Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

On the tenth day of the fifth month in the fifteenth year of Jiazhao, in the Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

Before daybreak, Yinglian, who was on night duty, woke up and saw that it was pitch black outside the window.

The jujube wood floor of the main room reflects a moist light in the darkness and silence.

Yinglian stood up and rubbed her eyes. She saw that Jia Cong's bed curtains were still closed and she could still hear the sound of his snoring.

She got up quietly and tried with her feet. She couldn't find her bed shoes in the dark, and she didn't know where she kicked them last night, so she got into bed barefoot.

The white and beautiful feet, slender and flawless, stepped on the black date wood floor, light and agile, silently, with an indescribable beauty.

She walked to the rosewood Ruyi hanging cloud clothes rack, on which were hung Jia Cong's and her clothes.

She took off her magenta printed double-breasted jacket and a light pink long skirt, and used the dim light from the corridor outside to find her soft shoes.

She put on her dress quietly, took a hairpin and a comb from the dressing table in the outer room, and then quietly left the room.

She walked to the entrance of the veranda, and in the light of the lanterns under the eaves, she combed her hair and tied it into a bun, facing the water surface of the Taiping jar.

The cool morning breeze blew gently across the water, turning the beautiful reflection into ripples...

She tidied her hair, then ran to the sink, dipped a handkerchief in clean water, and washed her face to wake herself up, as she had not slept well the night before.

After he had tidied his appearance, he went into the main room humming a little tune.

Although it was still dark, the candlelight in the main room was already bright and shadows of people were moving around.

Zhishao and Wu'er got up earlier than Yinglian. They were sorting Jia Cong's examination box and counting the writing brushes, inkstones, paperweights and other stationery items inside.

Zhishao saw Yinglian coming in and asked with a smile, "It's not even daybreak yet, why are you up? Is the Third Master up too?"

Yinglian yawned slightly and said, "The young master is still asleep. The young master has something important to do today, so how can I sleep well?

I didn’t dare to turn over at night, for fear of disturbing the young master’s sleep, and now my back and waist are still sore.”

Wu Er smiled and said, "Today is a big event for Third Master, but he didn't care and slept soundly. You are even more nervous than Third Master."

Yinglian smiled and said, "I have been the young master's servant for several years. Now he is going to take the palace examination. After years of hard study, all he has left to do is kowtow to the Lingshan Mountain.

I am looking forward to the young master passing the imperial examination soon, so that I, as a little book boy, can complete my merits."

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Don't worry, this time you, the book boy, will definitely accomplish your mission."

Several people were chatting and laughing while sorting out the examination boxes. Wu'er even put two portions of warm dry food into the examination boxes.

When the yard was slightly bright, the light of morning light appeared in the east, casting a shadow on the corners of the flying eaves, and Qingwen also entered the main room.

Yinglian looked at the daylight outside and knew Jia Cong's daily routine, so she hurried back to the main room. As soon as she entered the room, she saw Jia Cong lifting the bed curtains.

At this time, footsteps were heard at the gate of the courtyard. Lingguan brought two maids, carried several boxes of breakfast, and began to arrange the dishes in the main hall.

In the main room, Jia Cong got up and washed and tidied himself. The sound of footsteps and the crisp laughter of Yinglian and Qingwen could be heard in the room.

As the morning light gradually brightens, the whole yard wakes up in silence, filled with the gentle and comfortable atmosphere of fireworks.

Footsteps were heard again at the gate of the courtyard. Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, Baochai and other sisters came early in the morning to see Jia Cong off for the palace examination.

Shi Xiangyun's clear and refreshing voice sounds particularly pleasant from a distance.

At this time, Jia Cong had finished washing and dressing. He just entered the main room and saw Yingchun and other sisters were already there.

Yingchun smiled and said, "Today is Brother Cong's big day, we must come to see him off. After entering the palace today, Brother Cong will win the first prize in the imperial examination, and his years of hard work will finally pay off."

Jia Cong knew that it was not as convenient for the girls in the boudoir to get up as it was for him. It took a lot of time to put on makeup and dress up. He was afraid that the sisters would get up before dawn, and he felt warm in his heart.

He smiled and said, "My second sister has taken care of me and loved me for many years, and my sisters have been with me and cared for me. Otherwise, I really don't know what would have happened..."

……

As soon as the morning hour arrived, Jia Cong set out from the mansion. Ping'er came from the West Mansion to see him off, and with them came Jia Mu's maid Yuanyang.

In the past, Grandmother Jia had never cared much about Jia Cong's results in the imperial examinations. Perhaps it was after Jia Cong won the top spot and the two governments had so many guests coming to congratulate him that the old lady could no longer ignore it.

Knowing that Jia Cong would be entering the palace for an examination today, she unexpectedly asked Yuanyang to see him off on her behalf.

After Jia Cong left the inner courtyard through the hanging flower gate, he asked Yingchun and other sisters to stay.

When they left the inner courtyard, they saw Jia Zheng had also come over early. He said some words of encouragement to him, and the uncle and nephew walked all the way to the east corner gate.

The housekeeper had already prepared a carriage and horses and servants. Jia Cong took Jiang Liu and got on the carriage and headed straight for the palace in Shenjing.

The eastern sky became brighter and brighter, and the brilliant golden and red glow illuminated the huge capital city.

In all directions of the capital, more than 300 candidates for the imperial examination, like Jia Cong, were either walking or riding in carriages, converging towards the magnificent palace of the Great Zhou.

There are still thousands of failed candidates stranded in various parts of the capital. Today is also an uneasy day for them.

Anyone who passed the imperial examination was usually a wealthy person.

Many of them planned to travel and study for several years to broaden their horizons and consolidate their knowledge, or planned to live and study in the capital and wait for the imperial examination three years later.

There are also many people who want to wait for the palace examination to be over so that they can see with their own eyes the names of those who have passed the exam, so that they can encourage themselves and inspire themselves to make a comeback the next year.

Of course, there are also many people who failed the exam and were depressed, but for other reasons, they still did not leave Beijing and return home.

……

Xiuchunfang, west of Shenjing City.

This is the most prosperous district in the west of the city. Exquisite and elegant courtyards and pavilions can be seen everywhere. The villas of many high-ranking officials in the court are located in this district.

In the guest room of a villa in the district, Zhou Yan had trouble falling asleep last night. Even with the pretty Feng Ming sleeping by his side, he still couldn't sleep well after the wild storm.

He got up early this morning and asked someone to go out and buy some wine and food. He drank to drown his sorrows, and Fengming could only serve him carefully.

Because today is the day when the successful candidates will enter the palace for the examination. Zhou Yan thought of the scene when he first entered the Imperial Academy to take the examination and found that the chief examiner had suddenly changed. It was like a bolt from the blue.

It was because he miscalculated before the exam and went in the wrong direction in his studies that he failed miserably in this examination.

If he had not been obsessed with Huang Hongcang's questions and spent a lot of time and energy pondering them before the exam, but had instead reviewed the scriptures step by step and prepared for the exam, he might have had a chance to be on the list.

It was really humiliating to see that Lin Zhaohe and Wu Liang, who had come to Beijing together and stayed in the same hotel, were both on the list of high schools, while he was the only one who failed.

Lin Zhaohe was the top scorer in the Hangzhou Prefecture. Even looking at the whole country, he was probably one of the few outstanding candidates in the imperial examination. Zhou Yan knew his own limitations and naturally did not dare to compare himself with him.

However, since arriving in Beijing, he had known these two men for a long time, and realized that although Wu Liang was also talented, he was on the same level as him, and there was no difference in excellence or inferiority.

Moreover, like him, Wu Liang learned before the exam that Huang Hongcang had been selected as the chief examiner. They all attached great importance to Huang Hongcang's advice on topic drafting, and were equally obsessed with pondering and practicing Huang's topic drafting.

However, when the two entered the examination room, Wu Liang was able to respond calmly to the sudden change of the examiner. He did not panic at all and instead ranked second in the examination.

Regarding this matter, Zhou Yan, who has always had a high opinion of himself, would certainly not admit that his talent was not as good as Wu Liang's, so he did not have the ability to adapt to the drastic changes.

He only felt that he was unlucky and it was no one's fault. Wu Liang was just lucky and managed to get into the second place by sheer luck.

Ever since he returned from looking at the examination results, he felt as if he was under a spell. His feelings of injustice and resentment grew day by day. He knew that such distracting thoughts would not help, but he just couldn't control them.

Over the past ten days, his mind has been in the abyss of entanglement, and he has become obsessed and unable to extricate himself.

Even with a beautiful maid like Fengming, who always fawned on him and had sex with him, he still couldn't seem to find relief. He was distracted all day, unable to eat or sleep well, and lost a lot of weight.

Just as Zhou Yan was drinking heavily, the alcohol was rising, and he wanted to pull Fengming to play with him, but suddenly there were footsteps at the door, and Zhou Yan quickly pulled his hand out of Fengming's clothes...

A young man in gorgeous clothes walked into the room leisurely and elegantly, as if he didn't notice the romantic scene at all.

His expression was calm, with a hint of smile on his lips, and he said, "Brother, you are in a good mood. You got up early in the morning and had a drink to relax yourself. It's really a carefree life."

Zhou Yan saw who was coming and sat up straight. He pulled his collar and said with a wry smile, "My dear brother, you are kidding me. I am a failed scholar and I am just drinking to drown my sorrows."

The young man glanced at Fengming, spoke with a hint of sarcasm, and said with a smile: "But Fengming can't serve you well, so that brother won't be happy?"

Zhou Yan looked a little embarrassed and said, "My dear brother, you are joking again. Everything is fine, everything is fine... Originally, after failing the exam, I wanted to return home immediately to continue studying poetry and literature, and take the exam again next year. However, my dear brother and my seventh uncle kindly asked me to stay, and I have been bothering you for many days.

I will be leaving for my hometown in a few days. Tomorrow, please take me to say goodbye to Uncle Qi. I am very grateful to Uncle Qi and you for your care these days."

The young man did not continue Zhou Yan's words, but said: "Brother, you know that today is the day of the Spring Palace Examination. After today, those who are on the list will win the first place and rise to the top.

My brother is a man of great talent. Are you really willing to fail this time?"

Zhou Yan was so angry after hearing these words that he said, "Brother, you know today is the palace examination day. I have studied hard for many years and never slacked off, but I still failed.

This is God's fault. What can I do? I can only blame myself for not being as skilled as others. After I return home, I will study hard for a few more years. One day, I will get what I want!"

The young man smiled slightly, with a hint of disdain in his expression, and said: "The road to the imperial examination has always been difficult and dangerous. I have also encountered villains and suffered setbacks and failures.

In the imperial examinations, the success or failure is not determined solely by talent or luck, but more importantly, by the ability of each person. "

Zhou Yan's heart skipped a beat when he heard this, and he asked in confusion, "What do you mean, my dear brother? The imperial examination is based on talent, so why do you talk about skill?"

The young master still did not respond to Zhou Yan's words, but just said to himself: "I know that you are upset, and a man has a lot of things on his mind, but I don't want to find out the truth.

If my brother insists on returning home, my father and I will not stop him, but if you leave, I am afraid you will miss a great opportunity..."

……

At 2:15 am, Jia Cong and hundreds of tribute scholars arrived at Chengtian Gate of the Great Zhou Palace one after another. The Minister of Rites Guo Youchang and several officials from the Ministry of Rites had already been waiting at Chengtian Gate.

Listed together with Guo Youchang were the three chief examiners of this joint examination, namely, Cabinet Grand Secretary Wang Shilun, Minister of Personnel Chen Mo, and Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Xu Liangxiong.

Standing behind them were more than ten officials, who were the co-examiners of the 18 examination rooms of this joint examination. They were all assistant officials in charge of this palace examination, and they were a group of officials with considerable influence.

They all looked at the hundreds of new candidates, many of whom were selected by their own department and had established close relationships with these fellow examiners.

These new candidates can only be selected by them before they can finally pass the imperial examination.

They can go higher and further in today's palace examination.

This is of great benefit to the chief examiner and co-examiners present.

Therefore, when these officials looked at the new tribute students who were full of high spirits, their eyes were somewhat complicated.

Some of them are content, some are looking forward to it, some are pleased, and some have hesitation and trepidation in their eyes...

……

There were 300 candidates who passed the imperial examination this year, but there are more than 300 people taking part in the palace examination today.

Among them, there were dozens of tribute scholars who were not on the list this year, but on the list in the previous joint examination. Due to mourning, illness and other reasons, they had to give up the palace examination and instead participate in this year's palace examination.

All the candidates present were called out by the Ministry of Rites, their identities verified, and then lined up according to their names on the list. They were interrogated and searched by the Jinwu Guards stationed at Chengtian Gate, and only after they were confirmed to be clear could they enter the palace.

As the top scorer of this year's imperial examination, Jia Cong undoubtedly stood at the head of the queue, with hundreds of tribute students standing behind him in order.

Today he was wearing a brand new scholar's green robe, with an elegant demeanor and a free and easy bearing, like a jade tree orchid, radiant and dazzling, attracting the attention of all officials.

Minister of Personnel Chen Mo looked at the handsome Jia Cong and saw that even though he had become the focus of the whole audience and attracted everyone's attention, he remained calm and composed, without any sign of embarrassment.

He stroked his gray beard with his hand, his old eyes flickered, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Wang Shilun, who was standing by, noticed Chen Mo's expression and asked, "Master Chen, what do you think when you see this scene?"

Chen Mo sighed, "When I saw them, I remembered that I was full of vigor and ambition to serve my country, and I walked into Chengtian Gate with my head held high. It seems like yesterday.

But time has passed, more than 30 years have passed, and now I am very old. "

Wang Shilun smiled slightly and said, "Master Chen, don't underestimate yourself. An old horse is still ambitious. The court always needs old ministers like Master Chen."

Chen Mo looked at Jia Cong who was standing at the head of the team and said, "Jia Yuzhang is indeed worthy of his reputation. He has won the first place in the imperial examinations several times and was awarded a title for his military achievements. He is a young man to be feared.

In such an occasion, he was being watched by everyone, but he didn't even blink, as if nothing had happened. This kind of shrewdness and demeanor is not like that of a young man, which is also strange. "

Wang Shilun smiled and said, "What's so strange about this? It's common for people with good qualities and talents to develop intelligence at a young age."

Chen Mo laughed and said, "I forgot that Lord Wang was also a young man who passed the imperial examination. He was young and proud, and famous all over the world. He was very similar to Jia Yuzhang..."

……

While the two were chatting in low voices, more than 300 tribute candidates, after being checked by the Jinwu Guards, were lining up to pass through Chengtian Gate.

Two hundred Han generals were temporarily mobilized to escort more than three hundred tribute scholars into the palace.

The team of tribute scholars, led by Jia Cong, followed the footsteps of the Minister of Rites Guo Youchang, out of Chengtian Gate, passed Rui Gate, and arrived in front of Wumen.

There are five doorways in the Meridian Gate, and there are strict etiquettes for entering and exiting these five doors.

The central doorway was used exclusively by the emperor or when he was marrying the empress.

Apart from this, only the top three winners of the palace examination had the honor of leaving the palace through the main gate.

Princes and officials entered the palace through the doorways on both sides of the central doorway, and the left and right side doors were only opened during palace examinations and grand court meetings.

The rules of the Five Gates are very strict. If you make a mistake, you could be killed.

Hundreds of tribute scholars stopped in front of the Meridian Gate.

Under the command of officials from the Ministry of Rites, all candidates were ordered to go through the Zuoye Gate on the east side according to their ranking on the list, with odd numbers going through the Youye Gate on the west side, and even numbers going through the Youye Gate on the west side.

After passing through the Meridian Gate, the team of candidates for the palace examination passed through Huiji Gate, Wenhua Hall, Wuying Hall, and East and West Huamen.

Walking all the way to Fengtian Gate, the huge team of tribute scholars stopped again.

Because Fengtian Gate is the gateway between the Inner Palace and the Outer Palace, it is more strictly guarded than Wumen Gate. Most officials never step into Fengtian Gate again in their lives except for the palace examination.

Hundreds of newly-appointed candidates looked at the tall and majestic vermilion gate of Fengtian Gate, which was covered with copper nails as big as bowls, flashing a cold golden light.

Among these more than 300 tribute scholars, even though a few of them were already officials, they all held low positions. Like other tribute scholars, they saw the Fengtian Gate for the first time.

They were all proud candidates in the imperial examinations, each of them had outstanding insights, and they all knew the special significance of Fengtian Gate in the palace.

Everyone standing in front of the emperor's gate felt a strong sense of oppression. The team of hundreds of people was silent and the atmosphere was like a taut bowstring.

Among the group of tribute scholars, only Jia Cong, who was standing at the head, looked normal.

Because he had been to Qianyang Palace to meet the emperor several times, and each time he had to pass through Fengtian Gate, although the royal gate was majestic, he could still take it calmly...

The sound of drums continued until the hour of Chen, accompanied by the rising sun. The golden morning sun, like the emperor's grace, was shed upon every tribute scholar.

The sound of drums and music came from behind the Fengtian Gate, and the Fengtian Gate slowly opened. There seemed to be a silent breath blowing in the face, powerful and solemn, which made every tribute scholar feel awe-inspiring.

……

The team of candidates for the palace examination entered the Fengtian Gate and stopped again.

In front of the Danbi in the square in front of the Huangji Hall, there were examiners headed by Cabinet Grand Secretary Wang Shilun and 18 examiners.

There were dozens of officials involved in the palace examination, including the paper-printing officials, paper-holding officials, sealing officials, and supervisory officials.

They stood in a line, everyone had a serious expression, dressed neatly, and accepted the worship of more than 300 candidates for the palace examination.

At one o'clock in the morning, the grand and melodious sound of bells and drums sounded, and the gate of the Huangji Palace slowly opened.

The palace examination executives and candidates, under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites, entered the Huangji Hall one after another.

Emperor Jiazhao, wearing a green-based bright yellow dragon crown and a twenty-four-tassel Tongtian crown on his head, entered the hall amid much anticipation.

All the palace examination officials, including Jia Cong and more than 300 candidates, knelt on the ground and performed the ceremony of five bows and three kowtows.

The palace examination ceremony of the 15th year of Jiazhao kicked off... (End of this chapter)