Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 352 Spring Breeze and Galloping Young Man [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]

Outside Donghua Gate, the ceremony of announcing names was completed.

Guided by officials from the Ministry of Rites, the newly appointed scholars tidied their appearance, lined up, and entered the palace through the Donghua Gate to pay their respects at the Jiying Hall.

The palace road was long and paved with blue bricks. High red walls stood on both sides, and imperial guards stood solemnly with halberds and axes in hand, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

At the very front of the group, Lu Beigu, dressed in a blue robe, walked with an upright and steady gait, but only he himself knew how turbulent his heart was at that moment.

In Jiying Hall, the fragrance is thick and misty.

Inside the hall, the floor was paved with gold bricks, the coffered ceiling hung high, and a large sandalwood table was placed in front of the pillars, on which were piled up the green robes and other gifts that had been prepared in advance.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was already seated on the throne. Although his face still looked slightly tired, just like during the palace examination, due to his lingering cold, his gaze still revealed a look of satisfaction when he swept over the newly promoted talents under the prince.

More than 300 newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) entered the hall in order, arranged according to their rank, and then, guided by officials from the Ministry of Rites, bowed and paid their respects in unison.

The sound waves echoed through the majestic palace, all filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites, holding yellow scrolls, once again loudly announced the names of the top three scholars in the first-class examination, who were to come before the Emperor to express their gratitude.

"Having passed the imperial examination with top honors, and being designated first by imperial decree, Lu Beigu of Luzhou comes forward to express his gratitude—"

Lu Beigu stepped forward in response, and then a palace attendant came forward to lead him to the emperor to express his gratitude.

He stepped forward according to protocol, bowed again, and stood respectfully with his head bowed.

Zhao Zhen looked at him and said.

"Your Excellency, raise your head and let me have a good look at you."

Lu Beigu looked up at the sound, and sunlight shone obliquely through the palace door, illuminating his young face.

Zhao Zhen saw that he had an exceptionally handsome face, deep-set eyes, clear and firm gaze, and the youthful vigor unique to an eighteen-year-old boy. For a moment, he was somewhat lost in thought.

"If my sons were still alive, they would probably all have grown into such handsome young men by now, wouldn't they?"

A thought flashed through Zhao Zhen's mind, and he felt slightly saddened, his expression becoming even more complicated.

However, after carefully examining him for a moment, he slowly nodded and said gently, "Good, indeed you are a man of great talent and imposing presence. I have read your examination essay and found it to be full of knowledge and outstanding insight. Now, seeing your demeanor, I feel that your reputation is well-deserved. I hope that when you enter the court in the future, you will be able to realize your ambitions, become a pillar of the country, and live up to my expectations."

"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree!"

Lu Beigu's voice was clear and melodious, like the clinking of gold and jade, echoing in the silent hall.

He bowed deeply once again, his composed and confident demeanor drawing the attention of many in the hall.

Then, the eunuch announced: "Bestow upon him—a green robe, a white tablet, and a yellow silk shirt!"

A eunuch bowed and picked up a set of neatly folded green silk robe, ivory white tablet, and pale yellow silk shirt from the sandalwood table in front of the pillar.

This was a special privilege granted to all those who passed the imperial examinations, symbolizing the easy transition from commoner to official. It was a very important ceremony.

Lu Beigu respectfully accepted the garment with both hands above his head. The fabric was smooth and slightly cool to the touch, clearly made of the finest materials.

"—The top scholar will present a poem of thanks," the eunuch said again.

According to custom, after the robes were bestowed, the three members of the first rank were required to each compose a poem of gratitude to demonstrate their talent and appreciation of the emperor's favor.

However, the requirements for this kind of poem are not strict; one can simply compose a poem to express gratitude for the official ranking.

Lu Beigu calmed himself down, pondered for a moment, and then recited the poem aloud.

"On the imperial throne, he received imperial favor and his announcements were louder than those of Jianzhang Palace."

The Emperor himself inscribed his calligraphy, and a new brocade robe was bestowed upon him with the fragrance of incense from the imperial burner.

Springtime is as vast as the sea in the heavens, and three hundred sergeants stand tall on the field.

"I vow to serve my holy Lord with utmost loyalty, and strive diligently to illuminate the path ahead."

The poem was completed, and the hall fell silent.

Although hastily written, the wording is skillful and the gratitude is deep, while also expressing a desire to serve others, making it quite appropriate.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, his face showing approval.

His gaze swept over Lu Beigu, and as if on a whim, he whispered something to Deng Xuanyan beside him.

Deng Xuanyan immediately bowed and then announced loudly, "His Majesty has decreed that the top scholar, Lu Beigu, is exceptionally talented and insightful, which greatly pleases His Majesty. Therefore, he is hereby bestowed with a golden lychee belt to signify this great honor!"

Upon hearing this decree, a series of very faint gasps filled the hall, and countless gazes instantly focused on Lu Beigu.

Golden Lychee Belt!

This was no ordinary favor; it was a precious belt buckle that only officials of the fourth rank or above could wear. It was made of gold and engraved with lychee patterns, making it exquisite and symbolizing a high status.

If it were not bestowed by the emperor, no one below the fourth rank would have had the opportunity to wear it.

But now, the Golden Lychee Belt has been exceptionally bestowed upon a newly appointed top scholar who has just passed the imperial examination and has not yet been granted an official position!

Upon hearing this, even Zhang Heng and Dou Bian, who were standing to the side, showed a hint of undisguised shock.

Lu Beigu was also startled and quickly bowed again: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Zhao Zhen looked at the young scholar who was bowing in gratitude, raised his hand slightly, and said in a gentler tone, "I hope you will not disappoint me."

The expectation in his words was already evident.

Subsequently, Zhang Heng and Dou Bian also stepped forward to express their gratitude and present poems. Although they were also granted a set of three green robes, they received no further rewards.

Not long after, a palace attendant entered the hall carrying a vermilion lacquered tray covered with bright yellow brocade. He came to Lu Beigu and on it was a jeweled belt that shone with gold and was carved with intricate lychee patterns.

Lu Beigu solemnly accepted the gold belt with both hands. It felt solid in his hands, and the cold metallic touch and exquisite patterns all demonstrated this extraordinary favor.

The audience ceremony is complete.

The newly appointed scholars once again expressed their gratitude to the Emperor, and under the guidance of the officials in charge of ceremonies, bowed as they left the Jiying Hall.

As Lu Beigu stepped out of the Jiying Hall, carrying the heavy green robe and the dazzling gold lychee belt, the sunlight poured down on him without reservation.

Su Shi was the first to approach Lu Beigu, looking at the dazzling gold lychee belt in his hand with amazement. He lowered his voice and said, "Golden lychee belt! This is an extraordinary favor! The Emperor really favors you!"

Cui Wenjing patted his shoulder forcefully, his voice particularly loud with joy, and exclaimed, "His Majesty's generous gift shows the high expectations he has for you!"

Su Zhe followed closely behind, and even he, usually so composed, was now very excited: "Brother Lu, you have won the highest honor in the world, and have also received such a great favor from His Majesty. This is truly an unprecedented glory for the scholars of Sichuan! Today is truly a double celebration!"

"Congratulations, my worthy brother! This is an unprecedented honor!"

Even the usually quiet Zeng Gong offered his congratulations when he passed by.

The atmosphere among the Fujian scholars was even more complicated upon seeing this.

Zhang Heng's expression remained calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. When Lin Xi, Zhang Dun, Lü Huiqing, and the others glanced at the gold belt, they quickly looked away, whispering amongst themselves, unable to hide their bitterness.

When his friend Zhang Zai passed by, he chuckled and interjected, "Lu Shengyuan, no, he should be called Lu Zhuangyuan now! When we serve in the same court in the future, I hope you will take good care of me!"

Although it was a joke, it also conveyed a sense of intimacy.

Needless to say, Shen Kuo, as a partner, even went so far as to touch the Golden Lychee Belt.

On the way from Jiying Hall to the left side gate, even some unfamiliar scholars from various regions cast envious and admiring glances, or bowed in greeting from afar. Lu Beigu felt as if he were surrounded by people, with congratulations ringing in his ears.

It wasn't until he walked out of the left side gate and went to the special changing room next door that Lu Beigu had a chance to take a closer look at the lychee-colored gold belt.

His fingertips traced the delicate lines, which seemed to be not patterns, but rather the traces of his journey.

The crisp, cold air of morning study sessions at the Hejiang County School, the friends studying alongside me; the late nights spent studying diligently in the library of the Luzhou State School, the dim light of the oil lamp, the chirping of insects outside the window; the tense preparations before the literary battle at Ma Jiliang Garden, the breathless concentration during the debate with Lin Xi; the biting wind and snow in the provincial examination hall, the fingers almost unable to hold the pen, that essay, "On the Middle Tang Dynasty," which I felt was not perfect; the determination when, during the palace examination, I concentrated and calmed myself, integrating the teachings of my mentor Song Xiang and the experience of Feng Jing into my writing, as I penned "Ode to the People's Supervisor"; the heart pounding like a drum outside the Donghua Gate while waiting for the results to be announced, the momentary daze upon hearing my name at the top of the list.
Even more thrilling was the framing scandal.

When his brother-in-law Jia Yan was imprisoned and he was almost unable to participate in the palace examination, if it weren't for his mentor Song Xiang's all-out protection, if it weren't for Princess Fukang's intervention in the palace, if it weren't for Tian Kuang's slight hesitation and delay, and if it weren't for Wang Anshi's help in playing the Empty City Stratagem, how could he be standing here now, holding the ceremonial robe and gold belt?
Along his journey, he experienced the loneliness of years of hard study, the joy of fame, the challenges of encountering formidable enemies, and the perilous uncertainty of his future.

All of this has now transformed into the weighty honor in my hands and the even heavier responsibility on my shoulders.

The emperor's special favor, this golden lychee belt, is an honor and an appreciation, but isn't it also an invisible constraint? It has pushed him to the forefront of public attention, but it has also placed him in the eye of the storm.

His road ahead will be anything but smooth.

He recalled the shocking records in his late father's manuscripts, and even more so, the shadowy figure of Jia Changchao hidden behind the scenes.

but--

Lu Beigu took a deep breath, slowly suppressing the surging emotions in his chest, and his gaze gradually became firm.

Having crossed the Dragon Gate, one is destined for great success!
He will use his life to investigate old cases and clear his family's name!
He wanted to dedicate himself to governing the world and helping the people!
He wants to use his life to restore a bright and clear world to the world!
With his mind made up, Lu Beigu's inner turmoil gradually subsided, replaced by an unprecedented clarity.

In the dressing room, he took off his old blue robe and put on a brand-new green robe symbolizing his success in the imperial examination. He tightened the belt and carefully fastened the gold lychee belt bestowed by the emperor around his waist.

He felt the gold belt was heavy, and it even seemed to be pulling his clothes down.

However, when he straightened his clothes and walked out of the dressing room next to the left side gate, everyone waiting outside was pleasantly surprised.

Lu Beigu was dressed in a brand-new green silk robe, the flowing fabric accentuating his tall and imposing figure, exuding a commanding presence.

The gold lychee belt around his waist was dazzling and complemented his handsome appearance perfectly. It was no exaggeration to say that he was "elegant and dashing".

"What a remarkable young scholar!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

Su Shi clapped his hands without hesitation and praised, "Buddha needs gold plating, and people need clothes. This outfit truly deserves the title of top scholar!"

At this moment, the official in charge of ceremonies, who had been waiting, stepped forward and handed a delicate silk whip to Lu Beigu.

This is a privilege reserved for the top scholar in the imperial examination.

He then loudly proclaimed, "Please, Scholar, mount your horse!"

Fine horses, all with bright saddles and bridles, had already been prepared outside the palace.

The lead white horse was particularly magnificent, its body pure white without any stray hairs, its saddle covered with a large red brocade pad, and its forehead adorned with a red tassel, making it appear exceptionally majestic.

Lu Beigu, holding the silk whip and stepping on the stirrups, deftly mounted his horse with graceful movements, eliciting another murmur from the onlookers.

Using the height of his tall horse, Lu Beigu looked out onto the open palace road.

Outside the palace gates, the imperial guards and numerous ceremonial regalia were already prepared.

An even grander procession and banquet await him, the newly crowned champion who has been the center of attention.

Of course, some people can ride horses while others can't, but those who can't ride will definitely have someone help them lead the horse.

Once everyone else had mounted their horses on their own or been helped onto them, they slowly arrived outside the palace gates.

At this time, the imperial guards outside the palace had already lined up in formation.

These armored cavalrymen carried ceremonial guards or banners, among which the most eye-catching were dozens of yellow banners fluttering in the wind. Each banner was inscribed with poems in red ink, such as "Riding a horse in the spring breeze, one can see all the flowers of Chang'an in a day" and "The name of the person on the list of successful candidates is clearly displayed, and one can clearly see a branch of spring." These are all famous lines from the past.

"Let's set off!" the master of ceremonies shouted.

Immediately, drums and music resounded, and ceremonial guards cleared the way.

Lu Beigu took the lead, lightly urging his white horse with a silk whip. He could tell that the horse was well-trained, and it took off with just a slight signal, moving quickly with small steps.

Zhang Heng and Dou Bian followed closely behind, followed by a group of successful candidates in the imperial examinations.

The procession exited Donghua Gate and entered the Imperial Street, where the real spectacle began.

The streets were already packed with people, a sea of ​​heads.

The people of Kaifeng turned out in droves, crowding the streets to catch a glimpse of the new top scholar. Windows, rooftops, and even tree trunks were filled with people, and children rode on their parents' shoulders, waving their newly bought paper windmills and shouting excitedly.

The honor guard marched in a grand procession, with yellow banners fluttering in the wind, shining brightly in the spring sunshine.

Although the Imperial Guards led the way to maintain order, they could not dampen the enthusiasm of the people.

When the procession of horses parading through the streets arrived, the entire Imperial Street seemed to erupt in chaos, with all sorts of sounds merging into a rolling wave that soared into the sky.

"Look! The top scholar is here!"

"What a young top scorer!"

"What a handsome young man!"

"That gold belt is really impressive!"

Cheers, exclamations, and discussions surged forth like a tidal wave, almost turning the entire city of Tokyo upside down.

The wealthy families along the street competed to set up colorful tents and hang colorful curtains, and the young ladies of every household hid behind the curtains, secretly watching this young scholar who had become famous at a young age.

Many common girls crowded in front of the embroidered pavilion window, their handkerchiefs almost crumpled in their hands, their eyes still fixed on that handsome figure.

Occasionally, some daring girls would throw handkerchiefs, sachets, or even flowers from upstairs, landing them in front of Lu Beigu's horse.

Seeing that someone had landed accurately, the crowd burst into good-natured laughter, while the girl who threw the sachet was so embarrassed that she immediately shrank back behind the window, leaving only the window screen trembling slightly.

When the procession reached Longjin Bridge outside Zhuque Gate, the scene became even more spectacular.

The Longjin Bridge was packed with people on both sides, with those behind standing on tiptoe and those in front craning their necks even as they were squeezed against the stone railings.

A few mischievous boys even climbed onto the stone lions at the bridgehead. They were chased down by the patrolling constables with laughter and scolding, but they were not angry and quickly disappeared back into the crowd.

As Lu Beigu's white horse reached the highest point of Longjin Bridge, the spring sunshine shone down, making his green robe gleam and his golden lychee belt dazzling, as if he were bathed in golden light.

In an instant, cheers erupted, drowning out even the sound of the Bian River flowing by.

And in the midst of this bustling and magnificent human spectacle, in this glorious moment that thousands eagerly await to witness,

Lu Beigu sat upright on his horse, the spring breeze caressing his face and ruffling the hair at his temples. He lightly held the silk whip, his gaze sweeping over the cheering crowds on both sides, his heart surging with emotion.

At that moment, he remembered many things, and a thousand thoughts surged into his mind.

A moment later, it transformed into a clear shout.

"drive!"

Lu Beigu spurred his horse on, full of youthful vigor and high spirits!

Seeing this, the onlookers were completely agitated!

The procession passed over the state bridge in a grand procession, turned onto the main street inside the Nanxun Gate, and finally headed towards the market fair next to the Imperial Examination Hall in the outer city.

Cheers and applause filled the air along the way, and the entire city of Tokyo seemed to be boiling over for this young champion!
(End of this chapter)