Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 286 Tit for tat
On the morning of the eighth day of the first month of the second year of Jiayou, a thin mist, like gauze, lingered around the rows of rooftops and the bare willow branches, shrouding the magnificent imperial capital in a hazy chill.

The vermilion gates of Ma Jiliang Garden were wide open, and this garden, renowned for its exquisite elegance, exuded an unusual solemnity today.

Lu Beigu was still wrapped in his warm blue squirrel fur cloak, walking side by side with Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe, father and sons.

Although Su Shi's complexion was much better than yesterday, and the sickly pallor had faded, he was still somewhat weak as he walked, but he forced himself to suppress it with a strong fighting spirit.

"Zizhan, how are you feeling? If you're really not feeling well, don't force yourself," Su Xun asked in a low voice, his brows furrowed with worry.

This competition was a matter of cultural and educational prestige in Sichuan, but the son's health was equally important.

"Father, rest assured!" Su Shi said. "How can we let that brat Lin Xi really think that there is no one in Shu? Besides, with Brother Lu in charge, this battle will surely enhance the prestige of the people of Shu!"

Su Zhe looked around the garden in front of him and asked curiously.

"Although it's early spring, is there any reason why this place has such a unique scenery?"

"Have."

Lu Beigu did know this, because the coachman of the Imperial Academy was an "expert in Tokyo," since Ma Jiliang Garden was not far from the Imperial Academy, and he had mentioned it to him casually once.

Lu Beigu explained, "Ma Jiliang was the son of Ma Baoji, the elder brother of Empress Dowager Liu. He held the positions of Academician of the Longtu Pavilion and Assistant Judge of the Court of Judicial Review, and was very prominent at the time. His garden was also a scenic spot in Kaifeng. However, twenty years ago, with the decline of the Ma family, the garden changed hands several times. The current owner is not short of money and likes to make friends with scholars, so it has become a popular place for literary gatherings among scholars in the city."

"I see."

Su Zhe nodded.

Inside Ma Jiliang Garden, the waterside pavilion had already been fully furnished. The interior was spacious and bright, with several neatly arranged desks, complete with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Outside the pavilion, along the waterside corridor and beside the artificial rockery, many scholars had already gathered.

The candidates from Sichuan and those from Fujian were clearly divided into two groups.

Most of the scholars from Sichuan looked worried, talking in hushed tones, their eyes frequently glancing anxiously toward the entrance.

Lu Beigu was quite surprised to see so many fellow villagers cheering them on. As he got a little closer, his eyesight was good, and he could even see several people he recognized, such as Cui Wenjing, Cheng Jianyong, and Yang Yaozi.

But it makes sense when you think about it.

With only a few days left until the provincial examination of the Ministry of Rites, there's no point in cramming at the last minute.

Therefore, for these scholars from Sichuan, it was better to come out and watch the masters clash than to stay cooped up in their temporary residences. This would relieve their tension and allow them to learn from the masters.

Although they were fewer in number, they shared a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

Compared to the solemnity of the people from Sichuan, the scholars from Fujian appeared numerous and imposing, with an air of natural superiority about them.

They gathered in small groups or leaned against railings, gazing into the distance. Their laughter and chatter were casual yet loud, and their gazes swept over the people of Shu with undisguised disdain.

Among the group of scholars from Fujian, Lu Beigu also spotted a familiar figure: Lü Huiqing.

The Fujian scholar who had once traveled to the capital with him did not come forward to greet him. Instead, he stood at a distance among the group of Fujian scholars, his gaze meeting Lu Beigu's briefly before looking away. He then lowered his head to talk to others, as if they were complete strangers.

The candidates from Fujian were also discussing it extensively.

"Hmph, Lu Beigu may have a great reputation, but who knows if it's all just empty talk? Today, facing Lin Xi and the Zhang family uncle and nephew, we'll teach him a lesson he won't forget!"

“Zhang Heng is calm and erudite, Zhang Dun is sharp and incisive, and Lin Xiwen is eloquent. If these three join forces, how can Shu possibly win? Su Xun is older and his writing is mature, but his sons and that Lu-surname scholar are ultimately lacking in experience.”

How do you say that?

"I'm not targeting anyone in particular, but I mean, everyone here is trash."

The reason these people were so arrogant was that in this era, Fujian was not only better than Sichuan in the imperial examinations, but better than all other provinces in the country, and even ahead of the competition!
How strong is it?
Throughout the Northern Song Dynasty, Fujian Circuit was the only circuit with a total number of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) exceeding three thousand. The second was Liangzhe Circuit with over two thousand people, while Jiangnan West Circuit and Jiangnan East Circuit tied for third place with just over one thousand people each.

As for Sichuan, the four provinces combined only produced a little over 1,500 Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), less than half the number from Fujian province.

If we break down the four routes of Sichuan and count the number of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) on a single route, then the number would only be a fraction of that of Fujian route.

The number of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) is undoubtedly the best indicator of the level of education and culture. Therefore, Lin Xi's statement was objectively correct; it was just that it was subjectively difficult for the people of Shu to accept. Who, when away from home, could accept being told that their hometown was inferior?

They were all hot-blooded young men, and they certainly couldn't stand it, which is why this contest took place.

What surprised Lu Beigu even more was that when the scholars from Shu saw him, they felt as if they had seen their pillar of support.

"It's Lu Beigu from Luzhou!"

"I heard that he recently represented the Imperial Academy in a contest against Liu Ji of the Imperial University and won in a head-on confrontation!"

The scholars from Sichuan gathered around, bowing and greeting him, their eyes filled with hope.

Lu Beigu returned the greetings one by one, his expression becoming somewhat solemn.

Because he could clearly feel the weight in those hopeful eyes, which was the hope that the scholars of Sichuan placed in the "dignity of culture and education"!

As a native of Shu, he had to give it his all in this contest.

Otherwise, Lu Beigu wouldn't be able to get over this mental hurdle.

After a short while, the three candidates from Fujian who were going to compete today finally appeared.

The leader was about thirty years old, with a lean face and a steady gait, exuding an air of profound composure.

This man was Zhang Heng. His appearance immediately drew whispers from the scholars of Fujian.

Following closely behind was the young Zhang Dun, who looked to be no more than twenty years old. His eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he looked around, and he was like a sword drawn from its sheath.

The last person, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, was the instigator of this dispute, Lin Xi from Fuqing, one of the top contenders for the top score.

He walked with a light step, smiling and nodding to the Fujian scholars he knew, his confidence as if victory was assured.

Upon arriving at the waterside pavilion, both sides stood still.

"This must be Lu Beigu from Luzhou, who has recently risen to fame?"

Lin Xi cupped his hands in greeting, his words carrying a hint of provocation.

Lu Beigu calmly returned the gaze, cupped his hands, and said, "I dare not accept such praise; it is indeed I, Lu."

"I have long admired your talent. Your essay 'On Zhongda' has astonished the capital and even surpassed Liu Ji. You are truly a leading talent in Sichuan. It is a great pleasure to compete with you today!"

Lin Xi abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming sharp: "I just wonder if the cultural and educational foundation of Sichuan rests entirely on Brother Lu's shoulders?"

Upon hearing this, a murmur of discontent arose among the scholars from Sichuan.

These words clearly implied that, apart from Lu Beigu, everyone else in Shu was insignificant, further pushing Lu Beigu into the spotlight.

Su Zhe frowned, and a flash of anger appeared in Su Shi's eyes. Just as he was about to speak, Lu Beigu gently stopped him with a raised hand.

Lu Beigu still wore that gentle smile on his face, and met Lin Xi's piercing gaze, speaking loudly.

"The literary tradition of Sichuan has a long and rich history. Sima Xiangru, Yang Xiong, and Chen Zi'ang are all descendants of it. I, Lu, am but a humble student, my light like a firefly, how dare I compete with the bright moon? Moreover, today's discussion is not for Lu alone, but for my fellow scholars in Sichuan, to exchange ideas on scholarship with you all! As for the depth of our knowledge, we will know after reading the texts. Why rush to make a quick and easy argument?"

Lu Beigu's sharp retort was brilliant. It not only elevated the cultural heritage of Sichuan but also cleverly diverted Lin Xi's sharp edge, while subtly mocking the other party's frivolous words.

Upon hearing this, the scholars from Sichuan were immediately invigorated.

Lin Xi looked somewhat displeased, and he was about to say something to retort.

However, Zhang Heng, the oldest person on the other side, was unwilling to continue the verbal argument. He reached out and pulled Lin Xi aside, saying only...

"Excellent eloquence! However, words are useless; let's see what's in writing later!"

Lin Xi gave Lu Beigu a deep look, then turned and returned to her own position.

(End of this chapter)