Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 151 The Contest with Su Xun
Upon hearing this, Li Xueguan couldn't help but sigh.

"What is the 'insight' in historical commentary? It is not about piling up allusions or making empty pronouncements, but about extracting the universal laws from a vast amount of historical facts and pointing directly to the core of the problem. What is the 'logic' in historical commentary? It is not about simply listing things, but about advancing historical facts and viewpoints layer by layer, with each link connected to the next."

He then used Su Xun's framework as a basis, combined with the views of other students, to deeply analyze various angles for addressing the "money shortage" topic, the selection of arguments, and how to avoid empty talk and make his points substantial and well-founded.

As Lu Beigu listened, he compared his own thoughts with those of his previous reflections and felt that he had gained a great deal.

He could feel Su Xun's gaze falling on him several times.

After finishing their policy discussion class in the afternoon, they still ate in the study. Dinner was not much different from lunch, except that the steamed buns were replaced with wheat rice and the water was replaced with clear soup.

After they finished eating, even though the sun was already setting in the west, they were not allowed to go back to rest.

Instead, the teaching assistant brought a candlestick.

As the last rays of dawn were swallowed by the mountains, the study was completely illuminated by the flickering candlelight.
The third instructor walked in with a composed gait.

This is a gentleman who is completely different from Zhao Yuanlang's composure and Li Xueguan's competence.

He was around fifty years old, with a thin face and a slightly slender figure. He was wearing a worn-out dark scholar's robe and holding a manuscript in his hand.

The teaching assistant introduced, "This is Mr. Wang Jingzhi from Meizhou Prefectural School. He is proficient in poetry and prose, and is especially skilled in examination essays."

"Mr. Wang."

Everyone quickly stood up and saluted.

"Please be seated, students."

Wang Jingzhi nodded slightly, his voice clear and melodious, with a rhythmic quality like chanting: "Although the poetry and prose in the state examinations are often criticized as 'trivial skills,' they are a comprehensive test of talent, meter, diction, and theme, and are also an important yardstick for examiners to measure the scholar's learning and foundation. Today, I intend to talk about the 'relevance' and 'originality' of examination poetry and prose."

He didn't immediately present the question, but instead looked around first, his gaze lingering briefly on Su Xun. Despite their different statuses, he still showed a hint of respect for this peer.

As an official in charge of education in Meizhou, Wang Jingzhi obviously knew Su Xun, after all, Su Xun had probably spent more time in the Meizhou academy than Wang Jingzhi.

Su Xun took the exam for twenty-two consecutive years, failing each time but never giving up. Wang Jingzhi admired his perseverance.

Afterwards, Wang Jingzhi asked the teaching assistant to distribute the questions.

His gaze swept over the young faces of Lu Beigu and others, and he slowly said, "The essence of poetry lies in 'relevance to the topic.' If the theme is unclear, it is like a boat sailing without a rudder; even with splendid words, it will become superficial. However, merely being relevant to the topic can easily lead to mediocrity and fall into the trap of the 'Xikun style.' Therefore, only by finding a glimmer of innovation within the ironclad rule of 'relevance to the topic' can one truly demonstrate exceptional talent."

Lu Beigu noticed that Su Xun's reaction was somewhat subtle.

This literary giant, known for his eloquent historical arguments, frowned almost imperceptibly when he heard the words "poetry and prose," but quickly regained his composure.

He didn't pick up a pen to conceive ideas as he had in the afternoon. He just sat there, his gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight, seemingly lost in thought, yet also carrying a hint of detachment that was hard to detect.

Next, Su Xun did not have the same amazing performance as he had in the historical discussion that afternoon. His poems and essays were not bad, but they were not particularly good either. It seemed that his literary skills were not focused on poetry and essays at all.

This performance also explains why Su Xun failed the imperial examination for twenty-two years.

Because he is not omnipotent.

In the imperial examinations, one's "weaknesses" were always considered. Theoretically speaking, to pass the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi, one had to have no obvious weaknesses and be strong in all subjects.

If you only have one "strength board" that is exceptionally long, while the others are below average, then even the longest "strength board" is useless.

Mr. Wang Jingzhi's level is also quite good. Perhaps he can't compare with a master poet like Zhao Bian, but he's more than capable of teaching these students from the prefecture.

Especially in the area of ​​poetry for examinations, they were taught many practical skills.

After a day of classes, Lu Beigu felt he had gained a lot. Even after Wang Jingzhi's poetry class ended, when it was completely dark, they were still not allowed to go to sleep.

The teaching assistant brought in a stack of exam papers.

Clearly, this is today's elimination exam.

The exam paper consisted of only one sheet of paper with a few questions: three questions on the meaning of ink, one question on poetry, and one question on a classic text with a word limit.

"Three incense sticks' time is allotted. Please answer."

The teaching assistant lit incense, and the pressure and fragrance hit us together.

Everyone silently finished the exam. The teaching assistant collected the papers to grade and rank the students, deciding who would be eliminated that day.

The study was brightly lit.

In the silence, Su Xun stood up.

"My name is Su Xun."

Su Xun cupped his hands in greeting, his voice carrying a Sichuan accent, yet possessing a clear and melodious quality.

Lu Beigu stood up and returned the greeting: "I have long admired your name. I am Lu Beigu."

Su Xun's gaze fell on Lu Beigu, and he got straight to the point: "Minister Zhang has praised you highly, and I have also read your work 'On the Six States,' so I also have some humble opinions that I would like to discuss with you."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's attention turned to the two of them.

Su Xun was already quite famous in Shu, and since the joint examination of the four prefectures was held, he had almost never missed one. Therefore, many senior students knew Su Xun.

Su Xun, who was famous throughout Sichuan, actually took the initiative to ask a freshman for advice.
A surge of intense excitement welled up in Lu Beigu's heart.

To be able to discuss philosophy face-to-face with a literary giant like Su Xun is a rare opportunity.

Under the lamplight, Su Xunqing's thin face showed a focused expression. He asked Su Zhe to take out a manuscript from his pouch and handed it to Lu Beigu.

"This is a collection of political essays I wrote, titled 'Heng Lun,' which consists of ten essays."

The articles were not long, and Lu Beigu read them carefully. The "Heng Lun" focused on strategies for governing the country and systematically expounded on his views on politics, military affairs, personnel management, and social systems.

Su Xun's views are sharp and highly critical. Although he did not say it explicitly, we can already see the prototype of his ideas in his later works, such as "Quan Shu" and "Ji Ce".

After reading it, Lu Beigu, combining his knowledge of the historical context and his understanding of the social economy of the Song Dynasty, cautiously responded with some views that focused more on specific feasibility.

Through this conversation, Su Xun had roughly confirmed that the young man in front of him was by no means undeserving of his reputation. His quick wit and profound insights far surpassed those of ordinary students in the prefecture, and were even comparable to some famous scholars.

His feeling of "meeting a worthy opponent" grew even stronger.

“I also wrote an essay called ‘On the Six States’ before.” Su Xun changed the subject. “After reading your essay, I realized that although our styles and ideas are different, we both have our merits.”

At this point, he asked Su Zhe to take out another separate article from his bag.

This time, he didn't hand it directly to Lu Beigu, but placed it on the table, looking intently at Lu Beigu with an almost provocative air.

"I have recently written another historical essay entitled 'On Xiang Ji,' which focuses on the defeat and death of Xiang Yu. This essay has not yet been shown to anyone."

Su Xun paused, a hint of anticipation in his voice: "Would you be willing to write one as well? I'd love to see what earth-shattering insights you have on the downfall of heroes throughout history!"

(End of this chapter)