The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 95 They really are father and son!
The provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture proceeded without any major incidents.

On the contrary, Li Qi's words at the Imperial Academy sparked a heated discussion. These words naturally reached Zhu Di's ears, and were widely known among the officials of the Five Ministries and Six Departments. Different people reacted differently to this.

It is said that the emperor remained silent for a long time without commenting on these words, and the crown prince also remained silent for a long time before finally exclaiming to those around him, "These are truly the words of a sage who plans for the country!"

What people are most curious about is what those officials in high positions think: do they still have a conscience and ideals, or have they succumbed to complete darkness?

Someone broke through the defenses and shouted in the dark, uttering absurd words. He said that people should always be upright and honest, but he may not have heard the saying that those who speak lightly of righteousness will surely betray their cause in battle.

Some people remain silent, perhaps because their hearts have been touched and they have begun to examine their own hearts. The current ruler can be called a wise ruler, but is there no injustice in the world?
If that were truly the case, why would Li Qi have spoken of the darkness within officialdom?

In those places far removed from the capital and the emperor's reach, how many dark secrets lurk? How many corrupt officials are devouring the court?
No one knows, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist; it just means it hasn't been found yet.

……

The provincial examination ended without any major incidents. Huang Huai and his group began grading the papers. Some papers required careful consideration, while others were graded as the best after just one glance.

After reviewing all the exam papers, Huang Huai pointed to the one that everyone had rated as top-notch and said with delight, "This paper deserves the top score. I'm sure none of you have any objections, right?"

All the examiners responded in unison, "Yes."

Upon uncovering the names, almost everyone wore an expression of "I knew it!"

That was none other than Li Xianmu's exam paper!

The autumn imperial examination was also known as the Osmanthus List because the announcement of the results coincided with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filling the city. On the day the results were announced, crowds surged. Behind the crowds, the carriage of Princess Lin'an's residence stood quietly, occasionally attracting glances.

"Li Xianmu achieved first place in the provincial examination of Yingtian Prefecture, becoming the top scholar!"

When the officials who were announcing the results posted the list, Li Xianmu was prominently displayed at the top. Then, the officials also posted the papers of the top three candidates for all the candidates to read. This was also to silence any gossip and was one of the measures to prevent cheating in the imperial examinations.

"Wang Gen, a disciple of Jinghe Gong, was also a top scholar in the provincial examination of Yingtian Prefecture, right? Wouldn't these two fellow disciples be competing against each other in next year's spring examination?"

"I wonder who will be the top scholar in the imperial examination, or even the champion?"

Wang Gen's talent had already spread throughout the capital, making him the strongest contender for the top scholar title. Li Xianmu, however, surpassed him later. His writing was vast and profound, yet possessed a composure and tranquility beyond his years, like a heavy sword without an edge, a skillful yet unpretentious expression.

"If these two were to clash, it would be Li Xianmu."

The speaker was dressed in the attire of a student of the Imperial Academy, which added to the persuasiveness of his words.

The carriage from Princess Lin'an's residence seemed to want to leave quietly, but it was a prestigious brand, as if light flowed around it. How could it possibly hide in the world?

Was Li Xianmu, the top scholar from Yingtian Prefecture in this imperial examination, in that carriage?
Whether they passed the imperial examination or failed, they all felt a deep sense of gratitude, thinking how fortunate they were to be born into the family of a sage.

Li Xianmu wasn't the only one in the carriage; Wang Gen was also there. The two brothers sat facing each other on either side of the carriage, gazing at the figures outside. Wang Gen suddenly asked, "Junior brother, when you see how people in this world misunderstand you, do you sometimes feel melancholy?"

What a misunderstanding!

"They say your skills are all thanks to your teacher, and your talent is all thanks to your father being a saint, thus erasing your efforts."

"That's just how it is, so how can there be any misunderstanding?"

Wang Gen was taken aback. Li Xianmu's eyes were bright and clear, filled with deep calm. "All my blood, wisdom, talent and ability are gifts from my father. I have everything I have now because I am my father's son. Why should I be sad?"

"Truly worthy of being called Li Xianmu, he has the bearing of a sage."

Wang Gen sighed, then asked with a complicated expression, "Those of your background throughout history have inevitably been compared to their fathers and grandfathers. If they are not careful, they will be seen as tiger fathers and dog sons."

Later generations always hope to surpass their ancestors and achieve great fame in the world, but teachers are saints, and it is almost impossible for you to surpass them.

Even if you achieve unimaginable success in the future, people will take it for granted, even attributing it to the merits and virtues of your ancestors. Don't you care?

"That is also true!"

Li Xianmu said resolutely, "My father has always said that he is the stepping stone and ladder to the clouds for me, that he will help me to reach the heavens, knock on the gates of heaven, see the scenery he cannot see, do things he has never done, and make me shine in this world!"

Wang Gen was deeply moved by Li Xianmu's words: "Parents love their children with far-reaching plans." There are always parents in this world who sacrifice a lot for their children, and Wang Gen was no exception. He was born into poverty and lost his father at a young age. His mother, Song, raised him. So he knew that this was the love of parents for their children.

But they are very different!
Because there are many widowed mothers like his in the world, and it is the way of the world to support their sons.

How can one not be astonished that a teacher with extraordinary talent would willingly do such a thing?
What shocked Wang Gen even more was Li Xianmu's words—"But that's not what I want!"
I have never thought of surpassing my father. I have admired him since I was a child, regarding him as sacred and as the world. I strive to get closer to him, not to surpass him, but to elevate him to a higher level.

My father said he was my stepping stone and ladder to success, but I don't believe it will always be like that. One day, I will lift my father up high. With every step I take upward, every glance from the world will reveal a saint who is even higher than me!
Therefore, I will forge ahead with determination, regardless of difficulties, dangers, or the deepest darkness; I will cleave through them with all my might!

They really are father and son!

Wang Gen was shocked and moved, thinking how similar the father and son were. Yet, he also felt that it was only natural, because his teacher was such a saintly figure who could be loved and respected with all one's heart.

He has only been by his teacher's side for a few years, yet he has become a completely different person. His junior brother has been taught by his teacher since childhood, so isn't it only natural that he has the same thoughts now?

Wang Gen solemnly replied, "Let me, your elder brother, take on the task of imparting knowledge to our teacher in previous years."

Li Xianmu is still too young. Whether in officialdom or among scholars, age will always be an insurmountable obstacle for him. This is no longer the aristocratic era of the Han and Tang dynasties.

The civil service system of the Song and Ming dynasties placed great emphasis on age. Even if someone was very young and had made great contributions, they would not be promoted. This is why there were cases like Zhang Juzheng, who was dismissed because he was too young.

Wang Gen was different. He was born in the first year of Hongwu's reign and was now thirty-five years old, twenty-three years older than Li Xianmu. They were not from the same generation at all. He had already achieved the highest rank in the provincial examination during the Hongwu era and was known for his talent. However, he was suppressed by Fang Xiaoru and others and failed the examination. Therefore, he was very qualified.

Once he achieves the highest rank in this year's imperial examination, his reputation will soar. With his status as Li Qi's personal disciple and the support of Xie Jin, Chen Ying, and others, he will likely soon be able to access the most crucial court affairs, and it is not impossible that he may even be appointed to the Wenyuan Pavilion within three years.

His age, seniority, and talent made him the most suitable person to take up the mantle of Neo-Confucianism after Li Qi's death. Only when Li Xianmu grew up and gained more experience could the mantle be handed over, and Neo-Confucianism could then be spread without worry for many years.

Li Xianmu nodded, agreeing with what Wang Gen said, "Senior brother has extraordinary talent, but he has only been unlucky for many years. Now that he has passed the imperial examination with high honors, he will surely soar to great heights and make the name of Wang Jingzhi known throughout the world."

"Is it just bad luck?"

Wang Gen murmured, "I think I've been incredibly lucky. I've gained far more than I've lost over the years I wasted."

squeak……

The carriage stopped, and Li Xianmu lifted the lid to see that they had arrived at the princess's residence. After the two got out of the carriage, they heard noises everywhere in the streets and alleys, with gongs and drums beating and making a great commotion. They knew that the messengers were going to the scholars to report the good news. Later, there would probably be messengers going to the princess's residence to report the good news as well, and then the steward of the residence would naturally receive them.

The two paid no further attention to the matter and went straight into the mansion. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw that the atmosphere was festive and the servants who came and went all came forward to congratulate them. They knew that the news of the top scholar in the imperial examination had already reached the mansion.

After distributing some money, Li Xianmu went to his father's courtyard. Upon entering, he saw his father lying on a rocking chair under the osmanthus tree, taking a short nap. It was not cold in Yingtian at this time of year, but he was still ill and had a blanket wrapped around him to prevent him from catching a cold. Occasionally, osmanthus blossoms would fall, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

The two immediately slowed their pace. Li Qi had lost a lot of weight compared to a few days ago, and his cheeks were already quite thin. He had been feeling tired from time to time lately. Now, he was sleeping under the tree, looking quite peaceful. Princess Lin'an was sitting next to him reading a book, while a maid was gently waving a feather fan or picking up the osmanthus petals that had fallen on his face.

Li Qi was a very light sleeper. He seemed to hear Li Xianmu and the other person enter. His eyelids trembled slightly and he slowly woke up. Even though he had just taken a nap, he felt tired. He did not seem to be seriously ill, but rather as if he was experiencing aging in a short period of time.

Even he was quite moved. As people age, they do feel fear when they face the gradual loss of bodily functions. No wonder ancient emperors sought elixirs of immortality.

"Father, your son has become the top scholar in the imperial examination."

Li Xianmu squatted down next to Li Qi and said softly.

"very nice."

Li Qi patted Li Xianmu's head, just like when he was a child, and said, "Your father will support you until you become the top scholar in the imperial examination. I won't hold you back."

Li Xianmu burst into tears instantly, choking out, "Father, Father, why do you always think of your son?"
Your son only wants you to be healthy, not for everything to be for his sake.

"Silly boy."

Li Qi patted Li Xianmu and said gently, "Do you know? A person dies three times in their life."

The first is the passing of life; the second is the funeral, when everyone knows the person is gone, all their social connections have died; the third is complete oblivion, that is also the final death. You have my blood flowing in your veins; you are proof that I am alive in this world.

Princess Lin'an secretly shed tears.

Wang Gen felt the same emotion again; they were truly father and son.

A gentle breeze stirred, and another osmanthus petal fell, landing right in Li Qi's mouth. Li Qi chewed it casually, complaining, "This osmanthus smells so good, why does it taste like blood?"

Blood?

The group looked on in horror, only to see blood trickling from the corner of Li Qi's mouth, and Li Qi had once again sunk into darkness.

(End of this chapter)