Chapter 116 Golden List

Chapter 116: The Golden List

Song Tingzhou stared blankly at the three baskets of grain.

The King was a rare ruler of benevolence and righteousness, in other words somewhat weak. Since ascending the throne, he had been constantly checked by the aristocratic clans, unable to fully exercise his power to reform the court. Now forty-eight years old, he had reigned for twenty-five years.

Though unfulfilled at court, his concern for the country and compassion for the people were genuine.

But matters of grain seeds must have been studied by the King's appointed experts. Could a bunch of Tribute Scholars who only study the sages' books truly be expected to analyze the grain seeds?

Giving only generic opinions on the three crops would be too simplistic. The key to the prompt lay in the King's first remark: Yu's grain output was low.

Whether the native wheat, rice, or the newly introduced potato from abroad, all were meant to fill the people's bellies, but even now they barely managed that.

Yu was vast, yet there were still other states nearby and overseas, particularly Fusang to the southeast—outwardly humble, but secretly ambitious.

The first requirement for war and maintaining troops was grain and fodder. Song Tingzhou had discussed this with Meng Wan. From Meng Wan's perspective in modern society, making an entire country prosperous required letting the people drive the economy, not letting a few hoard wealth like crazy.

How could the people get rich?

Even with a divine crop like the potato, they could only barely fill their stomachs and not starve. Why?

With his current understanding, all he could do was write, by the first light of dawn, in neat official script: "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has governed all under heaven with benevolence and virtue. His heart, like the spring sun, warms the people; his virtue, like the sky, shelters all."

Opening with praise for the King was customary; Song Tingzhou could not avoid it unless he wished to forfeit his official career.

Then he delved into the topic: "His Majesty's benevolence extends to all, thus old Fu Bo presented the seeds. The bean seeds in the north..."

Recalling the conversation between Meng Wan and Yan Changsheng, he pondered and continued: "Its per-mu yield is impressive, but as a new crop, its many drawbacks are unknown. Rice and wheat cannot be abandoned. The people's poverty stems from the excessive landholdings of country gentry, leaving poor peasants, hired workers, and tenant farmers landless, forced to rent plots to survive." He stopped here, knowing he could not go deeper.

"...All land that country gentry have taken beyond their proper share should be confiscated and distributed to the people, so that every farmer has fields to secure their livelihood and strengthen the nation. Therefore, land reform benefits the present age and yields blessings for a thousand years. Its merit and virtue will be engraved in history, admired by future generations."

Song Tingzhou finished in one breath, exhaled deeply, and felt his heart lighten.

The King had left the Baohe Hall at some unknown point. Looking out, the setting sun was like blood, its rays spilling into the hall. Some were still writing hastily, while others, like him, had already put down their brushes.

The last incense stick in the censer placed in the center of the hall burned out. The palace attendant's shrill voice announced: "Time is up. All Tribute Scholars, lay down your brushes."

Guards came as ordered to collect the papers. The scholars left in order, returned to their quarters to pack, and were to leave the palace before nightfall.

The list would be posted in four days. Until then, they could wait but not leave the capital. All four hundred papers would be sealed and sent to the Wenhua Hall, where the reading officials would evaluate them, rank them, and select the ten best for the King.

Four hundred papers—even with many examiners, it was a massive task. After three days of sorting, everything was in order. On a whim, the King arrived early at the Wenhua Hall to watch the officials pass around and comment on the papers.

Academician Li Liansong, holding a paper with admiration in his eyes, took it straight to Gou Zhengfang at the head table: "Lord Gou, this essay 'On Millet Governance and Relieving the People' merits a top-ten spot."

Gou Zhengfang took it, read it carefully, stroked his beard with a smile, and said, "Not bad. Keep it."

Vice Minister of Works Xia Heng also submitted one: "Lord Gou, this 'Strategy for Equal Land and Prosperous State' is also excellent."

"Lord Gou, this 'Policy for Abundant Grain and Pacified People' deserves the top ten."

"Lord Gou, this essay is superb."

One after another, papers piled up on Gou Zhengfang's desk, but they still needed to pick ten from these to submit to the King.

"It seems that this year's palace examination is full of talent. You all are dazzled by the choices," as the King entered from outside the hall. The officials in the Wenhua Hall knelt to pay respects.

"Rise, all of you."

The King, slightly plump with a gentle face, surveyed the officials in the hall and suddenly asked, "Why did the Ministry of Rites only send a director? Where are Wu Wei and Lin Congrong?"

The palace examination reading had always involved most officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy. Now, all six ministries had their Superior Officer present, but the Ministry of Rites only had a fifth-rank director.

The Ministry of Rites director knelt and replied, "Your Majesty, Lord Wu's nephew is among this year's tribute scholars, so he must recuse himself."

The King clearly knew this. "And Lin Congrong? Does he also have a nephew participating in the examination?"

The Lin family had always been upright, with collateral branches remaining as farmers in their hometown. Lin Congrong's father had retired, and Lin himself had only recently been transferred from the provinces to Shengjing. Only he served in the court.

This time, Gou Zhengfang answered: "Your Majesty, do you remember Lord Lin's mother, Lady Xiang?"

The King smiled faintly. "Lady Xiang once entered the palace to paint for the Dowager Empress and the consorts. Her brushwork was exquisite, her spirit vivid. She was a master of painting, a renowned artist of Yu."

Gou Zhengfang did not mince words: "Lady Xiang took on a disciple a few years ago in Changping Prefecture. The disciple is a husband—his husband is among this year's palace examinees, making him Lord Lin's brother-in-law. Hence, Lord Lin recused himself."

The King's tone rose slightly. "Oh? So there is such a connection. What is the name of that tribute scholar?"

Gou Zhengfang replied: "From Guyang County, Sanquan Village, Song Tingzhou. He was the twelfth place in the metropolitan exam."

The King noted this. "Present the selected papers. I will read them and determine the top ten."

After further deliberation among the officials, ten papers were chosen and presented before the King. The reading officials then ranked the remaining papers in order.

The King took the ten papers, read them carefully, and selected three to set aside. Among them was Xia Heng's "Strategy for Equal Land and Prosperous State." He tapped his finger on it, clearly pleased.

He then ordered the palace attendants to uncover the sealed names one by one, revealing the candidates' names and hometowns.

Seeing the hometowns of the top three candidates, the King closed his eyes in thought. "The one who wrote 'On Millet Governance and Relieving the People'—surnamed Wu—is he Wu Wei's nephew?"

Gou Zhengfang stepped forward, looked at the hometown, and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The King rubbed the three papers, then returned the first and second place—the Equal Land and Millet Governance essays—back into the stack. He then selected two others to add to the first tier.

Gou Zhengfang watched in silence, using a vermilion brush to write the order of the three first-tier candidates, then the names of the seven second-tier candidates.

It seemed the Crown Prince had truly divined the King's intent. The King was indeed dissatisfied with the noble families.

The Wu family would be the first to suffer. The Xiang family... they could only hope to retreat in time.

——

Song Tingzhou truly relaxed at home for a few days. He neither studied nor rose early, spending every moment with Meng Wan, going out together.

On the twelfth of the fourth month, he was unexpectedly summoned to the palace by a palace attendant. This meant he had placed in the top ten, so he was to be received by the King at the Taihe Hall for the Grand Ceremony of the Roll Call.

In the Taihe Hall, the King wore ceremonial robes. Imperial guards cracked whips, court musicians played ceremonial music, and officials and the ten candidates kowtowed to the King. The Honglu Temple official began announcing names.

The ten candidates stood in order of their metropolitan exam rankings. Wu Qianzhang was at the front, followed by Chai Jun and others. Song Tingzhou was last.

The Honglu official's voice was slow and drawn out. The top three—Zhuangyuan (first), Bangyan (second), and Tanhu (third)—were announced three times. Wu Qianzhang was not among them. Instead, Chai Jun, who was third in the metropolitan exam, became the Zhuangyuan. The second place in the metropolitan exam remained second, becoming Bangyan. The Tanhu was a delicate-featured candidate who had ranked ahead of Song Tingzhou.

Then came the fourth place: Wu Qianzhang. Song Tingzhou, eyes slightly lowered, clearly saw Wu Qianzhang's legs trembling beneath his robe. He was defiant.

Soon, Song Tingzhou heard his own name: fifth place, roughly as expected. It was a pity, though—the top four would be admitted to the Hanlin Academy; he would probably be assigned elsewhere.

But this rank was already good enough for an official post. Those in the second tier were prioritized; those like Zhu Zening, an Associate Jinshi, could only wait for vacancies.

After the roll call, the King spoke a few words of encouragement to the new Jinshi, then the music rose again, and all saw the King off as he returned to the palace.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites carried the golden list on a cloud-patterned tray, followed by the three first-class jinshi who would change clothes for the street parade.

Court officials led the remaining seven second-class jinshi, including Song Tingzhou, out of the palace. They first placed the golden list in a dragon pavilion at the Meridian Gate, then hung it in a temporary dragon canopy outside the palace for all to view.

The weather was fine, with bright and gentle sunlight. Apricot blossoms beside the street were in full bloom, and the ground was covered with fallen petals. Some branches were laden with dense clusters of small fruits, so sour that just looking made your teeth ache.

Meng Wan had arrived early, securing a good spot on the sidelines where he wouldn’t be jostled. He waited eagerly. Although he had the foundation of the metropolitan exam, he still couldn't help feeling nervous and expectant.

Today, the crowd gathered to view the list included not only examinees and their families but also many idle townsfolk who came for the excitement. The crowd was packed and buzzing with excitement.

Xue Sheng stood in front of Meng Wan, shielding him. As soon as the golden list was posted, everyone surged forward to look.

Meng Wan stood on tiptoe, found it a bit difficult to see, and began to edge forward. Today, he happened to be wearing an onion-green outfit, as tender as newly sprouted willow shoots, which made his already fair skin appear even more delicate and smooth.

As he moved, the double-fish jade pendant at his waist swayed, and his slender, flexible waist was mesmerizing.

Looking up at his enchanting face, every feature was flawless. Even his eager expression drew frequent glances from the crowd around the list.

Across the street, a group of wealthy young men gathered. One of them teased his companion, "Your eyes are practically popping out; better reel them in."

The companion glared at him. "Oh, come off it, Qin Jiao! You couldn't look away yourself, and now you're scolding me?"

Qin Jiao gave a roguish grin. "I look openly, without any ulterior motives."

He pointed at each of his companions in turn. "Not like you lads with your dirty minds. That one is a married man. Best curb your wicked thoughts."

The friend scoffed, "As if? Who would covet a married young man? The capital isn't short of beauties. The top courtesan at Tingxiangxie is a marvel!"

The others chimed in, "Exactly!"

But even as they spoke, the group's eyes still involuntarily drifted toward Meng Wan. Then they saw that among the new jinshi being escorted out by palace attendants, a particularly tall figure appeared, and the handsome husband rushed eagerly toward him.

The two stood together in an intimate manner, clearly a perfect couple.

"So his husband is one of this year's new jinshi. How boring," the group said, turning away, their words tinged with envy.

Even a low-ranking jinshi could marry such a beautiful young man, while they, from prestigious families in the capital, couldn't even choose their own spouses. How boring.

—

Fifth place on the golden list was Song Tingzhou. Meng Wan leaned forward, saw it, and was overjoyed. He spotted Song Tingzhou in his blue official robe and black gauze cap. They met, both wearing expressions of delight.

Zhu Zening was also nearby reading the list. They chatted while waiting for him.

"Congratulations, husband, on placing fifth," Meng Wan said with polite sincerity.

Song Tingzhou chuckled and returned a bow to his husband. "Thank you, husband."

Meng Wan burst into laughter, the corners of his lips curling upward, charming and alluring. The warm sunlight outlined his soft profile, making him look otherworldly in the sunlight.

Faint gasps could be heard nearby. Meng Wan and Song Tingzhou didn't notice, but sharp-eared Xue Sheng glanced over. He saw another jinshi staring blankly at Meng Wan's back, his family calling him several times without response.

"Three hundredth place is still good, brother... don't be sad..." The young woman saw her brother didn't respond and called again, "Brother? Brother?"

"Huh? Lan Niang, what is it?" the jinshi turned and asked his sister.

Lan Niang looked where he had been staring and only caught a glimpse of a delicate profile. "Nothing. Let's hurry back. Father and mother are waiting at home."

Meng Wan and Song Tingzhou waited for a while. Zhu Zening rushed over excitedly. "Brother Song, I moved up a spot!"

Song Tingzhou thought of the Tribute Scholar who had lost composure in front of the palace, and scanned the bottom of the list again. Indeed, the original four hundred tribute scholars were now only three hundred and ninety-nine.

Apart from the three top scholars, fifty were placed in the second rank, and the rest were granted the status of Associate Jinshi.

Soon, the three top scholars would parade through the streets wearing flowers and riding horses. The streets were filled with onlookers. Meng Wan also wanted to watch, but this place was clearly not a good spot.

Zhu Zening said, "I have booked a private room in a restaurant. Let's go to the restaurant on the main street to watch."

They went out and up to the private room of a restaurant on the main street. As noon approached, they indeed heard the sound of gongs and drums.

The new top scholar, Chai Jun, rode at the very front, wearing a hat with peacock feathers and a red ceremonial robe. His usually aloof face now looked even more spirited and proud.

Townspeople on both sides of the street gathered to watch the excitement. Mischievous children darted through the crowd. Most people's eyes followed Chai Jun at the front and the handsome-looking Tanhua behind him, their gazes filled with admiration.

The shops along the street also hung red silk to match the occasion. The shop assistants crowded at the doorways to peer out. Firecrackers went off everywhere, creating a lively scene that could be called a grand spectacle.

Young maidens picked flower petals and sprinkled them from upstairs, or tossed whole flowers at the young top scholar and Tanhua.