The Red Mansion

Chapter 73: Predicting the Topic for the Provincial Examination (Part 2)
The test questions that Qu Tai gave to Jiang Nian were all based on his four-point prediction criteria. He wrote them himself and also gave the summary of the answers himself.

For example, Qu Tai took a test question on the Four Books, which read: "A gentleman takes righteousness as his foundation, conducts himself with propriety, speaks with prudence, and completes his work with trustworthiness."

This question comes from "The Analects of Confucius: Duke Ling of Wei".

It means: A gentleman takes morality as his foundation, regulates his behavior according to etiquette, expresses himself with humble words, and completes things with an honest attitude.

Qu Tai's answer was brief and combined with Emperor Taishun's idea of ​​"doing his job with sincerity" in rectifying the administration of officials.

"Working diligently" means doing things diligently, being down-to-earth, and not being impetuous or perfunctory.

For example, Qu Tai took a test question on the Five Classics, which read: "Virtue is good governance, and governance is about nourishing the people."

This question comes from "The Book of Documents: Instructions of Yu the Great".

It means: A king’s virtue should be reflected in good governance, and the core of governance lies in nurturing and protecting the lives of the people.

Qu Tai's answer was abbreviated and expanded on Emperor Taishun's edict that "nurturing the people is the foundation."

For example, Qu Tai wrote a question on the "Ce Wen" exam, which asked: "In the previous Ming Dynasty, Zhang Juzheng's system of official examinations had both advantages and disadvantages. How should we improve the administration of officials now?"

Improving the administration of officials was the focus of Emperor Taishun's governance, and Emperor Jingning also strongly supported it.

Qu Tai believed there was a good chance this or a similar policy question would appear on the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination next month. Therefore, he personally and meticulously addressed the question, strictly adhering to the "eight-part essay" structure (opening the topic, continuing the topic, starting the lecture, starting the essay, starting the essay, middle essay, back essay, and ending essay).

For example, Qu Tai wrote a poem for the exam titled: "Fu De Jiu Gong Wei Xu (De 'tong' character, five words, eight rhymes)."

This question comes from "The Book of Documents: Instructions of Yu the Great".

The "Nine Merits" refer to the six ministries (water, fire, metal, wood, earth, and grain) and three matters (rectifying virtue, utilizing resources, and promoting the well-being of the people), which is consistent with Emperor Taishun's philosophy of governing the country by "respecting reality and focusing on basic principles" after he ascended the throne.

Qu Tai wrote a model poem:
"The Emperor's virtue shines like the sun, and his nine merits are equally respected.

Gao Mo stated the essentials, and Yu Dian opened up the primordial chaos.

Water, fire, and metal are abundant, and crops are plentiful every year.

To correct the people, you must first correct yourself; to be useful, you must be loyal.

To promote good customs and encourage the cultivation of silkworms and mulberry trees, and to honor officials with official titles.

Kui Shao harmonizes the rhythm, Ji Fan coordinates with Zhao Rong.

We all admire the brilliant plans of the emperor and sing praises of his prosperous governance.

I, a humble official, am ashamed to offer this eulogy, and I am grateful for your great grace."

The first sentence of this poem, "The emperor's virtue is as bright as the sun," is praising the emperor.

"Nine Merits in Governing the Country Together" indicates the title of the poem, implying that "the ruler and his subjects work together to govern the country."

The third and fourth couplets respectively describe the six ministries and three affairs, corresponding to Emperor Taishun's policy of emphasizing agriculture and strengthening the administration of officials. The latter part is a sublimation and praise of the emperor.

Finally, end with some self-humility.

The whole poem rhymes with the same rhyme, strictly following the rhyme limit requirements.

"Chengguan Fu Fu Chong" is also related to the measures to investigate deficits and rectify the administration of officials in the first year of Taishun.

At this moment, Jiang Nian was delighted. He stood up and bowed to Qu Tai, expressing his sincere gratitude. "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, old sir. I will study these test questions and the abridged answers carefully, and strive to live up to your earnest expectations."

He knew full well that these predicted questions and abridged answers must have consumed a great deal of Qu Tai's time and energy. A man over seventy, a cabinet scholar, was willing to take such pains to help him. He could almost see Qu Tai writing furiously at his desk, and sensed the old man's good intentions.

There is a deep meaning behind Qu Tai's move.

If Jiang Nian can pass the Shuntian Prefecture's provincial examination next month, Prince Zhongyi will owe the Qu family a favor, which will undoubtedly be a valuable political asset for the Qu family.

In addition, Qu Jishan highly praised Jiang Nian and repeatedly praised Jiang Nian in front of Qu Tai, calling her a "natural talent." Furthermore, Jiang Nian was very close to Prince Zhongyi, so Qu Jishan believed that Jiang Nian might become a great man in the future. Qu Tai, with foresight, wanted to take this opportunity to establish a good relationship with Jiang Nian.

Qu Tai's withered palm gently stroked Zhu Xi's Annotated Commentary on the Four Books on the desk and said to Qu Jishan, "In ten days, Nian'er will take the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination. During these ten days, you should also give him some examination questions and abridged answers for his reference."

Qu Jishan smiled and said, "Even if father didn't instruct me, I would still do it."

Jiang Nian bowed to Qu Jishan again and thanked him: "Sir, your kindness is something I will always remember."

Jiang Nian looked at Qu Tai respectfully, but asked cautiously, "Will these abridged exam questions and answers, sir, be shared with other candidates taking the Shuntian Prefecture Provincial Examination next month? Sir, you are so knowledgeable and experienced, and most of the questions you set will be asked. Who knows? ...

Qu Tai smiled faintly. Far from being displeased by Jiang Nian's words, he actually appreciated Jiang Nian's caution. He slowly said, "I've taken this into consideration. These test questions and answers will be abridged and will not be given to anyone else except you."

After hearing this, Jiang Nian felt relieved.

He believed that, under the influence of luck, Qu Tai might actually have predicted one or two, or even more, of these questions correctly. If his answers were highly similar to those of other candidates, he would be suspected of cheating. If he were asked a question from the "Ce Wen" section that Qu Tai had addressed in detail, or if his examination poem was exactly "Fu De Jiu Gong Wei Xu (De Tong Zi Wu Yan Ba ​​Yun)," and his answers were identical to those of other candidates, then, even if it wasn't cheating, it would be considered cheating.

Although he has a domineering side and is willing to take risks, he also has a cautious side.

He had to rely on Qu Tai's help in predicting the questions, but he also had to avoid being suspected of cheating.

Qu Jishan continued with a gentle look, "Brother Nian, you are very cautious, which is very good. My father taught me that when it comes to the imperial examinations, one must be both cautious and diligent. Although there are only ten days left until the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination next month, with your exceptional memory and quick thinking, you can make considerable progress by studying hard in the next ten days. If you can pass the exam next month, it will be a great feat. A juren at only fifteen is truly remarkable. If you don't pass the exam next month, there is no need to be discouraged. Passing next year's provincial examination at only sixteen is also truly remarkable."

Jiang Nian said respectfully, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will definitely keep it in mind."

The carved lattice windows of the study were open, and a rich floral fragrance drifted in with the wind, blending with the scent of ink in the room. It was the fragrance of the crabapple blossoms in the inner courtyard that were blooming in a vibrant pink cloud.

Jiang Nian took a deep breath and smelled the fragrance of crabapple flowers and the scent of ink.

He muttered to himself, "Ten days from now, the outcome will be clear. I will give it my all, making the most of this youthful time. If all goes well, I will be able to enter the imperial court as soon as possible. Even if I remain an unrecognized prince, I will no longer be considered a humble peasant."

(End of this chapter)