Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 323 Factionalism and Suppression of Dissidents
The next morning, before dawn.

Inside the mansion, Ouyang Xiu, who hadn't slept well all night, felt as if he had just closed his eyes when it was time to attend the morning court session.

The old servant who woke him brought him hot water and a towel to wipe his face, but his expression was very strange.

"What's the matter?"

Ouyang Xiu, still half asleep, straightened his clothes and frowned when he noticed the old servant's unusual expression.

The old servant's face was as white as frost, and his lips trembled. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a voice: "Last night, I don't know when, the walls around the mansion were covered with a lot of paper, some of which were thrown in directly from outside the wall. I had people clean it up before dawn, but the paste on the walls is not dry yet, so it is difficult to remove it all in a short time."

Ouyang Xiu paused.

"What's written? Let me see it."

"His words were extremely vicious and quite offensive."

"Bring it here."

The old servant had no choice but to go outside the wall and tear off a sheet for him.

Ouyang Xiu took the paper and frowned instantly upon seeing the title on it.

It was clearly written on it.

——"Sacrifice to Ouyang Xiuwen".

He had long known that this dismissal of the Imperial Academy style of calligraphy would bring a storm of retribution, but he never expected the retaliation to come so quickly and so despicably.

After calming his anger, Ouyang Xiu said calmly, "It's nothing more than a failed candidate venting his anger. Even if we report it to the Kaifeng Prefecture, they won't be able to catch him. Let them do what they want. Just clean things up and don't disturb the women in the family."

"But," the old servant said, growing increasingly anxious, "I'm afraid you might be on your way to court..."

"Humph."

Ouyang Xiu snorted coldly, wiped his face, straightened his sleeves, and regained his usual composure.

"Demons and monsters are not worth mentioning."

However, Ouyang Xiu's composure was shattered not long after he left the residence.

His carriage had barely turned onto the Imperial Street when he was recognized.

Dozens of students who had failed the imperial examinations were already waiting here. They were dressed in traditional robes, but they did not have their usual refined demeanor.

"It's that old scoundrel Ouyang's carriage!"

"Jealousy and jealousy of the talented! Blocking the path for the virtuous!"

"You have rejected us; your despicable deeds are unforgivable by heaven and earth!"

"Get out here and explain yourself! Why are you expelling all the imperial students!"

Foul language, like flies and mosquitoes emerging from a stinking ditch, suddenly exploded and swarmed in.

They not only hurled insults, but some even threw rotten vegetable leaves and rotten eggs that they had prepared beforehand at the carriage.

"Snapped!"

A rotten egg hit the carriage, and yellow and white sap slowly dripped down the window frame.

The carriage was forced to stop, the doors were tightly shut, and Ouyang Xiu sat inside.

He could clearly hear the muffled thuds of debris hitting the carriage, and the venomous curses. His hands, resting on his knees, clenched slightly, his knuckles turning white, but his back remained ramrod straight.

Hearing these voices, Ouyang Xiu was not without emotion.

Even the most hard-hearted person would be shaken by such insults.

But he knew even more deeply that what he was doing was not out of personal motives to eliminate literary abuses and promote ancient traditions, but to select talents for the country and to rectify the literary world! His heart and his will were as clear as the sun and moon, and could not be shaken by mere slander.
Has the moral climate of scholars become so extreme that these supposedly learned individuals have resorted to such vulgar and unscrupulous behavior?

Outside the carriage, the noise grew even louder.

Several street patrol officers on the Imperial Street rushed forward upon seeing this, attempting to disperse them.

However, this group of failed imperial examination students, being numerous and self-assured as scholars, assumed that the patrol officers would not dare to use truly severe measures against them. Instead, they pushed and shoved the patrol officers, pressing them step by step.

The patrol officers, fearing to harm the innocent, could only manage to hold their ground, resulting in a chaotic scene that was impossible to effectively stop.

Curses, insults, shoving, and the shouts of the patrolmen mingled together, shattering the solemnity of the imperial street in the early morning.

Ouyang Xiu couldn't go out, so he had to stay in the carriage.

Fortunately, the soldiers on patrol arrived shortly afterward, and the troublemaking students scattered.

Because he got up a little late and was delayed on the way, by the time Ouyang Xiu got off the carriage outside Xuande Gate and walked through Duanli Gate to the Waiting-for-the-Dawn Courtyard where officials waited for the morning court, the third watch drum had already sounded in Wende Hall, reminding the court officials that it was time to line up for court.

Ouyang Xiu took a deep breath of the crisp, cool air, forcibly suppressing the unease he had felt on the way, found his place in the queue, and followed the other officials through the Wende Gate into the Wende Hall.

Inside the Wende Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly in order.

The fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the air, yet it couldn't suppress the tense atmosphere that was simmering beneath the surface.

Many gazes, both overt and covert, were cast upon Ouyang Xiu, some filled with affection, some with scrutiny, and some with undisguised schadenfreude.

Sure enough, as soon as the morning court ceremony was over, a figure carrying a tablet steadily stepped out of the hall.

It was Jia Changchao, the Privy Councilor, who was nearly sixty years old and had gray hair and beard.

"Your Majesty," Jia Changchao bowed, his voice echoing in the silent hall, "Yesterday, the Ministry of Rites posted the results of the provincial examinations, causing an uproar in the capital. Hundreds of imperial students knelt before the palace to plead their cases, and public opinion was in uproar."

"I have heard that in this provincial examination, more than two thousand candidates passed, and three hundred and seventy-three were admitted. However, not a single student from the Imperial Academy in the capital passed! This is truly strange and incomprehensible. The Imperial Academy is a crucial place for cultivating talent in the country, and its students are all the best of the best. Even if some of them are not well-versed in their studies, how could they all fail and not one of them escape?"

Jia Changchao raised his head, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Ouyang Xiu, and continued, "I do not question the fairness of the examiners, but such an extreme result inevitably makes scholars across the land suspicious, thinking that the court is deliberately suppressing the Imperial Academy and chilling the hearts of the people who want to learn. Now the public is indignant, not only because of the loss of culture, but also because it may damage the credibility of the imperial examination system and shake the foundation of the country."

He paused, his voice growing increasingly somber and earnest: "To quell public discontent and demonstrate the court's impartiality, I risk my life to implore Your Majesty to make a wise decision! The results of this provincial examination may have been overlooked or biased. The palace examination should be postponed, and the relevant officials should be ordered to thoroughly examine the examination papers. If it is indeed found that the dismissals were unfair, then this ranking should be abolished, and other virtuous and capable individuals should be selected to reopen the imperial examination system!"

"I second the proposal!"

"What Jia Shuxiang said is absolutely right!"

"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the dignity of the nation and must be handled with utmost care!"

Instantly, several officials who were on good terms with Jia Changchao or who were already dissatisfied with Ouyang Xiu chimed in with their opinions.

A tremendous pressure to retake the exam immediately arose in the imperial court.

Ouyang Xiu remained calm, but his fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the imperial tablet. He knew that Jia Changchao's actions, while ostensibly for the sake of the country and the people, were in reality a ploy to use the matter of the imperial students to engage in factionalism and suppression.

However, Jia Changchao's real target was not him, but Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi.

Only by using this matter as a pretext for attack and escalating the situation can we seize the opportunity to attack the prime minister and replace him.

However, before Ouyang Xiu could step forward to refute, another person had already spoken first.

Zhang Bian, the Right Grand Counselor and Acting Censor-in-Chief, stepped forward and declared loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe that Chancellor Jia Shu's words are erroneous!"

Zhang Bian was the superior of Fan Shidao and Zhao Bian, and he played the biggest role in bringing down Chancellor Liu Hang and Privy Councilors Di Qing and Wang Deyong.

According to Zhang Bian's previous plan, after Liu Hang's position was filled by Wang Yaochen, the Privy Council was completely vacant, and he had the opportunity to further become the Deputy Privy Councilor or the Acting Privy Councilor.

Unfortunately, his idea was wonderful, but reality did not develop as he had imagined.

The positions of Privy Councilor held by Di Qing and Wang Deyong were taken by Jia Changchao and Han Qi. As for the Deputy Privy Councilors, in addition to Tian Kuang, who was knowledgeable in military affairs, who was in charge of the daily affairs of the Privy Council, there was also Cheng Kan, who had connections with Wen Yanbo.

After Liu Hang impeached Zhang Bian by pulling the censorate aside, Zhang Bian's capable subordinates were all demoted and sent out of the capital, and Zhang Bian gained nothing.

It can be said that despite making huge sacrifices, all efforts were in vain, and all the hard work benefited others.

Regardless, Zhang Bian did not lose heart, and his next target was the infamous Jia Changchao.

As Fan Zhongyan's son-in-law, Zhang Bian had always had a good relationship with Ouyang Xiu, so when faced with Jia Changchao's questioning, he chose to help Ouyang Xiu.

"The provincial examination has its own rules and regulations for grading papers. Scholar Ouyang was ordered to oversee the examination and worked diligently with the other examiners, burning the midnight oil to make impartial judgments. I have heard that those who were rejected were all because their essays were difficult, strange, obscure, empty, and did not conform to the principle of 'understanding the Way and applying it to practice'! This is precisely a great undertaking to eliminate long-standing malpractices and rectify academic style. How can there be any talk of oversight or bias?"

Zhang Bian turned to Jia Changchao and the others, his words sharp: "Does the fact that those who failed are students of the Imperial Academy mean that we can ignore the poor quality of their essays and instead blame the examiners for upholding justice? If we follow this logic, should we set aside separate quotas for students of the Imperial Academy in the future to be considered fair? If so, wouldn't the imperial court's talent selection ceremony become a joke!"

"Zhang Zhongcheng!"

An official under Jia Changchao immediately retorted: "Ouyang Xiu's excessive and ruthless methods are a consensus in the court and among the people! He uses his own literary preferences to override the national system of selecting officials. Is this for the public good? He is clearly using this opportunity to eliminate dissidents and suppress different literary styles!"

"absurd!"

Privy Councilor Han Qi also stepped forward to support Ouyang Xiu: "The style of writing concerns the morality of the world and the hearts of the people! The 'Imperial Academy style' has been poisonous for a long time, causing students to compete to imitate obscure allusions and strange phrases, instead of seeking the true meaning of the classics. If this continues, the moral character of scholars will be corrupted and talents will be scarce. This is what truly shakes the foundation of the country! Scholar Ouyang has turned the tide and rectified the situation. His contribution will last for generations! How can we deny the hard work of the examiners and the court's ambition for reform just because those who failed the exam made a fuss?"

Both sides presented their own arguments, citing numerous sources, and the debate intensified.

Jia Changchao's side insisted that "the complete defeat of the Imperial Academy is illogical" and that "Ouyang Xiu was excluding dissidents," demanding a re-examination. His opponents, on the other hand, insisted that "the dismissal was justified" and that "the reform of abuses must be carried out swiftly," upholding the results of the provincial examination.

Inside the hall, a heated exchange ensued, creating a tense atmosphere.

On the throne, Emperor Zhao Zhen listened in silence, his face obscured by the tassels.

After a while, when the argument subsided, he slowly spoke. “I understand what you all mean.”

He first looked at Jia Changchao and others: "The students of the Imperial Academy are making a ruckus at the palace gates, even insulting ministers. This trend must not be allowed to continue. The court has its own rules for selecting officials. How can we easily change them just because those who failed the exams are making a ruckus? If this precedent is set, in the future, anyone who is not satisfied with the imperial examinations can gather a crowd to coerce the court. Where will the discipline be? As for the results of the provincial examinations, they were determined by the hard work of the examiners over the past few days. I believe in their fairness. There is no need to mention the re-examination again."

Upon hearing this, Jia Changchao and the others' expressions immediately turned ugly.

But the official had already spoken, and they dared not argue further.

However, Zhao Zhen immediately changed the subject, his gaze falling on Ouyang Xiu: "Minister Ouyang."

Ouyang Xiu immediately bowed and said, "Your subject is here."

"This demotion is indeed too harsh for the students of the Imperial Academy, an overcorrection, and not something I would like to see."

Zhao Zhen's tone was unreadable: "I have heard that some examiners were indeed too harsh in their judgments during the review of the papers, even scrutinizing the wording. Is this a fair way to select scholars? I fear it will discourage the scholars."

Ouyang Xiu felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the emperor wanted to protect him and the achievements of the reforms, but also needed to give an explanation to the court and the public, and find a way to save face.

He bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, I have indeed made a mistake. Please punish me."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with his attitude.

Well, after the "On Factions" incident more than a decade ago, Emperor Renzong's expectations of Ouyang Xiu had become much lower.
“I know that you are of the best interests of the people, but you should be punished for your mistakes. In this provincial examination, there were indeed examiners who made mistakes and were too biased in their grading.”

Zhao Zhen paused briefly before uttering several names, including Mei Zhi.

"He was demoted and sent out of the capital to serve in a prefecture or county, as a warning to others and to appease public opinion."

"Furthermore, I have just heard that some students from the Imperial Academy insulted Scholar Ouyang on the Imperial Street. This matter shall be investigated by the Kaifeng Prefecture. All those involved shall be expelled from the Imperial Academy. As for the students who petitioned the Emperor yesterday, there is no need to pursue them."

This handling of the matter can be described as a carefully balanced approach. It firmly upheld the authority of the provincial examination results, denied the possibility of a re-examination, and preserved the overall situation of Ouyang Xiu and the reform of literary style. At the same time, by punishing a few examiners who "went too far" in the executive level, it gave an explanation to the Imperial Academy and the opposition, such as Jia Changchao, and quelled some of the resentment. Meanwhile, the Imperial Academy students who caused trouble yesterday were let off the hook, but those who were still going too far today were all dealt with.

Jia Changchao and the others opened their mouths, but ultimately could not refute them.

The authorities had adopted some of their opinions on "unfair treatment," but completely rejected their core demand for "re-examination," so they had no choice but to return to the train in a huff.

Ouyang Xiu felt a mix of emotions. He was grateful to the emperor for protecting his overzealous actions, felt guilty towards his colleagues who had been demoted for strictly enforcing the standards, and gained a deeper understanding of the great resistance to reform in the court.

He bowed deeply: "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhao Zhen said wearily, "This matter is settled. Preparations for the palace examination will proceed as usual and will be held on the fifth day of the third month. There should be no delays."

The turmoil surrounding the Jiayou imperial examinations has temporarily subsided, but in reality, all the officials in the court know that the current personnel situation and factions in the court are so complex that they can almost be described as the most conservative group since the emperor took personal control of the government. This group includes Jia Changchao and others, the Qingli reformers such as Fu Bi and Han Qi, the neutral group such as Zhang Fangping, and Song Xiang and others who have always been kept out of the government's service. They are all full of contradictions with each other.

The power struggles between different factions will only intensify over various events, and it will not end until a decisive battle is fought to the death, leaving only one winner.

The morning court session discussed many things, such as how to reward the Champa envoy, Pu Xituo. When the unfortunate man arrived in Taiping Prefecture, the riverbank collapsed, and all his luggage and a large amount of tribute were sunk into the river. He was so frightened that he dared not return to his country.

In short, after all the miscellaneous discussions, it was almost halfway through the morning.

Zhao Zhen returned to the palace and took a nap. Because he was very tired, he slept for a long time. When he woke up, it was already noon. He didn't eat much for lunch and just stared blankly at the not-so-sumptuous dishes on the table.

Although the disturbance caused by the students' petition to the emperor had temporarily subsided at today's court assembly, the fact that Jia Changchao and others used the incident to launch a factional attack, as well as the subsequent troubles brought about by Ouyang Xiu's failure to follow his wishes, all made him feel a deep sense of weariness.

The affairs of the state are in turmoil, and the officials each have their own agendas, but they are all intelligent men.

Even as the supreme ruler of the world, he sometimes resembled a puppet on strings, constantly constrained and rarely finding peace.

Zhao Zhen dismissed his attendants, leaving Deng Xuanyan to wait quietly in the distance. He then strolled out of the palace gate, the cool early spring breeze brushing against his face, slightly dispelling some of the pent-up emotions in his heart.

Before I knew it, I had arrived near the Tianzhang Pavilion.

"Does His Majesty wish to summon any scholar?" Deng Xuanyan quietly stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

Zhao Zhen did not stop walking, but said indifferently, "Go and see Yang Anguo's duty room."

Yang Anguo served as a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy and was in charge of the Imperial Academy, but he also had other duties within the palace, which facilitated his lectures at the imperial lectures.

At that moment, he was engrossed in a pile of classic texts and commentaries. Hearing the commotion outside the door, he looked up and saw that it was the emperor himself. He hurriedly got up to greet him, his face instantly filled with just the right amount of surprise.

"Your Majesty was unaware of your arrival and has failed to greet you properly."

"Never mind." Zhao Zhen waved his hand casually and sat down on a round-backed chair in the room, looking languid. "I'm feeling down today, and I thought that Yang Qing's place might offer me a moment of peace."

Yang Anguo was quick-witted and immediately understood.

As he served tea to the Emperor, he bowed and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, which is a blessing for all the people. However, Your Majesty should also take care of your health. These worries are like a light mist in spring; they will dissipate when the sun shines on them."

His words were simple, even somewhat crude, yet they struck a chord with Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen snorted but did not reply, though his tense expression visibly relaxed a little.

He then accepted the hot tea offered to him, but did not drink it, instead staring blankly at the rising steam.

Yang Anguo didn't say much, but only picked up some trivial anecdotes from the court and the public, or reports from various places that conformed to the prophecies and omens, and chatted slowly and quietly.

His words lacked depth and originality, but their value lay in their sincerity and gentle tone, like stroking a cat's fur, gradually soothing people's discontent.

After a while, Zhao Zhen suddenly spoke up: "What do you think of what happened yesterday?"

Yang Anguo was overjoyed, knowing that his opportunity had come, but he became even more respectful on the surface: "Your Majesty is insightful. I do not know who is right and who is wrong in this matter, but judging from the selection of the provincial champion, Scholar Ouyang is still doing his job in selecting talents for the country."

"Oh?" Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Even with the help of his ministers, Emperor Zhao Zhen, as the emperor, was still "managing countless affairs of state every day," which was no exaggeration.

Therefore, it is perfectly normal not to know who the candidates are until the final imperial examination. Even though the release of the provincial examination results by the Ministry of Rites yesterday caused a great uproar among the imperial students who collectively kowtowed to the palace, he did not actually glance at the list submitted by the Ministry of Rites.

"It is Lu Beigu, who wrote 'On Zhongda' before."

"Is he the top scorer in this provincial examination?" Zhao Zhen was quite surprised.

"It is indeed this child!"

Yang Anguo's tone immediately became enthusiastic, as if he were honored.

"Your Majesty, this young man is not only quick-witted and learned, but more importantly, he possesses far-sighted vision and a calm and composed nature. Judging from his writings, he has the ambition to govern the world; observing his conduct, he is not a frivolous or arrogant person. At only eighteen years old, he has already achieved the highest rank in the provincial examination. He is truly a pillar of our Great Song Dynasty, bestowed by Heaven! Given time, he will surely become a pillar of the nation!"

He glanced at Zhao Zhen's expression and saw that the emperor did not show any impatience but was just listening quietly. He knew that the time was right, so he laid out his long-considered suggestion.

"Your Majesty, such a fine talent is a pity to simply let the local officials examine him as usual. I dare to suggest that we follow the example of Yan Shu during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, and have Your Majesty personally select him through the palace examination, appointing him to a high-ranking position in the Imperial Academy, such as a collator in the Imperial Library or a proofreader in the Imperial Academy. This would allow him to have access to the imperial library, be close to Your Majesty, and receive your teachings. In this way, his talents can be further developed, and he can become Your Majesty's right-hand man as soon as possible, sharing your burdens and serving the country. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen's gaze fell on Yang Anguo's face.

The imperial academy was a place for cultivating talent and a stepping stone for close ministers of the emperor.

Placing a newly appointed provincial champion directly into the Imperial Academy after the palace examination was undoubtedly a promotion that conveyed extraordinary imperial favor.

Zhao Zhen naturally understood that Yang Anguo's actions were driven by a selfish desire to bring glory to the Imperial Academy, as well as an intention to bring Lu Beigu into his fold. However, his words did indeed hit a nerve with Zhao Zhen. After today's court struggle, he felt even more strongly that the court needed some fresh blood, some young talents who were truly insightful and capable, rather than those who only knew how to engage in factional struggles or empty talk.

He was deeply impressed by Lu Beigu's "On Zhongda". His insights on systems and talents far surpassed those of his peers, and even many court officials. If what Yang Anguo said was true, and his character was also excellent, he was indeed a promising talent.

The hall was quiet for a moment, with only the rustling sound of the spring breeze passing through the bamboo forest outside the window.

Zhao Zhen did not immediately express his opinion. He slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said in a vague and indifferent tone, "I understand."

Yang Anguo felt somewhat relieved, knowing that although the Emperor had not explicitly agreed, he had noted the matter down, which meant that it was seven or eight parts done, and he dared not make any more noise.

After finishing his tea, Zhao Zhen put down his teacup, stood up, and seemed to be leaving.

As he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped, as if asking casually, "Who is this boy's master?"

Yang Anguo hurriedly replied, "As far as I know, I previously studied under Zhou Dunyi, a professor at the Imperial Academy, and Professor Zhou also spoke highly of me."

He cleverly linked Lu Beigu and Zhou Dunyi more closely, both elevating Lu Beigu and implying the "educational merits" of the Imperial Academy.

Zhao Zhen said no more, nodded, and disappeared into the shadows of the corridor outside the door. Deng Xuanyan followed silently.

Yang Anguo escorted the official to the door of the duty room, bowed deeply, and only straightened up after the official had left.

Walking under the narrow palace corridor, Zhao Zhen suddenly stopped and turned back to Tianzhang Pavilion, laughing and scolding.

"Old fool."

Deng Xuanyan was somewhat confused and could only stand there with a forced smile.

"I remember the Imperial City Guard investigated last time and found that Lu Beigu was a student of Song Xiang. Song Xiang spent his days teaching this boy, in addition to attending court and studying. Zhou Dunyi didn't teach him much. Am I mistaken?"

“Your Majesty is wise,” Deng Xuanyan replied hastily.

"Humph."

Zhao Zhen felt much better. Compared to those cunning and scheming people, Yang Anguo's obvious little tricks could only amuse him and did nothing to deceive him.

Whether Yang Anguo's actions of "making the officials feel clever without having to think" were intentional or unintentional is hard to say.

Regardless, the name "Lu Beigu" still left an impression on Zhao Zhen's mind.

(End of this chapter)