Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 163 A Big White Wine
The entire process for state trials is standardized.

The nationwide examination in the Song Dynasty was held on August 15th and lasted for three days. Grading began on August 18th and required "two transcriptions and three gradings." This meant that after the initial transcription, the papers had to be transcribed a second time to prevent collusion. At the same time, a system of three people grading the same question and giving a comprehensive score was implemented to prevent any overlooked gems.

While the "two-copying and three-judging" process ensures fairness and impartiality, it takes more time than the usual grading process. Therefore, the grading is usually completed by August 28th, and the scoring, ranking, and review begin on August 29th, with the official results released on September 1st.

Meanwhile, the prefectural and county governments were responsible for verifying the authenticity of the "application documents and family statements" submitted by candidates who went to Beijing to take the provincial examinations of the Ministry of Rites. The documents were then jointly signed by the prefectural and county officials, as well as the candidates' neighbors, as a guarantee.

This entire process can be completed by early September, giving candidates nearly two months to travel and arrive in the capital before October 25th to submit their application and family petition to the Ministry of Rites.

After the Ministry of Rites confirmed the candidates' eligibility to participate in the examination, the examination would not be held immediately. Instead, the provincial examination would not take place until after the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the following year.

Therefore, if Lu Beigu obtains a quota in this state examination, he will actually have a full six months from August 18th of this year to January 15th of next year to improve his abilities.

However, judging from the current rate of progress, even he himself cannot be sure how terrifying his progress will be in six months. After all, he has only been in the world for six months and has already gone from being at the bottom of the county school to being at the top of the state school.

On the way back to the state academy, which wasn't too far away, Lu Beigu was lost in thought about these future things.

Back at the state school, he first went to his single room to get a change of dry clothes, and then took a nice, hot bath in the public bathhouse.

Just as Lu Beigu was considering whether to eat at the canteen or somewhere else, someone suddenly patted him on the shoulder from behind.

"Let's go! We must have a good drink today!"

Han Ziyu's voice carried a kind of excitement of "surviving a disaster". He grabbed Lu Beigu's shoulder with such force that he almost knocked him over.

"Those three days in the examination hall were truly exhausting! The smell, tsk, I'll probably never forget it for the rest of my life!"

At this moment, Cui Wenjing also came out of the bathhouse. He rolled up the cuffs of his newly changed dark blue school uniform. Although he could not hide his fatigue, he seemed very interested in Han Ziyu's suggestion.

"Let's invite a few more classmates to go together."

After waiting for a short while at the entrance of the upper dormitory, everyone was quickly gathered.

Zhou Mingyuan's face was still a little pale. He said, "This year's provincial examination is even more difficult than three years ago. That 'Discourse on the Currency of Yelang' is really baffling."

"But after these three days, my stomach is really bland, and I'm craving something nice. All I want is to find a quiet place to have a good hot meal," another student from the upper dormitory said.

"Exactly that."

"The provincial examination is over. We have done our best. The rest is up to fate and the examiners. Now is the time to reward ourselves and get rid of this 'examination hall air'."

As Lu Beigu listened to their conversation, he stretched his still somewhat stiff neck and felt the warmth of the sunlight on his face, which completely relaxed his tense nerves.

"Let's go, it's on me."

Han Ziyu said, "The new dishes 'Three Rivers Fish Slices' and 'Well Salt Roasted Pork' at the Linjianglou restaurant in my home are exquisite, and the placement of them is also elegant."

No one had any objections.

The Han family of Luchuan, being local tycoons, owns numerous businesses, including restaurants. Linjianglou is one of the top restaurants in Luchuan, built along the river with a wide view and high prices.

As the group walked through the bustling streets, the strong examination atmosphere on them was quickly washed away by the lively atmosphere of the marketplace. The aromas wafting from the street food stalls, the cries of vendors, and the laughter of children sounded like sounds from another world.

It is estimated that the arrangements were made before Han Ziyu entered the examination room, so the private room by the window on the second floor of Linjiang Tower was already prepared.

Pushing open the carved wooden door, a delicate sandalwood scent mingled with the river breeze blowing in from the window, instantly invigorating the spirit.

Outside the window, the mighty river flowed swiftly, boats came and went, and distant mountains appeared like dark eyebrows, presenting a sparse and open autumn scene, a stark contrast to the cramped and oppressive space of the examination hall for those three days. The waiter was quick and efficient, and soon set out the cups, plates, bowls, and chopsticks, along with several delicate appetizers and a warm bottle of "Fengqu Fajiu" liquor.

The wine still has a rich aroma, with a touch of the unique sweetness of Sichuan wines.

"Come, fellow students, let's drink this cup to the brim!"

Han Ziyu was the one treating, and he raised his glass first: "Congratulations to us for finally getting through this state examination! No matter the result, being able to persevere to this point makes us outstanding among our peers."

"Brother Han is absolutely right!"

"It's so clear!"

Cui Wenjing, Zhou Mingyuan, and others raised their glasses in response.

Lu Beigu felt the cool liquor slide down his throat, and a warm feeling rose from his chest and abdomen. The fatigue of the past few days seemed to be dispelled by this drink.

"The aroma of this wine is still mellow, with a touch of the unique sweetness of Sichuan wines," he thought to himself.

The atmosphere immediately became lively after setting down the wine glass.

Their conversation naturally revolved around the state exam that had just ended.

“That ‘On the Currency of Yelang’!” Zhou Mingyuan’s face still showed lingering fear, and his voice rose a few decibels. “Brother Lu, Brother Cui, Brother Han, you didn’t see it. When the papers were handed out, I saw this question, and my mind went blank. I almost thought I was seeing things! Yelang? And currency? How can this be discussed? It’s absolutely incredible!”

Even Cui Wenjing shook his head: "Who says otherwise! I racked my brains and only vaguely remembered that the 'Chronicles of Huayang' mentioned that Yelang had cinnabar and lacquerware, but how could those fragments support a historical treatise? At that time, I really wished I could pluck all my hair out!"

He was already middle-aged and his hair was thinning, so he made a gesture of pulling his hair, which made everyone burst into laughter.

Afterwards, they talked about current affairs, which was an essential part of the post-exam "answer checking" session.

Everyone briefly explained their thought process for answering the question, and although Lu Beigu didn't go into much detail, everyone could tell from his few words that his strategic approach to answering the question was quite precise.

A knowing glint flashed in Cui Wenjing's eyes.

Having participated in numerous state examinations, he was well aware of the significance of the final five policy questions and knew that Lu Beigu's answers were already at an extremely high level.

"Your five strategies are incisive and hit the nail on the head, unlike those of ordinary candidates. If the examiners have discerning eyes, you will probably pass the provincial examination on your first attempt this year."

Cui Wenjing's words sounded like flattery, but considering the previous rankings, they weren't exaggerated or offensive. On the contrary, they were quite conservative, since he only mentioned the possibility of passing the imperial examination, not the chance of passing the provincial examination.

But before the results are in, even if Lu Beigu is very confident, he cannot openly agree.

"Thank you for your kind words, President Cui."

Lu Beigu picked up his wine glass. The Fengqu liquor in the glass was clear and bright, reflecting the clear autumn sky outside the window.

"It is a great honor to be able to drink with you all today and take the provincial examination together. As for the result, it depends on how the examiners decide."

Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

Then came another round of toasts and drinks. Having been suppressed for too long by the state examination, they finally had a chance to relax. They drank until dusk before they helped each other back to the state school to rest.

(End of this chapter)