The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 079 Deputy Examiner Of The Metropolitan Imperial Examination
The thirtieth year of Kaiping, the first month.
It was just after the New Year, but the officials in Shengjing did not get a good holiday. This year was different from previous years. With the reopening of the Revenue And Expenditure Department and the introduction of the new tax system, the capital officials were so busy that their feet barely touched the ground. Last year during the New Year, the Ministry of Personnel granted a holiday of over twenty days, but this year it was less than ten.
Tang Shen did not return to Gusu.
On the second day of the New Year, Tang Shen carried several boxes of New Year's goods and arrived at the Fu Residence. Fu Wei was already watering the flowers.
Nowadays, in all of Shengjing, which official above the fifth rank wasn’t toiling day and night, exhausted by paperwork, except for Fu Xiru, who still had the leisure to water flowers!
Tang Shen approached Fu Wei and greeted, "Sir."
Without turning his head, Fu Wei continued to water the flowers and said to Tang Shen, "You're early this year. Jing Ze, don't leave at noon. Stay for a meal. Your senior brother will be coming too."
Tang Shen nodded.
Wang Zhen was even busier than Tang Shen.
It was the New Year, and Tang Shen still had at least ten days of holiday. But for someone like Wang Zhen, a high-ranking second-rank official, who served as the Minister of Revenue, matters such as the reopening of the Revenue And Expenditure Department and the new tax system were closely related to him, so he had no chance to rest. It was only at noon that Wang Zhen arrived slightly late, greeting Fu Wei with New Year's wishes.
The three of them had a meal together in the house, during which Fu Wei pointed at Wang Zhen and said to Tang Shen, "Look at your senior brother. He's only twenty-eight this year, and he’s already worked himself into an old man. Does he think he'll become Prime Minister before thirty, or does he think he'll live long enough that using up a few years ahead of time doesn't matter?"
Wang Zhen slowly picked up a shrimp, acting as if he hadn’t heard Fu Wei's words.
Tang Shen glanced at him quietly and said, "Senior Brother is working hard for the court, how can you say that about him, Sir?"
Fu Wei immediately glared, glancing between Tang Shen and Wang Zhen. "Oh, I see. How did I not realize that you two have become partners in crime, ganging up to oppress your teacher? Wang Zifeng, when did you manage to lure your little junior brother to your side? Now he's even speaking for you!"
Tang Shen thought to himself: Since I came to Shengjing, it was Wang Zifeng who taught me in my studies, Wang Zifeng who taught me how to be an official, and even during the imperial exam, it was Wang Zifeng who personally met me at the gate of the Shengjing examination hall. It seems natural that I would side with my senior brother.
Wang Zhen put down his chopsticks and leisurely said, "My little junior brother thinks of me, Sir. You shouldn't be jealous."
Tang Shen: "…?" That sounds a bit off.
Fu Wei was paused, staring at Wang Zhen for a long while before he snorted coldly, "Students grow up, and teachers can't control them anymore."
It took a good while for Tang Shen to coax Fu Wei into being in a good mood again.
After the meal, Wang Zhen returned to the Ministry of Revenue to continue his work. Tang Shen didn’t leave until after dinner.
Before he left, Fu Wei hesitated for a moment and then said to his student, "Jing Ze, don’t believe everything your senior brother says."
This sounded familiar. Four years ago, Liang Song had said the same thing in a letter to Tang Shen. Now that Fu Wei had also repeated it, Tang Shen grew cautious and said, "I'll remember, Sir." After leaving the Fu Residence, Tang Shen sighed, "Everyone tells me not to fully trust Wang Zifeng, but when should I trust him, and when shouldn’t I? Why don't you all make it clear to me!"
On the seventh day of the New Year, before the Lantern Festival, Tang Shen returned to Qinzheng Hall to resume his work.
The next day, Xu Bi summoned him. Sitting in his chair, Xu Bi was leisurely drinking tea. When he saw Tang Shen, he smiled and said in a gentle tone, "I remember, Tang daren was the tanhua of the twenty-seventh year of Kaiping."
Tang Shen replied, "Yes, daren, I was indeed the tanhua three years ago."
"Time flies, three years have passed, and the imperial examination is approaching again." Xu Bi sighed. "I called you here today to assign you a task. Next month is the huishi, and Grand Secretary Zhou from the Hanlin Academy has personally named you to serve as an deputy examiner."
Tang Shen was shocked. "Daren?"
Xu Bi smiled. "Don't be too surprised. The huishi is different from the xiangshi; it takes place every three years. During the exam, juren from all nine provinces of the empire come to the capital to participate, and the number of candidates exceeds ten thousand. There is only one chief examiner, the emperor himself. You will be one of the deputy examiners, and there will be dozens of you. The Hanlin Academy cannot handle such a large task alone, so every year, officials are drawn from various government offices."
Though Tang Shen harbored doubts, he did not show them and instead expressed his gratitude, "I will do my best in the task!"
Xu Bi smiled. "That's settled, then."
After Tang Shen left the room, a middle-aged man in his early thirties with a mustache walked in. He had a sharp, handsome, and firm appearance. Upon seeing Xu Bi, he bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Sir."
Xu Bi gestured for him to sit. "Have a seat."
Yu Chaosheng bent slightly as he backed toward the chair, only sitting down once he had carefully positioned himself. He then looked up at his teacher.
Xu Bi asked, "Xian Zhi, now that you’ve returned to the capital this year, what are your thoughts on the state of affairs?"
Yu Chaosheng replied in detail, "I’ve been back in the capital for over a month and only just started working at the Ministry of Personnel today. I can see that things are vastly different from six years ago. To mention a recent matter, the Revenue And Expenditure Department's new tax system stands out. The officials have supported and pushed it forward together, which I greatly admire." He then shifted his tone. "Although the Ji faction is weak, it has Prime Minister Ji's firm support who single-handedly holds power. The Wang faction, on the other hand, is teeming with talent. Wang Zifeng, for example, should not be underestimated. But regarding the tax reforms, I believe that Prime Minister Ji is moving too hastily. With the Wang faction gaining momentum these past two years, particularly with figures like Wang Zifeng and Tang Jingze, if something goes wrong with the tax reforms, it could be disastrous."
Xu Bi sipped his tea. "Did you see Tang Jingze when you came in just now?"
"I caught a glimpse of Tang daren from afar, but he didn’t see me."
"Zhou Jin has appointed him to serve as an deputy examiner for the huishi in February."
Yu Chaosheng was shocked. "Sir?!"
"It’s likely not Zhou Jin's idea; it must be Fu Wei's doing behind the scenes. Fu Wei wants his student involved in the huishi. What is he planning, or rather, what might happen during the exam?" Xu Bi sighed deeply and said, "You should also serve as an deputy examiner for this year’s huishi. Since Zhou Jin used my name to appoint Tang Jingze, I can appoint you as well. Whether one or two deputy examiners are sent, it makes no difference. You will accompany him to the exam hall."
"Understood."
In the thirtieth year of Kaiping, the huishi was overseen by Minister of Personnel Shen Yun, with Grand Secretary Zhou from the Hanlin Academy assisting. On the night before the exam, dozens of officials entered Shengjing’s imperial examination hall, climbing to the top of Mingyuan Tower. Looking down from the tall tower, Tang Shen saw tens of thousands of candidates gathered outside, waiting to enter the examination grounds.
At the appointed time, the gatekeepers opened the doors, and the massive crowd surged forward, rushing into the hall.
This year, Tang Shen was the youngest of the examiners. As he gazed at the candidates in the examination hall, a wave of emotion washed over him. But before he could reflect for long, he spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye. Tang Shen approached and said, "Yu daren, is that you?"
Yu Chaosheng, dressed in his official robes, turned around and met Tang Shen’s gaze. He bowed and said, "Tang daren."
Tang Shen smiled. "I heard that Yu daren was only transferred back from Guazhou last month. I wonder if you've adjusted to the dry and cold northern weather. I am an attendant secretary in Xu xianggong’s office, and I've heard him mention you many times. I’ve long wanted to meet you in person, and today I see you indeed live up to your reputation."
Since Tang Shen had already praised him, Yu Chaosheng naturally returned the favor. "I’ve also heard my teacher speak of Tang daren…"
After exchanging polite compliments, the two went their separate ways.
Tang Shen's smile slowly faded as he furrowed his brow.
Yu Chaosheng was Xu Bi's proud disciple and the bangyan of the imperial examination in the 18th year of Kaiping. Mentioning his identity might not immediately spark recognition, but as soon as it's noted that the zhuangyuan of that year's exam was Wang Zhen, courtesy name Zi Feng, every official in Shengjing would remember him.
In the 18th year of Kaiping, Wang Zhen's talent was outstanding, unmatched by anyone, and Emperor Zhao Fu personally bestowed upon him the words "Unparalleled Scholar." He alone overshadowed the 300 other jinshi who passed that year. Yu Chaosheng had the talent to be the top scorer, and in any other year, he might have claimed the title. However, he happened to take the exam the same year as Wang Zifeng, leaving him in the shadows.
After coming second in the exams, Yu Chaosheng was posted to an outlying province as an official and only returned to the capital last year at the emperor’s summons.
Yu Chaosheng currently holds a position in the Ministry of Personnel as the Right Vice Minister, a third-ranked official.
This year’s chief examiner is Shen Yun, the Minister of Personnel, and Yu Chaosheng being appointed as an deputy examiner likely comes from Shen Yun’s influence. But Tang Shen wondered: why not Xu Bi’s influence?
Yu Chaosheng had only just arrived at the Ministry of Personnel and was clearly one of Xu Bi’s people. Shen Yun, though somewhat associated with the Chen faction, was a close friend and schoolmate of Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai. He had no reason to promote Xu Bi’s people or give Yu Chaosheng this opportunity.
So, why would Xu Bi send his student to oversee the exams?
Tang Shen clenched his fist as his mind raced.
He wasn’t familiar with Grand Secretary Zhou Jin, and there was no reason for Zhou Jin to appoint him to be an deputy examiner without cause. This must have been the intention of the Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy, Fu Wei, who was also Tang Shen’s teacher. But Fu Wei had long retired from court and only held a nominal title. He could certainly use his influence to promote his students and make Tang Shen an deputy examiner after only three years in office, but Tang Shen knew his teacher wasn’t the type to act this way.
So...
It was Wang Zifeng’s idea!
Wang Zifeng had deliberately arranged for him to oversee the huishi, ensuring that in February of the 30th year of Kaiping, Tang Shen wouldn’t be able to attend court!
Senior Brother, what are you and the Wang faction plotting?
Tang Shen gazed at the pitch-black sky, suddenly realizing that the storm Su Wenyun once mentioned might be approaching.
However, now that he was within the examination halls, no matter how heavy the rain might fall, he had an umbrella called the "Imperial Examination" sheltering him, keeping him from being soaked by the wind and rain.
While lost in thought, Tang Shen noticed several candidates with black cloth tied around their heads entering the examination hall. After searching for a while, they found their designated rooms and entered. Tang Shen glanced at them curiously, and the government worker beside him quickly explained, "Daren, those people are 'Gui Zheng Ren.'"
Tang Shen asked, "Gui Zheng Ren?"
"Precisely. In the 10th year of Kaiping, the Song Dynasty reclaimed over ten prefectures, including Youzhou, which had been occupied by the Liao for 40 years. The Song people living in these regions had spent decades under Liao rule, so they are called 'Gui Zheng Ren' (people returned to Song rule). By imperial decree, Gui Zheng Ren entering the capital to take the imperial exams must wear black cloth to distinguish themselves."
The government worker said no more after this, and Tang Shen recalled reading about Gui Zheng Ren during his time at the Hanlin Academy. The government worker had only mentioned that the emperor ordered Gui Zheng Ren to wear black cloth to signify their status, but he hadn’t said that Gui Zheng Ren were forever barred from becoming jinshi. At most, they could only be of "tong jinshi" status. This meant that Gui Zheng Ren would never have the chance to become third-ranked or higher officials.
Still, there were exceptions in life. Tang Shen knew of one Gui Zheng Ren who had become a second-rank official, but that person had earned the position on the battlefield, fighting his way through a sea of bones and blood, not through the imperial examinations.
Gui Zheng Ren...
Before dawn, in the examination halls of Shengjing, the candidates entered their rooms to rest and prepare for the exam.
Elsewhere, a fast horse galloped across the muddy official roads, traveling from Guangling Prefecture in Jiangnan, across mountains and rivers, racing toward Shengjing.
The next day, before the morning court session began, Zhao Fu squinted his eyes as palace maids and eunuchs helped him dress in his court robes.
Ji Fu hurried into the Funing Palace and said, "Your Majesty, a report has arrived from Jiangnan, delivered by a fast courier."
Zhao Fu opened his eyes. "Bring it here."
Ji Fu presented the report with both hands.
After a moment, Zhao Fu let out an angry snort and hurled the stiff document across the room. It hit a young eunuch squarely on the forehead, causing blood to flow instantly. The young eunuch cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground. Ji Fu quickly signaled to the others, who swiftly carried the pitiful eunuch away.
Zhao Fu was furious at first, but gradually he calmed down.
The emperor’s aged and calm face revealed no emotion.
After a long silence, he extended his hand, and Ji Fu quickly helped him up.
Zhao Fu said, "Let’s proceed to court."
Ji Fu responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Meanwhile, on the second day of the huishi at the Shengjing examination halls, the examiners on the Mingyuan Tower took turns resting. In another part of the capital, within the Zichen Hall of the Song imperial palace, Zhao Fu let out a cold laugh and said, "At the end of last year, the tax contracts sent from Guangling Prefecture didn’t match the actual figures, yet none of my good officials informed me. Truly, my excellent officials, the clean officials of Song! Ji Wengji and Wang Quan, what explanation do you have?"
“Bang—”
A memorial was thrown to the ground, rolling quite expertly, and as it happened two years ago, it once again landed at the feet of Minister of Revenue Wang Zhen.
But this time, the emperor was not scolding him but the two most powerful Prime ministers in court.
Ji Wengji and Wang Quan both stepped forward and bowed.
Zhao Fu thundered, "Look! Read aloud what this report says!"
Wang Zhen bent down, picked up the report, and handed it to Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji. Ji Wengji’s expression changed as he read the contents before passing it to the Right Prime Minister Wang Quan.
Zhao Fu snapped, "Wang Zifeng, read it aloud! Let everyone hear what’s written!"
Inside the Zichen Hall, some officials looked at Wang Zhen’s tall, elegant figure with sympathetic tears for their innocent colleague. Wang Zhen, however, maintained his calm demeanor as he read the report in a steady voice: "In the 30th year of Kaiping, Qin Hao, the county magistrate of Jiangdu County in Guangling Prefecture, oversaw the collection of taxes. On the fourth day of the first month, his body was discovered in the outskirts, with the remaining bones chewed by wolves..."
The court erupted in shock.
Prime Minister Ji and Prime Minister Wang finally understood what was written in the report and looked up in disbelief at the emperor.
The emperor said coldly, "Continue reading!"
Wang Zhen paused, then continued reading.
After finishing the report, Wang Zhen bowed and handed it back. Ji Fu descended the platform to retrieve it.
Zhao Fu's gaze swept across the court officials, his voice calm but ominous like the calm before a storm: "Now, my beloved officials, who will explain to me why it has taken a month for this to reach my ears?"