Chapter 66: A Celestial Omen

After a long drought, the arrival of sweet rain; meeting a friend in a foreign land; the night of the bridal chamber; having one's name appear on the golden list—these are said to be the four greatest joys of life. From a certain perspective, encountering an old acquaintance far from home is not an easy feat. The world is vast, its population numbering in the millions, with lands stretching from the southernmost reaches to the northern seas, roads perilous and difficult, harder than ascending to the heavens.

Now, as Li Sanjian and Zeng Gongming arrive at Kaifeng Prefecture and immediately meet an old friend, how could they not be overjoyed? With the help of Ran Yunbiao, Li Sanjian hurriedly found a local residence, settled Fu Erniang and the others, and then, together with Ran Yunbiao and Zeng Gongming, headed to a tavern in the southern part of Kaifeng called Heart-Cleansing Abode to drink and reminisce.

Heart-Cleansing Abode was not large, accommodating forty or fifty guests at most. Its decor was modest, but as the imperial examination approached, business flourished day by day. The reason was its proximity to the palace, allowing timely access to news from the court. Most importantly, the proprietor was a shrewd man who understood that scholars from across the realm were gathering in the capital. He prepared quality food and wine at reasonable prices and adorned the tavern with famous calligraphy, paintings, bamboo crafts, lacquerware, and metalwork, arranging the establishment in an elegant and tranquil manner.

The staff—servers, idlers, and wine maids—had been instructed thoroughly: every guest, regardless of status, was greeted with warmth and hospitality, ensuring they felt like honored visitors. This was no trivial matter, for among the countless scholars from every corner, some would surely succeed in the imperial examinations, their names inscribed on the golden list; perhaps among them would be the top scholar, second, or third, and some might even rise to the ranks of nobility or high office in the future.

Should this happen, it would bring Heart-Cleansing Abode fame and fortune beyond measure—a source of honor and delight!

The tavern had two floors. Downstairs, travelers ate and drank quickly, eager to be on their way. Upstairs, there was a spacious rooftop terrace; those unafraid of the cold could warm their wine and discuss matters, engaging in lively debate—a unique experience.

Li Sanjian, Ran Yunbiao, and Zeng Gongming sat in a corner of the terrace, drinking and laughing, recalling the past. Their corner was surrounded by vines, and not far away, a table of guests appeared to be scholars headed for the exams in the capital.

The terrace was drafty, the northern wind biting, but after a few cups of hot wine, Li Sanjian and his companions no longer felt the chill and were even somewhat cozy.

“Second Brother, you truly are gifted—top scorer in the county examination, a proud disciple of Master Su Dongpo. I heard of your achievements long ago in Lingnan and am genuinely happy for you. Come, Second Brother, Third Brother, let us drink this cup together.” Ran Yunbiao raised his cup with a smile.

Ran Yunbiao was the eldest, already seventeen and soon to be eighteen, making him the senior among the three—Li Sanjian was second, Zeng Gongming third.

A young scholar at a nearby table, just past twenty, overheard and glanced at Li Sanjian, who was engrossed in his wine and paid no attention.

Which pot do you have to open but the one that’s cracked? Li Sanjian grumbled inwardly, for Ran Yunbiao had unwittingly touched on his sore spot. Did he not know Li Sanjian had been expelled by Su Shi?

Li Sanjian’s expression darkened.

“Drink, drink—we have only to enjoy our wine. Why bring up such matters?” Ran Yunbiao was oblivious, but Zeng Gongming knew well. With his elbow, he nudged Ran Yunbiao and spoke.

What did I say? The matter of topping the county exam? That’s a glorious achievement—so why do they look so dejected? Ran Yunbiao looked at Zeng Gongming, then at Li Sanjian, utterly puzzled.

“To be honest, Brother, I… was expelled from Master’s tutelage…” Li Sanjian drained his cup, feeling unspeakably bitter.

The young scholar at the neighboring table showed a barely perceptible look of surprise.

“What? Expelled from your master’s house? Why?” Ran Yunbiao was even more confused. To top the county exam was a great honor, and with Li Sanjian’s talent, he was likely to make a name for himself. Such a disciple was every teacher’s dream—why, then, would Su Shi cast him out?

“Ah, it’s a long story. Best left untold.” Li Sanjian forced a smile and asked, “Brother, are you here for the examination too?”

Ran Yunbiao glanced at Li Sanjian, nodded, and replied, “I did come to the capital for the Ministry of Rites examination, but not for the literary exam—rather, for the military one.”

“Military exam? What is that?” Li Sanjian asked, puzzled.

Back in Lingshan County, Qinzhou, Li Sanjian had already heard Ran Yunbiao mention his intention to abandon literature for martial studies and take the military examination, but even now, Li Sanjian did not fully understand what the military examination entailed.

Was it a selection for military officers based on martial skills? Li Sanjian wondered.

“The military exam is also a category of the imperial examination, but it takes place after the literary one…” Ran Yunbiao thought for a moment before explaining.

He spoke at length about the military exam, leaving Li Sanjian somewhat bewildered, though he managed to grasp its general outline.

In the Song Dynasty, the imperial examination included the presented scholar exam, various special categories, and the military exam. Beyond the regular selections, there were also special and child categories.

The content of the Song examinations had been in constant flux, and now, most categories had been abolished, leaving only the presented scholar and military exams. The nine classics, five classics, rites, histories, ceremonies, transmissions, and legal categories had been discontinued; selection was now based on classical interpretation.

The presented scholar exam selected candidates based on classical interpretation, while the military exam focused on strategic questions, military texts, and martial arts skills.

Success was determined by strategy and by prowess in archery and horsemanship!

The written portion included strategic questions and the meaning of military texts, while martial skills featured archery—mounted, on foot, crossbow, and piercing targets—plus proficiency in weapons, obstacle courses, carrying weights, appearance, and verbal response.

The military exam followed the literary one; after selecting the literary scholars, the martial scholars were chosen.

It also included preliminary, provincial, and palace examinations, and was accompanied by military schools and academies.

Though the Song had a military examination, its scale paled in comparison to the presented scholar exam. The latter selected over a hundred candidates per session, sometimes even several hundred, while the military exam usually yielded only a handful, up to twenty at most.

Yet, since few attempted the military exam—only a few dozen to several hundred each session—it was arguably an easier path to officialdom.

Moreover, entering officialdom via the military exam was relatively easier, and those who did so were not necessarily confined to military posts; they could transfer to civil positions. However, those seeking to advance further, to wield real power or govern, found it nearly impossible—such advancement was harder than reaching the heavens.

A military official could earn titles, be ennobled, even made a duke or king, but rarely held the highest offices or real power.

Take the famed Song general Di Qing: despite his countless victories and illustrious record, he only attained the post of Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Not long after, he was dismissed, demoted repeatedly, and died in frustration.

For Li Sanjian, this mattered little. His purpose in the imperial examination was to escape poverty and the scorn he endured at home; thus, entering officialdom through the military exam was also a shortcut.

An official is an official—however humble, still a Song official, Li Sanjian mused. If he could kill a chicken, he would have been tempted to try the military exam himself.

Isn’t it just memorizing a few military texts? Li Sanjian thought. The military exam could not compare to the fierce competition of the presented scholar exam—a true life-and-death struggle.

“Brother, with your prowess in both civil and martial arts, you’re sure to succeed,” Li Sanjian said with a smile after grasping the essence of the military exam.

“Indeed, you’ll become an official,” Zeng Gongming agreed.

Ran Yunbiao shook his head. “It’s not so easy. You may not fully understand the affairs within the court.”

Li Sanjian nodded. Though unfamiliar with court politics, he knew that the path to officialdom was not always based solely on talent and learning—connections and background often played a role.

The three fell silent, drinking quietly.

After a long while, Zeng Gongming spoke. “Let’s not dwell on such gloomy matters. Brother Ming Shi, you arrived in Kaifeng before us—tell us, what wonders or strange events have you encountered?”

“I haven’t heard any wonders,” Ran Yunbiao replied, gulping down a cup. “But there have been strange happenings—at the turn of December, on the new moon, there was an eclipse; the next day, a white vapor spanned a hundred li; at night, stars fell like rain; and several li of the western city wall mysteriously collapsed. The people of Kaifeng say these are omens, not auspicious.”

Li Sanjian and Zeng Gongming exchanged glances upon hearing of the meteor shower.

Zeng Gongming couldn’t help but find it amusing—back when they were traveling by boat, wasn’t the meteor shower summoned by Li Sanjian? Now there was a rain of meteorites in Kaifeng; did it happen because Li Sanjian arrived, and the heavens sent another sign?

Li Sanjian had once cursed the heavens boldly, and the answer was a shower of meteors…

“When did this happen?” Zeng Gongming asked, suppressing a smile.

“A few days before you arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture,” Ran Yunbiao answered. “I hear it has alarmed His Majesty, and there are rumors that due to these omens, even the imperial examination may be postponed or canceled.”

“What?” Li Sanjian and Zeng Gongming were both shocked.

If the provincial exam were postponed or canceled, their arduous journey would have been in vain.

They had struggled through countless hardships to reach Kaifeng from Lingnan.

If the court truly canceled or postponed the exam, they could do nothing—there was ample precedent for such events.

“This is the doing of courtier factions, upright officials suffering injustice—how can we be blamed? Why should the provincial exam be canceled?” At this moment, the young scholar at the neighboring table stood up and spoke loudly to Li Sanjian and his companions.

Li Sanjian and the others were stunned, staring at him in confusion.