White-robed Minister

Chapter 118, Chapter 0116: [A Crowd Gathers to Visit the Place Where the Top Scholar Practiced Calligraphy]

In the Song Dynasty, local officials could not leave their posts after their terms expired unless they received a clear order; they had to wait for a new official to take office and hand over the reins.

Therefore, some officials in impoverished areas continue to suffer even after their terms have expired.

As a result, some ministers suggested that officials serving in impoverished areas for four years could be counted as having served two terms (six years). However, this suggestion was not adopted by the court.

In Guangdong and Guangxi, it's common for a county magistrate to serve for five or six years straight.

Qingyuan County is a medium-sized county. Although it is located in the Lingnan region, its conditions are actually quite good.

The reason no one came to rob them was threefold: first, the miasma in Lingnan was quite frightening; second, the magistrate of Qingyuan County did not have official land and his legal income was even less; and third, the silver and lead mines in Qingyuan County were not under the magistrate's management at all, so he could not directly reach into them.

Shen Zhi has been working in Qingyuan County for almost four years!

He was eager to return to the capital to report on his duties, hoping to spend some money to shorten his waiting time and then get a better position.

Good positions are highly sought after, and people often only serve for one or two years before being transferred by the court to make way for officials with stronger connections.

With another new Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) being sent to other provinces this year, Shen Zhi felt he would most likely be able to return to the capital.

Before leaving Guangdong, he would take his "calendar" to Guangzhou and have the prefect fill in the administration record. Then, he would take this "calendar" back to the capital and submit it to the Examination and Assessment Institute for evaluation.

So Shen Zhi shouted, "Heaven is helping me!"

He could ask the prefect to write on his own record that he had vouched for the top scholar!

Staring at the calendar, Shen Zhi sighed again.

This is his performance evaluation form, which he fills out once a year. In last year's various evaluations, the prefect wrote four extra words: "levying taxes and levies disturbs the people."

If it weren't for these four words, why would Shen Zhi, whose term of office had already expired, think about suppressing the clerks? He must be bored out of his mind!

The prefect of Guangzhou who succeeded Yu Jing was named Lu Shihong.

Leaving aside other matters, Lu Shihong was promoted to Transport Commissioner of Kuizhou Circuit because Bao Zheng personally recommended him during his serious illness.

One can imagine what kind of style this person would have been as an official.

Shen Zhi was not very clear about Lu Shihong's background, nor did he believe that the situation in Qingyuan County could reach the ears of Prefect Lu Shihong.

Until the end of last year, the words "levying taxes and levies to disturb the people" on the calendar instantly stunned Shen Zhi.

"I vouched for the top-ranking county examiner, which should offset the negative reviews about the levies causing disturbances to the people, right?" Shen Zhi asked his advisor with a lack of confidence.

As a staff member, what else could Fang Xingcheng say?

Tell your employer it's impossible?

Fang Xingcheng said, "Don't worry, sir, it should be fine."

Shen Zhi felt that his only chance of a future was to curry favor with Xu. After some thought, he asked, "Only the prefect is qualified to erect a memorial archway for the top scholar. But as the county magistrate, am I allowed to commission a plaque for the Xu family to commemorate their achievement?"

"this----"

Fang Xingcheng thought for a long time: "Although the imperial court has not prohibited it, it seems that it has not permitted it either. Moreover, if the prefect erects a memorial arch for the Xu family, the county will eventually have to carry it out."

"If it's not forbidden, then it can be done," Shen Zhi said. "First, build a few tiled houses for the Xu family, then hang the plaque on their gate. Once I receive the prefect's order, I'll erect the archway. It'll definitely look impressive!"

Fang Xingcheng cautioned, "When repairing a house, it's best to purchase the materials yourself, and craftsmen should not be forced to work for the people."

"Why?" Shen Zhi was completely baffled.

Fang Xingcheng explained, "If we rely on conscription for both craftsmen and materials, it might offend the top scholar and even make us enemies."

Shen Zhi nodded and said, "I understand, they're worried about their reputation."

"Bu Chao, the archer in the county command, is the top scholar's cousin. We can promote him to deputy head of the archers," Fang Xingcheng suggested.

Shen Zhi praised, "You've thought of everything."

L

The next day, the news that Xu Sanlang had become the top scholar in the imperial examination had spread throughout the entire county government.

The order to promote Bu Chao to deputy commander of the archers was also issued.

Although this guy was a temporary contract worker and couldn't compare to a deputy captain in the army, he was still considered a respectable figure in the county.

"Captain Bu, I've heard that all the top scholars are reincarnations of the God of Literature. When Xu Sanlang was born, did you see any stars being reincarnated?" an archer asked curiously.

Another archer, who was very close to Bu Chao, laughed and said, "How old was Captain Bu back then? How could he possibly remember? We had to ask Captain Zhang to find out!"

Uncle Zhang waved his hand and said, "I didn't see any stars reincarnated."

The archers then asked, "How did Xu Sanlang learn to be the top scholar in the imperial examination?"

The villagers of Qingxi Village, in order to monopolize Su Gong's divine blessing, resolutely refused to acknowledge that Su Gong had instructed them in a dream.

The villagers have reached a consensus to tell the story as Xu Lai made up.

-

Bu Chao embellished the story, saying, "You wouldn't believe it, but my cousin loved reading since he was little. He would often sneak off to the village school at the foot of the mountain to eavesdrop and practice writing on the bluestone slabs with a feather pen. The stones he used for practicing are still there; I'll take you to see them another day."

Uncle Zhang suppressed a laugh and played along: "When I used to hunt in the mountains, I often saw Xu Sanlang practicing calligraphy by the stream."

"No wonder he was able to become the top scorer; it wasn't easy for him."

"So smart! Even just eavesdropping on lectures, they learn so well!"

'

The archers clicked their tongues in admiration.

Will it give me away?

Once the news spread, those villages outside the mountains, especially those with village schools, would probably all rush to help verify it.

Moreover, the village school teachers would definitely say that they knew there were children eavesdropping during their lessons. But out of pity for their diligence, they not only didn't drive them away, but also explained things in even more detail, afraid that the future top scholar wouldn't understand.

It's the same idea as various places vying for the title of Sun Wukong's birthplace!

Meanwhile, while the archers were chatting, a clerk copied the official gazette and delivered it to the richest man.

"Is there really no name for my grandson?" Chen Han couldn't help but ask before even looking.

The county clerk said, "Master Chen, there really isn't one. This year, Guangdong only has two Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations): one is Xu Sanlang, and the other is Yang Shu."

Chen Han rewarded the official with a string of copper coins, sent him away, and then carefully examined the list of successful candidates in the imperial examination.

After watching it over and over again, Chen Han could only sigh.

"Bang bang bang!"

Firecrackers were set off in front of a bookstore.

The shop next door chuckled and asked, "Why are you setting off firecrackers when it's neither a holiday nor a festival?"

The bookseller chuckled, "You don't know, but our shop is changing its name to 'Top Scholar Bookstore'!"

"What?" The shop next door also sells books.

The bookseller said proudly, "Haven't you heard? Xu Sanlang has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

"What does it matter to you if he becomes the top scholar?"

"He didn't bring a rhyme book to the exam? He bought his 'Rhyme Dictionary of the Ministry of Rites' from my shop. When he bought the book, he didn't even know the format of poetry and prose. I had to teach him how to write poems and prose for the imperial examinations."

"Haha, the top scholar doesn't even know the format of poetry, does he need you to teach him? Don't make a joke."

"If you don't believe me, that's fine too. I have several calligraphic works by the top scholar here, and I've already had them all engraved into couplets by craftsmen. They'll be finished in a few days."

"A fake scholar's calligraphy, be careful, I'll report it to the authorities."

97

"Go ahead and report it; everything I've said is true."

'

'

It wasn't just the bookstore owners in Qingyuan County who were celebrating; bookstores in Guangzhou were doing the same.

Even those selling folding fans took the opportunity to promote their products.

The folding fan was renamed the "Top Scholar Fan"!

"Sigh, we missed out on a top scholar."

Ding Rulin was filled with regret: "I should have been more proactive back then. It would have been worth it to give such a large dowry. I've ruined a promising son-in-law who was a top scholar."

"Father, there's no use saying these things," Ding Zhengchen comforted him. "Anyway, I'm on good terms with Xu Sanlang, and maybe he can help me get a plaque in the future. Even if I can't get one, I can get one for my nephews or nieces."

Ding Rulin sighed, "That's the only way to think about it."

Ding Zhengchen said, "My little sister has been crying non-stop, and it's giving me a headache. When she heard that Xu Sanlang became the top scholar in the imperial examination, she blamed me for not helping to matchmake her and causing her to lose her husband. She even said that she would never marry anyone but him in this life. She would rather be Xu Sanlang's concubine than marry someone else."

"She's still young, she'll forget about it in a while," Ding Rulin said, not taking it seriously.

Not to mention Ding Xiaomei, even Xue Xingshou, who had only met Xu Lai once, had people intentionally or unintentionally spread the word that he had once received the newly appointed top scholar.

"Clang clang clang!"

"Knock knock knock knock!"

"Woof woof woof!"

The sounds of gongs, drums, and barking dogs rose and fell at the entrance of Qingxi Village.

The villagers rushed over, looking at the outsiders with utter confusion.

The county magistrate, registrar, clerks, archers, wealthy merchants, elders, household heads, scholars, village school teachers—more than a hundred people came.

Uncle Zhang and Bu Chao stepped forward.

"Xu Sanlang has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

"Uncle, Aunt, your son has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

The villagers, including the Xu family, were stunned for a moment before some began to cheer.

Bu Erniang asked her husband, "Did I hear that right?"

Xu Yongnian laughed heartily and said, "You heard right, Sanlang has become the top scholar!"

The damsel ran around in the crowd. She didn't know what a top scholar was, but she shouted happily, "Third Uncle has become the top scholar! Third Uncle has become the top scholar!"

Sister-in-law Tian Chunlan asked, "If someone becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination, does that mean they can become a high-ranking official?"

Shen Zhi stepped forward and greeted him, saying, "I am the magistrate of this county. The top scholar's official rank is certainly higher than mine."

Registrar Luo Jun also stepped forward to present gifts to the Xu family.

After the officials exchanged pleasantries, the Xu family was filled with excitement and hurriedly invited the well-wishers to their home.

Upon arriving at Xu Lai's house, Shen Zhi looked at the thatched hut and sighed sincerely, "Alas, it's truly not easy for a top scholar to emerge from this place."

After saying that, he gave the order: "Tear it down!"

Uncle Zhang and Bu Chao led the archers, carrying iron hammers, to smash the door frame.

"Let's talk this out!" Xu Yongnian was quite frightened.

Xu An asked in surprise, "Why are you banging on my door?"

Bu Chao laughed and said, "Second Brother, Magistrate Shen said this is called 'changing the lintel,' meaning they'll demolish it and build a tiled house for your family. There are many gifts to give today; it's enough to build several large tiled houses."

The Xu family members didn't know what to say and could only watch as the archers dismantled the door frame.

Shen Zhi pulled Xu Yongnian aside and asked him about his well-being, then asked, "Uncle, if there's anything else you need, please let me know, and I'll definitely help you with it."

Xu Yongnian thought for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Could you help me get a few truckloads of manure?"

Upon hearing this, officials, wealthy merchants, and gentry were all stunned.

"I can pay for it. Sanlang has left some money at home," Xu Yongnian said, his voice growing weaker as he saw that no one spoke. "If it's hard to buy, then forget it."

Fang Xingcheng, an advisor, broke the awkward silence by saying, "We are truly a family of farmers and scholars. Even if a top scholar is produced, we will not forget the fundamentals of farming."

Registrar Luo Jun immediately chimed in: "How simple and unassuming was the father of the top scholar!"

Shen Zhi said to Wu Yashi, "Make arrangements for several cartloads of manure."

"Yes, sir!"

Wu, the clerk, accepted the assignment.

Shen Zhi didn't want to discuss such a risqué topic, so he changed the subject and asked, "Where is the bluestone where the top scholar practiced calligraphy?"

Uncle Zhang and Bu Chao exchanged a glance.

"I know!"

Bu Chao took the initiative to lead the way.

A group of people followed him to the stream. Bu Chao pointed to a few stones and said, "These are the stones."

The crowd quickly gathered around.

Chen Han, the richest man in the county, squeezed next to the magistrate and stared at one of the stones, saying, "There seems to be the character for 'person' and the character for 'earth' on this stone. It must be the mark left on the stone by the top scholar when he was young after repeatedly practicing calligraphy."

Upon closer inspection, everyone discovered that it was indeed faintly visible, and they immediately began to discuss and praise it.

Bu Chao pointed to the cliff face again: "The top scholar sometimes practices calligraphy on the cliff face."

Everyone rushed over and found even more marks on the cliff face, greatly admiring the scholar's diligence.

On a sudden impulse, Shen Zhi composed a poem that exceeded his usual level: "The mossy patterns on the stone resemble characters, a stream of water records the dawn and dusk. The dragons and snakes have transformed into clouds and gone, but we can still see the diligent students of yesteryear."

Actually, I finished writing the poem last night.

"What a beautiful poem!"

The audience cheered and applauded.

Luo, the registrar, was also prepared and composed a poem: "The moss on the stones is still wet with traces, a stream of cold jade splashes on my spring clothes. The dragon shuttle has already crossed the cloud path, I stand alone in the empty mountains recognizing the old inscription."

Another round of cheers followed.

Old Master Chen stepped forward and said, "I dare to offer my own money to have the poems of the two officials engraved on the cliff. This will surely become a celebrated story in Qingyuan County."

Fang Xingcheng, an advisor, chimed in, "I'm afraid that scholars from Qingyuan will flock here to see this place in the future. Even passing officials might stop by."

The curious villagers from Qingxi who had come to watch the spectacle had only one thought in their minds at that moment: a bunch of idiots!

>