Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 132 The Examination Hall, where the sword will finally break free from its cocoon!
Upon seeing this, the academic administrator Du Jingchen was taken aback at first, then shook his head and smiled bitterly.

Jiang Xingzhou's method of deconstructing articles seems simple. He can deconstruct this imagery into three interdependent and complementary literary techniques: [moonset], [crow's cry], and [moonset and crow's cry].

It seems simple.
But if you really go and learn this method,
However, it was discovered that designing the same poetic and literary style using other languages ​​was as difficult as ascending to heaven!

He thought of phrases like "stars sink and cranes cry," "tides rise and dragons roar," and "flowers burn and butterflies dream," all of which were several levels below "the moon sets and crows cry." He could hardly find any other similar phrases that could surpass the imagery of "the moon sets and crows cry."

Even if it is written as poetry or prose, it may not be able to [go beyond the county or town].

Ultimately, it is the beauty and profound meaning of the essay "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" that led to its popularity in Mingzhou.

"That's enough! Xingzhou, don't make things difficult for them anymore!"

Du Jingchen stroked his beard and sighed, but a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"I originally thought that as a scholar, your explanations of literature would be simple and easy to understand."
Who would have thought that your "three-step deconstruction" method would be more profound than my decades of literary studies, to the point that even scholars and officials find it obscure and difficult to understand!

Du Jingchen flicked his sleeves, turned to face the students, and said, "The essence of writing lies in naturalness."

Where your heart leads, inspiration will flow, and your pen will follow your every stroke!
As for how much power literature and art can wield, that's up to fate!

If you were to delve into the inherent nuances of language—the interplay of yin and yang, the mutual generation and restraint of ideas—before putting pen to paper, you probably wouldn't even dare to utter a single classical phrase!

He waved his hand dismissively: "Such methods of deconstructing literature are best left to those old scholars in the Hanlin Academy to figure out!"

"Yes! I will heed your teachings!"

The scholars and candidates in the hall felt as if they had been granted a pardon, wiping away their cold sweat and repeatedly agreeing.

Du Jingchen glanced at the three unconscious men and said indifferently, "Take Wang Yuan and the others back to the manor to rest. They will wake up in three days."

—But after these three wake up, they will probably have "bell-ringing nightmares" for several days, trembling at the sound of bells.

Wuyi Lane.

Wang Family Mansion.

The candlelight flickered red, and the sandalwood incense wafted in the air.

Wang Su and Xie Yuheng, two venerable scholars of the Hanlin Academy, stood with their hands behind their backs, their faces as solemn as iron.

The three scholars on the bed were unconscious, their faces pale and their breathing disordered. They were Wang Yuan and others, the most outstanding young scholars from the twelve families of Jinling.

"The martial arts competition at the Jiangnan Examination Hall. The three of them, working together, couldn't defeat Jiang Xingzhou, a mere scholar?"

Wang Su's face was gloomy, his knuckles were white, and the jade thumb ring creaked in his palm.

Wang Moqing bowed his head and reported, "My cousin originally intended to use the martial arts demonstration as an opportunity to test Jiang Xingzhou's strength and prepare for future actions. However, he did not expect that Jiang Xingzhou would possess the Mingzhou literary treasure, 'A Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,' which is truly formidable!"

This test, on the contrary, caused the Wang, Xie, and Lu families of Jinling to lose face once again!

The candle flame popped open with a "pop," creating a small flower.

Wang Su and Xie Yuheng sat facing each other, lost in thought, the Longjing tea in their cups long since cooled.

"Xie Weiyu and Wang Wan are both daughters of prominent families from the twelve great clans of Jinling, and the apples of their eyes."

Xie Yuheng suddenly sneered, picked up his teacup, and the celadon lid scraped against the rim of the cup with a harsh sound. "How many noble families in Jiangnan have worn out their doors, yet they have been politely refused by a poor scholar!" His words ended with a disgruntled snort.

Wang Su lightly tapped the table with his knuckles, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"I originally thought that since the soft approach didn't work, the twelve powerful families of Jinling would have a thousand and one ways to make him bow down."

His voice was deep, his fingertips slowly tracing the rim of the teacup, "If he still doesn't know what's good for him... then we might as well—"

The words were left unsaid, yet colder than a blade.

Wang Su frowned, his teacup already cold, yet he still gripped it tightly: "But now, he has entered the Jiangnan Examination Hall and become the teaching assistant of the Provincial Education Commissioner Du Jingchen."

“Du Jingchen…”

Wang Su chewed on these three words as if biting into a piece of unshakeable ice from Jiangnan Road.

No one dared to confront this solid ice head-on!

What's even more troublesome is that Jiang Xingzhou possesses the [Mingzhou] literary treasure, and even three ordinary scholars working together cannot defeat him!

He won't eat soft food;

He was fearless despite the hardship!

"late."

Wang Su suddenly sighed, “This boy now has the literary treasure of Mingzhou by his side, and he has also gained the favor of Du Jingchen. All his methods are ineffective!”
To try and harm him again is now virtually impossible!

Amidst the ticking of the water clock,

The two powerful and influential scholars of the Hanlin Academy, who held immense influence in Jiangnan, were simultaneously overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness they had never experienced before.

That person in the blue robe was clearly alone, yet he stood like a rock, unmoving, blocking their way!

"Time is like sand slipping through your fingers."

Wang Su stared at the sand falling into the bronze water clock, his voice deep and cold, "Two months later, the autumn imperial examinations will be held. If we allow him to win the title of Juren and Jieyuan again..."
He achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations, becoming the top scholar in Jiangnan Province.

From then on, in Jiangnan, who could do anything to him?

Wang Su seemed to already see that figure in the blue robe, standing at the top of the list—at that time, even the top scholars and candidates from the twelve powerful families of Jinling, who were once considered their most prized possessions, would have to relinquish their positions.

Furthermore, he will seize many significant benefits, including the title of one of the "Four Great Talents of Jiangnan."

—This boy has become a major threat to the twelve powerful families of Jinling!
Wang Su and Xie Yuheng exchanged a glance, both reading the same solemnity in each other's eyes.

Dusk was falling over the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

The courtyard was exceptionally quiet after school, and the gray-blue walls gradually disappeared into the twilight.

The Imperial Education Commissioner, Du Jingchen, walked with his hands behind his back, a corner of his wide Confucian robe being gently lifted by the wind.

Jiang Xingzhou lagged half a step behind, still holding a workbook that needed to be organized.

In his letter of recommendation, Mr. Zhou Dunshi mentioned the poetry gathering of the Twelve Masters of Jinling.

You have caused the sons of the twelve powerful clans to lose face in front of all the literati in the city. The powerful clans of Jinling will certainly not let this go.

Today, Wang Yuan and the other scholars are deliberately testing us.

Du Jingchen suddenly stopped, his gaze sharp.

He didn't stop him, wanting to see Jiang Xingzhou's literary skills—and the result pleased him greatly.

“Students understand.”

Jiang Xingzhou paused in his steps.

In the twilight, Jiang Xingzhou's profile was clearly defined, his expression calm, as if he were talking about something completely ordinary.

Du Jingchen admired Jiang Xingzhou's calm and composed demeanor, then suddenly changed the subject: "Do you know why His Majesty despises powerful and aristocratic families?"

His gaze was like a quenched blade, exceptionally bright in the deepening night.

Jiang Xingzhou remained silent for a moment.

He was unaware of the true attitude of the academic officials towards aristocratic families.

but,

Since the education commissioner was aware of this matter, yet still kept him as an assistant instructor at the Jiangnan Examination Hall, it seems that Lord Du must not have a good relationship with the powerful families of Jinling.

"These are just my humble opinions."

After a moment's thought, Jiang Xingzhou cupped his hands and said, "Powerful families only care about their own selfish interests, forming cliques and suppressing dissent, while disregarding the safety of the nation."

Such parasites that erode the state are naturally despised by the ruler!

Before he finished speaking,

Du Jingchen suddenly burst into laughter, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Among the students of the Jiangnan Examination Hall, you, Jiang Xingzhou, are probably the only one who dares to speak so frankly about the evils of aristocratic families!"

He raised his hand and pointed outside the examination hall.

In the twilight, the rows of houses in Wuyi Lane resemble a lurking beast, with vermilion gates and high walls standing imposingly, and eaves that curve upwards like sharp claws, as if they want to seize the entire city of Nanjing in their palms.

His voice suddenly turned cold: "In this city of Jinling—vermilion gates connect to vermilion gates, and high walls stand side by side with high walls."

Among the twelve powerful families of Jinling, have they ever spoken of right and wrong?
The powerful clans were bound together by marriage and old friendships, and regarded the imperial court as their private property.

When forming cliques for personal gain, they pounce on their prey like hungry tigers, but when the nation is in peril, they stand idly by.

The Wang and Xie families of Jinling regarded the successful candidates in the provincial and metropolitan examinations of Jiangnan, as well as the senior officials of the three provinces and six ministries of the imperial court, as their own.

Anyone who dares to obstruct his career or cut off his benefits will be met with a fight to the death!

Jiang Xingzhou looked out of the Jiangnan Examination Hall. The Wuyi Lane on the opposite bank of the Qinhuai River became even more sinister in the twilight. The flying eaves and brackets were like interlocking fangs, like a giant mouth ready to devour people.

Unfortunately...

Du Jingchen said in a deep voice, "The Great Zhou Dynasty has ten circuits, three hundred and sixty prefectures, and one thousand five hundred counties. From the highest court to the farthest reaches of the Jianghu, which place is not the domain of powerful clans and aristocratic families?"
Fifty percent of the officials in the court were sons of powerful and influential families; the remaining thirty percent, though not direct descendants, had formed alliances and marriage ties with various families, creating a complex and intertwined network.

All told, powerful clans account for 70% of the total.

Du Jingchen sneered, "The remaining 20% ​​are either royalty, imperial relatives, or powerful noble families. Less than eleven are truly from humble backgrounds!"

Although His Majesty dislikes powerful clans, the court has no one else to rely on and has no choice but to use scions of these clans! He has even been forced to use meritorious officials and relatives of the emperor to suppress them!

Du Jingchen sighed and looked toward the setting sun that was gradually disappearing in the distance.

He suddenly smiled, a deep meaning hidden in the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes: "Then do you know why I, an old man, am willing to offend the powerful families of Jinling in order to keep you in the examination hall?"
"Given your humble origins, impeccable family background, and complete ties with powerful families, if you were to achieve the highest rank in the Jiangnan Circuit, when you meet the Emperor in the Golden Palace—" he suddenly lowered his voice, each word like a nail, "you would surely gain His Majesty's favor!"

The examination hall suddenly became exceptionally quiet in the twilight, even the sound of the wind seemed to freeze.

Jiang Xingzhou saw the light flickering in the eyes of the Academician, like the cold light of candlelight reflected on a sword blade.

"Your Majesty needs a sharp blade forged from humble origins to cleave through these deeply entrenched powerful clans and suppress their arrogance!"

You, a scholar from a humble background, have entered the imperial court and come into the Emperor's sight!

The more you offend powerful clans, the greater the Emperor's favor you will receive! If you cower and retreat before these clans, you are destined not to be valued by His Majesty.

As Du Jingchen turned around, his official boots crushed a withered leaf. He smiled and said, "So, you don't need to care about the Twelve Families of Jinling in Jiangnan Road at all!"
Do whatever you want!
Just write whatever article you want!

So be it!
It's not just Your Majesty; even we officials from the capital are deeply constrained by local powerful clans.

Even if you cause a huge disaster in Jiangnan Road, this school will still support you!
The governor will also silently support you.

He suffered considerable humiliation at the hands of these powerful clans in Jiangnan. Only by suppressing the powerful clans of Jinling could he, as the governor, effectively implement his policies.

If your poems and essays offend the scions of the powerful families of Jinling, he will only be pleased, not reprimand you.

Jiang Xingzhou suddenly noticed that there was a shimmering light reflected in the smiling eyes of the Academician.

seem,

What are you implying?
"If that's the case, then I understand!"

Jiang Xingzhou suddenly smiled, a smile as clear and sharp as the moon reflected in a cold pool.

now,

He recalled a saying by the esteemed Zhou Dunyi: "Of the great power in Jiangnan Circuit, three-thirds are held by the powerful families of Jinling, three-thirds by the Prefect Wei Guanlan, and three-thirds by the Education Commissioner Du Jingchen."

Governor Wei Guanlan and Education Commissioner Du Jingchen were both at odds with the twelve powerful families of Jinling.

These two officials wanted to achieve political success and govern Jiangnan Circuit, but the powerful families of Jinling were not cooperating and instead created many obstacles.

As long as the governor and the academic official agree, they wield six-tenths of the power, enough to suppress the powerful clans of Jinling.

Since that's the case, he doesn't need to worry too much.

He didn't mind becoming a knife—only useful things are knives, useless things are just scrap metal.

Whether one is a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) or a Hanlin Academician, one may be a player in a prefecture or city, but in the Great Zhou Dynasty, one remains a pawn.

Only by becoming a Grand Academician, a Great Confucian Scholar, or a Sage can one be qualified to gradually advance as a player in the chess game of the entire Great Zhou Dynasty and become the one who controls the game in the world.

Jiang Xingzhou looked up at the lights of Wuyi Lane in the distance. From this day forward, it was time to change the game in this game of Jinling City.

If the Twelve Families of Jinling don't give up, don't blame him for being impolite!

Jiang Xingzhou bid farewell to the professor and returned to his dormitory at the Jiangnan Examination Hall. It was already dusk.

Although the single room is simple, it is quiet.

A wooden bed, a desk, an oil lamp, and bare walls; only an old plum tree outside the window stretches its branches, casting sparse shadows in the moonlight.

Compared to the ornately decorated inns in Jinling, this place suited his taste better—he was on his way to Jinling for the imperial examinations, and after years of hard study, he shouldn't be seeking comfort.

"Brother Jiang, if you need anything, just call me Zhao Luan!"

A cheerful greeting came from the dormitory next door, and Jiang Xingzhou responded with a smile.

These scholars treated him warmly, and it wasn't insincere—in two months, the autumn imperial examination would be held, and with his talent as the top candidate in Jiangzhou Prefecture, he would at least obtain the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination).

If he were to perform as expected and become the top scholar in the provincial examination, he would certainly be vying for it.

After passing the exam, they became classmates at the Jiangnan Examination Hall!

Jiang Xingzhou gently stroked the stack of yellowed copies of the "Yin Fu Jing" in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips.

The oil lamp flickered, casting his shadow on the mottled wall, sometimes long, sometimes short.

The sound of the night watchman's clapper came from outside the window.

Jiang Xingzhou ground fresh ink, and gently scraped the edge of the inkstone with the tip of his brush—

"sand"

The faint sounds were exceptionally clear in the still night.

Place the mayfly on the table.

He spread out the Xuan paper and, as usual, spent an hour copying articles. Suddenly, he recalled the flickering flame in Du Xuetai's eyes during the day.

"A swordsman from a poor family!?"

Jiang Xingzhou chuckled.

To be honest, he didn't dare to write a satirical poem at the Qinhuai Poetry Gathering because he was afraid of insulting the Twelve Masters of Jinling too badly, and that they would all attack him in a fit of anger.

He was no match for so many powerful figures; he really couldn't afford to offend these top clans of Jiangnan.

However, if neither the Grand Secretary nor the Prefectural Governor mind, or even welcome it, then he need not care about aristocratic families.

"The Yin Fu Jing"

Heaven unleashes its murderous intent, shifting stars and changing constellations.

A murderous intent arose from the ground; dragons and snakes rose from the land.

When people unleash their murderous intent, the world is turned upside down.

His brushstrokes flowed like dragons and snakes, ink splashing onto the paper, spreading as deep as the night.

The Yin Fu Jing is a Taoist classic, not a text for the imperial examinations of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Usually, only Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and Hanlin scholars would study and comprehend it. It was a required literary skill for Hanlin scholars.

Jiang Xingzhou was not picky about books; he would read whatever books were available.

The professor at National Taiwan University only held three to five classes on classical texts each month, which always drew the attention of all the students. Jiang Xingzhou stood by his side, occasionally adding tea and grinding ink to assist him in his lectures.

Besides doing odd jobs for the students,
He spent the rest of his time reading and copying various classic texts and articles in this small room.

His studies were diverse, including the profound meanings of the Spring and Autumn Annals, the unification of the state as described in the Gongyang Commentary, and the duties of the six officials in the Rites of Zhou. His annotations in red ink were dense and covered with a spider web.

As the last rays of the setting sun faded from the windows of the library, Jiang Xingzhou's wolf-hair brush continued to dance in the shadows.

The desk was piled with not only the illustrations of the six officials in the "Rites of Zhou", but also secret military and medical texts borrowed from the library of the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

If other successful candidates in the imperial examinations were to see this, they would be shocked and pale – even those who had passed the highest level of the imperial examinations might not have read so many diverse classics.

Those interwoven annotations in red and black ink resemble a spider web, within which lies the glint of a sword that will eventually emerge.
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(End of this chapter)