Chapter 35: The Banquet

The clamor subsided, and Wang Mingyuan was finally set down by his elder brother.

He smoothed his rumpled collar and whispered to Wang Daniu, who stood beside him with a wide grin, the flushed excitement of triumph still lingering on his dark, weathered face: "Brother, let’s go."

As they stepped out of the crowd, Wang Daniu caught sight of the varying fortunes around them; some were as ecstatic as they were, while many more were dejected, some even pounding the ground in tears. The smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of embarrassment. Rubbing his hands together, he muttered, "Sanlang... was I too boisterous just now? Did I embarrass you?"

Wang Mingyuan looked at his brother and shook his head. "Not at all. You were happy, Brother, and I... I am happy in my heart as well."

Wang Daniu said no more. He suppressed his joy and followed silently behind his younger brother, though his steps were noticeably lighter than when they had arrived. Despite his composed expression, his mind was racing.

*The top candidate!* Out of the entire Yongle Town, how many people could pass the county examination? Their Wang family—a family of pig butchers—had actually produced a scholar with official standing! It was as if the ancestral graves had started emitting auspicious blue smoke! It must be the feng shui of the ancestral graves; yes, it had to be!

He would tell their father as soon as they got home. They would have to burn plenty of paper offerings at the grave, piling the yellow paper and gold ingots high so the ancestors below could share in the joy and bless Sanlang to sail through the prefectural and qualifying examinations, eventually becoming a true scholar...

Just imagining his father’s furrowed, chrysanthemum-like face breaking into a smile, and the scenes he could dream of even in his sleep, made the corners of Wang Daniu’s mouth twitch upward again. However, he dared not share these thoughts with his brother, tucking them away silently to discuss with their father later.

By the next morning, the commotion at the county magistrate’s office had completely faded. The brothers arrived early to collect the certificate of merit for passing the county exam—a document stamped with the bright red seal of the county, clearly stating his ranking, place of origin, and school affiliation. It was his admission ticket for the upcoming prefectural examination.

The minor clerk in charge of issuing the documents was unusually polite, even tinged with a cautious reverence. Wang Mingyuan accepted it with both hands, showing no arrogance, and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."

This steady, humble demeanor made the clerk’s smile grow all the more sincere.

Just then, a middle-aged man in a dark blue silk robe, sporting a goatee and sharp, calculating eyes, approached as if looking for him. Wang Mingyuan did not recognize him, but the clerk quickly whispered, "It is Master Wu, the advisor to the County Magistrate."

Master Wu’s gaze swept over Wang Mingyuan, his face breaking into a smile. "This must be the top candidate, Wang? Congratulations! The Magistrate has ordered a small banquet tonight in the back garden of the magistrate’s office to host the top three candidates of this county exam. He has specifically instructed me to invite you, and I hope you will grace us with your presence."

He paused, then added, "The Magistrate has read your papers and could not stop praising them. He said you have the 'bearing of a scholar.' I hope you remain humble, work diligently, and do not let him down."

"I am deeply grateful for the Magistrate’s favor and for your message, Master Wu. I shall arrive at the banquet on time," Wang Mingyuan replied respectfully, keeping his posture humble.

Beside him, Wang Daniu remained outwardly stoic, but his heart was in turmoil. *The Magistrate himself said Sanlang has the bearing of a scholar! The ancestors must have truly blessed us! The offerings for the grave... what I planned earlier won't be enough. I need to add a pig's head! No, at least three!*

Their family had no power or connections; they couldn't help Sanlang in any other way, so they had to rely on the ancestors to lend him a hand!

***

That evening, Wang Mingyuan dressed in a brand new set of clothes and groomed himself with care. His indigo fine-cotton robe was starched and crisp; though it lacked embroidery, it made his posture appear upright, and the scholarly air about him seemed even more serene under the evening lamplight.

Upon reaching the magistrate’s office, he parted ways with his brother and was guided by a servant into the back courtyard. Seated at the head of the table was Magistrate Liu, whose presence in the examination hall had startled him earlier. Now, stripped of his official robes and wearing dark casual attire, the Magistrate looked less imposing and more elegant, though his eyes remained sharp.

Wang Mingyuan stepped forward, bowing in a standard scholarly fashion. "Student Wang Mingyuan pays his respects to your Honor."

"No need for formalities. Take your seat." Magistrate Liu’s voice was gentle as he gestured to the seat on the lower left.

Wang Mingyuan sat as instructed. As he raised his eyes, he met the gaze from the right. Zhang Yun was there too, dressed in a brand-new sapphire silk robe, his expression complex. Ultimately, he had used his father’s influence to view Wang Mingyuan’s papers.

The elegant, sturdy calligraphy went without saying, but upon closer reading, the interpretations of the classics, while lacking the extensive citations and flowery language of his own, possessed unique insights that struck directly at the heart of the matter. In particular, the policy proposal was clear, logical, and addressed current issues with high practicality—it was certainly not the empty talk of someone who lived in isolation. This pragmatism and originality dissipated most of the unwillingness and doubt in Zhang Yun’s heart. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging the greeting.

The third-place candidate, a youth named Zhang Baiguan, was also seated. The three exchanged bows and names, then sat upright, the garden falling into a silence broken only by the occasional crackle of the lamp wicks.

Magistrate Liu’s gaze lingered on Wang Mingyuan, his mind turning over many thoughts. The youth was well-mannered, neither servile nor overbearing, and possessed a maturity and clarity far beyond his years. He felt a genuine desire to foster such talent, even considering taking him as a personal student. With his own knowledge and experience in the bureaucracy, if well-sculpted, this youth would have a limitless future.

However, remembering the boy’s peasant background, the Magistrate’s enthusiasm quickly cooled. He, Liu Chengwen, had studied under the cold window for years and navigated the treacherous seas of officialdom by walking every step with extreme caution. Taking a student, especially one from a peasant family with no foundation, was not as simple as appreciating talent. It meant investing resources, bearing risks, and incorporating them into his own political faction. His performance reviews over the past few years had been excellent, and a promotion was on the horizon—was it worth the burden of such a "drag"? And who knew when he would actually see a "return" on that investment?

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his appreciation for talent ultimately suppressed by more realistic considerations.

*Forget it,* Magistrate Liu sighed inwardly. *Using his policy proposal to report to the prefecture is already a favor. If he encounters an insurmountable obstacle in the future, helping him once without violating the law or damaging myself will settle this 'debt.' We shall be even.*

The banquet began in a harmonious atmosphere, the dishes exquisite but not overly extravagant. During the meal, Magistrate Liu raised his glass, encouraging the three to avoid arrogance, to study diligently, and to strive for even greater achievements in the prefectural examination to bring glory to Xianning.

Mostly, it was the Magistrate speaking, with the three responding respectfully. There were occasional simple questions about the classics; Zhang Yun answered beautifully, while Wang Mingyuan was concise and hit the mark.

After three rounds of wine and several courses, Magistrate Liu signaled his servant to bring over three small plates wrapped in red silk, handing them to the candidates personally. "A small token for your travel expenses. I hope you will live up to your studies and earn your titles soon."

The weight in his hand suggested five taels of official silver. This was not just a congratulatory gift, but an expectation from the Magistrate for the fruits of his administration—every new scholar was an important entry in his political record.

After the banquet, Zhang Yun and Zhang Baiguan took their leave. However, Magistrate Liu said gently, "Mingyuan, stay a moment."

Wang Mingyuan’s heart stirred, and he remained as instructed. When they were alone in the garden, Magistrate Liu lowered his voice, his eyes deep.

"Your policy proposal was clear and hit the crux of the issues. I have polished it slightly, attached it to my own proposal for the county’s spring famine response, and reported it to the prefecture."

He paused, looking into Wang Mingyuan’s eyes, and added significantly, "This is a contribution to the state, and also proof of your talent. Later... if there is anything regarding your studies or other matters that requires my consideration, you may send a message to Master Wu."

The words were extremely subtle, but Wang Mingyuan instantly understood the "transaction" involved—the Magistrate had used his proposal for political gain and, in return, left behind a vague promise.

"This student thanks your Honor for your guidance and cultivation!"

Wang Mingyuan bowed deeply. There was no great surprise in his heart, only a clearer sense of reality. On the road to fame, social sophistication was also a form of study. He had no power or influence, only a small student status; what could he do even if he knew this was a "transaction"? And what if the vague promise turned out to be nothing but empty words?

Stepping out of the side door of the magistrate’s office, the cold night wind brushed against his face. In the corner of the street, a burly figure immediately approached—it was Wang Daniu, who had been waiting for who knows how long.

"Sanlang!" Wang Daniu’s voice sounded chilled, but he couldn't hide his concern. "How was it? Did you eat well? Did the Magistrate say anything?"

"It was very good, Brother."

Wang Mingyuan looked at his brother’s frost-reddened nose, a wave of warmth washing over him. He handed over the heavy red silk pouch. "A travel gift from the Magistrate."

Wang Daniu took it, felt the weight, and a foolish, radiant smile broke across his face. He carefully tucked the silver into his innermost pocket. "Good! Good!" he muttered, as if he could already see their father holding the silver, crying and laughing before the ancestral tablets.

Wang Mingyuan nodded, gazing at the dimming lights of the county town, and took a deep breath of the frigid air.

Prefectural exam, qualifying exam... the road was still long.

And in that moment, he missed home.