The sudden appearance of material outside the examination syllabus in the imperial exam caused an uproar among the students in the examination hall. Many disregarded exam discipline and voiced their protests.
To save time, many candidates hadn’t read anything beyond the Four Books and Five Classics, so they knew very little about renowned works like “Tian Wen”. Yet who could have anticipated that the court would suddenly pull such a move, not only drawing the main exam question from “Tian Wen”, but also requiring them to write a miscellaneous essay about it?
This felt like they were being toyed with. Some students immediately objected, righteously demanding a change of topic.
However, the topic was set by the Ministry of Rites, the exam was organized by the Ministry of Rites, and even the chief examiner was a Deputy Minister of Rites. Having weathered countless storms, how could the Deputy Minister be intimidated by these novice examinees? He had anticipated this scene and stood calmly at the front. After the students calmed down a bit, he cleared his throat and announced loudly: “Silence! The topic for the jinshi exam was jointly decided by several ministers and the emperor. Those who object may submit their papers and leave now, without disturbing others. This exam is timed by incense. When it burns out, writing must stop. Candidates should mind the time limit and not delay their essay writing.”
Three finger-thick incense sticks were burning in the censer at the front. The candidates glanced forward and inwardly cursed. However, at this moment, they could only swallow their dissatisfaction. The exam topic was already quite obscure; if they didn’t have enough time, how could they write anything at all?
After the initial surprise, Xiao Jingduo quickly composed himself and focused on analyzing the question. While other candidates were still in an uproar over the topic, Xiao Jingduo was already considering how to approach it.
“Tian Wen” covered astronomy, geography, nature, agriculture, and human affairs. By choosing it as the topic, the examiners likely didn’t expect them to answer Qu Yuan’s questions, but rather to use it as an opportunity to examine their views on heaven and earth, history, and even royal authority.
So while the topic was unusual, it was also very bold. To write well about “Tian Wen”, not only was elegant and intricate prose necessary, but it also demanded extensive knowledge of history, astronomy, geography, and other miscellaneous subjects.
While Xiao Jingduo found it challenging, he also felt a strong desire to rise to the challenge. If the examiners had such grand ambitions as to dare to question heaven, he wanted to meet that challenge.
After organizing his thoughts, Xiao Jingduo began his essay by addressing the rising and setting of the sun and moon.
He started with an introduction, followed by a transitional passage, then moved into the main body of question and answer, which he crafted with great care. After finishing the core part, he naturally transitioned to the conclusion, ending with the customary humble remarks.
After completing this lengthy essay, Xiao Jingduo let out a long sigh of relief, only then realizing how stiff and sore his wrist had become. While slowly flexing his wrist, he reviewed his essay. After reading it through once, he made a few minor revisions before taking up his brush to copy it onto the official, seal-stamped answer sheet.
Although the imperial examination focused on essay content, handwriting was a tacitly acknowledged hurdle. Those with poor handwriting would struggle not only in the exam but also in future official positions, likely disfavored by superiors. In the Xuan Dynasty, everyone took pride in good penmanship. Xiao Jingduo’s writing, like himself, though not particularly elegant, was neat, handsome, lean, and forceful – beyond reproach. So despite the length of his essay, it appeared clean and orderly, pleasing to the eye.
Xiao Jingduo spent nearly half the time transcribing. He had just finished checking his name and native place when the exam time ended.
The examination hall filled with lamentations. Many hadn’t finished writing, had misinterpreted the topic, or complained about the court’s unconventional approach.
Xiao Jingduo felt some regret too. He hadn’t anticipated questions from “Chu Ci” and, although he had read it before, hadn’t studied it intensively prior to the exam. Some parts were inevitably hazy in his memory, forcing him to gloss over them in his essay.
But this was unavoidable. Who could know the exam topics in advance? Xiao Jingduo sighed inwardly and set the matter aside, no longer dwelling on it.
The previous session’s miscellaneous writing had been demoralizing. By the time of the final policy essay section, many candidates were dejected.
Perhaps the miscellaneous writing had exhausted all the bad luck, for the afternoon’s five policy questions were incredibly fortunate. There were two on agriculture, one on water conservancy, and two on recent political affairs. To Xiao Jingduo’s delight, the political questions concerned epidemics and medical relief.
The two agricultural questions were standard, asking how to encourage farmers and increase grain production. Water conservancy was a perennial topic with many past examples, typically addressing drainage and damming. The remaining two questions asked about controlling frequent epidemics following floods in Ze Province, and how to address widespread starvation after drought and locust plagues in the North.
Having grown up in rural Zhuo County until age eight, Xiao Jingduo was no stranger to agriculture. His medical expertise and personal experience with the epidemic in southern Chang’an made these policy questions easy. He effortlessly wrote about post-disaster epidemic prevention measures, nearly including prescriptions.
He completed all five questions with ease. The anticipated challenging policy exam turned out surprisingly simple, leaving even Xiao Jingduo incredulous. If he didn’t know better, he’d think these questions were tailored for him.
Nearby candidates warily observed Xiao Jingduo. When they noticed him putting down his brush, they inwardly wailed again.
Why so fast? Even the most difficult policy essays were submitted quickly. Could this youngster have connections?
Xiao Jingduo left the examination hall, walking out of the imperial academy with light steps. The New Year atmosphere lingered in the first month, with a hint of firecracker smoke in the crisp air. Standing outside the academy gates, he took a deep breath.
The imperial examination, prepared for seven or eight years, had finally ended. In ten days, the Ministry of Rites would announce the results. Then, all would be revealed – whether he’d pass or fail, enter the court as an official or be forced into an engagement.
With the exam over, Xiao Jingduo no longer needed to stay outside. It was already late today, and if he packed up to return now, he’d likely encounter the night curfew. Since he wasn’t in a hurry, he decided to stay one more night and return to the Marquis’ mansion after daybreak tomorrow.
“Young master, do you have any other instructions?” asked Xiao Lin.
“No, you can go back first. We’re not in a hurry, so we can load the carriage tomorrow,” replied Xiao Jingduo.
“Yes, sir.” Xiao Lin acknowledged and quietly retreated outside the door. After dismissing Xiao Lin, Xiao Jingduo, recalling today’s exam, decided to take out “Chu Ci” and study it carefully.
Before long, Dong Peng and his companion returned, making a lot of noise. Xiao Jingduo could hear their clamor from afar.
“Brother Dong, hurry up! I’ve arranged to meet fellow townsmen at the Courtesan’s District. If we’re late, we won’t get good seats.”
Courtesan’s District?
Xiao Jingduo’s hand paused as he was scrolling the book. He couldn’t help but glance in Dong Peng’s direction.
How long had they been in Chang’an to already know about the Courtesan’s District?
Xiao Jingduo, having lived in Chang’an for so many years, naturally knew what the Courtesan’s District was. Every night, as the myriad lights of Chang’an dimmed, only the Courtesan’s District’s red lanterns hung high, attracting visitors all night long.
The Courtesan’s District was filled with brothels, where the courtesans were skilled in singing, dancing, and music. If a literati’s poem was appreciated by a courtesan, it could spread throughout Chang’an overnight, bringing instant fame. Thus, it was a favorite haunt of many scholars and intellectuals. Even back at the Imperial Academy, Xiao Jingduo had been repeatedly invited to the Courtesan’s District, which he always declined. But he never imagined that these out-of-town students, fresh out of the examination hall, would immediately plan to seek pleasure in the Courtesan’s District.
Before Xiao Jingduo could finish his thoughts, his door was pushed open. Dong Peng stood outside, excitedly asking, “Brother Xiao, a few of us from the same hometown are planning to visit the Courtesan’s District. Would you like to join us?”
“No,” Xiao Jingduo replied expressionlessly.
Dong Peng looked disappointed, then sincerely tried to persuade Xiao Jingduo: “Brother Xiao, although you’re still young, it’s not a big deal to broaden your horizons at the Courtesan’s District. The ladies there are cultured and understanding, much more interesting than wives and concubines at home. Oh right, you’re not married yet, are you?”
“Not yet.” Seeing Dong Peng’s words becoming increasingly inappropriate, Xiao Jingduo quickly interrupted him, “Brother Dong, you needn’t say more. I won’t go. Since you have plans with your townsmen, you should go ahead.”
“Ah, you’re from a noble family. By rights, you should be more familiar with these things. How come you’re even more rigid than those old scholars?” Dong Peng had initially come with good intentions, and he had some hidden motives too. He thought that after a few drinks, he might be able to casually ask Xiao Jingduo about the official appointment exam in May. But he really didn’t expect Xiao Jingduo to refuse. If Xiao Jingduo himself wouldn’t go, what could outsiders like them do? Perplexed, Dong Peng could only shake his head and walk out, sighing. As he was about to cross the threshold, he suddenly noticed a book on Xiao Jingduo’s desk.
Dong Peng’s eyes narrowed, and he abruptly halted his step, quickly moving forward. Upon seeing the content on Xiao Jingduo’s desk, he sighed disappointedly, “Why is it ‘Chu Ci’?”
Dong Peng had been acting strange since he entered. Xiao Jingduo scrutinized him, and hearing this comment, he grew even more suspicious: “Today’s miscellaneous writing exam was on ‘Tian Wen’. If I’m not reading ‘Chu Ci’, what else should I be reading?”
Dong Peng chuckled, “Alright, alright, I won’t argue with you. Whatever you say. But Brother Xiao, the exam is over. Isn’t it a bit far-fetched to be reading ‘Chu Ci’ now?”
“Far-fetched? What do you mean?”
Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s completely serious expression, Dong Peng realized he had said too much. He quickly waved his hand, speaking vaguely, “Oh, Wu is calling me. We should hurry. I’ll go first.”
After Dong Peng left, Xiao Jingduo’s eyes returned to the scroll, but this time, he didn’t turn a page for a long while.
There was something off about Dong Peng’s words earlier. What exactly was he implying?
This question puzzled Xiao Jingduo all night without resolution. When dawn broke the next day, he could only temporarily set aside his thoughts and start packing his belongings.
By mid-morning, Dong Peng and Wu Tai finally returned, drunk. They supported each other, mumbling incomprehensible drunken words, stumbling into the courtyard. Dong Peng suddenly tripped on his right foot. With the slow reactions of a drunk person, he was about to fall to the roadside when Xiao Jingduo, unable to stand by, reached out to steady him.
“Brother Dong, Brother Wu, you’ve drunk too much.”
Dong Peng, leaning on Xiao Jingduo, was barely conscious. Wu Tai, slightly more lucid, looked up and after a long stare, recognized him. He slurred his thanks, “Oh, it’s little Brother Xiao from across the room. Thanks, thanks…”
“The exam just ended yesterday, and you’re already in this state. Aren’t you afraid the chief examiner won’t approve?”
“Ha, what are we afraid of? I’ve got this in the bag,” Wu Tai, his mind foggy from drinking, blurted out many things. “We’re not like you. Look at you, you’ve decided to take the imperial exams and your family is paving the way for you. You’ll get your jinshi degree and enter officialdom in grand style. How could you rich kids understand the hardships of poor students? This is my first time seeing a prosperous place like Chang’an, and I want to stay here forever.”
These words were disjointed, but each one came from Wu Tai’s heart. Perhaps because he was drunk and his emotions were showing, and because Dong Peng was also drunk and unconscious with no one to remind him, Wu Tai spoke more and more freely. After complaining for a while, he suddenly chuckled: “But my fate is about to change. Soon I’ll pass the exams with high marks and become an official, and from then on, I’ll rise rapidly in my career.”
Xiao Jingduo’s strange premonition came again, exactly like Dong Peng’s words last night. He glanced at Dong Peng and suddenly decided to change his target for questioning. Dong Peng was quite cautious and wouldn’t say much no matter how he was asked, but perhaps he could find a breakthrough with the drunken Wu Tai.
So Xiao Jingduo softened his voice and went along with Wu Tai’s words, asking, “Really? You’re so confident you’ll pass with high marks? Why do you dare to say that? Who knows if you’re just bragging?”
Wu Tai laughed loudly. He struggled to pat Xiao Jingduo’s shoulder and said, swaying, “I’m confident because of you, brother Xiao. Don’t worry, we’re exam-mates, and we’ll serve in the court together in the future. I won’t tell anyone about this.”
Xiao Jingduo was both shocked and confused. He asked a few more questions, but Wu Tai kept missing the point. Just then, Xiao Lin called him to leave. Seeing that he couldn’t get anything more from Wu Tai, Xiao Jingduo had to let it go for now.
Even so, the information revealed in Wu Tai’s words was enough to make Xiao Jingduo vigilant. As he rode his horse towards the Dingyong Marquis’s mansion, he pondered over this matter the whole way.
Finishing the imperial exams should have been a joyous occasion, and the servants of the marquis’s household wanted to join in the celebration, but seeing Xiao Jingduo’s grim expression, they could only swallow their congratulatory words.
Xiao Lin, being the most taciturn, didn’t ask much when he saw Xiao Jingduo’s unhappy face. He just drove the carriage, silently following behind Xiao Jingduo.
“Xiao Lin,” Xiao Jingduo suddenly asked, “During these exam days, did Dong Peng and Wu Tai do anything unusual, or did they ever go to my room?”
Hearing Xiao Jingduo’s question, Xiao Lin squinted his eyes in thought, then shook his head firmly: “No, I’ve been watching your room closely, young master. I didn’t let anyone in. Oh, but…” Xiao Lin suddenly seemed to remember something and abruptly stopped speaking.
“But what?” Xiao Jingduo pressed.
“The day we first arrived, when I was moving things, I think I saw Dong Peng standing by the door, seeming to be taking something.”
“What was placed near the doorstep?”
“Several trunks for storing clothes, oh, and I believe there was also the young master’s book chest.”
Xiao Jingduo nodded thoughtfully. Trunks for storing clothes, and his book chest. Although he felt there was nothing wrong with either of these, his luggage had been packed entirely by Qiuju. Perhaps asking Qiuju about it when he got back would yield some results.
Xiao Jingduo returned to the manor with a stern face the whole way. Seeing his expression, the servants on the road obediently stepped aside, not daring to say a word. However, this indirectly confirmed the speculation of everyone in the marquis’s household – the young master’s exam results must not be promising.
Qingze Courtyard had already begun preparations upon receiving news of Xiao Jingduo’s return. Qiuju ran to open the door, happily welcoming Xiao Jingduo and the others.
“Young Master, you’re finally back!”
“Mm.” Xiao Jingduo responded casually.
“It’s good that you’re back, Young Master. Just now, Young Miss (Cheng Huizhen) sent someone to inquire. Who would have thought that right after her people left, you’d return? Such unfortunate timing. But come to think of it, it was the same last time. Young Miss came to Qingze Courtyard, stood around for a bit, and left without seeing you.”
Xiao Jingduo suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned back, fixing Qiuju with an intense gaze: “What did you say?”
Startled by Xiao Jingduo’s look, Qiuju stammered: “The day before you left the manor, Young Miss also came to Qingze Courtyard. Is there something wrong with that?”
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