Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing, east wall of the south courtyard of the Ministry of Rites.

When the second place of the palace examination was posted, there was a commotion among the hundreds of candidates who were viewing the list.

But the intensity of it is completely different from when the examination results are posted, when the candidates are either ecstatic, beating their chests and stamping their feet, or crying bitterly, expressing extreme joy or sorrow.

More than half of the candidates found their names on the second list. Except for a few who were disappointed because they fell into the top three, most of the candidates were happy, chatting and laughing, congratulating each other, and the atmosphere was very warm.

For most scholars, getting a name on a successful exam is the pinnacle of their career and a matter of bringing honor to their family. They aspire to be the best and be the most popular person, but only a very small number of them can do so.

When the commotion caused by the second list died down a little, the first list of the palace examination was posted high on the east wall by the officials who climbed up a high ladder in full view of everyone.

Compared with the announcement of the second list just now, the candidates who viewed the list were calm and joyful, celebrating and rejoicing in harmony. The appearance of the first list of the palace examination ignited a wave of enthusiasm almost instantly.

The palace examinations have always been conducted in a fair manner. Scholars who were not listed on the rank list would be able to rank among the first, second, or even first class. Many scholars who had not yet been listed could not wait to find their names on the first list.

But almost all the people listed on the ranking list, including many of the tribute scholars listed on the first list, all looked at the name of the first class on the far left of the first list.

The three people who ranked first in the palace examination were a model for recruiting officials through the imperial examination and were the expected choice of scholars all over the world.

Being ranked first is the lifelong dream of every scholar, so it will naturally attract the attention of all the candidates.

When everyone saw the names of the three people in the first place, there was immediately a huge commotion among the crowd, and almost everyone was talking about it.

"This year's spring examination was full of twists and turns. The chief examiner neglected his duty and sold questions, and cheating was rampant. I thought the integrity had been distorted, but I didn't expect the court to be like this. The nobles and the commoners were on the same level, and the integrity was restored..."

"Who is Zhang Wenxu from Qingzhou?"

"Zhang Wenxu is a famous talent in Qingzhou. He won the first prize in the Qingzhou provincial examination in the 13th year of Jiazhao. He ranked fourth in this year's imperial examination. He is a hot candidate to win the first prize."

"It's fate and time. If there hadn't been a major cheating case in the Spring Examination, Lin Zhaohe, who ranked third, was implicated, Zou Hui, who ranked second, failed the palace examination, and Jia Cong, who ranked first, had a special status and was prone to criticism, we wouldn't have the situation we have today..."

"The key point of this matter is not only that Zhang Wenxu is also a person with outstanding achievements in the imperial examination, but also because he was born in a commoner family, unlike some people with noble titles and honors, the court used him to correct the shadow of fraud and show that the imperial examination was fair."

"Brother Wang is right. This year's Spring Examination can no longer withstand disturbances and criticisms. Only in this way can we settle the matter peacefully and live in harmony with the world..."

"It's a pity for Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong. He was just one step away from winning the imperial examination. It's not to say that there has never been such a man like him in the past, but I'm afraid there will be no one like him in the future. He will surely shine in history..."

"Jia Cong has achieved great success, and ordinary people can no longer compare to him. The title of No. 1 scholar is a great honor to others, but it is just icing on the cake for him, or even too much..."

"Brother Zhao is right. So, Jia Cong is just a man with the potential to be the top scholar, and the court, considering the overall situation, decided to give up his reputation and leave. Zhang Wenxu, on the other hand, is extremely lucky, haha..."

For many of the candidates present, being ranked first was both expected and unexpected. Many of them had let go of the excitement of being on the list and were instead gossiping. They were talking about other countries, spitting and enjoying themselves.

Among the crowd, some people pretended to be smart, some sighed and lamented, and some made jokes and ridicules.

Of course, there are also people who have been hit hard, with awkward smiles on their faces, accepting congratulations from people around them while listening to sarcastic remarks.

He was the most popular, the most eye-catching, the most regrettable person, but there was someone else, and he became a foil that was not worthy of the name...

……

When the first list of the palace examination was posted, Jia Cong had already gotten off the carriage and could not help but walk over to the crowd looking at the list.

He clearly saw the first column on the left side of the first list, which clearly read: By the order of the Emperor of Heaven and Mandate of Heaven, on the tenth day of the fifth month of the fifteenth year of Jia Zhao, 305 tribute scholars including Jia Cong will be tested...

The first class of the imperial examination were awarded the title of Jinshi. The first place was Zhang Wenxu, a native of Linzi, Qingzhou; the second place was Jia Cong, a native of Shenjing, Yongzhou; and the third place was Chen Qirui, a native of Yishan, Yuezhou.

When Jia Cong saw the name on the list clearly, he breathed a sigh of relief. The morning breeze was refreshing and cool, and his moon-white robe with silver bamboo patterns fluttered slightly. His heart was filled with peace, stability and satisfaction.

Ever since the last spring imperial examination, whether he won the first place or now ranked second, it has far exceeded his original expectations.

When he stood at the present moment, he had more clarity and calmness as an outsider compared to the people around him. He had never been so arrogant as to get his blood boiling, thinking that he could defeat all the talented people in the world with his own strength.

Even if he could really suppress it, he wouldn't have to do it in a formal way, making it known to the world and creating hidden dangers, just to satisfy his pitiful self-conceit and narcissism. He is not Jia Baoyu...

Everyone’s current position, regardless of success or failure, is the result of the confluence of many factors, which depends not only on personal talent, but also on luck and the overall situation.

To have reached this point, to have established himself in peace and to be practical in governing the country, is more than enough. Just as one of the tribute scholars said just now: Too much is as bad as too little.

……

At this time, many candidates who were looking at the list noticed that Jia Cong was also looking at the list. They had met each other in the palace examination, and many people took the initiative to come forward to congratulate him.

They spoke warmly to each other, looked at each other with admiration, and the friendship between them was beyond words.

Even Zhang Wenxu, the top scholar, and Chen Qirui, the third place, came forward to congratulate Jia Cong.

Although he did not win the title of the first place in the world, it seemed that Jia Cong's official reputation became even more brilliant, and the tribute scholars developed an inexplicable affinity and centripetal force towards him.

If he had been the top scorer, would all this have happened? I'm afraid it's not certain...

At this time, two people in the crowd walked up to Jia Cong. One of them had a sallow face and looked a little sick, while the other was supporting him. Behind them followed two servants, carrying a sedan chair.

When Jia Cong saw that this person was Lin Zhaohe, his face was slightly shocked and he said, "Brother Lin, why are you here too? Have you recovered?"

Although Lin Zhaohe was in poor health, he still looked calm and said with a smile: "Uncle Lao Weiyuan, it's just a flesh wound. It will heal after some time of recuperation.

I am ashamed that I have been cleared of suspicion by the court and have the honor of being listed on the gold list. This is a major event in my life, so naturally I have to come and see the list.

"Master Bo is a man of high moral character, with a distinguished reputation and great respect among his peers. Zhaohe knows this very well and has come to congratulate Master Bo on his success in the second place exam."

When the surrounding candidates saw Lin Zhaohe, they all felt sad. Among the candidates who had passed the imperial examinations, Lin Zhaohe's reputation was no less than that of Jia Cong, Zhang Wenxu, Zou Hui and others.

Unfortunately, Lin Zhaohe was unlucky. Because of the misfortune of his good friend Wu Liang, he was implicated in a major examination fraud case.

Just now, many people were at the bottom of the second class, and when they saw Lin Zhaohe's name, they thought that with Lin Zhaohe's talent and reputation, even if he could not be in the first class, he would be in the top of the second class or even the first place.

The current dismal outcome must have been due to the fact that the imperial court considered his damaged reputation and, in order to avoid further criticism in this imperial examination, arbitrarily relegated him to the bottom of the second class.

According to official conventions, those who rank at the bottom of the second class are destined to miss out on the opportunity to become a Hanlin scholar, and their career prospects are very limited.

If Lin Zhaohe had not encountered such an incident, he would most likely have been able to enter the first class. In addition, Jia Cong had a special status, and I am afraid that even the top scorer would have been Lin Zhaohe, and there would be no chance for Zhang Wenxu of Qingzhou.

Some of the scholars sighed over Lin Zhaohe's misfortune, and naturally they would complain more about Zhang Wenxu's great fortune. It is human nature to pity others without hating them...

Although the candidates present knew exactly what Lin Zhaohe said to Jia Cong, and their words were a little abrupt and confusing, they just forgot about it and did not take it too seriously.

However, Jia Cong could definitely hear the gratitude hidden in Lin Zhaohe's voice, but because there were so many people talking at the moment, some things were difficult to say out loud.

He dragged his injured body and stepped off the slide, asking someone to support him as he walked to congratulate him. His sincerity of gratitude was obvious.

Most likely, it was because I asked Yang Hongbin for help that day, or I happened to be in the palace at the right time, and I spoke fair and just words for him, which played an important role in helping him get out of the wrong situation.

It is not surprising that Lin Zhaohe was able to escape from the Dali Temple unscathed, as he learned this information from Wei Guanyao or Yang Hongbin.

……

At this time, a servant from the East Palace came running over and said, "Master, the imperial envoy from the palace has come to the palace to deliver an imperial decree. The eldest lady sent me to deliver a message, asking Master to return to the palace to receive the decree."

After thinking carefully, Jia Cong guessed the content of the imperial edict from the palace.

He said to the candidates who came to the palace: "My fellow students, today we are all honored to be on the list. According to the imperial court's spring examination custom, a ceremony will be held to announce the results.

When you return to your residence, you will most likely receive a letter from the government. We will see each other again later."

After hearing this, all the candidates present were delighted. They were all outstanding candidates, so they naturally knew about the ceremony of announcing the names of the top three candidates. After the list of the Spring Palace Examination was announced, the court would hold a ceremony in Huangji Hall to announce the names of the top three candidates. The top three candidates would be appointed officials on the spot and be included in the Imperial Academy, which was an incomparable honor.

However, those who ranked second and third did not receive as much honor and glory as those who ranked first. They had to pass the imperial examination and the examination by the Hanlin Academy before they could be qualified to enter the Hanlin Academy.

Although one can obtain the qualifications to become a Hanlin scholar by passing the imperial examination, the imperial examination is, in a sense, just a process and a form, because it also requires prerequisites.

Only those who rank at the top of the second class and pass the imperial examination will have the opportunity to enter the Hanlin Academy. The Great Zhou officials formulate laws, and the six ministries in the capital and the three-rank officials and above of each government office, as well as the cabinet's meritorious officials are to be selected, and only the Hanlin will be selected.

There is a quota for the entire Hanlin Academy, and not every top three Jinshi can enter. The principle is to prefer to have no one than to have someone who is not qualified, in order to highlight their noble status.

Therefore, those who ranked at the bottom of the list had no chance of entering the Hanlin Academy even if they took the imperial examination.

Emperor Jia Zhao demoted Lin Zhaohe, whose reputation had been tarnished, to the bottom of the second class. According to the official system of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this was equivalent to deciding his qualifications for being a Hanlin scholar in order to avoid criticism.

After Jia Cong and his peers said goodbye, they boarded the carriage and hurried back home. The wheels rolled, raising dust and exuding a solemn and calm atmosphere. Many of the tribute scholars present could not help but stop and watch them go.

At this moment, many people thought of a problem. Jia Cong was already a fifth-rank official, but even if he was the top scholar, the court would only confer him a sixth-rank official title as a Hanlin editor.

Regardless of whether Jia Cong is the top scholar or not, he is destined to be a brilliant and unique figure at the imperial examination ceremony...

……

Earl's Mansion, main hall of the outer courtyard.

Jia Cong rushed back to the mansion from the South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites and saw a eunuch from the palace sitting in the hall, drinking tea and waiting. It was Yuan Jing, the sixth-rank eunuch on duty in Qianyang Palace.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Jia Cong went to the Ministry of Rites to check the list today. Please forgive me for keeping Eunuch Yuan waiting for a long time."

Yuan Jing smiled and said, "You are too polite, Lord Weiyuan. When I left the palace, I heard the good news, so I came here to announce the decree to you."

Jia Cong quickly asked the housekeeper to set up the incense table, and Yuan Jing unfolded the imperial edict and read:

"The talents of the country are unparalleled in the world, their literary and artistic achievements are high, they live up to the teachings of the saints, they are the best in the world, their reputation is highly respected by scholars, and they are not only revered by the whole country, but also relied upon by the country."

"I am grateful for the success of the imperial examination. The emperor and his subjects congratulate each other with all their heart. I hereby announce that Jia Cong, the first on the imperial list, will enter the Huangji Hall at noon on May 25th to welcome the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examination and be named and appointed to office to show his honor."

Yuan Jing read the imperial edict and said with a smile: "In just a few years, the Duke of Weiyuan has been so brilliant and glorious. He has been so outstanding that we are overwhelmed. This has really opened our eyes and we admire him very much."

Jia Cong greeted him and said, "Eunuch Yuan is too kind. I have troubled you to come to the palace to announce the imperial edict. Please stay for a while and let Jia Cong perform his courtesy."

Yuan Jing smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord, but I still have an imperial decree to announce, so I dare not delay."

Jia Cong asked: "As far as I know, there are more than 300 candidates in the palace examination, and they all need to participate in the ceremony of announcing the results. Your Excellency's imperial edict..."

Yuan Jing said with a smile: "Weiyuan Bo is a newly-appointed Jinshi. I don't know why, but it is common sense. Although there are more than 300 tribute scholars, only three of them can be honored by the emperor.

The second and third class candidates all have runners from the Ministry of Rites who will deliver letters to each person according to their registered addresses. "

After seeing Yuan Jing off, Jia Cong hurried back to the inner courtyard. Before he reached the gate of his own courtyard, he saw Yingchun, Daiyu and other sisters coming out to greet him, smiling and looking happy.

Just now, Jia Cong went to the main hall of the outer courtyard to receive the imperial edict, and Yinglian and Qingwen had already passed the good news back to the inner courtyard.

The sisters all congratulated Jia Cong. Shi Xiangyun was delighted, but seemed a little unsatisfied. She said, "My third brother has already won the first place in the imperial examinations. If he could win the first place in the imperial examinations, wouldn't it be even better?"

Daiyu laughed and said, "You are so greedy. You are letting Third Brother take all the benefits in the world. Third Brother is only fifteen years old and he has won the first place in the imperial examination. It is really shocking.

As the saying goes, the moon waxes and wanes, things rise and fall, too much is as bad as too little, it is not good, the way Third Brother is now is the best."

Yingchun smiled and said, "Sister Lin, what you said is exactly what I think. Brother Cong has been awarded the title of Duke of the Imperial Court, and has won the first place in the imperial examinations. He is so glorious and honorable that he has long been a peer.

It is enough to pass the imperial examination and have a successful career. Those empty titles, whether you have them or not, are not important. "

Xiangyun smiled and said, "When Second Sister talks about her brothers, everything about them is the best. She doesn't care about anyone except Third Brother. It doesn't matter whether they have him or not."

Everyone couldn't help laughing when they heard this. Thinking carefully, Xiangyun was absolutely right...

The sisters gathered around Jia Cong, chatting and laughing, and went to his courtyard together. Yingchun asked her maid Xiu Ju to go to Rongqing Hall to announce the good news, and also asked someone to send a message to the outer courtyard and set off fireworks to celebrate.

……

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Main Hall of the Outer Courtyard.

The second branch of the Jia family and the Guihua Xia family are getting engaged today. The two families have arranged an auspicious time in advance. At 15:00 here, Mrs. Wang arranged for the official matchmaker to send Baoyu's male birth certificate to the Xia family as a request for marriage.

At 1:00 p.m., the Xia family asked the official matchmaker to deliver Xia Jingui's daughter's engagement card as a reply, in order to complete the engagement ceremony between the two families.

After Jia received the marriage invitation from the girl, Mrs. Wang also sent an invitation to invite Mrs. Xia to a banquet, and the two families celebrated the wedding together.

The atmosphere in the main hall was festive. Mrs. Xia was originally a widow, but now the two families were in-laws and it was also the first day of their marriage, so there was no need to be shy.

Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang were both wearing new clothes and were talking with Mrs. Xia in the hall. Baoyu and Tanchun were sitting beside them.

Tanchun wore a light blue round-necked gown embroidered with broken branches of plum blossoms. Her waist was slender and graceful, and she looked elegant and pretty. Her hair was as black as ink, her cheeks were flushed with fragrance, and on her head was an exquisite red jewel phoenix hairpin that sparkled with brilliance.

Although she was just sitting there and hardly spoke a word, her expression and charm, her literary talent, her beauty and grace were very moving and added a touch of brilliance to the hall.

Baoyu, who is sitting on the left of Tanchun, is the protagonist of today. He is dressed in luxurious red clothes, which is quite eye-catching.

He should have been in high spirits today as he had been engaged to a beautiful woman, but his eyes were lowered, his mind was distracted, and he looked a little absent-minded.

While Jia Zheng was exchanging a few pleasantries with Mrs. Xia, to show his regard for the close relationship between the two families, his eyes occasionally glanced at his two children.

Tanchun was radiant and beautiful, but Baoyu was distracted and his soul was not at rest. He could not help but frown, but since his in-laws were present today, he could not lose his temper, otherwise he would definitely scold her...

……

At the black grease-painted gate of the East Courtyard, the maidservant hurried in on the East Palace carriage. After getting off the carriage, she quickly entered the courtyard, ignoring the maids and servants passing by, and hurried to the inner courtyard, her little face flushed with running.

Only when she reached the main hall door did she slow down her pace and obediently walked sideways into the hall. Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang didn't care, but when Tanchun saw the secretary, her beautiful eyes lit up.

When Tanchun left the East Palace, she left the maid to inquire about the news. Now that she came in, she must have heard the news that Jia Cong was on the list.

When the secretary saw her daughter's expression, she hurried to Tanchun and whispered the news that Jia Cong had won the first place.

Even though Baoyu was very happy at this moment and there were elders and distinguished guests in the hall, Tanchun still looked happy and could not hide her joy.

At this time, a maid from the outer courtyard came in and said, "The master's servant came from the East Palace and said he had important news, but because there was a female guest in the hall, it was inconvenient for him to enter, so he asked me to deliver the message.

He said that he had heard the news from the East Palace that the Third Master Cong had passed the imperial examination and ranked second in the first class, so he came to inform you.

As soon as the old woman finished speaking, everyone in the room was surprised. Tanchun's face began to smile, becoming more and more pretty and charming. Jia Zheng was surprised and happy, and his face was full of smiles.

Jia Zheng said with a smile, "I didn't expect that today would bring us double happiness. Cong'er has been ranked first in the imperial examination. This is a brilliant achievement. It is the first literary and artistic event that has happened in the Jia family since they established their residence in Nanjing for more than a hundred years."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang used all her strength to keep her face straight so as not to show any expression and let Mrs. Xia notice and lose face. At the same time, she felt as sick as if she had eaten a bunch of flies.

Today is the day when Baoyu gets engaged, which is such a great thing. But that kid from the East Palace just happened to get the second place in the imperial examination today, and he completely stole the limelight from Baoyu. He is really an evil star in his fate!
When Baoyu heard that Jia Cong was causing trouble again, his face turned pale. Originally, the engagement was to be held today, which would cut short his long-standing hopes and fantasies, and he was extremely reluctant.

Jia Cong happened to do this today, doing this pedantic and pedantic thing. It's useless to be the first place or the second place, is it worthy of such a proud show? This will make an innocent man like him sick to death.

Since her own sister Tanchun was so happy, it was obvious that Sister Lin and her other sisters must have been deceived by that man and were sinking deeper into the mud.

When Baoyu thought of this, his blood boiled, he was filled with grief and indignation, and he wanted to cry madly and bitterly, and was about to burst out... (End of this chapter)