Chapter 41: Autumn Examination – To Pluck Cassia in the Lunar Palace

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already the following year. Jiang Zhimiao, along with Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan, could now effortlessly make their way to the Wei family’s school. As summer arrived, Jiang Yunxiu made brand-new summer outfits for the children. With her skillful hands, the clothes fit each child perfectly.

Jiang Yunxiu now spent her days assisting Lin Guilan, and her days were fulfilling. Lin Guilan, having earned enough money, purchased a larger residence herself so the entire family could live together.

Lin Guilan’s business flourished increasingly. With Wei Fengling’s support and investment, she had already opened three branch stores in Jiangping County. Many people came from afar, hoping to taste the renowned delicacies.

Inspired, Jiang Zhimiao encouraged her mother, asking why not expand the branches to other places. Lin Guilan, hearing Jiang Zhimiao’s words, seemed inspired as well and began to ponder the idea seriously…

However, the most significant event for their family at the moment was Jiang Qingshi’s upcoming participation in the Provincial Examination.

Jiang Qingshi had completed all the necessary preparations for the examination and would depart for Dinggao in a few days. The last time he went to Dinggao, Wei Fengling accompanied him. This time, however, Jiang Qingshi insisted on going alone, refusing to trouble Wei Fengling with his affairs.

To Wei Fengling’s surprise, Zhuo Zhiming, a talented scholar from Jiangping County, proactively offered to accompany Jiang Qingshi on the journey. Jiang Qingshi had always perceived Zhuo Zhiming as aloof and distant, never expecting him to extend an olive branch.

Since Zhuo Zhiming had made the offer, Jiang Qingshi saw no reason to decline. Moreover, as fellow townsmen, traveling together would indeed be more convenient. Although Zhuo Zhiming was reserved and taciturn, he appeared to be an upright person.

Yet… Zhuo Zhiming’s temperament was exceedingly cold. Jiang Qingshi often felt that Zhuo Zhiming did not resemble a young man but rather a venerable elder. Interacting with him frequently gave Jiang Qingshi the illusion of being the junior.

In early August, Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming set off for Dinggao City.

As the sky began to lighten with the faint glow of dawn, the broad road already echoed with the hurried footsteps of students heading for the examination.

The long street gradually filled with more candidates. Scholars from various regions, some nervous and others confident, mingled with conversations and footsteps intertwining. Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming made their way to the examination venue. Zhuo Zhiming, dressed in a slightly worn blue gown, stood at the edge of the crowd, his expression so detached it seemed as though he were merely passing by, not there to take the exam.

After spending these past few days with Zhuo Zhiming, Jiang Qingshi had grown accustomed to his temperament. Being a man of few words himself, Jiang Qingshi actually appreciated the tranquility that Zhuo Zhiming’s presence brought.

Not long after their arrival, the gates of the Examination Hall swung open with a resounding crash. Officials called out names loudly as candidates began queuing for inspection.

The Autumn Examination lasted three days and two nights. Candidates had to eat, sleep, and attend to their needs within the cramped examination cubicles of the Examination Hall, posing a tremendous test of both mind and body.

The inspection was rigorous. Officials meticulously searched each candidate’s examination basket and clothing. Jiang Qingshi calmly underwent the inspection, received his number plate, and followed the directions to find his assigned examination cubicle.

Jiang Qingshi calmly underwent inspection, received his number plate, and found his examination cubicle as directed. It was a narrow compartment measuring three feet wide and four feet deep, with three walls and one side open to the corridor. Inside was a wooden board that served as a desk by day and a bed by night; in the corner sat a chamber pot, already emitting a foul odor.

Setting down his examination basket, he first took out the Mugwort Sachet prepared by Lin Guilan and hung it in the corner to ward off impurities.

Three cannon shots signaled the distribution of test papers. The first session tested three essays on the Four Books and four on the Five Classics. Jiang Qingshi skimmed through the entire paper and saw the first question was from the Analects chapter “The gentleman understands righteousness,” already forming an outline in his mind.

After grinding ink and spreading paper, he closed his eyes briefly, recalling the crude Love Knot Miao Ge’er had stuffed into his hand when he left home… Miao Ge’er said it represented love and could ensure safety! A faint smile touched Jiang Qingshi’s lips. When he reopened his eyes, literary inspiration surged forth.

The afternoon sun blazed, making the cubicle as stifling as a steamer. Jiang Qingshi took out the mint leaves his wife had prepared and placed them in his mouth. A cooling sensation instantly refreshed his spirit.

By evening, examiners collected the papers. No candles were allowed at night, so candidates had to retire early. Jiang Qingshi arranged the wooden board into a bed. Lying down, he saw bright stars in the night sky and couldn’t help recalling evenings spent stargazing with Guilan and Miao Ge’er in their courtyard. Warmth filled his heart as he gradually drifted asleep.

The second day tested imperial edicts, proclamations, memorials, and five legal judgments. While writing the judgments, he suddenly heard sobbing from the adjacent cubicle—likely someone struggling with their answers. Though weary himself, Jiang Qingshi felt the sorrow in those cries. Reflecting on the myriad states of human existence, he sighed inwardly.

But recognizing the critical nature of this moment, he quickly adjusted his state, automatically shutting out external distractions as he calmly continued writing.

The third day tested five Policy Discourses on classics, history, and current affairs. These questions best demonstrated one’s foundational knowledge. When Jiang Qingshi saw the water conservancy policy question, he recalled growing up in a farming family watching peasants dig irrigation channels. Though devoted to studies, he was no bookworm ignorant of worldly matters. Integrating classical principles with practical analysis, he composed a feasible policy proposal.

Finally came poetry, with “Autumn Longing for Home” as the theme. Gazing through the cubicle window at falling leaves, Jiang Qingshi felt homesickness well up. It was the season when osmanthus bloomed, and his wife’s name coincidentally contained “Gui” (osmanthus). A wave of tender affection washed over him as he subtly embedded his wife’s name into the verse: “In corner shadows, orchids exhale hidden fragrance / Courtyard cassia scent permeates the bedcurtains…”

Guilan’s name carried auspicious meaning too. The results would be posted during osmanthus season—hence the exam roster was called the Cassia List. He hoped Guilan would truly help him pluck cassia in the Lunar Palace.

At the end of the Shen hour, three cannon shots signaled paper collection. Jiang Qingshi submitted his exam booklet. Emerging from the cubicle, his legs felt weak. The three-day ordeal had finally ended—he’d never endured such immense strain. Never physically robust, he now felt unsteady on his feet, his vision darkening.

Outside the Examination Hall, crowds milled about with pale-faced examinees. While scanning for Zhuo Zhiming’s figure, Jiang Qingshi heard someone call from behind. Turning, he saw Zhuo Zhiming emerge from under an old locust tree. Though haggard, his expression remained composed.

“How did you fare, Brother Zhuo?” Jiang Qingshi asked.

“Do your best and leave the rest to fate,” Zhuo Zhiming replied succinctly, yet unusually asked a follow-up question, “Brother Qingshi seems to have performed well?”

Jiang Qingshi smiled, “Thanks to the blessings of my wife and child.”

On the day the results were posted, the area outside the Examination Hall was already crowded before dawn. Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming stood side by side at a distance, not pushing forward. Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the front—the results had been posted.

Sixth place: Jiang Qingshi

When his name came into view, Jiang Qingshi still felt as if it were a dream. He could hardly believe he had achieved such a high rank. This Provincial Examination was different from before—they were competing against Scholars from the entire province. He had started his studies late and lacked sufficient financial support. To now rank sixth in the Provincial Examination was already an extraordinary achievement.

Zhuo Zhiming also passed, securing the twelfth position. Jiang Qingshi was genuinely happy for him.

The newly appointed Recommended Scholars were invited to attend the Deer Cry Banquet, held at the Education Commissioner’s office, where the new Recommended Men gathered together. The hall was adorned with lanterns and decorations, and the Education Commissioner personally pinned golden flowers on each attendee and offered toasts. The banquet featured rare delicacies, accompanied by music and dance, as the scholars drank and conversed freely.

When it was Jiang Qingshi’s turn, the Education Commissioner specifically inquired about several points from his Policy Discourses, expressing admiration. Jiang Qingshi responded calmly, his words modest and measured, earning repeated nods of approval from the Commissioner.

Zhuo Zhiming remained as composed as ever, neither drinking excessively nor speaking much. When someone offered a toast, he drank half a cup; when someone engaged him in conversation, he replied with a few words.

Seeing his demeanor, few approached him to toast, and so… Zhuo Zhiming sat beside Jiang Qingshi, as still as a meditating monk.

“Brother Nian Chen, let’s go to the capital together for the examinations.”

Just as Jiang Qingshi had almost forgotten the presence of the person beside him, Zhuo Zhiming suddenly spoke.

Jiang Qingshi was utterly flattered. Zhuo Zhiming, who usually appeared indifferent to others, had taken the initiative to propose traveling to the capital for the examinations together! It seemed he wasn’t as aloof as he had imagined.

Among the attendees, one person stood out conspicuously, dressed in a sapphire-blue Hangzhou silk robe, constantly shouting and drinking with the newly appointed Recommended Scholars. Jiang Qingshi, being relatively uninformed, didn’t know who this person was, but judging by the reactions of those around him, he seemed extremely popular. Out of curiosity, Jiang Qingshi couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times.

“Brother, I see you’re quite curious about our Top Scorer,” a man in a blue robe approached, slinging an arm over Jiang Qingshi’s shoulder. “That man is named Chao Yehhan, the Top Scorer of this examination. Moreover, he’s already a renowned talent in our Dinggao region, so his achievement was widely expected.”

“Thank you for the information,” Jiang Qingshi clasped his hands in acknowledgment. “I live far from the bustling centers, so I was unaware of the Top Scorer’s reputation.”

“Ah, brother, I know you’re the sixth-ranked candidate in this Provincial Examination,” the man leaned in and whispered, “Actually, you’re quite famous among us as well. After all, you were the Top Scholar in Linzhou… and I heard you’re self-taught. I truly admire that, brother. Oh, by the way, my name is Yun Zhihu. I also passed this time, but I’m just barely on the list—nothing compared to your profound knowledge.”

“The Autumn Examination is like thousands of troops crossing a single-plank bridge,” Jiang Qingshi said modestly. “Brother Yun, your achievement is also remarkable.”

Yun Zhihu chatted with Jiang Qingshi for a while longer before heading off to gather more information and enjoy the drinks elsewhere.

Both Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming were poor drinkers. Knowing their limits well, neither drank much. As the banquet neared its end, they quietly withdrew. Many others had also slipped away by then. Before leaving, Jiang Qingshi glanced back and saw the Top Scorer Chao Yehhan still drinking and bantering with a few others. With his collar loosened and wine cup in hand, he truly carried the air of a romantic scholar.

Walking side by side along the road, Jiang Qingshi felt the cool night breeze. Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, he looked at Zhuo Zhiming’s perpetually calm face and suddenly felt compelled to strike up a conversation.

“Brother Zhuo, why did you take the Imperial Examination?”

Zhuo Zhiming turned his expressionless face. The pale moonlight cast upon it made him appear somewhat eerie, but Jiang Qingshi had grown accustomed to his demeanor.

“My father made me study since childhood—there was no particular reason then. After reading extensively, I gradually found my own path.” Zhuo Zhiming’s tone remained flat. “Though I wasn’t raised in extreme wealth, I consider myself far more fortunate than most. I want to see whether, through my own efforts, I can break some of this world’s established rules.”

Jiang Qingshi was taken aback. As Zhuo Zhiming spoke, his eyes seemed less rigid than usual… as if he were glowing.

Jiang Qingshi nodded slowly, his voice measured and solemn: “I too have my own path to walk.”

“I knew from our first meeting that we shared similarities, yet differences,” Zhuo Zhiming said. “By the way, since we’re friends now, you may call me by my courtesy name Lingdeng.”

“You may call me Nian Chen as well.”

Zhuo Zhiming nodded. Neither spoke further as they continued silently toward the inn.

Perhaps sometimes, between gentlemen, words are unnecessary.

Though they had exchanged only a few sentences, they had gained insight into each other’s aspirations and ambitions. Sparrows could never understand the ambitions of swans—yet swans only wish to fly alongside other swans.

Jiang Qingshi knew this was merely the beginning. Come next spring’s Metropolitan Examination, he would take up his brush again—to fight for his family, for his ideals, and for the Great Liang.