Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 155 Riding a Horse Through the Streets
All the official invitations for the Jinshi degree have already been sent out.

The remaining students who did not receive an admission notice will have to try again next year.

However, their mental state was not as negative as that of the group of people who failed the provincial examination.

The Jinshi degree is the icing on the cake; failing it only means it's hard to advance, but it doesn't mean a scholar's life is ruined. However, the Juren degree is a prerequisite for entering the official system of feudal society. At least in Dayu, without this status, one has nothing.

Whether you got in through exams or through connections.

Only in later generations might the term "official examination level" sound somewhat impressive, seemingly a step towards becoming a civil servant. But in ancient times, those preparing for the imperial examinations were the most destitute and disappointed people in the world.

Since I didn't pass the exam, I'll take advantage of the exam break to relax and have some fun in Beijing.

However, there is another point that everyone is concerned about.

The results of the imperial examinations were officially announced at the outer city examination hall.

Not only will the specific ranking of the successful candidates be published, but also the candidates' exam scores.

Rumors of Song Shi'an being the top scholar had already been circulating when the official invitations were sent out.

But when the imperial edict was posted, all the candidates under it couldn't help but go crazy and completely erupt in excitement.

"First in poetry and prose, and also first in policy essays? Who is this person?!"

"Song Shi'an is the top scholar in two subjects, ranking first! It seems that there have been no more than three such scholars since the inception of the imperial examinations, right?"

"How can someone be the best in the world at both writing elegant essays and writing policy essays?"

"Could this be because he won the Battle of Shuofeng, and the imperial court gave him a special gift? After all, he hasn't had time to read books and went to prison as soon as he came back."

"I feel that's very likely, after all, he made such a great contribution."

"Song Ce is on the list too. It really could be compensation for Song Jing and his son's time in prison..."

Just as people were discussing this and starting to spread this opinion, Wang Shuishan, who was also looking at the list, suddenly became furious and shouted, "Who specially bestowed upon the top scholar in both the first and second ranks of the imperial examinations last year, who didn't even have to guard the north wind?!"

The moment these words were spoken, everyone around was startled.

They all looked over.

I want to know who said that.

Then it was discovered that it was Wang Shuishan, the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination)...

The group that was about to stir things up immediately lowered their heads and fell silent.

It's not because what he said makes sense.

When scholars argue, they are never easily convinced; they each stick to their own version of events.
Because he was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), which started as a seventh-rank official.

Who would dare to be arrogant towards their boss?

What he said did make sense.

After all, he was the top scholar in the provincial examination last year.

"That's right. If that essay had been relevant to the topic in last year's provincial examination in Sizhou, it could have been the top-scoring essay in the imperial examination. But even if it was excellent, could it be as excellent as 'Exhortation to Learning'?"

"What is truly amazing is that Song Shi'an was able to write such a simple and profound essay as 'Exhortation to Learning,' which is comparable to the writings of sages, and also win first place in this test of literary talent. It is truly remarkable."

"What kind of person could be so versatile?"

"I know Song Shi'an. We even went drinking with brothels together before..."

"Nonsense." Just as someone tried to get close and ride the wave of popularity, they were immediately countered, "Someone who ranked first in both the imperial examinations would go out drinking and carousing?"

"You're behaving improperly yourself, and you're trying to drag Song Shi'an down with you."

"Yes, people who have thoroughly studied books, how could they have time for such pastimes? It seems impossible."

"That's the person who wrote 'Exhortation to Learning'."

"The History of Time"

In the hearts of the scholars from all over the country, there already exists a picture of Song Shi'an as they perceive him.

Even if a local scholar from Sheng'an had actually hung out with Song Shi'an, if he said, "I'm a local, and he really did drink and carouse with me!" he would be attacked as a hater.

That's the charm of human nature, it's fucking fascinating.

Besides Song Shi'an, another person gradually attracted attention...

Of course, he wasn't the runner-up.

"Young Master Sun Qian ranked fourth in the policy essay; that's truly a pity."

"Second in prose and poetry, and fourth in policy essays, similar to Ge Zhao's fourth in prose and poetry and second in policy essays, right? I think I could also be second place?"

"But the policy essay is clearly more important, and it's been like that every year. Ge Zhao's second place is well-deserved..."

As a scholar, I was somewhat afraid of the Sun family.

But once it spread to the common people, it became quite different—

"Song Shi'an actually achieved the top rank in two examinations! Just like last year?"

"So, was Sun Qian just stepped on again...?"

"Oh no, he's only the third-place scholar, not even the second-place scholar!"

"Huh? Didn't they say they were competing for the top scholar title? That means the winner would be the top scholar, and the loser would be the second-place scholar. How did it become the third-place scholar?"

"That means it wasn't just the two of them fighting!"

"They're no match for us at all."

"Watch your words, lest the Sun family hear you. That lord is very petty..."

"I heard that Song Shi'an was imprisoned because it was Sun Situ who led the charge in the court."

"Hiss, the court is really a deep pool. Even the person who defeated Ji Yuan is going to be imprisoned."

"I heard that the unauthorized troop deployment was a minor matter. The most important thing was that he confiscated the homes of some traitorous noble families in Shuofeng and distributed the money to the common people to help them fight the bandits."

"In this world, those who serve the country and its people end up in jail, while those who work hard to make money live better than anyone else."

"Now that you've become the top scholar in the imperial examination, does that mean you'll be released from prison?"

The people were very interested in what would become of Song Shi'an.

People at the bottom of feudal society are most fond of creating gods. They fantasize about and create a perfect hero who kills the powerful and solves injustices for the common people.

This is why the ancients admired the incorruptible Bao Qingtian and portrayed him as a judge of hell.

This is not meant to mock the ignorance of the people, but rather to say that ordinary people have a simple set of values.

The same reason why the American people admired early superheroes is also due to this.

But confidence can be eroded. When people find that they have no hope for the future, their simple mindset will change and they will become more destructive. This is why Homelander became so popular.

Right now, they are in the early stages of creating a god for Song Shi'an, which is also the most intense period for them.

"Yeah, what top scholar ever goes to jail?"

"No matter what, they have to be released."

"Song Shi'an, you must be released today!"

But just as public anger was reaching its peak, news arrived: "It seems the capital city has been unsealed today, and anyone can enter?"

"really?"

"I saw the main gate was wide open, and they weren't checking anyone's identity; it was like they didn't care who went in."

"Can we go to the Dali Temple?"

"I can probably stay at the government office for a while, right?"

"Go! Go and see!"

.........

"Jingming, congratulations."

Song Ce's invitation arrived at the Song residence, and everyone was overjoyed, including Jiang Shi. They were even more ecstatic upon learning that Song Shi'an had also passed the imperial examination, and even achieved the highest rank of Zhuangyuan (top scholar).

However, what we are celebrating now is Song Ce's even more unexpected achievement of becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

"Thank you."

Upon seeing the gold invitation, Song Ce paused in surprise and asked, "Brother Wu, how many people will be recruited for the imperial examination this time?"

Song Ce worked at the Imperial Academy, so he naturally knew the person who came.

However, there is no need to worry too much about staff members of the Imperial Academy participating in cheating during the imperial examinations.

Those who could grade the papers were all successful candidates in the imperial examinations; they didn't take the exams themselves.

At most, they might give a colleague in one department a special favor, but they can't actually force a spot on someone; the emperor can see everything.

“Jingming, summon a total of thirty people,” he replied.

Upon hearing this, Song Ce looked at his 'thirtieth place' on the gold plaque, and his smile faded somewhat.

"So what are my rankings in the two subjects?" "The results are posted at the entrance of the examination hall..." Although he wanted to say that, seeing that the other person was serious, he answered truthfully, "Forty-ninth in the first class of poetry and prose, and first in the second class of policy essays."

"Thank you, I understand."

Song Ce bowed slowly to the person who came.

The other person also bowed and then took their leave.

Seeing the change in Song Ce's expression, Madam Cui asked with some confusion and worry, "Ce'er, what's wrong?"

"This Jinshi degree must have been bestowed by His Majesty."

Song Ce said calmly.

“How could that be?” Madam Cui said, “You usually study so diligently.”

"There were exactly thirty people to be recruited, and I was thirtieth. The essays for the second-class level are not made public, and I just happen to be the first in the second-class level." Song Ce saw things very clearly, without any blind confidence. "How could such a coincidence be possible?"

"That's even better! It means His Majesty the Emperor has taken a liking to you." Madam Cui was even happier.

If you're capable, why would a powerful person think it's important that you're capable?

Now we have a way out.

"Yes, it's all thanks to my elder brother that I was able to pass the imperial examination."

Song Ce quickly let it go and didn't feel awkward or have any unacceptable thoughts about not passing the imperial examination based on merit.

Madam Cui pursed her lips upon hearing this, unsure of what to say.

In the past, she would definitely have argued back, saying it was Song Ce's own strength.

But now that we've truly accepted their kindness, if we still don't behave ourselves, we'll offend the Jiang family.

If Song Shi'an doesn't help his younger brother in the future, it will also harm Ce'er.

“Ce’er is very hardworking and remarkable. At least his first-class grade in poetry is undeniable, right?” Jiang patted his arm with a smile, showing him great respect.

The key to family harmony lies in the absence of hierarchical order.

Now, everyone is equal.

Of course, they are equal on the surface.

In reality, the Jiang family was even more superior because of their son.

"When are we going to pick up Dad... and him?"

At this moment, Song Qin casually asked a question.

Compared to passing the imperial examination, the most important thing today is naturally the return of family.

These past few days, Song Ce, who had become the 'head of the household', said with great vigor, "Take everyone in the mansion and go to pick them up and take them home."

.........

"My lord, accept the order."

Song Jing and Song Shi'an stood up, and then Song Jing took the imperial edict from Chen Bao's hand.

From then on, the charge was finally completely cleared.

"Lord Song, young Lord Song, did you not change your clothes?" Chen Bao asked jokingly.

Today is the day the results are announced, and Wang Chen should have sent clothes to maintain the dignity of the top scholar.

However, the two were still wearing tattered official robes covered in dust and dirt, with only their faces and black gauze hats clean. They lacked any air of nobility.

Is he trying to play the role of a virtuous and honest minister?

“Eunuch Chen, these are my best clothes,” Song Jing replied.

"Alright." Chen Bao nodded, then smiled and said, "Congratulations, Lord Song, young Lord Song, the Song family has produced a top scholar."

The two of them already knew beforehand, so they weren't excited at all.

I wasn't actually excited when I found out.

Song Jing was just an accident; this kid was really good at hiding his true abilities.

Song Shi'an, on the other hand, felt nothing at all.

I've already produced "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River," which examiner wants to be branded with shame?

"Thank you, Eunuch Chen."

The father and son bowed together to Eunuch Chen.

"Then we won't delay Lord Song's time of passing the imperial examination. Please go and let the top scholar parade through the streets."

Chen Bao made way for them.

The father and son smiled gently and walked outside.

In fact, they had already heard the noise outside.

The closer you get, the stronger and more real the sound becomes.

The moment I stepped out of the main gate of Dali Temple, a thousand emotions rushed over me.

There are far more people here than when executions were carried out at the Meridian Gate.

"It's Lord Song, he's out!"

"Two Lord Songs!"

"The top scholar! It's the top scholar!"

When the people saw the god they had created, and that this god was exactly as they had imagined, eight feet tall and with a magnificent appearance, they were not disappointed at all, but naturally even more excited.

However, the scholars of the Imperial Academy were in a dilemma.

Completely blocked by the crowds, unable to get in, and unable to send out the invitation.

"What should we do about this?" someone asked.

"I'll release it later..." the scholar frowned and said helplessly, "Even after all this, how could he not know he's the top scholar?"

"What about the public parade?"

"We need to get the army to come and evacuate them."

Just then, Chen Kefu led a tall, majestic, jet-black horse from Liangzhou into the crowd.

The horse was as large as a ferocious beast, and the general, clad in golden scale armor, looked especially solemn and dignified. The people readily made way for him, and a path was cleared in an instant...

"Who are you looking for?"

Seeing that Song Shi'an's gaze seemed to be searching, Song Jing asked.

"It's nothing, just browsing." Song Shi'an gave up; there were too many people.

"That girl?" Song Jing had heard from Wang Chen that a woman was very close to his son and had even come to visit him in prison.

"Dad, don't be so frivolous."

"Let's go then."

Song Jing smiled, stood still, and extended his hand: "This is your path to glory, enjoy it."

"Ah."

Song Shi'an walked calmly into the crowd, showing no stage fright whatsoever.

At that moment, a burly military officer led out a large horse and hurried to Song Shi'an, saying enthusiastically, "Scholar, please mount your horse and parade through the streets!"

Chen Kefu had thought it through; if he did nothing, he would be doomed.

Now, he has become a political outcast.

So all they could do was fawn over Song Shi'an and cling to his coattails, even if it meant being obsequious in the beginning and subservient in the end, which seemed especially ridiculous and laughable.

In the struggle to survive, where is human dignity?
Surely Song Shi'an isn't that domineering?

Song Shi'an didn't know who he was, but soon the people helped him open the box.

"Is this Chen Kefu, the deputy general of Sili?"

"A high-ranking official of the second rank."

"Does he have any connection with the Song family?"

The voice behind him made Chen Kefu even more uneasy. He loosened the reins and said, "Shi'an, get on the horse quickly!"

However, what he received was Song Shi'an's cold indifference after slightly raising his head.

He swallowed hard.

His cheeks gradually flushed red, he clenched his fists, and slowly knelt down, prostrating himself on the ground.

With his feet on his back, Song Shi'an rode his horse through the streets.

(End of this chapter)