Chapter 32: Not a Long-Term Solution

Zhao Han pondered deeply, his brows slightly furrowed. After a moment, a plan took shape in his mind, and he took up his brush to write:

Your subject respectfully replies: At present, the Khitan and Western Xia are invading our northwestern borders. Although the Imperial Court grants them annual tributes of gold and silk, the border troubles remain unabated. This is truly a grave concern for the state.

Your subject believes that to secure the frontiers and alleviate the financial burden on the state, one must prioritize reforming domestic governance, strengthening military preparedness, eliminating waste, and selecting capable generals; we cannot rely solely on gold and silk for a fleeting peace.

I humbly submit four strategies as follows:

First: Reform domestic governance to secure the foundation. The lack of state funds and the exorbitant costs of border defense are truly due to the neglect of domestic governance. Currently, taxes in the prefectures and counties are uneven, powerful families seize land, commoners are displaced, and the granaries are empty. We must strictly evaluate officials, eliminate redundant positions, and equalize land taxes so that the people’s burden is eased and the national treasury is replenished. Furthermore, we must broaden the channels for criticism and promote men of virtue. If the administration is clear and honest, wealth will naturally be sufficient, and border supplies will be sustained.

Second: Strengthen military preparedness to deter the enemy. Currently, the border troops are largely weary and weak, and their equipment is substandard, which is why the enemy cavalry dares to raid...

Third: Cease annual tributes to curb their greed...

Fourth: Select capable generals to guard the key strongholds...

His literary thoughts flowed like a spring. The more Zhao Han wrote, the smoother his progress became, as if his brush were guided by a divine hand. In the blink of an eye, two hours passed, and thousands of eloquent words had leapt onto the paper.

Outside the examination cell, the sunlight was perfect, and a golden beam cut through the gaps in the eaves, casting a slanted glow across the examination paper. Raising a hand to wipe the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, Zhao Han continued to write:

"The Art of War" states: "Do not rely on the enemy not coming, but rely on your own readiness to receive them." In the past, Emperor Wen of Han conserved strength and nurtured the people, eventually subduing the Xiongnu. Emperor Taizong of Tang first strengthened his domestic governance, then conquered the four barbarians. Today, we must make internal political reform our foundation and external military vigilance our supplement. If the country is wealthy and the army strong, the two barbarians will naturally be deterred. Relying solely on gold and silk is, in the end, no plan for long-term peace.

I humbly request Your Majesty to reflect upon this. The world would be most fortunate!

At the hour of the Rooster, the evening drum sounded on cue, echoing heavily throughout the Examination Hall. The final day of the metropolitan examination had finally reached its end. Several examiners, holding copper gongs, walked along the rows of cells, shouting, "Submit your papers—"

The exhausted candidates laid down their pens one after another. The sealing officials worked nimbly to hide the names on the papers and stamp them with seals, then locked the heavy boxes of scrolls one by one and carried them to the Transcription Bureau.

To prevent bribery during the examination and grading process, the Great Zhou Dynasty implemented a "locked-court" system. From the moment they were appointed, the chief examiner, the graders, the proofreaders, the scribes, and the sealing officials were required to remain within the Examination Hall until the rankings were finalized and the official list was posted. Only then would the gates be opened to allow the officials to return home.

As dusk gathered, the gates of the Examination Hall slowly creaked open. The candidates emerged in groups of three or five, filing out into the fading sunlight. Some appeared composed, as if victory were already in their grasp; others walked slowly, still pondering the themes of their essays. Some, physically and mentally drained, required assistance to walk.

Zhao Han glanced back at his cell and exhaled a long, weary breath. He picked up his examination basket and walked straight toward the main gate.

No sooner had he stepped out of the Examination Hall than several familiar voices pierced the noisy crowd and reached his ears.

"Brother Zhao!"
"Brother Zhao!"
"Dear nephew!"
"Young master!"

Zhao Han looked to the side and saw Changqing, dressed in his page’s attire, standing at the front, his face filled with concern. Shulan stood behind Sheng Wei, gentle and quiet, while Pinlan stood on tiptoe, waving to Zhao Han incessantly.

Many young ladies were there with their parents to pick up their brothers. Most of them stood quietly like Shulan, occasionally whispering to their maids. Someone as lively as Pinlan was truly rare. Gu Tingye stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the hitching post with Shitou, a smile playing on his lips.

As he approached, Pinlan squinted her eyes like a cunning little fox, looking Zhao Han up and down. "It's only been three days, and yet you've lost so much weight, Brother Zhao."

Zhao Han smiled. Having not spoken for three days, his voice was slightly hoarse. "Miss Pinlan, you wouldn't understand. The days in the Examination Hall are truly grueling. During the day, one must transcribe thousands of characters for the policy essay, and at night, one rests with a hard wooden board as a pillow. Even meals are swallowed in a rush. It would be stranger if I hadn't lost weight."

"Such hardship! No wonder my eldest and second brothers refuse to study," Pinlan said, wrinkling her small nose and shaking her head.

Sheng Wei chuckled dryly before turning his gaze to Zhao Han. "Nephew, did the examination questions go well?"

Zhao Han replied with a calm and gentle demeanor, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. It went quite smoothly. If all goes well, I should be able to make the list."

"That is good, that is very good!"

"I received a letter from your younger brother Sheng yesterday. They have already departed for Bianjing and should arrive around the time the results are posted."

Sheng Wei stroked his beard and smiled, though a flicker of imperceptible envy flashed in his eyes. The second branch was already flourishing, and Changbai was mature for his age—a true scholar in the making. His own two legitimate sons were sensible enough, but in terms of prospects, they fell a notch behind Changbai.

What a wonderful prodigy! If only he could be his own son-in-law. It was truly a pity...

"Calculating the time, if my father-in-law does not arrive soon, I fear he might miss the time to report to the Ministry of Personnel."

Sheng Wei nodded. "Indeed."

Gu Tingye’s eyes flickered. He coughed lightly into his fist with his right hand while subtly tugging at Zhao Han’s sleeve with his left. He stepped forward and whispered, "Brother Zhao, Mistress Wei asked me to give you a message."

"Tomorrow evening at the hour of the Dog, she will be singing a lyric at Guangyuntai—the very one you composed, 'Magnolia'."

"Mistress Wei also said she has been practicing this piece for a long time, just waiting for you to critique it yourself after the examination."

Gu Tingye shook his head and sighed softly. "This is the first time Mistress Wei has ever invited anyone personally. Brother Zhao, you are truly blessed!"

Zhao Han arched an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "And what about Yunniang from Yiyun Pavilion? Isn't she deeply devoted to you, Zhonghuai?"

"Ah, don't mention that. How could Yunniang compare to Mistress Wei?" Gu Tingye waved his hands repeatedly. He looked up at the sky and said seriously, "Tomorrow at the hour of the Dog, we shall meet there!"

"Very well!"

"Where are you two going?" Pinlan blinked her almond-shaped eyes and asked curiously, leaning in.

Zhao Han and Gu Tingye exchanged a look, ignored her question, and climbed into their respective carriages.

***

On the Huai River, seven large ships cut through the shimmering water, traveling steadily in a long line like a snake. This time, as Sheng Hong moved his entire household to the capital, their luggage and personal belongings filled five full ships. The servants and maids, whether bound by life contracts or volunteering to follow them to Bianjing, traveled on one ship. Furthermore, the family members themselves traveled on a separate, high-quality vessel adorned with gold paint.

After weighing and observing for some time, Old Madam Sheng had finally decided to raise Minglan by her side, intending to take her in as soon as they were settled in the capital.

When Wang Ruofu learned of this, she was naturally overjoyed. After all, she was reluctant to let Rulan be raised by the old madam, yet she did not want Lin Qingshuang and her daughter to gain such an advantage for nothing. Therefore, in her eyes, sending Minglan was the most appropriate choice.