Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 529 The Imperial Examination (Part 1)

As the seasons changed and late spring drew to a close, the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of roses and the fresh scent of grass and trees. However, this tranquility had nothing to do with the Sheng family.

The day of the palace examination finally arrived.

On this day, just after the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), before the night had completely faded, lights began to illuminate various parts of the Sheng residence.

The figures moved silently in the dim morning light. The servants held their breath and moved with utmost care, afraid of disturbing the most important person of the day.

However, the tension and anticipation that permeated the air, invisible yet omnipresent, was more intense than ever before, weighing heavily on everyone's hearts.

Inside Zeyu Hall.

The candlelight cast a warm and bright glow in the room.

Sheng Changquan had already gotten up. He did not linger for the last moments of peaceful sleep, and his eyes were clear without a trace of drowsiness.

He rejected the overly bright brocade robe and chose a light blue scholar's robe that was neither new nor old, but was washed and made particularly crisp and smooth. He tied a silk sash of the same color around his waist. He wore no gold or jade ornaments on his body, except for a plain but smooth and warm jade hairpin that held his neatly combed hair in place.

This attire stripped away all extravagance, leaving only the integrity and simplicity of a scholar, which further accentuated his calm demeanor and reserved bearing, revealing a maturity beyond his years.

The head maid, Cuiming, was quickly and efficiently making the final adjustments for him.

She was an extremely capable maidservant of Old Madam Sheng in her early years. Rules and etiquette were ingrained in her bones, and every word and action was well-ordered. Later, she was personally bestowed by the old lady to Zeyu Hall. On the surface, she was to serve the Seventh Young Master, but in reality, she also had the responsibility of supervising and looking after him. To some extent, her words and actions also represented the old lady's scrutiny.

However, Sheng Changquan was precocious from a young age and always acted with integrity and self-discipline, never making any mistakes. Therefore, Cuiming could hardly find anything that required her strict supervision over the years. All she could do was to truthfully report the Seventh Young Master's daily life, studies, and behavior when the old lady asked.

At this moment, although she tried her best to maintain her usual calm and composure, her tightly pursed lips, almost devoid of color, and the unconsciously forceful fingertips as she adjusted her collar and cuffs, still betrayed that her inner peace was not as serene as it appeared.

Today's imperial examination is not only about the future and fate of the Seventh Young Master, but also about her dignity in front of the Old Madam, and even more so about her future support and prospects.

"Young Master, everything has been checked repeatedly and prepared properly, so there is absolutely no chance of anything going wrong," Cui Ming said in a low voice, trying her best to keep her voice steady, but the greater solemnity in her words than ever before was clearly discernible.

Compared to Cui Ming's seemingly measured and disciplined demeanor, Zi Yuan and Jie Geng, who were holding copper basins, handkerchiefs, and other items, appeared much more lively and vivid.

Especially Kikyo, who was younger, had slightly reddened eyes that were glistening with tears, a mixture of suppressed excitement and lingering worry.

Her lips were slightly pouting, as if she had a thousand words to say, but was afraid that saying the wrong word at this moment would disturb the young master's mind. Her bright eyes were fixed on Sheng Changquan, filled with undisguised concern and nervousness that was almost overflowing.

Meanwhile, the gentler and calmer Ziyuan stood quietly a little further away.

She carefully held a blue cloth bundle in her hands, inside which was Sheng Changquan's usual pine soot ink and several carefully selected wolf-hair brushes that could produce excellent writing when fully dipped in ink. She didn't say much, but just silently looked at her young master, her eyes filled with pure trust and silent encouragement.

Sheng Changquan took in their expressions and gave Jiegeng and Ziyuan a gentle and reassuring smile. Although the smile was faint, it instantly dispelled most of the worry between the two maids' brows.

He then turned to Cuiming, nodded slightly, and said in a calm tone with a hint of barely perceptible detachment and politeness: "Thank you for your trouble, Sister Cuiming."

Cui Ming sighed inwardly. She knew all too well that the Seventh Young Master's treatment of her was not as close and natural as his treatment of Zi Yuan and Jie Geng, whom he had grown up with and shared a deep connection with.

Beneath this respect and politeness, there is always an invisible barrier.

But she also knew that this was due to her status and that she could not force it, so she could only lower her head and reply, "This is my duty."

Sheng Changquan said no more, his gaze sweeping over the image of the scholar in the mirror—neatly dressed in a blue robe, with a calm expression—clearing away all distracting thoughts.

After tidying up, he took a deep breath and walked steadily out of Zeyutang to the main hall to bid farewell to his parents and elders.

……

In the main hall.

At this moment, the candles are burning brightly, as bright as day, illuminating every corner with exquisite detail.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu were already dressed and seated at the head of the table.

Sheng Hong had taken leave from the government office today. Dressed in an ochre-colored robe with cloud patterns, he tried his best to maintain the solemn dignity of a family head and a strict father. However, his unconsciously stroking his beard and his slightly trembling fingers, as well as the smile and excitement that he could not suppress and that rippled across his face, had already revealed the turmoil in his heart.

Madam Wang was dressed in a brand-new crimson jacket with gold trim, paired with a royal blue horse-face skirt, and a headdress adorned with red gold and kingfisher feathers, making her look exceptionally dignified and jewel-like.

As soon as she saw Sheng Changquan enter, she immediately stood up from her chair and almost instinctively rushed to greet him.

She reached out her hand, as if she wanted to personally tidy up his already perfectly arranged clothes, just like she would her own son, Sheng Changbai, or hold his hand and give him some advice. However, she suddenly paused when her hand was halfway up the ground.

"Cough cough..."

Madam Wang coughed lightly, finally remembering their respective identities—she was the legal mother, while he was a promising illegitimate son.

"Brother Quan! Are you finally ready?"

In the end, Madam Wang felt she should maintain some decorum. She lightly touched Sheng Changquan's arm, her tone earnest and concerned, yet still befitting a legitimate mother. "You look very energetic, with bright eyes—that's perfect!"

She scrutinized Sheng Changquan from head to toe, her gaze lingering for a moment on his simple yet exceptionally neat and crisp blue robe. A hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, as if she wanted to say something. However, just as Madam Wang was about to speak, she suddenly remembered that the Emperor disliked extravagance. So she nodded and said with satisfaction, "Hmm, not bad, this outfit is excellent! It couldn't be more appropriate! It looks dignified and understated, just as it should be!"

She gave him a long, detailed explanation, her words filled with genuine concern, yet tinged with a cautious restraint, unlike her behavior towards Sheng Changbai, where she could freely express all her emotions, even to the point of tears.

This restraint only highlighted her sincerity and seriousness at that moment: "Once you enter the palace, be extremely careful! Be mindful of every step you take!"

"When kowtowing and paying respects, nothing can be done wrong, neither too fast nor too slow! When answering His Majesty, your voice must be clear, loud, and steady. Do not be timid or impatient!"

“The sons of our Sheng family are all upright, knowledgeable, and reasonable. They must write well and their handwriting must be neat and strong. We, along with your grandmother, are all here waiting for your good news!”

Having learned from Sheng Changbai's experience, Madam Wang spoke quite eloquently this time.

Seeing this, Sheng Hong coughed lightly, slightly restraining his overly obvious excitement, and tried to maintain the demeanor of a strict father, saying in a deep voice, "What you say is absolutely right, Madam."

"Chang Quan!"

"The Palace Examination is personally administered by the Emperor, unlike any other civil service examination. While achieving the highest rank is undoubtedly the greatest honor, regardless of the final result, simply standing before the Emperor in the Zichen Hall is already a tremendous privilege. When meeting the Emperor, it is of utmost importance to maintain a respectful attitude, observe proper etiquette, and remain composed. When answering the questions, one should prioritize 'steadiness and pragmatism.' The citations of classical texts must be appropriate and not merely verbose. The analysis of current affairs should be incisive and substantive. His Majesty is wise and dislikes empty talk. Remember this well."

"The son will remember his father's and mother's teachings."

Sheng Changquan bowed deeply and gave Sheng Hong and Madam Wang a standard and respectful salute, his posture impeccable.

Just then, with the help of Madam Fang, Old Mrs. Sheng slowly walked into the main hall.

Today she wore a sandalwood-colored silk jacket with a crane and deer motif, and a matching eyebrow embroidered on her forehead. Her demeanor was dignified and serene, like an ancient pine tree that had weathered many storms but remained ever more upright.

She looked at Sheng Changquan with deep and gentle eyes. Unlike Madam Wang, she didn't nag him with advice. Instead, she reached out and gently patted his arm. Her dry, warm hand carried a calming power.

"Go ahead. Grandma has prepared your favorite water chestnut flour cake and cream puff rolls, waiting for you to come back."

A simple sentence, without any pressure, yet it is full of the deepest care and trust, which is better than a thousand words.

Sheng Changquan felt a surge of warmth in his heart, as if a warm current had flowed through him. He faced the old lady again, bowed deeply, and everything was understood without words.

Ru Lan, Ming Lan, Hai Chaoyun, and several young children were also present.

Rulan nervously clutched her handkerchief, her eyes wide open, and whispered, "Seventh brother, you must pass the imperial examination! When you come back, your fifth sister will... will congratulate you!"

She wanted to say what benefits she would give, but couldn't think of anything for the moment, so she just swung her fist forcefully.

Minglan stood quietly in the lamplight a little further away. Today she was wearing a light green dress, like a fresh orchid in spring.

She held a small, thick-looking blue cloth bundle in her hand. When she saw Sheng Changquan looking at her, she stepped forward and handed the bundle over, her voice soft and gentle: "Xiao Qi, the palace is deep and secluded, and it is inevitably chilly in the morning. This is a pair of knee pads that Xiao Tao and I made together. They are filled with new cotton, so they won't hinder your writing and will also keep you slightly warm."

May your writing flow smoothly, and may your years of study not be in vain.

Her actions were meticulous and appropriate; the items she prepared were both practical and would never arouse suspicion of any connection with cheating in the imperial examinations.

Sheng Changquan took it; it was warm and soft to the touch. He looked at Minglan and met her calm, yet understanding and encouraging eyes. He nodded slightly, all his gratitude unspoken.

After all, they are siblings, and Sheng Changquan and Minglan are indeed more in sync than others.

Meanwhile, Hai Chaoyun, holding Zhuojie'er's hand, smiled gently at Sheng Changquan and said softly, "Seventh Brother, go with peace of mind. We will take care of everything at home."

"Yes, Second Sister-in-law!" Sheng Changquan bowed.

"Zhuojie also wishes Uncle Qi success in the imperial examination and that he will become the top scholar!"

Just then, the little one next to Hai Chaoyun also stuck out his bottom, bowed solemnly, and loudly offered his blessings.

"Hahaha!"

Upon seeing this, everyone smiled knowingly, and the tension on the field eased slightly.

"hehe!"

Sheng Changquan chuckled, then squatted down, pinched Zhuo'er's little cheek, and said with a smile, "Then Uncle will take Zhuo'er's good wishes with him!"

"OK!"

Zhuojie looked at Sheng Changquan with a serious expression and "instructed" him, "Seventh Uncle, you must write your essay carefully. Only if you do it well can you get back the title of Top Scholar. Then, Zhuojie will give you a gift!"

"Oh, really?" Sheng Changquan said with a smile, "Then Uncle will try his best to get Zhuo-jie's gift!"

"Yes, yes!" Zhuo Jie'er nodded solemnly, her face full of seriousness.

"Ha ha……"

Seeing this, everyone was happy again.