Placid Chang’an

 Chapter 5: The Imperial Examination

A month later, the imperial examination took place. In principle, those who made it to the "Apricot List" would not be eliminated. The purpose was to determine the ranking and, most importantly, to find out who among them would become the top scholar and the champion.

The examination focused on policy questions. Three hundred candidates gathered at the Great Ming Palace. They were called forward one by one, bowing outside the Hanyuan Hall, where the Emperor asked them questions and they answered on the spot. During the answering period, they had to bow their heads and not directly gaze at the Emperor's face.

Accompanied by other officials, Su Cen followed the guide from the Honglu Temple and entered the imperial city through the Imperial City gate. Along the way, they passed the Qianqing Palace, the Honglu Temple, and the Shangshu Province before finally reaching the Great Ming Palace, where the Emperor resided.

The procession proceeded according to the order of the participants in the preliminary examination. Su Cen naturally ranked first. Along the way, everyone secretly marveled at the grandeur of the imperial architecture. When they reached the Danfeng Gate, Su Cen couldn't help but pause, causing the entire procession to come to a halt.

An official from the Honglu Temple chuckled, "Su, the Emperor is waiting. Please hurry."

Su Cen nodded and hurriedly caught up with the others.

Before him stretched three ascending levels of dragon-tail pathways. The white jade steps still bore the patterns of the jade, while the green stone railings on both sides were carved with dragon heads on the upper part and lotus flowers on the lower part. It was majestic and resembled a stairway to the heavens. The Hanyuan Hall stood atop this stairway, flanked by the Xiangluan Pavilion and Qifeng Pavilion on either side. They appeared like eagles spreading their wings, responding to the distant Longshou Mountain. With the sky as their backdrop, they overlooked all creation, grand and magnificent, not to be looked upon directly.

The nine heavens opened, and the palace displayed its splendor. People from all nations came to pay their respects.

No wonder some people spent their entire lives yearning to enter this gate. The supreme royal dignity and commanding presence were indeed irresistibly attractive.

The dragon-tail pathways were divided into three tiers. These three hundred individuals stood on the platform connecting the middle and upper tiers. To ensure fairness, the order of the examination was randomized through a drawing. Officials with brushes recorded the candidates' responses for subsequent review.

Now it was already March, a time of mild spring weather. Yet among the three hundred participants, some were sweating profusely while others trembled with chills. There were even those who fainted with excitement when their names were called, their three years of hard work turning into nothingness.

Su Cen slightly tilted his head and found himself standing beside the second-ranked candidate on the Apricot List. Since entering the Danfeng Gate, he had noticed this person discreetly observing him, intentionally or unintentionally. Su Cen had grown accustomed to being watched by others since childhood and usually paid no attention to it. But being stared at by this person made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The person wore a simple patterned ink-lantern brocade, exuding an air of elegance. When he noticed Su Cen looking at him, he didn't avoid eye contact and smiled, saying, "Brother Su, I've long admired your name."

As a gesture of courtesy, Su Cen lightly cupped his hands in greeting. However, while this person recognized him, Su Cen did not recognize him. It was Ah Fu who had gone to check the list for him, so apart from knowing that he was ranked first, he knew nothing else. Helplessly, he could only say, "Nice to meet you."

"You don't recognize me?" A hint of surprise flashed in the person's eyes, but then he smiled and said, "People with talent like you probably wouldn't bother with those trivial matters. I have read your articles, Su Xiong, and they are indeed sharp, well-reasoned, and eloquent. They are beyond the reach of ordinary people. I hold great admiration for you."

"You have read my articles?" Su Cen couldn't help but furrow his brows. His examination papers were sealed with his name and then copied by a scribe before being sent to the Ministry of Rites for unified review. During this period, the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy resided together, and outsiders were not allowed to enter. Who was this person that dared to claim he had read his articles?

"Su Xiong, please don't misunderstand," the person evidently realized that his words were likely to be misinterpreted, so he smiled and said, "Do you know why the Apricot List was delayed by half an hour this year?" Before Su Cen could answer, he continued, "The Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy almost had a conflict because of the two of us. At first, I was unwilling to accept it, but after the list was released, my nephew showed me your article. That's when I realized that I truly fell short compared to you. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."

"Nephew?" Su Cen became even more confused. The situation was becoming increasingly puzzling.

"My nephew is also very interested in you," the person smiled at Su Cen, his smile carrying an indescribable meaning.

Just at that moment, an official approached and saluted the person, saying, "Your Highness, it's your turn."

Ordinarily, the officials would call out the names in front of the steps, but in this person's case, the official personally came down to invite him. Moreover, the official had just addressed him as "Your Highness."

Apart from a few princes like Prince Ning who held actual power due to their military achievements, most of the prince's residences enjoyed hereditary privileges. However, in reality, they were mere titles for show, lacking real power. If they wanted to enter the court and serve as officials, they had to participate in the imperial examinations together with ordinary candidates.

It seemed that this person was an imperial relative who was unwilling to be idle.

As the official and the person walked a few steps away, he turned back and smiled at Su Cen, saying, "My name is Zheng Yang. I hope you will take care of me in the future."

"Quite impressive, isn't it?" As the person walked away, someone behind Su Cen leaned forward and said, "The only imperial relative with a surname Zheng in the current dynasty is Duke Zheng Qin, who married Princess Taining thirty years ago when he was still Marquis Anqing. Do you know who he referred to as his nephew?"

Su Cen furrowed his brows. He wasn't interested in prying into other people's privacy, but this person was clearly enthusiastic about the topic. Although he asked Su Cen, he didn't seem to expect him to answer.

The person continued, "Princess Taining and Prince Ning, who has encroached upon the court, share the same mother and the person he referred to as his nephew..." He smiled meaningfully, "is the current Regent Prince!"

Su Cen looked up and saw the person standing high above the steps, with his clothes fluttering in the morning light. His lofty posture was a world apart from the people standing below in the courtyard.

"Let me tell you, no matter how well you perform in the mock exam, can you compare to someone of noble birth like him? Tell me, why is he here, mingling with the crowd?" 

Before the person behind could say anything else, Su Cen slightly turned his body and took a half step forward, closing his eyes to calm his mind. He silently reviewed the classics once again. The person grumbled and opened his mouth, but wisely retreated and went to talk to the person next to him.

It wasn't until the eunuch in front called his name that Su Cen opened his eyes. His clear and clean eyes, purified by the knowledge of the past and present, stepped forward with an indescribable air of confidence.

In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a crisp child's voice from inside recited the standard question, "As the ruler, I rely on heaven's grace, uphold the imperial enterprise, and govern the world with benevolence and education. A ruler should bring happiness to all the people, ensuring their well-being and fulfilling the duty of being the parents of the nation. However, even in the best of times, there are still suffering refugees, and on the borders, there are conflicts and battles. I intend to examine the principles and make a temporary halt to military punishments, to restore clarity to the nation and bring peace to the people. How should I proceed with this plan?"

This was asking for a method to pacify the people and reduce military aggression. There were a few stumbling points in the question, and someone whispered suggestions nearby. It was evident that someone had prepared a draft and was reading it through the emperor's mouth.

However, the one who wanted to hear the answer was probably not the emperor.

Unable to raise his head, Su Cen didn't know who else was present in the court. After a brief thought, he replied with a composed and confident tone, "Your servant is dull-witted and lacks extensive knowledge. I am humbly honored to be questioned by Your Majesty and sincerely express my trepidation. According to my humble understanding, governing a country is akin to treating an illness. Just as there are methods of observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation in medicine, there are also methods of 'healing the nation.' Regarding 'observation,' one must observe the livelihood and the atmosphere of the country. By nurturing them with gentle winds and nourishing them with sweet rains, one can reap the harvest in autumn and provide for the people in winter. When the nation is secure, people can be self-sufficient, and the land can be distributed equally. By maintaining and improving water resources, droughts can be alleviated, and floods can be controlled. By restraining excessive taxation, the people can have sufficient clothing and food, and there will be no hungry corpses on the roads. Regarding 'listening,' there should be no mournful cries within a hundred miles, no war and conflict within a thousand miles. By dispatching envoys and soldiers to pacify the vassals and bringing back the defeated enemies, a ruler should spread his ears and eyes, observing the six roads and listening from all directions, not confined to a single city corner. Even if we hear about the dangers in distant lands, we should also be aware of the harsh cold in the northern deserts. It is advisable to establish officials in various regions who can report any slight disturbances, so that any wind blowing the grass can be heard in the capital. 

Regarding 'inquiry,' one needs to personally understand the people's opinions, fearing that one might be deaf to the cries of the people and blind to their desires. By reducing extravagance and luxury, understanding the people's hardships, and accepting good advice, communication from top to bottom can be facilitated, preventing the obstruction of the channels of communication. Lastly, 'palpation' is the most cautious method. It entails directly probing the core issues instead of superficial observations. The chronic illness of the nation persists because of various complex diseases. If the problems are not eradicated and blindly carried out, it will only lead to further consumption. This servant has pondered excessively. Currently, the whole world is absorbed in appearances, while internally, the sun and the moon collide, causing severe divisions. The country's resources are limited, while people's desires are boundless. If we drain the blood and devour the marrow, the country will be left with only superficial appearances and lack substance, weak on the outside and rotten within. Observing the saints of the past and present, Emperor Qin, Emperor Han Wu, and the ancestors of the Tang Dynasty, all had a united nation through collective sacrifice. I hope Your Majesty inherits the aspirations of the predecessors, restores clarity to the court, and shows compassion to the people, bringing good fortune to the world."

The voice then asked, "In your opinion, what is the ailment of the country?"

Su Cen suddenly raised his head!

The voice was deep and resonant, lingering between the rafters of the grand hall, enduring for a long time.

The last time he heard this voice was in a teahouse. He looked up, and that person came down from upstairs, exuding an aura of nobility, an air that kept others at a distance.

This time, he was kneeling in front of the court, while that person sat below the dragon throne, dressed in black and red robes. On his robe, there was a faintly embroidered golden-threaded nine-clawed dragon pattern. His eyes were like a frigid abyss, quietly watching Su Cen. Initially devoid of any emotions, Su Cen still sensed a trace of mockery.

And disdain.

This was the renowned Prince Ning, Li Shi, who had military achievements and held power over the emperor, the so-called "little uncle" mentioned by Zheng Yang. He was the one person in the court that one must not offend.

And he had managed to offend him the moment they met.

Su Cen didn't know what had happened to himself. Just a moment ago, he spoke confidently and eloquently, but as soon as his gaze met those eyes, he felt a punch to his chest, causing a stifling pain.

It wasn't until the eunuch in front of the throne called his name, reminding him not to directly look at the emperor, that he snapped back to his senses. In that moment of bowing his head, his eyes inexplicably stung.

It was another humiliating situation.

And he fell into the hands of the same person again.

"Your 'healing the nation' discourse was indeed smooth and straightforward, cutting to the heart of the matter. However, there's one thing: what do you mean by the 'core ailment' you mentioned at the end?"

The person in the court asked again.

"Imperial Uncle, he means..." a weak child's voice began but trailed off towards the end for some unknown reason.

Su Cen clenched his fists. This person was deliberately testing him. He had made himself clear, and even the young emperor in the court understood what he was referring to. Yet, this person persisted and asked again.

He knew well that Su Cen wouldn't dare utter those two words.

Su Cen gritted his teeth and said, "Political strife."

***

Translator's note: I hope you guys like this because I find it hard to translate. I think I'm going to have a nose bleed. Hahaha. *covers nose* Anyway, this is really good. I liked it.