Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 292 Brother Lu's talent is unparalleled in this era

After reading Lu Beigu's "On the Utmost Importance of Benevolent Punishment and Reward," Su Zhe breathed a long sigh of relief, and his tense nerves finally relaxed.

"If it weren't for Brother Lu's support, the people of Shu would probably have lost face today," Su Zhe thought to himself.

"Brother Lu's words are truly like a resounding bell, awakening the deaf and enlightening the mind! Exhilarating! Absolutely exhilarating!"

Su Shi clapped his hands and laughed. Although he was slightly disappointed that his article was downgraded from the top rank due to the compilation of the classics, the joy of victory overwhelmed everything at this moment.

In stark contrast to the two Su brothers, the three men from Fujian remained unbelievably silent.

Lin Xi's face turned from pale to ashen, his lips pressed into a stiff line, and he stared intently at Lu Beigu with a complex expression.

He was confident in his sharp wit and never imagined that he would be so thoroughly outshone by a peer from Sichuan in the very dispute he had instigated.

Previously, Lu Beigu's essay "On Zhongda" had made him famous in Tokyo, but he thought it was just luck. However, after personally witnessing his brilliance today, he realized that beneath the great reputation lay an extraordinary talent.

Zhang Dun's reaction was the most intense.

"Scholar Han! I dare to say that I do not believe this article should be rated higher than Zi Ping's!"

Zhang Dun stepped forward abruptly, his young face filled with dissatisfaction, and said to Han Jiang, "Ziping's article is pure in its intent, well-researched in its citations, and its meticulous argumentation is exemplary. While this article is remarkable, its claims of 'strengthening the vital energy' and 'making the people aware of shame' are rather vague, and its criticism of punishment and reward as 'treating the body but not the heart' seems to subvert the principles of governance! I am foolish and humbly request that the scholar clearly judge which is superior!"

His questioning actually represents the sentiments of a considerable number of more traditional scholars.

Zhang Heng's articles were the pinnacle they were familiar with and admired, the ultimate expression of the "right path".

Lu Beigu, on the other hand, seemed like an alien who had intruded into this familiar territory—powerful, yet unsettling.

People's attention once again focused on Han Jiang.

Han Jiang remained calm and was not angered by Zhang Dun's questioning.

He stroked his short beard, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Dun before finally settling on Zhang Heng, and slowly began to speak.

"I would rate Zhang Heng's essay as 'Lower Grade A,' which is already a very high honor. His essay has a righteous theme, a solid foundation, detailed citations, and thorough argumentation. It deeply understands the essence of the classics and is composed and refined in style. It is indeed a model of a magnificent essay for examinations."

He first affirmed the value of Zhang Heng's article, which reassured the scholars in Fujian.

But then, he changed the subject, pointing to Lu Beigu's article on the wall and saying, "Lu Beigu's article, with its unique conception, sharp thinking, and broad scope, has transcended the usual examination-oriented approach and directly addresses the fundamental problems of governance. Its opening question, 'The more elaborate the punishments and rewards, the more corrupt the social morality becomes,' is like a thunderclap, deafening and piercing the chronic problems of governance throughout history. Its analogy of 'using acupuncture instead of medicine' to describe the limitations of punishments and rewards is profound and unprecedented."

Han Jiang paused, a hint of barely perceptible admiration in his eyes, and continued.

"His argument on 'knowing the law but not the essence' traces back to the errors of Shang Yang's Qin law, and is incisive and penetrating. It is not just a critique, but also reveals the constraints of governance thinking. His definition of the true meaning of 'loyalty and kindness' lies in 'moderate governance,' not in the debate of leniency or severity, but in grasping the subtle balance between 'essence' and 'means,' which is even more difficult. This article has unprecedentedly elevated 'the dignity of the people' and 'the cultivation of a sense of shame' to the core of the spirit of 'loyalty and kindness.'"

Han Jiang concluded by saying, "Zhang Heng's writing represents the pinnacle of 'technique,' while Lu Beigu's writing is like a skilled doctor dissecting a disease, directly addressing the root cause and prescribing a remedy to strengthen the foundation. It is truly a new chapter in 'the Way,' which is why I have rated it as 'top-tier.'"

In this commentary, Han Jiang has already fully explained the reasons for his rating.

Zhang Dun wanted to say something, but Zhang Heng stopped him.

Seeing Zhang Dun's unconvinced expression, Han Jiang didn't say anything. To be honest, Han Jiang had a really good temper. With his background as the son of a prime minister and his current prestigious position as a drafter of imperial edicts, there was no need for him to patiently answer questions from ordinary candidates.

"Scholar Han's judgment is wise, and I am convinced."

Zhang Heng listened in silence. He bowed deeply to Han Jiang, then turned to Lu Beigu, his voice sincere: "This article has a unique and striking concept, and its reasoning is as sharp as a blade cutting through the air. Although I consider my own writing to be well-crafted, compared to this, it is like the bright moon compared to the rising sun. Though its light is clear and bright, it is ultimately inferior to the dazzling brilliance of the dawn. You truly deserve to be called Lu Beigu, who is renowned throughout Tokyo. I, Zhang Heng, am in awe!" His words came from the bottom of his heart, without any pretense, fully demonstrating his demeanor.

Zhang Dun opened his mouth, looking at Zhang Heng's convinced expression, and then savoring Han Jiang's insightful comments. The sharpness in his heart finally turned into a complex sigh.

Lin Xi's expression shifted constantly. Han Jiang's evaluation and Zhang Heng's admission of defeat were like two heavy hammer blows to his heart.

He was arrogant and looked down on the culture and education of Sichuan, but today he was defeated by the other party in the most direct way.

Then, Lin Xi abruptly flicked his sleeves, turned around without a word, pushed through the crowd, and strode away without looking back, his back view revealing an undisguised dishevelment and resentment.

Seeing this, Su Shi laughed heartily and said loudly, "Brother Lin, take care! I have benefited greatly from today's exchange. Let's compete again when we pass the imperial examination!"

Su Shi's words, seemingly a farewell, actually carried a hint of teasing and the triumphant joy of the people of Shu.

Lin Xi's figure paused almost imperceptibly for a moment before disappearing from sight.

After Lin Xi left, many of the Fujian candidates looked embarrassed and quietly followed him away, creating an awkward atmosphere in the room.

Inside the pavilion, Lu Beigu returned the greeting to Zhang Heng and Zhang Dun with a calm expression and no arrogance: "Brother Zhang, you flatter me. Your writing is like a surging river, vast and powerful, a pillar of the righteous path. I have also benefited greatly from it. Today's discussion has its merits, and it is truly fortunate to have received such high praise from Scholar Han."

His words not only gave Zhang Heng a way out, but also showed his composure in victory.

Han Jiang looked at Lu Beigu's appropriate response, nodded slightly, and a look of approval flashed in her eyes.

"The written test is over, the winner has been decided, let's end today's meeting here."

After saying this, he slowly left, surrounded by his entourage.

As soon as Han Jiang left, the atmosphere inside and outside the pavilion immediately became much more relaxed.

The scholars from Sichuan could no longer contain themselves and rushed forward, surrounding Lu Beigu, Su Shi, and Su Zhe, expressing their congratulations and admiration in a flurry of voices.

"How magnificent are the heroes of Sichuan!"

"Brother Lu is a man of exceptional talent, unparalleled in this era!"

"Brother Lu! Today you have truly brought glory to our Shu region!"

"Brother Su, you fought despite being unwell, yet your literary talent remains outstanding, if not for that particular allusion..."

"Ziyou was also extremely steady and deserves much credit!"

"We must celebrate properly tonight!"

The frustration of being hurt by Lin Xi's words was now transformed into a surge of pride and triumph in the hearts of these scholars from Sichuan.

They all looked at Lu Beigu as a hero!
Meanwhile, among the group of scholars from Fujian standing nearby, the sense of superiority on many faces had long since solidified.

Amid the commotion, Lu Beigu's gaze pierced through the crowd, catching sight of Lü Huiqing quietly turning around and disappearing at the end of the corridor. From beginning to end, she had not exchanged a single word with him.

Lu Beigu withdrew his gaze, looking at his fellow Sichuanese who were cheering and jumping for joy beside him. Feeling the warmth from the green fur cloak on his body, he felt both a sense of relief after victory and a sense of solemnity in the face of the unknown road ahead.

He knew that the vortex of Tokyo had deeply engulfed him, but from this day forward, the name "Lu Beigu" and his essay "On the Utmost Importance of Punishment and Reward" would also become famous far and wide!
(End of this chapter)