106 In power
◎Holding the court, looking down upon the world (1.1w nutrient solution plus more)◎
The warm morning sun shone through the layers of curtains, and Gu Ningxi woke up comfortably on the couch.
"Empress," Yinzhu said, pushing aside the curtain and stepping forward, "Madam Huiguo has arrived."
Gu Ningxi, who had wanted to sleep a little longer, suddenly sat up and asked, "What time is it?"
Yinzhu smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it's already 9 o'clock." She added, "Madam Huiguo has been here for more than half an hour."
On the second day of the enthronement ceremony, the emperor customarily bestowed honors upon the empress's mother's family. Lu Jing conferred upon Lady Meng, the wife of Marquis Xuanping, the rank of First-Rank Lady Huiguo and granted his mother-in-law the privilege of visiting the palace at any time. However, Lady Meng adhered to the rules and did not dare to be overly arrogant. Marquis Xuanping and Lady Shen also received titles, though the distinction between them was obvious.
Most of the emperor's generous rewards to the Marquis Xuanping's Mansion were given to Lady Huiguo.
Gu Ningxi hurriedly washed and changed her clothes, wearing a sky-blue casual brocade dress embroidered with clear lotus flowers, and specially wore a jade necklace around her neck to cover it up.
In the side hall, Madam Meng had already drunk two cups of tea. When she heard the sound of greetings from outside, she also stood up.
"Just sit down, mother."
Gu Ningxi ordered the maids to leave. She had mentioned this to her mother five or six times. There was no need for a mother and daughter to be so bound by so many formalities.
Mrs. Meng saw that her face was flushed, clearly she had just woken up. "Why did you sleep so late?"
Gu Ningxi said with a guilty conscience, "There's nothing going on in the harem, so I slept a little late for once."
Madam Meng's lips held a gentle smile. After Xi'er's marriage, she felt even more at ease than when she was an official at court. Just by looking at her daughter's appearance, she knew His Majesty treated her well, so there was no need for her to inquire further.
As long as Xier is happy, Mrs. Meng will naturally be happy.
Gu Ningxi accompanied her mother to have lunch in Kunning Palace. Before noon, Madam Meng hurried out of the palace, still not wanting to meet the emperor any more.
After Gu Ningxi sent his mother off, he went to the imperial study.
Lu Jing had already handled most of today's government affairs. Gu Ningxi still remembered the grudge from last night. She snorted and ignored him, sitting down behind her desk.
She even pushed aside the snacks that Lu Jing had asked someone to prepare for her favorite dishes.
The most important government matter she has been handling recently is the Spring Examination in mid-March. The list of candidates for the examination has been confirmed by the Minister of Rites and two copies have been sent to the Imperial Study.
Gu Ningxi roughly estimated the number of people and found that the number of scholars taking the exam this year was nearly twice as many as in her year.
The imperial court selected talented people and scholars naturally wanted to show their talents in the new dynasty.
Among the scholars who took the exam, the largest number came from Guannei Road, Henan Road, and Hebei Road, and the number of candidates from Jiangnan Road was also increasing year by year.
Lu Jing's movements of reviewing memorials quickened. After finishing his chores, he stretched out his arms and pulled Gu Ningxi into his arms.
Gu Ningxi still held the list of scholars in his hand and subconsciously looked towards the door of the imperial study.
"Don't worry, no one will come in at this time."
He looked at the gorgeous necklace around Gu Ningxi's neck and said, "This is the first time I see you wearing it."
This necklace was a tribute from the inner court two months ago and had been in Gu Ningxi's dressing box since the wedding. She was annoyed: "It's all your Majesty's fault."
This forced her to choose the most complicated style so that no one would notice any traces.
Lu Jing smiled, hugged her more comfortably, and looked at the list with her: "What were you thinking about just now?"
The chief examiner for the Spring Examination had already been chosen. Gu Ningxi said, "I guess now is the time to review the papers."
The examiners' arrangements for imperial examinations were never a secret. Before taking the exam, candidates would often present their poems and essays to prestigious and influential officials in the court, hoping to gain their appreciation and recommendation. This was known as "xingjuan." After a while, candidates would submit new works to further their impressions, known as "wenjuan."
The practice of circulating and warming up the papers has been popular for a long time. Whether it is a commoner from a poor family who wants to make a leap into the imperial examination, or a candidate from an aristocratic family who wants to make a further step in the court, they are all keen on this.
The imperial court could only turn a blind eye to this, and it was difficult to prohibit it explicitly. After all, the boundaries of academic discussion were fluid, and as long as officials did not accept bribes, it was difficult to control their private behavior.
Moreover, the examination papers were not entirely useless. The candidates delved into poetry and essays, and their works were circulated in the streets and alleys, greatly promoting the revival and prosperity of culture.
Gu Ningxi had two concerns: "Using the circulated papers, candidates could establish vested interests with the officials who recommended them before entering the civil service, spontaneously forming a clique. This way, they're selecting candidates not for the court, but for these high-ranking officials."
Lu Jing frowned, pondering her words. Gu Ningxi continued, "The law doesn't hold everyone responsible; circulating manuscripts is an established rule among scholars. Some scholars, however, resort to opportunism, focusing not on scholarship itself but deliberately catering to the preferences of the powerful, putting the cart before the horse. Some even resort to ghostwriting, prioritizing fame over practical learning."
Gu Ningxi had read Lin Qi's articles before, but they didn't seem to be of his standard.
Lu Jing looked at Gu Ningxi and said with a smile, "Do you have a plan?"
Gu Ningxi nodded. "I want to give the admitted candidates another test and review it separately. I'll only test them on current affairs and policy questions. I won't screen anyone out, I'll just re-rank them."
In this way, the powerful officials in the court would have no reason to oppose it. They can't question whether the talents they recommended are not worthy of being in the upper class, right?
A test will reveal the truth, and it can also give new opportunities to poor students with real talents and knowledge who are ranked at the bottom.
Gu Ningxi also considered obscuring the names of the candidates and severing contact between the examiners and the candidates before the exam. However, this was too radical a move, as the trend of submitting papers would not be reversed overnight. Secondly, there was a countermeasure: the candidates could still use the marks in their essays to remind the examiners.
The imperial court is currently recruiting personnel, so there is no need to rush into reforming the imperial examination system, so as not to cause dissatisfaction among civil officials.
She considered it over and over again, and Lu Jing nodded in approval. Gu Ningxi drafted the decree with him.
Lu Jing smiled and said, "Where did the test questions come from?"
Gu Ningxi took the lead: "I'll go out."
She had seen the mountains and rivers of the Jin Dynasty and witnessed many of the people's livelihoods and current affairs. She trusted herself the most, so there was no possibility that the test questions would be leaked.
Gu Ningxi's eyes were full of confidence, and the brilliance in her starry eyes made it difficult to look away.
Lu Jing looked at her for a long time, and saw her solemnly stamp the end of the edict with her seal, and ordered someone to send it to the Menxia Province and announce it to the court and the public.
The officials of the three provinces were so sharp-eyed and sharp-eared that they had long noticed that a new type of handwriting had been added to the responses to memorials since the beginning of spring.
It is not difficult to find out who wrote it, as her articles are still preserved in the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Works.
His Majesty tacitly agreed, and even though there was much discussion in private, none of the officials from the three provinces brought the matter to light.
After temporarily settling matters regarding the imperial examination, Lu Jing brought up another matter: "How about we stay at Changqing Garden for a few days while we have a few days off?"
He was busy with the examination of officials around the New Year, and since he had to prepare the examination questions for the imperial examination, Gu Ningxi could just change his job.
It was she who oversaw the expansion of the Changqing Garden Hot Spring Villa. The weather in February was still a bit chilly, so she nodded, "Okay then."
In the afternoon, they simply packed up their luggage and rode out of the city together without using a carriage.
The spring breeze blowing towards me still has a chill in it. When dusk falls, Changqing Garden is already in sight.
This time I will only stay for three to five days, and everything has been arranged in Changqing Garden.
Lu Jing ordered people to prepare hot spring bath.
For dinner in the evening, the kitchen specially warmed up two pots of wine.
Gu Ningxi took a sip and found it to be the peach blossom intoxication, which was soft, sweet and mellow in the mouth, with the fragrance of flowers and fruits.
There is a hot spring pool in the back hall. The ground here is warm and the peach blossoms are in full bloom.
This wine suited the occasion, so Lu Jing and Gu Ningxi drank a glass together and then switched to the stronger Bamboo Leaf Green.
Among the fine wines, Gu Ningxi preferred fruit wine and filled himself up with Peach Blossom Wine.
After days of busy work, I can finally relax tonight.
The two chatted casually. Gu Ningxi sipped half a glass of wine and asked with a smile, "Is that State Master Song still here?"
She recalled that once during the New Year's holiday she went to Changqing Garden and was mistaken for Prince Zhao by an old man in the bamboo forest.
She was also worried that the other party was a charlatan, swindling people. Gu Ningxi only found out later that the other party was actually the famous Song State Master who served the former Xia King Zhao Jianan. Even the Li Taibu in the palace had to respect him as his uncle.
The reason why the person in front of him recruited him to his side was probably to build momentum for seizing the throne.
However, the political situation later transitioned smoothly and Master Song no longer had any use for his talents.
Lu Jing filled Gu Ningxi's glass with wine: "He is practicing in seclusion in Yunxiu Monastery."
Master Song was quite famous among the people, so Lu Jing kept him in the royal Taoist temple in case of emergency.
Hearing Yuan Le mention him again, Lu Jing's heart moved. Before he knew Yuan Le was a woman, he had heard what Li Taibu had said, and he wanted to ask Master Song to calculate his and Yuan Le's past life's marriage.
The matter was later dropped because he was worried that Yuan Le would not be able to accept Fentao's love, so he did not make it clear at the time. Yunxiu Temple was not far from Changqing Garden, so he could give it another try.
The moonlight is dim and the wine jug is gradually emptying.
Gu Ningxi was half lying on the table, his drunken eyes were a little confused, but extremely attractive.
Lu Jing was waiting for this moment and held the person horizontally in his arms.
Gu Ningxi muttered something and found a more comfortable position in his arms.
Lu Jing lowered his eyes to look at her. The drunk Yuan Le looked particularly cute.
The hot spring pool in the rear hall was fully prepared. The maids outside the hall knelt on the ground to pay their respects, and then retreated away after the hall door was closed.
The bathing pool built of white marble is shrouded in mist, like a fairyland.
Gu Ningxi, who was half drunk and half awake, noticed that her waist belt had been ripped open and opened her beautiful and blurry eyes.
The clothes were taken off one by one, and the last piece of clothing was thrown in front of the jade steps, and was half wet by the hot spring water.
Surrounded by the warm pool water, Gu Ningxi was pressed against the pool wall.
The jade-like skin turned pink, the snow-capped mountains stood soft and upright, and Lu Jing lingered here.
“Hmm—”
When it was fully inserted, Gu Ningxi opened her red lips and climbed onto the shoulders of the person on her.
The spring water surged, mixed with the girl's gentle/low sobs.
The waves swept over, and the overwhelming pleasure almost drowned people.
When the new chapter began, Gu Ningxi was already sober.
Lu Jing carried the person out of the White Jade Pool and pressed him onto the wide soft couch in the back hall.
The half-wet handkerchief was dragging on the ground, the flowers were in full bloom and the moon was full, it was another wonderful night.
…
When Gu Ningxi woke up the next day, he found himself in his bedroom, feeling sore and weak all over.
She looked up at the embroidered pattern of auspicious coiled dragons on the curtain, and didn't know when she returned here last night.
Gu Ningxi supported herself on the bed and sat up. The people outside the screen heard the movement from inside and heard footsteps coming towards the bed.
Last night was too absurd and extravagant. Gu Ningxi was still exhausted and the sound of waves seemed to be still in her ears.
The instigator, however, was in high spirits and even asked with a smile, "Did you get enough sleep?"
Gu Ningxi couldn't stand it any longer, so she grabbed the soft pillow beside her and threw it at him, but the latter caught it easily.
It was almost noon, and Lu Jing thoughtfully ordered people to prepare the meal.
Gu Ningxi changed his clothes and saw that the desk in the bedroom had been moved in front of the picture window at some point.
The painted window faces the flower garden, and Lu Jing thinks this is the most ingenious design in the bedroom.
Gu Ningxi was also proud of her own stroke of genius; before she had such a beautiful dream.
In spring, flowers are in full bloom. When you are doing government work by the window, you will see a garden full of flowers and fragrance.
Gu Ningxi saw some secret reports piled on the desk and asked, "Something happened in the court?"
Lu Jing had already finished his meal and brought her a bowl of soup.
"It's the Turks." He blew on the spoon to cool it down and handed it to Gu Ningxi's lips. "The Turkic Khan Qixin is seriously ill."
Qi Xin Khan was the same age as his father. After the New Year, his father caught a cold and never fully recovered.
The spy in the Turkic region rode back the news at full speed and it took him half a day to arrive at Changqing Garden.
Lu Jing ordered someone to inform Xie Qian and the other two. Gu Ningxi swallowed the soup unconsciously and exchanged glances with Lu Jing.
She said, "It seems that the Turks are going to be in chaos."
Even if there is no chaos, they can still give it a push.
The Turks lived a nomadic life. Unlike the Central Plains dynasties, which followed the principle of sons inheriting the throne after the death of the father, the Turks believed in the principle of younger brothers inheriting the throne after the death of the elder brother.
Qi Xin Khan was the last Khan of the previous generation, and who will start a new round of succession from brother to younger brother remains to be discussed.
Under Qixing Khan were three smaller khans, namely the East, North and West. Conventionally, the East Khan was the default crown prince.
However, the eastern territories lacked abundant grass and water, had the fewest people and livestock, and their power declined year by year. Shili Khan, who had been an envoy to the Jin Dynasty and was in charge of the western territories, was ambitious. The two sides had been in constant friction in recent years, and the conflict between the two khans had escalated to the surface, becoming irreconcilable.
This was not without the instigation of the Jin Dynasty. Starting from the eleventh year of Mingde, Lu Jing had been continuously sending people to the Turks to instigate civil strife among them, and to give them a taste of their own medicine.
Gu Ningxi drank half a bowl of soup. If the regime cannot be smoothly transferred, it will waste the national strength. The Great Jin has already made it through smoothly, and I am afraid that the Turks will be very exciting.
Of course, now is still not the best time to use military force against the Turks, so let's wait and see.
After a day of resting and gathering his strength, Gu Ningxi finally had the energy to start drafting the exam questions the next day.
She spent a whole day deciding on the topic, carefully choosing each word and sentence, and discussed it with Lu Jing whenever she was unsure.
The scenery in Changqing Garden is bright and beautiful, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. It is a good place to study.
Lu Jing oversaw military affairs, something Gu Ningxi wasn't particularly adept at. The court's military officers were devoted to their emperor, devoid of arrogance or self-importance. With Lu Jing in charge, Gu Ningxi occasionally felt a sense of incomparable relief and ease.
"Help me see how this border security plan works."
Gu Ningxi was very satisfied with the remaining three questions, except for the one about the Turkic government, which he felt did not hit the mark.
Lu Jing picked up his pen and discussed it with her carefully, and the morning passed by in a hurry.
"Your Majesty, the Empress," Sun Jing came to report, "Preceptor Song has made all the necessary arrangements. Your Majesty and the Empress, please proceed."
After he surrendered to the Jin Dynasty, Lu Jing still gave him the title of Imperial Master.
Gu Ningxi wrote the last two words and heard that Master Song had been invited to Changqing Garden the day before.
She didn't find it strange at all and stood up with Lu Jing. He would never easily cancel anything he wanted to do.
Master Song has been calculating in Changqing Garden since yesterday morning. He chose a place with abundant spiritual energy and set up a seven-star formation to calculate destiny.
Gu Ningxi happened to have some questions to ask, and wondered if the famous Master Song could help her solve them.
The sunlight was bright, and the place where the Seven Star Formation was located was exactly the bamboo forest where Gu Ningxi first met Master Song.
Even though they were dozens of steps apart and even though Gu Ningxi had changed her dress, Master Song still recognized her at a glance.
At that time, the explanation for the strangeness of Suan Yan was finally revealed. He bowed to the emperor and empress as a sign of greeting.
"What do your Majesty and the Queen want to know?"
Lu Jing and Gu Ningxi sat down in the pavilion and said, "Maybe we can see our past life's destiny?"
Imperial Master Song unfolded the brocade and pulled out the jade-like tortoise shell encased within. The shell shone with a lustrous sheen, its lines crisscrossing like star tracks and river veins, as if imbued with millennia-old spiritual energy.
The two plates of Heaven and Earth stopped, and the hexagram appeared. Imperial Preceptor Song slowly explained, "The hexagram shows the ninth and third line of the 'Li' hexagram, which says, 'At sunset, Li, without beating drums and singing, will bring lamentations in old age, a sign of bad luck.' This signifies unresolved ties from past lives. I observe that your Majesty's and your Majesty's horoscopes are intertwined. In past lives, you were deeply connected, but due to misfortunes, you parted ways midway, unable to grow old together. This is truly a pity."
His words were exactly the same as Li Taibu's in the past, and Lu Jing felt a dull, silent pain in his heart. It was as if the heavens were telling him that this hexagram was true.
He looked at the person beside him. Gu Ningxi looked a little calmer, simply because he was mentally prepared.
Master Song watched the emperor and empress calculate the seven-star formation for a whole night and a day before he was able to get a glimpse of the secrets.
His calculations back then were correct; both of them were born with the fate of a True Dragon. The Emperor Star had appeared in the world, and surprisingly, they didn't repel each other at all.
The fate of the Empress is the most blessed and wise, and the most noble fate he has ever seen in his eighty years. She is blessed by God and is a person destined by heaven.
As for His Majesty… His Majesty's destiny is equally precious, yet his brilliance was evident from a young age, his Imperial Star shone brightly early. However, he feared a calamity in his thirties. Imperial Master Song lamented his own inadequacy in his training. Looking at the latter half of his destiny, it was shrouded in uncertainty and uncertainty, but there were signs of a turn for the better.
The secret cannot be revealed, so he only answers two questions a day.
Gu Ningxi interrupted Lu Jing and said, "Excuse me, Imperial Master, can fate be changed?"
Imperial Preceptor Song stroked his long beard and smiled faintly, "Hasn't Her Majesty the Queen already got the answer?"
Gu Ningxi understood and smiled back.
The night is dark and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers.
In the brocade tent, the hexagrams from the daytime still appeared before Lu Jing's eyes.
He and Yuan Le had a regrettable marriage in their previous life and separated from each other halfway.
Gu Ningxi saw through his thoughts: "The past cannot be changed, but the future can still be pursued. There is no need to worry about it."
Lu Jing lowered his eyes to look at her, and said gently: "Aren't you curious?"
Gu Ningxi rested her head on his chest and didn't speak for a long time, so long that Lu Jing thought she had fallen asleep.
He tucked in the quilt for her and heard her say, "You were wronged by me in your past life, and I was wronged by you, too. We each have our own difficulties. Why bother looking back?"
She didn't say anything else, but just held him tighter with her arms.
Lu Jing felt her leaning on him, and his heart softened.
Gu Ningxi's breathing gradually became calm, and Lu Jing gently kissed her forehead.
The night wind blows gently, the clouds break and the moon comes out.
…
When spring is at its peak, the March Spring Examination has not yet completely come to an end.
There are 232 desks in the Xuan Zheng Hall, which have been swept and cleaned, waiting for today's scholars.
Dawn broke, and golden light illuminated the long jade steps.
More than 200 scholars whose names were on the list dressed straight and looked solemn, then strode into the hall with their heads held high, led by palace eunuchs.
The last session of the imperial examination was held in the Xuanzheng Hall, which people at that time called the "Palace Examination".
The towering imperial city makes people feel solemn. To the south is the Hanyuan Hall where His Majesty and civil and military officials hold court. It is the place with the highest power in the world.
According to their ranking from the previous exam, the scholars found their desks, placed their case on them, and stood aside, waiting for the chief examiner. It was unclear whether it was the prime minister of the three provinces or a Hanlin scholar.
The sky was filled with golden light, and one could hear a pin drop in the huge palace.
As the ceremonial officials sang in unison, the scholars who heard the words clearly stood there in a daze.
The ceremonial officer's voice echoed throughout the hall, reaching the ears of every scholar: "The Empress has arrived!"
The three deputy examiners took the lead in paying their respects. The scholars, awakened as if from a dream, suppressed their doubts and kowtowed one after another.
"Your Highness, we bow to the Empress. May you live a thousand years!"
Behind the pearl curtain, Gu Ningxi sat upright on the dragon throne with a calm expression.
"Everyone, please stand up."
The ceremonial officials then sang along, and more than 200 scholars took their seats, making a lot of noise.
The roll of paper must be placed on the table with its back covered and must not be moved without permission.
In the solemn and dignified Golden Palace, no second examiner arrived.
The scholars did not dare to whisper, and occasionally their eyes made contact, then quickly looked away.
No matter how hard it is to believe, the Queen of Dajin is actually the chief examiner of today's palace examination.
Many scholars from Kyoto naturally knew the identity of the Empress, and candidates from other places had also heard of her.
The Empress was born in the Mansion of Marquis Xuanping. She was a top scholar in the imperial examination during the Mingde period. She served in the court for several years and worked in the Hanlin Academy. At the age of twenty, she was promoted to the fifth rank Langzhong in the Ministry of Works and participated in the confidential affairs of the Secretariat.
The empress behind the pearl curtain wore a dark blue multicolored robe and a twelve-tree flower hairpin, her dignity was untouchable.
There were examiners patrolling the palace from time to time, and the deputy commander of the imperial guards was guarding outside the palace with a sword, always ready to catch anyone who cheated in the imperial examination.
The palace examination was of great importance. The scholars suppressed their numerous thoughts and concentrated on the examination.
A resounding bell rang out, and Gu Ningxi said in a clear voice, "Let's begin."
At noon, the test begins.
After the scholars had clearly read the questions on the papers one by one, the sound of gasps rose and fell in the Xuanzheng Hall, and no one had the leisure to discuss who the chief examiner was.
There are only four questions on the paper, which point out the current problems.
On the Strategy for Border Security: Since the chaos of previous dynasties, the barbarians have exploited the situation, causing unrest on the borders. The Turks have long been harassing the borders, bullying the Central Plains for a long time, and recently they are eyeing the northern borders with increasing threat of plunder. Liaodong has also not yet submitted, and the number of garrisons in the border garrisons is increasing, while the transportation of food and wages is draining the national treasury. At this time, the Central Plains must prepare for war and defense. However, in preparing for war, how to strengthen the border defenses while taking into account the people's strength is a pressing matter. Please share your thoughts:
The Turkic tribes scattered across the northern border, sometimes allied and sometimes rebellious. Which should be prioritized: "controlling the tribes" to win their hearts or "establishing prefectures and counties" to clarify borders? If the tribes were to revolt, how could the two systems be switched to prevent the recurrence of border troubles?
Which is more beneficial for wartime supplies: cultivating farmland for frontier troops or transporting grain from the interior? How can we balance military food and civilian labor during war preparations, avoiding empty granaries and burdening the people?
Second, on the importance of people's livelihood: In previous dynasties, conscription was rampant, the population declined, and the fields were barren. Although taxes and levies have been reduced and agriculture and sericulture are encouraged, the number of refugees has not returned, the poor and weak still abound, and corrupt officials exploit the people from time to time. The Book of Documents says, "The people are the foundation of the state." Students should reflect on this:
How can we persuade those who have fled to return home and reclaim wasteland? How can we combine persuasion with restraint?
Although the equal-field system was enacted, the wealth gap was unequal, and there was a shortage of oxen for plowing. How could this be addressed? How could the rich and the poor be balanced without damaging the foundation of agriculture?
Third, examine the methods of official administration: As the ancients said, "Good governance depends on finding the right people," so we should open up a wide range of paths for talent and promote and demote officials. However, in government offices nowadays, some people are idle and idle, while others are pretentious and seek credit. The "Four Virtues and Twenty-Seven Mosts" have not yet been fully realized. Students, please share:
When evaluating officials, should "morality" or "performance" be prioritized? How can we strike a balance between these two criteria, promoting the virtuous and promoting the incompetent?
The Censorate is responsible for supervision. If powerful people break the law or veteran officials act in a biased manner, how should they enforce the law so as to preserve the dignity of the court without abolishing the national law?
Fourth, the purpose of ritual and music: After a great chaos, rituals and music collapsed, and some people became extravagant and decadent, while others abandoned rituals and teachings. If we want to promote rituals and music to correct people's hearts, however, excessive rituals will harm the people, and excessive music will waste money. The Book of Rites says, "Ritual is the order of heaven and earth." Please discuss:
Should the rituals of marriage, funerals, and sacrifices be restored to their ancient form or simplified? How can we make them easier for the people to follow without losing the essence of education?
Is the purpose of music and dance to celebrate virtue or to entertain? How should we choose and regulate court music and folk music?
Two clepsydras were moved to the center of the hall, with water dripping and time passing by.
Gu Ningxi observed the various expressions of the scholars in the hall: some were furiously writing, some were deep in thought; some had plans in mind, and even more had frowns on their brows. The rustling sound of ink pens across the pages was occasionally punctuated by long sighs.
In the past, the imperial examinations focused on Confucian classics, with their meanings memorized. Passing the exams involved simply memorizing the text, understanding its meaning, and reciting a few policy questions. However, the court urgently needed talent who could not only discuss military strategy but also develop their own strategies. They also needed to be well-informed about current affairs and concerned with people's livelihoods.
The time before noon passed in a flash. The scholars had their lunch in the hall, which consisted of a bowl of mutton soup and three Hu cakes.
Many scholars had no appetite, or after wolfing down their food, they hurried on answering questions.
The sound of dripping water is heard and dusk is falling.
The palace examination began at chenshi and ended at tuishi. The lights in the hall were dim, and most of the candidates were still writing.
Gu Ningxi ordered that three candles be distributed to each scholar in the hall. When the candles burned out, they must hand in their papers. Those who violated the order would be charged with cheating.
The red candle is shedding tears, and the dripping sound is like a death warrant.
The candidates who had not yet finished answering all the questions were like ants on a hot pan, and their hands holding the pens trembled slightly.
After a whole day, when the last two scholars handed in their papers, the palace examination finally ended.
The scholars returned home in twos and threes, dragging their tired feet, no longer as dignified as when they came.
After leaving the palace, the familiar candidates talked about the first palace examination in history, the four questions about current affairs, and even the Empress who was the first to preside over the examination.
The Jinshi candidates who passed the imperial examination in the second year of Tianguan still did not know how many of them would be lucky enough to stay in Kyoto and receive high positions and generous salaries after entering the court in the future.
What they don’t know is that throughout their careers, they will watch how the woman in gorgeous clothes behind the pearl curtain rules the court and looks down on the world.
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