Chapter Fifty: Banquet at the Provincial Office

“Li Jieyuan, this is Magistrate Yin, and this is Assistant Magistrate Lin. Magistrate Yin and Assistant Magistrate Lin are the supervising examiners for this session's qualifying examination. This is Judge Hu, and this is Clerk Xu, both of whom are the chief examiners for this session. And…” A clerk led Li Sanjian, Zeng Gongming, and the other scholars who had qualified, introducing them to the examiners overseeing the Guilin session.

The imperial examination was highly esteemed throughout the Song dynasties, whether it was the qualifying exam, the provincial exam, or the palace examination. Valuing the imperial examination naturally meant giving attention to the scholars who sat for it, offering them certain privileges or support, especially to impoverished students like Li Sanjian.

The court opened the door for scholars to pursue advancement through study, and countless scholars across the land saw the hope of rising from humble origins to the emperor’s hall overnight, greatly promoting the scholarly atmosphere of Song’s civil service examinations.

Even in remote places like Lingnan, the same held true. Upon the conclusion of the qualifying exam, the Guilin officials hosted a banquet to celebrate the scholars who had qualified from Guangnan West Circuit.

“Li Sanjian from Danzhou, Zeng Gongming from Hengzhou, … pay respects to all the esteemed officials.” Li Sanjian, together with the other newly qualified scholars, bowed to the examiners.

As the top scorer, Li Sanjian stood at the very front, adjusting his attire and bowing with proper decorum.

Though Li Sanjian appeared somewhat frail, he possessed a tall and elegant figure, his face handsome and refined, with an air of natural charm. Despite wearing coarse cloth robes, his garments fluttered gracefully, making him seem exceptionally dashing.

The officials were all favorably impressed by Li Sanjian’s striking appearance.

“What a graceful young man!” Hu Wenhai winked at Li Sanjian and smiled.

Li Sanjian had already recognized Hu Wenhai as the middle-aged man he had encountered by the riverside several days earlier.

He never imagined that this man would turn out to be the chief examiner of the qualifying exam, and so he was quite surprised. However, despite his youth, Li Sanjian was mature of mind, and did not betray his astonishment, showing only a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Hu Wenhai likewise did not reveal their prior meeting, secretly admiring Li Sanjian’s discretion.

It was well known that before the results were posted, examiners were forbidden from leaving the compound or interacting with scholars, to prevent favoritism or public suspicion.

A few days earlier, after Hu Wenhai and his colleagues had finalized the list of qualifiers, with Li Sanjian already selected as the top scorer, Hu Wenhai left the examination hall for a stroll by the riverside, where he happened upon Li Sanjian.

Though nothing improper had occurred between them, if word of their encounter were to spread, it would surely cause a scandal, leading to public criticism among the scholars. If someone were to file a complaint against Hu Wenhai, things could turn quite ugly, and Li Sanjian’s qualification might be revoked.

Even in the wilds of Lingnan, countless watchful eyes glowed with a faint green light, all fixed on the coveted quota of the qualifiers…

“A youth in azure robes, a golden sash like a celestial being.” Magistrate Yin Mo Chuan laughed, “Could it be that Ceng Jiazhou was referring to this young man?”

“I quite agree with Magistrate Yin’s view,” Assistant Magistrate Lin Wencheng responded. “This youth is barely sixteen, yet his literary talent is outstanding, his grasp of the classics exceptional, and his insights remarkable. He is a rare prodigy for our Lingnan region, truly a brilliant young scholar.”

Both Yin Mo Chuan and Lin Wencheng had reviewed the essays of the candidates, and were particularly astonished by Li Sanjian’s “Establishing Maritime Agencies: Using the Sea to Control the Land.” They marveled that someone so young could produce such a novel and unconventional argument, for most people, regardless of status, focused solely on land, rarely mentioning maritime affairs.

Though Yin Mo Chuan and Lin Wencheng found it somewhat difficult to comprehend, the logic was clear: the Song, unable to compete with northern powers on land, could forge a new path by dominating the seas—a fine strategy indeed. Thus, they were thoroughly convinced and deeply moved.

Such is often the case with the imperial examinations: when all other factors are equal, a brilliant essay can determine the outcome.

Of course, the crucial factor is the appreciation of the examiners. If Li Sanjian’s “Establishing Maritime Agencies” were submitted at the capital, some might dismiss it as fanciful nonsense, a bizarre essay crafted merely to attract attention. Its fate would then be uncertain…

The officials’ praise was meant as encouragement, hoping that Li Sanjian would reach even greater heights, succeed in the upcoming provincial exams, bring honor to Lingnan, and add luster to their own achievements.

“The words of the esteemed officials fill me with trepidation,” Li Sanjian replied, somewhat embarrassed by their praise. “My humble writing has been recognized by your honors, which leaves me deeply apprehensive. I take your approval as a token of encouragement. Yet my learning is shallow and superficial. As the saying goes, the sea of knowledge is boundless. Henceforth, I shall dedicate myself to diligent study, burning the midnight oil, to repay your kindness.”

Li Sanjian spoke sincerely: being a scholar from Guangnan West Circuit was no great distinction, nor was being a qualifier. Men of talent across the land are as numerous as the waters of the rivers and seas, and candidates for the examinations swarm like fish. The road ahead would be far more arduous.

Now fully sober from the excitement of qualifying as top scorer, Li Sanjian regarded it as merely a “mid-level exam,” nothing to boast about.

His modest words drew silent approval from the officials. Usually, a youth of less than sixteen who achieved such distinction and received widespread acclaim would be giddy with pride, which is the normal reaction for someone so young.

But Li Sanjian remained calm and composed, showing neither arrogance nor conceit, which greatly impressed the officials.

“The mountain of books has a path, diligence is the way; the sea of learning is boundless, toil is the boat,” Hu Wenhai nodded. “Li Jieyuan, with such resolve, will surely accomplish much in the future. Yet I must remind you: there are many talented people in the world. Never underestimate them.”

“Your heartfelt advice, sir, shall be kept in mind,” Li Sanjian replied respectfully.

“Heh heh,” Yin Mo Chuan laughed. “Scholars, please take your seats.”

This session of the Guangnan West Circuit qualifying exam accepted sixty scholars, whose learning was notably superior to previous years. Especially among the top ranks, some might well achieve the highest honors in the imperial examinations, which delighted Yin Mo Chuan.

Then, led by the clerk, the successful scholars took their assigned seats. Fine wine and exquisite dishes flowed in abundance; though the Guilin officials’ banquet could not compare with a feast bestowed by the imperial court, the famous Lingnan delicacies were all present. Most of these dishes Li Sanjian had never even seen before, let alone tasted, leaving him dazzled and quietly sighing at such luxury.

If he were ever to attend a banquet granted by the imperial court, who knows what thoughts he might have?

Amidst the sounds of strings and flutes, cups clinked and toasts were exchanged. Officials and scholars alike recited poems and composed verses to enliven the festivities.

Such banquets among scholars were always accompanied by poetry, sometimes gentle singing, sometimes wild songs—though such abandon was reserved for those who drank deeply.

Li Bai, drunk, composed a hundred poems, and slept in taverns upon the streets of Chang’an!

“Esteemed officials, I offer a poem for your appraisal,” Huang Yanei rose and bowed.

Huang Yanei had also qualified, though he ranked nineteenth, far behind Li Sanjian, which left him dissatisfied and resentful.

His full name was Huang Wanqing, son of a renowned county magistrate.

“Fear not the warmth of song, how long will it last? Rushing waters urge me on with heroic sentiment. I cherish stone wine jars, measureless in their capacity, and carry jade companions, joined by clouds and waters. Afraid of delay as waves break on rocky bridges, my malady is faint red at dusk. Let not the madness of poetry inspire longing—this autumn’s lingering night brings separation.”

Huang Wanqing pondered a moment, then recited a regulated verse in seven-character lines. It was a fine composition, meeting all the requirements: eight lines of seven characters each, arranged in four couplets—opening, supporting, main, and closing—with the middle couplets strictly matched.

The final line spoke of autumn’s end and imminent separation, hinting at the journey to the capital for the provincial exam, and the subtle sorrow of uncertain outcomes.

“Splendid! Huang Yanei is truly gifted.”

“Indeed, indeed, he will surely excel in the spring examinations.”

“Why was the top scorer not Huang Yanei?”

The scholars applauded, some expressing dissatisfaction that Li Sanjian had won the top honors.

Yin Mo Chuan, Hu Wenhai, and the other officials nodded quietly; for someone around twenty to compose such a sophisticated regulated verse was impressive.

Although the Song no longer judged candidates solely by poetry, most scholars still practiced verse and admired those skilled in its art, flocking to them.

Huang Wanqing glanced sideways at Li Sanjian, his disdain and resentment unmistakable.

Last time in the tavern, Li Sanjian had teased him with a poem, but that was mere luck. If you’re truly capable, write another poem to surpass mine! Huang Wanqing thought.

“Hmph, arrogant fellow—what talent has he?” Zeng Gongming, understanding Huang Wanqing’s intent, said to Li Sanjian, “Brother Hanren, offer a poem and humble him.”

Li Sanjian merely shook his head, smiling at the proceedings.

He had no desire to compete with Huang Wanqing for the spotlight, finding it meaningless. Better to enjoy a few more bites of Lingnan delicacies.

“Li Jieyuan,” Hu Wenhai suddenly called.

“Here, student from Danzhou,” Li Sanjian hurriedly rose. “Sir, what is your command?”

“I have heard your paintings are unrivaled in the world. Why not let us all witness your artistry?” Hu Wenhai smiled.

“This…” Li Sanjian glanced around, uncertain and hesitant.