A month later, the palace examination took place.
In principle, candidates who had already made it onto the ‘Apricot List’1The “Apricot List” refers to a public list of successful candidates who passed the Metropolitan Examination (会试, Huishi) in ancient China’s Imperial Examination system. The list was traditionally posted in a public space, often on a wall, so that the names of those who achieved scholarly success could be viewed by the public. would not face elimination; the purpose was merely to determine their final rankings, especially the much-anticipated selection of the First-Class Scholars and the Zhuangyuan (the top scholar).
The palace examination consisted of policy questions. The 300 candidates gathered at the Daming Palace2The Daming Palace was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty (618–907) located in Chang’an (present-day Xi’an, China). It served as the primary residence of the Tang emperors and was considered the political and cultural center of the empire during its peak., where they were called forward one by one, bowing their heads at the entrance to the Hanyuan Hall3Hanyuan Hall was the main audience hall of the Daming Palace during the Tang Dynasty in ancient China. It was one of the most significant buildings within the Daming Palace complex in Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) and served as a central location for important state ceremonies and imperial gatherings.. The emperor would pose questions, and the candidates would answer them on the spot. During the questioning, they had to keep their heads down, not daring to look directly at the emperor’s face.
Su Cen, along with the other scholars, led by officials from Honglu Temple4Honglu Temple was an important government institution in ancient China responsible for managing foreign affairs and diplomacy. Despite the name “temple,” it was not a religious institution but rather an official bureau under the central government, specifically tasked with handling relations with foreign envoys, tributary states, and non-Han Chinese peoples., from the imperial city into the palace. They passed through the Tai Chang Temple5Tai Chang Temple, also known as the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was an important government institution in ancient China responsible for managing state rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices. Despite its name, Tai Chang Temple was not a religious temple in the usual sense but rather a government bureau dedicated to the administration of Confucian and state rituals., Honglu Temple, and Shangshu Province6Shangshu Province, also known as the Ministry of Personnel was a central administrative institution in ancient China, particularly prominent during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and in subsequent dynasties. The term “Shangshu” translates to “Department of State Affairs” or “Ministry of Personnel”, and it was one of the Six Ministries (六部, Liùbù) that formed the core of the central bureaucracy. before entering Danfeng Gate and arriving at the Daming Palace, where they truly stood in the presence of the emperor.
The order of the procession was based on the results of the previous exam, so naturally, Su Cen was at the front of the line. As they walked, he couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of the imperial architecture. When they entered Danfeng Gate, he was momentarily stunned, causing the entire procession to come to a halt.
A minor official from the Honglu Temple chuckled, “Talented scholar Su, please hurry, the Emperor is waiting.”
Only then did Su Cen nod and follow along.
Before him lay three towering Dragon Tail Paths made of white jade, the stone steps still showing their natural patterns. The railings on either side were adorned with carvings, with dragons on the upper level and jade lotus flowers on the lower, exuding a majestic and celestial aura. The Hanyuan Hall stood atop these heavenly steps, flanked by Xiangluan Pavilion and Qifeng Pavilion on either side, resembling a soaring eagle with wings spread, corresponding with Longshou Mountain in the distance. It stood with the sky as its backdrop, overlooking all beneath it, its brilliance impossible to gaze upon directly.
The celestial gates of the palace open wide, and people from all nations in ceremonial attire bow before the imperial canopy.
No wonder some people spend their entire lives trying to enter these gates; the supreme royal dignity and the commanding majesty indeed have an irresistible allure.
The Dragon Tail Path was divided into three levels, with these 300 candidates standing on a platform connecting the middle level to the highest. To ensure fairness, the order of the examination was determined by a draw. Officials were present to record every word the candidates spoke for later review.
Though it was already March, with spring in full bloom and mild weather, some of the 300 candidates were drenched in sweat, while others shivered uncontrollably. Some were so overcome with emotion when their names were called that they fainted on the spot, their three years of effort coming to nothing.
Su Cen slightly turned his head. Standing next to him was the second-ranked candidate on the Xingbang. From the moment they had entered Danfeng Gate, Su Cen had noticed that this person had been observing him, sometimes subtly, sometimes more openly. Su Cen had been used to being scrutinized from a young age and usually didn’t care about others’ gazes, but being watched by this person made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
The man was dressed in a plain, brocade robe adorned with ink orchids, exuding an air of elegance. Seeing Su Cen looking at him, the man didn’t avoid his gaze but smiled at him. “Brother Su, I’ve long admired your name.”
Out of courtesy, Su Cen briefly cupped his hands in return. Although this person knew him, Su Cen didn’t recognize him. Ah Fu had checked the list for him, so aside from knowing he was one of the top candidate, Su Cen knew nothing else. Helpless, he simply replied, “Pleased to meet you.”
“You don’t recognize me?” A flicker of surprise crossed the man’s eyes, but he quickly smiled again. “Those with true talent often disdain trivial matters. I’ve read Brother Su’s essay—it’s indeed thorough and incisive, with an extraordinary grasp of logic and rhetoric, beyond the reach of ordinary people. I hold you in the highest regard.”
“You’ve read my essay?” Su Cen couldn’t help but frown. The spring exam papers were all anonymized, copied by clerks, and then sent to the Ministry of Rites for unified review. During this period, the officials of the Ministry of Rites stayed and ate together in one place, with no outsiders allowed in or out. Who exactly was this person who dared claim to have seen his essay?
“Don’t misunderstand, Brother Su,” the person quickly realized his words might lead to speculation and smiled. “Do you know why the ‘Apricot List’ was posted half an hour late this year?” Without waiting for a response, he continued, “The Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy almost got into a fight because of the two of us. Initially, I wasn’t convinced. After the list was posted, my uncle brought me your essay to read, and I then realized I was indeed no match for you. I lost wholeheartedly.”
“Your uncle?” Su Cen was getting more confused.
“My uncle is quite interested in you, too.” The man gave Su Cen a smile with a hint of inexplicable depth.
At that moment, the summoning officer stepped forward, bowed to the man, and said, “Your Highness, it’s your turn.”
For others, the summoning officer would call out their names in front of the steps, but for this person, the officer came down personally. Moreover, the officer just now seemed to address him as “Your Highness.”
In this dynasty, apart from a few princes like Prince Ning who held real power due to military achievements, most royal families, though enjoying hereditary privileges, were merely just titles without actual authority. If they wished to enter officialdom, they had to participate in the imperial examination like ordinary candidates.
It seemed this person was a royal who wasn’t content with just living idly.
The man took a few steps with the summoning officer, then turned back and smiled, “My name is Zheng Yang. I hope Brother Su will look after me in the future.”
“Impressive, huh?” As he walked away, someone behind Su Cen leaned forward and said, “Among the current royals surnamed Zheng, there’s only one — Duke Ying, Zheng Qin. Thirty years ago, when he was still Marquis of Anqing, he married Grand Princess Taining. Do you know who he referred to as his uncle?”
Su Cen frowned. He wasn’t interested in probing into others’ private affairs, but the person behind him seemed eager to continue, not expecting Su Cen to answer.
“That Grand Princess Taining and the powerful Prince Ning share the same mother. So, when he mentioned ‘uncle’…” The man gave a meaningful smile, “He was referring to the Regent Prince himself!”
Su Cen looked up. The man stood tall on the high steps, his robes fluttering in the morning light, exuding an imposing presence that set him apart from those standing below.
“So, no matter how well you perform in the exam, can you really compete with a background like his? What’s someone like him doing in this crowd anyway?”
The person behind seemed ready to say more, but Su Cen shifted his position slightly, stepped forward half a step, closed his eyes, and mentally reviewed the classics again. The person behind pursed his lips and, sensing the cue, wisely turned away to chat with someone else.
It wasn’t until the summoning officer called his name that Su Cen opened his eyes. His eyes, clear and pure, shaped by a profound mastery of both ancient and modern learning, moved steadily forward, exuding an indescribable confidence and vigor.
When the Honglu Temple official in front called his name, Su Cen finally opened his eyes. His gaze, refined by deep knowledge of both ancient and modern scholarship, was clear and pure. He walked forward slowly, exuding a spirit of boldness and confidence.
Bowing low before the hall, he heard a crisp, childlike voice inside mechanically reading aloud: “As the ruler, I rely on Heaven’s grace, succeeding the imperial legacy, and governing the realm with policies and teachings. A sovereign should ensure the people’s happiness, fulfilling their needs and taking on the role of a parent to all under Heaven. However, Heaven sometimes turns harsh; there are still those suffering from cold and hunger, and the borderlands are plagued with war and unrest. I intend to reorganize the state’s administration, temporarily suspend military actions, and restore peace to the land, allowing the people to live in peace. What are your thoughts on this policy?”
This question was about state governance and temporary suspension of military actions. There were a few stumbles in the reading, and someone nearby quietly prompted the speaker. It was obvious that someone had prepared a script, merely read out by the emperor.
The one who needed to listen was probably not the emperor.
Unable to raise his head, Su Cen did not know who else was present in the hall. After a brief consideration, he replied clearly and precisely: “I am naturally dull and my knowledge is shallow. I am honored and fearful to receive your question, and I dare to speak frankly. In my humble opinion, governing a country is similar to treating an illness, and there are methods of observation, listening, inquiry, and examination. I would like to propose the theory of ‘Healing the Nation.’
The so-called ‘observation’ involves observing the lives of the people and the vitality of the country, as well as the vast rivers and mountains. Nurture them with the spring breeze and nourish them with gentle rain. Ensure there is harvest in autumn and sustenance in winter. When the state is stable, the people can rely on their ability to be self-sufficient. Distribute land evenly, repair water systems, and prepare for droughts and floods. With light taxation, the people will have enough food and clothing, and there will be no famine along the roads.
‘Listening’ means ensuring there are no cries of grief within a hundred miles and no warfare within a thousand miles. Send letters to foreign vassals and have the cavalry return after blowing horns. As a ruler, one should gather information from all directions, not confined to one city. If there is smoke and miasma in Jiaozhi, one should also be aware of the bitter cold in the northern desert. It is advisable to appoint regional inspectors to report any signs of trouble immediately to the capital.
‘Inquiry’ involves personally engaging with public opinion, fearing that ornate presentations may block ears and eyes, and court music may hinder hearing. One should be aware of the people’s sorrows and wishes, reduce bureaucracy and extravagance, understand the hardships of the people, widely accept good advice, and ensure effective communication. It is crucial to prevent the blockage of information.
‘Examination’ is the most critical. It involves looking beyond the surface to understand the root causes. Chronic problems in the country are due to overcomplication. If these problems are not resolved, blindly acting upon them will only increase waste. In my humble judgment, although the current state appears harmonious on the surface, internally, there are severe divisions. The country’s resources are limited, yet human desires are endless. If we consume the nation’s resources recklessly, the state will only have an outward appearance without true strength, strong on the outside but weak within. Looking at the sages of the past, like Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu Di, and our ancestors Taizong, they united the nation with shared efforts, resulting in peace throughout the realm. I hope Your Majesty can follow the legacy of our forebears, restore clarity to the court, and show compassion to the people. Then the world will be truly fortunate.”
“So, in your view, what are the ills of the state?”
Su Cen suddenly raised his head!
The voice was deep and resonant, echoing back and forth among the beams of the grand hall, lingering for a long time.
The last time he heard this voice was in a teahouse. He had looked up and seen that person descending the stairs, exuding a noble and intimidating aura that kept ordinary people at a distance.
This time, he was kneeling before the hall, while that man sat below the dragon throne, dressed in dark robes with crimson trimmings, embroidered with a faint nine-clawed dragon pattern in gold thread. His eyes were like a thousand-foot deep, cold pool, quietly gazing at him. Though his expression seemed emotionless, Su Cen could still detect a hint of mockery from the sharpness of his brows.
And disdain.
So, this was the famed Prince Ning, Li Shi, renowned for his military achievements and holding the emperor in his grasp to command the feudal lords—the very “uncle” mentioned by Zheng Yang and the most untouchable figure in the court.
And he had already thoroughly offended him upon their first meeting.
Su Cen didn’t even know what was happening to him. Moments ago, he had been calm and articulate, but the instant he met those eyes, it felt as if he had been punched hard in the chest. He couldn’t catch his breath, and a sharp pain spread through his chest.
Su Cen didn’t know what had come over him. Moments ago, he had been calm and eloquent, but the moment he locked eyes with that man, it felt as if his chest had been struck by a heavy blow. He struggled to catch his breath, a sharp pain spreading through his chest.
It wasn’t until the eunuch standing before the throne called his name, reminding him not to look directly at the emperor, that he snapped back to reality. As he lowered his head, an inexplicable sting welled up in his eyes.
Once again, he found himself in such an embarrassing situation.
Once again, he had fallen at the hands of the same person.
“Your theory of ‘Healing the Nation’ is quite fluent and direct in addressing the current issues, but there is one thing—what is the chronic illness you refer to in your final point of ‘examination’?”
The person on the throne asked again.
“Royal Uncle, he means…” A weak, childlike voice started to speak, but for some reason, it trailed off at the end.
Su Cen clenched his fists. This person was deliberately making things difficult for him. He had spoken clearly enough, and anyone with an attentive mind, even the young emperor in the hall, could understand what he meant. Yet, this person persisted in asking again.
It was clear he expected that Su Cen wouldn’t dare utter those two words.
Su Cen gritted his teeth and said firmly, “Factional strife.”
![Flying Dust [Fei Chen]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9k.png "Flying Dust [Fei Chen]")
