Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 130 Shock and terror: Jiang Xingzhou appointed as assistant instructor to the Jiangnan Circuit Intendant?
The incense at Jiangnan Bookstore wafts gently.

Jiang Xingzhou stood respectfully, a faint smile playing on his lips: "My lord, please rest assured. The autumn examinations are only two months away. I will naturally close my doors to guests and devote myself to my studies at the Jinling Inn."

Ten years of hard study don't feel long at all; these mere two months are but a fleeting moment.

Inside the study, where sandalwood incense wafted,
Zhou Dunshi's withered fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of the teacup.

The celadon porcelain reflected the candlelight, casting a shadow over his eyes.

"I am not worried about anything else. What I am most worried about is the Twelve Families of Jinling, who are using some underhanded methods."

Unable to compete in poetry and prose, they resort to assassination!

His voice was hoarse, like the rustling of autumn leaves.

The tea rippled slightly, reflecting the old man's furrowed brow: "It's easy to dodge a knife in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. How many talented men have disappeared without a trace?"

Although it is uncertain whether the Twelve Families of Jinling will actually resort to such a vicious act, we still need to be on guard.

Suddenly a gust of wind blew through the hall, and the candlelight flickered violently.

Zhou Dunshi raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning: "Not to mention a scholar, even a licentiate or a jinshi must be vigilant at all times."

Your father, Jiang Yan, has been missing in the Northern Frontier for many years. The Demon Suppression Division has been investigating for all these years, but they have not been able to find any trace of him. How strange is that?
It's unclear whether they were ambushed by the barbarian and demon races by accident!
Or were they betrayed by internal traitors and traitors?!

Zhou Dunshi's throat bobbed, and finally he let out a long sigh: "Alas, if he were still alive, he would surely have a place in the Hanlin Academy today!"

Jiang Xingzhou lowered his eyes and remained silent.

The flickering candlelight made his features appear even more profound.

He had seen Jiang Yan's files.

—Jiang Yan, the Censor-in-Chief, disappeared into the snow and wind of the northern frontier.

The dignified Censor of the Demon Suppression Bureau and a high-ranking official of the imperial court vanished without a trace.

The Demon Suppression Bureau investigated for several years, but the case files only contained a few words: "suspected traitor, colluding with the demons of the Northern Border," and then there was no further news.

The fact that they disappeared so cleanly suggests that there must have been an insider who leaked the information!
Better safe than sorry!

The governor and the education commissioner were officials from the capital, unlike the powerful clans that had dominated Nanjing for centuries.

These officials sent to remote areas valued political achievements most and were more willing to mentor talented individuals from humble backgrounds.

If you pass the provincial examination at the Jiangnan Examination Hall with the highest score, or even pass the imperial examination in the capital, you will be the best stepping stone for them when they return to the capital to report on their duties.

Zhou Dunshi stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then suddenly remembered something: "However, you are not acquainted with Wei Guanlan, the Prefect of Jiangnan Circuit, and Du Jingchen, the Education Commissioner, which is a problem."

"Du Xuezheng takes charge of the Jiangnan Examination Hall!"

"Alright then, I'll swallow my pride and write a letter of recommendation, then deliver it to Lord Du."

The candle flame popped with a "crack," reflecting a glint in Zhou Dunshi's eyes.

Having said that, he spread out a piece of gold-flecked paper, and with a wolf-hair brush dipped in ink, his brush moved like dragons and snakes: "I recommend you to be a librarian in the library of the Jiangnan Examination Hall."

Either a professor or a teaching assistant is acceptable.

"For the next two months before the autumn imperial examinations, you should stay at the Jiangnan Examination Hall as much as possible to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Before the ink was even dry, Zhou Dunshi solemnly handed over a letter of recommendation: "Tomorrow, I will have Yang Xianyu accompany you to the Jiangnan Examination Hall."

As long as you are inside the Jiangnan Examination Hall, even the twelve powerful families of Jinling would not dare to resort to underhanded tactics like assassination; they would absolutely not dare to do so within the examination hall.

The Grand Secretary of Jiangnan Circuit was appointed by His Majesty as an imperial envoy from the capital. Although he did not manage local government affairs in Jiangnan, he held the reins of the advancement of scholars in the entire Jiangnan Circuit. With a single word, he could determine the civil service examination results, and no powerful clan or noble family dared to offend him in the slightest.

If one offends the education commissioner, even if one is a brilliant scholar who has achieved the lowest level of learning, one can still be dismissed with a single word and fail to pass the provincial examination!
—Unless the examination papers are submitted to Mingzhou and the Confucian Temple makes a direct imperial judgment, it is impossible to bypass the authority of the prefectural education commissioner.

But who in the world can achieve the level of writing in the state examination [Mingzhou]?

"Thank you very much, Elder Zhou!"

Jiang Xingzhou bowed deeply, his fingertips touching the stiff edges of the recommended book.

Leaving the study,

As dusk settled over the long cobblestone street, his figure appeared lonely and forlorn.

When we returned to the Jinling Inn, the waiter had just lit the lamps.

In the glow of the candlelight, Jiang Xingzhou tidied up his writing brushes, books, and clothes—by this time tomorrow, he would be settled in a side room of the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

When the dew is heavy at night,
Suddenly, light footsteps echoed on the wooden steps of the Jinling Inn. A dozen or so graceful figures were revealed through the carved doors.

Is Brother Jiang there?

Xie Qihe, with his hair tied up in a jade crown and wearing a moon-white brocade robe, stood under the corridor and gently knocked on the door.

A slender woman wearing a veil followed behind him.

The lanterns cast the Xie family crest on and off.

"Brother Xie, what is it?"

Jiang Xingzhou opened the door and looked at the young men from the twelve families of Jinling outside with a puzzled expression, including Xie Qihe, Wang Moqing, Xie Yunmiao and other scholars.

"My younger sister, Weiyu, admires Brother Jiang's talent. The Xie family, being of noble lineage, hopes to forge a marriage alliance with Brother Jiang!"

Upon seeing Jiang Xingzhou, Xie Qihe quickly cupped his hands and smiled.

"If Brother Jiang would be so kind as to grant this request, the Xie family of Jinling would be willing to offer a Xie Family Academy and a collection of ten thousand books as a dowry! Brother Jiang would serve as the academy's principal and teach the Xie family's children."

Whether it's Jiangnan Road or the capital city.

Our Jinling twelve families are scattered throughout the Great Zhou court and even the three provinces and six ministries, including high-ranking officials from the Wang and Xie clans.

The newly appointed Assistant Director of the Ministry of Personnel this year is none other than a protégé of my great-uncle! He guarantees you a smooth and unobstructed career path!
"One day, wearing purple robes and jade belts will be as easy as taking something from a bag!"

Xie Qihe, with a friendly face and an extremely earnest expression, bowed and cupped his hands, saying, "I hope Brother Jiang will seriously consider this matter."

After all, a marriage alliance with our powerful Jiangnan families would be entirely beneficial.

Our Xie family's only request is that she and your offspring inherit this renowned literary treasure, "Ode to Lotus in Jiangnan"!

Brother Jiang!
My Wang family has a daughter, Wan, who can also be my brother Jiang's concubine. I am willing to offer a thousand acres of fertile land in Jinling as her dowry, along with countless treasures!

Wang had no other request but that Wang Wan and Jiang's sons inherit the literary treasure of "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge".

As long as Brother Jiang agrees, Wang will do her utmost to help Brother Jiang advance his career!
We will immediately return to prepare for Brother Jiang's wedding, arranging a grand ceremony with matchmakers and betrothal gifts, to welcome him in a magnificent welcome to the twelve women from Jinling!

Wang Moqing, who was behind him, also quickly said.

Before he finished speaking, several gilded chests were brought in. When the lids were opened, they were filled with luminous pearls, land deeds, and all sorts of treasures.

That said, given the illustrious lineage of the Wang and Xie families of Jinling throughout the entire Jiangnan region—

Ordinary scholars from poor families long yearn to climb the social ladder, but they probably can't even get a chance to marry into a wealthy family.

If Jiang Xingzhou weren't so exceptionally talented, with each of his essays reaching the highest ranks, why would they have condescended to set aside their pride as sons of powerful families in Jinling and take the initiative to visit him and request a marriage proposal?
With the autumn imperial examinations approaching, Jiang is focused on preparing for them and has no intention of getting married at the moment.

This matter... will be discussed later.

Jiang Xingzhou lowered his gaze slightly, his expression indifferent.

The twelve families of Jinling want to form a marriage alliance with him?

—When the poetry gatherings could not be suppressed, they resorted to winning people over through marriage.
Perhaps we should lure them with candied dates first!
If he doesn't comply, then we'll resort to using a big stick to coerce him.
Jiang Xingzhou's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

The woman covered by a light veil suddenly covered her mouth and coughed softly. The veil rose and fell slightly with her breath, vaguely revealing a section of her fair neck.

"Gentlemen, may I have a brief private conversation with Young Master Jiang?"

Her voice was like pearls falling on a jade plate, yet it carried an undeniable quality.

Xie Qihe raised an eyebrow slightly and exchanged a meaningful glance with Wang Moqing—

Xie Weiyu, as the eldest daughter of the Xie family of Jinling, was not only the most talented woman in Jinling, but also a woman as bright as the moon in the clouds.

Countless young men from noble families were captivated by her beauty and talent.

It would be best if she personally recommended it.

"Of course, sister, you and Brother Jiang should have a good talk."

Xie Qihe smiled broadly.

Everyone bowed and withdrew, leaving Xie Weiyu alone at the Jinling Inn.

The moment the carved door was gently closed,
Xie Weiyu raised her hand and removed her veil—

The moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her beautiful features.

—While not the legendary beauty that could topple kingdoms, in the bustling Qinhuai River area of ​​Nanjing, her exquisite beauty certainly deserves the title of "the most beautiful woman in Qinhuai."

Jiang Xingzhou simply lowered his eyes and flicked his sleeve, letting the candlelight on the table create a sense of distance between the two figures, and said calmly:
"Miss Xie, please return."

Forgive my bluntness, but I am already engaged to Miss Xue of the Xue family. Therefore, I cannot accept the Xie family's kind offer!

"Young Master Jiang has misunderstood me."

Xie Weiyu bit her lip lightly, her eyes glistening with tears, her face filled with sorrow.

"Yesterday, my sisters and I from Jinling were on a painted boat when we saw Young Master Jiang compose a poem on the spot. His poems and essays are famous throughout Jinling, just like those of an immortal!"

With your talent, young master, you will surely enter the Hanlin Academy and eventually become a Grand Secretary.

Although Wei Yu harbored deep admiration for the young master, she would never dare to arrange a marriage between them, lest she jeopardize his future.

She paused slightly, her voice becoming even softer:

"You must not readily believe what my elder brother says."

Do you know the methods of the twelve powerful families of Jinling? They would never aid your son's career. In the eyes of my father and elder brothers, there are only the sons of the Wang and Xie families; how could they allow a scholar from another family to rise to prominence!
If the young master were to marry into the Wang and Xie families, he would inevitably become a puppet of these powerful clans, subjected to all forms of exploitation, and his career would be completely ruined.

Her slender fingers clenched her sleeves, a single tear silently sliding down her cheek. She said, "They will steal your talent and use it to nurture the writings of the Wang and Xie families!"

This marriage must never happen!
It is a pity that, as a member of the Xie family, a noble family, I am not free to choose my own path and have no chance with you, sir.

The light rain fell as he returned, saying only that the young master still needed time to consider his options.

Xie Weiyu lowered her head and gently twisted her handkerchief with her fair hand. "In this way, perhaps we can buy you some time to wait for the autumn examination and for you to become the top scholar!"
"I hope you take good care of yourself, young master!"

Xie Weiyu's eyes reddened slightly. After speaking, she bowed deeply, took her leave, and departed.

Jiang Xingzhou stood silently.

Xie Weiyu... is a rare person who understands things. If she were to marry a scholar from a poor family, she would also be doomed and become a tool of the Xie clan.

What a pity for this girl.

No family or clan is more selfish than powerful clans and aristocratic families!
This has been the case for thousands of years, and he has long been accustomed to it.

After a long while, he sighed softly, raised his hand and closed the door, shutting out the full moonlight of the courtyard.

At dawn the next day, at the Jinling Inn.

"Brother Jiang! Have you gotten up yet?"

A clear voice called out from outside the window; it was Yang Xianyu, a scholar from the Jiangnan Academy, arriving amidst the dew.

"Please wait a moment, Senior Yang!"

The sound of rustling clothes came from inside the room. A short while later, Jiang Xingzhou pushed open the door and came out, dressed in a simple blue robe, with clear and bright features.

Seeing this, Yang Xianyu waved his hand and laughed, "Brother, don't be so formal. In two months, after the autumn examination, you will be ranked first and become the top scholar. Then the title of 'senior' will probably make your elder brother feel ashamed."

Jiang Xingzhou smiled upon hearing this, cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I shall take the liberty of calling you 'Brother Yang'."

The two smiled at each other and walked side by side toward the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

As dawn broke, the two tall, slender figures stretched out straight.

The Jiangnan Examination Hall stands facing the Qinhuai River, across the water from Wuyi Lane, and adjacent to the Confucian Temple.

If we are talking about the splendor of Jiangnan, Nanjing should be the first place to be mentioned;

And the most prosperous place in Nanjing was Wenmiao Street.

As dawn broke that day, the long street was already bustling with carriages and horses, and teeming with tourists.

Footsteps echoed on the bluestone slabs, wine flags fluttered on both sides, and hawkers' cries rose and fell. Scholars, some carrying books, others pausing to admire the scene, all exuded an air of self-satisfaction.

Jiang Xingzhou and Yang Xianyu entered the Jiangnan Examination Hall together.

The Jiangnan Examination Hall was the premier examination venue in Jiangnan Province, with a grand scale and solemn atmosphere.

In addition, Minglun Hall was a place for lectures, where scholars and members of the Hanlin Academy often lectured on the classics and transmitted the sacred texts.

The students studying at the Jiangnan Examination Hall were mainly Xiucai (successful candidates in the county-level imperial examinations), but there were also some Juren (successful candidates in the provincial-level imperial examinations).

In addition, the official ceremonies of Jiangnan Circuit, such as the Deer Cry Banquet, the Annual Meeting, the Officials' Banquet, and the Compilation of History and Records, were also held here.

Even when envoys from the surrounding barbarian states of the Great Zhou Dynasty arrived in Jiangnan, they often stayed here, drawn by its strict security.

Inside the Jiangnan Examination Hall, one can see thousands of examination rooms lined up one after another, with flying eaves and connected roofs, capable of accommodating more than 20,000 students.

Time shift,

The two had arrived at the Jiangnan Examination Hall, in front of the Zhigong Hall.

This is the place where Du Jingchen, the educational administrator of Jiangnan, handled government affairs. The three characters "Zhigongtang" are hung high above the gate, with vigorous strokes that subtly reveal the majesty of an official residence.

Seated at the head of the hall was the Hanlin Academician Du Jingchen, who held the dual positions of Jiangnan Circuit Education Commissioner and Dean of the Jiangnan Examination Hall. He wore a scarlet robe and exuded a dignified and composed air.

The two rows of desks on the left and right were occupied by many professors from the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

Yang Xianyu straightened his clothes, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed respectfully: "Student Yang Xianyu greets Your Excellency. I am here to introduce Jiang Xingzhou, the foremost scholar of Jiangzhou Prefecture, a true talent of Jiangzhou."

"Wonderful!"

Du Jingchen put down his wolf-hair brush, stroked his beard, and smiled: "Last night I heard that a prodigy has appeared in my Jiangnan region. He composed one poem, 'Dafu,' and three poems, 'Mingzhou,' at the poetry gathering. I couldn't help but applaud him!"

His eyes gleamed as he looked Jiang Xingzhou up and down: "To see your true face today, you are indeed imposing and have a natural air of elegance."

This is not merely the top scholar in Jiangzhou Prefecture, but truly the top scholar among the ten prefectures of Jiangnan Circuit!

He had never seen such a talented person in his entire life.

Let alone becoming the top scholar in the autumn provincial examination in Jiangnan, I'd probably have a greater than 50% chance of becoming the top scholar in the palace examination.

When the imperial examinations are held in the capital next spring, Jiangnan Circuit will surely shine!
Inside the Zhigong Hall, all the scholars, professors, and instructors looked astonished.

Several of them had visited the Jinling Twelve Poets Association on the banks of the Qinhuai River last night and witnessed Jiang Xingzhou wielding his brush, and they were still savoring the experience.

For a time, all the scholars and those who had passed the imperial examinations were distracted from their official duties and gathered in small groups, discussing the matter.

The grand poetry gathering last night has become the talk of the town in Jiangnan's literary circles today.

Although the provincial education commissioner Du Jingchen did not attend in person, Jiang Xingzhou's name was already widely known.

Jiang Xingzhou straightened his clothes and bowed deeply, saying, "Junior Jiang Xingzhou greets Minister Du."

After speaking, he took out a letter wrapped in gold ink from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "This is a book recommended by the esteemed Mr. Zhou Dunshi of the Jiangnan Book Society. I humbly request your perusal."

After reading the letter of recommendation, Du Jingchen stroked his beard and smiled:

"Lord Zhou recommends that you, my esteemed friend, enter our examination hall, either to serve as a librarian or as a teaching assistant. In this way, you may stay at the examination hall for two months to study diligently."

He paused for a moment, then said gently, "Such a small matter, I will certainly grant it. But I wonder what position you, my esteemed friend, desire?"

Jiang Xingzhou hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "This student is willing to accept the position of teaching assistant."

He had his own plans.

The 46,000 volumes of books in the Langhuan Pavilion of the Duke of Xue's mansion have already been read through, and are sufficient for the time being.

As for teaching assistants, although they may seem to be doing odd jobs, they can actually stay by the side of the scholars and professors and observe their scholarship and methods of practice.

"good!"

Du Jingchen clapped his hands and laughed: "I usually lecture and discuss philosophy with the students in the examination hall, and I need a capable teaching assistant."

"In that case, I entrust this important task to my worthy brother, who will stay by my side until the autumn imperial examination in two months."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was in an uproar.

"This"

"The Provincial Education Commissioner has always only taught those who passed the imperial examinations!"

"Jiang Xingzhou is a scholar who has passed the county-level imperial examinations, yet he's teaching a scholar who has passed the provincial-level imperial examinations. This... this is acceptable?!"

Inside the Jiangnan Examination Hall, all the candidates and their professors were dumbfounded, exchanging bewildered glances.

It should be noted that even though these professors present were all successful candidates in the imperial examinations, their profound knowledge and learning were not enough to win the favor of Professor Du.

And now, Jiang Xingzhou, a mere scholar, is being made to serve as a Hanlin Academician and the Provincial Education Commissioner of Jiangnan, holding his whip and following him around? And to teach a candidate who has passed the provincial examination?!

A white-haired professor wiped his eyes with his sleeve, seemingly in a daze, as if it were a dream or a hallucination.

What I have seen and heard these past two days is truly something I have never witnessed before in my life.

"Here!"

Jiang Xingzhou was taken aback.
To be a teaching assistant to a literary master, an academician, and a scholar in Jiangnan Province?!

Such opportunities don't come around often.

He immediately bowed respectfully and replied loudly, "This student will obey the command of the Grand Master!"

Although his heart was pounding, there was not a trace of fear on his face.

In two months, he will also be a successful candidate in the provincial examinations, and he will surely be the top candidate in the provincial examinations—the first-place winner.

It would be perfectly acceptable for him to become a Hanlin Academician and the Director of Education in Jiangnan, serving as a temporary teaching assistant for two months to impart knowledge and answer questions for the candidates studying at the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

"It's better to do it today than to wait for a day!"

Du Jingchen stood up with a flick of his sleeve and said loudly, "Today I intend to lecture you on the essentials of 'the power of literature,' so I ask Jiang Sheng to hold my whip."

He looked around the hall and said, "Please follow me to the Minglun Hall!"

He was already eager to see for himself how much real talent this Jiangnan Dao No. 1 Scholar, who had become famous overnight in Jinling City and rose rapidly, really had!
"I will obey your command!"

The instructors responded in unison, straightened their clothes, bowed, and withdrew.

Jiang Xingzhou bowed deeply to the ground: "This student obeys."

Inside the Zhigong Hall, the candidates straightened their hats and stood solemnly, following the provincial education commissioner out in single file.

A group of people, dressed in blue robes like clouds and wearing red shoes, walked slowly towards the Minglun Hall of the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

The Minglun Hall was filled with candidates who would be going to the capital to take the imperial examinations the following year. They usually lived in the Jiangnan Examination Hall and buried themselves in their studies.

At this moment, they had already heard the news and were sitting quietly in Minglun Hall, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Academic Director and the new teaching assistant—Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar in Jiangnan—to give the lecture.

"I heard that Jiang Xingzhou, who composed three poems in the Mingzhou style at last night's poetry gathering, has come to our Jiangnan Examination Hall?"

"Not only that, the professor just announced that he has been promoted to assistant instructor to the provincial education commissioner, Lord Du! In the years since Lord Du took office, has he ever had a Jinshi or Juren as his assistant instructor? And now, he has appointed a Xiucai as his assistant instructor!"

"Absolutely amazing! Today, I must witness firsthand just how astonishing this top scholar of Jiangnan is!"

(End of this chapter)