The imperial examination has been held in Bing County for two years, selecting numerous officials. However, hosting a banquet specifically for this occasion is a first. This is not like the festive atmosphere of the Shangsi banquet, which carries some evaluative significance. The fact that the Duke of the Prefecture personally presides over this event already holds extraordinary significance.
Why host a banquet at this time? The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the twenty young talents who excelled in the examination. Regardless of their distant or close family ties, the distinction between prestigious families and common ones is like heaven and earth. Could this be a signal from the Provincial Governor’s residence? Does the imperial examination provide a path for promotion beyond the ninth rank?
Opinions are varied, but the most excited are those scholars who ranked highly in the examination. Now that they have the favor of the Duke of the Prefecture, a powerful figure serving as the Grand Commander and Grand Marshal of the Three Provinces, does anyone doubt their future career prospects?
Everyone spared no effort, hoping to make a stunning impression. Therefore, on the day of the banquet, there was no shortage of splendid attire, elaborate makeup, and adorned hairpieces. In the warm winter sunshine, the scholars, dressed in new and refined outfits, followed the steps of the officiating priests and officials, respectfully entering the courtyard of the Provincial Governor’s residence.
The courtyard was designed to showcase the beauty of each season. However, the desolation of winter was particularly adept at revealing a refined and elegant character. This residence showed no signs of decay, with flowers and trees providing a picturesque setting. Pavilions and towers were arranged charmingly, and the majestic atmosphere befitting the administrative center of a province added a touch of grandeur that captivated the hearts of those present.
However, those who came here were not here to appreciate the scenery. When Duke Liang, dressed in black attire embroidered with false gold insignias and adorned with a purple sash, entered the seat, everyone present knelt down.
Liang Feng returned the courtesy and invited everyone to rise and take their seats. Subsequently, musicians on both sides played various instruments.
As the music played, many hearts were delighted. Clearly, the melody was the first chapter of “Lu Ming,” a piece from the ancient Chinese classic “Xiao Ya.” “Lu Ming” was originally a song for the ruler’s banquet, referencing Wei Wu’s “Short Song Style.” Didn’t it represent the Duke’s eager pursuit of talents?
Indeed, after the music ended, a song began.
“Yo, yo, the deer cries, feeding on the wild apples. I have esteemed guests, playing the se and blowing the sheng. Blowing the sheng, striking the hou, presenting the offerings in a basket. People appreciate me, showing me their support.”
As the ritual official’s singing concluded, Liang Feng smiled and raised the goblet in his hand. This was the offering from the host, also a tribute from the ruler to his subjects. With solemnity and joy, it made people feel spiritually clear. For those young talents from prestigious families, it was still bearable, but for commoners and scholars, who had ever experienced such a moment? Tears welled up in their eyes, and seeing the elegant Duke at the head of the table, they felt as if they were intoxicated without consuming any wine, quickly responding according to the ceremony.
The song resumed, and the host presented again. After three rounds, the initially somewhat tense atmosphere completely relaxed. After the ritual feast, Liang Feng smiled and said, “The scholars selected in this imperial examination are outstanding in both virtue and talent, truly bringing good fortune to my administration. If they were all relegated to minor positions, wouldn’t it be wasting great talents on trivial tasks? Therefore, I have selected the top three scholars in the Mingjing category to join the prefecture as clerks.”
With these words, the crowd below couldn’t contain their excitement. Of the sixty-four individuals selected in this imperial examination, ten were in the mathematical category, four in medicine, and the remaining fifty were in the classics category. Those in mathematics and medicine were certain to become officials, while scholars in the classics were potential candidates for future government positions.
Selecting the top three in the classics as clerks meant granting actual official positions. Moreover, these were crucial positions beside the Duke! In the eyes of the people, official ranks could be distinguished as high or low, but what defined high and low? In essence, positions close to the emperor were the most esteemed. A position as a clerk in the prefecture, especially beside Duke Liang, was like reaching the sky in one step. Not to mention those from humble origins, even for the scholars from prestigious families who had participated in the imperial examination, this was an excellent opportunity!
The scholars from prestigious families were delighted, and the commoners were ecstatic. Among the top three scholars in the classics, there was even one from a humble background! Did this not imply that even commoners could enter government service directly through the imperial examination?
Their faces flushed with excitement, and the commoner students, along with the two noble-born students, stepped forward to express their gratitude for Duke Liang’s favor.
However, Liang Feng hadn’t finished speaking, “Aside from the top three, those in the top ten can also be assigned to govern a state or command a district, taking up official titles. You are all talents selected through the imperial examination, and you should dedicate yourselves to the court, not wasting the knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your lives.”
This announcement led even more people to step forward. Being assigned to govern a state or command a district would not only mean minor positions. This was the top ten in the imperial examination, and all of them could hold official positions! Those participating in the imperial examination from prestigious families were not concerned about the distinction between pure and impure. Even if they were assigned to the ninth rank, they might not be promoted to a higher rank. The best they could hope for was a position as a local official. However, with a single statement from Duke Liang, he offered them the best possible outcomes. This was probably something that even the current court couldn’t achieve. Regardless of whether it was in the province of Bing County or if they were to go to Si County or Ji County, it was far better than stagnating in Jianye or facing hardships as officials in turbulent times.
Observing the varied expressions on everyone’s faces, the joyful and surprised looks, Liang Feng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After this banquet, would the imperial examination still be a simple method for selecting officials? Probably no one would think so. However, now that so many scholars were willing to follow and accept official positions instead of being relegated to minor roles, there was no fault to be found. Once this door was opened, stopping it would not be so easy.
With the right time, the right place, and favorable conditions, a variety of factors converged, allowing him to achieve his goal ahead of time.
And this seemingly small change, even the court in Yang County could not prevent it. As long as he held sway over the three northern provinces, this imperial examination would continue for a long time. Until he could gather more talents from a broader territory!
Perhaps it’s worth considering the establishment of martial examinations.
Sitting in his elevated position, Liang Feng wore an unchanged smile as he watched the ministers below drinking and composing poems, showcasing their talents in hopes of winning his favor. These individuals were, after all, the skeletal remains obtained through considerable financial investment.
That night, a few words spoken at the Lu Ming Banquet spread throughout Jinyang. The noble families were shaken.
Everyone knew that the imperial examination was a means to gain power and privileges. However, no one expected that Duke Liang would use such a method to elevate the imperial examination, placing it on par with the ninth-rank examination. Should they participate in an exam that diminishes their status? If they did, where would the dignity of the noble families be? If they didn’t, were they supposed to let the commoners take away positions that rightfully belonged to them?
The twenty noble-born individuals who entered the examination became a significant factor that tilted the balance. Among the top ten in the classics, eight were from noble families! Even with such a crude method of selection, the accumulated knowledge of the noble families far surpassed that of the commoners. Bing County had not abolished the recommendation system and the ninth-rank examination. The Three Institutes of Culture still belonged to the noble families. In this case, why not secure a position in the imperial examination, even if it was in a less prestigious category?
Hearts shifted due to the two words—benefits and changes. This small banquet drew the attention of countless individuals.
Yet, despite this, some people remained like carefree clouds and wild cranes, ignoring worldly affairs.
In the Western Mountain Caves, craftsmen tirelessly chiseled the rock walls. The clinking and clanking sounds echoed through the vast mountain valley.
Standing in front of a Buddha statue that stood over twenty feet tall, with an expression as serene as a mountain, Wei Xie gazed into the distance. He had been in the Western Mountains for half a month, yet every day brought new insights.
Jiangdong also had Buddhist temples and statues, but they were nowhere near the scale of these caves. Each cave housed a unique Buddha, and every statue created a magnificent Buddhist realm. Each Buddha had a different countenance, and each painting conveyed the true teachings of Buddhism.
This was not something that a simple temple or thin wall painting could achieve. When these colossal caves were completed, how many people would come to pay their respects?
More than the scale, what intrigued Wei Xie was the carving technique of the Buddha statues. Most of these craftsmen hailed from various countries in the Western Regions, and thus, the patterns and demeanor of the stone sculptures differed from those in the Central Plains. However, there was one aspect that puzzled Wei Xie. Despite the large Buddha statues having foreign features, why did the Medicine Buddha Radiant Lapis Lazuli Tathagata in the main hall have such a delicate and handsome face?
Wei Xie couldn’t help but mutter, “Could it be that this Buddha statue is really carved based on Lord Liang’s appearance?”
This time, there was no response from behind. On the contrary, Xun Zhi quickly walked up, “Master Wei, Lord Liang is here!”
What? Wei Xie was surprised. He had been in Jinyang for some time, but Lord Liang had been busy with the imperial examination, and they had not met. Wei Xie didn’t care much and wholeheartedly wanted to explore the grottoes of West Mountain. Unexpectedly, Lord Liang came without summoning and even visited in person. Although Wei Xie wasn’t concerned about social niceties, he became a bit nervous.
He quickly patted off the dust on his body and said, “How did Lord Liang come? Did he bring his entourage?”
“No. Judging by the situation, it seems like he came to the West Mountain to pay respects to the Buddha.” Xun Zhi whispered.
Hearing this, Wei Xie felt somewhat relieved and walked out with his disciple. Because the grottoes were still under construction, the accompanying halls and Buddha altars were not yet completed, leaving everything exposed to the outside.
Below the steps, there was a group of people and horses. The number was not large, far from what would be expected for the county lord’s outing; the entourage seemed insufficient. However, with attendants accompanying and parasols shading, the number was still considerable.
Yet, Wei Xie’s gaze was firmly fixed on the two figures standing in the middle.
He observed the two individuals—one beautiful, the other heroic.
Wei Xie had seen beautiful people before. His specialty was portrait painting, and many noble families in the Three Kingdoms sought his talent. Not to mention Wei Xie himself, who was the well-known head of the Wei family, widely recognized as the Jade-like Youth. However, the person he saw today was different from Wei Xie. It wasn’t about their actual appearance; rather, it was their distinct temperament.
The most famous description of Wei Xie was the evaluation alongside Le Guang, “Father-in-law is clear as ice, and the son-in-law is as smooth as jade.” The words “as smooth as jade” were indeed fitting. Wei Xie’s beauty was like an orchid or jade tree, captivating yet also evoking a desire to protect, not willing to cause any harm.
However, the beauty of the person in front was entirely different! Although he wore a smile, there was a kind of aura in his eyes that made it impossible for people to confront him. It was as if the thunder roared in the nine heavens above, imposing without anger. The height and aloofness didn’t turn into coldness, only because he had a faint smile on his lips like the Buddha plucking a flower—gentle and beautiful.
This combination of strength and gentleness created a strange and unforgettable temperament. What’s more wonderful was the Jie person standing beside him.
Although he had a high nose and deep eyes, in Wei Xie’s eyes, the Jie man was not ugly. His stature was straight as a sword, his eyes sharp as lightning. Every inch of his figure exuded an unyielding rigidity and coldness. However, when he looked at the person beside him, all the murderous intent and fierceness turned into nothingness, leaving only humility and admiration.
One dynamic and one static, it was like a scene from a painting. Even Wei Xie, who had broad knowledge, couldn’t help but be stunned on the spot.
Wei Xie stood still, and Xun Zhi became a little anxious. After all, Lord Liang was also the ruler of the three provinces, a local lord. If Master Wei behaved so rudely, what if it offended someone? Anxiously bowing, Xun Zhi said, “I am Xun Zhi, paying respects to Lord Liang. Master Wei, this is Lord Liang…”
He wanted to quietly remind his master, but Wei Xie just opened his mouth and said, “I’ve figured out what to paint!”
This statement was extremely rude, and Xun Zhi couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat. Seeing Wei Xie’s appearance, Lord Liang on the opposite side just smiled, “Master Wei, what do you want to paint?”
“The Medicine Buddha spreads the Dharma to all directions, attracting the yakshas of the underworld to submit to you. Twelve great generals surround your side, creating a solemn flame net. Thus, all sentient beings gain enlightenment,” Wei Xie muttered.
The Medicine Buddha was Lord Liang’s current title of veneration. If someone else said it, he would most likely think it was deliberate flattery. However, facing the artist who was completely out of sorts and confused, he just smiled slightly, “It sounds like a masterpiece.”
He didn’t say how magnificent the painting should be or how many believers it could attract. He just casually mentioned it as a “masterpiece.” Wei Xie’s hands were trembling, “I’m afraid it will take a year to paint this…”
“Huai’en Temple can wait, and so can I,” Lord Liang said nonchalantly.
“Thank you, Lord Liang!” Wei Xie was truly convinced, eager to put his thoughts on paper right away. He had encountered many dignitaries, and even if they liked his paintings, they treated him like a craftsman, similar to how they treated his mentor, Cao Buxing. If it weren’t for his side branch status in the Wei family, he might be relegated to the deep palace and used by emperors.
However, the current Lord Liang in front of him was completely different. He could hear the acknowledgment in the other’s words and feel the genuine respect. He respected Wei Xie’s talent and valued his aspirations. There was no arrogance, only a complete lack of arrogance. This was not the treatment he could receive in Jianye!
However, Liang Feng didn’t think his actions were particularly outstanding. After all, it was Wei Xie! Even Gu Kaizhi, a renowned artist whom even Gu Kaizhi wanted to imitate and learn from, was the earliest figure in the legendary “dare not touch up” story of the painting sage. “Ancient paintings are all rough, and precision begins with Wei Xie. Among the Six Principles, he excels in all.” Someone who could receive such praise, how could they be compared to ordinary people?
Inviting Wei Xie to Jinyang was precisely to add more brilliance to this ancient capital, just like the massive Buddha cave in front of them.
Building a cave involved leveraging manpower from noble families, gathering the faith of the people, and enhancing one’s own reputation. However, thousands of years later, all those thoughts would turn to dust, and only this stone cave could become an eternal and indestructible cultural heritage, passing down through generations.
This kind of heritage was equally precious. Liang Feng didn’t mind having more masterpieces from the painting Sage. It was much more wonderful than receiving them from noble families or emperors.
Therefore, he simply said, “I wonder if Master Wei has gained anything in the Buddha cave? The cave is not yet completed, and there’s still fine-tuning to be done. If Master Wei can assist, it will undoubtedly be of great help.”
Wei Xie was momentarily stunned, “I wonder what insights Lord Liang has?”
Liang Feng smiled, “Please follow me, Master Wei.”
The two of them didn’t pay much attention to their respective statuses, just walked side by side towards the main hall. Behind them, Xun Zhi stared somewhat dumbfounded at the backs of the two. A thought emerged in his mind.
This Lord Liang is indeed a wise lord worthy of assistance! Shouldn’t he write a letter back home to persuade his father and brothers?
The author has something to say:
The Lu Ming Banquet became a prescribed banquet in the imperial examination system after the Tang Dynasty.
