Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Twelve days, neither short nor long, soon brought the time for their return journey. Jiang Heng felt no particular reluctance; after all, she wasn't required to attend court, the Gu household had few trivial matters, and the Incense Shop was capably managed by its shopkeeper. If she desired leisure, a spring ride, she could depart at any moment.

It was Gu Yu who was quite unwilling to return. He repeatedly claimed he hadn't fully enjoyed himself and even considered sending a message to the capital to request another ten days of leave. Fortunately, Jiang Heng persuaded him otherwise.

“I heard this year’s imperial examination results have been announced. Don’t you want to go back and see who the new *Zhuangyuan* is?” Jiang Heng asked with a smile.

Gu Yu’s expression was cool and indifferent. “What’s there to see? Just those so-called talented scions from prominent families who fish for fame. I could probably guess who next year’s *Zhuangyuan* will be right now.”

The dynasty's imperial examination system had inherited that of the previous dynasty with almost no changes. Although it was an examination, the regulations were not very strict. In addition to the examinations, there was also the practice of recommendation. Many scions of established families deliberately cultivated their reputations for talent while studying, then leveraged their family backgrounds and connections to leave a good impression on the chief examiners through recommendations, thus achieving the rank of *Jinshi*.

At that time, the exams were not anonymous, so candidates' information was clear at a glance, making it easy for chief examiners to be predisposed and manipulate the process.

Seeing his attitude, Jiang Heng was momentarily puzzled. So, he too was aware of the many injustices in the imperial examination system. Why, then, had he not offered a single word of support last year when Yan Rong accused the court of losing all fairness in selecting scholars?

But Jiang Heng didn’t bring up the past. Instead, she said, “Well, I still want to see which scion of an established family gained the upper hand this year, so I can guess who might get the title next year.”

Gu Yu also remembered that she had personally gone to the Ministry of Rites to view the rankings last year. Back then, she had probably gone with the intention of searching for Yan Hui. Why was she still so preoccupied with this now?

He had told her last year not to go see the results again.

Clearly, after a year, she had long forgotten his words.

“So eager to see the *Zhuangyuan*?” the man raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Heng nodded and sat down beside him. “Since you also know that many *Zhuangyuan* achieve their ranks because of their family backgrounds, haven’t you ever thought about discussing this with the Emperor and pushing for change?”

In the past, Gu Yu would have scolded her for meddling in court affairs. This time, however, he looked at her calmly, then suddenly raised an eyebrow and smiled. “You should’ve told me this at night.”

Jiang Heng didn’t understand and asked earnestly, “Why is that?”

Gu Yu leaned in slightly and whispered in her ear, “Pillow talk is more effective when whispered at night.”

Jiang Heng had been serious, but she hadn’t expected him to joke like this. She went to pinch his arm again. “Who's whispering pillow talk? I’m just asking. I’m not sitting for the imperial exams—why would I need to resort to that? Besides, if this continues, more scholars will inevitably speak out against the court’s unfairness, or they might feel there’s no future in this path and simply give up. If fewer and fewer scholars participate, the imperial examination system for selecting officials would become a mere formality, just like the *Xiucai* exam in the past, which was abolished due to a lack of candidates.”

The imperial examination system of the dynasty had many subjects, including *Xiucai*, *Mingjing*, *Junshi*, *Jinshi*, *Mingfa*, *Mingzi*, *Mingsuan*, *Daoju*, and *Tongzi*, among others. The *Xiucai* exam was the most difficult and had already declined during the previous dynasty. By the time of the current dynasty, it had been held a few times but attracted no candidates, so it was eventually abolished entirely.

Gu Yu gazed at her fixedly, not saying a word.

She understood the imperial examination system so thoroughly—was it from her exposure and immersion in the Jiang family, or had she deliberately studied it to help Yan Hui pass the exam sooner?

Gu Yu pondered this but didn’t ask.

The young lady was already looking ahead and gradually forgetting Yan Hui. He couldn’t bring it up from time to time, intentionally or unintentionally reinforcing the memories she was trying to let go of.

“It won’t remain unchanged forever. The reason it hasn’t been reformed so far is that the empire was newly established, its foundations were still unsteady, and there were more important matters to attend to.”

Prince Qin's earlier proposal to transfer him to the Ministry of Personnel was precisely to reform the imperial examinations.

The imperial examination was administered by the Ministry of Rites, but scholars who passed still had to undergo the barrier exam held by the Ministry of Personnel before they could officially become officials. However, since most successful candidates came from noble families with connections in the court, the Ministry of Personnel’s barrier exam had largely become a formality. It had accomplished nothing for years and had almost turned into a mere stepping stone for scions of noble families to enter officialdom.

Prince Qin’s idea was for Gu Yu to join the Ministry of Personnel and take charge of the barrier exam, making it the final checkpoint in the imperial examination process.

But he didn’t share these details with the young woman.

“Let’s go, let's see who this year’s *Zhuangyuan* is.”

He had originally planned to take it slow this year—although he would take up his post in the Ministry of Personnel, he intended to hold off on major changes until the following year. But since the young woman saw the injustices so clearly, then they might as well return to the capital and take a look. If necessary, he could start making some changes this year.

······

By the time they returned to the capital, it was already April, coinciding with the new *Zhuangyuan*'s parade through the streets to display his joy. There were huge crowds of spectators, blocking the road. Jiang Heng and Gu Yu had to rein in their horses and wait by the roadside.

The crowd was buzzing with discussions about this year’s *Zhuangyuan*, said to be named Li Hao.

The name was not an unfamiliar one. Like previous *Zhuangyuan*, he had already built a reputation for talent in the capital and came from a Pillar of State family.

“I heard this Li Hao was previously unknown. Somehow, he suddenly became the *Zhuangyuan* this year.”

What the common people were discussing didn't quite align with what Jiang Heng knew, so she asked, “Isn’t Li Hao the young lord of Duke Sui’s family? He’s known for his talent. How could he be unknown?”

“You know one aspect but not the other. Duke Sui’s young lord is indeed named Li Hao, but this *Zhuangyuan* Li Hao is a different person. I heard he comes from a poor family, so destitute he could barely make ends meet. He was only able to continue his studies with the help of a patron, which led to his success today.”

Hearing the words “destitute” and “help of a patron,” Gu Yu's nerves tightened and he looked at Jiang Heng. “Does this name sound familiar to you?”

Jiang Heng shook her head firmly. “It wasn’t me.”

The name Li Hao was quite famous. If there was a scholar with the same name, she wouldn’t have no impression of him at all. Among the scholars she had helped, this person likely wasn’t one of them.

“The *Zhuangyuan* is here! Look, look!”

The crowd cheered and surged forward instinctively. Jiang Heng hurriedly reined her horse back a few steps to avoid it losing control and charging into the crowd.

Perhaps the horse’s neighing startled the red-robed *Zhuangyuan*. He glanced in their direction, his gaze settling on Jiang Heng. He stared at her for a moment, then continued to gaze at her for a long time.

Jiang Heng also found the *Zhuangyuan* somewhat familiar. She gazed at him carefully, thinking hard, and finally remembered where she had seen him before. He was one of the scholars who had once lived with Yan Rong. He had only entered the Imperial College last year but unexpectedly became the *Zhuangyuan* this year.

Gu Yu glanced at the young woman, then at the *Zhuangyuan*. He drove his horse forward, blocking Jiang Heng's horse, shielding her entire person from view, and stared coldly at the red-robed *Zhuangyuan*, who still hadn't looked away.

Seeing Gu Yu, the *Zhuangyuan* froze for another moment before immediately lowering his head and avoiding further glances in their direction.

“Do you know him?” Gu Yu asked again.

Jiang Heng nodded and explained, “Yes, he was… a classmate of A’Rong’s. He’s a bit older than A’Rong.”

Since Gu Yu already knew about Yan Rong, Jiang Heng saw no reason to hide it. “I remember his name was Li Hao. How did it become Li Hao?”

Gu Yu wasn’t particularly interested in the name change and continued asking, “How old is he?”

“I think… twenty-three? I don’t remember clearly,” Jiang Heng said casually.

Gu Yu frowned. Twenty-three—only a year older than the young lady. Still young. And judging by his looks, rather handsome too.

How audacious, to dare stare so directly at Jiang Heng right in front of him. If he were to rise quickly and achieve great success, wouldn’t he dare to openly compete for her one day?

Gu Yu’s eyelids lowered slightly, his expression calm and devoid of emotion, like a lion lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on its prey.

Jiang Heng knew this look all too well.

She hadn’t understood it before, but later, whenever he faced Yan Hui, he would unconsciously reveal this expression. Jiang Heng knew then that he was up to no good.

“This Scholar Li has studied hard for many years and finally passed the imperial exam. I’ve had almost no interaction with him. Don’t abuse your power or cause trouble for him,” Jiang Heng said quietly.

Gu Yu gave an "Mmm" of acknowledgment, a form of agreement, and said nothing more.

······

A few days later, Jiang Heng received a visiting card from the newly crowned top scholar—not delivered by Li Hao himself, but presented on his behalf by Yan Rong, who accompanied him.

“Thank you, Madame Jiang, for your invaluable assistance. Without your support back then, I would never have attained my present position.” Li Hao expressed his profound gratitude to Jiang Heng.

Naturally, Yan Rong was equally grateful. He bowed alongside Li Hao but remained silent.

Jiang Heng glanced briefly at Yan Rong and likewise said nothing, engaging only in polite conversation with Li Hao and inquiring about the change in his name.

Li Hao withheld nothing from Jiang Heng and explained the matter fully: “My original name is indeed Li Hao; however, to avoid violating the naming taboo associated with Duke Sui’s young son, I customarily write it as Li Hao.”

Regarding Li Hao’s success in the imperial examinations, beyond widespread astonishment, many scholars speculated that he had benefited from the similarity of his name—perhaps even having been mistaken for someone else by the examiners.

Hearing his self-deprecating tone, Jiang Heng reassured him: “Once one attains fame, gossip inevitably follows. Pay it no mind. Is there anything I can assist you with?”

Gu Yu had recently been transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and was reportedly preparing for the official examination while reviewing papers already graded by the Ministry of Rites. Li Hao’s visit at this precise moment—and his deliberate mention of public doubts surrounding his success—suggested an ulterior motive.

Yet Jiang Heng had no intention of helping him secure special favors. Her question was, in fact, a direct, gentle admonition against entertaining such thoughts.

Li Hao nodded. “I am profoundly grateful for your generous aid. I heard from Mr. Tang that over the years, you have assisted countless individuals. On my own initiative, I gathered those who have benefited from your kindness, and after discussion, we decided to form an association. We plan to use the funds you once entrusted to us to continue supporting other scholars.”

Just as Jiang Heng was about to say, “There’s no need for that,” Li Hao continued: “Madame Jiang’s benevolence shines like a beacon. We wish to pass its light from lamp to lamp—until countless lamps blaze forth.”

“We’ve also settled on a name for the association—the ‘Hengsheng Association’—and would be deeply honored if you would personally inscribe its title.”

The character *Heng* signifies constancy and eternity; *Sheng*, growth and continuity.

Jiang Heng was naturally delighted. After brief reflection, she did not decline, agreeing instead to provide the inscription.

However, mindful of Gu Yu’s cautious nature, Jiang Heng dared not mention the “Hengsheng Association” to him directly. Instead, she devised an excuse, claiming she wished to practice calligraphy in his distinctive style.

“Husband, how should I write the characters for *bearing and raising children* so they appear elegant?”

Jiang Heng sat beside the desk, sheets of paper scattered before her—each bearing multiple attempts at the character *shēng*, none of which satisfied her.

Gu Yu paused silently for a moment, glancing at the paper beneath her hand. “Why are you writing that?”

Jiang Heng smiled enigmatically. “It’s for something special.”

She took his hand and gently pulled him to sit beside her, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she gazed at him. “Husband, your handwriting is exquisite—please write it for me.”

Many had praised Gu Yu’s calligraphy; even friends had requested pieces to frame and display. Yet this was the first time the young lady herself had praised his script—and asked for it outright.

Gu Yu arched an eyebrow, took her hand, and attempted to guide her brush. Jiang Heng refused, saying, “You write it first—then teach me.”

Writing guided by his hand would inevitably lack the flawless precision of Gu Yu’s own work. Jiang Heng wanted his original, impeccable hand.

After he wrote the characters for *bearing and raising children*, Jiang Heng gently blew on the ink to dry it, her expression one of quiet satisfaction, then carefully set the sheet aside as though it were a priceless treasure. She then said, “Husband, now please write the characters for *eternal*.”

Both *bearing and raising children* and *eternal* were auspicious phrases. Gu Yu curled his lips faintly and, without further questioning her intent, complied with her request.

Jiang Heng praised him again—and coaxed him into writing the character *association*.

“Husband, your handwriting is truly magnificent—I must master it well.”

Having achieved her goal, Jiang Heng lavished him with praise.

“Is that so? Between me and that top scholar—whose calligraphy is superior?” Gu Yu raised an eyebrow, regarding Jiang Heng with confident expectation.

“Yours, of course,” Jiang Heng replied without hesitation.

Satisfied, Gu Yu smiled, took her hand holding the brush, and began teaching her how to initiate and control each stroke.