Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 642 Fair, Fair, Fair
Opposite the Bianzhou Imperial Examination Hall is the newly built "Imperial Examination Street".

Single-family courtyards specially rented to out-of-town candidates, stalls selling Hu Bing and Tang Bing, shops selling the four treasures of the study, and teahouses where tea is brewed and stories are told have all sprung up like mushrooms after a rain.

Today is the day when the Imperial Examination Hall posts the results of the examination. Anyone who is on the list will be considered a "juren".

So what is the role of "juren"? You know, this is a new title.

The government did not say it explicitly, but it also hinted: from now on, you are a member of the bureaucracy.

Because during the peak period of the Tang Dynasty, there were more than 1,600 counties. If we assume that each county had one county magistrate, one county magistrate, one chief clerk, and two county lieutenants, there would be nearly 10,000 positions.

Of course, being in the bureaucracy does not mean you will be able to rise to prominence. On the contrary, there are many officials who are in a very miserable situation or even face life-threatening situations.

For example, in a remote county where few people are willing to go, it would definitely be more than qualified for a scholar to be a county lieutenant.

Generally speaking, being a juren brings far more blessings than troubles.

"I have watched fake imperial examinations in Chang'an all my life. I never thought that I would be able to see a real imperial examination before I die. It really is not in vain!"

There was a white-haired middle-aged man on the second floor of the teahouse opposite the Imperial Examination Hall. As he spoke, he was staring at what was happening in the Imperial Examination Hall opposite.

The person who posted the list hasn't arrived yet, but the streets are already full of people.

Like a hungry wolf ready to hunt.

"Why doesn't Mr. Mojie serve as an official in the imperial court?"

Xiao Fu, who was sitting opposite him, asked doubtfully.

This middle-aged man, who is already over 60 years old, is the world-famous poet Wang Wei. As for why he came to Bianzhou, the reason is actually very simple:
The Chang'an City is too chaotic nowadays, and someone like him who has no interest in fame and fortune can no longer survive!

Although Wang Wei was born in the Wang family of Taiyuan, Marshal Baochen would not indulge him. The rule of Shunchang's rebellion was valid for everyone.

Why don’t you write hundreds of poems praising my achievements for me?

You don’t want to write, right? Bye!
Because Wang Wei was unwilling to "climb the ladder", he was expelled from the court by Li Baochen, and even his estate outside Chang'an was confiscated.

He had no choice but to leave his hometown, leave Chang'an and come to Bianzhou.

Wang Wei's experience was also rough. He was first exiled to Xiangzhou, but was spared when Huangfu Weiming besieged Xiangzhou. After returning to Chang'an, he took a sinecure in the Ministry of Rites. As a result, Li Baochen entered Chang'an and kicked him out again.

Wang Wei was the first in the imperial examination in the 19th year of Kaiyuan! Didn't he have any dignity?
Of course, many people know why Wang Wei was able to become the top scholar, apart from his talent, there were other reasons.

Wang Wei himself certainly understood that Chang'an was a world of power and wealth, so who would compete with him fairly?
Xiao Fu was the son of Princess Xinchang, so there was nothing surprising about him knowing Wang Wei.

"Hehe, I think this new imperial examination may not be as fair as the legend says."

While the two were talking, a middle-aged man in his forties came to sit at Wang Wei's table. He looked pot-bellied, and although he was wearing a brocade robe, he was dressed very casually, without any accessories or even a belt, which made him look out of place.

He didn't bother to trim his thick beard, which seemed to be intentional.

As soon as Wang Wei saw this man, he knew who he was and said with a wry smile, "Xiao Maoting, you are so good. You don't want to be an official in Chang'an, but come to Bianzhou to play. You really can't change your bad habits!"

Mao Ting is his courtesy name. The man in front of him is very famous in Chang'an and is arrogant because of his talent.

Xiao Yingshi is a person who is difficult to get along with on weekdays but likes to support the younger generation.

"Didn't you pass the imperial examination? Are you here to see the younger generation laugh at you?"

Wang Wei asked doubtfully.

"No, no, I am also participating in the imperial examination this time, using the pseudonym Xiao Ying, just for fun."

Xiao Yingshi said while stroking the beard on his chin.

In fact, he came to Bianzhou this time to vent his anger for his student Yan Bojun, who died at the hands of Li Guangbi.

Exposing the false face of the imperial examination system in Bianzhou can be regarded as revenge for his students.

Of course, Xiao Yingshi also knew that Yan Bojun himself could not see the situation clearly. He was doing well as the Sima of Songzhou, but he followed the local wealthy people and made trouble.

Yan Bojun's death was miserable and meaningless.

Xiao Yingshi is very crazy, but he doesn't want to die!

"You're going to take the imperial examination? That's just nonsense!"

Wang Wei was so shocked that his jaw dropped. He felt that Xiao Yingshi was really crazy!
"Hehe, Xiao had traveled in Bianzhou for quite a while, so he is very familiar with this place.

At that time in Chenliu County, Xiao had seen old people who were hundreds of years old.

Who says that people who have taken the imperial examination cannot take it again?

Xiao likes to play, so can't he play?"

Xiao Yingshi laughed loudly, revealing his wild attitude.

As for the nonsense about the old man who was hundreds of years old, Wang Wei and others automatically skipped over it and thought it was just nonsense.

Although Xiao Fu was also from the Lanling Xiao family, he was from the Xiao Qi branch, while Xiao Yingshi was from the Xiao Liang branch. The two were very far apart and could not be considered to be from the same clan.

After learning that the middle-aged man in front of him was Xiao Yingshi, Xiao Fu did not introduce himself, but adopted an attitude of "don't ask, don't mention".

"If Xiao fails this time, then the imperial examination in Bianzhou will be just like this."

Xiao Yingshi laughed and waved his hands.

With his ability, it would be easy for him to go directly to the "imperial court" in Bianzhou to seek an official position.

But this is not what Xiao Yingshi wants.

He dared to write articles to mock Li Linfu back then, and he dared to do similar things now. There was no other special reason, he just liked to argue.

There have been many people like this in every dynasty, such as Ni Heng of the Eastern Han Dynasty and Ji Kang of the Western Jin Dynasty.

They all have their own reasons for being different, but what they show outwardly is their uninhibited and unruly nature.

Taking the imperial examination for fun...it seems that this kind of thing is not too surprising.

when!when!when!
A police officer was holding a gong and shouting as he walked:

“The results are out! The results are out!

Anyone who watches before the posting is completed will be treated as obstructing the imperial examination!
Don’t make the mistake of yourself! "

He was followed by several policemen who began to quickly apply paste on the wall and post the list. The names were preceded by their place of origin, such as "Zhang San of Bianzhou", to prevent duplicate names to the greatest extent possible.

Of course, there were only 400 names on the list, so if someone's name wasn't on the list, then that person could go home now. And just because someone's name was on the list, it didn't mean everything was fine.

Because there is another exam waiting for these people, and only if they pass it again can they become Jinshi.

The street was already crowded with people, so people like Xiao Yingshi who were waiting on the second floor of the teahouse were lucky. On the first floor, it was so lively that people were almost squeezed together.

At the turn of summer and autumn, the heat has not completely dissipated. The hot and humid weather during the day is disturbing. But this does not affect the enthusiasm of the candidates at all.

The craze for the anonymous imperial examination, even if it was the first time, was enough to drive people crazy.

Many people feel that: since it doesn’t matter who has a stronger background, doesn’t that mean “the advantage is mine”?
"In the old days in Chang'an, before the results were announced, candidates would already know whether they would pass or not. Those who felt they had no hope of passing would not even come to see the list.

On the day when the results were announced, there was no one outside the Imperial Examination Hall, not even a dog would come to look."

Xiao Yingshi looked at the crowd on the street and couldn't help but sigh.

The most difficult thing in the world is the word "fairness". Even from the moment we are born, we have already experienced various kinds of unfairness.

It is precisely because fairness is so valuable that it is sought after by people.

Even if it is only relatively fair.

"Wouldn't you two go take a look?"

Wang Wei asked with a smile. He saw that the list had been posted. People on the street were also ready to rush forward and scan the list name by name.

"You won't gain any weight if you see it first. It's the same no matter when you see it."

Xiao Yingshi shook his head, looking very casual, not caring at all whether he could win or not.

This time, participating in the imperial examination was just for fun.

With Xiao Yingshi's qualifications, it would be easy for him to be an examiner, not to mention a candidate. Many of his students have been appointed as provincial governors.

Wow!

At this moment, the person who announced the results struck a gong and then quickly retreated.

The crowd in front of the list was like piranhas smelling blood. In an instant, they rushed directly to the list pasted on the wall. They pushed each other, staring at the list, looking for their own names on it.

“I won! I won!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
After decades of studying, I finally passed the exam!" A middle-aged man with gray hair and beard looked up to the sky and howled, as if he was desperately venting his depression.

Xiao Yingshi pointed at the man and commented: "This guy must have taken the imperial examination in Chang'an before!"

Isn't it obvious? If one had not taken the exam before and suffered a "beating" by the powerful, who would have accumulated such heavy resentment!
“I actually won!”

"I got hit too!"

“It actually worked!”

On the street, there were voices of surprise, excitement, and ecstasy one after another!
Just like the gurgling splashes of water when the water boils, it exploded in the air.

"Is Fang Qing serious?"

Xiao Yingshi was a little surprised, and his unruly face became much more serious.

He was just crazy, not stupid. In fact, Xiao Yingshi was one of the smartest people in the world.

We can tell from the fact that he only scolded Li Linfu and refused to scold Brother Ji. Being wild is just his protective color, and this man has a clear mind.

“I got it! I got it!
The wealthy families in Chang'an are all young men, and Zhang and his brother have not yet submitted their petitions!"

A man on the street threw his hat into the air and danced with his hands. While dancing, he cursed the rich and powerful in Chang'an for being worthless!
Wang Wei looked embarrassed.

Back then, Princess Yuzhen secretly "selected" him as the top scholar, which even shocked Brother Ji.

Therefore, the examiner would not make it difficult for Wang Wei, and giving him the title of No. 1 was just a matter of course. Of course, to be fair, Wang Wei was indeed talented.

"Fang Qing is really generous."

Xiao Yingshi's expression was solemn at this moment, no longer as playful as before.

He seemed to have no interest in going downstairs to check whether he had passed the imperial examination, because he had already gotten the answer he wanted from the reactions of others.

However, Xiao Yingshi was able to keep his composure for the time being, but Xiao Fu, who was standing beside him, was already eager to try. He did not say hello to Xiao Yingshi and Wang Wei, but quietly went downstairs.

"Xiao Fu is well-versed in the classics, so it shouldn't be difficult for him to pass the imperial examination."

Wang Wei said slowly.

After a while, Xiao Fu hurried upstairs. At this moment, his clothes were disheveled, his hat was crooked, and he looked very embarrassed.

But there was a smile on his face, and he looked full of energy.

"bingo?"

Wang Wei stroked the beard on his chin and asked with a teasing tone.

"I really got it... got it!"

While panting, Xiao Fu pointed at Xiao Yingshi and said, "But the first one is Mr. Xiao."

ha?
Xiao Yingshi was shocked.

The order of the list is not random, but the person with the best comprehensive evaluation score will be at the front, and then the list will be arranged in order.

Xiao Yingshi was a man with real ideas. He was the first person to publicly assert that Huangfu Weiming was going to rebel. But at that time, he was already a nobody and no one believed what he said.

Such a person ranked first in the imperial examination...seems normal?
Due to the bad impression caused by the imperial examination in Chang'an in the past, an originally normal thing became abnormal.

In other words, in a world full of nepotism, one person suddenly became "meritocratic" when recruiting people.

So what is strange is not this world, but this truly normal person.

The so-called reversal of black and white, and inability to distinguish right from wrong, comes from this.

"It's weird. It's weird."

Xiao Yingshi kept shaking his head, deeply shocked.

From a short-term perspective, this imperial examination will go down in history, because it is the first time since the Sui Dynasty that one can pass the examination without submitting a paper, currying favor with the rich and powerful, or writing a name on a paper.

From a long-term perspective, if similar imperial examinations were held every year, or every other year, it would widen the gap between the quality and scale of talents of the Bianzhou court and other separatist forces.

No one can compete with Bianzhou anymore. Therefore, someone is on the right track to unify the world.

Whether one admits it or not, there is no doubt that the new imperial examination system is more revolutionary and advanced than the old one.

From now on, the social structure will inevitably change, which will inevitably transcend the scope of changing dynasties.

Xiao Yingshi suddenly remembered the couplet in front of the Imperial Examination Hall:
In the morning he was Tian Shelang, and in the evening he ascended to the Hall of the Son of Heaven.

Generals have no seeds at all, and men should strive for self-improvement.

What a saying that “generals and ministers have no special breed”!

Xiao Yingshi sighed, he was already ranked first, why should he mess up the place, that would be a loss of face for himself.

"Xiao Maoting, the imperial examination will be held in three days, aren't you going?"

Wang Wei asked doubtfully.

"I won't go. It would be embarrassing if I went."

Xiao Yingshi waved his hand and went down the stairs on his own, but his back looked a little lonely.

……

"This is Madam Jiang."

In the study of the Bianzhou government office, Fang Zhongyong introduced Jiang Wuyan to Da Zhenhui. Da Zhenhui obediently offered tea to Jiang Wuyan, carefully.

"That's not really your style."

Jiang Wuyan leaned close to Fang Zhongyong's ear and whispered.

"So what's my style?"

Fang Chongyong was stunned and asked casually.

"This one looks like a serious young lady, the ones around you are probably all slutty..."

Jiang Wuyan suddenly stopped talking because she found that she seemed to be that kind of person.

"The mistress of the house is usually called the eldest lady, but your last name is Da. When you enter the house, you will be embarrassed, and the eldest lady will also be embarrassed.

So, um, how about you change your name? That would be better for everyone."

Jiang Wuyan looked at Da Zhenhui and asked with a tangled expression. Wang Yunxiu asked her to do this because she didn't want to be the bad guy.

Wang Yunxiu obviously knew Da Zhenhui, who was related to the close relationship between Fang Zhongyong and the Bohai Kingdom, so she didn't want to create estrangement.

"Everything is up to Alang, even if he calls... that's fine."

Da Zhenhui almost let slip her pen name "Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng".

Jiang Wuyan looked at Fang Zhongyong and nodded to him. This young lady was easier to deal with than expected.

"Rosa or Lu Senbao, you choose one."

Fang Zhongyong touched the bun on his head and wrote two names on the paper as he spoke.

"Then call me Rosa."

Da Zhenhui seemed to like this name very much.

Jiang Wuyan rolled her eyes and complained in her heart:

What the hell is Fang Qing doing? Wouldn’t it be better to just call her “Hui Niang”? Why is he causing so many troubles?

She stood up slowly, looked at Da Zhenhui (um, now called Rosa) meaningfully, patted her shoulders twice, and then walked out of the study.

"What did Madam Jiang mean by patting my shoulder just now?"

Rosa asked with a confused look on her face.

Fang Zhongyong recalled Jiang Wuyan's exhausted look of pleasure in bed last night, and waved his hand gently.

There is no need to convey such obscene hints to an inexperienced young lady.

"Hehe, nothing special, just saying hello to you."

Fang Chongyong chuckled.

(End of this chapter)