The Prince’s wife Qiu Fei resided in Fushu Hall, Qing Fei in Xuanqing Hall, and Xu Fei in Ningxin Hall. In September, imperial examinations were highly valued by the Emperor, particularly the “Palace Examination,” which he presided over. To qualify, candidates needed to pass six stages: first, the Tongzi exam, prefectural exam, and academy exam to obtain the scholar (秀才) title, then the provincial governor’s annual exam to maintain it, and finally, the triennial provincial exam. Completing these stages led to becoming a provincial graduate (举人), which qualified candidates for the metropolitan exam. This final exam, held in spring after the provincial exam and hosted by the Ministry of Rites in the capital, included three rounds. Success earned the tribute student (贡士) title and the qualification for the final “high exam.”
Scholars had to study the Analects, Mencius, Book of Songs, Book of Rites, and Zuo Zhuan in detail, totaling over 400,000 characters. They needed to read several essential classical, historical, and literary texts multiple times.
From the Sui to Qing dynasties, the exam contents varied, primarily focusing on classical texts, poetry, literary critique, and prose.
Later periods mainly tested the eight-legged essay, drawing content from the Four Books and Five Classics.
The imperial exam ranked candidates in three grades. The first grade (一甲) selected only three: the top scorer (状元), second scorer (榜眼), and third scorer (探花), collectively called the “Three Tops,” all granted the jinshi degree. The second grade (二甲) selected several, while the third grade (三甲) also selected candidates for similar scholar status. It was said, “Ten years of cold window with no recognition, one success makes you known throughout the world,” highlighting the exam’s importance.
The top three scholars entered the palace joyfully to receive their official titles. Standing out among thousands required exceptional abilities. In the main hall, Long Hanxie congratulated them and tested them further. After their responses, the court officials applauded enthusiastically. Satisfied, Long Hanxie concluded, “If there’s nothing else, let’s end the court session.”
Xu Qiu’er returned and picked up a book from the desk but couldn’t read a single word, staring at the blank pages.
Indeed, the poem circulating among scholars was deliberately released by her to create waves. The palace tutor, at her father’s request, had taught her when she was young, even declaring her a genius after reading the poem. After the tutor’s death, she concealed her talents, knowing that male discrimination still existed. At that time, she was young and needed to hide her brilliance, as too much light would attract trouble. She remembered her elder sister, once a prodigy and everyone’s goal, who died mysteriously, suggesting the presence of an earth-shattering secret.
Long Hanxie cherished talent, or even resented it. Although inadequate in addressing his own issues, he was a fair and just crown prince, which secured his position. With the empress’s support, he would face minimal resistance when ascending to the throne. Xu Qiu’er considered the emperor’s serious illness and the possibility of his imminent death.
The emperor allowing the crown prince to preside over the morning court suggested that the crown prince would succeed him.
On the 17th of the eighth lunar month, the emperor’s birthday, the palace prepared for the occasion. Feeling the people’s goodwill, the emperor gradually recovered and surprised imperial physicians by moving freely.
A red carpet stretched from the palace gate to the main hall. During the early morning court session, the emperor returned to his throne after months of absence, supported by Long Hanxie.
In high spirits, the emperor rewarded generals and met newly appointed scholars, feeling refreshed and free from his previous illness.
As night fell, court officials gathered in the rear garden to celebrate. Each prince put effort into preparing their gifts, while palace ladies and concubines awaited the emperor’s recognition. Fireworks burst into the sky, illuminating the joyous occasion.
Long Hanxie, representing the crown princes and brothers, raised his wine cup and shouted, “Wishing the Imperial Father longevity and unified rule!”
The crowd erupted in response. Court officials, princes, lords, the empress, and concubines all raised their cups to congratulate the emperor.
The emperor drank, and the empress cautioned, “Your Majesty, you’ve just recovered. Please drink less.” He patted her hand, acknowledging her care by his bedside. As music played, attention shifted to the central stage where dancers performed a new choreography.
Everyone soon realized the mastermind was the Crown Princess. The emperor laughed, “Where is Qiu’er?”
Sixteen people slowly retreated, revealing Shu Li. Her delicate plum blossom makeup enhanced her elegance. What was most unforgettable were her sparkling, starry eyes. She wore a golden gauze dress, with a Hangzhou silk white robe barely visible underneath, and her waist wrapped in light blue gauze.
Her black hair hung delicately at her waist, styled in an elegant cloud-like updo with a purple crystal crescent moon magnolia hairpin. She wore a light purple cross-collar dress embroidered with pearl flower patterns, over a jade-colored misty silver gauze shirt, paired with a moon-white lotus short waist jacket.
“This child wishes Your Majesty a long life,” Xu Qiu’er bowed slightly.
The Emperor felt comfort in his heart. The Crown Princess’s grand entrance and the courtiers’ surprised expressions made him indescribably happy. Seeing a beautiful woman belonging to the Crown Prince, he returned to his dragon throne and said, “Someone, bestow a reward.”
In one corner, Bangyan Rong Xuan remarked, “What a pity, unable to see that painting.” They were far away and could only catch a glimpse, but even that brief look showed the profound artistic skill of the painter. Rong Xuan, the most skilled in painting among them, felt an itch to compete with the Crown Princess.
The Emperor heard a familiar voice and lifted the curtain of the sedan chair, spotting the young palace maid who had performed a dance at the birthday banquet.
Feeling somewhat interested, the Emperor ordered the sedan to stop. A eunuch hurriedly draped a robe over him, as the night was deep and the dew heavy. If something happened to him, they would all be in trouble.
“Raise your head,” he said.
Xiao Ju complied, with tears on her small face, looking touching in the moonlight. The Emperor asked, “What’s making you so anxious?”
Xiao Ju replied, “Your Majesty, our young mistress has fainted, and we want to inform the Crown Prince.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow and ordered a eunuch to inform the Crown Prince. “Alright, get up. It’s windy tonight; come and wait for news.” Although his words sounded casual, the implication was clear.
Xiao Ju extended her hand to the Emperor, her expression fading, a tear dropping into the dark night.
Fu Qiu Hall –
Xu Qiu’er didn’t sleep all night, waiting for news at dawn. As expected, the Emperor informed her that Xiao Ju had become his woman and would no longer return to Fu Qiu Hall. Xu Qiu’er received the news she wanted but was left uncertain, fearing the palace would erupt as soon as day broke.
As anticipated, the palace was in an uproar. Everyone knew the Emperor had favored the palace maid beside the Crown Prince’s wife.
With the Emperor’s recent recovery, opinions about Xu Qiu’er were divided.
