Chapter 29 – Examination

At the Jingguo Duke’s Mansion.

After Xu Chun returned, he was indeed immediately summoned to the main residence, where the Dowager Lady questioned him sternly about what had happened.

He readily admitted everything, saying, “I did invite Prince Shun’s heir that day, and I sent Cousin Changzhou to the capital because of Grandfather’s side. Grandmother has already met him. Cousin Changzhou came to the capital because the Sheng family recently received the imperial favor of becoming an imperial merchant. Grandfather was worried that the Sheng family hadn’t handled imperial affairs before, so he specifically asked Cousin Changzhou to come to the capital to feel out the situation. Fortunately, Prince Shun’s heir treated me very well before. It was just a return dinner, and I took the opportunity to inquire about things.”

“Imperial merchant?” The Dowager Lady was taken aback. “When did they receive it? Why didn’t they tell their elders? Imperial merchants were determined by the high ancestor, limited to eight major families. Since then, they have been strictly controlled. Now the Sheng family has obtained it. This is a great joy! Such a significant matter should be carefully considered. Inquiring about the duties is correct, but it shouldn’t be left to you young people to bungle around blindly. There are many intricacies and taboos within!”

She glanced at Lady Sheng and scolded her. “Why didn’t Second Daughter-in-law mention this? You merchant families don’t know that the purchase and sale of imperial goods are managed by officials of the Imperial Household Department. Historically, most of the silver allocated for purchases has to be paid as tribute to smooth things over. Only then can business be conducted smoothly. Otherwise, when the goods are offered as tribute, they can pick on any minor fault. At best, you lose the privilege of supplying goods and suffer losses. At worst, there could be imprisonment!”

Lady Sheng remained expressionless and silent, thinking that how could she not know the dangers involved? That’s why Father had dispatched his most capable grandson, Changzhou, to the capital.

Changzhou had told her the other day not to worry, that he had already inquired and confirmed that it was indeed a turning point for the entire Sheng clan. She should not worry about it.

Changzhou was always steady and quick-witted. If he said he had inquired thoroughly, then it was indeed clear. But before leaving, he had instructed her not to tell Cousin about this matter. Additionally, he comforted her, saying that the young master Cousin admired was a sincere gentleman, noble and precious, and uninterested in Cousin. Moreover, Cousin was actually very smart, so she didn’t need to interfere too much.

Lady Sheng remained silent, her thoughts wandering elsewhere. The Dowager Lady had always been annoyed by her apparent compliance masking a rebellious nature. Frowning, she continued, “You merchant families have short-sighted views, only seeing immediate benefits, and are obsessed with profit-making. How could you possibly understand the risks involved!”

Xu Chun defended his mother: “Mother doesn’t know about this. Cousin Changzhou only vaguely mentioned it, because he was worried that Mother would fret too much inside the inner quarters. He only asked me to help introduce him to influential figures. That day, Grand Scholar Li instructed us with two sentences. Prince Shun’s heir also told us not to take it to heart. Grand Scholar Li used to be a censor; he dared to impeach even the empress dowager. Does everyone disregard face now? We should correct what needs correcting and strive for improvement. We aren’t serving in the court, so it’s not a big deal. After a long time, it will fade away.”

He attributed Ninth Brother’s words of consolation to Prince Xie Fei. Indeed, the Dowager Lady’s expression softened somewhat. At that moment, she had forgotten to berate Xu Chun for making his own decisions and keeping a boy toy. Her mind was preoccupied with the imperial merchant’s duties. “Young people don’t understand the stakes. A few uncles and nephews from my maternal family have served in the Ministry of Revenue. They are most familiar with the ins and outs. When the time comes, let them guide you in handling these duties. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it might implicate our Duke’s Mansion.”

Xu Gu interjected, “Could it be that the Sheng family’s imperial duties were arranged by Prince Shun’s heir? Otherwise, why would Second Brother invite Prince Shun’s heir?”

The Dowager Lady and Lady Bai’s expressions changed slightly. Lady Bai said, “Brother Gu, as a scholar, is far-sighted. Merchant families have narrow horizons and may only see immediate benefits. But they don’t realize that if we really get involved with the imperial family, earning too much… What good is it? At that time, if we accidentally get caught up in…”

She hesitated, unable to continue. The Dowager Lady also looked somewhat nervous as she looked at Xu Chun. Xu Chun shook his head. “It wasn’t Prince Shun’s heir. Initially, I suspected it, which is why I specifically invited Little Prince Xie. But at the banquet, he inquired about the scenery overseas and what goods we mainly sold, showing no knowledge of the Sheng family’s recent acquisition of the imperial merchant status. If they were behind it, wouldn’t they have claimed credit?”

Only then did the Dowager Lady breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Still, keep some distance from the little prince in the future. Now that the Sheng family is an imperial merchant, you must learn the rules of officialdom.” She thought for a moment and suddenly felt somewhat pleased. “Perhaps it was precisely because the Sheng family has a marital relationship with the Duke’s Mansion that they could obtain this duty. You must know that if this imperial duty is handled well, the Sheng family could also gain a place in the Imperial Academy, providing ample prospects for their descendants.”

Thinking of this, the Dowager Lady recalled something else. Previously, she had disliked the Sheng family’s low status. But now that the Sheng family had become imperial merchants, the eldest grandson who visited that day would be an excellent match for an alliance. He was handsome and had excellent manners and speech, fitting enough for a Duke’s Mansion son-in-law. And even if he were to marry a daughter from our family, even if she were just a daughter born of a concubine… With Second Son’s skills in producing children, it wouldn’t be long before another woman in the house became pregnant.

She hurriedly said, “Is your cousin still in the capital? Let’s host a flower appreciation banquet tomorrow. You siblings are young and should gather together properly.” She glanced at Xu Gu. “Brother Gu doesn’t need to participate since he’ll be entering the examination compound in two days.”

Xu Chun replied, “He rushed back to celebrate Empress Dowager’s birthday. Being afraid of disturbing Grandmother and Father, he couldn’t bid farewell in person. Next time, then.” Although the next opportunity was slim, after all, as the head of the household, he rarely travels far.

The Dowager Lady was somewhat disappointed. Just as she was about to ask Lady Sheng about the number of brothers in the Sheng family, she reconsidered, thinking that the eldest grandson was more suitable for the Duke’s Mansion’s status. She hesitated for a moment when a maid hastily reported from outside, “Dowager Lady, the steward at the front gate has come to report that a palace eunuch has arrived to summon our heir to the palace.”

Everyone in the room turned pale, standing up hurriedly. The Dowager Lady quickly asked, “Did you misunderstand? It couldn’t be Second Son, right? How could it be the heir?”

The maid was at a loss. Xu Anlin panicked. “Why are they calling me to the palace? Could it be that Grand Scholar Li is impeaching me for failing to discipline my son?”

Xu Gu reminded his father, “Father, you should personally welcome the eunuch to the flower hall. If Grandmother, Aunt, and Mother are worried, they can listen from behind the screen.”

The Dowager Lady hurriedly said, “Right, do as you say. Quickly prepare the reward silver.”

After a flurry of activity, Xu Anlin led Xu Chun and Xu Gu out to greet the eunuch. They saw a young eunuch, around thirteen or fourteen years old, walk in, with a very humble attitude. He bowed to pay his respects, saying, “This humble one greets His Excellency the Duke.”

Seeing that the eunuch was very young and had a kind and humble demeanor, Xu Anlin felt half relieved. “Rise quickly. May I ask the name of this little lord? What is the purpose of your visit today?” While speaking, he stuffed a heavy reward silver sachet into the eunuch’s hands.

The young eunuch smiled. “This humble one is Zhao Side. Duke Xu, please don’t be polite. This humble one is here on official business. By the Emperor’s command, I am to summon the sons aged fourteen to twenty from families of meritorious ministers under the Imperial Academy to enter the palace for an examination. Some of the students with good scholarly achievements will be selected to study at the Imperial College to accompany the imperial princes.”

Now it was Xu Chun’s turn to panic. “An examination?”

Xu Gu’s eyes flickered. “This is a great grace.”

Zhao Side smiled. “Isn’t it? Messengers have been sent to all the mansions. They must enter the palace immediately.” He bowed to Xu Chun. “Is this Young Master Xu? Please set out immediately. The sedan chair and carriage are waiting outside.” He carefully observed Xu Chun’s legs, which seemed to be fine. Although his complexion wasn’t particularly ruddy, it could have been due to hearing about the examination.

He seemed to walk normally when he walked out earlier. It seemed he hadn’t been beaten. Good, good. This mission would be accomplished!

Xu Chun boldly asked, “If I perform poorly…”

Zhao Side smiled. “If you perform poorly, you will still study at the Imperial Academy. It’s alright. Young Master, don’t worry. Today’s exam papers will be presented to His Majesty. It’s a tremendous grace.”

Xu Chun: “…”

Xu Gu comforted him. “Second Brother, don’t worry. Since it’s so sudden, it’s likely just poetry composition. It’s not difficult. Now that spring is warm and flowers are blooming, it is likely to be a poetry composition about spring. You can make some preparations.”

Xu Chun: “…” It was even scarier. He started to rack his brains, recalling the limited vocabulary and poetic phrases in his memory.

Zhao Side bowed to him. Xu Chun could only turn around and bid farewell to Xu Anlin before leaving the mansion. He saw a green sedan chair parked outside, accompanied by several small eunuchs who bowed to him upon seeing him.

He was a bit timid but still got into the sedan chair. Zhao Side smiled amiably and helped him, saying, “Young Master, be careful.” He personally lowered the sedan curtain for him before ordering the bearers to lift the sedan chair.

Xu Chun swayed and trembled all the way into the palace, carried to the front of Yanbo Hall. An eunuch led him into a hall and had him sit down at a table. On the table were paper, ink, brush, and inkstone, and ink had already been poured into the inkstone.

He secretly glanced around. The hall was divided into two sides by a red carpet in the middle. Opposite, many had already taken their seats. He could see several imperial princes like Xie Fei, who were presumably the imperial princes studying at the Imperial College.

On his side, there were indeed scholars he recognized from the Imperial Academy, some familiar and some unfamiliar. He rarely went there, so naturally, he didn’t recognize them all. It seemed he was the last to arrive. Liu Sheng and Li Xiangyu had also arrived. When they made eye contact, they both wore troubled expressions. Some scholars skilled in poetry and prose had proud expressions, clearly very confident.

After a while, everyone had arrived. Several officials were led in to take their seats. Xu Chun only saw Shen Mengzhen sitting in the central seat, wearing the uniform of a grand scholar, with a tall hat and broad belt. His expression was solemn, vastly different from when Xu Chun had seen him before.

After Shen Mengzhen settled down, he clasped his hands and said, “By the Emperor’s command, today’s examination is mainly to assess academic achievement. Please put your hearts into it, students.”

After finishing, he gestured to the side. An official from the Imperial College stepped forward to announce the rules. The examination time was one hour, measured by the water clock. Eunuchs distributed the exam papers, which had already been copied with two questions.

Xu Chun’s face was pale, his heart pounding. But when he lowered his head and saw the two questions, his heart suddenly calmed. One of the questions was a policy essay discussing the gains and losses of the ‘Calculation of Wealth and Informant Rewards Law’. He knew this question!

The Sheng family was a maritime merchant, obviously wealthy, yet they were always cautious. When he was young, he had asked his grandfather why they had to remain low-key despite their wealth.

His grandfather had given an example using the ‘Calculation of Wealth’ method during the Han dynasty and the case of Shen Wanshan during the Ming dynasty. He had earnestly explained the principle to him, that the powerful could flip the situation with one hand, and wealth could be lost overnight.

In the past few days, reading Mr. Zhuo Wu’s books, he had vaguely written about the ‘Calculation of Wealth and Informant Rewards Law’, daringly commenting on it. Ninth Brother had circled a few points on the page but didn’t say he was wrong. Instead, he listed a few books for him to find and read. He found and read a few of them and said he would rewrite it for Ninth Brother.

Now, writing about the causes and consequences of the ‘Calculation of Wealth and Informant Rewards Law’, as well as the pros and cons after its implementation in the Han dynasty, would be better than handing in a blank sheet!

The other question was even simpler for him! It was a math problem! There was a certain government office that collected a certain amount of silver from salt, tea, and alcohol monopolies each year, a certain amount of silver from commercial taxes, a certain amount of grain from granary taxes, a certain amount of silk and hemp cloth, among which a certain amount of silk and hemp cloth replaced labor services, and a certain amount of silver from the division of bamboo and wood at river ports. The question was how many people lived in this government office?

He knew this question too!

Salt, tea, and alcohol were monopolies and had nothing to do with taxes. Commercial taxes were taxes paid by merchants, unrelated to population. The division of bamboo and wood was a tax on passing goods, unrelated to population. Therefore, these numbers were all distractions! What truly mattered regarding population were the granary taxes collected. Three dan of millet per person could be converted into two bolts of silk and hemp cloth. Those performing labor services could also use silk and hemp cloth to replace service, which needed to be deducted. After this addition and deduction, the number of people would emerge!

Xu Chun’s spirits soared, and his pen flew across the paper, starting to roughly calculate on the draft paper.

Behind the curtain opposite, Xie Yi stood there, watching Xu Chun’s animated expression, almost as if he was about to fly, and his lips curled up slightly.

Su Huaibai joined in the fun beside him. “Zhuo Liu went to inquire clearly from the boys serving Young Master Xu. He indeed wasn’t beaten. Instead, he talked so much that the Dowager Lady forgot to be angry and only thought about how to get closer to the Sheng family.”

Xie Yi said, “He understands human relations better than I do. Perhaps it’s because the Sheng family is a merchant family, always focused on results and profits. Bowing and bending isn’t a big deal. They taught him to act tactfully. If I had been willing to step back in the past…”

He didn’t finish, thinking that if I had bowed my head and stepped back, I might have become the ‘late emperor’ hanging in the ancestral temple long ago.

Seeing that he was fine was good. Filial piety comes first. Knowing not to suffer immediate losses is good. Time is long. This examination was originally held for Xu Chun. Otherwise, who would bother with the idle matters of the Imperial College? He watched for a while longer before leaving.

Within a short hour, the examination in Yanbo Hall was over.

Xu Chun finished the exam and handed in his paper, feeling delighted. Judging from the other students’ expressions, he estimated that at least he had written something and wouldn’t be the worst. Average, but he had gotten through it again!

He happily left the palace and saw that the family’s carriage was already waiting. Knowing that his family was worried, he hurried back to the Duke’s Mansion. Indeed, upon returning, he was called to the main hall, where the Dowager Lady and his parents and elders were waiting. Without waiting for him to bow, they asked in unison, “How did the exam go? What were the questions?”

Xu Chun replied, “It was fine. I finished answering. No problem. There was no poetry! Just a policy essay and a math problem. At least I didn’t hand in a blank sheet.”

The Dowager Lady hurriedly asked, “No poetry at all? What was the policy essay question? What math problem did you solve?”

Xu Chun replied, “The policy essay was about discussing the gains and losses of the ‘Calculation of Wealth and Informant Rewards Law’. The math problem was about calculating the population of a government office based on some tax figures.”

Xu Anlin was puzzled. “What’s going on? Is the Imperial Academy’s exam so difficult?”

Lady Bai said, “Could it be that they’re considering imposing a property tax again?”

Xu Gu shook his head and explained, “Emperor Wu implemented the calculation of wealth because the treasury was insufficient, and he wanted to launch a distant campaign against the Xiongnu. Nowadays, some criticize him for his love of conquest and excessive military expenditure. This system hasn’t been adopted for several dynasties, with more disadvantages than advantages. If someone truly believes that His Majesty wants to impose a property tax, they won’t pass this question.”

“This question is merely to test knowledge and understanding. The current emperor has always been pragmatic. The students by privilege are favored by the aristocrats to study, so they don’t require poetic talent. Instead, they focus on practical matters, benefiting the state and the people. The policy essay and math problems are naturally designed to assess administrative capabilities. After all, students by privilege graduates can be appointed to actual official positions, especially if they are allowed to study at the Imperial College, where practical learning is emphasized.”

Lady Bai said, “If that’s the case, the questions for the spring palace examination, especially the policy essay, should focus on practical governance. Brother Gu should pay attention.”

Xu Gu clasped his hands. “Thank you, Aunt, for your advice.”

The Dowager Lady asked Xu Chun, “Did you write everything? Didn’t you really hand in a blank sheet? Do you agree or disagree?”

Xu Chun casually replied, “I wrote it. How could I say whether I agree or disagree? I merely listed the pros and cons. I think I didn’t miscalculate the math problem. It’s neither outstanding nor at the bottom. It’s fine. I don’t feel comfortable in the Imperial College. It’s full of princes.”

But in his heart, he wondered if going to the Imperial College meant being taught by Grand Scholar Shen. He must be different from those old scholars in the Imperial Academy.

Lady Bai smiled. “Brother Chun has been taught by his sister. Without mentioning other things, he must be proficient in accounting. I don’t think the Dowager Lady needs to worry.”

The Dowager Lady chided, “How could you always be so lucky to encounter a math problem? You must put more effort into poetry and policy essays. But it’s easy to get into trouble by going to the Imperial College. It’s better to honestly finish studying at the Imperial Academy.”

After finishing, she sighed in relief. Thinking about how today’s pent-up anger didn’t erupt and ended mysteriously, she found her second son and daughter-in-law’s faces increasingly unpleasant. Dismissing them, she said, “Everyone, disperse.”

Everyone scattered. In the room, the Dowager Lady spoke sourly to Lady Bai. “The Sheng family is truly fortunate.”

Lady Bai said, “No wonder the clever maids you chose for Brother Chun didn’t catch his fancy. It turns out he was seducing a boy outside. Brother Gu also had good intentions, specifically telling us because he was afraid of being hated by Sister-in-law.”

The Dowager Lady said, “Brother Gu is warning and disciplining his younger brother. How could he not know that his mother pampers him? Even knowing that he would offend his mother, he still spoke up, showing his respect for propriety and affection. Second Daughter-in-law is good in this regard. She isn’t jealous and doesn’t vent her anger on her child. She won’t hold a grudge against Brother Gu for such a trivial matter, especially with the spring palace examination approaching. If Brother Gu passes, she’ll also have prestige.”

Lady Bai’s expression was gloomy. Seeing her face, the Dowager Lady consoled her. “There’s definitely no problem with Uncle Han’s side. Don’t worry.”

Lady Bai said, “I’m not too worried. He has talent. Even if he doesn’t pass this year, it’s only a matter of time until the next session. I’m just worried about my daughter. She still hasn’t shown any signs of pregnancy. It won’t be easy for her to stand before her mother-in-law in the future.”

The Dowager Lady said casually, “She resembles you in that aspect. She’s frail and doesn’t seem to be good at bearing children. I said before that you should properly nourish her body, not letting her struggle with childbirth as you did. But you didn’t take it seriously.”

Unexpectedly, Lady Bai’s casual concern led to another lecture from her mother-in-law. Thinking about the anger she had endured for not giving birth to a son, her expression inevitably became uncomfortable. The Dowager Lady was too lazy to look at her daughter-in-law’s face and simply dismissed her. Alone, she was drinking tea when a maid reported that Xu Gu had arrived.

The Dowager Lady was somewhat surprised but still ordered someone to bring him in. She thought that Xu Gu must have something important, so she ordered everyone to withdraw, and ordered them to guard the door to prevent eavesdropping.

Indeed, Xu Gu knelt before the Dowager Lady as soon as he entered. “Grandmother, I reported Second Brother’s misdeeds the other day. I’m afraid Mother harbors resentment towards me. Please, Grandmother, protect and take care of me.”

The Dowager Lady said, “There’s no need for that. Focus on your studies. The spring palace examination is imminent. Just concentrate on preparing for the exam. The Sheng family has just become imperial merchants and is in high spirits. They won’t hold a grudge against you. Besides, your reminder was well-intentioned, an act of filial piety and fraternal love. No wonder your mother never arranged concubines for your younger brother. He must have been corrupted by the Sheng family, fooling around with boys. You can see how merchant families are ultimately not to be trusted. Unfortunately, I originally wanted to arrange a good marriage for you. With his reputation, it will take careful explanation.”

Xu Gu said, “Grandmother, after the spring palace examination, regardless of whether I pass or not, I hope to be adopted into the main branch.”

The Dowager Lady looked at him. “Why are you in such a hurry? Has Miao Hui urged you again? Even if you are adopted, your mother is still Lady Bai. It has nothing to do with her. Don’t be too soft-hearted. At this critical moment, you absolutely cannot make a mistake.”

“Miao Hui is a fool. If she hadn’t kept it secret and been foolish and dull, how could she have caused you to be in such an awkward position? Keeping her alive has already repaid her for giving birth to you. She still isn’t satisfied. If Lady Bai finds out, how could she endure it? You can’t see her anymore. You must treat Lady Bai as your mother, only then will she sincerely help you.”

“The Sheng family obtaining the imperial merchant status is also a good thing. They are in high spirits due to the spring breeze. They probably won’t care about you being adopted out. They might even be happy to see you gone, as you are a thorn in their eyes. The Sheng family has always been generous with their illegitimate children and daughters, not envious. But you must think clearly. If you pass the imperial examination and become a jinshi, whether you stay in the capital or are posted elsewhere, you will need silver to smooth things over. You are eager to be adopted, but one, Second Daughter-in-law might feel that you are ungrateful. Two, the main branch’s daughter-in-law can’t provide you with much support.”

Xu Gu whispered, “My origins are shameful. I’m grateful for Grandmother’s protection, recognizing me and bringing me back to the Duke’s Mansion. The Duke and Duchess have also been very kind to me. I indeed feel guilty. I can’t choose my origins, but I can’t continue to use the Sheng family’s silver shamelessly. After the spring palace examination, if I’m lucky enough to pass, I’ll seek a post elsewhere, taking… Yang Shi out. She gave birth to me once, so I’ll repay her for that kindness.”

“As for the dukedom, if I can pass the examination, I can carve out my own path. I dare not say becoming a marquis or chancellor, but I will do my best to serve as an official and benefit the people, establishing a career. Grandmother, you don’t need to worry about this anymore. Second Brother and I are brothers, relying on each other. It’s best for the Jingguo Duke’s Mansion. We can no longer indulge and spoil him, and allow him to continue his absurd behavior. He’s only eighteen, and it’s still possible to correct his character with strict discipline. Otherwise, if he creates a disaster that destroys the family, it will be too late to regret it. Also, please don’t mention returning the dukedom to the main branch anymore. The adoption is primarily for the sake of lineage and acknowledging my father, only to ensure that my biological father’s line continues, to comfort the ancestors.”

“I’ve never met my biological father, but according to Grandmother’s description, he was gentle, respectful, frugal, and self-disciplined, an honest and sincere gentleman. He would certainly support me in doing this.” Xu Gu looked up at the Dowager Lady, his face earnest, tears glistening in his eyes.

The Dowager Lady looked at him, her expression softening. She whispered, “You resemble your father. Back then, your father learned to read at a glance, with unmatched intelligence. At home, he protected his younger brother, soft-hearted and valuing relationships… Grandmother will always help you.”