Chapter 21 The Top Scholar Who Murdered His Wife and Daughter (Part Twenty-One) The Rebellious Son of a Farmer...
On the first day after the imperial examination, all candidates were required to pay a visit to their mentor.
The examiners who admitted the candidates were all addressed as "teacher" with utmost respect, and the admitted candidates were considered their "disciples." Generally, candidates were required to prepare a letter of introduction for their students and gifts to express their gratitude.
Song Ce was naturally not very clear about such matters. Du Ningwan had prepared the finest Huizhou ink and cloud-patterned Duan inkstone in advance. Among scholars, besides giving beautiful gifts, the other thing to do was to give writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, which was always a safe bet.
Looking at the long queue ahead, Song Ce sighed. When it was finally his turn, he stepped forward and handed over his invitation. The gatekeeper accepted it and quickly smiled, saying, "Please come in, Song Huiyuan. The two gentlemen are waiting for you inside!"
The word "hope" means to leave a good impression on him.
Song Ce nodded his thanks and stood outside the door with his gifts. There were four candidates in front of him. Two of them seemed to know each other and were nodding and talking in hushed tones from time to time. When they saw Song Ce, they just nodded and smiled politely, since it was not a time for making friends.
Footsteps came from inside the room, the curtain rustled, and a scholar-dressed man walked out, holding a list of disciples in his hand. He read out in turn: "Tang Feng, Lin Ziye, Wang Zhixu, and Feng Jinyu, please enter."
The four entered one by one, and came out after only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
The scholar who had just come out also asked, "Has Young Master Song Ce arrived?"
Song Ce stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This student has arrived."
The four scholars who had come out stopped in their tracks, all looking at him in astonishment. They were already very familiar with the name of Song Ce, the top scholar in the imperial examination, but had never had the chance to see him in person.
The scholar hurriedly opened the curtain and said with a smile, "Young Master Song, please come in quickly. The two gentlemen have been waiting for you for a long time." His attitude was much warmer than before.
Song Ce stepped into the room, where two examiners of similar age, around forty years old, sat in high positions, both with beards, smiling as they looked him over.
The examiner seated on the left was named Su Changxing, a second-rank Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, and one of the first civil officials to pass the imperial examinations when Emperor Shunyuan ascended the throne. On the right… Song Ce lowered his eyes. This man was named Zhao Shixiu, currently a third-rank Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Ostensibly a staff member of the Third Prince, he was actually a member of Prime Minister Xia's faction. His wife was the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Xia's paternal uncle, thus enjoying Prime Minister Xia's great trust… Thinking of this, Song Ce bowed to the two men and said, “Student Song Ce greets my two teachers.”
Su Changxing stroked his beard and smiled, "It is a blessing for our dynasty that Song Huiyuan is so talented at such a young age. I am very pleased."
"Indeed!" Zhao Shixiu added, "When I read Song Huiyuan's article, it was truly a masterpiece, beyond praise. His policy arguments and practical insights were both remarkable. If we are fortunate enough to serve in the same court in the future, we, teacher and student, should certainly discuss things more!"
Song Ce naturally understood Zhao Shixiu's attempt to win him over. He bowed to the two examiners again and said, "You two teachers are too kind. I am honored to be ranked first in the provincial examination. It is your honor that I have been promoted. I am truly grateful and do not know how to repay you."
Zhao Shixiu picked up the warm tea in front of him, took a sip, and cupped his hands in the direction of the Xia residence, saying, "Two days from now, at the Jiangyang Water Pavilion, His Excellency the Prime Minister will receive the grace of Heaven and personally host a Chinese banquet for all the tribute students. Song Huiyuan, you must be there early!"
Su Changxing glanced at Zhao Shixiu, smiled enigmatically, and said, "I imagine the Chinese banquet will be incredibly lively. Hehe, now that Song Huiyuan is in first place, he's sure to shine in the palace examination. I wish Huiyuan all the best for the future."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce bowed again in gratitude.
When he returned to the rented courtyard, Madam Fan from next door came out of the main room. Upon seeing Song Ce return, she quickly smiled and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, Song Huiyuan!"
Song Ce quickly returned the greeting: "May I ask what brings me such joy?"
"It's your wife who said she wasn't feeling well today, so I asked a doctor to come and take a look. That's when I learned that your wife is pregnant! This is truly a double blessing!"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce was completely stunned. For a moment, it seemed as if everything in the world had stopped, with only Madam Fan's words echoing in his ears. After a short while, an incredibly bright smile bloomed on his face, a smile full of surprise and excitement, and his eyes even slightly reddened.
"Madam Fan, is what you're saying true?" Song Ce's voice trembled slightly with joy.
“How could this be fake? I’ve been coming over to check on things frequently these past two days, and the doctor has examined it; it’s definitely real. If you don’t believe me, come in quickly…”
Before she could finish speaking, Song Ce quickly thanked her and practically ran into the house. It was the first time Fan's wife had seen him so rude, and she couldn't help but smile. After all, they were a young couple, and this was their first child; it was understandable that Song Huiyuan was a little excited.
At this moment, Du Ningwan was sitting in a reclining chair doing needlework, with a woven basket beside her.
Hearing the noise at the door, Du Ningwan looked up and saw that Song Ce had returned. She got up to greet him and said with a smile, "This concubine congratulates Song Huiyuan."
Song Ce hurriedly stepped forward to support Du Ningwan, carefully, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world. His gaze lingered on Du Ningwan's abdomen for a long time, and he choked out, "Wan'er, don't tease your husband. Such a big matter, why didn't you send someone to tell me?"
Du Ningwan gave him a reproachful look, "Why the rush? Your meeting with your master today is a big deal, how can I let these things distract you? Besides, you'll know when you get home tonight."
Song Ce pulled Du Ningwan into his arms. "Wan'er, this is truly a joyous occasion. Now that I am the top scholar in the imperial examination, and you are pregnant, what virtue or ability do I, Song Ce, possess to have such good fortune?"
Du Ningwan leaned against him, her face beaming with happiness and anticipation: "It is my blessing to marry you, my husband."
...
Two days flew by, and Song Ce was still in a daze with excitement. He was one of the main characters at the Chinese banquet at Jiangyang Water Pavilion, and he had to attend.
Since the current chairman is only twenty years old, with a handsome appearance and insightful writing, this year's Chinese banquet is particularly grand, attracting dignitaries from all sides. They hope to find some useful talents at the banquet, and also to find a good husband for their daughters.
Song Ce entered the banquet amidst the urging of the assembled scholars. Fine wines and delicacies were laid out in the Jiangyang waterside pavilion, and the sound of zither music filled the air. Thus, the Chinese banquet began in a lively and bustling manner.
Prime Minister Xia Changlin, seated high in the main seat, wore a dignified purple official robe and had a kind smile on his face. His gaze slowly swept over the faces of the young and old below the stage, and he raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.
"Gentlemen, today's Chinese banquet is to celebrate the outstanding performance of our newly appointed scholars. They have performed exceptionally well in this imperial examination, which is a great blessing for our dynasty and a model for all candidates across the country!"
The students below the stage quickly stood up and respectfully bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Excellency Prime Minister and all the esteemed officials."
Xia Changlin smiled and nodded, "Please don't be shy, everyone. Sit down and enjoy the banquet. Whether you're chatting about knowledge or discussing your aspirations, today we're just here for fun, and to let this old man see your talents. I've heard that this year's top scholar in the imperial examination is quite young, named Song Ce, who is only twenty years old. I wonder if Scholar Song is here?"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce paused, bowed, and said, "This student greets the Prime Minister and all the other officials."
Xia Changlin smiled, then walked over with steady steps, personally helped Song Ce up and said with a smile, "Look at him, our Song Huiyuan is so young yet so talented. Meeting him today, he truly is a man of great talent!"
Upon hearing this, the people around began to chat in twos and threes. This was partly due to Song Ce's young and handsome appearance, partly due to Prime Minister Xia's courteous and respectful attitude towards scholars, and partly due to the fact that Prime Minister Xia had an only daughter who was still unmarried.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce bowed respectfully again, saying, "Your Excellency is too kind. I was fortunate to pass the imperial examination, and I will continue to work diligently in the future."
Xia Changlin waved his hand, "Song Huiyuan is too modest. If I remember correctly, you are also the top scholar in Jinling City!"
Upon hearing this, those who had been questioning Song Ce's youth immediately fell silent. To win the top scholar title in Jinling, a city teeming with tens of thousands of candidates, meant he must possess extraordinary abilities.
Seeing Song Ce bow again, Xia Changlin gestured for him to sit down, "With Song Huiyuan's talent, I'm afraid we are about to witness a top scholar who will achieve the highest rank in the imperial examinations at the young age of twenty-three. With your talent, you will surely make great achievements in the court in the future."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce rose in a huff and said, "I owe my success today entirely to His Majesty's grace and the examiners' appreciation. I still have much to learn and need to consult with you all, so that I may share His Majesty's burdens and bring happiness to the people in the future. Your Excellency is too kind; I dare not accept such praise."
Xia Changlin nodded slightly and said, "Song Huiyuan has reached this point on his own merits, which is truly a blessing for our dynasty. If Song Huiyuan wants to realize his ambitions in the future, he will need to think more and ask more questions! If you encounter difficulties in the future, I believe that all the officials present will be willing to lend a helping hand. Of course, I am also among them."
What seemed like a friendly remark contained a hidden meaning that prompted deep reflection. Although Xia Changlin wore a smile, that smile seemed to hold many profound implications.
"This student thanks the Prime Minister and all the esteemed officials." Song Ce feigned being unable to hold his liquor and took a small step back, his steps unsteady.
"Lord Xia, look at your words, they've made Song Huiyuan feel like he's in a dream." An official from Xia Changlin's faction laughed.
"Haha! Song Huiyuan is still young, so it doesn't matter if he can't hold his liquor. The scenery at Jiangyang Water Pavilion is beautiful, so Song Huiyuan can go there to sober up," Xia Changlin said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, a clever servant came forward to help Song Ce walk out of the banquet hall.
Inside the hall, an official who was trying to curry favor with Xia Changlin saw that the Prime Minister seemed to care about this young scholar, and said in a somewhat ingratiating manner, "Lord Xia, I remember that Scholar Song is from Qingzhou County. If I am not mistaken, Scholar Sun Zhicai is also from Qingzhou County, isn't he?"
"Oh? Where is this Scholar Sun from Qingzhou County?"
Sun Zhicai, who was inconspicuous in the crowd, heard this and quickly stepped forward, bowing and saying, "Student Sun Zhicai greets the Prime Minister and all the esteemed officials!"
"Oh, Scholar Sun, there's no need for formalities. I remember you were... ranked sixty-eighth in the second class, right?" Xia Changlin said with a kind smile.
“What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such consideration from Your Excellency the Prime Minister? I am unworthy of such an honor.” Sun Zhicai bowed deeply again, his eyes filled with tears.
Sun Zhicai was a sensible man. Xia Changlin secretly gave him a look, and immediately an official from the prime minister's faction stepped forward and said, "Then we shall shamelessly ask Zhicai if Song Huiyuan has a family?"
Sun Zhicai said, "Brother Song got married after passing the imperial examination. The head of the county school acted as matchmaker, and he married the daughter of our Qingzhou County Magistrate. The magistrate thinks highly of him, and Brother Song also respects his father-in-law very much. After the marriage, he was worried that his wife would not be able to get used to life in the countryside, so he accompanied his wife back home for more than a month. He is truly a man of affection and loyalty."
Xia Changlin frowned slightly, but quickly smiled again. "It seems that Song Huiyuan is settling down before starting a career. That's good."
Sensing Xia Changlin's calming thoughts, the atmosphere in the hall instantly returned to its lively state.
A note from the author:
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It's so cold today! I love collecting things!
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