“Fifty-fifty?” Biao Biao blinked her bright eyes, surprised. “You mangy servant, you’re quite confident.”
Then, her charming peach blossom eyes swept over Huai Qing, and she snorted, “If you want to enter the palace, just find me. Why bring along some irrelevant people?”
“You’ve grown bolder lately,” Huai Qing nodded, walking towards her.
Usually, Lin An would be startled at this point, hopping away like a little rabbit.
But this time she didn’t leave. She proudly puffed out her chest, hands on her hips, choosing to confront Huai Qing head-on. She chirped defiantly, “What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?”
Xu Qi An discreetly positioned himself between the two, smiling wryly, “Your Highnesses, please don’t quarrel. We’re surrounded by outsiders. Don’t let people laugh at us.”
Aren’t you an outsider too? Huai Qing glanced at him lightly.
Huai Qing, with her well-developed figure but an aura like an ice mountain goddess, frowned slightly. She realized that the relationship between Constable Xu Ning Yan and Lin An had rapidly warmed in a short time.
For instance, when Xu Qi An stepped between them, he faced her with his back to Lin An. This was an unconscious gesture of protection towards the latter.
Also, when they arrived together, Lin An stood very close to Xu Ning Yan, already beyond the etiquette range between an official and a princess.
Xu Ning Yan had gradually grown closer to Lin An. This realization made Huai Qing inexplicably irritated and uncomfortable.
“Your Highness asked earlier how I plan to handle this case. I didn’t say then because I wasn’t very confident. Now, well, I’ve done what I can. Man proposes, God disposes,” Xu Qi An steered the conversation, not giving the two princesses a chance to bicker. Seeing that he had indeed caught Huai Qing and Lin An’s attention, he smiled and continued:
“At first, I was troubled about how to prove Second Brother’s innocence, to prove he didn’t cheat. I racked my brains over it. But later I realized, whether he cheated or not doesn’t matter.”
Xu Xin Nian was merely a pretext for civil officials to engage in political games, a reason, or rather, a tool.
In simpler terms, Second Brother Xu was a victim of political struggle.
Therefore, the crux of the problem, the key to breaking the deadlock, lay in those four words: “political struggle.” Only by winning this battle could Second Brother receive a fair trial.
Otherwise, for someone without backing in the court, did it matter whether he was innocent or not?
Huai Qing nodded slightly and said, “What you need to do is find him allies, allies who can win the court situation. That’s where the difficulty lies.
“His identity as a student of the Cloud Deer Academy destines him to be a rootless duckweed. It’s fortunate if the officials don’t kick him while he’s down, let alone favor him.
“If Duke Wei intervenes, then those neutral civil officials will also get involved. No one wants to see Duke Wei and the Cloud Deer Academy form an alliance. Prime Minister Wang probably won’t turn a blind eye either.”
Huai Qing understood these intricacies herself. What troubled her was the word “allies.”
Without Wei Yuan, how could Xu Qi An find forces in the court that could counter the Left Censor-in-Chief, Minister Sun, Duke Cao, the Vice Minister of War, and others?
All his confidence was based solely on Wei Yuan.
In this game, Emperor Yuan Jing was merely the referee… As long as he doesn’t actively target Second Brother, I can still give it a try… Xu Qi An thought to himself.
…
The officials entered the Hall of Golden Chimes, maintaining silence, and waited quietly for a quarter of an hour before Emperor Yuan Jing arrived fashionably late.
The old emperor, his black hair restored, wore a simple Taoist robe with flowing sleeves, looking more like a Taoist priest than an emperor.
After the normal court proceedings, Minister Sun of the Ministry of Justice suddenly stepped forward and announced loudly, “This humble official has a matter to report.”
In an instant, all eyes turned to the figure in the crimson official robe. The somewhat dead atmosphere in the court suddenly surged with turbulent undercurrents.
Eddies of tension swirled and surged among the court officials.
The prelude was over, and the curtain was slowly rising.
Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong and Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao, who had planned this, quietly straightened their backs, displaying strong fighting spirit and confidence.
The Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and other factions involved in this matter curled their lips, both waiting for the show to begin and eager to launch their revenge against Xu Qi An and Wei Yuan.
The faction of Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang, isolated and weak, furrowed their brows.
Usually, they wouldn’t fear the provocation between factions or the Vice Minister of War. However, now the Vice Minister of War came with the “great situation,” binding the Grand Secretary of the East Chamber with the Cloud Deer Academy student. To clear the Grand Secretary’s name was equivalent to clearing Xu Xin Nian’s name, and that meant too many enemies.
Inside and outside the hall, the remaining neutral factions tacitly watched the show, waiting to see how things would develop. If speaking of stance, they naturally leaned towards the Minister of Justice, and couldn’t possibly favor the Cloud Deer Academy.
“Beloved minister, please speak,” Emperor Yuan Jing, seated high on the dragon throne, exuded a powerful aura.
“Your subject, following the imperial edict, investigated the case of Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang accepting bribes and leaking exam questions to candidate Xu Xin Nian. Now the truth has come to light. There are three people involved: Cloud Deer Academy student Xu Xin Nian; Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang, and his steward who acted as an intermediary.
“Moreover, according to Xu Xin Nian’s confession, he met the Grand Secretary through his brother, Xu Qi An.”
Minister Sun finished his report.
The relevant confessions had already been presented to the emperor for review. Any matter discussed in court sessions was submitted in memorials a day in advance.
Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong turned slightly, giving Wei Yuan an expressionless look.
Other officials also turned to look at Wei Yuan, waiting for his response and counterattack. Minister Sun’s move was to forcibly drag Wei Yuan into the water, giving him no chance to stand idly by.
“Your Majesty, please allow this humble official to speak,” At this moment, an elderly censor with graying hair stepped forward. It was Zhang Xingying, who had rendered meritorious service in Yunzhou.
Emperor Yuan Jing’s response remained unchanged, his voice deep, “Beloved minister, please speak.”
Zhang Xingying glanced sideways at Minister Sun and announced loudly, “Your subject wishes to accuse Minister of Justice Sun Min of abusing his power and extorting confessions. I request Your Majesty to order a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices to reinvestigate the imperial examination fraud case.”
This was a common tactic in officialdom: the delaying tactic!
The effectiveness of this move ultimately depended on the emperor’s will.
Is that all? Minister Sun sneered and retorted, “This case was personally ordered by Your Majesty to be jointly investigated by the Ministry of Justice and the prefectural government, with mutual supervision. How can there be talk of extorted confessions?
“Those three prisoners are in jail. Whether they were tortured into confessing or not, Your Majesty can easily find out by sending someone to investigate.”
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded slowly, no longer looking at Censor Zhang, and asked, “Ministers, how do you think this case should be handled?”
Zhang Xingying stood there, disappointed.
Minister Sun glanced back at Governor Zhang, his gaze carrying a slight disdain. Such a weak counterattack, had they decided to give up?
At the same time, Minister Sun couldn’t help feeling disappointed. His Majesty’s attitude was very clear: the delaying tactic was useless, but he also didn’t immediately characterize the case.
His Majesty was giving Wei Yuan and Zhao Tingfang’s faction a chance to counterattack.
But Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong, who wanted to drag Wei Yuan into the water, brightened up. He immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said:
“Your Majesty, your subject believes that the nature of this case is extremely serious. After days of fermentation, it’s known throughout the capital. Students are resentful, and civilians are indignant. If we don’t deal with it severely, it won’t be enough to appease public anger.”
At this point, the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review stepped forward and shook his head, “That Xu Qi An represented the Bureau of Astronomy in the magic duel and has recently rendered great service. He cannot be dealt with.”
The Chief Minister’s words were a stab at the heart, establishing an arrogant image of “Xu Qi An leveraging his achievements” for Emperor Yuan Jing and the court officials.
Once these words were spoken, Emperor Yuan Jing had no choice but to deal with him. Otherwise, it would confirm the notion of “leveraging achievements,” setting an extremely poor example.
Zhao Tingfang’s faction members came forward one after another to refute.
The court officials waited for a moment, then were shocked to discover that Wei Yuan hadn’t spoken, and the censors under him had also laid down their flags and drums.
This… was he going to abandon his trusted aide, Xu Qi An?
Various thoughts flashed through the minds of the officials in the hall. The wind quietly changed direction, and the Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel stepped forward, tentatively speaking:
“The Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review speaks wisely. This case must be dealt with severely, without any leniency. Otherwise, the court will lose all authority, and Your Majesty will lose all prestige.”
At once, the Six Offices of Scrutiny came forward one after another, supporting the view of the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
As one of the promoters who hadn’t spoken, the Vice Minister of War turned his head to look at Duke Cao.
Now that the civil officials had expressed their stance, if Duke Cao, with his first-rank dukedom, added fuel to the fire, a powerful force would form in the hall. The emperor would have no reason, nor would he want to fight against this force for the sake of a single Grand Secretary.
Duke Cao stepped forward expressionlessly, drawing the gazes of surrounding ministers and nobles.
Duke Cao had also been pushing the “imperial examination fraud case”… If he represented the nobles and spoken up, Wei Yuan, having lost the initiative, would have found it hard to turn the situation around. For him, Xu Xin Nian might not be important. But this would create an irreparable rift between him and his trusted aide, Xu Qi An… the officials thought.
After stepping forward, Duke Cao stood shoulder to shoulder with Minister Sun, bowed, and said:
“Your Majesty, your subject believes that the Ministry of Justice and the prefectural government have handled this case too hastily. Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang has always been known for his integrity and has an excellent reputation. How could he accept bribes?
“Furthermore, although Xu Xin Nian is just a student, the Cloud Deer Academy hasn’t produced a top scholar in many years. If the case is settled so hastily, how could the great scholars of the academy be satisfied?”
Duke Cao’s words, when distilled, were quite simple: Xu Xin Nian was a key student cultivated by the Cloud Deer Academy. When dealing with him, one must consider the academy’s attitude and not be too harsh.
Minister Sun stiffly turned his head, staring at Duke Cao in disbelief.
The Left Censor-in-Chief and the Vice Minister of War’s expressions changed slightly. Before submitting the impeachment memorial, the two had conspired in secret. Then, Duke Cao actively pushed things along, uniting the nobles to support the two of them.
Multiple parties had tacitly allied, exerting force together.
At this moment, Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao felt the anger of a “revolution” being betrayed.
What was going on?!
The court officials couldn’t hide their astonishment. Had Duke Cao switched sides? Then what was the point of his previous efforts to push things along…
Suddenly, the officials were startled and looked towards Wei Yuan.
When did Wei Yuan persuade Duke Cao? What benefits did he promise?
Just as the officials were speculating, Wei Yuan came to his senses and looked at Duke Cao with considerable surprise.
Wei Yuan seemed extremely astonished; did he not know about this either… This detail caught the eyes of everyone, making the ministers even more confused.
For a moment, the court situation suddenly became mysterious.
The officials fell into silence, not immediately jumping out to refute, choosing instead to observe how the situation would develop.
The Vice Minister of War, however, couldn’t remain silent. He stepped forward three paces and said gravely:
“Your Majesty, Duke Cao’s words are treacherous. Imagine, if we were to treat Xu Xin Nian lightly just because he’s a student of Cloud Deer Academy, how would the students of the Imperial Academy feel? How would scholars across the empire feel?
“When Emperor Wen established the Imperial Academy and swept Cloud Deer Academy scholars out of the court, what was it for? It was because Cloud Deer Academy scholars had no respect for authority and used their learning to disrupt the law.
“Cheng Yasheng erected a monument at Cloud Deer Academy with the inscription: ‘Die with honor to repay the emperor’s kindness, leaving a legacy for a hundred generations.’ It was to tell future generations how to be loyal to the emperor and love the country.
“Do you all want to repeat the helplessness of Emperor Wen?”
Emperor Yuan Jing’s eyes instantly narrowed, his detached demeanor vanishing, switching to that of a monarch wielding great power.
Impressive!
Minister Sun and the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review’s lips curled slightly. This move of concept substitution was brilliantly used, as if drawing a line in the court, with Imperial Academy scholars on one side and Cloud Deer Academy on the other.
In this dispute of orthodoxy, how to choose?
If any more civil officials were to speak for Xu Xin Nian, they would have to consider their positions, and whether their words might alienate them from the court and their fellow officials.
Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong almost stroked his beard and laughed. This way, Wei Yuan would have to step in, because there were some things that scholars couldn’t say. But he, as the leader of the eunuch faction, could, not because he wasn’t a scholar from the imperial examination system.
If Wei Yuan stepped in, how would Prime Minister Wang respond? How would the other neutral civil officials react?
Dragging Wei Yuan into the water, then defeating him with overwhelming force, making him compromise and give up control of the Censorate – this was the Left Censor-in-Chief’s important recent plan.
“Hmph!”
At this moment, a cold snort filled with boundless anger resonated in the hall.
Everyone turned their heads toward the source, and it was Prince Yu, who had been inconspicuous all along. This prince, wearing a dark yellow dragon robe, stepped forward with an ashen face. His temples were frosted white, and deep crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes made him look incredibly old.
Seeing him step forward, Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao, who had just been speaking passionately, suddenly felt his heart sink.
“Looking back two hundred years, this prince has never heard of Cloud Deer Academy scholars secretly harming a princess. Is this what you Imperial Academy scholars call loyalty to the emperor and love for the country?”
Prince Yu shouted angrily: “Hypocrites!”
Then, he turned to Emperor Yuan Jing, bowed, and said: “Your Majesty, your humble brother doesn’t care about the truth of the imperial examination fraud case. I just feel that the officials of the Ministry of Justice are incompetent and muddleheaded.
“If they knew how to handle cases, my poor Pingyang wouldn’t have died crying for justice. If it weren’t for Night Watchman Constable Xu Qi An thoroughly investigating the case, I’m afraid her grievance would still not be cleared today.
“The imperial examination fraud case is of great importance. I hope Your Majesty can re-examine this case, with a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices together with the Night Watchmen.”
Emperor Yuan Jing frowned, hesitating to speak.
Prince Yu immediately burst into tears: “Your Majesty, my poor Pingyang…”
Shameless!
Minister Sun, the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Left Censor-in-Chief, the Vice Minister of War, and others’ faces changed drastically. Princess Pingyang’s case was a thorn between the civil officials and Emperor Yuan Jing.
The Vice Minister of War had told Emperor Yuan Jing that Cloud Deer Academy scholars couldn’t be controlled. Now, Prince Yu was telling Emperor Yuan Jing that Imperial Academy scholars also had the heart to harm the royal family, and would act on it.
Wei Yuan laughed inwardly. That boy being able to seek Prince Yu’s help was within his expectations, but why Duke Cao had turned sides at the crucial moment, he had a rough guess, though he couldn’t verify it now.
Although Xu Ning Yan wasn’t skilled in factional struggles, his insight was extremely high, seeing the situation incisively.
At this time, Duke Cao and other nobles chimed in one after another, subtly forming a confrontational stance against the civil officials.
Prime Minister Wang observed coldly, but was quite surprised inwardly. The current situation of nobles confronting civil officials was something even he hadn’t anticipated.
Duke Cao and Prince Yu weren’t on the same side, and neither were they on the same side as Wei Yuan, but the fact that both parties had joined hands was undeniable.
Who was manipulating all this behind the scenes?
This behind-the-scenes manipulator clearly knew who their enemies were, and thus deployed strategies, seeking forces that could counter their “opponents.”
Prince Yu… Princess Pingyang’s case… Could it be him?! A guess flashed through Prime Minister Wang’s mind, his expression faltered slightly before returning to normal.
The situation took a sharp turn, and Minister Sun and others felt a chill in their hearts. If the case was re-examined, with the Night Watchmen’s Office also getting involved, all their plans would come to nothing.
It would ultimately result in multiple parties pulling in different directions, reaching a deadlock.
Although Xu Xin Nian wouldn’t be able to participate in the palace examination because of this, who would care whether a top scholar could participate in the palace examination or not?
Minister Sun, as an important backbone of Wang’s faction, kept giving eye signals to Prime Minister Wang.
Big brother, what’s going on? We’re fighting a bloody battle at the front, and you’re not saying a word in the rear?
Prime Minister Wang noticed Minister Sun’s gaze and frowned slightly. From his standpoint, he didn’t care who won or lost in this case. Firstly, Wei Yuan hadn’t stepped in, and secondly, Xu Xin Nian couldn’t represent the entire Cloud Deer Academy.
If he really disliked it, he could find an excuse to send him to some remote place later.
However, as Minister Sun, a backbone of Wang’s faction, was charging at the forefront, if he stood idly by now, it would dishearten people. This was the drawback of factions.
Many times, one had no choice.
“Your Majesty, I have a way to quickly resolve this case,” Prime Minister Wang stepped forward, bowed, and slowly said:
“Whether Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang leaked the exam questions or not, we only need to test Xu Xin Nian. Your Majesty can summon him to the hall, personally set a topic for examination, and have him compose a poem in front of all the officials.
“Whether that ‘The Hardships of the Journey’ was ghostwritten or not will be clear with one test. As for the essay on the classics and policy, with the palace examination approaching, whether Xu Xin Nian has real talent and learning, Your Majesty can decide after seeing his writing.
“If he’s truly incompetent, it proves the leak was real, the cheating was real, and he should be severely punished.”
Emperor Yuan Jing stared at Prime Minister Wang for a moment, then smiled and said: “This makes sense. Let’s do as you suggest.”
Minister Sun and others showed joy on their faces. Prime Minister Wang’s words, at first glance, seemed to be mediating, but actually clearly favored one side.
Having His Majesty personally set the topic, testing poetry, letting Xu Xin Nian compose a poem in the hall. In the entire Great Feng, only the Poetry Champion Xu Qi An could do this.
If he couldn’t pass this test, how could he talk about the palace examination?
Prince Yu immediately said: “Your Majesty, this method is too hasty. Can ordinary people produce excellent poetry at will?”
Zhang Xingying immediately agreed.
Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong smiled and said: “In the examination hall, time is also limited. If this top scholar Xu could compose one, why couldn’t he compose a second?”
“Prince Yu’s words are mistaken. If Xu Xin Nian can produce an immortal masterpiece, it shows he’s extremely skilled in poetry. Let him compose another one, compare the two, and it will naturally be clear.”
“Your Majesty, this method is excellent.”
The Six Offices of Scrutiny took the lead in supporting, and other civil officials agreed one after another.
Duke Cao stood by, watching. He had only agreed to help Xu Xin Nian receive a lighter punishment, not to clear him of all charges.
Prince Yu’s face sank. Just as he was about to continue persuading, Emperor Yuan Jing waved his hand and said calmly: “We have made our decision. Prince Yu need not say more.”
…
A stick of incense’s time later, armored palace guards entered the Hall of Golden Chimes and respectfully said: “Your Majesty, Xu Xin Nian has been brought.”
The originally stagnant atmosphere suddenly became lively, and the court officials instantly perked up.
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded, his voice majestic: “Bring him in.”
The palace guards withdrew, and a few minutes later, the spring examination top scholar, Xu Xin Nian, with his handsome features, arrived wearing prison clothes.
He slowly walked through the passage laid with scarlet carpet, passing between the rows of officials, and came before Emperor Yuan Jing.
Is this… is this the legendary Hall of Golden Chimes?!
Is this where the court officials attend morning court?!
Why am I being brought to the Hall of Golden Chimes… A series of questions flashed through Xu Xin Nian’s mind. He was so excited that his hands and feet trembled slightly, almost beyond his control.
In an extremely low voice, he gave himself a buff: “Remain unmoved even if a mountain collapses before you!”
In an instant, Second Brother Xu’s heart became as calm as well water, unperturbed, his eyes bright, as if he didn’t regard the surrounding officials as anything special.
He bowed and said: “Student Xu Xin Nian greets Your Majesty.”
The palace guard immediately said: “Your Majesty, his identity has been verified.”
Emperor Yuan Jing scrutinized the young man whose looks were good to the point of lawlessness, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice:
“We ask you, did the Grand Secretary of the East Chamber accept bribes and leak exam questions to you?”
Xu Xin Nian cried out: “Your Majesty, this student has been wronged.”
No one paid attention to his plea. Emperor Yuan Jing calmly interrupted: “We give you a chance. If you want to prove your innocence, then compose a poem here in the Hall of Golden Chimes. We will personally set the topic. Xu Xin Nian, do you dare?”
I don’t dare, I don’t dare… Xu Xin Nian’s face turned slightly pale.
He hadn’t expected that being brought to the Hall of Golden Chimes would put him in such a predicament.
‘The Hardships of the Journey’ was ghostwritten by his elder brother, not his own work. Although he had changed two words, he could pat his chest and say: This poem was written by me.
But to ask him to write another one, and to compose on the spot, he simply couldn’t do it.
To be able to do this, unless a sage possessed him… Xu Xin Nian felt utterly desperate inside. He even had the thought of confessing everything and begging the court for leniency.
But reason told him that once he admitted ‘The Hardships of the Journey’ wasn’t his own work, what awaited him was a fate sliding into the abyss.
No one would care that it was his elder brother who had correctly guessed the topic.
What should I do, what should I do? I never thought that my first time in the Hall of Golden Chimes would be my last? He deeply felt the difficulty and danger of officialdom.
Elder brother, what should I do…
Xu Xin Nian’s expressions and complexion were all seen by the officials and Emperor Yuan Jing.
A flash of satisfaction passed through Minister Sun’s eyes. When Xu Qi An composed poetry before, he had nailed him to the pillar of shame. Now the tables had turned, it was his turn to be in the spotlight.
Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao exhaled silently, feeling that the overall situation was settled. After overthrowing Zhao Tingfang, his next step was to scheme for the position of Grand Secretary of the East Chamber.
And the Inner Cabinet was Prime Minister Wang’s territory, with Minister Sun being a backbone of Wang’s faction, it was almost a foregone conclusion.
The Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong looked towards Wei Yuan, feeling extremely displeased because Wei Yuan had still not made a move, thus rendering his plans futile.
However, being able to make Wei Yuan lose a capable aide was not a total loss.
It has indeed come to this step… Wei Yuan sighed silently. When he first learned that Xu Xin Nian was involved in the imperial examination fraud case, Wei Yuan thought it wouldn’t be difficult to handle. Later, when Xu Qi An confessed to ghostwriting the poem, Wei Yuan’s advice was:
Try to get a lighter punishment.
This was a fatal flaw.
Xu Ning Yan seemed to have other support, he didn’t say, but I could sense it… Wei Yuan had a rough guess about Duke Cao’s sudden change of sides, but he had no idea how to resolve the issue of composing poetry.
Emperor Yuan Jing looked down at Xu Xin Nian from his high position, his voice stern and deep: “You don’t dare?”
Gulp… Xu Xin Nian swallowed hard. Whether he stepped forward or back, it was the same fate. He gritted his teeth and said: “Please, Your Majesty, set the topic.”
Emperor Yuan Jing smiled and said leisurely: “Die with honor to repay the emperor’s kindness. Hmm, let’s take ‘loyalty to the emperor and serving the country’ as the theme. Compose a poem. You have the time it takes for one incense stick to burn.”
Hearing the emperor’s topic, Minister Sun and others couldn’t help but laugh secretly.
His Majesty knew that Xu Xin Nian was a Cloud Deer Academy student, yet gave such a topic. It was deliberate.
Moreover, throughout history, immortal poems about loyalty to the emperor and serving the country were mostly composed in times of national crisis. In times of peace and prosperity, there were very few masterpieces on this theme.
This topic is extremely difficult!
Loyalty to the emperor and serving the country as the theme… Xu Xin Nian’s whole body stiffened, and he stood rooted to the spot.
That day, his elder brother had drawn lots and got two exam topics: one was expressing aspirations, the other was patriotism. The poem expressing aspirations had already been used in the spring examination, helping him become the top scholar.
So, the remaining patriotic poem naturally had no use.
He never imagined that Emperor Yuan Jing would give a topic that was precisely about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism.
Could it be… could it be that His Majesty and elder brother were in cahoots? Otherwise, how to explain such a coincidence.
Emperor Yuan Jing watched the spring examination top scholar in the hall expressionlessly. Observing people’s words and expressions was a skill that a monarch had perfected since his days as a prince.
This top scholar Xu’s various expressions and gazes all expressed the panic and despair in his heart, to the point of being dumbfounded.
Prince Yu, who had also come through the days of being a prince, coughed and said gravely: “Your Majesty…”
“Prince Yu!”
The Vice Minister of War raised his voice to interrupt, saying: “The time of one incense stick is limited. Don’t disturb top scholar Xu’s composition. The court officials are waiting.”
Prince Yu’s face darkened.
At this, the ministers showed various expressions – some worried, some pleased, some with cold smiles, some watching coldly.
In the midst of silence, Xu Xin Nian suddenly spoke loudly: “I don’t need the time of one incense stick. This student thanks Your Majesty for your grace in giving me this opportunity. My elder brother Xu Qi An is the Poetry Champion of Great Feng, composing poetry comes naturally to him.
“I certainly can’t disgrace him.”
Hmm?!
Suddenly so confident?
The court officials, Prince Yu, and Emperor Yuan Jing all were stunned at the same time.
Then, a voice with rising and falling tones resounded in the inner hall:
“Black clouds press the city, the city about to crumble, armor gleams in the sun, golden scales unfold.”
This short sentence painted a vivid picture of a city under siege in everyone’s minds. The enemy rolled in like black clouds pressing down. On the city walls, the armor of the defenders gleamed in the sunlight, ready for battle.
Xu Xin Nian turned back, his gaze slowly sweeping over the officials, and recited: “Horn sounds fill the sky in autumn’s hue, rouge on the frontier congeals in night’s purple.”
The assembled nobles looked on in astonishment. This scholar had never been to a battlefield, yet how could he describe the scenes of war so aptly, so deeply moving?
“Half a red flag by the Yi River, frost-heavy drums fall silent in the cold.”
“What a line, ‘frost-heavy drums fall silent in the cold.’ This marquis seems to have returned to those years of being wrapped in horsehide, guarding the frontier,” Marquis Weihai exclaimed in rapture.
The other nobles were similarly immersed in the charm of the poem.
The civil officials frowned, glancing disapprovingly at the uncouth warriors, disgusted by their sudden outburst.
Minister Sun glanced at Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong, Yuan Xiong looked blankly at Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao, while Qin Yuandao looked at the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review with an ashen face.
The four exchanged silent glances, their hearts sinking.
The Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review said gravely: “This poem… is certainly not bad, but what does it have to do with loyalty to the emperor? You’ve merely written about battlefield scenes. As the top scholar, you can’t even match the theme of the poem.
“If this isn’t cheating, what is it?”
“Exactly!” Qin Yuandao said loudly.
Xu Xin Nian ignored them, suddenly turning around to face Emperor Yuan Jing, bowing low, his voice growing even more resonant, echoing throughout the hall:
“To convey the emperor’s will from the golden terrace, I’d wield a jade dragon and die for my lord.”
The Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review’s breath caught, staring blankly at Xu Xin Nian, feeling as if his face had been slapped hard by an invisible hand. A surge of anger rose in his heart.
Minister Sun and others also had ashen faces, veins popping on their foreheads.
To convey the emperor’s will from the golden terrace, I’d wield a jade dragon and die for my lord… Emperor Yuan Jing savored the lines leisurely, then smiled, his imperial countenance greatly pleased:
“Good poem, good poem. Worthy of being the top scholar, worthy of being the talent who wrote ‘The Hardships of the Journey.'”
From his tone and demeanor, anyone could see that His Majesty was in an excellent mood.
After a pause, Emperor Yuan Jing asked: “But what does the ‘golden terrace’ mean?”
The golden terrace should be a high platform cast in gold… Xu Xin Nian bowed and gave his interpretation: “To serve Your Majesty loyally, to die for Your Majesty, let alone a terrace cast in gold, even a jade terrace would be within easy reach.”
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded slowly, the smile on his face deepening: “Good. The court has always been clear in rewards and punishments, never mistreating meritorious officials. So am I.”
He continued: “Top scholar Xu’s poetic talent is not inferior to his elder brother’s. ‘The Hardships of the Journey’ is indeed your work. As for the essays on classics and policies, I will personally read them during the palace examination. Don’t disappoint me.
“As long as you can enter the second rank, I can promise to let you enter the Hanlin Academy as a Shujishi.”
The Hanlin Academy was also known as the place for storing future prime ministers. Although a Shujishi couldn’t compare to the first rank, it qualified one to enter the inner cabinet, one of the most prestigious positions in the current court.
Wei Yuan and Prime Minister Wang turned their heads, one to the left and one to the right, both looking at Xu Xin Nian at the same time.
Xu Xin Nian felt greatly relieved, suppressing the joy in his heart: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Yuan Jing said: “We are tired. Court is dismissed.”
It was over. The imperial examination fraud case was, at this point, almost concluded.
Unless Xu Xin Nian performed poorly in the palace examination and wrote a terrible essay, which was highly unlikely. As a student of the Cloud Deer Academy and the current top scholar, his talent was definitely among the best of the candidates.
Most crucially, His Majesty seemed to quite appreciate this young man, which was of utmost importance.
The court officials had strange expressions on their faces, not expecting the case to end in such a way.
The attempt to catch a chicken resulted in losing the bait… Minister Sun’s face looked awful. After the palace examination, when the imperial examination fraud case was over, someone would surely take the opportunity to attack him, accusing him of abusing his power and framing others.
The Six Offices of Scrutiny and other third-rank officials all felt disappointed and dissatisfied.
This dissatisfaction almost reached its peak when they heard Emperor Yuan Jing promise to let Xu Xin Nian enter the Hanlin Academy.
What qualifications did a Cloud Deer Academy student have to enter the Hanlin Academy? In the two hundred years since the Imperial Academy was established, there had never been such a thing.
The officials in the hall and those outside dispersed with complex feelings. As they passed through the great square, they saw a Night Watchman standing with his sword.
Facing the Meridian Gate, facing the officials.
Princesses Huai Qing and Lin An stood at a distance, not standing alongside Xu Qi An.
On one side were hundreds of powerful Beijing officials in their official robes.
On the other side was a lone, uncouth warrior, a Night Watchman.
One man blocked the path of the most powerful group in Great Feng.
The officials noticed this small Night Watchman who had taken a stance to block their way, and recognized his identity. No official in Beijing didn’t know him.
What does he want to do?
Is this uncouth warrior trying to show off, to flaunt his power?
The Six Ministers, Vice Ministers, Six Offices of Scrutiny, royal clan members, nobles… pairs of eyes fell on Xu Qi An, scrutinizing him.
A mere warrior dares to block our way?
One man with a sword standing at the Meridian Gate, alone blocking the crowd of officials.
Xu Qi An faced the officials, slowly sweeping his gaze over everyone, suddenly letting out a cold laugh. He took a deep breath and slowly said:
“Your bodies and names will perish together, but the rivers and mountains will flow on forever… Bah!”
He spat out a mouthful of saliva fiercely, then picked up his sword and slowly walked away.
A mass taunt!
Inside and outside the Meridian Gate, there was instant dead silence.