Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 353 Achieving Four Top Honors in a Row, Unparalleled in the World! [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]

Lu Beigu rode his horse eastward from Nanxunmen Inner Street, through the bustling East Street, and following the guidance of the armored riders ahead, arrived at the examination hall on the east side of the Ministry of Rites Examination Hall.

This is a rather spacious official residence, with blue bricks and gray tiles, and the gate is wide open. Above the gate hangs a plaque with the three characters "Qiji Suo" (期集所).

Ancient cypress trees stand tall in front of the gate, and the spring sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The group dismounted one after another at a row of hitching posts next to the tree, and after tying their horses themselves or having their servants tie them up, they prepared to go inside.

According to the rules, the newly appointed scholars must complete the ceremony of "paying homage to the Yellow Emperor and reminiscing with their fellow graduates" here.

At this moment, three officials dressed in blue robes were already waiting by the table in front of the door.

They were the officials in charge of today's affairs: the name-listing official, the recorder, and the ceremony master.

The official in charge of inscribing names was located closer to them, with writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and a register of names on a table in front of him. All the successful candidates had to register their names here before entering the gate, which served as a kind of "registration office".

Lu Beigu was the first to register. Then, he walked towards the gate. At the other end of the table, there was a clerk with several beautifully bound booklets in front of him. He handed Lu Beigu a booklet.

Lu Beigu took it and read it; it was titled "A Brief Record of My Fellow Students".

He quickly flipped through the list with his finger; it contained the names of the successful candidates in the imperial examination of the second year of the Jiayou reign (1897), including each person's ranking, name, and place of origin.

"This 'College Ranking List' was obviously printed in advance. It's just unclear whether it was sent here after the results were posted outside Donghua Gate or sent in advance. If it was sent in advance, these people probably knew the rankings even before we did."

Lu Beigu looked at the booklet and pondered to himself.

However, their journey to the palace through the Donghua Gate actually took a considerable amount of time. Given the rigor of the Song Dynasty's imperial examination system, this booklet was probably printed in the palace and then sent over only after the names were called out outside the Donghua Gate.

The master of ceremonies blocking the doorway had a serious expression; he was clearly the one presiding over today's ceremony. He saw that Lu Beigu was flipping through a booklet and wasn't coming in, but he didn't urge him.

After Lu Beigu glanced at it quickly, he turned to the side and said.

"The top scholar should go in first."

Lu Beigu nodded to him in greeting, and then entered the meeting place.

The area occupied by the gambling den is not large, but the layout is well arranged. Although there are not many rooms, the open space enclosed on both sides is very spacious, making it appear bright and airy.

In the open space in front of both sides, hundreds of wooden chairs covered with brocade cushions were neatly arranged in several rows, facing east and west.

After registering and receiving their "College Records," everyone entered the meeting place one after another. However, since there was no set order, they all stayed in their own groups at will.

Once the official in charge of nominating names confirmed that everyone had arrived, the gate to the meeting place creaked shut.

The master of ceremonies announced loudly: "Those aged forty and above, please stand in the east corridor; those under forty, please stand in the west corridor. Let each of you get to know each other, exchange greetings, and later we will perform the ceremony of bowing to the yellow-robed elders and recognizing those of the same age!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd immediately suppressed their excitement from the parade and fell silent. They then lined up in the open space in front of the hall according to their age, and with a rustling of their clothes, they had already taken their places in order.

On the east corridor, there were mostly steady and composed middle-aged and even elderly people. They greeted each other with clasped hands, their greetings tinged with the感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of deep emotion or reflection) of having experienced the vicissitudes of life. On the west corridor, there were young talents, and the atmosphere was more lively. They introduced themselves to each other, and laughter filled the air.

Before this, although we had gone through exams and results together, to be honest, we had never actually had a chance to sit together and talk to each other.

As a result, Lu Beigu got to know many new people. Before this, the people he knew were actually connected by kinship ties such as being from the same hometown in Sichuan and by association ties such as the Qingsong Society.

However, although the small circles are closely connected, they cannot operate solely within them; it is still necessary to unite the majority.

Getting to know more people won't do him any harm.

Those who met Lu Beigu, the youngest top scholar since the founding of the Song Dynasty, mostly showed envy and respect.

Yes, Lu Beigu broke the record.

The youngest top scholar in the Song Dynasty was Wang Gongchen, who was the top scholar in the eighth year of the Tiansheng era. He was the same person mentioned in Ouyang Xiu's story of "losing the top scholar in the new robe". At that time, Wang Gongchen was nineteen years old.

Lu Beigu was born on January 19th of the second year of the Baoyuan era, and he is only eighteen years old now.

As an aside, Wang Gongchen had a particularly good relationship with Zhang Fangping and Qian Mingyi. The three of them formed a small circle and were once impeached by Han Qi as part of a clique, although Han Qi, Wen Yanbo, Wang Yaochen, and Bao Zheng were more like a clique.

Anyway, that's how the imperial court was in the Song Dynasty.

Everyone is afraid of being labeled as part of a clique, but in reality, everyone is forming cliques; otherwise, they would definitely not survive if they were alone and without anyone to help them.

After a while, the master of ceremonies saw that everyone was familiar with the people around them, so he clapped his hands to signal for silence.

The master of ceremonies swept his gaze across the entire hall and announced in a loud voice: "Before the Yellow List, all are of the same year! Now, in accordance with ancient custom, we will perform the 'Paying Homage to the Yellow List' ceremony, with elders leading the younger ones, to demonstrate the harmonious spirit of our dynasty and the order of succession."

"Please specially recommend Zhu Rongzhi of Shouchun, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), for consideration—"

Then, an elderly man with a cane and supported by his fellow villagers slowly walked out from the east corridor. He was hunched over and had a white beard that reached his chest. He was none other than Zhu Rongzhi, who was over seventy years old.

This man was a specially selected scholar who had passed the imperial examination. He was seventy-eight years old. Although he walked with a limp, he was still in good spirits. His face was filled with the excitement of finally realizing his dream. From a distance, he truly looked like someone with a ruddy complexion.

"Scholar, please."

The master of ceremonies gestured to Lu Beigu.

Lu Beigu straightened his green robe, walked out from the west corridor, and steadily walked to the center of the hall, facing the elderly special-appointed scholar.

In front of the Yellow List, also known as the "Apricot List".

Following the guidance of the master of ceremonies, the two turned north and bowed together to the yellow banner.

Then, the top scholar bowed to the eldest person.

Don't ask questions like "What if the top scholar is the oldest?" Since the system of specially recommended scholars exists, that's an impossible scenario.

Lu Beigu bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice, "Lu Beigu pays his respects to Master Zhu! You have devoted yourself to studying the classics for so long, and finally passed the imperial examination. Your perseverance is truly admirable!"

"You flatter me, Your Excellency!"

Upon seeing this, Zhu Rongzhi hurriedly bowed tremblingly in return, his voice choked with emotion: "I have lived a mediocre life, holding only one thought, and I am fortunate to have received the Emperor's grace to follow in your footsteps. Seeing you young talents is like seeing the rising sun. With the prosperity of our dynasty's literary fortune, I am content!"

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face, moving everyone present.

After the formalities were completed, the master of ceremonies announced, "Please, Su Zhe from Meizhou, one of the top three scholars in the imperial examinations, step forward—"

Fortunately, Su Zhe, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) who was a month younger than Lu Beigu, was there; otherwise, the ceremony would have really run into problems.
Lu Beigu was the youngest top scholar in the Song Dynasty, while Su Zhe was the youngest Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the Dingyou year of the Jiayou era.

Su Zhe walked up to Lu Beigu, and the two of them followed suit, first bowing and paying their respects to the yellow-robed list.

However, the next step was for the youngest person to pay respects to the top scholar.

Su Zhe bowed respectfully, his voice clear and melodious: "Su Zhe greets the top scholar! Brother Lu, you are the best in the world, with outstanding talent and knowledge. I will take you as my role model and strive to improve myself!"

Lu Beigu accepted the greeting with a smile, and then said, "Brother Ziyou, you are a young and talented man with a bright future. Since we are of the same age, we should work together to repay the emperor's kindness!"

Su Zhe solemnly agreed.

Because the two had known each other for a long time and had a good relationship, their interactions were surprisingly warm.

Zeng Gong, who was on the other side, saw it clearly and whispered to the person next to him, "Scholar Lu has the demeanor of an ancient gentleman."

The entire set of "respecting elders and supporting the young" ceremonies specially organized by the Qiji Institute, though simple, has a profound meaning. The ceremony not only demonstrates respect for the elders who have studied hard all their lives, but also contains expectations for the younger generation, and emphasizes the bond among classmates with the top scholar as the core.

After the ceremony, the master of ceremonies announced: "Please, all of you of the same age, take your seats at the east and west tables according to your age!"

Following the instructions, everyone settled down comfortably on the cushions covered with brocade on the east and west sides. The soft cushions eased the jolting sensation from riding the horse, and the atmosphere in the hall was much more harmonious than when they first entered.

The master of ceremonies then took the "Records of Students of the Same Year" and began to call out the names one by one.

Each time a name is called, the corresponding scholar must stand up, bow to everyone, give a brief self-introduction, and let everyone see his appearance.

In this way, by flipping through the "Collection of Years of Fellow Students" and looking at the people, one can match the people with their names.

Many people may not remember clearly due to limitations in their memory, but at least they have a general impression, so they won't be unable to recognize each other in the future.

"Jiang Zhiqi, Zhang Hu, Zheng Yong, Ye Wensou, Chao Duanyan, Shao Ying, Diao Zhu, Su Shunju, Cheng Yun, Fu Caiyuan, Deng Wan, Xiao Shijing, Wu Zishang, Wang Qi, Chen Tong, Mo Junchen, Cai Yuandao, Cai Chengxi, Huang Haoqian, Shan Xi, Li Dun, Ding Zhi."

Many names were read out.

These people might not be able to have biographies in the "History of Song" like the celebrities of this generation, but there is no doubt that since they appeared on the Millennium Dragon and Tiger List, they were by no means incompetent. Therefore, Lu Beigu did not underestimate them, but instead made a serious effort to remember each of them.

These rituals at the gathering place, like invisible threads, tightly connect this group of scholars from all over the country and of different ages.

The phrase "same year" has since carried a heavy weight.

After the ceremony at the gathering place, the group continued walking to the Imperial Academy, the highest institution of learning in the Song Dynasty, which was also located on East Street, to pay their respects to the Sage Confucius.

The sunlight was just right, shining on the bluestone pavement, making the green robes even brighter.

Lu Beigu walked at the front, the golden lychee belt around his waist swaying slightly with each step, shimmering and attracting attention.

The news had already reached the Imperial Academy. From Yang Anguo, the supervisor of the academy, down to the officials, clerks, and students, over a hundred people lined up neatly in the courtyard, holding their breath and waiting.

They've never been this orderly before. What's the point of watching the Imperial Academy students swagger around like this?
So in previous years, the Imperial College would simply open its gates, let people in to pay homage to Confucius, and then have a drink.

In fact, most of the process was handled by clerks, with at most an assistant instructor to guide the etiquette; no official academics from the Imperial Academy would ever appear.

But this year is different.

This year marks the best imperial examination results achieved by the Imperial College in over a decade, with one top scholar (状元) and two third-class scholars (三甲进士).

This achievement greatly inspired the long-declining Imperial Academy!

Upon seeing the newly appointed scholars arrive, Yang Anguo was the first to greet them.

The high-ranking official in purple robes looked particularly dashing today, his long, snow-white beard meticulously combed, and his face beaming with barely suppressed joy.

His gaze was intense, first landing on Lu Beigu. His smile instantly blossomed, and he said loudly, "Welcome to all the newly appointed Jinshi! Today, our Imperial Academy is doubly blessed. First, I congratulate all of you Jinshi on passing the imperial examination with flying colors. Second, I congratulate our student Lu Beigu on achieving the highest rank in the country, passing the imperial examination with four consecutive top honors. This is a feat unprecedented in history!"

Before he could finish speaking, the crowd behind him shouted in unison, "Congratulations to Scholar Lu! Congratulations to our Imperial Academy!"

The congratulations were clearly rehearsed beforehand; the sound so powerful that even the old trees in the courtyard trembled slightly.

The scholars looked at each other in surprise, not expecting this turn of events, and even less expecting Lu Beigu to have such a high profile.

According to regulations, newly appointed scholars must first visit the Temple of Confucius to pay homage to the Sage and Teacher.

As the highest institution of learning in the Song Dynasty, the Imperial College, regardless of its decline, still had its Temple of Confucius as the only one that could officially represent the imperial court.

The group was led to the front of the Dacheng Hall, where they straightened their clothes and entered in order.

Inside the hall, the statues of Confucius and his four companions stood solemnly, with incense and candles burning brightly and smoke swirling around them.

Led by Lu Beigu, more than 300 scholars, along with the guiding officials, bowed in unison to express their gratitude for their teachers' teachings.

The entire ceremony is actually quite complicated, but because there is guidance throughout, it is not difficult, just a bit time-consuming.

After the ceremony, they went to the hall to rest, where servants carried out dozens of jars of "Wenxi Wine" that had been prepared in advance.

According to custom, the banquet for Wenxi should be "escorted" by the examiner in charge of the examinations. Of course, if the examiner is busy or does not want to come, other examiners will be responsible for "escorting" the banquet.

However, Ouyang Xiu was fond of wine and, being a graduate of the Imperial Academy, readily agreed to come without hesitation.

At the same time, the scholars of the imperial academy, regardless of whether they participated in this year's imperial examination, will also come to participate.

Yang Anguo was one of the top scholars in the Imperial Academy, and even just to give him face, the scholars couldn't refuse. So, everyone arrived in a very orderly fashion. Everyone Lu Beigu could name, such as Mei Yaochen, Wang Gui, and Han Jiang, was there, along with many other scholars whose names he couldn't recall.

Ouyang Xiu seemed to be in a very good mood today. Without waiting for the servants to bring it, he personally carried the jar of wine over and skillfully opened it. As soon as the mud seal on the jar was broken, the rich aroma of the wine filled the air.

Then, Ouyang Xiu actually took a bite himself first.

"Indeed, this wine has been around for a while!"

Seeing that Mei Yaochen, Wang Gui, Han Jiang, and the others were somewhat stunned, Ouyang Xiu laughed loudly and said, "What are you waiting for? Drink up!"

The clerks of the Imperial Academy hurriedly poured wine for everyone, first for the scholars and then for the successful candidates in the imperial examinations.

Generally speaking, this "celebration drink" is just a formality, since there is a grand banquet to follow, so everyone just drinks a cup as a token gesture.

But with fine wine before him, Ouyang Xiu, the "Drunken Old Man," had no intention of going through the motions.

Ouyang Xiu immediately began drinking with everyone. Whether they were scholars from the Imperial Academy, officials from the Imperial College, or newly appointed scholars, he accepted all toasts offered by them!
Of course, among the more than 300 newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), there were also those who enjoyed drinking.

Amidst the commotion, people drank one cup after another, and quite a few people actually enjoyed themselves immensely.

Because the Imperial Academy was generous and prepared dozens of jars in advance, everyone could drink to their heart's content.

After several rounds of drinks, Ouyang Xiu was flushed and in high spirits. He picked up a jar of wine, tilted his head back, and drank it down, drawing cheers from the entire room.

Before long, the effects of the alcohol took hold, and he staggered slightly. Mei Yaochen, who was beside him, smiled and helped him to rest.

Although the celebration banquet had ended, the fact that the Imperial Academy had produced four consecutive winners of the highest honors meant that things wouldn't end so simply, and Yang Anguo had other plans.

Although Yang Anguo had drunk quite a bit with Ouyang Xiu earlier, he had a good alcohol tolerance and didn't even stagger when he got up.

As Yang Anguo clapped his hands in greeting, everyone quieted down.

Several strong and sturdy servants were seen struggling to carry a stone tablet covered with bright red brocade to a prominent place in the courtyard.

Yang Anguo straightened his purple robe, walked to the monument, and said in a loud voice: "In the second year of Jiayou, literary stars shone brightly, especially Lu Beigu, a student of the Guangwen Hall of the Imperial Academy, who won the titles of Imperial Academy Scholar, Provincial Scholar, Provincial Scholar, and Imperial Scholar, achieving the unprecedented feat of 'winning four top honors in a row'! Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao, two students of the Imperial Academy, also passed the imperial examination! Today, I will unveil the monument inscribed with the names of the Imperial Academy Jinshi of the second year of Jiayou!"

Having said that, he grabbed a corner of the red brocade and yanked it hard.

The red brocade slipped away, revealing the smooth, polished bluestone stele. The stele was inscribed with the words "Stele of the Names of Jinshi Graduates of the Imperial Academy in the Second Year of Jiayou" in neat regular script. Below it was clearly "Lu Beigu", followed by "Cheng Yi" and "Cheng Hao". Each character was deeply engraved and filled with gold powder, shining brightly in the sunlight.

Because the imperial examination did not dismiss those who failed, the carving of this stele began after the provincial examination conducted by the Ministry of Rites, and it was completed a few days ago.

Upon seeing this, the crowd exclaimed in amazement and envy.

The ceremony was nearing its climax, but Yang Anguo seemed reluctant to stop. He smiled at Lu Beigu and waved for him to come forward.

Then, a clerk immediately bowed and presented a more exquisite sandalwood tray covered with silk.

Yang Anguo unveiled the silk, and in an instant, a warm and lustrous light flowed out, revealing a jade pendant.

The jade was incredibly fine, pure white and flawless, like solidified fat. Under the sunlight, it seemed to have a subtle luster within it. Anyone knowledgeable would immediately recognize it as extremely precious Hetian mutton fat white jade.

This jade is exceptionally precious and priceless, much more expensive than gold due to its rarity.

The jade craftsmanship of the Song Dynasty was unparalleled in the world, and its processing techniques were naturally extraordinary. The upper part of the jade plaque is carved with cloud-patterned rings, while the lower part is carved with eight powerful characters: "Winning the top four times in a row, unparalleled in the world".

"Lu Beigu, a student of the Guangwen Academy of the Imperial Academy."

Yang Anguo held the jade tablet with both hands and solemnly handed it over.

"—'Winning four consecutive imperial examinations, unparalleled in the world,' you truly deserve it!"

Lu Beigu took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed to receive the gift with both hands.

The jade pendant felt warm and heavy in my hand; the eight characters on it shone brightly, as heavy as a thousand pounds.

He could clearly feel the countless gazes directed at him from all around him—envy, admiration, jealousy. It truly felt like he was being pricked by thorns.

Lu Beigu then composed himself, raised his head and said loudly, "Student Lu Beigu thanks Scholar Yang for his generous gift! Thanks to the Imperial Academy for its cultivation! I believe that this honor is not just my own, but a testament to the unity of the entire Imperial Academy and its flourishing literary tradition!"

These words pleased Yang Anguo greatly. Upon hearing them, he stroked his beard and laughed heartily, repeatedly praising them.

Whether their intentions were genuine or not, everyone present stepped forward to offer their congratulations.

Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi also bowed to Lu Beigu, their expressions filled with emotion.

Sunlight filtered through the branches of the ancient cypress, casting golden light and jade brilliance upon the peerless jade pendant in the young scholar's hand and the golden lychee belt around his waist, reflecting on his face, which appeared even more composed and resolute after experiencing many trials.

Suddenly, everyone felt that Lu Beigu had the air of someone who had reached the summit and looked down on all the mountains.

(End of this chapter)