Chapter 018 – His Majesty: “Impudent!”

After the Palace Examination had finished, the most difficult time for the candidates was waiting for the examiners to review their work.

Become famous in one fell swoop. Several years of hard study all for the sake of the golden list of successful candidates, the essay titles, the review of the examiners, and, afterwards, the ranking whose results would follow them for a lifetime.

Inside the palace, eight examiners selected by the Hanlin scholars1 and the ministers of the central government of the Great Heng were reviewing the papers of the tributary students.2 Each of the eight examiners had a table, and the examination papers passed through each of them, with the Imperial Guards standing nearby. They were running out of time, and it was necessary to decide the ranking of the tributary students as soon as possible.

A few days later, the examination official placed the top ten papers with the best scores in front of the Emperor so that he would, together with the ministers, select the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan and Tanhua.34

Among the top ten, with the exception of one student who had ranked below the 20th place in the test and now had risen to the ninth place, all the others had only moved up and down a few places, and there was little change.

After the examination official declared the ranking, the audience to review the papers officially began. The group of tributary students were standing outside, waiting for the results of the Palace Examination to be announced. Meanwhile, in the side hall, Gu Yuanbai and the ministers were discussing the ranking of the ten papers in front of them.

The Imperial Examination was a layer of cloth that concealed the bureaucracy. The top ten were all similar as far as their knowledge went. Therefore, in order to determine the ranking, more elements had to be taken into consideration.

The ten papers already had the seals removed.5 Gu Yuanbai let the ministers go back and forth reading the papers before asking with a smile: “What do you think of this new group of Jinshi?”6

The highest officials of the Zhengshi Hall and the Military Affairs Bureau were naturally supportive of the Emperor. Envoy Zhao, from the Military Affairs Bureau, stroked his white beard and exclaimed: “Our Great Heng has many talents! These ten papers are all brilliant, and their writers are all outstanding! It is a blessing for Great Heng!”

The officials from the Zhenshi Hall smiled, echoing the sentiment.

Gu Yuanbai pondered for a while, picked out three papers and placed them at the top. Pointing at Chu Wei’s essay, he exclaimed: “The one who achieved the first position in the Metropolitan Examination has written an excellent paper even in the Palace Examination.”

The Minister of Rites rushed to say: “Your Highness, Chu Wei also achieved the first position in the Provincial Examinations seven years ago.”

“Oh?” Gu Yuanbai said. “What a coincidence.”

The others laughed. Gu Yuanbai smiled and pointed to Kong Yilin’s paper. “What do you think of this one?”

The envoy thought for a while and finally said: “This student has a profound heart, and what is most rare is that he is also down-to-earth. He lacks neither determination or sharpness. A good and practical talent.”

Gu Yuanbai nodded. “The top three will be selected from these three people, but We get a headache trying to decide how to arrange them. In Our heart, the three of them are equal.”

The minister of finance proposed: “Your Majesty, why don’t you meet the three of them?”

Gu Yuanbai was pleased by the idea. “Very well.”

He liked Kong Yilin, and the appointed officials from Shandong province hadn’t formed a separate group in the dynasty. This talented person, born to a poor family, was down-to-earth and showed his skills in the essay. He could be considered for Zhuangyuan.

As a future capable minister, Chu Wei was also a great talent, but, at this time, he had yet to experience the sea of government officials he’d have to deal with. Although his writing was realistic regarding the population’s livelihood, some of his ideas were too radical. However, his father had a low position as an official and was uninvolved in disputes amidst political groups. It’d be very suitable to choose him as Banyan.

Lastly, for the title of Tanhua he could choose someone such as Chang Yuyan who was well known, but seen by the public as a talented scholar as well.

After a while, the eunuch by the door announced: “Chu Wei, Chang Yuyan, and Kong Yilin are here to see the Emperor.”

The three of them glanced at each other, and entered the secondary hall without changing their expressions, followed by the jealous eyes of the students behind them. The three of them were young, healthy and slender young men. Gu Yuanbai still had a smile on his lips, but it disappeared abruptly when he saw Kong Yilin come in.

Kong Yilin looked plain, but his eyes were extremely deep. For some people, their eyes alone could make their entire face shine. Kong Yilin was one of them. However, this set of eyes did not belong to the people of the Great Heng Dynasty.

”
”
Something flashed in Gu Yuanbai’s scattered memory, and he suddenly remembered who this Kong Yilin was.

The story of “Powerful Minister”,7 was based on historical facts about Huang Chao’s uprising. Huang Chao was a Jinshi who was dismissed because of his ugly appearance by the Emperor Xizong of Tang.8 The incident led to Huang Chao’s uprising down the line, even forcing Xizong to flee to Chang’an later on.

In “Powerful Minister”, Kong Yilin played such a role. However, he was not ugly; the reason why he was dismissed was because he had Western Xia blood.

If Gu Yuanbai hadn’t transmigrated, at this time, the power minister, Lu Feng, would still be in charge of the government. Lu Feng was a stubborn and domineering conservative who, naturally, would not allow people of Western Xia blood to be appointed as officials in the Great Heng Dynasty.

After being dismissed, Kong Yilin, left with nothing, directly abandoned his identity as a Great Heng citizen and switched to Western Xia to help develop the nation’s strength. With only the small Western Xia, he made the Great Heng lose five or six cities in a row. If Gu Yuanbai remembered correctly, Xue Yuan was the one who led the soldiers against him on the battlefield, fighting a mighty battle.

Gu Yuanbai smiled slowly.

After a while, he got up from behind the table and walked up to the three of them.

The Emperor’s body smelled of the precious incense of the palace, delicate and elegant but long lasting and luxurious. It transmitted a contradictory feeling, but it definitely brought the word ‘noble’ to everyone’s mind when they perceived it.

The three people standing there were all taller than the Emperor. Even if they lowered their heads respectfully and avoided looking directly at the Emperor, they could still see the blue silk draped over his back as he walked.

Kong Yilin’s eyes were clearly Xixia in origin. Although his expression didn’t show it, he was still worried about them. Seeing the Emperor approach now, his head bent even lower, and his presence had been weakened to the extreme.

But the Emperor stopped in front of him.

“Kong Yilin,” said the Emperor with a voice like pearls falling on a jade plate. “We have examined your policy essay. The writing is so good that it makes for quite the enjoyable read.”

”
”
Kong Yilin bent down even more humbly. “This student doesn’t deserve Your Majesty’s recognition.”

The Emperor said: “Look up and let me look at you.”

Kong Yilin followed the Imperial etiquette as had been taught by the Ministry of Rites, and raised his head with his eyes still lowered. He could only see the dragon robe on the Emperor’s chest, but Gu Yuanbai could clearly see his features from close range. Eyes of Xixia descent.

With his eyes down, his eyelashes looked long and dense, and looking at them, they seemed like a doll’s.

Gu Yuanbai wanted to see the color of his eyes clearly, but Kong Yilin seemed to be too apprehensive. He followed etiquette strictly, not raising his eyes even slightly. It was clear that these eyes had caused him much suffering.

The Emperor remained silent. Kong Yilin’s heart sank. Lifting his robe, he knelt on the ground. “This student recognizes his mistake and asks for punishment.”

Gu Yuanbai let out a long sigh and leaned over to help him up. “What mistake?”

In a daze, Kong Yilin stood up with his help, looking confused.

Gu Yuanbai smiled lightly and said: “Yilin has outstanding talent, We look forward to cherishing your service. Why would We punish you?”

Chu Wei and Chang Yuyan, on the side, watched this harmonious scene between the Emperor and his official. One of them looked unchanged and the other had a smile like a spring breeze. They both remembered how, back during the Palace Examinations, the Emperor had stood watching beside Kong Yilin for a long time.

How talented was this Kong Yilin? Was he really so special?

Gu Yuanbai said a few more words to the top three, and then let them out.

”
”
After they went out, Gu Yuanbai immediately told the Minister of Rites: “Chu Wei is the Zhuangyuan, Kong Yilin is the Bangyan, and Chang Yuyan can be Yanhua.”

The Minister of Rites solemnly assented.

In the main hall, Chang Yuyan smiled like a gentleman. He took the initiative to go greet Kong Yilin, and said: “Brother Yilin, His Majesty treats you so well. I believe your ranking won’t be low.”

Kong Yilin humbly replied: “I’m really talentless, I can’t accept such appreciation from His Majesty.”

Chang Yuyan’s heart was cold. Kong Yilin might declare himself talentless with his mouth, but his eyes were calm and unchanged, and it was obvious that he was very confident in his skills.

Ever since the Emperor had ignored Chang Yuyan in the Xue mansion last time, Chang Yuyan had felt uneasy. Now, he finally saw the Emperor again, but the Emperor had been looking at Kong Yilin this time.

The Emperor was still just as beautiful as a clear moonlit scenery. No matter where one looked, everywhere showed the dignity that belonged to the Son of Heaven. Before such a noble Emperor, Chang Yuyan, no matter how hard he tried, couldn’t stop fearing being disliked by His Majesty.

But now, what kind of policy essay did this Kong Yilin end up writing, to make the Emperor value him so?

Chu Wei tilted his head and glanced at the two of them, standing straight and silent.

While the three of them were deep in thought, some music came from the hall, announcing the start of the Chuanlu Audience.9

The candidates looked solemn, and many eunuchs came holding garments in their hands to change the clothes of the new scholars. After they finished changing, they looked up and saw that the Emperor was already sitting on the dragon throne.

The place where the Chuanlu Audience was held was not in Xuanzheng Hall, but in the wider Emperor’s Audience Hall. Only important events such as pilgrimages, major festivals, and sending off armies would be celebrated in the Audience Hall. At this time, hundreds of officials lined up and the new Jinshi stood in the center. The atmosphere was quiet, and many people couldn’t help but hold their breath.

In this heavy atmosphere, the most eye-catching thing was the Emperor, sitting high above.

Taking advantage of the time when the eunuch was helping him change into his official uniform, Kong Yilin looked up at the Emperor discreetly. He couldn’t help but feel stunned, but, after a few breaths, he recovered.

The Emperor’s dragon robe was cumbersome and heavy, but his face shone brightly.

Was there anyone in the world who could have power, status, and looks?

Kong Yilin realized at that moment that of course there was, and that person was the most noble person in the world.

One had to realize that he was out of reach when looking at him.

Among the new scholars, there were only a few bold enough to dare to take a peek at the Emperor. When the officials in charge of the palace ceremony began to call out names, the students bowed their heads and began to wait for the announcements.

“The scholar in the first place is Chu Wei.”

Chu Wei’s eyes flashed. He stood up, took a few steps forward, and following directions, he kneeled on the ground on the left side. His calm and restrained face couldn’t hide the way the corners of his lips turned up, showing a slight smile.

Previously, since the Emperor in the side hall had treated Kong Yilin so favorably, he had thought that the young Emperor would give Kong Yilin the Zhuangyuan title.

Kong Yilin’s face didn’t change, but a feeling of disappointment suddenly rose in his heart. Kong Yilin himself thought it was funny. After suffering because of his eyes, he had been successful and passed the Palace Examination. But now, he had become greedy and wanted to be the number one. It was a fickle, ridiculous thing.

The officials in charge of the ceremony continued to call out names. “The second position belongs to Kong Yilin.”

”
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Kong Yilin took a deep breath, walked to the right side beside Chu Wei, and knelt down steadily.

“The third position belongs to Chang Yuyan…”

The audience lasted for over half an hour. When all the names were called, the new Jinshi followed the hundreds of officials and performed three kneelings and nine kowtows. Sitting alone in the high seat, Gu Yuanbai, watching the crowd salute, exhaled an intoxicating breath.10

Being an emperor was addictive.

Especially when he saw all the courtiers worshiping him, and those ministers who are usually high and lofty kneeling down respectfully – it was a really addictive feeling.

Gu Yuanbai reminded himself to stay awake. He was not a dictator.

After the Chuanlu Audience was over, the new Jinshi went to compliment the other officials, and the rest of the courtiers scattered as well. The only ones left in the huge palace were Gu Yuanbai and the palace attendants. Gu Yuanbai’s face finally showed some exhaustion. Tian Fusheng offered him tea. “Your Majesty, it is still early. Why not go soak in the water from the hot springs?”

Gu Yuanbai felt tempted. He took a sip of the tea, nodded and said: “Very well.”

The hot springs were in the palace next to the Emperor’s sleeping quarters. When Gu Yuanbai arrived, the hot spring pool was already covered with a hazy mist.

The water in the pool came all from the hot springs, and it carried a natural smell of sulfur. With the surroundings dyed with incense and candlelight, the bright daylight outside the window illuminated the whole hot springs hall in a luxurious, royal style.

Tian Fusheng worked on removing the cumbersome dragon robe for the Emperor. Suddenly someone outside the palace reported: “Your Highness, Xue Yuan, the son of General Xue, is asking to see you.”

Gu Yuanbai’s white face had a sneer on it. “So he’s finally willing to enter the palace?”

Ever since he had agreed for Xue Yuan to enter the palace to accompany him up to that point, Xue Yuan had yet to enter. It had been a good while already, weeks had gone by. Did he come obediently realizing that he couldn’t keep avoiding it any longer?

Clearly, if I don’t teach you, you won’t behave, and if I don’t beat you, you won’t listen.

Gu Yuanbai said: “Tian Fusheng, how do you tame a dog?”

“A dog?” Tian Fusheng was puzzled, but he replied honestly: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a good dog or a bad dog. A disobedient dog, even a small one, will become obedient if it fears being beaten. If it remains disobedient, let it starve for a few days. When it’s hungry and craving some meat, won’t it be obedient?”

Gu Yuanbai raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Tian Fusheng, you’ve spoken well.”

The outer robe was untied layer by layer, and Gu Yuanbai lazily ordered: “Let him come in.”

The sound of footsteps gradually came from outside, and Xue Yuan’s tall and lofty figure, wearing the Imperial guard uniform that he had just received, crossed the fog. After crossing several doors to the left and right in the huge palace, he finally spotted Gu Yuanbai’s shadow.

When he walked in, Xue Yuan realized that the Emperor was only wearing a bright yellow satin shirt.

He already looked slender, and now looked even thinner, with his black hair draped over his back. His dark hair was very eye-catching. Xue Yuan had a heat-prone physique, and, with the warm steam all around him, before he had taken a couple steps, he was already covered in a thin layer of sweat.

Surrounded by the mist, Xue Yuan stopped not too far from the young Emperor and greeted him. “Good day, Your Highness.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the young Emperor turned sideways and nodded lightly at him. “Rise.”

The young Emperor’s crown had been removed, and his black hair rested against his face. It made his features, that had looked so cold and stern before Xue Yuan in the past, look slightly softer.

”
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Xue Yuan hadn’t seen the young Emperor seem so gentle before. The novelty made him stare at him for a while.

Tian Fusheng was about to put the Emperor’s clothes aside. However, suddenly, his feet slipped, and he fell heavily with a bam.

Gu Yuanbai: “Tian Fusheng!”

Xue Yuan stepped forward to support Tian Fusheng quickly. Tian Fusheng held onto his waist to endure the pain, and said with a wry smile: “Fortunately, Master Xue is here, so this eunuch won’t have to be too forceful.”

Xue Yuan’s eyelids twitched, and suddenly he had a bad feeling.

“I think my back cracked, I can’t bend over.” Tian Fusheng’s face wrinkled up. “The Emperor doesn’t like having a lot of people around while he bathes, and the other palace attendants are outside. Please, have Master Xue serve you instead of this old eunuch, Your Majesty.”

Gu Yuanbai saw that he didn’t seem to have fallen too hard, and his expression was slightly relieved. He said: “We can do it Ourselves.”

Xue Yuan glanced at him and helped Tian Fusheng out first. When he came back again, Gu Yuanbai was sitting on the large chair to the side, his body looking as if he was going to sink in it.

Although Gu Yuanbai wanted to let Xue Yuan know to fear him, he didn’t want to humiliate him. He was about to remove his own shoes and socks when a shadow suddenly squatted down in front of him.

Xue Yuan knelt on one knee with a smile, and touched the hand of the young Emperor that was holding the dragon boots, saying slowly: “How can the Emperor do such a thing? This official will do it.”

Xue Yuan took off the bright yellow dragon boot of His Highness, grasped the young Emperor’s ankle, and slowly removed the brocade sock for him. Xue Yuan had once said that the young Emperor’s face was incomparably beautiful, even more so than a woman’s. He had never touched anything so pretty and fragile. He already thought Gu Yuanbai’s face belonged to a man carved in jade, and, when he took off his boot and sock, he found that the foot he held in his palms were carved of the same jade.

Looking like ice, clear and fair like beautiful porcelain, permeated with fragrance.

Xue Yuan felt that the Emperor’s foot was more pleasant to the touch than the jade pendant he used to wear. He kneaded it like he was used to do with the pendant, holding it with his large hands, thinking about the size of the young Emperor’s foot.

His body was warm and his palms were rough and hot. Such an action was simply overstepping his bounds. Gu Yuanbai frowned and, without any hesitation, kicked Xue Yuan’s shoulder forcefully, and said coldly: “Impudent!”

Xue Yuan was caught off guard and was kicked backwards, hitting his head on the ground with a dull sound. His eyes rolled back into his head, his vision darkening for an instant.

It was just touching a foot, how could this be called impudent?

Xue Yuan slowly got up and knelt down in front of the young Emperor again. He grinned at him and stretched out a hand to directly hold the Emperor’s bare foot. Exerting some force with his hand, this time, the young Emperor couldn’t break out of the hold to kick him.

“Your Highness, your foot is cold, and this official is worried that your body can’t bear it,” he said slowly. “This official will cover your foot, and, once it’s warmed up, this official will, of course, let go.”