It was the tenth year of the reign of Emperor Li Chengqian, the new emperor who had ascended the throne ten years prior.
At the end of the previous year, the court had welcomed a considerable number of “Prince Tang’s Party,” even causing Kong Yingda, who had been a teacher to Li Yuanying, to submit a petition to Li Chengqian, urging him to prevent the formation of factions in the court.
Li Chengqian, being respectful of Kong Yingda, at least feigned sincerity when listening to his advice. Satisfied, Kong Yingda departed. However, a few days later, the chief examiner for the Spring Examinations was announced. The appointed individual was none other than Prince Tang, Li Yuanying!
Li Chengqian quickly found himself bombarded from all sides.
Li Yuanying’s influence on the entire intellectual community was already considerable, stemming from his library and his “fellow scholars.” Now, Li Chengqian had appointed him as the chief examiner. Was he implying that his throne was too secure, that he craved a challenge by cultivating a powerful prince with influence over the entire court?
Li Chengqian, subjected to fierce criticism, gloomily sought out Emperor Li to vent his frustrations.
At the end of the year, Li Yuanying had approached Li Chengqian, stating that he was short-staffed. When offered other candidates, he refused, insisting on waiting for the upcoming Spring Examinations to choose his staff. He disliked anyone else’s recommendations, claiming that they lacked the necessary intellect.
Li Chengqian, pondering the situation, realized that Li Yuanying was the one who would be utilizing these individuals. Making him the chief examiner seemed the most sensible choice. After all, Li Yuanying was a legitimate Jinshi (holder of the highest degree) himself, with a background in the civil service examinations. Why couldn’t he be the chief examiner?
Li Chengqian even criticized Kong Yingda to Emperor Li: “Despite being teacher and student, it’s bewildering why Master Kong keeps clashing with my Yu Shu (uncle).” Kong Yingda had been Li Chengqian’s tutor during his time as Crown Prince, and Li Chengqian still addressed him with respect as “Master Kong.” However, their private conversations often included mutual complaints, a shared secret only known to the father and son.
Emperor Li, still under constant criticism from Wei Zheng, empathized with his son’s plight. He said, “Kong Qing is getting on in years. You should listen to him when it’s necessary.” This implied that he should disregard advice he deemed unnecessary.
Li Chengqian wholeheartedly agreed with his father. The next day, at the imperial court, he insisted on appointing Li Yuanying as the chief examiner. He showered praise on Li Yuanying in front of the officials, claiming that he could not think of anyone more qualified for the role.
Li Chengqian’s stubborn insistence left many officials with no choice but to resort to a form of “strike.” Many of his chosen deputy examiners and other officials expressed their inability to fulfill the role, urging Li Chengqian to choose more capable individuals.
Kong Yingda even went on sick leave.
Li Chengqian was exasperated.
Li Yuanying had never truly desired the position of examiner. He had envisioned simply selecting a few agreeable candidates after the examinations. He hadn’t anticipated such reluctance to accept his role. He refused to accept the strike tactic, instead engaging in a private discussion with Li Chengqian. The next day, Li Chengqian released a new list, naming all of the chief examiners, deputy examiners, and other officials as members of “Prince Tang’s Party.”
This sent the so-called “clear stream” officials who had claimed age, frailty, and illness as reasons for their inability to serve, into a frenzy. They immediately declared their continued readiness to serve the court with diligence.
It was a joke, of course. With all examiners belonging to “Prince Tang’s Party,” the chosen candidates would undoubtedly be the same. Their involvement ensured that Li Yuanying wouldn’t act recklessly!
The court, filled with old, weak, and infirm officials, suddenly exuded vitality. Only Kong Yingda remained indisposed.
Li Yuanying, carrying a package of fine tea, visited Kong Yingda’s residence. Witnessing Kong Yingda truly bedridden, he instructed his servants to bring tea-making paraphernalia and begin brewing tea in Kong Yingda’s room.
Kong Yingda’s face twitched slightly. “I’m ill, I cannot drink tea.”
“I know,” Li Yuanying replied, with an air of obviousness. “I’m making it for myself. Ah, Old Kong, you’re a high official, yet your servants are so inattentive! They don’t even offer tea to a guest! I have to make my own.”
Kong Yingda ignored him.
Li Yuanying, having brewed the tea, drank it himself.
The aroma permeated the entire room. It was evident from the scent that the tea was exceptionally rare. Sipping his drink, Li Yuanying continued, “This tea is only ten jins (about 5 kg) in quantity. You wouldn’t be able to buy it even with money. I had planned to share it with my teacher, but unfortunately, you’re ill. I apologize.”
Kong Yingda was furious enough to want to chase him out.
Li Yuanying, leisurely finishing a bowl of tea, settled beside Kong Yingda’s bed and sighed dramatically. “Life is short, Old Kong. You worry too much. Chengqian will never doubt me, and I will never harbor ambition. When we are mentioned in the records of history, people will praise us as a great uncle and nephew. Wouldn’t that be a fine legacy? But then, you all will be the unfortunate ones. You’ll be portrayed as the villains who damaged our bond, judging a gentleman with a villain’s heart!”
Kong Yingda, angered by Li Yuanying, sat upright, his face flushed. “Who’s the villain?” he exclaimed, then, meeting Li Yuanying’s clear, innocent eyes, sighed. “The human heart is fickle. You might think this way today, but tomorrow, who knows? Even if you remain true to your intentions, how can you guarantee that His Majesty won’t change? If one of you changes in the future, it could cause upheaval in the court.”
Li Yuanying, surprised to learn how crucial his role was, stated, “Don’t worry. I’ll never change, and neither will Chengqian.” Without hesitation, he betrayed his nephew. “I’ll tell you a secret, but don’t tell anyone else. Chengqian is already thinking about when to pass the throne to Xiang’er (his son). Xiang’er is so young. He’ll have to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the throne in a few years. It’s truly pitiful.”
Kong Yingda: “…”
Kong Yingda, no longer ill, went to the palace that afternoon for an audience with Li Chengqian. He once again lectured Li Chengqian at length, drawing on scriptures and historical examples, emphasizing the negative consequences of frequent throne changes.
Although they had often caused trouble for Li Chengqian during his time as Crown Prince, Li Chengqian’s performance since his ascension had been commendable. He was neither hedonistic nor lazy, and he often heeded their advice.
While it was too early to label Li Chengqian as a great ruler, his potential for greatness was evident. Both civilian and military officials were satisfied with him.
Learning of Li Chengqian’s desire to abdicate after only a few years on the throne, Kong Yingda, miraculously recovered, rushed to the palace to dissuade him.
It took Li Chengqian a while to comprehend that Li Yuanying had betrayed him. He could only reluctantly listen to Kong Yingda’s lecture.
That evening, Li Chengqian invited Li Yuanying for dinner, reproaching him for revealing his abdication plans.
Li Yuanying replied, “I just blurted it out. I didn’t know Old Kong would recover so quickly and go to the palace to advise you!”
Li Chengqian was always helpless against Li Yuanying.
These old officials like Kong Yingda, sometimes, were rather endearing.
The opposition to Li Yuanying’s role as chief examiner soon disappeared. They feared angering Li Chengqian, who placed immense trust in Li Yuanying. They feared that he might suddenly make a rash decision and abdicate in favor of Li Yuanying.
Then, they might witness an amusing scene of the uncle and nephew pushing the responsibility back and forth, neither wanting to be emperor.
Prince Li Xiang was not easily managed either. Rumors circulated that he had placed a crown on the head of his youngest brother, coaxing him, “Do you want to be the Crown Prince?”
His brother quickly shook his head, “No!”
Kong Yingda didn’t know if others were afraid, but he certainly was.
Li Yuanying’s appointment as chief examiner was finally finalized.
Without any pretense, he held a banquet at his mansion the next day, inviting all the examiners to discuss the Spring Examinations. Among them was a young man, quite handsome, who caught Li Yuanying’s attention. He inquired about the young man’s name and learned that he was called Wang Bo, only twenty-six years old.
Li Yuanying, despite his wide social circle, had little interaction with Wang Bo. Upon hearing the name, he instantly recognized him, eagerly asking, “Are you the Prince Zi’an who penned the line, ‘Within the sea, there are those who understand, across the sky, they are close at hand’?”
Wang Bo, humbly replied, “I am.”
Li Yuanying complimented him, “Your poetry and prose are truly excellent. I’ve read quite a few, and many left me feeling refreshed, as if I’d had several cups of fine wine.” He assigned Wang Bo an important task. “After the civil service examinations, His Majesty will hold a banquet for the new Jinshi at Qujiang. Everyone will have to compose poems and prose. You will write the ‘Preface to the Qujiang Banquet’!”
Such a rare opportunity for display was not something Wang Bo would refuse. After a few polite rejections, he accepted.
Li Yuanying, having familiarized himself with everyone, spent the next few days discussing exam topics with the two deputy examiners, remaining busy until the examinations began.
He had taken the Jinshi examinations many years ago. Since then, he had never stepped foot in an examination hall, not even when his own son took them. He believed in his son’s abilities. The Jinshi examinations were a mere formality for him, easily cleared without his interference.
As the chief examiner, he naturally had to be confined in the Imperial Examination Hall with the candidates. Fortunately, as the chief examiner, he had a certain degree of freedom. Apart from making a formal appearance at the beginning, he could spend his time at his own leisure, patrolling the exam hall if he wished or resting if he preferred.
Li Yuanying occasionally wandered through the examination hall, searching for promising candidates. His leisurely stroll led him to several individuals who caught his eye. Satisfied, he returned to his quarters for tea.
With all preparations in place, he simply awaited the results!
The Spring Examinations concluded, followed by the arduous task of grading. Li Yuanying did not participate in the actual grading process, focusing instead on evaluating papers that had raised concerns or showcased exceptional talent.
He had set the exam topics, and the essay topics were naturally of interest to him. He did not simply wait for the other examiners to complete their task before reviewing the papers, but instead, periodically selected a stack of papers and sat on his chair, browsing them.
After much discussion, a list of candidates was compiled.
Li Yuanying, holding the candidates’ names and credentials, carefully checked them, ensuring a fair representation of both northern and southern candidates, as well as a balanced number of candidates from both aristocratic families and humble backgrounds. He then adjusted the list slightly before submitting it to Li Chengqian for final approval.
Since he had chosen the candidates and they would be employed by him, Li Chengqian found no reason to object and approved the list.
Early the next morning, the Imperial Examination Hall was filled with a crowd, three layers deep, all stretching their necks in anticipation of the announcement of the successful candidates.
Soon, a list with gilded borders was unveiled.
The top spot was occupied by a young man named He Zhizhang.
The second place went to a man named Yang Xiong, who had originally taken the 童子科 (child examination), a lower level examination. Perhaps disappointed at not passing the Jinshi examinations previously, he had retaken the examination this year. Known for his literary talent, many believed that he would be the top candidate. However, the young He Zhizhang had unexpectedly stolen the victory!
He Zhizhang was only seventeen years old!
Li Yuanying, pleased with the outcome of this year’s Spring Examinations, promptly organized the Qujiang Banquet, a gathering where new Jinshi could familiarize themselves with each other. After all, they would soon be colleagues working together to build a prosperous Tang Dynasty!
That year’s Qujiang Banquet was a dazzling affair. Not only did the new Jinshi excel, creating works that would be remembered for generations, but other officials like Wang Bo, Luo Binwang, and Lu Zhao-lin also attended and left their literary contributions. Wang Bo’s “Preface to the Qujiang Banquet,” in particular, became a masterpiece, remaining popular for centuries.
**Author’s Note:**
Little Prince: *Rings a bell* “Pay attention! ‘Preface to the Qujiang Banquet,’ memorize the whole thing!”
Update!
Thanks for all the encouragement! I’ve decided to venture into the world of xuanhuan (fantasy) fiction! It’s a male lead story. Some might not be fond of this genre, but I enjoy it. I used to be a huge fan of qidian’s *Chief Imperial Physician*. After finishing it, I searched for other medical fiction, like *The Medical Master* and *Great Physician Ling Ran*. This year, I’ve been reading works like *Dao Yi* (Daoist Physician), which is a BL novel. I was quite into this genre for a while. Years ago, I even attempted writing a million-word novel, but it turned out poorly and flopped (or not). Anyway, Sweet Spring will try its best! Whether successful or not, let’s just write with joy!
Continue to promote my pre-order novel *The Great Physician*! Here, the term “National Physician” doesn’t refer solely to Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll try my best to make it engaging, but I’m not a medical professional, so a lot of the medical information will be made up! If you haven’t collected it, you can add it to your library. It will be released on the first of next month (づ￣ 3￣)づ
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