Chapter 1: Arrival at Qinhuai

In a state of extreme chaos, Qin Mu's mind was a tumultuous surge, to the extent that he did not even pay attention to Li Xiangjun leaving him in the building to take care of him

In the small hall outside, Qin Mu, who had just returned to Jinling, was seated. He had failed the examination again this year and was disinclined to appreciate the scenery outside the window, instead drowning his sorrows in one cup after another.

For ten years, Qin Mu devoted himself to his studies, placing all his hopes on the imperial examination. Failing for the third time filled him with indignation: "In the fourth year of Chongzhen, Zhang Pu, the leader of the Restoration Society, participated in the Ministry of Rites examination alongside Wu Weiye. The examination paper that should have been written by the chief examiner was ultimately written by Zhang Pu, who was also a candidate. As a result, Zhang Pu became Wu Weiye's mentor. What qualifications does Zhang Pu have? What qualifications? Merely because he is the leader of the Restoration Society. In other words, the Restoration Society has already surpassed the court, manipulating the crucial matter of selecting officials for the state as if it were a plaything in the hands of certain individuals. Donglin!" His indignation continued: "In the fourth year of Chongzhen, Zhang Pu, the leader of the Restoration Society, participated in the Ministry of Rites examination alongside Wu Weiye. The examination paper that should have been written by the chief examiner was ultimately written by Zhang Pu, who was also a candidate. As a result, Zhang Pu became Wu Weiye's mentor. What qualifications does Zhang Pu have? What qualifications? Merely because he is the leader of the Restoration Society. In other words, the Restoration Society has already surpassed the court, manipulating the crucial matter of selecting officials for the state as if it were a plaything in the hands of certain individuals. Donglin! Restoration Society! Hahaha..."

Regardless of what Li Xiangjun said, Qin Mu remained in a state of confusion, silent and unresponsive. The owner of Meixiang Tower, Madam Li, anxiously summoned the doctor once more for a diagnosis. After brewing and administering the medicine, Qin Mu still did not speak to anyone, only occasionally murmuring to himself, "Why? How is this possible? How could I be here?"

At that moment, a beam of red light suddenly shot in through the open window, prompting everyone to instinctively look outside. They saw a fireball in the clear sky, trailing a long tail, flying westward as swiftly as a shooting star

Qin Mu was exceptionally intelligent from a young age; at the age of five, he could recite the "Analects," and by seven, he was able to compose poetry. He was hailed as a child prodigy and, at thirteen, he passed the imperial examination, gaining considerable fame throughout Jiangnan.

Li Xiangjun was momentarily at a loss for words. Although she leaned towards the Donglin and Fuxie factions, how could she refute Qin Mu's presentation of such conclusive examples?

Qin Mu expressed his feelings through poetry, while Li Xiangjun could only pretend not to know. As she poured the wine, she asked, "Young Master Qin, being a talented youth, surely you would not indulge in the pleasures of the flower gardens like Liu Tuntian. I believe there must be other aspirations in your heart."

No matter how remote the alley you walk into, there is always a place hanging lanterns to sell tea, adorned with fresh flowers, brewing the finest rainwater, and the tea house is filled with people enjoying their tea

What are the standards for selection? You might not believe it, but it is based on appearance. Dozens of people stand in a line, and officials from the Ministry of Personnel make the selections. Those who are handsome have a chance, while those who are unattractive, I’m afraid, will be sent back from whence they came. Please do not come here to bring shame to the Ming Dynasty

Until the next day, a servant from the Qin family delivered a letter, and Qin Mu's bewildered gaze was suddenly pierced with pain

According to the Ming system, if a candidate fails the provincial examination three times, they may register their name with the Ministry of Personnel and await the "Great Selection". However, once registered with the Ministry, they are no longer eligible to participate in the provincial examination.

Li Xiangjun walked lightly to his side, holding a pot with her delicate hand. With her jade wrist gracefully turning, she filled two cups with wine and said gently: "Young Master Qin, you are just at the age of maturity, full of knowledge and talent. Even if you do not succeed in this examination, why should you be concerned?"

Another woman, perhaps unintentionally, spoke of the matter of the giant stone falling from the sky, letting out a long, faint sigh.

Three years ago, Qin Mu once again took the examination at the Ministry of Rites, yet he still failed to make the list of successful candidates

She quietly glanced at Qin Mu, who is a legendary figure in Jinling City. His father had served as a seventh-rank county magistrate, but unfortunately, Qin Mu's father passed away just a few days after his birth. At that time, a high monk passed by the Qin family and said that Qin Mu's fate was too strong, bringing misfortune to both his father and mother. The only way to resolve this was to foster him in a temple.

Miss, Dr. Li only mentioned that there is a possibility of him waking up, but did not say that he will definitely wake up. How about we take Young Master Qin back home instead

Qin Mu waited for a long time before Li Xiangjun, freshly bathed, finally emerged after finishing her makeup. She had changed into a cloud-white soft silk wide-sleeved top adorned with a round pattern of orchids, paired with a deep purple silk skirt that shimmered like the moonlight. Her petite and delicate figure, with eyes that sparkled like autumn waves, exuded a charming brilliance. Her slightly upturned lips revealed a hint of playfulness, presenting an altogether enchanting appearance.

What should we do? Ah! Young Master Qin's finger moved slightly, he has awakened, he has awakened

Qin Mu may be quite good, but unfortunately, Li Xiangjun's heart already belongs to someone else

The so-called "major selection" refers to a situation where there are many vacancies among officials and not enough candidates who have passed the imperial examination. In such cases, the Ministry of Personnel will bring forth these scholars and select some of them to take up official positions

This sudden phenomenon caused the Eastern Factory guards in the room to forget about besieging the strong man, each of them staring in astonishment out the window. Taking advantage of this moment, the strong man leaped out of the window and fell into the Qinhuai River

Miss, what if Young Master Qin does not wake up? Shouldn't we inform his family first?

Unfortunately, Qin Mu embraces soft jade, yet is unable to enjoy the blessings. Blood flows profusely from his head, and he has long lost awareness of the world around him

This poem "Crane Soaring to the Sky" was composed by Liu Yong during the Song Dynasty. At this moment, Qin Mu recites it with a sense of shared sympathy.

Just as the young maid was about to open the door to check, with a loud "bang!" the door was smashed open. A burly man, covered in blood and wielding a table leg, rushed in. Following closely behind him was a group of brown-clad Eastern Depot guards, each armed with steel knives, relentlessly pursuing the man in front.

Isn't Young Master Qin's statement somewhat biased? How could the esteemed members of the Donglin School be as unworthy as Young Master Qin suggests? Li Xiangjun's father was originally a military official, affiliated with the Donglin faction. After being harmed by the eunuch faction, she fell into a life of disgrace. Qin Mu not only criticizes the eunuch faction but also the Donglin School, which she naturally cannot accept

The renowned courtesan Li Xiangjun of the Qinhuai, whose beauty is unparalleled, elegantly swept up her hair, gently removed her purple gauze robe, and donned a skirt adorned with pink butterflies and moonlight. She was left with only a thin, lotus-colored bodice, resembling a celestial being who has shed her splendid garments, untouched by the mundane world.

Li Xiangjun instinctively glanced at Qin Mu, whose face was as handsome as jade, tall and straight, and exceptionally elegant. If he were to participate in the selection by the Ministry of Personnel, he would likely be chosen with ease

"Why should we care?" Li Xiangjun would have been better off not mentioning this matter, but once he did, Qin Mu, already somewhat inebriated, immediately lost control of his emotions and exclaimed with great indignation: "Truly, when a nation is on the verge of collapse, it is bound to give rise to monsters..."

Young Master Qin, you have finally awakened, thank heaven and earth...

Fortunately, there is someone in my heart worth seeking... Li Xiangjun savored this phrase in her mind. Qin Mu, who had failed the examinations twice, had come seeking her both times. The identity of the person he cherished was becoming increasingly clear, and a faint blush unexpectedly appeared on Li Xiangjun's charming face.

From this perspective, beauty pageants in China have a long-standing history and profound cultural heritage. You might want to say that being unattractive is not your fault, but it actually is your fault. Who told you not to take a few pictures with cucumbers or apply a few layers of powder before coming here

Li Xiangjun was startled by this sudden turn of events, her face turning pale, feeling at a loss for what to do. The sturdy man's swinging table leg was about to strike her. Suddenly, Qin Mu, fueled by an unknown courage, shouted, "Xiangjun!" and leaped forward. Bang! The table leg struck him hard on the back of the head, knocking both him and Li Xiangjun against the wall.

Near the Qinhuai River, around twenty to thirty houses collapsed, producing a clattering sound. People in the streets scattered in panic; those carrying burdens dropped their loads, and vendors overturned their stalls. Goods and books were strewn about in disarray, while screams and cries converged into a deafening wave that surged forward.

However, on the third day after Qin Mu was elected, his mother, Lady Qin Wang, passed away due to long-term illness from years of hard work. People could not help but recall the rumors about his being unfilial towards his parents, and discussions in the streets became fervent, with many people regarding Qin Mu with a mix of respect and distance

Li Xiangjun lightly brushed her cloud-like hair, and for a moment, she, who was usually adept at clever replies, found herself at a loss for words. For a scholar, giving up the imperial examination was undoubtedly a very difficult decision.

Do not worry, young lady; I will only speak to you and will not share this outside. I have heard that Lord Shi, the Minister of War, has also left the city to investigate and has ordered the large pit to be covered. He has prohibited the common people from spreading rumors, or else they will be apprehended and prosecuted

Qin Mu's mother, Lady Qin Wang, had just lost her husband and was left with only a son in swaddling clothes. How could she bear to part with him? Ignoring the advice of others, after exhausting the family's savings, she relied on sewing and mending for others, managing to raise Qin Mu.

Not wanting to find oneself three years later, when that person returns, only to be met with the disappointment of having fallen short of expectations, and moreover, having become somewhat cynical about the world, how can one not feel a sense of lamentation

The two parties fighting in the room paid no attention to his life or death, still engaged in a life-and-death struggle. Li Xiangjun held onto Qin Mu, continuously crying out: "Young Master Qin, Young Master Qin, please wake up, wake up..."

No, no, Young Master Qin will definitely be fine. Doctor Li is the best doctor in the city. He said that if Young Master Qin can wake up, then he will definitely wake up

Li Xiangjun first met Qin Mu three years ago after he failed the examination. With countless sorrows in his heart that had no outlet, Qin Mu came to Meixiang Tower to listen to her play a piece on the guqin. Li Xiangjun developed a favorable impression of him.

The market was in an uproar, with many people looking up in curiosity. In an instant, that fireball crashed down outside the San Shan Gate in the west of the city like a meteor striking the moon

A deafening roar echoed, and dust rose into the sky outside the city, shooting up to several dozen zhang high. The earth trembled violently, and the Meixiang Tower swayed gently, making it difficult for people to maintain their balance

"Heaven is unjust." Qin Mu took a hearty gulp of wine and then sang loudly: "On the golden list, I accidentally lose sight of the dragon's head. The Ming Dynasty temporarily leaves behind the worthy... In the alley of fireworks, the painted screens are faintly visible. Fortunately, there is someone in my heart, worth seeking out..."

Qin Mu had indeed woken up, but his eyes were filled with confusion. Everything before him was difficult to accept. He did not understand how, after getting completely drunk with a few friends at the bar, he had ended up here.

I apologize for keeping Young Master Qin waiting for so long; I hope you can forgive my rudeness. Li Xiangjun's voice was soft and melodious, truly enchanting

After filling the gaps, future promotions will also be extremely difficult; most officials from the gentry background find it challenging to rise beyond the seventh rank in their lifetime

Qin Mu replied with a face of indifference: "I have already registered my name with the Ministry of Personnel."

Young Master Qin, please be cautious with your words! Li Xiangjun was taken aback and quickly urged him to refrain.

"It is indeed an inappropriate time to come down, I apologize for the intrusion." Qin Mu was clearly still trapped in the gloom of his failure, his face marked by a look of deep melancholy and discontent.

The burly man, with disheveled hair, fought while retreating, each swing of the table leg in his hand creating a fierce wind, exuding an overwhelming dominance. Several agents from the Eastern Depot wielded their blades like flowing silk, the glint of their cold steel swirling around the burly man, and with a single misstep, he could be torn to pieces at any moment

However, in the officialdom, one's background is of great importance. It is already a stroke of luck for a juren to fill a vacancy as a county vice magistrate or a chief clerk, unless it is in those impoverished and inhospitable areas that others are unwilling to go, where it might be possible to be appointed as a county magistrate.

"An'er, quickly go and see what has happened?" Li Xiangjun hurriedly instructed the young maidservant who was serving the wine.

Li Xiangjun trembled her fingers upon hearing this, nearly spilling the daughter red in the jade cup. She truly could not understand why Qin Mu, who was just at the age of maturity, would give up on the imperial examination.

How can this be? Young Master Qin was gravely injured in order to save me, and now his life hangs in the balance. How can I simply turn a blind eye to this?

Seeing that Qin Mu had a book box beside him and was stained with the colors of dust and travel, it was likely that he had returned home after failing the examination and had come directly to this Meixiang Tower to indulge in drink

Miss, the maid has just heard from Ma San'er that a large black stone fell outside the San Shan gate, creating a pit one zhang deep and several zhang wide. There is much discussion going on outside; some say that in the seventh year of the Tianqi era, a giant stone also fell from the sky in Yanshan, and soon after, Emperor Xizong passed away

On the banks of the river, the fragrant pavilion stands with intricately carved window frames and draped curtains. The dim light within the quiet room creates a hazy atmosphere. Behind a floor-to-ceiling screen, a large bathing tub is placed, with red flower petals floating on the water's surface, and a mist of steam fills the air

She revealed a clever smile, just about to offer some words of comfort, when she heard a chaotic noise coming from downstairs. There were sounds of tables being overturned, the shrill screams of young women, the clashing of swords, and someone shouting sternly: "The Eastern Depot and the library are apprehending traitors. Those unrelated should stand aside! Otherwise, all will be treated as traitors!"

"Xing'er, do not speak nonsense!" A delicate voice called out urgently, "Xing'er, remember, such taboo words must not be carelessly spoken in the future, otherwise, it will bring disaster upon you"

There are also those who do not believe in these matters and regard Qin Mu as a highly promising original stock. Qian Shun, who was the head of the Hu Bu in Nanjing back then and is now honored as the Deputy Minister of Hu Bu in Nanjing, was the first to take action, marrying off his daughter to Qin Mu. The monk said that Qin Mu was detrimental to his father and mother, but did not say that he would be detrimental to his wife, did he

In the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen era, during the third month of spring, the Qinhuai River from the East Water Gate to the West Water Gate was at its most picturesque. The green willows, like wisps of smoke, gently brushed against the golden-flecked pavilions, while the ten-mile pearl curtains swayed in the spring breeze, and the sound of flutes and drums from painted boats echoed day and night

Since then, Qin Mu has been engrossed in his studies at home and has not returned to the Meixiang Building. Li Xiangjun's impression of him has gradually faded, after all, he was merely a guest she had encountered once.

Caution is advised. The situation of the Ming Dynasty is surely well understood by Miss Xiangjun. Now that Liaodong has been completely lost and the Tartars frequently knock at the gates, they come and go as they please, having already burned, killed, and plundered their way to Shandong. The court can only watch helplessly, utterly at a loss. Li Zicheng commands an army of a million and has declared himself king in Xiangyang, poised to attack the capital at any moment. The Central Plains have suffered through numerous wars; rebels come and burn everything, while the imperial troops come and loot. The bones lie exposed in the fields, and for a thousand miles, there is not a single crowing rooster. It is truly a sight too tragic to bear. Yet, even as the national situation hangs by a thread, the officials in the court still engage in mutual strife, each seeking personal gain. The eunuchs are in power, while the Donglin faction is either demoted or dead. When the Donglin faction gains power, they similarly seek to eradicate their opponents. Both sides engage in endless conflict, and for those of us who are uninvolved, wishing to enter the civil service through the imperial examination to serve the country is nothing but a delusion.

In the quiet hall, historical texts are arranged on both sides, and the brocade-covered couch emits a faint, delicate fragrance. Occasionally, soft sounds of water can be heard from within, naturally evoking one's imagination

Gazing far into the distance, a trench of spring | Half the city is adorned with flowers, both inside and outside the city, the exquisite palaces and temples, with green tiles and red eaves, during the Six Dynasties period, there were four hundred and eighty temples, but now, there are no less than four thousand eight hundred temples, in the streets and alleys, altogether, there are six to seven hundred restaurants, and over a thousand tea houses

When Qin Mu woke up again, he felt a splitting headache, his limbs were weak, his eyelids were too heavy to open, and he heard a crisp voice by his ear

However, in the tenth year of the Chongzhen era, Qin Mu participated in the imperial examination for the first time but did not achieve success