Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 350 Jane is in the Emperor’s Heart

the next morning.

Just after Chenshi (7-9 AM), the warm spring sunshine had already bathed the streets inside Chenzhou Gate.

After having a simple breakfast, Lu Beigu strolled alone toward the old Lu family residence.

After the tension of the past few days, strolling through the streets full of everyday life, his mood was surprisingly relaxed.

From afar, the house gate came into view. The original mottled appearance had been covered with new paint, and the door knocker and door knocker had been replaced with brass, which gleamed in the sunlight.

The door was ajar, and there were sounds coming from inside, indicating that renovations were still underway.

Lu Beigu couldn't come before, but he had to come today. After all, when it comes to renovations, if you don't keep an eye on the shop, the construction workers might end up with something terrible.

Moreover, he had previously enjoyed all the privileges of the Imperial Academy as a student of the Guangwen Hall within the Imperial Academy.

But after the results of the palace examination are announced in a few days and he is officially appointed to an official position, he will no longer be able to maintain his status as a student of the Imperial Academy and the Guangwen Hall.

The officials at the Imperial Academy, including the assistant instructors, were all officially appointed by the imperial court. Yang Anguo couldn't possibly let Lu Beigu become an official at the Imperial Academy, could he? That would ruin his future.

Since he was neither a student nor an academic official, Lu Beigu certainly could not continue to live in the Imperial Academy.

No matter what, we'll have to move out of the Imperial College eventually, and it would be best to move back to the Lu family's old residence.

Of course, renovating an old house inevitably involves painting, which is harmful to the human body. It's best to leave it vacant for a few months to let the smell dissipate.

Lu Beigu hadn't decided where to stay during this time.

At Song Xiang's residence? That's definitely not appropriate. It's already quite generous of them to be able to stay there for two days amidst this turmoil.

As for her sister Lu Nanzhi's house, it was too small. She slept on a very narrow bed last night. This bed is usually folded up. Moreover, Jia An is at a lively and active age, so he was bound to make noise. It was not a very comfortable living environment.

The front shop of Chengmingzhai is a place where you can stay overnight after the shop closes. If that doesn't work, you can only make do there for a few months until the old Lu family residence is ready to be occupied.

With this on his mind, Lu Beigu walked to the door and glanced inside. He saw that the courtyard, which had previously been somewhat desolate and messy, had been completely transformed.

The original bricks in the courtyard were all pried off, and the messy weeds underneath were also pulled out cleanly. Then, a new row of blue bricks was laid, making it look neat and bright.

Two workers are carrying out the final step, which is filling the gaps.

However, the newly filled mortar between the blue bricks was not completely dry yet, and its color still appeared somewhat dark.

The old locust tree still has gnarled branches, but the fallen leaves and rotten branches that had accumulated under the tree for many years have disappeared, revealing the stone bench that has been worn smooth by time. This bench was deliberately preserved, and several clumps of lush green daylilies have been newly transplanted next to it.

The old well in the corner has changed the most. The old, dilapidated stone well curb has been replaced with a newly carved blue stone curb, which has been polished quite smoothly.

A brand-new elm wood windlass was erected at the wellhead, with palm rope wrapped around it, and even the bucket was brand new.

Craftsmen were drawing water from the well and splashing it around the courtyard to suppress the dust. The well water was clear and made a gurgling sound.

"Lord Lu has arrived!"

A sharp-eyed young craftsman was the first to spot Lu Beigu and stopped his work to greet him.

The other craftsmen also put down their tools, stood up respectfully, and the clanging sounds of their work in the courtyard temporarily ceased.

The Song Dynasty valued literature, and the annual palace examination and the announcement of names outside Donghua Gate were important events known to the people of Kaifeng. Therefore, they subconsciously assumed that Lu Beigu's absence these past few days meant he was preparing for and taking the palace examination.

After the palace examination, the results are usually released not long afterward, at which point Lu Beigu will officially become an official.

In addition, since Lu Beigu was the provincial champion, everyone felt that his final ranking would definitely not be low and his future prospects were limitless, so they showed him extra respect.

For ordinary families, home renovation is simply a matter of getting paid to do the work; they wouldn't have such a fawning attitude towards their employers.

Moreover, because they were more serious about their work, the actual construction period was completed ahead of schedule.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Lu Beigu nodded in response: "Is Manager Liu here?"

"Yes, yes, the shopkeeper is checking the materials and labor list in the main room."

The young craftsman quickly led the way.

Walking through the newly renovated corridor, the blue bricks underfoot are flat and solid, and the pillars have been repainted.

Upon entering the main house, one sees a bright and clean interior. The peeling paint on the walls has been removed and replaced with new plaster, highlighting the clear grain and smooth, warm texture of the newly laid pine wood flooring.

Sunlight streamed through the newly pasted window paper, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Manager Liu was facing away from the door, holding a long list, checking the items one by one with an apprentice beside him, occasionally tapping the items on the list with his knuckles.

"Shopkeeper, Master Lu has come to see us." The young craftsman called out from a dozen steps away.

Upon hearing the voice, Manager Liu turned around and saw that it was Lu Beigu. His wrinkled face immediately broke into a warm smile, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him.

"Master Lu, you've come at the right time! The house is mostly ready. Take a look, are you satisfied?"

He turned to the side and led Lu Beigu around the room, his tone carrying a hint of pride: "Look, we have carefully inspected these beams and pillars. Several hollow and rotten parts caused by insects have been repaired and reinforced with hardwood. They are very sturdy, and the outside has also been repainted."

"The main house looks nice. Let's go take a look at the side rooms."

As the two inspected the items, Manager Liu explained, "All the roof tiles have been replaced, guaranteeing absolutely no leaks. These doors and windows were all made to your specifications, using the finest cedar wood and crafted by the most skilled master craftsmen. The designs are elegant and rustic; look at the mortise and tenon joints, the carvings."

Lu Beigu's gaze slowly swept over the clean floor and brand-new lattice windows of the side room, and finally casually swept over the corner of the west wall.

That place was where the old cabinets used to be stored.

The hidden wall at the back did not escape the notice of the craftsmen, but when they saw it, they simply assumed it was a problem left over from the construction of the house.

Now, as per his request, a new multi-treasure pavilion has been built, its layout ingenious, completely concealing the entrance in the back wall, making it impossible for outsiders to discover its hidden secrets.

Of course, since these craftsmen all knew about it, Lu Beigu didn't intend to hide anything here; he simply kept it.

"Manager Liu, you've gone to great lengths. The renovation is progressing faster than I expected, and it looks quite tidy. Are all the materials used as stated in the contract?"

"Sir, you can rest assured! Our family has always relied on reputation to do business, and you are a very important person who will rise to great heights in the future. We should treat this as a good deed and do our best to build a good relationship!"

Manager Liu presented the list with both hands and said respectfully, "All the tiles, timber, paint, bricks, and even every single nail were purchased by me personally from familiar shops. I would never dare to use inferior materials. Here is a detailed account of the materials and labor. Every expense is recorded. You can check it at any time, sir."

Lu Beigu took the list but did not immediately flip through it. He simply held it in his hand and said calmly, "I naturally trust the shopkeeper's character and reputation. However, this house is of extraordinary significance to my Lu family. Every brick and tile is tied to old feelings, so I have to be extra cautious."

"Understand, understand!"

Manager Liu nodded repeatedly and praised, "Although you are young, sir, you are so calm and thoughtful in your actions. It is truly rare. The Lu family's reputation will be brought to glory in your hands."

Just then, the sound of carts and horses and the shouts of laborers came from outside the door. Before long, several burly laborers carried in brand-new furniture in single file; it was the elm and beech wood beds, tables, cabinets and other items that Lu Beigu had ordered.

As these solid wood furniture pieces were carefully placed in their designated spots, the once somewhat empty room was instantly filled with a more homely atmosphere.

Lu Beigu personally directed the laborers to place a large desk under the south window of the study, where the light was most abundant and bright.

He reached out and touched the smooth, cool tabletop; the wood grain was delicate, and the edges were rounded.

He imagined that soon he would be able to read, write, and plan for the future in this bright and clean place. The gloom that had lingered in his heart due to the framing seemed to have been dispelled by the new atmosphere in this house.

"A great man should manage his family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world. He still needs a family first! He's just missing a wife."

As Lu Beigu pondered, Manager Liu looked at the neatly arranged furniture and asked, "Sir Lu, at this rate, it should all be finished next month. Do you think we could choose the nearest auspicious day to move back in?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Beigu raised his gaze from his desk, looking over the brand-new window frame at the vibrant spring courtyard outside, and further away, at the rows of rooftops of Kaifeng.

"It's not urgent."

He said calmly, "It's not too late to make a decision after the results of the palace examination are released. We might have to leave it vacant for a few more months."

The renovation of an old house is certainly a joyous occasion and the first step in reviving the family's reputation.

But Lu Beigu knew very well that the final ranking in the imperial examination, which would truly determine his fate, was not yet settled.

at the same time.

Inside the Chuigong Hall, Zhao Zhen rubbed his throbbing temples; he had already personally reviewed quite a few examination papers.

At this moment, Deng Xuanyan walked in and quietly placed a stack of newly submitted documents on a corner of the imperial desk, clearly not daring to disturb the emperor's reading.

However, Zhao Zhen was looking for a change of pace, so he casually picked up the top one.

This was the final joint report from Kaifeng Prefecture and the Imperial City Guard regarding the Pei Degu case.

After reading it, Zhao Zhen frowned slightly.

"You're always causing me trouble."

Although Deng Xuanyan did not dare to speak, this subjectless statement clearly represented the official's attitude.

"According to the law, Pei Degu's case warrants exile to Shamen Island."

Zhao Zhen tapped the name "Jia Yan" with his fingertip: "This Japanese army captain has suffered an undeserved misfortune. Let him be transferred to the Xianping Dragon Cavalry as a battalion commander. They are short of officers there."

The Xianping Dragon Cavalry sounds impressive, but it was actually a group of bandits recruited from various places and reorganized in recent years.
Although he was transferred from the Fourth Army to a miscellaneous army, he was promoted a whole rank. His military rank and power were real, not a demotion in disguise. He would still be a battalion commander no matter which unit he was transferred to in the future.

As a result, Jia Yan officially entered the ranks of mid-level officers.

Deng Xuanyan understood that the Emperor intended to let the matter pass lightly, punishing the ringleader, appeasing the wronged, and not wanting to cause any further trouble before the results of the palace examination were announced.

After finishing the case, Zhao Zhen pushed the stack of documents aside, not intending to read any further.

He continued to review the examination papers.

This task is quite demanding, after all, each official has to review more than three hundred examination papers.

However, it's not that one person took on all the work of grading the papers. The quotations and interpretations were judged by the scholars, while the emperor mainly focused on the texts themselves.

To be precise, it is a theory of "fu" (赋) and "he" (论).

Zhao Zhen casually picked up an exam paper, his gaze sweeping over the name, which was Lu Beigu.

He perked up slightly and sat up straight.

First, examine the interpretations of the sutras that the scholars have already judged. There are no errors or omissions, and the handwriting is neat and vigorous, showing that the foundation is solid.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, without lingering any longer.

Upon reading the poem "The Phoenix Knife," one finds the lines: "The ritual implements were created by King Zhao, the Phoenix Knife embodies profound antiquity. How could it lack the sharpness to cut and slash? It only serves to repay one's original heart."

The poem is well-crafted and lofty in its intent. It not only closely adheres to the theme of "returning to the roots and studying the ancients," but also reveals a profound understanding of the core of the ritual system that transcends the object itself.

Zhao Zhen tapped the words "Only by keeping your original intention" lightly with his fingertips, and his eyes showed approval.

Next is the "Ode to the People's Supervisor".

The opening lines, "Heaven gives birth to the people and establishes them as herdsmen. The prosperity of governance lies in conforming to their desires; the decline of morality lies in going against their customs," are like the resounding voice of metal and stone, awakening the deaf and sagacious.

The essay is lengthy and elaborate, citing the rise and fall of the three dynasties, lamenting the mistakes of the Qin and Sui dynasties, and further expounding the principle that "the people are like water, which can carry and capsize; the ruler is like a boat, which should be vigilant and fearful."

Zhao Zhen read it very carefully, sometimes deep in thought, sometimes nodding slightly.

When he read the lines, “Follow the impartiality of Heaven and Earth, observe the hidden and concealed and practice accordingly. Do we merely look up at the celestial phenomena? We truly rely on observing public sentiment,” he couldn’t help but say to Deng Xuanyan, who was standing beside him.

"Of all the essays I have reviewed so far, Lu Beigu's 'Ode to the People's Supervision' is undoubtedly the best in terms of its overall structure and scope. Compared to other essays, which either get bogged down in a collection of allusions or fall into empty rhetoric, this essay is able to draw lessons from the past to address the fundamentals of governance. It is truly rare!"

Deng Xuanyan quickly stepped forward and respectfully looked at the examination paper on the imperial desk. Although he could not fully understand its ingenuity, he felt that the article was magnificent and he quickly responded in agreement.

"Your Majesty has discerning eyes. Lu Shengyuan is a young talent, and his essay in the palace examination shows even greater skill. This is truly a blessing for the Song Dynasty."

Zhao Zhen was in high spirits and picked up several other exam papers that he had previously thought were acceptable for comparison.

"Look at this one. The article is elegant and well-written, with beautiful language, but upon closer examination, it is nothing more than repeating the words of sages and lacking original insights. It is like a beautifully decorated screen, all show and no substance. Now look at this one. It does have some sharpness and points out the ills of the times, but it is too extreme. It is like a sharp blade without a sheath, which can easily hurt itself."

"Lu Beigu's writing is like unpolished gold and jade, possessing both sharpness and hidden quirks, combining reason and emotion, and deeply embodying the Doctrine of the Mean. Especially since he had experienced the turmoil of the previous day when he wrote this poem, there is not a trace of resentment in the writing. On the contrary, it appears even more profound and expansive. This kind of temperament is particularly valuable."

When Zhao Zhen finally reviewed "On the Repetition of Xun in Destiny," he saw that Lu Beigu was able to accurately grasp that "repetition of Xun" was not simply about being compliant, but rather emphasized that government orders must be based on the principle of moderation to penetrate people's hearts, and that the emperor and his ministers must communicate with sincerity in order to ensure smooth implementation. This also deeply resonated with his idea of ​​setting this question specifically because he was worried about the current state of the government.

"If all the ministers in the world could be of one mind with me in governing the country, the Song Dynasty would not be so difficult to govern."

Zhao Zhen became more and more satisfied as he looked at the painting, and the fatigue on his face seemed to have temporarily subsided.

"Excellently written."

Zhao Zhen picked up his vermilion brush and made his final judgment on Lu Beigu's exam paper.

Deng Xuanyan quietly took half a step back, stood with his hands at his sides, and pondered to himself.

Lu Beigu is clearly favored by the emperor, and after this ordeal, he is likely to rise to great heights.

After giving his vermilion comments, Zhao Zhen gently placed the outstanding exam paper on top of the list of papers he had already reviewed, his tone filled with anticipation: "After the names are announced outside Donghua Gate in a few days, at the Qionglin Banquet, I want to see for myself what kind of talent this young man is that Pei Degu is so wary of and that Huirou admires so much."

(End of this chapter)