Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 190 The Residence of the Former Right Prime Minister Lu! The Great Snow Literary Gathering!
Gu Zhimian and Li Pan stepped into the room carrying a stack of books. They saw that the classics, such as "Collected Works of Tang Gong", "Essentials of Tang Gong's Military Strategy", "Secret Examination Papers for the Imperial Examinations", and "Exam Prediction Treasure Trove", were piled up like mountains, numbering in the dozens.

Before the two men lay only a plate of cold, hard steamed buns.

"This expense is really high! For the next three months, I'm afraid I'll be living on steamed buns."

Gu Zhimian stroked his empty purse and smiled bitterly.
Li Pan, however, couldn't wait to open the "Exam Prediction Treasure Trove," his eyes gleaming with burning desire: "Money is nothing but an external thing. If I can pass the imperial examination with flying colors, what does it matter if I eat simple meals every day?"

The two sometimes frowned in deep thought, and sometimes clapped their hands in admiration. Although they were extremely poor, they had their own kind of fun in their hardship.

Jiang Xingzhou stood by the window, watching his fellow townsmen studying hard, and a knowing smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

Brother Jiang!

A magnificent carriage from the Han family slowly came to a stop in front of the Zhuangyuan Tower. Han Yugui lifted the curtain and stepped into a side room, where he saw Jiang Xingzhou, Gu Zhimian, and several others sitting around a table, flipping through a stack of yellowed literary collections.

"Brother Han?"

Jiang Xingzhou looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "What brings you here today?"

Han Yugui's father once served as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Since he came to the capital, he has been living in the residence of his relatives in Luoyang and has not shown his face for a long time.

It's quite unexpected to see each other like this now.

"The Great Snow solar term will arrive in a few days,"

Han Yugui smiled warmly, "The Lu family is holding a literary gathering at Lu Ming's old residence, and I have come to invite you all to attend."

Jiang Xingzhou paused, his fingers hesitating.

There are many literary gatherings in Luoyang, but most of them are just for show and do not bring him much benefit.

However, Lu Ming and he had a close relationship, and if he rashly declined, it would be disrespectful to his fellow townsman...

Han Yugui leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "...Minister Tang of the Ministry of War will also be attending the meeting."

"Lord Tang?"

Jiang Xingzhou's pupils contracted slightly, and the book in his hand almost slipped from his grasp. "The Lu family actually managed to get him to come to their aid?"

Tang Xiujin, the Minister of War, was a high-ranking official in the court and was also the chief examiner for this year's imperial examination.

At this sensitive time, this high-ranking official would not normally show his face easily, lest he attract criticism.

Han Yugui smiled meaningfully: "Brother Jiang, you may not know this, but the old master of the Lu family was once the Right Prime Minister and Tang Gong's mentor. This kind of kinship is no ordinary matter."
Now that Tang Gong is the chief examiner, he must avoid suspicion and will not personally organize the literary gathering.

But if the Lu family were to handle it... it would be much more convenient!

He tapped the table lightly with his fingertips and lowered his voice, saying, "In my opinion, this literary gathering at the Lu residence was probably at the behest of Lord Tang."

Han Yugui covered his lips with his fan and said softly, "Brother Jiang, think carefully. This year, there are more than 10,000 candidates taking the imperial examination."

If Tang Gong personally hosts a banquet, even if he only invites a hundred candidates, how can the rest be convinced?
Other candidates who are not invited will inevitably feel resentful. They might even cause trouble, accusing others of cheating. Rumors will spread, which would be counterproductive.

He waved his feather fan, "But the Lu family will take the lead in holding a literary gathering called [Heavy Snow] under the pretext of celebrating Old Master Lu's birthday, and invite more than a hundred scholars to the banquet."

Then there will be no problem at all.

Whoever Old Master Lu invites has nothing to do with Master Tang!
It was only natural that Tang Gong came to Lu Lao's residence to celebrate his birthday, and it was "coincidental" that he encountered us holding a literary gathering during the Great Snow Festival.

Even with officials watching closely, they couldn't find any fault with it.

The other candidates could only envy our opportunity; they couldn't find a reason to cause trouble.

Han Yugui chuckled softly.

Before they finished speaking, the two looked at each other and smiled.

"In that case, we must go!"

Jiang Xingzhou readily agreed, tapping the pages of "Tang Gong's Collected Works" lightly with his knuckles.

This gathering at the Lu residence was arguably the only opportunity to privately meet with one's future mentor before the imperial examinations.

If he were to miss such an opportunity, he would likely regret it for the rest of his life.

They even missed out on the title of "Huiyuan"!
Han Yugui glanced to the side and saw Gu Zhimian and Li Pan staring intently, their faces filled with envy, yet they tried their best to suppress it.

The two were not on the list of invitees to the literary gathering.

The two of them understood perfectly well that ordinary scholars from humble backgrounds like theirs, without the support of a powerful figure, would find it difficult to catch the eye of the prominent families of Luoyang, no matter how talented they were.

Han Yugui pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Brother Gu and Brother Li, if you don't mind, you might as well come with Brother Jiang to the Lu residence."

The Lu family had over a hundred guests, many of whom were scholars; two more of them wouldn't attract much attention.

Upon hearing this, Gu and Li were first taken aback, then their eyes lit up.

Gu Zhimian's hands trembled slightly as he bowed deeply, saying, "Brother Han and Brother Jiang, your kindness is unforgettable!"

"Thank you both!"

Li Pan was so excited that he could not speak, and could only bow repeatedly.

If it weren't for Jiang Xingzhou and Han Yugui, he would never have had this opportunity.

Being able to personally attend the literary gathering at the Lu Mansion and listen to Tang Gong's instructions is far better than painstakingly studying hundreds of volumes of "Tang Gong's Collected Works" and "Tang Gong's Secret Scrolls"!
Some time later, the heavy snow season arrived.

Snowflakes were already falling in Luoyang, covering the rooftops, branches, and streets in a silvery white.

The north wind of the twelfth lunar month swept up fine snow, transforming Luoyang into a city built of jade.

Jiang Xingzhou, Gu Zhimian, Li Pan and their entourage arrived amidst scattered jade fragments, the stone lions in front of the vermilion gate of the Lu residence already covered with a layer of white gauze.

at this time.

The Lu family is celebrating Old Master Lu's birthday.

The longevity lanterns under the eaves swayed in the wind and snow, casting the four golden characters "May your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea" on and off.

The house was bustling with people.

Outside the mansion, carriages of all kinds arrived in an endless stream.

"The place is truly packed with guests!"

Gu Zhimian exhaled white breath, gazing at the endless stream of blue silk palanquins, "Those who come and go are either guests from the moon palace or those who pluck the laurel."

"The Lu family of Wu County is truly remarkable. The old master is of advanced age, yet his house is still filled with distinguished guests!"
This was the residence of the Right Chancellor decades ago, and it has long since lost its power.

Even now, it still enjoys such momentum.

Li Pan sighed and tightened his thin cotton robe.

As a gilded carriage passed by, the curtain was slightly lifted, revealing half of a powdered face—it was none other than the most sought-after scholar in Luoyang.

Snowflakes fell softly onto Han Yugui's fox fur coat, while Qinghu stood under the gilded plaque of the Lu residence, holding an umbrella to shield him from the falling snow.

Seeing the three figures emerge from the wind and snow, he immediately went to greet them: "Brother Jiang, you've finally arrived."

After passing through the winding corridor, the warm pavilion in the back garden is filled with the warmth of spring.

Nearly a hundred scholars gathered at the banquet.

A subtle fragrance wafted through the warm pavilion, where a hundred tables and chairs were clearly arranged.

The fifty seats on the east side were all occupied by upright men in blue robes—these were the top ten scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty, all of whom had won their honors with their outstanding literary works.

Liu Chun of Bashu continued playing the zither, his fingertips still bearing the snow of Mount Emei;

Jingchu and Songchu gazed at the scroll, lost in thought, a wine cup in one hand, as if Qu Yuan's poems were hidden in their sleeves;

Qin Wen of Guanzhong sat with his hand on his sword, the sword's aura subtly penetrating the frost of Mount Taihua.

Furthermore, Li Yuankui from Longyou, Cao Jin from Zhongyuandao, Zhang Heng from Jibei, Lü Mengzheng from Saibei, Wang Wei from Monan, and Mo Yanqing from Lingnan—all ten top scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty—have gathered here.

They were all on the invitation list, and the rest of the people were also highly talented and renowned.

On the west side, fifty seats were occupied by sons of powerful figures from Luoyang, their golden crowns gleaming in the candlelight.

A young man in purple robes, Li Junxiu, was playing with a piece of Hetian jade, the seal of "Yongning Prince's Mansion" on the jade appearing and disappearing intermittently;

The young man in black, Cui Hao, casually twirled his thumb ring, the cold light between his fingers reflecting the emblem of the "Qinghe Cui Clan." All the noblemen present stared intently at Jiang Xingzhou.

As for Gu Zhimian and Li Pan behind him, no one paid them any attention.

"Brother Jiang has arrived!"

Lu Ming happily raised his cup and stood up.

"Brother Jiang, you're late! You should be punished with three cups of wine!"

Cao An laughed loudly and slapped the table. The golden goblet reflected the glass lamp, illuminating the entire room with brilliance.

The flickering candlelight in the warm pavilion cast a red glow, making the gloomy expressions of the crowd appear even more profound.

Since the "Confucianism and Buddhism debate" at Baima Temple, the name Jiang Xingzhou has become an insurmountable peak in the hearts of the ten scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

That brilliant debate propelled him to the top of the ten provincial examination champions.

but!

The competition for the top spot in the imperial examinations is far more complex than simply passing the exams.
He was ranked first among the candidates for official positions in the Ministry of Personnel of the Imperial Court!

The favor of high-ranking officials from the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, and priority given to those seeking positions in the capital!

Each of these steps is a ladder to the center of power.

Moreover, if one could achieve the "Triple Crown" – winning the provincial examination, the metropolitan examination, and the palace examination – that would be a legendary achievement, recorded in history and becoming a celebrated story for all time.
It will surely win His Majesty's favor!
The plaque inscribed with "The Best Scholar Under Heaven" before the Emperor, the several rosewood ministerial chairs in the Three Provinces and Six Ministries, and even the seals of the ministries and departments that he might hold in the future—which of these doesn't affect the balance of power in the court?
That involves the interests of the entire family and the division of interests among major factions in the imperial court.

Each faction had long been plotting their moves, and the undercurrents hidden beneath the eaves of the examination hall were far more thrilling than the open battles.

No one will give up the slightest chance!

"Brother Lu, Brother Cao! I'll punish myself with three cups!"

As soon as Jiang Xingzhou sat down, he drank three cups.

Then they heard a few whispers coming from the tutor's seat, like the spitting of a venomous snake, cold and piercing.

"Humph!

Jieyuan?

It's just an empty reputation!

In the great Zhou dynasty, which family hasn't produced one or two top scholars in the imperial examinations?

Throughout history, only one in a hundred has ever achieved the highest rank in the provincial or metropolitan examinations!

Let alone the top scholar in the imperial examination, or even the "Triple Crown" (winning the top scholar title in all three levels of the imperial examinations)?

The young man in black, surnamed Cui, lightly tapped the gilded wine vessel with his knuckles; the jade pieces struck each other, producing a crisp sound tinged with a hint of mockery.

"Brother Cui, what you say is true."

The young man in purple robes sneered, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips, as if reciting a treasured story: "I have read through the 'Records of Successful Candidates in the Imperial Examinations,' and among the top scholars in the provincial examinations throughout history, only a few dozen could become the top scholar in the metropolitan examinations—one in a hundred!"

And those who failed the imperial examination were as numerous as carp crossing a river.

He paused slightly, his sarcasm deepening: "As for 'achieving the top honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations'? Throughout history, there have only been a dozen or so such individuals. If even one or two of them emerge in each dynasty, it is already considered a sign of flourishing literary fortune!"

He glanced disdainfully at the assembled scholars, his tone provocative: "Since the founding of our Great Zhou Dynasty, the only person to have achieved the 'Triple Crown' is none other than the current Chancellor—the Chen family of Yingchuan, Lord Chen Changqing!"

The Great Zhou Dynasty established three departments: the Secretariat, the Chancellery, and the Department of State Affairs!

Chen Changqing, the Grand Secretary, is in charge of the Secretariat!

He stood at the pinnacle of the imperial court, wielding immense power!
The Chen family of Yingchuan was a top-tier clan in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and only a handful of people could rival them.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the warm pavilion suddenly turned cold, and everyone's eyes flickered, as if there were undercurrents surging.

Their eyes burned with a fierce flame.

Who can become the next Chen family of Yingchuan?!

The sons of powerful nobles from Luoyang, who were tutors, leaned back on their brocade couches, their eyes sweeping lightly over the candidates in the east wing, a faint sneer playing on their lips.

They understood the rules of this imperial examination all too well—

The entire imperial court was controlled by various factions. Most of the quotas for the imperial examinations were also allocated to these factions.

What the poor scholars fought so hard for was nothing more than a meager scrap that slipped through their fingers.

As for the position of Huiyuan?

That was merely a stroke of the vermilion brush by Tang Xiujin, the Minister of War.

of course.

These ten top scholars and dozens of renowned talents from various regions, who were the top teachers in the east, never gave the students in the west a second glance.

In the imperial examinations, talent accounts for nine-tenths of the score, while family background accounts for one-tenth.

Those scholars who rely on their ancestors' influence probably can't even recite the entire "Annotations on the Classics of the Masters," let alone talk about passing the imperial examinations.

"The position of chief scholar is indeed not easy to attain."

Song Chuwang lightly swirled his wine cup, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes as he glanced at the young man in black, disdainful of arguing with him.

He turned to Jiang Xingzhou, a hint of probing in his smile: "Brother Jiang, do you intend to aim for the top spot in the imperial examination?"

His implication was that the competition for the title of Jieyuan was ultimately a fierce battle among the top ten Jieyuan of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and no one else had the right to interfere.

"A good article is born of nature."

Jiang Xingzhou raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp. The amber liquid reflected his calm and composed expression. "All I need to do is write a good essay for the imperial examination."

As for the ranking, that's up to fate.

He put down the empty cup, a slight smile playing on his lips, and the jade cup touched the sandalwood, producing a clear, melodious sound.

"God willing?"

Qin Wen, the top scholar from Guanzhong, sneered, his fingertips tracing the rim of his cup. "The fate of this imperial examination is probably tied to Minister Tang's red brush."

I wonder about this Scholar Tang.

He looked around at everyone and said meaningfully, "Where does your heart truly lie?"

This was precisely the purpose of their visit to the Lu residence to attend the Great Snow Literary Gathering and celebrate Old Master Lu's birthday.

They must figure out what Lord Tang is thinking!
Only then can one hope to be selected as a first-class student, or even become the top scholar in the imperial examination!
As soon as Qin Wen finished speaking, the atmosphere in the warm pavilion in the back garden of the Lu residence instantly fell silent.

The agarwood emanating from the gilded beast-shaped incense burner condensed into clouds in the air, yet it could not dispel the solemnity between the brows of the crowd.

Although the Lu family's literary gathering during the Great Snow Festival invited over a hundred talented individuals, only about a dozen or so were likely to catch Tang Gong's eye.
He will give them special favor and "care"!
It's possible that he'll circle it in red ink and include it in the "Grade A" list ahead of time!
They might even have a chance to become the top scholar in the imperial examination.

The essays of most other candidates could only await the most rigorous selection in the metropolitan examination, becoming mere foils to their lofty ambitions.

Whether one passes the exam or not truly depends on "fate"—only three hundred out of tens of thousands of candidates are selected as Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Who knows if one will be chosen?!

"What do you all think—"

The young man in black, Cui Hao, suddenly tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, the sound like shattering jade. "What exactly does Master Tang value?"

Upon hearing this, the young man in purple robes laughed heartily, the golden cloud patterns in his sleeves flowing with his movements: "The world is bustling, but it's all about fame and fortune."

Even high-ranking officials are not immune to worldly customs.

He flicked his finger across the glass cup and said arrogantly, "Leaving aside matters of reputation for now, let's talk about substantial profits—"

A noble smile curled at the corner of his lips. "My Yongning Prince's storeroom can still hold Lord Tang's 'refined hobbies'."

"So that's how it is,"

The purple-robed young master, Li Junxiu, surveyed the crowd, his brows furrowed with unwavering determination. "Surely I, the young master, will have a place among the top ranks of this imperial examination?"

(End of this chapter)