Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 222 Imperial Gift of the Top Scholar's Residence, Six Scholars Passing the Imperial Examinations, a Unique Achievement Throughout History!

Empress Wu Mingyue sat upright on the dragon throne, the pearls and jade hanging from her crown swaying slightly before her eyes, making her phoenix eyes appear even more unfathomable.

Her gaze swept over the assembled scholars in the hall, and her lips parted slightly, her voice clear and cold like shattered jade striking ice: "I hereby bestow upon the second-class scholars—a bouquet of hairpins, three hundred taels of gold, five hundred taels of silver, two hundred bolts of silk, and one hundred acres of fertile land in the suburbs of Luoyang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, followed by gasps from the assembled scholars.

"Your Majesty, we kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace!"

Ninety-seven second-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) hurriedly left their seats, prostrated themselves on the ground, and kowtowed, their sleeves fluttering like a crimson wave.

This reward is truly substantial.

Leaving aside gold, silver, and silk, the hundred acres of fertile land in the suburbs of Luoyang are not easily acquired—land in Luoyang is incredibly valuable, and most of the fertile land is held by powerful families and is not sold to outsiders.

Even a local official of the seventh or eighth rank who had passed the imperial examinations might not be able to afford such property even after accumulating years of salary.

With these lands to support their families, the second-class graduates could then use their own money to buy a house or something similar, thus putting down roots in Luoyang.

From then on, they were no longer the scholars who had studied hard for years, but had truly entered the circle of officials in Luoyang.

Next came the rewards for those who passed the imperial examination with top honors.

The twelve tassels on the Empress's crown swayed slightly, casting dappled light and shadow in the hall.

Her fingertips lightly tapped the armrest of the dragon throne, the sound like ice and jade striking each other:
"The title of Third-Rank Scholar bestowed upon Cao Jin—"

One thousand taels of gold, two hundred bolts of brocade and silk, and two hundred shi of top-quality millet. In addition, two hundred mu of fertile land along the Luo River and a three-courtyard mansion in Zhuque Lane, belonging to a scholar who ranked third in the imperial examinations, are granted.

Before the words were finished, a female attendant at the corner of the hall presented a gilded tray, upon which palace flowers bloomed brightly, casting a crimson glow in the hall.

"The title of 'Second Scholar' is bestowed upon Liu Chun—"

The Empress's eyes shifted slightly, and with a soft tinkling of pearls and jade, her tone deepened: "Three thousand taels of gold, three hundred bolts of Shu embroidery, and three hundred bushels of imperial rice."

He was granted 300 mu of fertile land in Yongning Town, and a residence for the second-place scholar (榜眼) adjacent to the Imperial Academy.

A chorus of low gasps of surprise immediately filled the hall.

The residence of the third-ranked scholar was located in the bustling Zhuquefang, while the residence of the second-ranked scholar was adjacent to the Imperial College.

With a casual gesture, the Empress placed both of them in the most prosperous area of ​​Luoyang.

The female attendants, carrying imperial edicts and trays filled with gold, silver, and property deeds, walked slowly toward the two of them. The ink on the silk was still wet, and a faint scent of pine smoke filled the hall.

"Thank you for your grace!"

The second-place scholar Liu Chun and the third-place scholar Cao Jin both prostrated themselves on the ground in gratitude, their foreheads reflecting the crimson light of the imperial seal and vermilion inscription.

This reward is not gold, silver, or land; it is their future prospects in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

At the Qionglin Banquet,

The brilliance of the golden goblets and jade cups in the hands of the officials and newly appointed scholars suddenly froze, and their gazes all fell on Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar.

At this moment, only the top scholar Jiang Xingzhou has not yet received the gift.

I wonder what reward the Empress will give to the top scholar?
Empress Wu Mingyue's fingertips brushed against the jade ruyi on the table, causing the pearl tassels of her crown to move without wind.

"Bestowed upon Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

Her majestic yet clear voice broke the silence of the hall: "Ten thousand taels of gold, three thousand bolts of Shu embroidery, and three thousand shi of imperial rice."

The emperor bestowed upon Yongning Town 1,000 mu of fertile land on the imperial estate, and upon Tianjie a 10 mu mansion for the top scholar.

After these rewards were read out, no one in the hall breathed a sigh of relief.

They knew that Jiang Xingzhou's two essays and policies, which were widely circulated throughout the world, would certainly not be limited to these rewards.

Sure enough, the Empress still had half a sentence left on her lips: "I bestow upon you a demon king-level spirit egg."

Nangong Wan'er descended from the steps of the palace, carrying a gilded tray. Her scarlet official robes swept across the white marble steps, startling a few jade petals from the hem of her garments.

She came to the foot of a centuries-old magnolia tree, and stood before a sandalwood table covered with apricot blossoms.

The spirit egg lying among the apricot blossoms had mithril-like patterns flowing across its shell—it was the egg of a rare, demon-king-level bird that the two of them had purchased for 180,000 taels of gold on the second day of the second lunar month, when the dragon raised its head.

"Lord Jiang, this is a gift from His Majesty!"

As Nangong Wan'er handed over the tray, her jade-like fingertips inadvertently brushed against Jiang Xingzhou's hand.

She winked at him playfully.

Jiang Xingzhou understood immediately, and the moment he took the tray, the spirit egg suddenly emitted a golden light.

A chorus of low gasps of surprise rose and fell in the hall, even causing the Empress's gaze to flicker beneath her crown.

"Eggs of a demon king-level spirit bird?"

"Such a treasure is one in a million among the Feathered Demon Clan!"

"However, with Jiang Lang's 'Ode to the Epang Palace' which became a world-class literary treasure during the imperial examination, and the 'Decree of Grace' which became a world-class policy, even if the court were to give away even more valuable treasures, it would still be worth it."

Inside the Qionglin Palace, even breathing seemed to freeze.

The flame on the gilded dragon candlestick suddenly flickered, making the secret patterns on the spirit egg glow and dim.

The officials' outstretched necks cast undulating silhouettes on the palace walls, and even the palace maids standing by forgot to wave their peacock feather fans.

"Your Majesty, I kowtow to express my gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace."

Jiang Xingzhou's voice was clear and melodious, like a jade chime.

His fingertips beneath his sleeve were slightly warm, and at that moment, the spirit egg emitted a subtle pulse—as if something was resonating with his palm beneath the hard shell.

The twelve strings of white jade beads on the Empress's crown suddenly collided, producing a soft, clear sound.

When Nangong Wan'er retreated to the steps, the gold-embroidered belt around her waist remained perfectly still, only the handkerchief she clenched in her sleeve was stained with a small patch of sweat.

The three hundred scholars in red robes and the officials in purple robes were all silent, now becoming silhouettes on the gilded screen.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the small, fist-sized spirit egg, but no one dared to ask what kind of creation spirit egg could be bestowed upon the Empress as an exception.

The Imperial Palace was hosting the Qionglin Banquet.

Hundreds of spirit steeds galloped towards the various prefectures and kingdoms of the Great Zhou.

Langya Commandery and Kingdom.

As dusk fell, three spirited steeds galloped in, crushing the blue bricks in front of the palace gate.

The three eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs dismounted, their gilded imperial envoy tokens gleaming brightly in the setting sun.

Upon learning of the arrival of the imperial envoy, the heir of the Prince of Langya hurriedly came out to receive the imperial decree.

The head eunuch unfurled the bright yellow imperial edict, his voice sharp as a knife: "His Majesty's decree—All members of the Langya Prince's Mansion, including all princes, royal descendants, wives, concubines, and attendants, shall immediately receive this decree!"

"My lord, what matter requires the presence of my royal bloodline, descendants, wives, concubines, and attendants?"

Li Yiguang was puzzled, but his hand, hidden beneath his wide sleeves, had already rested on the hilt of his sword.

Around the courtyard, the armored soldiers of Langya were silently gathering.

The old eunuch smiled like a Maitreya Buddha: "Young Master, don't be anxious. His Majesty has bestowed a reward upon everyone in the Langya royal family."

Li Yiguang couldn't help but feel puzzled.

He stared at the eunuchs' empty hands—no vermilion lacquered gift boxes, no gilded trays, only the slowly unfolding imperial edict, gleaming with a frosty, snowy light in the evening breeze.

Where does this favor come from, that everyone gets a share?
The feudal lords of the Great Zhou Dynasty were always very wary of the imperial envoys.

But upon reflection, he realized that since this was within the territory of Langya Commandery, all the soldiers were his own men, the King of Langya.

Even if these eunuchs had ulterior motives, they were outnumbered and outmatched, and couldn't cause any trouble.

When the more than one hundred descendants, wives, concubines and attendants of the Langya royal family arrived and knelt to receive the imperial decree.

The old eunuch's withered fingers suddenly tightened, and the imperial edict unfurled with a whoosh: "Your Majesty's decree: Immediately promulgate the 'Decree of Grace'!"
Remembering the merits of the feudal lords and kings who have served the state, their benevolence should extend to their descendants.

Now, the sons of the King of Langya are granted fiefdoms as marquises, each inheriting a fiefdom of ten li.
The grandsons are to be enfeoffed as earls, each inheriting three li of the fiefdom of a duke—So be it!

The expressions of the princes and nobles in the princely palaces suddenly froze.

"Thank you for the Emperor's grace!"

"The Emperor's grace is boundless!"

The royal descendants, wives, and concubines were initially shocked, but quickly became overjoyed, kowtowing in gratitude. It should be understood that the laws of previous dynasties for feudal lords stipulated that the eldest son of the principal wife would inherit the throne. Other descendants would only receive a small amount of money and rewards, and must then fend for themselves.

Now, His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty has issued the "Decree of Grace," amending the laws of the court so that all the sons and grandsons of the feudal lords can be enfeoffed as marquises or earls, and receive a fiefdom of three or ten li.

A ten-mile fiefdom would mean at least ten thousand acres of fertile land.

For the feudal lords, it was certainly not worth mentioning.

But what a tremendous gain this would be for the other collateral descendants and their wives and concubines!

With tens of thousands of acres of fertile land, they no longer needed to work hard to make a living, and even their descendants for three generations could enjoy this immense wealth.

"To be granted land and a title of nobility?"

Prince Li Yiguang of Langya suddenly looked up in disbelief, his jade crown trembled, and the tassel of his sword at his waist froze in place.

He suddenly understood why the imperial edict had ordered all the sons and grandsons of the feudal lords to gather—this was no favor, but a decree to dismember the Langya Kingdom!

"So be it—"

The old eunuch slowly closed the bright yellow scroll, a smile appearing on his wrinkled face: "Your Highness, His Majesty has bestowed upon you a fiefdom of Marquis Che. Why don't you quickly accept the decree and express your gratitude?"

"presumptuous!"

Li Yiguang suddenly drew his sword, its cold light reflecting on his face twisted with rage. "After my father's death, the entire territory of Langya will belong to me, the heir apparent. What need is there for this mere title of Marquis?" He swept the sword across the crowd below. "Whoever dares to accept this decree today, don't blame me for being merciless with my sword!"

However, his hysterical roar was instantly drowned out by the cheers of the princes and grandsons.

"Li Yiguang! You are the one who is utterly rebellious!"

"Don't think that just because you're the heir apparent, you can defy His Majesty's decree! To disobey an imperial edict is a crime punishable by death!"

"Brothers, let's charge! Take down this madman!"

In the chaos, Li Yiguang's crown was knocked to the ground.

He was hit so hard that he covered his head and ran away, staggering backward, shouting hoarsely: "You...you wait! When Father returns to the capital, he will tear you traitors to pieces!"

"Guards! Quickly! Arrest them!"

The armored and armed soldiers looked at each other, but dared not join in.

Although His Highness is the heir to the throne of Langya, the King of Langya has many concubines and favorites.

No matter who is accidentally hurt, it is always the outsiders who suffer in the end!
The banquet at Qionglin ended, and night had fallen.

Jiang Xingzhou and a group of newly appointed scholars drank until they were slightly tipsy, then stepped out of the palace gate under the hazy moonlight.

The night breeze was slightly cool, and the effects of the wine had worn off. The steward of the Xue family had already prepared a carriage and was waiting for a long time.

He walked unsteadily, boarded the car, and sat down. The faint fragrance inside the car helped him regain some of his senses.

"Young Master,"

Steward Xue whispered, "The eldest young lady has arrived in the capital from Jiangyin and is currently at the Xue State Duke's residence. Are you going back to the Xue residence tonight, or would you like to go to the top scholar's residence first?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xingzhou's lips curled up slightly.

Xue Lingqi, fearing she would disturb his imperial examination, had not yet entered the capital. Now that the examination was over, she had finally arrived in Luoyang.

He hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "Let's go to the top scholar's residence."

His wedding to Xue Lingqi was fast approaching, and it would be inappropriate for him to stay at the Xue residence again.

At that time, he will naturally go from the Zhuangyuan Mansion to the Xue Guogong Mansion to welcome his bride in a grand manner, which will be convenient.

"Yes."

Steward Xue responded, and the carriage slowly drove towards the top scholar's residence.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Jiang Xingzhou lifted the curtain and looked out, only to see vermilion gates hanging high, with several imperial plaques shining brightly—"Six Top Scholars," "First in a Thousand Ages," "Ten Consecutive Years of National Defense," "Literature Spreads Throughout the World," and "Literary Champion of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Each of these imperial plaques was carefully chosen. Even for prominent families in Luoyang, obtaining a plaque was no easy feat.

Jiang Xingzhou stepped into the mansion of the top scholar. Although the five-courtyard, five-hall residence was magnificent, it was deserted because no one lived there permanently.

Several palace eunuchs and maids stood with their heads bowed, and bowed to him as he entered the residence. These were all temporarily sent by the palace to serve the newly appointed top scholar, and they would return to the palace to report back in two days.

Jiang Xingzhou was pondering where to recruit servants and maids for tomorrow when he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves approaching outside the Zhuangyuan Mansion.

Looking up, they saw Han Yugui arriving in his carriage, followed by his personal maid, Qingfei.

"Brother Jiang! I apologize for disturbing you so late at night!"

Han Yugui cupped his hands and smiled, his eyes still showing the effects of the Qionglin Banquet.

Jiang Xingzhou laughed heartily: "Brother Han, are you still in high spirits and want to drink with me all night long?"

As she spoke, she raised her hand and invited him into the mansion. The two walked side by side into the hall.

"No, no, no!"

Han Yugui waved his hand and smiled, his eyebrows still showing a hint of drunkenness. "I drank all night at the Qionglin Banquet. If I drink any more, I'm afraid I'll mess things up."

His gaze swept over the empty mansion of the top scholar, and he suddenly said seriously, "Brother Jiang has just received the imperial bestowal of the top scholar's mansion. Such a large residence should have a caring person to take care of it."

As he spoke, he gently pushed Qingfei forward from behind him. "You recognize this girl. We captured her together during the trial! She's a spirit demon brought from Jiangyin. She's been raised in the manor since she was a child, so I know her inside and out."

With such a knowledgeable maid managing the household, one can rest assured.

If Brother Jiang doesn't mind, I'll give her to you.

He turned to ask, "Qingfei, are you willing to serve Brother Jiang wholeheartedly?"

Qingfei lowered her head, her ear tips slightly red, and said softly, "This servant is naturally more than willing to serve Young Master Jiang."

"This"

Jiang Xingzhou was taken aback.

This is clearly Han Yugui's personal spirit servant; how could he give it away so easily?

But then I thought about it again, and it was common for scions of noble families to exchange maids.

He and Han Yugui were not only classmates and close friends, but also like brothers, and would become natural allies in the court in the future.

This move must have been planned by Han Yugui beforehand, which is why he brought Qingfei here late at night.

Refusing now would seem like creating distance.

"Brother Han."

Before Jiang Xingzhou could say anything, Han Yugui turned around laughing and said, "It's settled then!"

He strode away, his clothes fluttering as he boarded the carriage.

Only Qingfei remained standing quietly before the steps, her red lips slightly pursed, the moonlight casting a hazy glow upon her, her skin as white as jade.

Jiang Xingzhou's gaze narrowed slightly as he carefully examined Qing Fei before him, and he couldn't help but sigh softly.

Although Qingfei had been Han Yugui's maid for a long time, it was obvious at a glance that she was a virgin.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her brows and eyes showed a hint of naivety, yet her cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds—this was precisely Huai Ling's unique path of cultivation.

As long as she doesn't lose her virginity, her cultivation speed can be maintained for a long time.

Qingfei's cultivation level is now almost equivalent to that of a demon general, which is quite astonishing.

But once she loses her virginity, her skin will transform from snow-white, pure and innocent to as beautiful as a peach blossom, white with a rosy hue, breathtakingly gorgeous.

Even the methods of cultivation will be completely different.

At that time, she will hardly make any progress through her own cultivation and will have to rely on the essence and talent of literary cultivators to nourish herself.

It's no wonder that there are always rumors among the people about the locust tree maiden sucking out menstrual blood; this is the root of the story.

Her complexion makes it easy to see that she remains perfectly virgin to this day.

"No wonder he's the grandson of the former Vice Minister of Revenue; he thinks long-term!"

Jiang Xingzhou thought to himself, "Han Yugui keeps such a spirit servant but doesn't touch him, clearly keeping him for social interactions."

(End of this chapter)