The next day, Lu Shaoling arrived early at the First Company to report to Yan Ge. He was dressed neatly and appeared serious, unlike the first time they met when he seemed carefree. This relieved Yan Ge a little; at least Lu Shaoling indeed had ambition.
Yan Ge assigned him the task of measuring the width of several main streets in the capital that were less than eight meters wide and making detailed records.
Lu Shaoling hadn’t expected the task assigned to him to be so “physically demanding,” but seeing Yan Ge’s resolute demeanor, he had no choice but to accept it. He took a pen and a notebook printed by the printing press and went to work.
Yan Ge completed the inspection of the capital and the day of the imperial examination arrived.
In order to prevent any officials from favoritism or corruption, Huangfu Yuchen changed all the examiners a day in advance. Yan Ge explained to him the system of using pseudonyms and the recording system, which Huangfu Yuchen greatly praised, but there wasn’t enough time to arrange it for the imperial examination this time.
The imperial examination lasted for nine days, and the entire capital was influenced by the atmosphere of the examination, becoming much quieter than usual.
After the imperial examination, a group of officials reviewed the exam papers together, and those who were selected became Gongshi. Finally, these Gongshi would face questioning from the Emperor himself or ministers appointed by the Emperor, known as the Dianshi. The selected candidates were collectively called Jinshi. Afterwards, the Emperor personally evaluated the top ten papers, appointing the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua. (No.1,2 and 3 scholar?)
On the day of the announcement, the capital was filled with the sounds of firecrackers and drums, creating a lively atmosphere. Under the imperial list, there was a crowd of people.
The most eye-catching event was the “Selection of Son-in-law under the List.” This referred to the noble families or officials selecting Jinshi as husbands for their unmarried daughters. The main reason, of course, was that these Jinshi had exceptional talents and limitless prospects. Those who were quick would succeed, while those who were slow would miss out. Some Jinshi readily accepted, while others maintained their pride and dismissed the idea.
Yan Ge had never heard of such a thing before, so Huangfu Yuchen took him to a good spot to watch the spectacle. Occasionally, when a Jinshi with a good ranking and appearance was selected by several families, they would compete for him like fighting over a treasure. The Jinshi’s hat and robes would be pulled askew, which Yan Ge found amusing.
After a while, the festive drumbeats drew closer. The Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, adorned with large red flowers, rode horses through the streets, surrounded by a crowd.
“Tomorrow is the Qionglin Banquet. Will your elder brother come?” Huangfu Yuchen asked Yan Ge.
“He probably won’t come. He has already made up his mind to marry Miss Wen. I just hope he won’t make the wrong choice this time.”
About twenty days before and after the imperial examination, all the officials in the capital were very busy. Yan Ge himself was also extremely busy these past few days and couldn’t take a break. He would only be able to truly leave his post in a few days. Yan Su’s wedding date had already been set for ten days from now.
The Qionglin Banquet this time was grander than any in the past two hundred years because it was also the Hundred Flowers Banquet organized by Huangfu Yuchen to disperse the palace consorts. Within the Qionglin Garden, colorful lanterns were hung, illuminating the place as if it were daytime. Fresh flowers and colorful flags adorned the elegant garden, creating a lively yet noble atmosphere.
Within the garden, handsome men and beautiful women mingled among the banquet tables, creating a lively scene. All the ministers and nobles knew about the Emperor’s plan to disperse the palace consorts, so they brought their unmarried sons and grandsons along.
The top one hundred Jinshi, including the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, had also heard rumors of this and attended the banquet dressed in their best. The consorts who were willing to leave the palace had already received the Emperor’s decree during the day. They were mostly county princesses, enjoying the monthly stipend from the court and holding a status equivalent to a duke’s daughter. They were all dressed in their finest attire, emitting a fragrant aroma and creating a garden full of blossoms. The men present were treated to a feast for the eyes, and it was clear that there were many who envied the Emperor’s unenjoyed blessings.
Consort Rou, Consort Zhao, Consort Li, Consort Zheng, and Tian Guiren were absent.
The Empress arrived at the Tenglong Palace with the Little Crown Prince, and Yan Ge was somewhat surprised.
Huangfu Yuchen quickly grasped the Empress’s intentions.
The Empress said, “Emperor, I see that you still need some time to prepare. How about this consort, the Crown Prince, and Yan Caiqing go ahead.”
“That’s fine,” Huangfu Yuchen agreed.
Yan Ge finally understood the Empress’s plan and accepted her kindness.
Holding hands with the Little Crown Prince, Yan Ge walked side by side with the Empress towards the Qionglin Garden.
Yan Ge and the Empress appearing together caused a brief silence in the surroundings. The two walked side by side, smiling and conversing in low voices. Even the Little Crown Prince held Yan Ge’s hand with a smile, indicating the obvious implications.
“I truly have to thank you this time,” Yan Ge said.
The Empress replied, “This is for the Great Han Kingdom and for the Crown Prince.”
“I understand,” Yan Ge said.
The three of them reached the high platform, and the crowd bowed together. “We pay respects to Empress, pay respects to the Crown Prince, and pay respects to Yan Caiqing!”
The Empress smiled, “Rise, everyone. Today is a celebration for the court and the Great Han Kingdom. There’s no need to be so formal.”
“Thank you, Empress!”
The Little Crown Prince went to find Yan Jin, while Yan Ge and the Empress Dowager didn’t immediately take their seats but instead stood on the high platform, speaking in low voices.
The Empress said, “The four consorts seem to be fine for now, but Tian Guiren seems dissatisfied. However, both you and the Emperor can rest assured; I can handle it.”
Yan Ge replied gently, “Empress, you can tell them on my behalf that if they choose to stay, they can stay with peace of mind. As long as they don’t provoke Yan Jin or disrupt me, I will not mistreat them in any way.”
The Empress nodded, “I believe you. It is evident that besides the Emperor, you care about the First Company and the development of the Great Han Kingdom. If you were a woman, I’m afraid my position as Empress wouldn’t be secure.”
Yan Ge chuckled. How could he respond to such words?
At that moment, an Eunuch’s high-pitched and sharp voice came from outside the garden, “The Emperor has arrived!”
The people engaged in conversation quickly made way to the sides.
Huangfu Yuchen looked up at Yan Ge and the Empress, smiling as he said, “You two couldn’t even wait for me. I will have to make you drink three cups of wine as a punishment.”
Yan Ge readily agreed, “No problem. But I’m afraid the Empress may not be able to handle the wine, so I will drink her share.”
The Empress’s laughter was melodious, “It’s better for the Emperor to drink Yan Caiqing’s share.”
Huangfu Yuchen said helplessly, “I have brought punishment upon myself.”
The people present heard his indulgent tone and once again silently sighed at the Emperor’s concern for Yan Ge. However, the close relationship between the Empress and Yan Ge also alleviated their concerns about any disharmony between the Emperor and the Empress.
After Huangfu Yuchen ascended the high platform, everyone knelt down, chanting, “Long live, the Emperor!”
“Rise, everyone, and take your seats.”
“Thank you, Emperor.”
In the center of the high platform was a golden chair, and on each side were two tables, making a total of three seats. Everyone assumed that the Emperor and the Empress would sit in the center, with the Crown Prince and Yan Ge on the left and right sides. But when they looked up, they saw Huangfu Yuchen and the Crown Prince sitting in the center, with the Empress and Yan Ge on either side.
Huangfu Yuchen would avoid sitting together with the Empress if he could. Allowing the Crown Prince to sit together with Yan Ge didn’t violate the rules of etiquette, as the Crown Prince was the future Emperor, and no one could find fault with that.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Today’s banquet is to celebrate the success of all the talented scholars who have become Jinshi. First, I offer a toast to all of you.”
The Jinshi raised their cups, stood up, and exclaimed, “Thank you, Emperor,” before drinking the toast.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “Each of you has distinguished yourselves among the many talents in the country, showing exceptional knowledge. In the future, you will all be pillars of the court. You should be strict with yourselves, strive for progress, and I look forward to hearing your names from the mouths of the ministers again.”
“Thank you for your wise words, Emperor. We will remember your teachings and be loyal to the sovereign, serve the country, and alleviate the worries of the people!”
“Very good!” Huangfu Yuchen said, “Let the feast begin. You all need not feel restrained; enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”
“We will follow your decree!”
Jiang Gan said, “Your Majesty, the moonlight is beautiful tonight, the wine is exquisite, and the women are enchanting. How about composing poetry and engaging in a poetic duel to enhance the mood? What does Your Majesty think?”
“What do you think, Yan Caiqing?” Huangfu Yuchen didn’t want to stay at the banquet too long .After all, there was another purpose for the banquet today, and his presence would make it awkward for everyone.
Yan Ge was experiencing such a grand court gathering for the first time and was somewhat interested. But seeing that Huangfu Yuchen wasn’t enthusiastic, he cunningly teased Jiang Gan, “Good idea. I’ve heard that Prime Minister Wen is exceptionally talented. Why don’t you start first?”
Jiang Gan wiped his sweat and thought, ‘Yan Caiqing, we went through a lot of difficult times together during the southern expedition. There’s no need to set me up like this.’
Huangfu Yuchen smiled, “Hmm, everyone knows that Prime Minister Wen is highly knowledgeable. Xiao Ge, if you don’t believe it, you can test him with a question.”
The two of them played off each other.
Jiang Gan could only comply, “I will follow the order.”
Yan Ge smiled and pursed his lips. “Your Majesty, I do have a couplet in mind, but I am concerned that Prime Minister Wen might not be able to respond to it.”
Jiang Gan’s scalp tingled. Could Yan Caiqing’s couplet be that difficult?
The rest of the people were eagerly waiting to see what would happen.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “You underestimate Prime Minister Wen. Isn’t that right, Prime Minister Wen?””
Under everyone’s gaze, Jiang Gan reluctantly stood up. “I am not talented, but I will do my best.”
Yan Jin smiled and affectionately held Jiang Gan’s hand. “Father, don’t worry. Even if you can’t answer, there are so many talented scholars here.”
Everyone burst into laughter. Wasn’t this son too adorable? He was openly mocking his own father.
Jiang Gan helplessly patted Yan Jin’s little head.
Yan Caiqing said, “Since that’s the case, please listen to the couplet: ‘Gazing at the river tower, gazing at the flowing river; beneath the river tower, gazing at the flowing river. The river tower lasts for eternity, as does the flowing river.’”
“An excellent couplet, excellent!” Duke You chuckled and nodded at Song Chaobang.
Song Chaobang also smiled and nodded. “Indeed. The brilliance of this couplet lies in its multiple interpretations and various artistic conceptions. Coming up with a suitable response is not easy.”
The ministers and talented scholars pondered over a suitable response for the couplet. They whispered and discussed in hushed voices, expressing their admiration for the difficulty of this couplet.
After a moment of pacing, Jiang Gan smiled. “I have come up with a response.”
“Oh?” Yan Caiqing nodded. “Prime Minister Wen is truly worthy of his reputation.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “How about this? Prime Minister Wen, write down your response to the couplet, and the other scholars can also try to come up with a response. It’s a good opportunity for the consorts who are about to be dismissed to witness the talent of these scholars.”
As writing the response and placing it on the table, Jiang Gan glanced at Yan Caiqing and said to Huangfu Yuchen, “Your Majesty, to be honest, I have long admired Yan Caiqing’s talent, and I believe that the scholars who have come from afar have also heard of his reputation. Since Yan Caiqing has presented such an exquisite couplet, I am confident that he can also come up with a response to the couplet. How about after the other scholars and I have presented our responses, Yan Caiqing also presents his response to the couplet?”
