Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 195 Jiang Xingzhou's fame soars! The court and the public are shaken!

The next day.

Luoyang Imperial City.

Six departments.

Inside the Ministry of Rites' office, the bronze beast-shaped incense burner emitted wisps of sandalwood fragrance, but it could not dispel the chill seeping in through the window cracks.

Minister of Rites Wei Shili stood with his hands behind his back in front of the gilded water clock, staring at the falling silver beads tracing a cold, sharp path in the snowy light.

Left Vice Minister Xu Shiheng was lightly sweeping the snow off the table with a whisk—the strong winds last night had broken the window frame of the duty room, and the servants had not yet repaired it this morning.

Right Vice Minister Zhao Wen stroked the hand warmer in his arms; the characters on the celadon burner had been worn smooth and shiny.

The officials of the four departments stood on both sides, holding their breath, somewhat distracted by the strange phenomena that had occurred at the residence of former Right Chancellor Lu the previous night.

The official in charge of the Ministry of Rites had the intelligence he received last night hidden in his sleeve;
The soles of the boots of the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites still had bits of snow stuck to the steps of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the hem of his official robe swept across the thin frost that had not yet melted on the floor tiles.

The chief clerk of the guest office caught a glimpse of a messenger hurrying through the snow outside the window, half of a red lacquered bamboo tube protruding from his waist.

The sound of the Jingyang Bell shook the snow off the eaves.

Around noon, Minister of Rites Wei Shili finished processing official documents and finally put down his vermilion brush. "The snow has stopped!"

All the noblemen in the hall looked up at the same time, and the golden plaque with the words "Establishing Rites and Making Music" hanging between the beams of the room shone brightly and dimly in the snow.

"Have you all heard the news from the former Right Chancellor Lu's residence last night? Jiang Jieyuan of Jiangnan Circuit sent out two copies of the [National Defense] poem?!"
Two poems to bolster the nation in one night—such a feat is extremely rare since the beginning of this dynasty! And to present a poem to bolster the nation is unheard of!

Wei Shili asked calmly.

The duty room fell silent.

The dripping sound of the copper water clock suddenly became extremely loud, one drop, two drops, hitting the blue bricks like icicles falling to the ground.

Right Vice Minister Zhao Wen's knuckles trembled, and the brazier slammed against the table with a "clatter," shaking open the lid to reveal the nearly extinguished silver-bone charcoal inside—which resembled frost flowers.

"My lord, this is absolutely true!"

Right Vice Minister Zhao Wen stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "One copy is given to Minister Tang's mentor, former Right Chancellor Lu Lao, and the other copy is given to Minister Tang's fellow disciple, Hanlin Academician Wu Shiqi."

These two gifts are truly wonderful!

His eyes gleamed as he exclaimed, “On Elder Lu’s birthday, this junior’s poem is both elegant and polite, and impeccable.”

Since ancient times, it has been natural for teachers, fellow townsmen, and relatives to exchange poems to celebrate birthdays!

Wu Hanlin's righteous act of going to Beiting City alone, and Jiang Jieyuan's poem to encourage his departure, became a beautiful story among scholars.

Not only did they deliver the gift, but they also did so in a way that left no room for criticism.

Zhao Wen lightly patted the table, praising, "Jiang Jieyuan is not only highly talented, but his skill in navigating interpersonal relationships is also superb."

If such a person were to enter officialdom, he would likely rise through the ranks with ease!

In an instant, the pent-up emotions of the Ministry of Rites burst forth.

"Sir, are you aware that the rumors are already spreading like wildfire among the people!"

An official slammed his fist on the table in surprise, saying, "Originally, Wu Shiqi volunteered to go to Beiting City, but he did so without making a sound, and no one in the court or the public paid any attention to him."

But now——

Jiang Jieyuan presented a poem to encourage his departure, which caused a great stir in Luoyang, and everyone in the city knew about it!

He suddenly flicked his sleeve and said in a passionate tone: "The people of the whole city are praising Wu Shiqi's great righteousness, who went to the dangerous Beiting City to guard the border for ten years to serve his country!"
He further praised Jiang Xingzhou for presenting him with the first volume of the "Zhenguo" (镇国) imperial edict, thus enhancing his journey!

"This is clearly a reenactment of the legendary farewell of Prince Dan of Yan to Jing Ke!"

Another person chimed in, his eyes gleaming, "'The wind howls, the Yi River is cold, the hero departs, never to return'—this scene will surely be recorded in the annals of our Great Zhou!"

"Nowadays, who in the court and among the people does not praise Wu Shiqi for his unparalleled loyalty and bravery? Who does not admire Jiang Xingzhou for his noble righteousness?"

Another person sneered, "If anyone still dares to say that Jiang Xingzhou bribed the examiner's confidant, they'd be drowned in spittle!"

"What's even better is—"

Someone lowered their voice and said meaningfully, "Now that Wu Shiqi has gone to Beiting City alone for a 'heroic act,' which has caused a sensation in the court and the public, who would dare to mention the words 'abandon the city'?"
Previously, many high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Revenue complained that transporting troops and grain was too difficult and the losses were too great, and advocated that the court abandon Beiting City!
Nowadays, if anyone dares to speak recklessly in court about abandoning the city and withdrawing troops, the Censorate's impeachment memorials could crush him to death!

Wu Shiqi is not just a scholar of noble birth, but also a member of the imperial family and a relative of His Majesty!

He bravely defended the border!
Who would dare to make trouble for him?

"Now that these two poems, which are considered national treasures, have been submitted, the whole city knows about them. Jiang Jieyuan will surely become a disciple of Master Tang in next year's spring imperial examination."

"Of course!!"
With the examiner's help, and given Jiang Jieyuan's abilities, passing next year's imperial examination will be a piece of cake.
Anyone who tries to sabotage or obstruct us in secret should think twice!

"Shh—watch your words! If such things get out..."

Inside the office of the Ministry of Rites, the various department heads and assistant heads gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves.

Minister of Rites Wei Shili stood with his hands behind his back in front of the hall, taking in all the discussions of the crowd.

His gaze was sharp as he slowly swept over the officials below the hall.

The power dynamics within the imperial court were extremely complex, with the Ministry of Rites being a battleground where various factions vied for power.

These officials in scarlet robes appear respectful, but in reality, they each belong to their own factions and harbor their own agendas. How many of those standing in this hall today are actually informants for others?

"Everyone!"

Minister of Rites Wei Shili coughed lightly, and the hall fell silent. "The imperial examinations are approaching next year, and the Ministry of Rites has a great responsibility."

Tang Gong was the chief examiner, responsible for setting exam questions and grading papers.

My Ministry of Rites will be responsible for all the specific details of the Spring Imperial Examination and will assist Lord Tang in organizing it well.

He paused, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips. "I'll just give you a heads-up—but if anyone is foolish enough to try and sabotage the imperial examinations, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Before he could finish speaking, his words sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

As the chief examiner, Minister of War Tang Gong wielded immense power and influence, his word was law.

However, many of the minor details of the imperial examinations, such as physical examinations, venue setup, and document collection, had to be handled by officials of all ranks in the Ministry of Rites.

It's not impossible that someone might try to cause trouble at these minor junctures.

The officials below bowed their heads, some with beads of sweat on their foreheads.

Wei Shili saw this and sighed inwardly.

Even before the imperial examinations began, undercurrents were already surging in the court.

Various factions are eyeing the upcoming spring imperial examination next year, with 300 places available for Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and are trying to secure as many places as possible for their own use.

Xu Shiheng, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, sat upright before a sandalwood table.

Listening to the murmurs of his colleagues in the hall, as soft as the buzzing of mosquitoes, they were all praising Jiang Xingzhou's talent and learning.

He was truly displeased, his lips were taut like a string, and his eyes were filled with hidden emotions. Finally, he turned and stood up.

After finishing his midday shift,

Xu Shiheng stepped out of the vermilion gates of the Ministry of Rites, choosing to ignore everything else.

Beneath the gilded plaque, he took a deep breath, as if to expel all the pent-up emotions in his chest.

He strolled along the Heavenly Street.

The streets were bustling with people, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and the clamor of carriages intertwined, a sound more comforting than the empty rhetoric of the imperial court.

Turning the corner, I suddenly saw the "Shuyuxuan" teahouse, its three characters gleaming warmly in the sunlight.

The aroma of tea wafted from the carved doorway, mingling with the rhythmic voice of a storyteller.

Xu Shiheng hesitated for a moment, then stepped into this bustling world, thinking he would go in and have a cup of tea.

In the center of the teahouse, on a low platform, the storyteller, his long robe slightly open, struck the gavel and began to speak with spittle flying: "Last night, in Luoyang, snow fell heavily, and the world turned white!"

His voice boomed like a bell, and with a wave of his arm, he seemed to brush the swirling snowflakes into everyone's eyes. "Outside the gate of the former Right Prime Minister Lu's residence, guests flocked to offer their birthday greetings, carriages and horses filled the air, and lanterns shone brightly!"

The tea drinkers listened intently, forgetting to drink even as their teacups hung in mid-air.

Suddenly—

The storyteller suddenly paused, his eyes widening, and lowered his voice, "Hundreds of meteors streaked across the street in front of the Lu Mansion, as brilliant as a celestial river pouring down, illuminating the heavens in an instant!"
Do you all know what those hundreds and thousands of shooting stars actually are?

The entire room held its breath, even the youngest children stared wide-eyed, clutching the hem of their clothes tightly, and eagerly asked, "What is that?"

The storyteller's lips curled slightly, and the gavel fell again—

"Snapped!"

The sound of the gavel being struck was like tearing silk.

The storyteller glanced around the audience, noticing the crowd holding their breath, then suddenly smiled and flicked his long sleeves—

"It was none other than Jiangnan Dao Jieyuan Jiang Xingzhou, who was on a heroic journey for Hanlin Academician and Wu Shiqi!"

The teahouse fell silent instantly, and even the sound of the tea boiling on the stove could be clearly heard.

"He used his finger as a sword to carve the national treasure, 'Song of White Snow,' onto the precious bow—"

The storyteller's fingertips moved through the air as if the gilded bow pattern were right before his eyes. "When the arrow pierced the sky, a thousand pear trees bloomed in unison, and countless branches were like a fully drawn bow!"

Gentlemen, please listen to this—

He focused his energy in his dantian and recited aloud:

"[Suddenly, like a spring breeze overnight, thousands of pear trees burst into bloom!]"

Before the sound had even faded, the gavel slammed heavily onto the table.

"Zheng——"

The tea drinkers seemed to hear the twang of a bowstring, and then they saw the storyteller spread his arms wide: "A thousand arrows are fired at once, like a rain of stars, piercing the night and illuminating the twelve-story building on the celestial street!"

Upon hearing this, the people all gasped in shock.

"Good heavens, this is a poem that protects the nation!"

Jiang Lang!

That's truly noble!

The white-haired old man was trembling with excitement. He wanted to take a sip of tea, but the teacup in his hand tilted, and the green tea soaked his clothes without him even realizing it.

Wow~ Jiang-gege is so amazing!

The toddlers, with their hair in tufts, clapped their red hands as they jumped around, causing the silver bells around their necks to jingle.

The storyteller stroked his beard with a smile, gazing at the engrossed tea drinkers below the stage—he had already recounted the extraordinary tale of the Lu family's birthday celebration seven times this morning.

But whenever the poem is recited, "Thousands of pear trees bloom," tea drinkers never tire of hearing it, ordinary people are always incredibly excited and thrilled, and children laugh and play as if it were the first time they heard it.

A winter night in Luoyang should be just as vibrant.

Xu Shiheng was so angry that his face turned ashen, his knuckles turned white, and a fine crack appeared in the celadon teacup in his palm.

Just now, in the Ministry of Rites office, his colleagues were gossiping and praising Jiang Xingzhou, which annoyed him.

Come to this street-side teahouse for a cup of tea.
Now, to make matters worse, they've been subjected to another vivid and detailed explanation by a street storyteller—"Thousands upon thousands of pear trees in bloom!"

In previous years, only the top scholar in the spring imperial examination and the top scholar in the palace examination had such great prestige, and everyone in Luoyang was talking about it!
Unexpectedly, Jiang Xingzhou had not even participated in the imperial examinations yet, but his reputation had risen so rapidly that it had already surpassed that of previous winners.

The tea sloshed violently in the cup, reflecting his distorted face.

The tea stains, like splashes of ink, splattered onto his peacock-blue official robe, but he was completely unaware. With a gloomy expression, he slammed the teacup onto the table.

"boom!"

The tea drinkers in the room shrank back in surprise, and the storyteller's folding fan froze in mid-air.

Suddenly, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, a high-ranking official in a scarlet robe, stood up, his gold fish-shaped pouch at his waist gleaming.

"Humph!"

Xu Shiheng flicked his sleeves and left, his silhouette, like a knife cleaving through the crowd, billowing in the smoke.

The waiter behind the counter was about to speak when he was silenced by the dull thud of the official's boots on the threshold.

On a long, cold street, Xu Shiheng walked with his hand on the armrest, his official boots crushing the thin frost on the ground.

He suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky—but it seemed as if he was completely caught in an invisible net.

"Jiang Xingzhou is quite something, to be able to openly connect with Tang Xiujin, the Minister of War, and leave no room for criticism. This move is truly brilliant."

Xu Shiheng let out a cold laugh.

With the imperial examinations just around the corner, the power of the chief examiner's faction can almost dominate the entire examination!
It would be extremely difficult to stop boats from sailing on the river during the spring imperial examinations.

Xu Shiheng's fingernails dug deeply into his palm.

"Unless someone is fearless and defies the pressure from the examiner to secretly sabotage Jiang Xingzhou."

The night wind swirled snowflakes into his official robes, but he didn't feel cold.

Several names flashed through my mind, but I rejected them one by one—those old foxes, which one of them didn't shrink back at the first sign of danger?
Everyone's plotting their own revenge. But with everyone scheming like this, who's truly willing to be someone else's puppet?
What's even more hateful is that while others still have a way out, Xu Shiheng is already on the edge of a cliff!

Ever since Zhao Huai, the transport commissioner of Jiangzhou, was executed along with his entire family by Xue Chonghu and Jiang Xingzhou, this hidden danger had been like a poisonous thorn in his heart.

He couldn't confirm.
Did the secret letters he exchanged with Zhao Huai over the years, those shady dealings, and evidence of bribery fall into the hands of Xue Chonghu and Jiang Xingzhou?

Xue Chonghu was merely the Prefect of Jiangzhou, and there was no conflict of interest between them. At present, he posed no threat to Xue Chonghu's position as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

However, once Jiang Xingzhou wins the imperial examination, he will have a chance to enter the central government of the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

Until then.
His past dealings with Zhao Huai, the transport commissioner of Jiangzhou, will be a fatal hidden danger, a guillotine hanging over his head!

Whenever he thought of this, a fine layer of cold sweat would seep out from the back of his neck.

"Within the imperial court, there are no capable people, and it would be easy to leave them with incriminating evidence!"

Xu Shiheng narrowed his eyes.

Perhaps there's another knife.

A demonic and savage blade that is despised by everyone.

The Great Snow solar term has passed, and the Winter Solstice is just around the corner.

A cold wind blows through Luoyang, the capital city, and the end of the year is drawing ever closer.

Once the New Year is over, the Spring Examination will begin—leaving less than two months for the candidates of the Great Zhou Dynasty to prepare.

Ten thousand students from the ten major cities of Da Zhou had already arrived in Beijing before the Lunar New Year.

They either stayed in inns or borrowed rooms from relatives and friends, studying diligently day and night without daring to slack off.

Among them, the most sought-after were Tang Xiujin's "Collected Works of Tang Gong" and "Secret Scrolls of the Imperial Examination"—these works almost became essential reading for candidates.

Even more remarkably, Tang Xiujin's life experiences, court audiences, and daily words and deeds were all meticulously collected and carefully analyzed by those with ulterior motives.

After all, if one could glean even a glimpse into the examiner's thoughts, one might gain an advantage in the fiercely competitive spring imperial examinations.

As for military classics such as "Sun Tzu's Art of War," "Wu Zi's Art of War," and "Six Secret Teachings," these were of utmost importance to the candidates, who studied them day and night.

You must be thoroughly familiar with strategies, tactics, and military strategies, and be able to recite them fluently.

After all, if even these foundations are not solid, how can one presume to claim that one can perform with ease in the imperial examinations?
Some people burned the midnight oil, turning the bamboo slips to their curled edges;

Some people recite it every morning until their voices become hoarse.

Even more remarkably, his delirious ramblings were full of military strategy—the imperial examination was a fierce "battle" among ten thousand candidates of the Great Zhou Dynasty, vying for the only three hundred Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

(End of this chapter)