The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 552 Youthful Spirit
The Lantern Festival had just passed, and traces of the dissipated smoke and fading lanterns still lingered in the sky above Bianjing.

After several days of fine weather, most of the snow in the streets and alleys had melted, revealing the wet bluestone pavement. When vehicles and horses passed over it, they stirred up some fine mud.

As dawn breaks, the capital city awakens. The shouts of peddlers, the creaking of shop doors being removed, and the gentle swaying of some lanterns that haven't been taken down yet... all these sounds blend together, making it clear at a glance that this is the imperial capital.

Zhang Zifan reined in his horse and stopped under the locust tree diagonally opposite the Duke of Zhao's mansion. He took out the steamed bun he had bought on the way, broke off a piece, and put it in his mouth, chewing it slowly.

Then, he took out the letter that Li Xingyun had just received from his pocket and read it. As he watched this guy ramble on about his experiences in Guangdong and Guangxi, complaining about the mosquitoes and strange food there, and then showing off the strange Gu techniques he had seen, he couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth and laugh helplessly.

The mount beside him impatiently stamped its hoof, and the white breath it exhaled dispersed in wisps in the cool air.

A moment later, the gates of the Duke of Zhao's mansion opened, and two servants deftly removed the last pair of festive lanterns hanging on the lintel. They glanced up at the white-haired young man under the locust tree eating his breakfast in the morning light, then lowered their heads to continue their work, clearly already used to it.

Upon seeing the gates open, Zhang Zifan quickly finished the steamed bun, folded the letter and put it back in his pocket. He then patted off the few crumbs stuck to his clothes, straightened his clothes, and became serious.

Before long, Zhao Guogong and Zhongshu Ling Han Yanhui, who was only thirty-two years old at the time, came out of the mansion dressed in a purple robe.

Then, a woman dressed in simple clothes followed closely behind, carrying a thick cloak. Without saying a word, she draped it over Han Yanhui's shoulders, muttering something under her breath, probably complaining that he was dressed too lightly.

Han Yanhui nodded slightly, letting his wife do as she pleased, but his gaze had already glanced at Zhang Zifan across the street, who quickly bowed slightly in courtesy.

Han Yanhui frowned almost imperceptibly, then suddenly turned around and sternly reprimanded his eldest son, who had gotten up late. After the latter responded meekly, Han Yanhui adjusted his sleeves and boarded a four-wheeled carriage with inconspicuous markings.

"Go to the Secretariat."

The carriage started slowly, making a gurgling sound. Zhang Zifan also gently flicked the reins, following a few feet behind the carriage at a leisurely pace.

Han Yanhui leaned back in the carriage, closing his eyes slightly to rest.

The New Year celebrations have just ended, and the backlog of official duties must have already filled the offices of the Secretariat. The Emperor has only recently returned from his southern tour of Jinling and is about to preside over this year's provincial and palace examinations. The Consort Xian has just given birth to a third prince... With the country newly settled and everything in need of rebuilding, there is a sense of urgency that time waits for no one, but it also truly inspires great enthusiasm.

After the carriage had traveled some distance, Han Yanhui was pondering when he suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "How long has Zhang Zifan been accompanying me like this every morning?"

The guards outside the carriage immediately responded, "Reporting to you, my lord, since the beginning of the twelfth lunar month last year, excluding the few days when the government offices were closed for the New Year, it has been more than twenty days. Today is the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, and as always, we have been waiting at the same place since early this morning."

Han Yanhui stroked his long beard, pondered for a moment, and then spoke again: "Go and invite him over to ride with me."

"Yes."

Zhang Zifan was holding the reins, keeping his horse at a proper distance behind the carriage, when he suddenly saw Han Yanhui's carriage slowly stop by the roadside, and a servant turned his horse around and came towards him.

He was surprised and quickly reined in his horse.

“Young Master Zhang,” the attendant approached the horse, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, “I invite you to board the carriage for a chat.”

Zhang Zifan was visibly taken aback. Since being specially ordered by the Emperor to enter the Imperial Academy and having been granted permission by Han Yanhui to accompany him daily for instruction, this was the first time they had ever spoken in the same carriage. He was slightly surprised, but his expression remained unchanged. He quickly loosened the reins, straightened his perfectly wrinkle-free robe, replied with "Thank you for your trouble," and walked to the carriage as instructed.

"Student Zhang Zifan pays his respects to Prime Minister Han."

"Get in the car," Han Yanhui's voice came from inside the car.

The coachman lowered the footstool, and Zhang Zifan bowed slightly before boarding the Grand Secretary's carriage. The interior was not spacious, simply furnished, with a small bronze incense burner in one corner emitting a faint, warm fragrance.

Zhang Zifan sat down opposite Han Yanhui, placing his hands flat on his knees with an upright posture. However, his heart was far from calm as he appeared, and he secretly wondered about Han Yanhui's intention in suddenly summoning him to ride in the same car.

The carriage continued on its way.

Han Yanhui leaned back on the cushion, closed his eyes to rest for a moment, and then spoke: "It has been three months since I arrived at the Imperial Academy."

"Yes, since I entered the capital last winter, I have been granted permission by His Majesty to study in the Imperial Academy, and it has been three months now."

"Hmm." Han Yanhui responded lightly, then asked, "This year's imperial examination is unprecedented in scale and has attracted worldwide attention. As you are at the Imperial Academy, you have had contact with candidates from all over the country. From your own perspective, what is the overall atmosphere of this year's examination?"

"Reporting to Prime Minister Han, I believe that this year's imperial examination has indeed brought a fresh perspective." Zhang Zifan pondered for a moment before replying earnestly, "My fellow students in the academy, and even the candidates I've seen from all over the city, are not just pedantic scholars who only know how to bury themselves in the classics. Being among them, I have benefited greatly from listening to them discuss scholarship and current affairs."

"Oh?" Han Yanhui seemed intrigued, opening his eyes and asking, "What are they all talking about?"

"Most of the discussions concerned the gains and losses of the new policies and strategies for governing the country. Some students praised His Majesty's policy of equal land distribution, believing it to be the foundation for consolidating the foundation and ensuring the people's well-being; others had high hopes for the Maritime Trade Office to expand maritime trade, saying it was an extension of 'using tools to promote industry'; still others had many speculations about the details of the upcoming 'equalization of land tax and poll tax'... Everyone expressed their opinions, sometimes with heated debates, but all were for the sake of the country."

Zhang Zifan sat upright and added, "Moreover, scholars from both the north and south have gathered here, speaking with different accents, yet their learning and discussions are all relevant to current problems. This shows that His Majesty's policy of breaking down social barriers and opening up avenues for talent has begun to show results. Recently, in the city's inns and taverns, one can often see them exchanging ideas and engaging in lively discussions, which has revitalized the literary atmosphere of Bianjing."

"Indeed." Han Yanhui nodded slightly. "The empire has just been pacified, and there is a thirst for talent. His Majesty's reform of the imperial examination system, striving for fair selection of officials and breaking down barriers of social class, is precisely to gather all the talents in the land and leave no worthy men undiscovered. This provincial examination needs just such a vibrant spirit."

His gaze fell on Zhang Zifan. "Now that you are in prison, you should not fail the Emperor's will, nor should you fail in what you have learned."

"I will keep in mind Prime Minister Han's teachings," Zhang Zifan replied, bowing his head.

Seeing his expression, Han Yanhui narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, "I have seen your ranking in the final exams in the prison."

Zhang Zifan felt a slight tightness in his chest, but he remained outwardly calm: "This student is dull and his knowledge is not yet proficient. I have failed to live up to the expectations of Prime Minister Han and His Majesty."

"Stupid?"

Han Yanhui repeated it softly, then suddenly said coldly, "As far as I know, your analysis of the classics is usually insightful, your policy essays are incisive, and your knowledge of classical texts, mathematics, and law far surpasses your peers. I have also reviewed several of the excellent papers submitted by the Imperial Academy's doctors this time. With your talent, you may not be able to compete for first place, but you can only manage fourth..."

He paused, his voice devoid of emotion, and said, "What do you think?"

Zhang Zifan felt a strange pressure, carefully choosing his words:

"Reporting to Prime Minister Han, I have heard that the papers of the top 100 in the annual examinations must ultimately be submitted to the Principal (Xiao Yan) for review. The ranking is determined by His Majesty's own will or by the joint discussion of the Doctors and Assistant Instructors. The Imperial Academy is full of hidden talents and outstanding individuals, and my ranking in the top five is already an unexpected delight. The Principal's insightful assessment must have seen shortcomings that I had not noticed. I can only reflect on myself and work diligently to make up for my deficiencies."

A moment of silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the sound of wheels and the faint sounds of the marketplace outside the window. After a long while, Han Yanhui slowly said, "Zhang Zifan, do you know His Majesty's intention in placing you in the Imperial Academy and having you study under me?"

Zhang Zifan solemnly replied, "This student is foolish and ignorant, only knowing that His Majesty's grace is boundless, giving this student the opportunity to atone for his sins and seek knowledge and understanding. Han Xiang has given this student much guidance, for which this student is deeply grateful."

"His Majesty once said that you, Zhang Zifan, are a promising talent." Han Yanhui's tone remained calm. "He also told me that he would like you to follow him around in the future, to do his bidding and run errands. He said that he might like you. In the past few months, you have acted steadily, thought meticulously, and studied diligently. In terms of talent, you are indeed a top choice."

He paused, then suddenly sneered, "But now that I see it, I might... not like you very much."

Zhang Zifan suddenly looked up, a look of surprise and panic flashing in his eyes. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed it back.

Han Yanhui's sneer remained unchanged as he continued mercilessly, "Excessive humility is just being slick. What are you worried about? Are you afraid that the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind? Or do you think that your so-called connection to the pseudo-dynasty is enough to make His Majesty and the court make an exception for the selection criteria of this glorious Tang Dynasty, or even deliberately suppress you?"

“Student…” Zhang Zifan opened his mouth, wanting to explain, but swallowed his words under Han Yanhui’s all-knowing gaze. He was silent for a moment, and finally said bitterly, “Student dares not deceive Prime Minister Han. Student… does have concerns.”

"As a student... I had a deep entanglement with the traitor Li Siyuan of the false dynasty. Although His Majesty has pardoned my past transgressions, if I am too flamboyant in a place like the Imperial Academy where talents gather, I fear it will cause controversy and I also fear... I will fail His Majesty's trust."

After listening to him, Han Yanhui showed no surprise on his face, and simply said, "Just because of this, you are willing to hand over the top spot that you could have fought for? Just because of this, you deliberately conceal your sharpness in your policy essays and hide your tricks in your interpretation of the classics?"

Zhang Zifan did not answer, which can be taken as an admission.

"Foolish," Han Yanhui scoffed. "If His Majesty cared about your background, you wouldn't be sitting in my carriage today. Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has abolished the military governorships, equalized land distribution, rectified official corruption, and promoted people regardless of their background. Has he ever slighted a truly talented person because of their family origin? Do you know why His Majesty set a rule that the papers of the top one hundred students in the Imperial Academy's final exams must be submitted to His Majesty for his personal review?"

Before Zhang Zifan could answer, Han Yanhui gave his own answer: "It's not just to show favor, but also to personally see if this future pillar of the nation has vision, eloquence, and a sense of responsibility. What His Majesty wants are not mediocre people who are obsequious and seek only to protect themselves, but rather pillars of the nation who dare to think, speak out, and forge ahead!"

His Majesty once personally admonished in the Imperial Gazette, saying, "The sons of poor families should have the ambition to challenge those of humble origins, and the sons of humble origins should have the heart to compete with those of noble birth." This statement is not merely directed at social status, but also at spirit. The court, wishing to sweep away the stagnation of the previous dynasty, needs this kind of vigorous spirit. You have the ability to compete for first place and the talent to save the world, yet because of a mere inner conflict, you bind your own hands and feet, content to remain in the background. Zhang Zifan, ask yourself honestly, is this behavior worthy of the opportunity His Majesty has given you, worthy of your own learning, and worthy of the glorious era that is about to unfold? Do you feel that the title of 'first' is a burden, or do you feel that serving as an assistant to this old man is not worth such brilliance?"

These words struck Zhang Zifan's heart like a morning bell and a evening drum.

He sat there blankly, the color draining from his face little by little, then returning, until finally his cheeks felt slightly hot. He let out a long sigh and bowed deeply to Han Yanhui: "This student... knows his mistake. It was this student's narrow-mindedness that led him to disregard the Emperor's heart and Prime Minister Han's expectations."

Seeing the change in his expression, Han Yanhui knew that he had taken it to heart, and his tone softened a bit: "To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. Your talent should not be wasted on such pointless caution."

At this moment, the carriage slowed down, having reached the vicinity of the imperial city. Han Yanhui lifted a corner of the curtain, glanced outside, and then lowered it again.

“From tomorrow onwards, you no longer need to wait in front of my residence. I do not need a student who has not yet entered officialdom but has already learned to be cautious and discreet.”

Zhang Zifan's heart tightened, thinking that Han Yanhui was disappointed in him. He was about to speak when he heard Han Yanhui continue:

“I will petition His Majesty to recommend you for this year’s provincial examination. Fame and fortune are yours to attain. Working in the Secretariat may seem glamorous, but it is in reality a place to hone one’s skills and become familiar with government affairs. Without genuine talent and a strong will, even if you get in, you will only be a shell of your former self, living a mediocre life. That is not what His Majesty wants, nor is it what I wish to see.”

As they spoke, the carriage stopped at a street corner. It was still some distance from the imperial city, but the majestic palace walls were already in sight.

"Go down," Han Yanhui gestured. "The path is under your own feet. Think carefully about how you want to walk it. Let this old man, and His Majesty, see your true abilities, Zhang Zifan."

Zhang Zifan took a deep breath, then bowed deeply again, performing a grand salute: "This student humbly accepts your instruction. Thank you for your guidance, Prime Minister Han." After saying this, he said no more, turned around, lifted the curtain, and got out of the carriage.

Ignoring Zhang Zifan, who was bowing deeply again beside him, the carriage headed straight towards the imperial city and quickly disappeared into the morning crowds and carriages.

Zhang Zifan walked alone on the streets of Bianjing. The cold wind brushed his face, but he felt no chill at all. A long-lost warmth surged in his chest.

Shops opened one after another along the street, and the steaming breakfast stalls were crowded with people. Even more eye-catching were the scholars dressed in various colored robes and speaking in different accents. Some were in groups of three or five, talking loudly, their words full of insights into the current situation and aspirations for the future; others were alone, engrossed in their books, muttering to themselves.

"I've heard that the policy essays for this provincial examination are very likely to touch upon the difficulties in governing the newly established provinces..."

"The debate between canal transport and sea transport is also a hot topic that should not be ignored."

"Your Majesty values ​​practical matters. Policy proposals should be supported by data and examples. Empty talk about benevolence and righteousness is unlikely to earn high marks..."

"A man should take advantage of this peaceful and stable time to make achievements and establish a career, so as not to waste what he has learned in his life!"

These sounds reached Zhang Zifan's ears. He listened quietly, his feet moving without stopping, yet he seemed rather aimless.

He originally thought that being low-key and humble was a wise way to protect himself and adapt to the new environment.

After all, his identity was special; he had a close relationship with Li Xingyun and had once been on the verge of power struggles in the Southern Dynasty. Although the emperor was magnanimous, allowing him to enter the Imperial Academy and even intending to let him gain experience in the central government, he felt that he should be more cautious in his words and deeds and avoid being ostentatious under such favor.

Therefore, in the annual examination, he subconsciously toned down some of his sharpness in his essay, which could have been even more outstanding, wrapping some of his overly incisive views in more moderate language. He thought this was a sign of maturity.

But Han Yanhui's words were like a wake-up call.

He stopped and stood by a stone bridge, gazing at the Bian River below, its shimmering waters reflecting his somewhat bewildered face.

Yes, what kind of era is this?
This is no longer the old Tang Dynasty, where powerful clans and seniority were the norm.

This was during the Hongwu era, the time when the emperor himself ended three hundred years of chaos and ushered in the new Tang Dynasty!

Look at this city of Bianjing, look at those students who have gathered from all directions. They may be dressed simply, or they may have accents from different places, but which one of them doesn't have a gleam in their eyes? When they talk about strategies for governing the country and the general trend of the world, aren't they full of vigor and confidence?

The emperor once said in Jinling: "If I need to imprison my own brothers to consolidate my rule over this empire... then it only proves that the people's hearts are not with me, and that virtuous governance has not been implemented for them..."

Under such a monarch, amidst such a torrent of history, wouldn't one's so-called concealment of one's talents seem both laughable and out of place?

He tilted his head slightly, looking up at the clear blue sky, where a flock of birds was fluttering past. He suddenly remembered his good brother, who had gradually lost the somber tone he had shown in Nanjing in his letters and was beginning to revert to his usual rambling self.

He smiled, straightened his sleeves, and without further hesitation, turned and headed towards the Imperial Academy, resolutely joining the morning crowds of Bianjing.

With youthful vigor, why should one be content to be subservient to others?

(End of this chapter)