Di Ming

Chapter 204 (Backup) Impeaching the Zheng Family!

Poetry:

Yu Tang did not intend to ascend to the Three Capital Regions.
First place on the list of winners.

The Emperor's grace was as vast as the sea.
The roar of tigers and the cry of dragons are no small matter. —From "The Feast of Imperial Grace" by Shi Pan (Ming Dynasty)
In March, Beijing finally welcomed the warmth of spring, and the ice and snow melted. The morning sun shone on the majestic Imperial City, casting a golden glow that exuded solemnity and grandeur.

The newly appointed scholars, full of vigor and high spirits, dressed in their official robes and wearing three-branched, nine-leafed crowns, rode together to the Ministry of Rites at the East Chang'an Gate to attend the Imperial Banquet.

The Enrong Banquet, also known as the Qionglin Banquet, was modeled after the Qujiang Gathering and Shaowei Banquet of the Tang Dynasty, and has a history of more than 600 years since the Song Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, it was held in Qionglin Garden, while in the Ming Dynasty, it was held in the Ministry of Rites.

Of course, those attending the banquet were not only the newly appointed scholars, but also the high-ranking officials who presided over the banquet, the ministers who read out the examination papers, the examiners of the metropolitan examination, and the officials in charge of receiving, sealing, and supervising the examination.

When Zhu Yin went to the Ministry of Rites, he found many failed candidates in Dongjiangmi Lane at the entrance of the Ministry of Rites, including some he knew.

They looked on with envy as they saw Zhu Yin and other newly appointed scholars going to the Ministry of Rites for the Imperial Banquet.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

As the saying goes, some are happy while others are sad. The newly appointed successful candidates are riding high, while those who failed can only weep in despair. Before, they were all successful candidates, but now the difference between them is like heaven and earth.

Of the more than 4,000 candidates who passed the provincial examination, only 347 were successful in the imperial examination.

A successful candidate in the provincial examination could only participate in the metropolitan examination three times. If they failed all three times, they would remain a provincial graduate for life.

The imperial examinations of the Ming Dynasty were held every three years. Over the past three hundred years, a total of 24,400 people were admitted to the Jinshi degree, averaging only 93 people per year.

This shows how precious the Jinshi degree was.

The Ministry of Rites was located next to the Daming Gate, east of the Thousand-Step Corridor. To the north, it was adjacent to the Ministry of Revenue, and to the east, it was close to the Imperial Medical Academy and the Court of State Ceremonies.

Upon arriving at the square in front of the Ministry of Rites, one sees a throng of carriages and horses, a scene of newly appointed nobles. The newly appointed scholars, all adorned with ivory plaques and hairpins, are forming ranks under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites.

"The top scholar has arrived!"

When everyone saw Zhu Yin, they all bowed and greeted him, and led him to the front.

According to the rules, the top scholar, as the first among the newly appointed scholars, should be ranked first in the class.

"Brother Zhihu! Congratulations!"

Zhu Guozhen and others who also passed the exam greeted Zhu Yin. When the other scholars saw Zhu Yin, their eyes lit up, as if they had encountered a rare treasure.

Hao Yunlai smiled insincerely and said, "Brother Zhihu has achieved the highest honors in all three categories, a feat unprecedented in our dynasty. Congratulations!"

He offered perfunctory congratulations, but inwardly he was filled with jealousy. Looking at the glamorous child prodigy and top scholar, he grew increasingly disgusted.

I wish I could take his place.

He dreamed of surpassing Zhu Yin and mocking Zhu Yin for rejecting his two previous attempts to join the Propaganda Society, so he could finally vent his pent-up anger.

However, in the provincial examinations, the metropolitan examinations, and the palace examinations, from the countryside of Moling to Beijing, he won one after another, but he was completely suppressed by Zhu Yin and had no power to fight back.

Zhu Yin always had reasons to look down on himself and belittle himself.

You little tiger, you're really despicable. I, Hao Yunlai, am clearly lucky, so why do I always have to bow down to you?
He ranked 49th in the provincial examination and 42nd in the palace examination, placing him in the second class and securing his place as a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). His ranking was already quite high.

However, his chances of passing the Hanlin Academy probationary examination were slim.

Zheng Guowang was just as frustrated as Hao Yunlai.

At this moment, Zheng Guowang stood among the top three scholars, looking at Zhu Yin with a cold expression and eyes like knives.

She disliked Zhu Yin, not only because Zhu Yin's status as a child prodigy was advantageous to Zhu Changluo, but also because she was deceived by Zhu Yin's feigned illness, and because of her jealousy.

Her grades were very low, ranking over 300th. There was definitely no hope of her passing the imperial examination for a junior compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

Because the Hanlin Academy only recruits twenty-four probationary officials every three years. Out of more than a dozen newly appointed scholars, only one can pass the exam, so she definitely won't pass.

Even if she was the "younger brother" of the Imperial Noble Consort, it would be impossible for her to enter the Hanlin Academy.

So, even if they used all their resources, they could only get positions like censor or supervising secretary.

Even the emperor, my brother-in-law, couldn't suddenly elevate me to a high position when I had no merit.

Zheng Guowang felt a surge of anger when he thought of his elder brother Zheng Guorui's words of comfort.

Zheng Guorui comforted her by saying, "Although you ranked low, you still passed the exam and became the first female Jinshi in history."

Upon hearing the words "female scholar who passed the imperial examination," she unusually lost her temper, and her brother could only apologize to her, repeatedly saying it was a slip of the tongue.

Damn it! Even my brother thinks I'm not a real man!

Zheng Guowang felt a tightness in his chest and some difficulty breathing.

In recent years, her breasts have become increasingly prominent, and she can only wrap them tightly with cloth strips, which is really annoying.

But this was the only way she could do; she couldn't let outsiders know that she was different from other men. Otherwise, her official position and fame would be gone, and she would become a huge laughingstock.

Zheng Guowang coldly observed Zhu Yin, but when he suddenly saw Hao Yunlai, his expression softened.

Hao Yunlai was the first among the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) to pledge allegiance to the Zheng family. Five other newly appointed officials present had already secretly joined the Zheng family. However, Hao Yunlai was the only second-class Jinshi among them, and even his two elder brothers decided to give him special support.

The plan was to have Hao Yunlai at least become a governor, vice censor-in-chief, or vice minister of the Court of Judicial Review within ten years, and strive to become a vice minister, governor-general, or vice censor-in-chief.

Hmph, with Zheng's support, Hao Yunlai's official career might be even better than Zhu Yin's.

Not to mention, Zhu Yin might not be able to become an official.

Thinking of this, Zheng Guowang felt a little better and couldn't help but smile.

Zhu Yin felt Zheng Guowang's gaze, turned his head and met Zheng Guowang's beautiful peach blossom eyes.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

How sharp are the eyes of secret agents?
He suddenly felt that Zheng Guowang might not be a man!
...

At the beginning of Chenshi (7-9 AM), all the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) arrived at the Ministry of Rites Square. Then, more than three hundred people, led by Zhu Yin, entered the Ministry of Rites in turn to the sound of ceremonial music.

The Ministry of Rites occupied a large area, including the tall and majestic main hall shaped like the Chinese character "工" (gong), as well as the offices of the four departments, the rites pavilion, gardens, banquet halls, and other buildings, resembling an ancient noble mansion.

The banquet was held in the main banquet hall of the Ministry of Rites.

The Ministry of Rites' banquet hall was not only used for the Imperial Banquet, but also for other banquets. Its level was second only to the Grand Banquet in the Palace, and it was actually considered a state banquet.

The Ministry of Rites is a nearly two-hundred-year-old building. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile is imbued with the weight of time. The blue brick floor is pitted and uneven from rain, the huge bronze sundial is mottled with patina, and the hitching posts are as smooth as jade. Every step, every pillar, and every winged beast carries the weight of history and the solemnity of a central government office.

Seeing the lush locust trees in the Ministry of Rites compound, Zhu Yin couldn't help but recall the locust trees described by Ji Xiaolan in his writings. Ji Xiaolan, who served as Minister of Rites, had seen the ancient locust trees that had stood in the Ming Dynasty before the establishment of the Ministry of Rites.

These locust trees must be them.

Guided by the official in charge of rites from the Court of State Ceremonial, Zhu Yin and his entourage bypassed the 2-shaped main hall of the Ministry of Rites and arrived at the banquet hall on the right. The garden was lush with greenery, flowers, and flowing water, a truly serene and elegant scene.

Surrounded by the winding spring waters, several pavilions and waterside terraces are connected, elegant, solemn, simple, and ancient.

In the most magnificent pavilion, elegant seats had already been set up, and rows of servants were filing in, setting out various exquisite tableware.

The musicians, dancers, and singers sat quietly under the eaves, waiting for the music to begin.

The group entered the hall and, guided by the master of ceremonies, took their seats. Only then did they realize that the banquet was divided into different classes.

Because Zhu Yin, as the top scholar, was seated alone.

The second-place scholar, Jiao Hong, and the third-place scholar, Wu Daonan, sat at one table, while the other four scholars sat at another.

What's even more absurd is that, judging from the tableware on the table, the food and drinks are divided into three categories.

As soon as everyone took their seats, the master of ceremonies announced:
"The Grand Secretary has arrived!" "The Grand Minister of Rites has arrived!"

"The Grand Master of Ceremonies (Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies) has arrived!"

"The Grand Master of Ceremonies has arrived!"

"The Grand Councilor (Commissioner of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices) has arrived!"

...

As the master of ceremonies announced the names, a group of dignified high-ranking officials appeared in the hall.

They were not wearing official robes, but rather bright red round-necked auspicious robes with cloud-shaped shoulder caps, full sleeves, and round patterns. They did not wear official hats, but instead wore turbans on their heads.

Only high-ranking officials wore auspicious robes.

Leading the group was a spirited, refined, and dignified elderly man, none other than the current Grand Secretary, Shen Shixing. Behind him followed court officials such as the Minister of Rites, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, and the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy.

Behind them were the examiners and officials for the provincial and palace examinations, numbering over a hundred.

As soon as the large group of officials appeared, elegant banquet music began to play, but it was the "Yu Pu Poems." The courtesans of the Imperial Music Bureau sang softly together:
“The tall oaks and privet are lush, the firewood and the privet are abundant… The king is dignified, with his left and right holding jade tablets. The jade tablets are held high, and the noble scholars are worthy of them. The boats on the Jing River are rowed by the boatmen… The Milky Way is bright, and the clouds are clear in the sky… My king, strive to govern the four directions.”

In the poem "Yu Pu", the newly appointed scholars, who had already studied etiquette at the Honglu Temple, all stood up and, led by Zhu Yin, bowed deeply with their hands clasped and chanted:
"This junior greets all of you gentlemen!"

Then, following proper etiquette, Zhu Yin, representing the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), said:

"This junior, Zhu Yin, along with 347 other Jinshi graduates from the Ji Chou year, is here by imperial decree to attend the banquet of honor and express our gratitude!"

Shen Shixing chuckled and said, “No need for formalities. The state is in order, and this is all thanks to the Emperor’s grace. Please be seated. Today, I am here by imperial decree to host the Banquet of Grace and Glory, but our distinguished guests are all of you newly appointed sages. You are the ones who are in charge of this banquet. There is no need for you to be polite or restrained today, and you need not feel embarrassed because of our presence.”

After speaking, he walked to the most prestigious seat and sat down, and all the officials followed suit. Except for a few high-ranking officials who sat alone, the other officials sat in pairs.

Only then did the newly appointed scholars dare to sit down.

The master of ceremonies clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to the Grand Secretary, preparations for the Imperial Banquet are complete. Please give your instructions."

Shen Shixing nodded and said, "Let's begin the feast."

The official in charge of ceremonies said, "We will respectfully obey the late Prime Minister's decree."

After speaking, he left the hall, and immediately the sounds of bells and chimes rang out from the corridor. This is the meaning of "eating in fine food and drinking in cauldrons."

Amidst the magnificent and elegant sounds of bells and chimes, groups of officials and servants, carrying wine, dishes, and fruits, filed in one after another with small, careful steps.

Shen Shixing said kindly, "Today's banquet doesn't need formalities; just relax. Hmm, no need for toasts."

This is also a rule of the Enrong Banquet.

The scholars had been working incredibly hard for days, taking the imperial examinations, and were under immense pressure. If the banquet were to adhere to strict etiquette, it would be rather inhumane.

If it's a toast, then there's no need to attend this banquet of honor.

Therefore, after the Jiajing Emperor, the atmosphere of the Imperial Banquet became increasingly relaxed, and the banquet etiquette was abandoned.

Originally, Zhu Yin, as the top scholar, was supposed to toast each of the newly appointed scholars on behalf of the candidates. However, Shen Shixing declared that the toasting was unnecessary, which saved Zhu Yin a lot of trouble.

He carefully observed Shen Shixing, the famous Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, and found that Shen Shixing's mind was not on the banquet at all, but rather he was somewhat absent-minded.

The Minister of Rites and others were also somewhat distracted. They glanced at Zhu Yin more than once, their gazes full of meaning.

Although Shen Shixing was approachable and had a kind smile, the banquet was still filled with the official air of a superior, and the atmosphere was very oppressive. Everyone was cautious and unable to truly relax.

These old ministers are the Grand Secretaries and Ministers of Rites.

With these big shots around, everyone is walking on thin ice, trembling with fear, afraid of making a mistake and leaving a bad impression. Who can really relax?
Soon, each table was filled with dishes. However, they were divided into three categories, each with its own unique features.

Zhu Yin was the top scholar in the imperial examination, and he was served a sumptuous banquet, with a table reserved for him alone. However:
"Five plates of fruit, five plates of tea snacks, one phoenix duck, one dish of small steamed buns, one portion of large steamed buns, two dishes of small silver ingots (fried dough), two pieces of pork bone, one sheepskin, two flower heads, five kinds of soup, four kinds of vegetables, one dish of mutton to be exchanged, and seven cups of wine."

This is custom-made; everything is regulated.

The dishes served at the second and third-class banquets are about half different from those at the first-class banquet, and the variety is also not as rich.

Furthermore, Zhu Yin was seated alone, and his food and drink were far more abundant than those of the other successful candidates. Even two Zhu Yins wouldn't be able to finish it all, let alone one.

However, in Zhu Yin's opinion, it wasn't necessarily true that the banquet was extremely extravagant.

Most of the newly appointed scholars were scions of prominent families, accustomed to a life of luxury. They were actually quite indifferent to this banquet of honor.

Too ordinary.

Does this meal cost two taels of silver? Certainly not.

When they entertain guests, a single meal can easily cost seven or eight taels of silver, which is commonplace and not considered extravagant.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yin couldn't help but curl his lip.

The emperors of the Ming Dynasty were incredibly stingy with their officials. This stinginess wasn't just reflected in their salaries, but also in their banquets.

The grand Enrong Banquet, which could be considered a state banquet, was still not as lavish as the Deer Cry Banquet held during the provincial examinations.

The provincial examination banquet featured delicacies from the mountains and rivers, as well as main dishes like sea cucumber and shark fin. A single table could not be prepared without seven or eight taels of silver.

Even this banquet of honor might not be comparable to the banquet of a scholar from a wealthy prefecture or county.

Zhu Yin was speechless.

It's not that he had to be extravagant, and he didn't have high demands for food. For ordinary people, this kind of food and drink was already a luxury.

But is this a matter of food?

The triennial Imperial Banquet, a symbol of the emperor and the court's prestige, is hardly befitting of such an ordinary affair.
The establishment of such a standard for the banquet was likely intended to promote frugality and demonstrate the state's attitude of curbing extravagance.

The problem is that many of the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) come from wealthy families. They usually enjoy delicacies, and after finally passing the exams, what would they think of such a banquet?

Besides, your emperor is extravagantly luxurious in the palace, spending 130,000 taels of silver a year just on food alone. And then, the triennial imperial banquet, which entertains hundreds of newly appointed scholars, only costs 1,000 taels of silver?

Do you have any sense?
Sure enough, when Zhu Yin looked up, he saw that many of the scholars who had passed the imperial examinations and came from wealthy families were all wearing cold smiles, showing their contempt.

When the master of ceremonies announced the toast, many people did not respond enthusiastically. Instead, they stared at the singing and dancing in front of the hall.

To be fair, the food and drinks at the Enrong Banquet were quite ordinary, but the music, dance, and entertainment were of an exceptionally high standard.

While we may miss out on the delicious food, we certainly have a feast for the eyes and ears.

Therefore, their attention was drawn to the singing and dancing.

Only Hao Yunlai, a poor scholar from a peasant family, was somewhat satisfied with the banquet.

Zhu Yin's mind was not on the singing and dancing, but on his first essay.

Newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in the Ming Dynasty were allowed to submit memorials to the emperor. Not to mention that he was already a Hanlin Academy lecturer, submitting memorials was certainly no problem for him.

The bigwigs were just going through the motions; they only had a few drinks as a formality and would leave soon.

Only after the bigwigs left could the scholars freely socialize with each other.

Shen Shixing and the others had drunk a few cups of wine and were about to get up and leave when a clear, childlike voice suddenly said:

"Grand Councilor (Commissioner of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices), and Hanlin Academy Lecturer Zhu Yin, have submitted a memorial impeaching the brothers Zheng Guorui and Zheng Guowang for their illegal activities, including keeping Mongol warriors and smuggling goods out of the country. I request that the Grand Councilor be invited to appear before the Emperor!"

The scholars were startled and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw the child prodigy and top scholar, Zhu Yin, holding the examination paper, his expression righteous and resolute.

Zheng Guowang's handsome face immediately darkened!
P.S.: Too busy today, that's all for now. Thank you, goodnight, and Happy New Year!
(End of this chapter)