Chapter Sixty: Second Brother Has Passed the Imperial Examination (Please Subscribe)

The magistrate of Pucheng sat in his carriage with his eyes closed. Several layers of curtains blocked out the cold wind entirely—not because the magistrate feared suffocation, but rather because he dreaded the breeze disturbing his beard.

He was a man who cherished his appearance, and a nighttime visit made clear the esteem he held for the new scholar who had ranked in the spring examination. This year, in the second year of Jiayou, for the first time in the Song dynasty’s history, the palace examination did not eliminate candidates.

It was said that someone had appealed to the Emperor, explaining that scholars from remote regions who failed the palace exam were too poor to return home, often left destitute. The Emperor, known for his benevolence, was moved by this. Others claimed that Zhang Yuan, who defected to Western Xia, did so out of resentment after failing the examination, which led him to join the Xixia. Yet, it was more likely, as ministers like Fu Bi argued, that if the palace examination continued to eliminate candidates, gratitude would go to the examiners while blame would fall on the Emperor. Thus, from this year on, all who reached the palace examination were considered scholars.

Passing the provincial exam and reaching the palace meant one was already a scholar. Therefore, as soon as the spring list was posted, local officials no longer waited for the palace results before making arrangements. The magistrate had not anticipated such haste; he had intended to wait for the palace list before acting, but all the counties had already begun preparations. If he were slower by even a step, he might offend these new dignitaries.

He was well aware of the arrogance of these newly elevated scholars. Those who were once treated like ordinary folk in the county, now, having leapt over the dragon gate, were transformed; their temper and pride grew immensely. Arriving late to congratulate them at home would be seen as disrespect, and should they meet in the future, the slight would linger, sowing discord. Thus, for the magistrate, offering congratulations could not be delayed.

He dared not offend even ordinary scholars, and if the scholar happened to be the top-ranked or one of the three highest, their future prospects would be immeasurable; offending them was out of the question. So, upon hearing the news, the magistrate set out immediately.

Beside him, Professor Hu rode alongside the carriage, saying, “Sir, with the spring list posted, all counties in the prefecture are already recording their scholars. Though this is not part of the officials’ regular duties, none dare neglect it. Our officials are eager to visit and offer congratulations.”

The magistrate felt uneasy at heart; it was the ambition of these men that spoiled the official atmosphere. Previously, congratulations were only offered after the palace exam, but now, with the spring list out, everyone rushed to make visits, fearing to be left behind. When the final golden list was published, another visit would be required.

He nodded, “Fortunately, I admitted his younger brother to the county school today. Otherwise, it would have been awkward soon enough.”

Professor Hu smiled, “That is your discerning eye! Had you waited until the list was posted, it would not have been so fitting. When this spreads, it will be praised as a fine story for both you and the Zhang family!”

The magistrate stroked his beard and laughed heartily, feeling a surge of pride. Admitting the boy early was a sign of wisdom; doing so later would seem like currying favor with the new dignitary. The difference of a single day was crucial. In the future, not only would his foresight be praised, but the goodwill would remain.

Yet, he kept his thoughts veiled, maintaining a public-minded demeanor. “His poetry is quite ordinary, but his grasp of the classics is rare. For one so young, such accomplishment is remarkable. That is why I admitted him to the county school. Otherwise, even if he were the younger brother of Zhang Erlang, would I need to grant him such favor?”

Professor Hu said admiringly, “Sir, you distinguish public from private affairs and judge men impartially. I truly admire you.”

The magistrate laughed, then recalled something. “Has the list been prepared?”

“Sir, I ordered another copy transcribed earlier.”

The magistrate nodded in satisfaction. “The schoolmaster is thorough. When I first examined the list, I overlooked the fact that Zhang Erlang had registered in Suzhou to qualify for the exam, even changing his name and the family record’s three generations.”

“I failed to notice, and it was thanks to your reminder.”

Professor Hu replied, “I only learned it from the prefectural officials. Zhang Erlang’s change of registration has caused quite an uproar among the candidates. That it reached my ears shows how significant the matter is.”

He felt compelled to warn the magistrate. But the magistrate was unconcerned. “What do these rumors matter? So what if kinsmen change their registration? As long as it’s within the law, these words will vanish with time.”

As they spoke, the sound of urgent hoofbeats reached their ears.

“Who is it?” the magistrate asked.

Professor Hu answered, “It’s Peng, the county constable.”

The magistrate frowned, “What is he doing here?” Congratulations to new scholars were the magistrate’s prerogative, not a military officer’s.

Professor Hu explained, “He once did the Zhang family a favor. Now that the Zhangs have produced a scholar, he naturally wants to be involved.”

The magistrate laughed, “I hadn’t expected Peng, a military man, to have such foresight.”

“No matter how clever Peng is, he cannot match you,” Professor Hu continued to flatter.

The magistrate stroked his beard and laughed again. “Still, it’s good. Only that Zhao—”

“He missed the feast and ended up with nothing but trouble.”

Both laughed together.

Suddenly, a horse neighed loudly in the distance.

“May I ask, sir, are you heading to the Zhang family? Peng Cheng, your subordinate, wishes to accompany you!”

“This soldier knows his manners,” the magistrate said with a slight smile.

Meanwhile, the Zhang household was in chaos.

“Brother!”

“Shi-lang!”

“Father!”

“Zhang, eldest son!”

“Master Zhang!”

Calls rang out one after another.

Cao, the bailiff, was sweating with anxiety. “Pinch his philtrum! If the magistrate arrives and sees this, he’ll ridicule us!”

“It’s no use! Better splash some cold water!”

“Very well, forgive me, eldest son!”

Cao took a large basin of water, gulped it down, then drew a deep breath. His round belly swelled, and with a “pop,” a mist of water filled the room.

Everyone recoiled, pinching their noses and stepping back.

“It stinks!” On the floor, Zhang Shi slowly awoke.

Rubbing his head in confusion, he said, “I seem to have dreamed just now. I dreamed that our second brother passed the examination. Our third brother just entered the county school, and now the second brother has become a scholar?”

“What kind of person is a scholar? What kind of fortune is that? How could our family have such luck?”

He shook his head, “And you—why are you all staring at me like that?”

“Third brother, wife, why are you crying?”

“Why aren’t you speaking?”

“Why are you crying? Tell me!”

“Tell me!”

Zhang Shi’s expression grew agitated. Lady Yu turned away to wipe her tears, and Zhang Yue was choked, unable to speak.

“Why won’t you talk? It’s driving me mad!” Zhang Shi stamped his feet repeatedly, “How have you all become mute, not speaking to me?”

Bailiff Cao, experienced in these matters, said to Scholar Guo, “Sir, you are the most impartial here. Please tell Master Zhang the truth.”

Scholar Guo nodded, “Master Zhang, listen carefully and calmly—I would never deceive you… Sit down, sit down. Yes, your third brother has been admitted as a scholar by the magistrate.”

“And now your second brother… your second brother has also passed the examination. It’s all true, I swear. Such fortune is real.”

“Really?”

Zhang Shi sat down, rose again, repeated this several times, then finally covered his face and wept.

A grown man, crying like a child.

“Brother, don’t cry. Today our second brother became a scholar; we should be happy.”

Zhang Shi shook his head, “I am happy that he is safe. After so long, my worries are finally eased.”

Ps: First update—Happy New Year, everyone!