Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 168 The Imperial Physician, a title and rank of two thousand shi!
As night falls, the streetlights come on.

As the lights of thousands of homes in Luoyang City were lit one after another, the imperial capital was illuminated as if the Milky Way had been poured down.

Jiang Xingzhou, Gu Zhimian, and Huang Chao arrived together, agreeing to meet at the Langya Prince's Mansion in Luoyi City.

The vermilion gate of the Langya Prince's Mansion, with its two gilded beast-head door knockers, gleamed with a dark luster in the twilight, while the four gilded characters "Langya Prince's Mansion" on the lintel shimmered with captivating brilliance under the palace lanterns.

Huang Chao was known for his arrogance, but this unrestrained attitude was directed at the sons of high-ranking families. He was quite polite to Jiang Xingzhou and Gu Zhimian, who were also scholars from humble backgrounds.

As soon as one enters the mansion gate, the sounds of sheng, xiao, and pipe music surge in like a tide.

The nine courtyards were brightly lit.

On the hundred-foot-high stage in front of the main hall, twelve dancers gracefully swayed to the music, their flowing sleeves carrying a subtle fragrance. Amidst the singing, dancing, and the flickering candlelight, the atmosphere was vibrant.

Along the white marble walkway, hundreds of glass palace lanterns illuminated the entire palace as if it were daytime.

The lamplight casts a dazzling array of elegantly dressed scholars—tonight, the Prince of Langya has invited the most talented individuals from all ten prefectures and counties of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

This ornately decorated princely mansion brought together many scholars who had traveled to the capital for the imperial examinations.

The hustle and bustle outside the mansion had not yet subsided. Green horses, painted carriages, and spirited steeds lined up for more than half a mile in front of the stone lions of the Langya Prince's Mansion.

"Jiang Jieyuan, please!"

The waiter respectfully led us to our seats.

Jiang Xingzhou and his companions, accompanied by their attendants, walked among the carved beams and painted rafters when suddenly their eyebrows twitched slightly.

Looking up, he saw that his seat was located below the nine-tiered jade steps with coiled dragons, only seven steps away from the sandalwood table of the heir of the Langya Prince's Mansion.

Perhaps it was because he arrived in Luoyang early, or perhaps because the others had not yet arrived, but he was the only top scholar from Jiangnan Province in the Langya Prince's Mansion, and no other top scholars from other provinces were seen.

On the gilded table, the "Three Wonders of Langya" shimmered in the candlelight—

A Yue ware celadon cup with crackle glaze holds a thirty-year-old amber-colored wine, while a silver-carved peony plate holds sliced ​​perch from the Luo River, and a dish of imperial-bestowed golden jujubes gleams under the lamplight.

The hall was already packed with guests, with hundreds of scholars taking their seats one after another. Some were dressed in fine clothes, while others were dressed in simple, elegant attire. They spoke with accents from various regions such as Sichuan, Hubei, and Jiangnan, yet they all chatted and laughed, their conversations filled with subtle wit and banter.

Jiang Xingzhou's gaze swept across the palace hall, and seeing that it was full of unfamiliar faces, he couldn't help but mutter, "There are quite a few people, but I wonder why they've all flocked here?"

Upon hearing this, a scholar in a blue robe raised his cup and laughed, "Jiang Jieyuan, you may not know this, but the fact that the Prince of Langya is hosting a banquet has attracted scholars from all over the country. It's not just for a meal."

He took a sip of wine and continued, "The imperial examinations in the Great Zhou Dynasty are as difficult as climbing a ladder to heaven. Those who can pass the examinations are extremely rare, less than one in ten."

Only by being fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination can one have the opportunity to obtain the position of county magistrate.

If one fails the imperial examination and stops at becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination), and has no powerful family connections, one can only wait in line for a vacancy in the Ministry of Personnel, where even after ten years of waiting, one may not be able to obtain an official position.

Rather than waiting in vain in the capital, it would be better to serve in a prefecture or kingdom, and seek an official position and future under a feudal lord!

Another person chimed in, "Exactly! Before the annual imperial examinations, the princes and kings of various regions would recruit talented individuals. If one could gain their favor, even without entering the imperial court, one could still secure a lucrative and substantive position in the prefecture or kingdom. Wouldn't that be far better than waiting in the Ministry of Personnel in the capital and wasting one's years?"

Jiang Xingzhou pondered for a moment and asked, "Why not wait until the results of the imperial examinations are released before making a decision?"

"After the results are released?"

The scholar scoffed, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "Once you pass the imperial examination and are ranked at the top, you will naturally enter the Hanlin Academy and the Six Ministries, rising to great heights. Why would you submit to the command of a feudal lord?"

Those who would then be willing to serve in the prefectures and kingdoms would be nothing more than mediocre people who failed the imperial examinations, lacked talent and ability, and were of questionable character.

How could the feudal lords possibly respect them after they failed the exams?

He swirled the wine in his glass, the amber liquid shimmering in the candlelight, and continued, "Only now—before the imperial examinations begin and the outcome is decided—does even the most renowned scholars dare not claim they will surely succeed."

The feudal lords should seize this opportunity to recruit talented individuals, so that they may find true gems.

To ensure their own safety, the candidates were willing to accept the offers of the feudal lords!

A scholar dressed in a lake-blue brocade robe chimed in, saying leisurely, "However, we need not be in a hurry."

The ten vassal kings of the Great Zhou Dynasty—Langya, Yue, Han, Liang, Wei…—were all eager to recruit talented individuals.
Tonight's banquet at the Langya Prince's Mansion is just the beginning; invitations from other princes' mansions will likely follow in quick succession. Opportunities abound!
Many counties and kingdoms had officials with a salary of 500 shi (a unit of grain measure)!

Some prefectures and kingdoms were even willing to offer official positions with a salary of one thousand bushels of grain!

He looked around at everyone meaningfully, "We wise birds choose our trees carefully, and we always compare prices to see which one offers the best deal!"

During the gathering, a tacit chuckle suddenly broke out among the scholars.

On the gilded candlesticks, the candlelight flickered gently, illuminating faces each with their own thoughts.

The feudal lords were choosing them, but weren't they also choosing the feudal lords?

These scholars, though seemingly enjoying themselves with wine and conversation, were secretly weighing their options—tonight's grand feast was nothing more than a banquet for those waiting to be sold.

Suddenly, the scholars in the hall became solemn and sat upright.

Jiang Xingzhou's gaze narrowed slightly as he saw dozens of royal figures emerge from behind the golden nanmu screen in the hall.

The Prince of Langya wore a seven-tassel crown and a black python robe, with a jade belt at his waist that shimmered with a warm luster under the palace lanterns.

Princess Wei wore a phoenix hairpin and a crimson silk skirt that trailed to the ground, exuding a dignified and majestic air.

The crown prince followed closely behind, his face as handsome as jade in a moon-white brocade robe, already displaying the demeanor of a crown prince.

Amidst the sounds of string and wind instruments, the three took their seats on the gilded dragon throne and feasted and enjoyed themselves with the other candidates.

Maids held cups and served him on either side.

When the wine was half-drunk, the Prince of Langya suddenly tapped the table lightly with a jade ruyi, and the whole hall fell silent instantly.

"Distinguished guests."

The King of Langya's voice was like a booming bell, echoing among the carved beams and painted rafters: "I have been enfeoffed in Langya for many years, and the affairs of the prefecture and state have been busy."

Now I wish to select a virtuous and talented person to serve as [the Palace Attendant], to attend to me and advise the prefectures and kingdoms—”

He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping sharply across the table. "Annual salary of two thousand shi of millet!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd stirred.

The four characters “annual salary of two thousand shi” resounded like a thunderclap, causing the candlelight in the entire hall to tremble.

Two thousand shi (a unit of grain) is the salary of the Nine Ministers—this is a symbol of the Nine Ministers' status, not simply two thousand shi of millet! This move is clearly an attempt to compete with the Great Zhou Dynasty for the most outstanding talents.

The chopsticks in the hands of the candidates hung in mid-air, and the boisterous chatter of clinking cups abruptly ceased.

Jiang Xingzhou clearly heard a hissing sound from beside him, and even the incense seemed to freeze three inches.

The scholars around him were breathing rapidly, their eyes gleaming with intelligence.

All those "compare prices" arguments from before have been instantly forgotten – even the Great Zhou Dynasty could not possibly offer a higher price!

You should know that even a high-ranking official in the Great Zhou Dynasty, wearing a scarlet robe and a jade belt, only receives such a salary!
The salary of Langya Wang's Langzhongling was equivalent to that of the Three Departments and Six Ministries of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Not to mention,
Officials under the jurisdiction of prefectures and kingdoms have always been private subjects of the feudal lords and kings. They do not need to be selected by the Ministry of Personnel of the imperial court and have more real power than the officials in the imperial court. They have great autonomy.

This is hardly the kind of official appointment that feudal lords would typically make.

The position of Physician of the Imperial Physician is clearly that of a trusted and important minister whom the King of Langya is cultivating, who will surely rise to the position of prime minister of the prefecture and state in due time.

Amidst the ticking of the water clock at the corner of the hall, Jiang Xingzhou noticed that many of the candidates around him had unconsciously straightened their backs.

The talented scholars who were just chatting and laughing now had such burning ambition in their eyes that it almost scorched through the brocade screen.

The hall was silent, with only the soft rustling of the burning ambergris in the bronze incense burner.

Who would be willing to volunteer for the position of "Chief Physician"?
Simply demonstrate your talent and satisfy this king, and I will bestow upon you a precious jade ruyi worth a thousand pieces of gold!
He was also awarded a thousand taels of gold and promoted to 'Grand Tutor' of the Prince's Heir Apparent.

The Prince of Langya's gaze was as deep as an abyss as he slowly swept over the scholars at the banquet. He was playing with a jade ruyi in his hand when he suddenly laughed.

The jade ruyi scepter twirled in my palm, its warm glow reflecting the flickering candlelight.

Amidst the shimmering light, everyone could clearly see the two characters "Langya" engraved on the end of the ruyi – clearly a symbol of the power of the prefecture and kingdom!

Jiang Xingzhou lowered his eyes and saw several suddenly taut reflections on the jade bricks—the scholars who had been humbly declining just moments before now had their fingers clenched white in their sleeves.

The jade ruyi scepter hung in the palm of the Prince of Langya, like a silver-scaled koi carp, waiting for a bidder.

Gu Zhimian felt a sudden surge of warmth in his heart, and his palms were already damp with sweat.

He straightened the front of his blue robe, about to leave his seat and bow to the Prince of Langya to recommend himself.

Suddenly, he felt a weight on his sleeve—Jiang Xingzhou's three fingers gripped his wrist like iron clamps, seemingly casual yet containing immense force. "Brother Jiang?"

Gu Zhimian frowned slightly, his lowered voice carrying three parts doubt and seven parts anxiety.

The candlelight on the table flickered in his eyes, reflecting the unfulfilled ambitions within them.

He couldn't understand why Jiang Xingzhou wanted to hinder his career.
It's not unusual for the top scholar in Jiangnan to look down on an official position in Langya Commandery—after all, he was the top scholar in the Jiangnan Circuit and was already famous throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty. He would definitely be one of the favorites to win the imperial examination next spring!

The coffered ceiling of the Hanlin Academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and even the white marble steps in front of the Zichen Hall in the future—the place where the top scholar of Jiangnan Circuit should go when he is promoted to Grand Academician and walks among the vermilion pillars of the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

A mere vassal king or prefecture, whose territory is smaller than a single prefecture of the Great Zhou Dynasty, is at most equivalent to a few prefectures. The space for displaying one's talents is too small—at most, it is equivalent to a regional governor of the Great Zhou Dynasty!
The top scholar from Jiangnan Province would certainly look down on him.

But what about yourself?

Gu Zhimian felt a bitter taste in his throat.

The Ministry of Personnel of the Imperial Court has a register of candidates for the imperial examinations filled with names of successful candidates, which looks just like the ivy climbing the outer wall of the Imperial College, growing a new batch every three years!
He was luckier and got a position as a county school instructor, with an annual salary of no more than forty shi (a unit of dry measure).

If luck is against them, they might not even be able to get half a room in that leaky county school office.

It would be better to find a real position in Langya Commandery, where I can at least put my knowledge to use.

Jiang Xingzhou wouldn't let him go, and he didn't quite understand why.

But then, Jiang Xingzhou dipped his finger in water and wrote the character "慎" (shèn, meaning "cautious").

"Chief of the Imperial Physicians of the Prefectures and Kingdoms"

Taking advantage of the moment he poured the wine, Jiang Xingzhou's voice became a single line, "The roster of officials under the Prince's Palace must be submitted to the Ministry of Personnel of the Imperial Court for archiving." He dipped his fingertip in the wine and traced the three characters "Examination and Merit Department" on the table, which dried instantly.

If someone is classified as a "private subordinate of a feudal lord" in the records of the Examination and Merit Department, they will be bound to the feudal lord from then on, and it will be very difficult for them to switch allegiance to the imperial court.

"A gentleman does not stand behind a dangerous wall!"

Jiang Xingzhou's gaze darkened slightly, and he tapped his knuckles lightly on the table. His low voice, like jade soaked in a cold pool, was sharp and cold, each word forming a line that reached Gu Zhimian's ears: "This Langya Prince's Mansion is a crumbling wall!"

Gu Zhimian's heart skipped a beat, and he frowned and asked in a low voice, "How do you know?"

Jiang Xingzhou's lips curled slightly, his brows lowered, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes: "Prince of Langya, have you forgotten about riding a horse on the Heavenly Street?"

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Zhimian felt a chill run down his spine, and his fingertips in his sleeve stiffened slightly.

—Yes, the prince rode his horse recklessly through the Heavenly Street!

They even dared to trample on the Imperial Street under the hooves of horses.

This is not the way of a subject!

Such tyranny and arrogance could lead to trouble any day now.

If we were to actually join the forces of the Prince of Langya, wouldn't we be putting ourselves in a dangerous situation?
"Today, you and I are attending a banquet at the Prince's residence, simply to broaden our horizons and make friends with scholars from various regions."

Jiang Xingzhou gently stroked the teacup with his fingertips, the celadon reflecting his calm and composed expression. "No matter what position the Prince of Langya offers me, I shall not accept it."

Though his voice was soft, it was as firm as metal striking the ground, leaving no room for doubt.

"This"

Gu Zhimian suddenly felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

"I wonder if Scholar Jiang is interested?"

The Crown Prince of Langya leaned forward slightly, a smile playing on his lips, his gaze sweeping over the assembled scholars like a sharp blade before finally settling on Jiang Xingzhou.

—This high-ranking official position with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain) was originally intended for the top scholar in the provincial examination!
The strategists in the Prince's mansion had already calculated everything clearly: Jiang Yuan, the Circuit Intendant of Jiangnan, would surely pass the imperial examination with top honors!
Even if you don't get the top score, you can easily get the second or third place.

In order to recruit this top talent in Jiangnan as soon as possible, the Langya Prince's Mansion is willing to offer the high-ranking position of Langzhong Ling (a high-ranking official) with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain) to attract this prodigy!

not to mention……!
The Crown Prince of Langya tapped the edge of the table lightly with his knuckles, a calculating glint in his eyes.

Jiang Xingzhou came from a poor family. Even though he had extraordinary talent, he had no connections or influence in the court. How could he not be ostracized?
Rather than being oppressed in the imperial court, it's better to serve a local lord and realize one's ambitions!

This significantly increased the success rate of Langya King's recruitment efforts.

As for the other candidates?

If they weren't the top scholar in the provincial examination, well, these people probably wouldn't even be worthy of being a clerk with a salary of 500 shi!
How could he possibly be qualified to hold the high position of Imperial Physician in Langya Commandery?!
The room fell silent suddenly, save for the sound of the swords at the waists of the silver-armored guards, which mingled with the rustling of the water clock in the hall, like a light drizzle.

More than a hundred scholars either crushed the Yue kiln porcelain cups in their hands or crumpled the fish pouches at their waists, their hundreds of sharp gazes fixed on Jiang Xingzhou's blue robe like arrows.

Even worse, the jealousy in his eyes almost burned a hole through that blue robe!
"I am deeply grateful for the Crown Prince's favor! We will consider this matter after the imperial examination!"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Jiang Xingzhou raised his sleeve and bowed, his voice clear and calm.

Upon hearing this, all the candidates were taken aback.

Several scholars tilted their wine cups, spilling the fine wine and leaving dark stains on their brocade robes, unaware of their own actions.

The Langya Commandery they so desperately wanted, with its high-ranking officials and generous salaries!
Jiang Xingzhou actually treated it like trash? He refused without much consideration!
The Prince of Langya frowned slightly, and the mutton-fat jade Pixiu he was playing with suddenly stopped.

A cold glint flashed in the prince's eyes, but the smile on his lips had already turned to frost—what a fine "we'll consider it after the imperial examination"!
This is clearly a public refusal!

What utter contempt for the Prince of Langya!

The candlelight on the bronze sparrow lamp stand inside the hall suddenly flickered, casting an uncertain glow on everyone's faces.

The silver-armored guard's sword had been drawn three inches from its sheath at some point, its cold light slithering like a snake between the palace pillars.

"That being the case——"

The Prince of Langya, losing face, slammed the jade ruyi heavily onto the table, his voice like the clash of metal, "Then let's discuss it another day!"

The last four words were pronounced with great emphasis, creating a faint echo among the carved beams and painted rafters.

"My name is Huang Chao, and I am willing to recommend myself for the position of Imperial Physician!"

A sharp shout, like tearing silk, shattered the silence of the entire hall.

A man in an indigo scholar's robe abruptly left his seat. Huang Chao stood with his hands clasped, his brows revealing a sharp edge: "If Your Highness and the Crown Prince are to favor me, within five years, Langya County will surely be prosperous with abundant granaries and a strong army!"

The Prince of Langya paused slightly in his golden goblet, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "A 'failed scholar' who failed the imperial examinations three times is qualified to talk about enriching the country and strengthening the army?"

A jade chopstick lightly tapped the rim of the cup. "Someone—send the guest out!"

"what!"

Huang Chao laughed in anger, his wide sleeves billowing like crashing waves, "What a Langya Prince's Mansion that doesn't recognize the pillars of the state!"

No need to see me off, farewell!

He was furious and stormed off.

He strode out of the Langya Prince's Mansion.

He didn't really want to serve as an official in the Langya Prince's mansion; he just wanted to see how the Langya Prince would treat him!

Clearly, the Prince of Langya only held him in contempt!
Huang Chao felt incredibly aggrieved!

Born into a salt merchant family, he faced severe discrimination in the Great Zhou Dynasty, making it extremely difficult for him to make a name for himself!

I have to write some outrageous poems and articles to attract the world's attention!

Otherwise, how could he stand out among tens of thousands of mediocre candidates?

Unfortunately, this move was criticized as "outrageous talk!"

He earned the nickname "madman"!

He offended countless people, and was ridiculed and suppressed by powerful clans and aristocratic families!
He took the exam three times, but was inexplicably rejected by the examiner.

Each step he took was as difficult as stepping on red-hot barbed wire.

The slander and sneer of those from wealthy and powerful families, the exam papers stained with ink on the examiner's desk, and the piercing gaze behind him all transformed into venomous snakes gnawing at his heart.

He was filled with bitterness and resentment, but had no way to vent it!

"Let's wait and see—"

The night wind whipped his loose hair as he turned to glare angrily at the lanterns of the Langya Prince's Mansion, his figure as sharp and angular as a sword: "Those who belittle me today will grovel before me tomorrow!"

(End of this chapter)