Chapter 568

Love Shenjing City West, Chunhua Building.

In the private room on the second floor, there was a red clay tea stove on the table, with a few plates of exquisite candied fruit and a few plates of seasonal fruits.

Lin Zhaohe was drinking tea alone, quite content.

Since receiving arrangements from his cousin Lin Lin Zhaorong, he had moved into his cousin's private residence in the Divine Capital, which was far more convenient than staying at an inn.

With daily life taken care of, he was spared the trivialities of going out to find meals, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies.

After four or five days of diligent reading, he felt he had gained more insight than he ever did in the noisy inn, and he felt very satisfied.

Today, he remembered his fellow students Wu Liang and Zhou Yan, whom he had stayed with at the inn. He had originally intended to invite them to visit high-ranking officials, but because he was moving out at the time, the plans fell through.

Wu Liang and Zhou Yan had seen him off with great enthusiasm, and he had promised to host them for a meal in return.

Having studied hard for several days, he wanted to go out for a change of pace and fulfill his promise, so he sent a servant from his cousin's house to the inn to invite them to Chunhua Tower.

Lin Zhaohe chose Chunhua Tower because the Xicheng was a hub for inns, housing many scholars who had come for the examinations.

Chunhua Tower was a long-established restaurant in the Xicheng, known for its affordable and delicious food, making it a favorite spot for scholars to gather.

Wu Liang had once hosted a meal there, which was why Lin Zhaohe chose this location, making it easy for them to find.

……

After waiting for about the time it takes to finish half a meal, he saw the door to the private room pushed open. Lin Zhaohe saw Wu Liang's chubby, smiling face, but he was alone; Zhou Yan was nowhere to be seen.

Lin Zhaohe asked with a smile, "Why is it just you, Xiwen? Did Brother Bao Kun not come?"

Wu Liang laughed, "Originally, Brother Yichun was hosting, so Brother Bao Kun would definitely have come. But something came up unexpectedly. He has some distant relatives in the Divine Capital who somehow heard he was here and invited him to a banquet.

They say it's a long-lost branch of the family, so he had to go. He asked me to apologize to you, Brother Yichun, and said he would host a meal to make it up to you next time."

Lin Zhaohe didn't mind. Any scholar who could make it to the Divine Capital for the Spring Examinations was among the best of their peers, and their hometown relatives would naturally take pride in them.

After scholars arrived in the Divine Capital, if they had distant relatives or old acquaintances in the city, they would be invited to banquets and hosted as honored guests once the news got out.

Had Lin Zhaohe himself not been found by his cousin shortly after arriving in the capital and invited to stay as an honored guest?

Wu Liang sighed with a mix of envy and bitterness, "It seems to me that Brother Bao Kun will soon follow in your footsteps, Brother Yichun. In a few days, he'll be moving out of the inn, leaving me all alone."

Lin Zhaohe laughed, "That's fine too. You'll have more peace and quiet, Xiwen, perfect for focusing on your studies."

Wu Liang smiled, "I know you've moved into your relative's private residence, Brother Yichun, so you must be studying even harder behind closed doors. You probably don't know about the waves being made outside these past few days.

With the Spring Examinations approaching, the Imperial Edict announcing the Chief Examiner—following the usual procedures—should be coming any day now. It's getting livelier outside every day.

There are all sorts of theories circulating in the market about what the examiners might choose for this year's Spring Examinations. Every scholar and master has their own opinion, and many brilliant practice questions have emerged.

You've been studying behind closed doors every day, Brother Yichun, so you must be unaware of these things.

Our teachers at the academy always taught us that when it comes to poetry and essays, there is no single authoritative view; one must be broad-minded and inclusive.

You shouldn't just bury yourself in the classics and ignore the world outside, Brother Yichun……"

Wu Liang took a stack of papers from his robe and smiled, "During this time, Brother Bao Kun and I have been visiting high-ranking officials and attending gatherings with fellow scholars, collecting many practice questions for the Spring Examinations.

Of course, there are other brilliant questions out there, but our social circle is limited, so we can't know them all.

Every time I get a new question, I write an essay based on it when I get back, and I've often sought guidance from senior scholars. I've gained quite a lot from it—it's far more practical than just rote memorization of the classics.

I've specially organized these questions today to bring them for you to see, Brother Yichun. Perhaps they will provide you with some inspiration."

……

Lin Zhaohe didn't find it strange that Wu Liang was so enthusiastic. His fellow student had always been quick-witted; while talented, he was naturally inclined toward shortcuts and competitiveness.

This was just a common trait among young people, neither good nor bad.

However, his fellow student had a good heart—warm and generous. He hadn't forgotten to share the practice questions he'd gathered with him.

Lin Zhaohe took the questions Wu Liang had transcribed and flipped through them carefully. He nodded to himself, noting that some of the questions were structured with great logic and perspective.

Seeing Lin Zhaohe reading so intently, Wu Liang felt a sense of pride. He knew the caliber of his fellow student; to have someone who had won the title of Yongzhou Jieyuan in Hangzhou Prefecture read them so carefully proved that these questions had real weight and merit.

Wu Liang thought about how much he had learned and realized from practicing these questions over the past few days; they were certainly not a waste of effort.

After reading through the transcribed questions, Lin Zhaohe said thoughtfully, "Many of these questions are ingeniously conceived and broad in scope; they must have come from the hands of senior scholars.

Others are mediocre, with old-fashioned phrasing; the people who drafted those have very limited talent.

But some of these questions, while novel and eye-catching, lack a solid foundation and are too obscure; they are still open to debate.

For instance, the policy question drafted by Lord Xu Xu Liangxiong falls into this category……"

Wu Liang laughed, "Lord Xu is full of whimsical ideas. When we visited the Xu residence for a banquet, he spoke highly of Liu Ying's 'Record of Reflection' from the previous dynasty, feeling it held profound meaning.

His question is likely based on that; it's probably just a bit of intellectual play……"

Wu Liang had always admired Lin Zhaohe's insight and talent. Seeing him effortlessly critique these questions, often hitting the nail on the head, he humbly sought his guidance.

The two talked while sipping tea, finding the discussion quite interesting.

……

Wu Liang added with a smile, "Some of these questions were obtained by visiting high-ranking officials and noble families—the ones you just praised, Brother Yichun.

Others were gathered from gatherings with fellow scholars; their sources vary and aren't entirely clear.

Perhaps some of these questions are just the work of mediocre scholars in the market, fabricated to deceive students and make money—that wouldn't be surprising.

Since that blue-covered booklet appeared in the market, everyone knows which officials will be involved in this year's Spring Examinations.

Although every fellow scholar wants to use that booklet to visit and build connections, the thresholds of these officials aren't something everyone can cross. Some people have limited family backgrounds or connections and lack that convenience.

I suspect that's why some people are taking advantage of the situation, privately creating practice questions and lying that they were made by famous scholars or high-ranking officials, selling them to scholars to make money. It's not rare.

Now, whenever fellow scholars gather, they talk about the Spring Examinations, and the conversation always turns to these new practice questions.

Everyone wants to have a few to show off. Some people who lack the connections to visit high-ranking families buy these market goods to fill the gaps. It's no wonder the quality is mixed—you can imagine."

……

Lin Zhaohe couldn't help but laugh at Wu Liang's amusing anecdotes.

Passing the examinations was the lifelong goal of thousands of scholars; ten years of hard study in obscurity, all for the sake of the sacred books—that went without saying.

On the road to the imperial examinations, people would do anything to achieve the glory of passing; this was nothing unusual.

Before the Spring Examinations, all sorts of strange practice questions were a common topic of conversation every session; even if they were bizarre or absurd, no one found it strange.

However, Lin Zhaohe was naturally steady and meticulous. Unlike Wu Liang, who treated these matters as mere gossip to be enjoyed, he thought a layer deeper. It seemed that whether it was the surge in visits or the spread of these practice questions, there was something indescribably different about this year's Spring Examinations compared to previous ones……

After discussing the questions Wu Liang had collected, Lin Zhaohe ordered wine and food from the waiter. The two drank and chatted, with Wu Liang, who was eloquent, talking endlessly about the interesting things he'd seen while visiting high-ranking families.

Wu Liang wanted to ask the waiter for brush and ink to transcribe these questions for Lin Zhaohe to take back and study.

Lin Zhaohe politely declined, saying that reading them once was enough and there was no need to transcribe them. Wu Liang knew his talent was extraordinary and didn't take it to heart. After three rounds of drinks, both were five parts drunk. Lin Zhaohe said, "Xiwen, the questions you've collected have some merit for honing your writing and inspiring your thinking.

But don't become overly obsessed. After all, practice questions are just practice questions; they aren't the real exam questions.

With the examinations so close, in my opinion, you should reduce your visits and banquets, Xiwen, and focus on the classics and books. Refining your thoughts is the right path."

Wu Liang, looking quite tipsy, laughed, "What you say is reasonable, Brother Yichun. While some of these questions are brilliant, there is always someone better.

If we're talking about profound learning and mastery of the imperial examination system, who in the world can compare to the former Minister of Rites, the man known as the 'Master of Literature and Sage of Learning,' Master Jing'an?

It's rumored throughout the world that since he retired fifteen years ago, he has been teaching students at home, leading to the legend of the Liu family producing seven Rank Jinshi in over ten years—truly unprecedented.

No, I was wrong. A few years ago, Jing'an's eldest grandson, Liu Bi, passed the examinations in the 12th year of Emperor Jia Zhao, so the Liu family now has eight Rank Jinshi!"

Lin Zhaohe laughed, "You're wrong again, Xiwen. You've forgotten about the Earl of Lord Weiyuan, Jia Cong. With his talent as the Yongzhou Jieyuan of Yongzhou, he will surely pass this year's examinations.

By then, the Liu school will have nine Rank Jinshi in one lineage."

Wu Liang had a sudden realization, "You're absolutely right, Brother Yichun. How could I have forgotten about the Earl of Lord Weiyuan? Since arriving in the Divine Capital, I've heard that many people want to visit Master Jing'an, but his threshold is even higher than the Earl of Lord Weiyuan's mansion.

Many people enter the Kuocang Mountains but can't even find the Liu family's front gate……"

As Wu Liang said this, he thought of something, his eyes filled with envy.

"Brother Yichun, Master Jing'an is known as the Sage of Learning. You say he's been giving Jia Cong practice questions to study—that must be far more brilliant than the things we have in our hands."

Lin Zhaohe smiled, "That's not something you can envy. He is blessed by heaven to have such an excellent teacher.

That's why I told you not to be overly obsessed with these questions. As you said, there's always someone better. It's of limited use anyway; you'd be better off spending more effort on the books……"

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

In the study, the afternoon sun shone into the room, leaving the shadows of the carved window lattices on the jujube wood floor. The concentrated light clearly illuminated the dust dancing in the air.

Jia Cong sat upright at the desk, calm and composed, writing rapidly with a brush. He was practicing the Spring Examination questions compiled by Liu Jing'an.

The notebook contained the content of the practice questions he was working on.

It read:

Bearing the weight of trust, working diligently day and night to honor the grace of mercy, the feelings are deep. After fifteen years of governance, the rule does not rely on power, and the grace is broad.

Yet the great ambition of a prosperous age has not been achieved. Is the cause the failure of moral education, or the failure of the monarch's will to be understood? ……

Wu Liang, who was so enthusiastic about the Spring Examination practice questions and envied Jia Cong for having the Sage of Learning as his teacher, was curious about what kind of questions Master Jing'an would set for his own disciple to practice.

If he saw the questions Jia Cong was working on now, he would be shocked, because the questions Liu Jing'an gave Jia Cong were far beyond the scope of the Spring Examinations.

Because the question Jia Cong was practicing wasn't a Spring Examination question at all—it was the kind of question that would only appear in the Palace Examination.

This was a question simulated by Liu Jing'an based on Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's governing psychology, asking about the governance of fifteen years, yet the results of the administration had not achieved the great ambition in his heart—what was the root cause?

This question was asked from the perspective of the monarch, inquiring about the essentials of governing the world; the breadth of its vision was probably unmatched in the world……

Occasionally, Palace Examination questions would appear among the various practice questions before the Spring Examinations. The imperial court wouldn't view this as disrespectful or overstepping, treating it at most as academic discussion.

But very few senior scholars would set such Palace Examination questions, because Palace Examination questions were nominally set by the monarch, and ordinary people couldn't possibly fathom the Emperor's mind.

Moreover, drafting Palace Examination questions before the Spring Examinations would likely be ridiculed.

For scholars, passing the Spring Examinations was already a treacherous path.

Even those with great talent, like a provincial Yongzhou Jieyuan, wouldn't dare claim they were certain to pass the Spring Examinations.

Furthermore, under the Great Zhou's imperial examination system, passing the Spring Examinations already conferred the status of Rank Jinshi; the Palace Examination was merely a ranking exam, not an elimination exam.

Therefore, creating Palace Examination questions was entirely superfluous, and drafting them was somewhat sensitive, even if not explicitly forbidden by the court.

That was why very few senior scholars would do such a thankless task before the Spring Examinations.

Perhaps Liu Jing'an felt that his disciple was born with innate wisdom and extraordinary talent and depth, and would pass the Spring Examinations without a doubt, so he went straight to Palace Examination questions……

Or perhaps this was just a pure exercise and discussion of the classics between teacher and student.

In any case, Jia Cong practiced Liu Jing'an's questions entirely within this study, and after thoroughly contemplating some of them, he would even burn them.

The study was silent, with only Zhen Ying Lady Lian serving nearby. Every time Jia Cong studied and practiced, Zhi Shao would give orders early on that even the corridor outside the study should be kept quiet to avoid disturbing him.

Jia Cong focused and wrote with his brush:

The work of moral education does not rely solely on the ability of the lips and tongue; the intent of the imperial decree does not rely on the exercise of power.

Loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and brotherly love are the teacher's path for the monarch; ritual, propriety, and respect are the conduct for the subjects……

……

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie's Courtyard.

The afternoon sun was bright, and the courtyard was quiet, with only Feng'er sitting in the corridor outside the door, sewing a pair of tiger-head children's shoes.

Inside the main room, Wang Wang Xifeng was chatting with Ping'er and Wu'er about daily household matters when she heard footsteps outside.

Hearing Feng'er call out to Mother Lin, Wang Wang Xifeng and the others knew it was Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife.

The curtain was lifted, and they saw Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife enter with a full face of smiles, followed by two maids holding several bolts of shimmering silk.

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife bowed to Wang Wang Xifeng, not forgetting to greet Wu'er and Ping'er.

She was an old hand in the mansion and knew everything about both mansions. Even though Wu'er and Ping'er were maids now, they would both be concubines in Jia Cong's room in the future.

They might even be more noble than the current Second Mistress. She wasn't exaggerating—the hereditary peerage Jia Cong held could be inherited regardless of whether one was born of a primary or secondary wife.

If these two had the great fortune to give birth to a son who could inherit the Lady Rongguo peerage, they wouldn't be ordinary concubines; they might even be granted titles.

Therefore, a shrewd and worldly person like Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife would never skimp on the proper courtesies, even when they were still in a lowly position.

She smiled, "Second Mistress, I've kept in mind your instruction a few days ago to purchase high-quality fabric.

I had some free time this morning, so I went out for half a day and managed to get everything."

As Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife spoke, she had the two maids bring the silk forward for Wang Wang Xifeng to inspect.

There were four bolts of fabric, all vibrant and rich in luster—clearly top-quality silk.

One was crimson with woven gold floral patterns, one was vermilion with woven gold lotus patterns, one was moon-white with woven silver bamboo patterns, and one was treasure-blue with brocade patterns.

Wang Wang Xifeng inspected them carefully and touched them lightly with her hand, smiling, "They really are top-quality. You have a good eye; you've chosen very well.

Last time at Rongqing Hall, the Old Matriarch mentioned that Jia Baoyu's fifteenth birthday is on the fifteenth of the fourth month and reminded me to make him two new outfits.

I thought that the twenty-first of next month is Third Brother's birthday, and since Jia Baoyu is getting new clothes, there's no reason to leave Third Brother out.

I've chosen the moon-white and treasure-blue for Third Brother; I reckon he'll look great in them. Wu'er, Ping'er, you take a look too. If they aren't good, we'll buy more."

……

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife understood Wang Wang Xifeng's meaning. By current logic, Jia Baoyu's fabric shouldn't be paid for from the Lady Rongguo Mansion's public funds; it should come from the East Road Courtyard's allowance.

It was unclear whether the Old Matriarch was confused or just used to doing things the old way, but she had directly asked Wang Wang Xifeng to make the purchase.

Purchasing was one thing, but they were both her grandsons and born in the same month; she only remembered Jia Baoyu's birthday and forgot that Jia Cong's was in the adjacent month.

Years ago, when Du Du Jinniang gave birth to Jia Cong in the East Road Courtyard, people in the family kept dying one after another, and even the Duke of Lady Rongguo, Jia Jia Daishan, seemed to have been cursed by him.

Because of this, the Old Matriarch was very distant and alienated from Jia Cong after he was born. Jia Cong grew up in the East Road Courtyard for ten years, and the Old Matriarch had barely seen him a few times.

She probably didn't even remember Jia Cong's birthday clearly……

But the Old Matriarch could be confused; Wang Wang Xifeng, who was now managing Jia Cong's household, absolutely could not be.

What seemed like a small matter to others was a major issue of status for the First Branch to Wang Wang Xifeng. She couldn't afford any slip-ups in front of others that might lead to speculation.

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife smiled, "Second Mistress, you are very thoughtful. But I was thinking privately that just making birthday clothes for Third Brother isn't enough. Third Brother is taking the Spring Examinations next month.

Everyone outside says Third Brother is a peerless talent and will likely become the top scholar. He should have a few new outfits for the exam hall; otherwise, it would be too plain."

Wang Wang Xifeng's smile brightened; she felt Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife was truly adept at speaking and acting.

She smiled, "You're more experienced than I am. This is exactly what should be done. You find some time in the next few days to pick out a few more bolts of good fabric."

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife quickly agreed with a smile.

Wang Wang Xifeng had Wu'er and Ping'er each take the moon-white and treasure-blue bolts to show Jia Cong.

She then asked casually, "This fabric looks like top-quality Su Zhou weaving; it shouldn't be cheap. How much did you pay per bolt?"

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife had a mysterious smile on her face, "Although the goods are excellent, the price was very reasonable—eight taels of silver per bolt."

Wang Wang Xifeng was surprised, "This kind of fabric usually costs ten taels of silver, and during festivals, it can even go up to twelve. How did you get it for such a bargain?"

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife's smile became even more mysterious, "Because these bolts of fabric, from the source, all came from the Second Mistress's dowry shop……"

Wang Wang Xifeng asked Wu'er and Ping'er to take two pieces of material—moon-white woven silver bamboo dark pattern and treasure blue group brocade pattern—and let them go to Jia Cong for his inspection.

She also asked casually: "This material looks like a top-grade product from Su Zhou weaving and embroidery, and the price is not cheap. How much did you buy it for?"

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife smiled: "Although the things are good, the price is very reasonable. I got it for eight taels of silver per piece."

Wang Wang Xifeng was a bit surprised and said: "This kind of material usually costs ten taels of silver, and even twelve taels during festivals. How did you get it so cheaply?"

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife's smile was a bit mysterious, and she said: "Because these few pieces of cloth, starting from the source, are all things from the Second Lady's dowry shop..." (End of chapter)