composed.

When it was B's turn, the air in the hall seemed to freeze.

"Those who passed the second-tier imperial examination, step forward to choose your positions—"

The remaining positions were like leftovers: clerks in Qiantang County, clerks in the Six Offices, instructors and teachers in the county school, assistant postmasters in Jiaxing Prefecture and County... They weren't even considered proper government jobs, just some mundane and unproductive positions.

Several second-tier successful candidates clutched their official credentials, their fingertips turning white, but they had no choice but to grit their teeth and accept these internship assignments.

The results for the final third-ranked candidates were even more dismal.

"Gu Zhimian, a candidate for the third-best provincial examination."

Gu Zhimian looked up and saw that the only remaining positions on Liu Mingchuan's jade slip roster were all small-time town-level official vacancies, such as ninth-rank town inspector and village school instructor.

He gave a wry smile, closed his eyes, and pointed casually.

"The student...is appointed as an instructor in Zhouzhuang Town."

As soon as he finished speaking, a few suppressed sighs could be heard faintly from inside the hall.

Not going?

No.

Without this six-month experience of "observing the government," one will not even be qualified to go to the capital for the imperial examinations next spring.

Gu Zhimian took the thin, cicada-wing-like letter of appointment. His fingertips touched the rough paper, and a sudden pang of sorrow struck his heart—what he held was nothing more than the most humble ticket to an official career.

He clutched the paper, as if he could already see his future: if he failed the imperial examination next spring, he would probably only be able to get such a minor post in the Ministry of Personnel.

Then came a decade or two of wasted time, accumulating seniority and waiting for a transfer in the county government.

If one is lucky enough to strike it rich at the age of fifty, one might be able to get a sinecure in a government office and eventually retire quietly in a corner where no one cares.

By then, his entire life would be nothing more than a speck of dust in a corner of the Great Zhou's officialdom, scattered by a gust of wind.

As the sun sets, twilight gradually paints Nanjing.

With the last candidate from the third-tier examination receiving his appointment, the day-long civil service examination ceremony finally came to a close. The master of ceremonies announced loudly, "New candidates, parade through the streets—!"

In an instant, drums and music resounded, and banners fluttered in the breeze.

Jie Yuanjiang changed into a new scholar's robe, carried a scholar's sword at his waist, hung a fish-shaped tally on his arm, and rode out first on a white horse with a silver saddle.

Following closely behind was Han Yugui, the Asian champion, with Xie Qihe, Tang Yanqing, and Xu Canming standing on either side.

Five fine horses rode side by side, their golden bells jingling on their necks, creating an atmosphere of newly powerful and influential figures in Jiangnan on the main street of Jinling City.

Three hundred scholars followed on horseback, their hooves thundering, causing the bluestone pavement to tremble slightly.

There were already crowds of people outside the Imperial Examination Hall.

Along the banks of the Qinhuai River, countless beautiful young women peek out from between the windows of the pavilions;
On both sides of the long street, children clung to their parents' shoulders, pointing and gesturing with their little hands.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted—

"Look! The Xie family's wedding money!"

More than ten servants in brocade robes carried baskets and scattered gleaming copper coins into the air.

Amidst the flurry of money, the crowd scrambled for it, their cheers soaring to the heavens.

The massive procession of scholars on horseback slowly moved along the main street of the Confucian Temple. Wherever they passed, there were cheering crowds, flying coins, and the smoke of firecrackers filling the sky.

At nightfall.

The procession of the newly appointed scholars circled the main street of Jinling City, their horses' hooves shattering the city lights, before finally returning to the banks of the Qinhuai River amidst the watchful eyes of thousands.

In front of Mingyue Tower, eight pairs of crimson palace lanterns hung high, illuminating the vermilion gate as if it were daytime.

The sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard from inside the building, and a grand banquet had already been prepared by the governor's mansion, with servants lined up to welcome them.

"Esteemed scholars, please—"

At the host's long shout, dozens of servants in blue robes filed out.

Some people pulled the horses off the stirrups, some people held basins to wash their hands, and some beautiful maids held silver plates to wash away the dust and grime from the scholars with lotus dew.

Inside the pavilion, the lights shone brightly. Governor Wei Guanlan sat in the main seat, with banquets arranged on both sides according to the order of the candidates' academic achievements.

Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar in the Jiangnan provincial examination, sat next to the Prefect Wei Guanlan and the Education Commissioner Du Jingchen, and was also seated among the Hanlin scholars of Jiangnan Circuit.

Scholars of the Hanlin Academy, such as Zhou Dunshi, Pei Jingyi, Wang Su, and Xie Yuheng, were among the distinguished scholars seated together.

The gilded wine vessels were already in place, and the ewer with the peony scroll pattern shimmered with a faint light in the flickering candlelight.

The newly appointed top five scholars sat at the same table with the ten prefects of Jiangnan Circuit.

The academic officials of each prefecture, dressed in their ceremonial robes, the gentry of prominent families, and the distinguished scholars and officials, all gathered together to celebrate the resounding success of the new imperial examinations. The remaining candidates, ranked in the first, second, and third categories, lined up in order of their names, extending all the way to the main entrance of the hall.

The room was filled with people who had passed the imperial examinations or were at least successful candidates in the provincial examinations.

"Today at this Deer Cry Banquet, I have specially ordered someone to fetch Jinling Spring wine that has been stored in a cellar for twenty years, to celebrate the new candidates of the Jiangnan Circuit!"

"From now on, you will all be officials in the same court; you should encourage and support each other!"

Governor Wei, holding his cup with a smile, glanced at the assembled talents.

"Thank you, Prefect and Education Commissioner!"

The scholars responded in unison, clinking their cups and pouring out fine wine.

For a time, toasts were exchanged and guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Under the candlelight, the jade crowns and brocade robes shone brightly, and the entire room was filled with scholars who had passed the imperial examinations, full of vigor and pride.

Jiang Xingzhou rose with his cup in hand, first offering a cup to Governor Wei and Academician Du, demonstrating impeccable manners. When he reached Zhou Dunshi's seat, he also showed him the same respect.

Finally, he walked to Master Pei Jingyi's desk, held the cup in both hands, and bowed deeply.

"Master Pei!"

Jiang Xingzhou's voice was clear, yet tinged with emotion: "Back in the days of the Xue family's private school, I was fortunate to receive your meticulous instruction for five years. Today, I am able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors, entirely thanks to your teachings and guidance. This cup is a tribute to your boundless kindness!"

Having said that, he tilted his head back and drank it all down, the bottom of the cup facing the sky.

The provincial education commissioner, Du Jingchen, clapped his hands and laughed, "It is truly a blessing for the literary world of Jiangnan that Master Pei has returned to his hometown to teach at a private school with the honor of being a Hanlin scholar! His students, such as Lu Wenyuan, are outstanding talents who will probably become Hanlin scholars this year."

No wonder Jiang Lang was able to pass the provincial examination with top honors!

Master Pei accepted the toast, the candlelight reflecting the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, yet unable to conceal the satisfaction in them.

He stroked his beard slowly and sighed, "Jiang Sheng's talent is truly unparalleled in my life. Even Wen Yuan back then only managed to win the top prize in the autumn imperial examination, which is still inferior to the provincial examination champion!"

Little did he know that the young man in the blue robe who used to recite classics in the Xue family's private school...
Now he has soared to the top in Jiangnan Province, almost crushing 100,000 students and 10,000 scholars, and ascending to the position of Jieyuan.

As Master Pei gazed at his tall and elegant disciple, he seemed to see again, many years ago, that taciturn boy who always kept asking him, "Master, what is the meaning of this sentence?"

However, no matter what, Jiang Xingzhou's status as Pei Hanlin's personally taught disciple cannot be changed.

After several rounds of drinks, the people at the main table became increasingly animated in their conversation, chatting happily.

Governor Wei sang with great enthusiasm, Academician Du composed a poem on the spot, and Zhou Dunshi and Master Pei discussed the past and present.

No matter the topic, Jiang Xingzhou could respond with ease, clearly becoming the top pillar of the new generation of literati in Jiangnan.

Only Wang Su and Xie Yuheng, both Hanlin scholars, felt extremely uneasy.

I'm feeling down!

Their animosity with Jiang Xingzhou, and even their disagreements with the prefect and the education commissioner, all vanished at this moment, forming an invisible wall between them at the banquet, though they maintained a polite facade on the surface.

The newly appointed top scholar, Jiang Xingzhou, did not offer a toast to the two Hanlin scholars, so they could only awkwardly pour and drink by themselves.

Wang Su kept stroking the rim of the cup with his fingertips, the wine in the celadon cup swirling around, but he never touched his lips.

Xie Yuheng's face turned ashen.

Whenever everyone laughed, the corners of his mouth would twitch stiffly twice.

After several rounds of drinks, they became increasingly intoxicated.

"Brother Jiang! We part today, but we shall meet again next spring for the imperial examinations!"

Let us all raise a toast to Jiang Jieyuan!

Lu Ming staggered to his feet, holding a full glass of wine, his cheeks flushed and his eyes slightly glazed.

"it is good!"

Everyone echoed in unison, tilted their heads back and drank the wine in their cups, but they still couldn't hide the sorrow in their eyes.

After all, after parting ways tomorrow, they will each go to their respective prefectures and counties to take charge of clerks or handle criminal matters, to practice and observe the administration, and this journey will last for half a year.

The candidates on the second and third lists bowed their heads in silence, their fingertips tracing the rough porcelain wine cups.

Thinking back on his ten years of hard study, although he has finally passed the imperial examination, he has to start from the lowest rank of official, or even take a lowly position in a small town. He can't help but feel disheartened and saddened about his future.

As the wine flowed freely, Jiang Xingzhou suddenly rose from his seat, raised his cup to the sky, and toasted the fellow scholars present.

"With parting imminent, we will go our separate ways tomorrow."

I wish to dedicate this poem to the gentlemen of Jiangnan!

Jiang Xingzhou tilted his head back and drank the remaining wine in his cup. As his sleeves fluttered, he recited aloud:

"[Farewell to My Friends in Jiangnan]"

A thousand miles of yellow clouds darken the daytime.
The north wind blows, geese fly, and snow falls in abundance.

Don't worry about having no friends on the road ahead.
Who in the world doesn't know you?

The poem was completed in an instant.

In an instant, the entire Mingyue Tower fell silent, and everyone present looked shocked.

Then——

A surge of brilliant talent bursts forth from these lines of poetry, like crashing waves, like a long, sweeping tide.

The entire Mingyue Tower seemed to be shrouded in a hazy glow of talent.

The verses transformed into specks of clear light, like frost and snow, flowing endlessly among the scholars in the pavilions.

The guests felt as if they were bathed in a warm and refined atmosphere.

As the light shone, it even dimmed the candlelight inside the building.

In a daze,
—It seems as if I see a thousand mountains covered in snow at dusk, wild geese flying south, and everyone going their separate ways. The road ahead is long, and true friends are nowhere to be found!
They seem to share the same bloodline and are connected by a distant bond!
"it is good!

What a wonderful farewell poem and inspirational poem for Mingzhou!

Such spirit and magnanimity are rarely seen in the world!

Du Xuezheng suddenly stood up, clapping his hands in admiration, his wide sleeves fluttering as if he didn't care at all.

His eyes blazed like torches, and his resounding clapping drowned out the clamor of the hall: "The poem is finished, and it will resonate throughout the land! Looking across the Jiangnan region—"

He laughed loudly, his hair and beard trembling: "Only Jiang Lang! — Gentlemen, we should take Jiang Lang as our role model and thank him for his inspirational poem!"

For a moment, all the candidates in the room were stunned.

Everyone was deeply shaken, and the wine cups in their hands almost slipped from their grasp, trembling slightly, causing ripples to spread across the surface of the fine wine.

Xie Qihe's expression changed!
The poems were completed and immediately resounded throughout the prefecture and the city! The sheer gap in strength, the despair of being unable to catch up, was simply indescribable.

Upon hearing the poem, they were momentarily stunned.

Some people recited in a low voice, their fingertips tapping lightly on the table to keep the rhythm; others tapped their cups with chopsticks.
Some people had slightly red eyes and covered their faces with their sleeves;
Even more surprisingly, some people unconsciously stood up and stared at Jiang Xingzhou with excitement, as if trying to glimpse some secrets of heaven in his eyes.

"Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead! Who in the world does not know you?"

These two lines of poetry were like a thunderclap, or a sudden enlightenment, making the scholars from the second and third tiers of the imperial examinations feel hot on their backs and sweat bead on their foreheads.

Suddenly, Gu Zhimian wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, slammed his hand on the table, stood up, raised his glass, and said:

Brother Jiang is absolutely right!

We have already passed the imperial examination, which is worlds apart from those who failed. Why should we act like such a sad and dejected child?
This poem is like a thunderbolt, a spur to us all!

Even if I am relegated to a lowly official position in a small town today, I may still be able to one day become known throughout the land!

The more they spoke, the more passionate they became, and the dejected look in their eyes vanished, replaced by a blazing fire.

Cheers!

"Brother Jiang, Commander Jiang! See you at the imperial examination next spring!"

Some clenched their fists, while others tilted their heads back and drank the last of their wine.

Some people even directly wrote these two lines of poetry on their clothes as a motto.

(End of this chapter)