Chapter 120

Chapter 120

Fifteen days flew by, and the Metropolitan Examination of the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Shunyuan's reign commenced as scheduled.

Wen Zuo still remembered portions of the list of successful candidates from this session. Fifty entered the Hanlin Academy or the Six Ministries after the palace examination, and ten were granted the privilege of attending court audiences.

Among these ten were many upright and incorruptible individuals who had long disapproved of Wen Zuo's actions and later became the main force following Xie Langyang in submitting impeachment memorials.

On the long palace avenue that day, Wen Zuo's gaze swept over faces filled with righteous indignation, listening to their thunderous voices shouting fiercely—

"Eliminate the treacherous officials and bring peace to the state!"

The memory flashed through his mind. Wen Zuo collected himself, smoothed the ripples in his heart, raised his eyes, straightened his expression and official hat, and walked directly towards the Mingyuan Tower.

Outside the gates of the examination compound, drums and music clamored, and the crowd buzzed with noise. Commoners from all directions stood in a distant ring, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks, vying for a glimpse.

An official from the Ministry of Rites announced loudly, "The Chief Examiner has arrived!"

The gate-keeping officials stood solemnly erect, their expressions grave.

Wen Zuo was clad in a bright red official robe, a jade belt cinched his waist, and a black hat covered his waist-length hair. Above the crossed collar of his white under-robe was a face of jade-like, almost bewitching beauty. His features were delicate, yet his eyes were sharp. Two Vice Ministers of Rites followed behind him, respectful and humble, matching his every step.

The candidates from various prefectures of Da Qian, dressed in bluish-grey scholar's robes, rose upon hearing the announcement, holding their breath and standing quietly, bowing in salute.

On such a solemn occasion, they should have been so nervous that their palms sweated, repeatedly rubbing the corners of their robes, heads bowed and eyes lowered, fearing to meet the chief examiner's piercing gaze.

Yet when they stole glances at Wen Zuo, they all involuntarily held their breath, every fidget ceasing instantly, as if afraid that any slight, unseemly noise might disturb this young examiner with his divine grace and jade-like countenance.

Wen Zuo walked to the front of the Mingyuan Tower, turned, and surveyed the assembled candidates. His expression was dignified, his sleeves fluttered gracefully, like an immortal official descended to earth, dazzling to the eyes.

His voice was clear and cold: "For this session's selection of scholars, talent and learning come first, regardless of background. The way of writing lies in truth, not cleverness. 'Practical application for governing the world' should be the essence. Avoid the air of impetuosity. I hope you all can observe more of the people's hardships, cultivate virtue and encourage good conduct, not betraying the years of hard study."

The candidates all cupped their hands in salute, bowing deeply to Wen Zuo.

Wen Zuo paused, then continued: "Da Qian has been established for a century, with peace reigning within the four seas. Yet observing the world today, there are hidden worries domestically regarding the people's livelihood, and externally, the barbarians covet our lands. Now I wish to ask you all: in recent years, floods and droughts have been untimely, much fertile land lies fallow, merchants chase profit, yet state expenditure remains constant. If we wish to strengthen the foundation and pacify the people, how should we promote agriculture, facilitate commerce, and relieve distress, so that the common people have permanent property and are free from the troubles of hunger and cold? So that the state treasury is full, reducing superfluous expenses without disturbing the people's livelihood? So that the Hu cavalry remain peaceful, the southern barbarians are pacified, without falling into the predicament of border troubles?"

After announcing the examination questions he had personally drafted, Wen Zuo flicked his sleeves, turned, ascended the Mingyuan Tower, and sat upright behind a rosewood desk, overlooking the entire hall.

The candidates bowed, took their seats, lifted their robes and rolled up their sleeves, picked up their brushes, dipped them in ink, and put down on the examination papers the first character they had pondered for so long.

The rustling of brush tips became the only sound within the examination compound.

The nine-day-long Metropolitan Examination finally ended, but Wen Zuo found no rest. He then organized officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Rites to jointly grade the examination papers.

Besides the Metropolitan Examination, he also had matters from the Grand Secretariat and the Hanlin Academy to attend to. During that period, his eyes were full of fatigue, his fingertips reddened from holding the brush, and he nearly succumbed to the cold again.

This busy period lasted a full month.

Finally, the review was completed, and the results were scheduled to be posted three days later. Wen Zuo looked at the piles of examination papers on his desk and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Emperor Shunyuan, considering his frail health, specially permitted him to return home to recuperate and did not require him to attend court.

Wen Zuo slept soundly for a day, and on the second day, he was nestled in Shen Zheng's embrace.

That small couch, not yet widened, was crammed full with two embracing figures.

A thin quilt barely covered their shoulders. After only half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a crumpled undergarment was casually tossed out.

The movements beneath the quilt suddenly intensified, as if heaven and earth were turning over.

The bed frame creaked and groaned, almost on the verge of collapse.

Wen Zuo lay prone on Shen Zheng's chest, hands gripping his shoulders tightly, eyes closed, biting down a row of resentful teeth marks on his sweaty shoulder.

He was most afraid that Jiang Mannv and Liu Qiying would hear in the outer room, but that overwhelming intensity made him completely lose control.

When Shen Zheng pulled him back from the tightly pressed wall for the third time, Wen Zuo finally couldn't hold on and cried out.

"What was Teacher thinking?" Shen Zheng lowered his head, his lips brushing past Wen Zuo's sweat-dampened ear, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Did you think blocking the sore spot would let you escape?"

Wen Zuo could feel the overwhelming pleasure, but this state of complete loss of control and being manipulated also filled him with dread.

He had never imagined he would be so wanton, revealing such shameless behavior in front of Shen Zheng.

He was thoroughly drenched.

As if drenched by a lingering spring rain, his mind was hazy and confused.

He even dared to take Shen Zheng's rough fingertip into his mouth.

Wetly rubbing against it, seeking a moment's solace.

In just one night, Wen Zuo gained many finger marks of varying depths.

The next day when he got out of bed, his legs were weak, and he could barely stand steady.

Shen Zheng held the golden thread honey date soup, feeding it to him spoonful by spoonful.

Wen Zuo swallowed it hastily. Before the bowl was empty, he turned over and fell back onto the bed, sinking into a deep sleep.

Never mind whether it was day or night outside the window.

Shen Zheng was in the prime of youth. Even after such passionate entanglement, he still felt at ease. Seeing Wen Zuo sleeping peacefully, he quietly got up, discreetly covered the lower half of his face with a cloth, and went out for a stroll on the street.

Tomorrow was the day the Metropolitan Examination results would be posted. The area in front of the Ministry of Rites office and the gates of the examination compound were already crowded with scholars and students.

Shen Zheng watched from a distance and unconsciously moved closer to the crowd.

He could somewhat empathize with these scholars' state of mind, just like when he waited in front of the computer to check his college entrance exam results. Unconsciously, he felt a sense of closeness.

He had thought these candidates would be discussing the merits of their peers or the difficulty of the exam questions, but he didn't expect them to be discussing Wen Zuo.

"I had long heard that Lord Wen passed the imperial examination at seventeen, achieving Second Place (Bangyan) at once. Seeing him this time, he truly possesses outstanding character, astonishing talent, and brilliance, far beyond ordinary scholars."

"Indeed, observing his actions, one knows his reputation for talent is not unfounded. In Bozhou in the past, he both resolved the flood crisis and planned long-term livelihoods for the people. He is truly a model for our generation."

"I heard in Mianzhou, the people had nothing to eat, yet Lord Wen skillfully devised a clever strategy, causing grain merchants to compete in selling their stored grain, saving the people from dire straits. This wisdom alone makes me sincerely admire him!"

"I observe Lord Wen's conduct as an official; he never seeks fame or reputation, does not crave the empty fame of being 'pure.' Everything he does is for the benefit of the state and the people. The rumors those treacherous officials fabricated about him some time ago truly filled me with extreme indignation!"

"Ah, if you ask me, that Xie Langyang is simply jealous of Lord Wen's numerous achievements, the respect he commands, and his beauty like an immortal, far beyond what he can compare to. That's why he's so psychologically twisted, ruthlessly harming him."

"Exactly! On the day of the Metropolitan Examination, I caught a glimpse of Lord Wen's appearance. It can be called peerless in the world. How could a mere mortal like Xie Langyang dare to covet him, even writing a rhapsody for him? I spit on that!"

"Lord Wen remains unmarried to this day, clearly because there is no one in the world worthy of matching him. If you ask me, he would be worthy of a princess."

"What a pity. Our dynasty has long had regulations strictly forbidding imperial sons-in-law from participating in politics to prevent maternal relatives from seizing power. If he married a princess, he would be unable to enter officialdom and realize his ambitions."

Shen Zheng stood with his hands behind his back, a smile unconsciously curling at the corner of his lips, thinking to himself: There's no princess, but there is a Crown Prince.

Someone noticed his deep-set eyes, tall and straight posture, and extraordinary bearing, so they clasped their hands and asked with a smile, “Brother, are you from a northern province?”

“Oh? How can you tell?” Shen Zheng replied.

“Is that so?” Shen Zheng said casually.

“Brother, I am Lu Zhang. I see you are well-dressed and likely come from a good family. May I ask if you are familiar with the etiquette for official visits? Regardless of whether I pass the exam, I plan to visit Chancellor Wen tomorrow to seek advice on the merits and flaws of my essay.”

“You’re too late. Usually, within three days after the exam, one can bring writing materials to inquire about grading standards. Going now would only be to offer thanks upon the release of the rankings. Moreover, Chancellor Wen is exhausted today and likely has no time to entertain guests.” After saying this, Shen Zheng withdrew from the crowd, intending to bring some Chinese sponge cake back for Wen Zuo.

Only when he ate something sweet and felt happy would Wen Zuo temporarily forget the soreness in his lower back and continue to nestle in his arms and sleep peacefully.

Shen Zheng had become quite adept at handling the little cat’s occasional outbursts.

Lu Zhang repeatedly expressed his thanks, then sighed deeply, secretly cursing himself for missing the opportunity.

However, upon second thought, he found it puzzling: as fellow examinees, how did this person know that Chancellor Wen was exhausted?

“Hey, brother! Brother! Have you been to seek advice before? Can you tell me about Chancellor Wen?” Lu Zhang chased after him.

Shen Zheng, with his back to him, waved his hand: “Strive to pass the exam, don’t forget your original intentions, strive to serve in the same court as him, and learn about him yourself in the future.”

Lu Zhang couldn’t catch up with Shen Zheng’s pace, but he vaguely sensed that this person must be of extraordinary status and seemed to have an old connection with Chancellor Wen.

Knowing that after the results were posted, countless examinees would come to the Wen residence to pay their respects, Shen Zheng was especially restrained that night. He meticulously tied the strings of Wen Zuo’s underclothes and held him early for a peaceful sleep.

Sure enough, the next morning at dawn, the streets and alleys of the capital were abuzz with the news of the Metropolitan Examination results being posted.

Cheers and celebrations rose one after another, gongs and drums clanged noisily. Those inns and taverns that had produced successful candidates set off firecrackers and brought out fine wine to celebrate the scholars’ success.

By Chenshi (7–9 a.m.), Wen Zuo was already dressed in his official robe, waiting in the main hall.

Indeed, before noon, the successful scholars, carrying their *Compilation of Classical Meanings*, came to the Wen residence one after another to pay their respects, standing in a row and bowing in unison.

“Your disciple Chen Ke pays respects to his esteemed teacher.”

“Your disciple Song Yao greets his esteemed teacher.”

“Your disciple Tang Xinian, having succeeded today, thanks his esteemed teacher for his guidance. I will never forget it.”

“Your disciple Lu Zhang greets his esteemed teacher. I have long admired your talent, and today, upon meeting you, I am filled with gratitude.”

“Your disciple Liu Liangze wishes to take you as a mirror, never failing the common people!”

“I often reflect that the sages of ancient times, whether as loyal ministers or virtuous officials, always kept the common people in mind. Your disciple Xiao Mu greets his esteemed teacher.”

“Your disciple Qian Mingfu.”

“Your disciple Jiang Mang.”

…

Wen Zuo looked at these newly minted *jinshi* before him. Among them were naturally those who had impeached him in his previous life, their words in the court piercing to the bone.

But today, these people’s eyes were bright, filled with admiration, regarding him as a model official.

Thus, the fierce faces from the long palace avenue gradually blurred amidst this chorus of humility.

He could no longer remember who they had been or what sharp words they had spoken. Before him remained only pairs of hopeful eyes, just like his own in the sixteenth year of Shunyuan.

Wen Zuo parted his lips lightly: “You scholars have achieved success in this examination, though it is but an empty fame. The road ahead is long. Take ‘integrity and diligence in governance’ as your precepts, and do not forget your original intentions.”

“Yes!” the scholars responded in unison, their hearts full of sincere devotion.

Shen Zheng hid behind the door listening. At first, he was smiling, but gradually he began to feel a twinge of jealousy.

He suddenly realized that these individuals, these hundreds of scholars, would henceforth respectfully address Wen Zuo as their esteemed teacher. With this single meeting, they automatically became Wen Zuo’s disciples, able to visit and seek advice at any time.

This was not good.

His teacher alone had become everyone’s.

Although this thought was extremely childish, Shen Zheng did not want to suppress his feelings. So, as soon as darkness fell and Wen Zuo had seen off the last *jinshi*, he pinned Wen Zuo by the wrists, cornering him in the study.

“They all call you teacher. What about me?” Shen Zheng demanded unreasonably.

Wen Zuo glanced at him, then swept his gaze over his own tightly gripped wrists, curling his lips into a smile: “Your Highness is jealous.”

“Yes, I am,” Shen Zheng admitted frankly.

Wen Zuo rubbed against him with his knee through the official robe, lightly chiding: “What is there to be jealous about?”

“No one understands better than I how unsafe it is to be a teacher. With Wanshan’s peerless grace, how can I feel at ease?” Shen Zheng said while taking the opportunity to kiss his lips.

Wen Zuo laughed, his eyes like rippling water.

“Your Highness will one day ascend the throne. Who could possibly compete with you?”

“That still won’t do. I don’t like to force things,” Shen Zheng said regretfully, shaking his head.

Upon hearing this, Wen Zuo raised an eyebrow slightly.

Shen Zheng continued: “Wanshan now has so many disciples; it makes me seem less special. I don’t want to be their fellow disciple.”

Wen Zuo deliberately said: “Then Your Highness can be the teacher’s wife.”

Shen Zheng laughed, his palm dangerously caressing the rounded curves, squeezing lightly and then firmly: “Teacher, speak properly. Call me something nice. I’m young and unreasonable; I really can stay jealous for a long time.”

The tips of Wen Zuo’s ears flushed with heat. Unable to endure nightly pleasures any longer, he had no choice but to wrap his arms around Shen Zheng’s neck, press close to his ear, and murmur softly: “Husband.”