Chapter 52: The First Imperial Examination Roster of the Qingli Era

Su Ze entered the small courtyard of Wang Anshi’s residence. This time, the gathering was much more lively than the last.

As soon as he stepped into the yard, Su Ze spotted Zeng Gong. Although Zeng Gong had failed the imperial examinations this time, there was no trace of disappointment on his face.

Su Ze had also heard from Zhang Yaozuo that despite Zeng Gong’s setback in the Ministry of Rites examination, the essays he submitted had caught the eye of the deputy examiner Ouyang Xiu, and Zeng Gong had now become Ouyang Xiu's formal disciple, studying under his tutelage.

With such a towering literary master of the era as his mentor, perhaps Zeng Gong would pass the next examination without difficulty.

Beside Zeng Gong stood a young boy. Wang Anshi introduced him, saying:

"This is Zeng Zigud's younger brother, Zeng Bu. He could compose prose at the age of seven, and Brother Zigud frequently brings him along to broaden his horizons."

Zeng Bu.

Su Ze looked at Wang Anshi. This was yet another backbone of the future New Faction, one of Wang Anshi's most loyal followers, and a prominent figure in history.

The Northern Song Dynasty seemed to produce an overabundance of child prodigies.

Although Zeng Bu was only eight years old, he carried himself with the poise of a little adult and was exceptionally courteous to everyone, instantly winning the affection of the entire company.

Wang Anshi then proceeded to introduce the remaining guests to Su Ze. Pointing to a young man with a modest and deferential demeanor, he said:

"This is Wang Gui, Wang Yuyu, the runner-up of this year's metropolitan examination. He and Brother Zigud became disciples of Academician Ouyang at the same time."

Wang Gui showed none of the arrogance typical of a high-placing scholar. Instead, he stepped forward and bowed to Su Ze, saying:

"I have already heard our mentor praise Brother Su's essays on numerous occasions, comparing his literary backbone to that of Fan Xiwen. It is truly a loss for the imperial court that Brother Su was unable to participate in the Ministry of Rites examination this time."

Su Ze hastily returned the bow.

Wang Gui was also a historically renowned figure who would eventually rise to the position of Grand Chancellor.

However, his reputation in history was somewhat lackluster. Having occupied the highest offices of state for sixteen years, he achieved little of note either domestically or abroad. In the presence of the emperor, he merely repeated, "As Your Majesty commands," or "I accept the sacred decree," while dismissing subordinates with, "The decree has been obtained." Contemporaries mockingly referred to him as the "Three-Phrase Chancellor."

Most young scholars of the present day were arrogant and haughty, fond of critiquing prominent figures and debating state affairs. Yet Wang Gui, having placed second in the entire empire, remained so humble and courteous that he felt like an anomaly among his peers.

Still, as the recipient of such flattery, Su Ze found the praise immensely gratifying.

Compared to those Northern Song chancellors whose spittle practically flew into the emperor's face during debates, someone like Wang Gui would undoubtedly be exceptionally compliant and smooth to work with.

Wang Anshi then introduced another, slightly older scholar to Su Ze:

"This is Han Jiang, Han Zihua, the third place laureate of this imperial examination."

Very well, another pillar of the New Laws.

***

Han Jiang was conventional and steady. He lacked Wang Gui’s excessive humility, yet he did not exude any haughty intellectual arrogance either, merely offering Su Ze a calm and ordinary hand salute.

Han Jiang was a full circle older than everyone else present. His father, Han Yi, had once served as grand chancellor, and Han Jiang had originally entered officialdom through hereditary privilege.

It was only later that he applied himself with great diligence to his studies, finally passing the jinshi examination at the age of thirty.

Finally, standing near the edge of the crowd, there was a young man with a proud and aloof expression. Wang Anshi turned to Su Ze and said:

"This is our top scorer in the metropolitan examination, Yang Zhi, Yang Shenxian. His elder brother was the runner-up in the first year of the Jingyou era. For two brothers to place as the top scorer and runner-up respectively is already celebrated as a wonderful tale throughout Bianjing."

Ah, so this was Yang Zhi.

During the incident Su Ze had encountered previously, Yang Zhi had actually helped provide intelligence.

His literary fame filled the entire capital of Bianjing, and winning the top spot in the examination was a testament to his genuine talent.

However, his peacocking demeanor was genuinely unappealing. By comparison, someone like Wang Gui was decidedly easier to approach.

Yang Zhi took the initiative to address Su Ze directly:

"Since Master Su was unable to participate in this imperial tribute examination, it somewhat diminishes the luster of my top-ranking status. What a pity, what a pity indeed."

Upon hearing these words, even Wang Anshi's expression darkened slightly. Wasn't Yang Zhi implying that had Su Ze participated, Yang Zhi would still have secured the top position?

Su Ze, however, remained unbothered. He knew full well that with his mediocre poetry and fu skills, even if he had participated, it would have been difficult for him to place in the top tier, let alone contend for the top spot.

Arrogant though he might be, Yang Zhi was no mad dog. Seeing that Su Ze possessed an extraordinary bearing, he felt a desire to make his acquaintance and cupped his hands in a polite bow to Su Ze.

At that moment, Wang Anshi’s younger brothers and sisters carried tables and chairs out from the house, and Zeng Bu obediently helped arrange them, setting up a banquet right there in the small courtyard.

Su Ze handed the fresh bamboo shoots he had brought to Wang Anshi, saying:

"Brother Jiefu, knowing that you dislike drinking wine, and considering that bamboo is the gentleman among plants, presenting you with fresh shoots does not violate the propriety of friendship among gentlemen."

Wang Anshi laughed heartily and handed the fresh bamboo shoots to his younger brother to take to the kitchen.

After everyone had taken their seats, Su Ze privately marveled that the imperial examination of the second year of Qingli was indeed brimming with exceptional talent. The only cohort that could possibly rival this one was likely the one in which Su Dongpo passed the jinshi examination.

Wang Anshi, Han Jiang, and Wang Gui, all present here today, would eventually rise to become grand chancellors. Su Ze glanced at Yang Zhi again, wondering why historical records concerning Yang Zhi were so scarce.

Logically speaking, Yang Zhi had been a youthful prodigy with outstanding abilities, and his elder brother Yang Cha was the son-in-law of the Grand Chancellor Yan Shu; he should not have been obscured by history.

The historical materials Su Ze remembered concerning Yang Zhi basically appeared merely as footnotes to Wang Anshi.

Never mind; Su Ze put the thought aside. Replacing wine with tea, the company began to chat freely, and the conversation soon drifted toward the political situation.

***

There was no helping it; discussing politics was the favorite pastime of Northern Song scholars. Aside from Zeng Gong, everyone present had already embarked on official careers, and many were well-connected and held prominent statuses.

Wang Gui and Zeng Gong were disciples of Hanlin Academician Ouyang Xiu, Han Jiang was the son of a former grand chancellor, and Yang Zhi’s elder brother was the son-in-law of the current grand chancellor. Their channels of information were far more reliable than those of ordinary scholars.

It was Yang Zhi who spoke first:

"The Liao ruler has already dispatched envoys to the capital, reportedly requesting a imperial princess in marriage."

As the conversation turned to the situation in the north, everyone’s brows furrowed.

With the Western Xia rebellion raging, the Liao Dynasty was also beginning to stir restlessly.

The war in the northwest alone was already on the verge of dragging the imperial court down; if a conflict were to erupt in the north as well, the empire truly would be teetering on the edge of collapse.

Yang Zhi, possessing the keenest intelligence sources, stated:

"The court has already appointed Hanlin drafter Fu Bi as the welcoming envoy to head north and meet the Liao envoys. Counting the days, they should be entering the capital soon."

As expected, Yang Zhi was exceptionally well-informed. Everyone pricked up their ears; receiving Liao envoys was a highly sensitive matter, and news of it usually only became common knowledge once the envoys had actually arrived in the capital.

Su Ze understood why Yang Zhi was so well-informed: the welcoming envoy, Fu Bi, was also a son-in-law of Yan Shu, making him the brother-in-law of Yang Zhi’s elder brother, Yang Cha.

Yang Zhi lowered his voice and continued:

"I hear that this time, the Liao ruler not only demands a marriage alliance but also the ceding of the territories south of the Guannan Pass."

Upon hearing mention of ceding territory, the company grew indignant.

Wang Anshi stood up and declared:

"The Liao ruler is wildly ambitious and his insatiable greed knows no bounds. To serve Liao with territory is no different than the Six States serving Qin with territory!"

The others nodded in praise, all feeling that Wang Anshi’s words struck at the truth.

Su Ze inwardly shook his head. Young people were always full of vigor and naturally could not stomach the appeasement policies of the timid Song Dynasty. Yet, given the current reality—with domestic disasters recurring endlessly over the years and the brutal war in the northwest draining resources—if a war were to break out in the north as well, the empire might genuinely face premature destruction.

Wang Anshi looked at Su Ze and asked:

"Brother Su, what are your thoughts on this?"