Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 221 Jiang Lang's "After Passing the Imperial Examination" and Huang Chao's "On Chrysanthemums"!
The sunset over Luoyang was at its most intense, splashing the world with a molten gold-like crimson.

"The newly appointed scholars, parade through the streets!"

A hundred yamen runners from Luoyang Prefecture led the way with gongs and clappers, and the red-lacquered and gold-painted wooden clappers were struck.

Zhuque Avenue is paved with ten miles of beautiful scenery.

Three hundred newly appointed scholars, riding magnificent steeds of various colors, marched out in a grand procession along the imperial road of the capital. They were full of vigor, their crimson robes fluttering in the wind, their black gauze hats reflecting the sun, and the sound of their horses' hooves pounding the ground, sending glittering gold flying everywhere.

Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar, rode his horse at the very front of the procession of three hundred successful candidates.

A faint smile played on his lips as he calmly gazed at the people lining both sides of the long street.

The pearls and jade on the golden-embroidered black gauze hat rose and fell with the horse's back, shimmering like scattered gold in the twilight.

The steady and composed rhythm of the white horse's hooves seemed to echo the ten national-level articles he wrote that shocked the court and the public—every word and phrase was imbued with the spirit of the mountains and rivers.

Every rise and fall is a masterpiece that safeguards the nation.

Liu Chun, the second-place finisher, rode a green horse that lagged half a body behind, seemingly silently upholding the hierarchical order between the top and second-place finishers.
The third-ranked scholar, Cao Jin, looked around. Although the imperial flowers in his arms were beautiful, they could not hide the radiance on his jade-like face, which attracted the ladies by the roadside to throw their handkerchiefs at him frequently.

The second and third-ranked warriors in crimson robes lined up in order, their horses' hooves clattering across the bluestone of the Heavenly Street, the sound as clear and melodious as the harmonious playing of zithers. Their procession, as graceful as a rainbow, transformed the entire Heavenly Street into a flowing veil of rosy clouds.

Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar, is undoubtedly the most dazzling golden thread on this embroidered robe.

Along the main street, hundreds of thousands of people craned their necks to look on, with old men pointing the way. Even the sons of noble families and meritorious noble households, watching from afar, couldn't help but feel envious.

No matter how prestigious one's family background, it cannot compare to the triumphant moment when these top scholars ride horses through the streets, enjoying the spotlight and the admiration of all.

"Look, Jiang Lang Jiang Zhenguo! He's so handsome! His face is refined, his eyes are like cold stars, and his eyebrows are like a drawn sword!"

"I wonder which family's daughter will marry Jiang Zhenguo! If only my daughter..."

"Tch! You're dreaming! If you want to marry your daughter to a top scholar, you need either a high-ranking official in three provinces with real power, or a Duke of the State with a hereditary title. Of course, a family of a sage would also do. Which one does your family qualify for?!"
"Forget it, let's look at the other successful candidates! Even those from humble backgrounds are highly coveted by wealthy families like ours!"

The clamor of the city's residents transformed into whispers of envy, a prelude to tonight's grand banquet, showering the sky with congratulatory gifts.

The Great Zhou Dynasty highly revered literature and the Way.

The newly appointed scholars have undoubtedly become the embodiment of the culture and morality of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the objects of reverence for countless people!

A young child, with his hair in tufts, rode on his father's shoulders, his fingers just reaching the gilded saddles of the newly appointed scholars parading through the streets.

The young ladies on the embroidered tower twisted their handkerchiefs and waved to the newly appointed scholars, while shaking their round fans even more vigorously.

"Selling sugar figurines! Scholar Jiang, the God of Literature, has descended to earth!"

Before the old man selling candy had finished speaking, he shaped the maltose into the form of Jiang Xingzhou wearing an official hat and riding a horse through the streets, which immediately drew gasps of surprise from the surrounding children, who all clamored to buy it.

The restaurants on both sides of the street also have hydrangea tables built facing the street.

Some powerful families in Luoyang set up their embroidery tables early on, erecting plaques for their prestigious residences beside them, just waiting for the procession of scholars to pass by.

The young ladies from noble families held large red embroidered balls in their hands and threw them at the passing scholars.

If a scholar who has passed the imperial examination also takes a liking to this young lady and is willing to accept the embroidered ball, it means that he is willing to accept the choice of a husband from the list of successful candidates and can marry the daughter of this family soon.

—This is already the established practice in the Great Zhou Dynasty of selecting a son-in-law by throwing embroidery!
"Jiang Lang, look over here!"

Jiang Xingzhou looked at the rows of embroidered ball stands along the main street, and at the many young ladies from prestigious families waving excitedly at him, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Suddenly, a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations laughed loudly and said, "Brother Zhuangyuan! In this situation, can you compose a poem?"

All the scholars laughed, their eyes fixed on the boat on the river.

Jiang Xingzhou reined in his horse, turned around, and laughed loudly: "Good!"

After a moment's thought, he recalled Meng Jiao's "After Passing the Imperial Examination" from the Tang Dynasty. This poem vividly depicts the disappointment and dejection of a scholar who has passed the imperial examination and his triumphant joy at achieving success. It can be considered a masterpiece of the achievement after passing the imperial examination since ancient times.

Jiang Xingzhou's eyes gleamed as he recited aloud:

"After Passing the Imperial Examination"

[The sordid past is nothing to boast about; today, my unrestrained thoughts are boundless.]

"Riding a swift horse in the spring breeze, one can see all the flowers of Luoyang in a single day."

Poetry can bring peace to the nation!

In an instant, heaven and earth resonated!

A beam of heavenly energy condensed into a brilliant light, bursting forth from Jiang Xingzhou's body, sweeping across the entire ten-mile-long Tianjie Street in Luoyi!
The golden clouds, full of vitality, suddenly scattered into countless flying blossoms, fluttering and swirling like peaches and cherry blossoms, covering the long street.

"This top scholar is a genius! ~ Catch him!"

Hundreds of thousands of people looked up at the sky and exclaimed in surprise. Children jumped for joy, catching the petals of talent falling from the sky with their hands. The whole city was shaken.

"it is good!

What a fine line: "Past filth is nothing to boast about, today's unbridled indulgence knows no bounds!"
Jiang Zhenguo, once a poem is completed, will surely bring peace to the nation!

The top-ranked player in the second-class division, Song Chuwang, laughed heartily, his laughter resounding as if he wanted to pour out all the spirit and ambition in his heart.

Although he did not pass the imperial examination with top honors, he could not directly enter the Hanlin Academy.

However, as the top-ranked candidate in the second class, he also had priority in choosing an official position, with the best official post in the entire Three Provinces and Six Ministries waiting for him.

In an instant, the entire procession of scholars surged like boiling water.

As the three hundred successful candidates recited "After Passing the Imperial Examination," their eyes shone brightly, and tears glistened in their eyes.

Jiang Zhuangyuan's poem "After Passing the Imperial Examination" perfectly captures their incredibly complex feelings at this moment!
how many years?

Some of them, from childhood, wore tattered blue robes and spent their days in lonely study by lamplight.

Some people have had their temples turn white from staying up all night.

Someone wore through countless inkstones.

Many scholars have endured ten or twenty years of hardship to achieve their goal of passing the imperial examinations today, failing repeatedly but persevering.

Even scions of powerful and wealthy families cannot escape the arduous years of studying and enduring hardship for more than one or two decades.

Gu Zhimian, a scholar who passed the imperial examination with top honors, looked up at the sky and let his tears flow freely.

Just the winter before last, he was still a student, huddled in the drafty thatched mud house of his old home in Jiangyin County, reciting the Spring and Autumn Annals by the light of the snow.

He failed the imperial examination a few years ago, and the cold laughter of his uncles and elders was more biting than the north wind...

"The sordid past is nothing to boast about, today's unbridled desires are boundless...!"

Gu Zhimian murmured repeatedly, then suddenly felt a lump in his throat.

I recall the days when I sold calligraphy and paintings in the misty rain of Jiangnan. A painting I painstakingly created could not even earn me half a bushel of coarse rice.

He recalled a cold winter day when he fell ill from hunger and a classmate shared half a hard, rock-hard steamed bun with him.

He survived those most difficult and sordid years.

Now, the spring breeze brushes against his scholar's red robes, and flowers flutter and dance throughout the city. Many young ladies from prominent families vie to throw him embroidered balls—even though he comes from a humble background, his status as a scholar is still very attractive to young ladies from prestigious families.

The emperor's disciple, riding a white horse through the streets, felt an indescribable sense of triumph at this moment.

Zhang Heng suddenly burst into laughter, his voice trembling: "What a fine poem! No wonder you are the top scholar! It perfectly expresses the bitterness we felt during our years of hard study, and how we are full of vigor today!"
This poem deserves a hearty toast!

He raised the wine flask he had been clutching in his hand, the amber liquid shimmering like scattered gold in the setting sun.

"Brother Jiang, this poem... this poem... it fully expresses the hardships of my life!"

An elderly scholar, ranked second in the imperial examinations, trembled violently with calloused hands, wiping away tears, and ultimately could not continue speaking.

"What a fine 'past filth is nothing to boast about'!"

On both sides of the long street, an old scholar who had failed the imperial examination excitedly clapped his hands first.

Among the crowd were many failed candidates, their eyes filled with bitterness and envy. "Yes, the past is nothing to boast about. Next year! I too can be carefree and unrestrained!"

Thunderous applause erupted instantly.

The woman selling steamed buns wiped her eyes; she recognized the same look in the eyes of these newly appointed scholars—just like the young scholar in blue robes who, despite being hungry, insisted on giving her two extra coins last winter.

Despite poverty, they remained proud, resilient, and unwilling to bow down or admit defeat!

"Yes!"

Jiang Xingzhou smiled, glanced around at the hundreds of thousands of people lining the main street, gently stroked the mane of his white horse, and let the flower petals fall all over his shoulders. These three hundred newly appointed scholars had finally made it in the Great Zhou Dynasty!

However, for every Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) who was full of vigor and ambition, there were many more Juren (successful candidates in the provincial imperial examination) who were dejected and disappointed.

Thousands of failed candidates gathered at a restaurant next to the main street, watching with complex expressions as three hundred successful candidates paraded through the streets.

Zuixianglou.

Outside the carved windows of the restaurant's private rooms, a hundred yamen runners were making a racket with gongs and drums.

"Gulu~!"

Huang Chao, a failed scholar, sat alone in a side room, drinking in silence, his face flushed with drunkenness, his knuckles white as he gripped the wine pot.

Three hundred scholars, dressed in fiery red robes, rode white horses through the streets, receiving cheers from the entire city.

Through the gauze window, a crimson fire of jealousy burned in his eyes.

"boom!"

Huang Chao slammed his fist on the table in anger, his face turning ashen.

This is the fourth time.

He failed the imperial examination for the fourth time!
This was the fourth time he had watched helplessly as the newly appointed scholars paraded through the streets on horseback, receiving cheers from countless people in Luoyang.

The wine splashed on the front of his blue robe, leaving a dark stain, making him look just like a wounded, trapped beast.

Suddenly, several scholars in the next private room cheered: "Look! Scholar Jiang is reciting a poem—'After Passing the Imperial Examination': [The sordid past is nothing to boast about, today I indulge in boundless pleasures. Riding a swift horse in the spring breeze, I see all the flowers of Luoyang in a single day!]!"

Huang Chao abruptly closed his eyes, but heard the words "The filth of the past is not worth boasting about" pierce through the wall, like a sharp sword stabbing into his heart.

"Shopkeeper! Bring me a pen—"

Huang Chao shouted.

When the waiter brought in the gilded lacquer tray, he saw that the drunken scholar's eyes were already filled with a cold and sharp glint.

The ink in the inkstone was ground to an extremely thick consistency, as if trying to squeeze out the last bit of the pine soot.

The waiter laid the Xuan paper scroll on the table.

The moment the wolf-hair brush touched the paper, a wisp of palace music, the music of a scholar parading through the streets, drifted in from outside the window.

Huang Chao suddenly chuckled softly, but his brushstrokes flowed like thunder and lightning as he loudly recited:
"On Chrysanthemums"

The west wind rustles through the courtyard, the buds are cold and the fragrance is faint, and butterflies dare not come.

If I were the Green Emperor in the future, I would make sure the peach blossoms bloomed all at once.

The final stroke, a sharp, sweeping white, caused ripples to spread across the remaining ink in the inkstone.

Poems are born in Mingzhou!

"Boom~!"

Talent burst forth from the scroll like a thunderclap. A rich, azure aura of talent pierced through the tavern and soared into the sky.

However, the azure aura had just burst out of the restaurant when it was suppressed by Jiang Xingzhou's overwhelming genius from "After Passing the Imperial Examination," and was forcibly suppressed.

The waiter was stunned and held his breath.

He had seen many candidates who, after failing the imperial examinations, were dejected and lost, either drowning their sorrows in alcohol in taverns or cursing the examiners for favoritism and complaining about the injustice of the world.

However, this scholar who passed the imperial examinations called himself the "Green Emperor"—that's too audacious!
now,

The cheers from the people on the street below grew louder and louder.

"With my talent, how could I not pass the imperial examination after composing a poem in Mingzhou?!"
If I can't get into Luoyi, then so be it!

"If they won't keep me here, I'll leave!"

Huang Chao threw down his pen and laughed heartily, suddenly enlightened. He put away the manuscript of the poem "[Mingzhou]" and left.

"To compare oneself to the Azure Emperor is utter arrogance!"

"This arrogant Huang Chao writes a poem of resentment and venting every time he fails the imperial examination. I'm afraid he'll never pass the examination in his lifetime."

In the private room next to the restaurant, all the scholars who had passed the imperial examinations were astonished upon hearing the sound and shook their heads.

The waiter felt a chill run down his spine and could only silently tidy up the mess on the table.

The twilight is closing, and the lanterns are starting to turn on.

Jiang Xingzhou, Liu Chun, Cao Jin, and three hundred other scholars, amidst the lingering cheers of the city, paraded through the main street before riding into the imperial city.

The sound of the steed's hooves gradually faded on Zhuque Avenue, with only the soft clatter of its golden saddle and jade bridle echoing the sounds of string and wind instruments coming from inside the palace gates.

Royal Garden.

In the Qionglin Garden, thousands of trees are in full bloom, and the palace lanterns under the night sky are as bright as day.

Empress Wu Mingyue sat regally atop the nine-tiered jade steps, her black imperial robes embroidered with golden phoenixes soaring through the sky. Behind the twelve-tasseled beaded curtain, her eyes were as deep as an abyss.

To the left and right of the steps were Nangong Wan'er, the lady-in-waiting of the emperor, and Wang Dequan, the eunuch in charge of ceremonies.

Next, several great Confucian scholars who had retired to Luoyang were seated, their white beards reaching their chests.

The Grand Secretaries of the Three Provinces and the Grand Secretaries of the Hall of Literary Glory, dressed in purple robes and jade belts, and the high-ranking officials of the Six Ministries stood solemnly like pine trees.

Dozens of Hanlin scholars held ivory tablets.

Officials of the third rank and above, dressed in vermilion robes, filled the hall, and the entire Qionglin Garden was permeated with an invisible aura of power and glory.

"Newly appointed scholars, arrive!"

As the eunuchs announced the ceremony, Jiang Xingzhou led the newly appointed scholars into the garden to attend the Qionglin Night Banquet.

Three hundred men in green robes had changed into crimson robes, and the gold flowers on the sides of their black gauze hats reflected the palace lanterns. They stood tall and straight, their eyes shining brightly, like a cascading galaxy.

With each step they took, the golden bricks beneath their feet reflected a flowing crimson glow.

Suddenly a night breeze swept by, and the crabapple blossoms in the garden fell in a flurry.

The third-ranking scholar, Cao Jin, caught a petal with his hand, just in time to see the court lady in peacock blue palace attire beside the throne nod slightly, exchanging glances.

"A banquet will be served!"

As the Empress's clear voice faded, hundreds of palace maids dressed in moon-colored gowns filed out.

A glass cup reflects the light of amber, and rhinoceros horn chopsticks hold sliced ​​shad.

The court ladies danced to the ancient tune of "Rainbow Skirt".

And closest to the emperor's presence, beneath that centuries-old magnolia tree, lies an empty sandalwood table covered with apricot blossoms—a special honor reserved for the top scholar in the imperial examinations.

Jiang Xingzhou took his seat and looked around.

The host, the white-haired Confucian scholar Lu Mingde, was tapping his chopsticks to keep time, his face glowing, as he loudly recited Jiang Xingzhou's famous poem "The Rhapsody on the Epang Palace" from the palace examination.
In the west corridor, the Minister in purple robes was discussing his ten poems and essays that protected the nation;

Now, all the high-ranking officials in the court are appreciating his poems and essays, and can no longer turn a blind eye to them.

On the other side, ten feudal lords sat stiffly at their seats, their faces ashen like frost-bitten leaves, their fingers trembling slightly beneath their wide brocade robes.

They know it.

At this moment, the imperial envoys must have already set off on horseback, carrying the "Decree of Grace" and the edicts of granting fiefdoms and titles, rushing to the various vassal states like casting a net.

Even if the eldest sons were furious and beat their chests in despair, how could they possibly withstand the cheers and jubilation of the hundreds of concubines and illegitimate sons in the prince's mansion?
Those hundred or so sons and grandsons who are usually so timid and submissive are probably already red-eyed with rage, fighting to tear the ancestral foundation into three or five miles of fiefdoms, not caring about the centuries-old ancestral temples or the eternal foundation!
When the Qionglin Banquet ends and the feudal lords return to their countries, I'm afraid even the incense burner in the ancestral hall will have been emptied.

The word "extending grace" seems like a favor, but in reality it is a ruthless act of cutting off the source of power. In just a few months, the once invincible vassal states of the Great Zhou Dynasty will collapse like sandcastles encountering the tide.
They looked at each other, speechless with despair, utterly helpless in the face of the current situation.

The banquet was in full swing when suddenly the Empress laughed and said, "I hereby bestow upon the top three scholars a bouquet of flowers, thirty taels of gold, three hundred taels of silver, and one hundred bolts of silk!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Two hundred top-ranking scholars rose in unison to express their gratitude, their wine cups scattering like stars in the sky.

At this moment, they finally stepped into the heart of the Great Zhou Empire and began to participate in the Great Zhou court.

(End of this chapter)