Chapter 185 City Streets 85 (End of Main Text)

Chapter 185: Capital & Commoners 85 (Main Text Conclusion)

The palace examination lasted but a single day, yet candidates endured two or three days within the palace walls before their release. The torment of it was known only to themselves.

Though surrounded by carved railings and jade-inlaid structures, sleeping on ornate beds beneath brocade quilts and cotton blankets, and partaking of the finest food and drink, how could one truly rest within the imperial palace?

Anxiety and apprehension gripped them all; even their voices dared not rise above a whisper.

Some sat transfixed in their chairs, sipping tea cup after cup, yet the more they drank, the drier their mouths became. Excessive tea also led to frequent trips to the privy. But their hearts were so agitated, as if aflame, that only repeated draughts of cold tea offered any solace.

Others, unable to sit still, paced back and forth across the hall, heads bowed, counting the floor tiles—from left to right, then right to left again.

There were also those who sat reading. Knowing their impatience, eunuchs had provided books to pass the time. Yet, how many could truly focus on a book at such a moment? Many merely turned pages with vacant eyes, from the first to the last, without absorbing a single word.

Not all their tension stemmed from exam results; more often, it was the sheer awe and trepidation of being within the imperial palace. Even leaving a faint footprint on a tile filled them with dread.

However, some managed to calm their minds and read. Among them were scions of noble families, accustomed to grand occasions, who remained unperturbed by their temporary residence in the outer side halls. Others, like Qin Rongshi, possessed unwavering resolve and a steady temperament, calmly turning pages with a serene expression.

"Young masters, it's time to eat."

At that moment, a high-pitched voice drifted in, followed by a procession of palace maids in court attire, gracefully entering the hall. They carried the midday meal, quietly placing bowls and dishes on each scholar's table.

The maids were young and beautiful, their skirts fragrant, yet none of the scholars dared to look up or linger their gaze. They kept their heads down, awaiting their food.

The head eunuch, with a fair, round, beardless face, wore a perpetual smile that made him appear harmless.

"Please eat, everyone. Should anything be amiss, feel free to instruct the palace attendants. If you lack or need anything, simply inform them."

As he spoke, he surveyed the candidates, nodding with a gentle smile.

The eunuch then withdrew, waving away the attendants who followed. With hands clasped, he bustled through several long corridors, his small, quick steps leading him into the grandest, tallest, and most majestic edifice—the Central Pole Hall.

Faint voices could be heard within.

"This parallel prose is excellently written. Take a look."

"I find this candidate's insights on 'governance,' 'river management,' and 'livelihood' particularly illuminating! And his calligraphy is exquisite! You should see it too."

"Let me see... Oh, I recognize this hand! Is this the exam paper of the Spring Metropolitan Top Scholar?"

...

Several senior officials gathered around the table, conversing animatedly as exam papers were passed from hand to hand, a constant murmur filling the air.

Within the hall, golden dragons coiled around red pillars, and rows of bronze lamp stands, taller than a man, branched out like trees, holding hundreds of lit lamps. Above them lay the vermilion steps and jade dais, where the middle-aged emperor sat enthroned.

The emperor chuckled, chiding, "You old fellows, so engrossed in your reading that you've forgotten I'm still sitting here?"

A momentary hush fell over the hall. The next instant, a senior official rose and addressed the emperor, "Your Majesty, the top ten candidates from this palace examination are all present. Please review them and select the top three."

The emperor glanced around, not seeing his personal eunuch, and then remembered he had dispatched him earlier.

Just as he was about to summon a junior eunuch to present the exam papers, the fair-faced, round-cheeked eunuch hurried back. He immediately took the papers and approached, bowing as he placed them on the grand desk.

The emperor did not immediately read them, instead casting a quick glance at the returning eunuch.

The eunuch instantly understood, bowing slightly toward the emperor, his gaze fixed on the tips of his shoes.

He recounted everything he had witnessed: who was restless and pacing in the hall; who was distracted and uneasy; and who remained calm, composed, neither servile nor arrogant.

The emperor listened in silence, nodding thoughtfully, before finally picking up the exam papers to review them.

His face betrayed no emotion, no expression, as he meticulously examined each paper. His pauses seemed uniformly timed, revealing no discernible preference, leaving his thoughts inscrutable.

Only after reading the last paper did he nod to the eunuch.

The eunuch immediately straightened his back and, in a thin yet piercingly clear voice, chanted, "Summon—"

This was the minor announcement of results, where the emperor summoned the top ten candidates to select the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua. The following day would be the grand announcement, the "Ceremony of Declaring Results," where the new imperial scholars would formally express their gratitude to the emperor, followed by the Qionglin Banquet and a visit to the Confucius Temple.

The ten candidates entered the hall, performed the customary bows, chanted "Long live the Emperor," and finally stood in a neat row.

The imperial examinations were a long and arduous journey. Those who reached the palace examination had undoubtedly overcome countless setbacks and hardships. Most were over thirty, some even nearing seventy—old warhorses still aspiring to great achievements.

In this context, Qin Rongshi, barely past twenty, stood out strikingly.

The emperor's gaze lingered on him for a moment but did not call his name. Instead, he questioned several others, including the elderly candidate.

To reach seventy was rare, and for someone of that age to persist to the palace examination astonished even the emperor, who immediately bestowed upon him the position of Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy.

After questioning a few more, the emperor's gaze finally returned to Qin Rongshi and he asked:

"Where is Qin Rongshi, the Spring Metropolitan Top Scholar?"

The emperor's voice was not stern, but rather like that of an approachable elder, calm and unhurried.

Though he posed the question, his eyes were already fixed on Qin Rongshi.

Qin Rongshi stepped forward, bowed low, and replied clearly, "I, Qin Rongshi, am indeed the Spring Metropolitan Top Scholar of this examination."

The emperor nodded and said, "I have read your essay. You possess a deep understanding of agriculture and sericulture, and your insights into livelihood development are particularly astute. You are indeed a promising talent. You deserve a place among the top three."

After a moment of silence, the emperor smiled and said, "Raise your head."

Qin Rongshi obeyed, raising his head but keeping his eyes fixed on the jade steps below the dragon throne.

The emperor studied him for a while, then suddenly laughed. "With such fine features, you look like a natural Tanhua!"

Then he paused, as if recalling something, and asked, "I heard you were also the Provincial Top Scholar in the provincial examination?"

Qin Rongshi leaned forward slightly, replying humbly, "Your Majesty, I was indeed the Provincial Top Scholar of Jiangzhou."

The emperor nodded thoughtfully and said, "Provincial Top Scholar, Metropolitan Top Scholar... If I appoint you as Tanhua, it would fulfill the beauty of the Tanhua title but miss the legendary 'Triple First' achievement. It has been a long time since Dayong has produced a scholar with the 'Triple First' honor."

"Tell me yourself—would you rather be the Zhuangyuan or the Tanhua?"

The emperor, amiable yet shrewd, instantly redirected the question back to Qin Rongshi.

This was a thorny issue. The seasoned senior officials exchanged glances, their expressions varied. Qin Rongshi’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, involuntarily curled, but he quickly regained his composure, cupped his hands, and replied:

"I would rather be a tree than a flower, timber than talent—all subject to Your Majesty's pruning and shaping."

The emperor seemed surprised by this response but soon showed satisfaction, nodding and saying, "Thick beams and sturdy timber are indeed valuable."

...

After the emperor's questioning, the ten candidates withdrew from the hall to await the final results outside.

By late March, even the northern capital was no longer so cold, especially at noon when the sun shone overhead, warming everyone pleasantly.

Before they knew it, the old eunuch from earlier emerged with a beaming smile.

"First Rank, Top Graduate Qin Rongshi—granted Metropolitan Graduate with honors—"

"First Rank, Second Graduate..."

After announcing the results, the eunuch grinned until wrinkles creased his face, turning to Qin Rongshi and saying, "Top Graduate, achieving the triple firsts—what a joyous celebration! Once the Chuanlu Grand Ceremony concludes tomorrow, you may return home."

Qin Rongshi wore a faint smile and bowed gracefully in thanks to the eunuch, carrying himself with poise—neither overly humble nor arrogant.

The eunuch’s smile deepened as he exchanged a few more words with the other new *jìnshì* before finally returning to the hall to report.

After acknowledging the congratulations from his fellow scholars, Qin Rongshi turned and went back to the side palace to rest, waiting only for the next day’s ceremony.

Following the Chuanlu Grand Ceremony would be the Parade through the Imperial Street—the widely celebrated procession of the top three scholars wearing official flowers—after which they could finally return home.

That single day dragged on painfully.

As Qin Rongshi endured the ceremony, Liu Guyu and the others crowded outside the imperial city.

Today was the announcement of the results, and the Golden List was posted on the East Gate of the imperial city.

Since there were fewer than two hundred participants in the palace examination, the area outside the gate wasn’t overly crowded.

Of course, there were still plenty of people—it was only relatively less crowded compared to previous announcement days.

When the list was posted, the names of the top three scholars stood out prominently.

"First Rank Top Graduate, Qin Rongshi! My brother is the Top Graduate!"

Qin Banban was pregnant, and at this moment, she was so excited she nearly jumped up, but Chen Sanxi frantically held her steady.

Liu Guyu naturally saw it too—the three large characters at the very top were unmistakably Qin Rongshi’s name.

He laughed heartily, thinking to himself: That kid really has what it takes!

"Top Graduate... Oh, ma'am, is Top Graduate Qin your brother?"

"You know the Top Graduate? Oh, what a blessing! What talent!"

"Where is your family from, young lady? Is your brother married?"

...

Qin Banban’s exclamation had been loud, and everyone around heard.

Top Graduate!

Only one emerges every three years!

The crowd swarmed around, chattering and asking questions all at once.

Qin Banban, being pregnant, couldn’t handle the barrage of questions. Instinctively, she placed a hand on her not-yet-showing belly, while Chen Sanxi quickly pulled her into his arms, using one hand to keep the crowd at bay.

Liu Guyu hurried over, waving his hands and calling out, "He's married! He's married! I know everything, ask me! Ask me!"

He rushed to rescue the young couple but ended up trapped himself, bombarded with questions from all sides.

But such chatter was nothing to Liu Guyu—handling it was a piece of cake.

"Married! And the couple is very much in love!"

"How in love? Oh, it’s too much to describe in just a few words! Let’s just say, he even brought his husband along to the capital for the exams—practically tied to his belt!"

"Don’t believe me? By heaven, why wouldn’t you believe it?"

"They’re inseparable, going everywhere together... Hey, hey, now you’re just looking for faults—how could he follow into the palace? It’s examination time! Serious business!"

"How do I know so much? Did I sleep under the Top Graduate’s bed?"

"Of course not! I slept on top of the Top Graduate’s bed."

...

Liu Guyu fended them off, and eventually emerged unharmed.

After the Chuanlu Grand Ceremony concluded, the top three scholars—Top Graduate, Second Graduate, and Tanhua—paraded through the Imperial Street on tall white horses, dressed in red robes and wearing palace flowers in their hats. With ceremonial guards leading the way and drums and music following behind, it was truly a scene of "spring breeze and proud gallop, viewing all the flowers of Chang’an in a single day."

The streets were packed shoulder to shoulder, and with such a crowd, it was too risky to bring Qin Banban into the fray. She and Chen Sanxi had no choice but to return home and wait, leaving only Liu Guyu standing on a high bridge along the procession route, holding a flower basket.

The flower basket was bought from a nearby flower girl—perhaps because of the Top Graduate’s parade, even flowers had become more expensive, costing a hundred coins for a basket!

The basket was filled with a vibrant mix of peonies, herbaceous peonies, orchids, and flowering crabapples—a riot of colors, bright and lively, as if holding the essence of spring itself.

"Hey, this year’s Top Graduate is even more handsome than the Tanhua!"

"True! True! Hey, do you have any flowers left? Give me a couple more—I want to toss them at him!"

Beside him stood two young women leaning over the railing, chatting and laughing. One of them even snatched a few flowers from the other’s basket.

Watching as two pink blossoms landed on Qin Rongshi’s robe, Liu Guyu noticed that the scholar was already covered in petals from head to toe, seemingly accustomed to it, not even glancing at the falling flowers.

Liu Guyu raised an eyebrow, picked a bright pink herbaceous peony, and tossed it down. Tied to the flower was something green—a thin tail of sorts. He threw it too quickly for anyone to see what was attached.

The flower hit Qin Rongshi’s head before falling into his arms.

At first, Qin Rongshi paid it no mind, intending to let it fall. But as his gaze drifted downward, he noticed not the peony but the green willow twig tied to its stem.

Fresh spring willow shoots, tender and glowing with new life.

Soon, more flowers followed—peonies, magnolias, azaleas, each tied with a willow twig—all landing in his arms.

He immediately looked up toward the source of the flowers, scanning the crowd until his eyes found Liu Guyu on the bridge, waving enthusiastically.

Liu Guyu waved vigorously, his flower basket shaking loose several blossoms unnoticed. He grinned broadly, his entire figure dazzling with light—whether from the sun shining directly on him or drawn by his beaming smile, it was hard to tell.

Qin Rongshi burst out laughing, the stern expression he’d maintained throughout the parade melting away in an instant, brighter and more captivating than the blossoms in his arms.

Not bad aim, he thought to himself, slipping the peony into his sleeve.

After the parade, Qin Rongshi returned directly to Zhuangyuan Alley. The red robe and official hat were too conspicuous—wearing them outside the inner city would surely attract another crowd—so he changed into regular clothes before heading back.

Liu Guyu was already waiting at the courtyard gate, still holding the flower basket. Spotting Qin Rongshi from afar, he ran over excitedly.

He jumped into his arms, spun him around before stepping back to look him over from head to toe. Pouting, he complained, "Where’s the red robe? Why did you change?"

From his high spot earlier, the view had been blocked by the crowd, and he’d been looking forward to seeing the robe up close once Qin Rongshi returned.

Qin Rongshi smiled, his voice full of laughter.

"If you want to see it, I’ll just put it on for you once we’re back inside."

Liu Guyu gave a triumphant eyebrow raise, shaking the flower basket in his hand before pressing it directly into Qin Rongshi’s grasp.

"For you."

"Top Scholar, you truly look sharp today!"

Having spent so much time with Liu Guyu, Qin Rongshi had gradually learned to banter playfully—though, of course, only when he was with Liu Guyu.

He shot back, "Only today?"

Liu Guyu raised his brows again, emphasizing with extra vigor, "Every single day! Every single day! Handsome features, jade-like elegance, dashing and debonair, charming and unrestrained..." (he ran through every compliment he knew), only stopping when he ran out of words. But his silence lasted barely a moment before he started muttering again.

"Today, so many girls and guys came to see you, throwing flowers your way!"

Qin Rongshi continued to smile, pulling a few flowers from his sleeve as he chuckled and placed them all into the basket.

He said, "Yours were the only flowers I kept."

Liu Guyu lifted his eyebrows proudly, beaming with delight.

When he'd enjoyed that enough, he finally got down to business.

"When is the Qionglin Banquet?"

Qin Rongshi also turned a bit more serious, though a smile still lingered on his face.

"In two days, we’ll enter the palace to receive our official appointments. After that comes the Qionglin Banquet. Once the banquet is over, we can return home. According to tradition, newly appointed scholars are granted three months of leave to visit their families—plenty of time."

Liu Guyu nodded, then suddenly broke into a grin, staring at Qin Rongshi, tugging at his clothes and saying, "Come on! Let’s go inside so you can change and show me!"

He pulled Qin Rongshi toward the room, the two walking side by side. Petals shook loose from the flower basket, drifting down upon their intertwined shadows.

Liu Guyu loved seeing Qin Rongshi in those robes and couldn’t wait to get his fill of the sight.

The red robe was truly dazzling, red like the rising sun, all the more highlighting his heroic and spirited demeanor. The golden-threaded palace flowers adorning his cap, with branches of gold and silver and stamens of red silk, swayed gently with the motion of the horse, glittering under the sunlight.

Truly, it was a triumphant return home in splendid attire!

End of main story.

---

Author’s note: The main story is complete! Cheers and flowers all around!

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