Section 2

The original intention of Shiyue was merely to create an air of mystery, yet unexpectedly, Tang Di and Li Dunmin placed such trust in him that he could not help but feel moved. He slightly nodded in gratitude to the two and, looking at Chen Yuanfeng, said with a smile: "As for the understanding of the way of heaven, each person has their own method. I do not dare to compare myself with Mr. Zhou and Mr. Shao, but I can clearly state that in the spring examination next year, it will be conducted as before; however, the palace examination will abolish poetry and prose, only testing on strategy and theory."

When he mentioned this matter, everyone began to discuss it animatedly. Some said it would not be abolished, while others expressed uncertainty, and soon a heated debate ensued. Shi Yue quietly listened to their discussion and realized that the "Su Zhi Shi" mentioned by Chai Guiyi referred to Su Shi. The reform initiated by Wang Anshi was a significant event in Chinese history, which Shi Yue had also paid attention to and studied. At this moment, he began to recall in detail and suddenly remembered the memorial in the "Song History" where Su Shi directly criticized Wang Anshi's reform of the imperial examination as "troublesome." The events that were about to unfold were suddenly laid out clearly before him. Suddenly, Shi Yue felt a sense of being like "God".

The Chai brothers, however, were somewhat skeptical and did not express a definitive opinion

As the five individuals observed his eloquent responses and extraordinary demeanor, they were secretly amazed and thus offered their seats to Shi Yue. Additionally, a young attendant, emerging from an unknown place, refilled his cup. Having traveled for quite a distance, Shi Yue felt both hungry and cold; he did not hesitate to accept the drink, taking a hearty sip. He found the wine to be rather mild in flavor, but knowing that such was the nature of ancient wines, he refrained from making any judgments. Nevertheless, he felt a slight warmth rising within him. Seeing his generous spirit, the others filled his cup once more.

Shige's decisive judgment immediately left everyone looking at each other in confusion

The Daxiangguo Temple was originally the residence of the Marquis of Xinling during the Warring States period. By the Song Dynasty, it had become a place for the royal family to worship. The temple was filled with wealthy monks, and their abbot was known as "Master Zhiyuan," a friend of the then Prime Minister Wang Anshi. With such a powerful royal backing, this temple achieved unparalleled splendor and magnificence. The pavilions and halls, adorned with vermilion railings and jade doors, painted beams and carved rafters, were no different from a palace. In the center, a white stone path was flanked by towering pines and cypress trees, all covered in white snow at this time. From within the halls, hidden behind the jade trees and crystal branches, the melodious sounds of bells and chimes could be faintly heard. The pavilions and halls, adorned with vermilion railings and jade doors, painted beams and carved rafters, were no different from a palace. In the center, a white stone path was flanked by towering pines and cypress trees, all covered in white snow at this time. From within the halls, hidden behind the jade trees and crystal branches, the melodious sounds of bells and chimes could be faintly heard.

This was the first time Shiyue had seen someone with such refined interests, and he felt a mix of curiosity and temptation from the aroma of the wine, causing his feet to unconsciously move in that direction. He deliberately stepped heavily, making a "crunch" sound in the snow, and as he got closer, the few people indeed turned to look in his direction. Shiyue then saw clearly that they were all young scholars, a total of five. Imitating what he had seen on television, he cupped his fists and said loudly, "I apologize for disturbing your enjoyment." The others quickly stood up and returned the gesture, saying, "It’s no trouble at all." The five noticed that although Shiyue had a handsome appearance, resembling a scholar, his attire was quite peculiar, which made them feel a great deal of curiosity.

One of them, appearing to be exceptionally generous, immediately spoke up and invited, "Meeting is a matter of fate; if you have no other business, why not join me for some wine and flower viewing, so as not to waste this beautiful scenery"

When young people gather, there are no distinctions of class, making it easy for them to become familiar with one another. Moreover, with both parties having the intention to connect, it does not take long before they seem like old friends who have not seen each other for many years

Even five months later, Shi Yue still clearly remembers that he entered the inner city from the Dai Building, following the straight road north, passing through the "New Gate." After walking for a while, he made a brief stop outside the renowned Kaifeng Prefecture, then continued east along the imperial street, which was over 200 steps wide and neatly paved with bricks and stones. Along the way, he passed a stone bridge called "Zhou Bridge" and crossed an area known as "Tu Shizi." Not long after, a large temple came into view. After walking for a while, he made a brief stop outside the renowned Kaifeng Prefecture, then continued east along the imperial street, which was over 200 steps wide and neatly paved with bricks and stones. Along the way, he passed a stone bridge called "Zhou Bridge" and crossed an area known as "Tu Shizi." Not long after, a large temple came into view.

"Unintentionally striving for spring." Tang Di repeated this line and sighed: "With your talent, we are like fireflies gazing at the moon. Unexpectedly, you remain so indifferent, having no desire for fame, content in solitude. Truly admirable! Truly lamentable!"

Seeing Tang Di like this, Shiyue felt even more moved. However, regarding his own background, he could neither speak of it nor would anyone believe him if he did, so he had no choice but to feign ignorance. Thinking of his parents and friends, he felt a deep sadness, which led him to the intention of drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He downed the wine in his cup and said: "Whether you believe what I just said or not is up to you. However, I have leaked a heavenly secret, and the sin is not trivial. I hope you all will not disclose it, otherwise it will bring misfortune rather than fortune to you."

Although Shi Yue was unable to obtain what he sought, he was unwilling to be looked down upon by others. By nature, he was a composed individual, and his expression remained completely unchanged as he calmly said: "I apologize for the disturbance."

"Exactly." There was a considerable sense of pride in Chen Yuanfeng's tone

As everyone drank and conversed, after several rounds of wine, they all felt slightly tipsy. Tang Di then laughed and said: "Ziming just presented a poem 'White Plum' to visit Master Ouyang, and he is also a guest at the table"

Shiyue strolled into the Great Hero Hall. On such a snowy day, there were still more than ten monks reciting scriptures, along with some devout believers praying earnestly. Shakyamuni Buddha smiled down upon these myriad beings, seemingly able to see through all the suffering in the world. Shiyue, who had always held the belief of 'respecting ghosts and deities while keeping a distance,' found himself unable to resist kneeling down amidst the curling incense smoke and murmured chants, respectfully bowing three times and praying softly: 'Buddha, please help me. Wherever I came from, may your great compassion send me back there...'

Shiyue was well aware that their references to "Ouyang Gong", "Da Su", and "Wang Xiang Gong" were directed at Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi, and Wang Anshi, all of whom were renowned figures among the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties. It was a perfectly natural thing for ancient scholars to present their poetry to their predecessors in hopes of gaining support, but little did they know that Shiyue was merely plagiarizing the works of "later generations" for his own use! Although Wang Mian would not be born for several hundred years, he could not help but feel uneasy; how could he dare to approach the gates of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties to deceive the world and steal their fame? At that moment, as he listened to their animated introductions, Shiyue was nearly scared into a cold sweat.

Li Dunmin also responded: "Even if it is to meet Da Su, it can be done."

Shiyue slightly nodded, stood up, pondered for a moment, pointed at a plum tree, and recited aloud: "In the icy and snowy forest, I stand apart, unlike the peach and plum that mingle with the fragrant dust. Suddenly, one night, a clear fragrance emerges, spreading across the vast spring of heaven and earth."

When mentioning this "mysterious person," Shi Yue couldn't help but feel a sense of self-pity. After a long silence, he said half-truthfully, "I suddenly appeared two days ago in a piece of farmland sixty miles south of Bianjing, and I have completely forgotten my origins, as well as my parents, wife, and children..."

Outside the walls of the temple, Shiyue saw willows planted everywhere. Although heavy snow was falling from the sky, pilgrims continued to come and go, and the sound of carriages and horses was unceasing. Moreover, countless shops outside the temple remained open for business. What he observed along the way was that this place was the most prosperous of all. He could only imagine how lively it must be on clear days—little did he know that this place was, at that time, the most prosperous in the world. He couldn't help but marvel inwardly and quickly raised his head to look towards the temple gate. Upon this glance, Shiyue couldn't help but exclaim, "So this is the Great Xiangguo Temple where Lu Zhishen pulled out the willow tree!" With curiosity piqued, Shiyue lifted his leg and walked towards the temple.

Everyone was unaware of his thoughts. As the argument continued, Li Dunmin smiled at him and said: "So, Ziming, have you decided whom to meet?"

The five individuals had come to the capital to participate in the provincial examination (Ministry of Rites examination) known as "de jiejuren." During the Song Dynasty, the imperial examination system was divided into three levels, with the local prefectures overseeing the first level, called the jieshi; those who passed the jieshi would then take the provincial examination overseen by the Ministry of Rites; and those who passed the provincial examination would finally take the palace examination presided over by the emperor. These five had already passed the jieshi, and although they could not be considered the top tier among scholars in the Song Dynasty, they were all distinguished figures from their respective prefectures. The scholar who invited Shi Yue to drink was named Tang Di, courtesy name Yifu, and he was a juren from Chengdu Prefecture; the scholar who offered his seat to Shi Yue was slender in appearance, with lively eyes, named Li Dunmin, courtesy name Xiuwen, and he was a juren from Jiangning; sitting opposite Shi Yue was a very reserved scholar named Chen Yuanfeng, courtesy name Lushan, who was a juren from Fujian; the other two were biological brothers, with the elder being honest and simple, named Chai Guiyou, courtesy name Jingchu, and the younger being clever and astute, named Chai Guiyi, courtesy name Jingzhong. The five were gathered here today to compose poetry, partly to enjoy the snow and the plum blossoms, and partly to seek good fortune—after passing the examination and becoming jinshi, all jinshi would inscribe their names at the Daxiangguo Temple. Unexpectedly, they encountered Shi Yue. When Tang Di and the others first met Shi Yue, it was merely out of curiosity, but to their surprise, he spoke in poetry, with lofty style, leaving them all astonished. Tang Di quickly rose and bowed, saying: "In the icy and snowy forest, I stand apart, unlike the peach and plum that mingle with the fragrant dust! Your Excellency's broad-mindedness is truly admirable. I am Tang Di, courtesy name Yifu, may I ask for your esteemed name?"

However, once the topic of the imperial examination for the Jinshi degree was brought up, it became a matter of concern for everyone. Chai Guiyi remarked: "In our dynasty, the Jinshi examination has traditionally focused on poetry and essays. However, in May of this year, there was a proposal in the court to abolish poetry and essays, and to exclusively test on the classics, discussions, and strategies for the Jinshi examination. The debate remains unresolved, and I have heard that it was blocked by Su Zhishi. In this year's autumn examination, the subjects of the classics have not been abolished, and poetry and essays remain part of the Jinshi examination content, yet the rumors about the abolition of poetry and essays have not subsided. I have been contemplating this matter, but I still cannot make a decision, and I do not know what everyone else's opinions are."

A few pilgrims curiously glanced at Shiyue, unsure of what this oddly dressed person was saying. Shiyue paid no attention to their gazes, instead sincerely gazing at the golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the center of the Mahaviro Hall. The Buddha still wore a gentle smile, seemingly mocking Shiyue for not usually offering incense and only seeking help at the last moment, yet also appearing to encourage him in some way. He hesitated, contemplating whether to say something more to the Buddha, when suddenly he heard a rumble from his stomach, reminding him that he had been walking in the snow for a whole morning.

Since he had made up his mind to adopt this irreverent attitude, he composed himself, smiled faintly at the crowd, and slowly said: "Although I am aware of this matter, I do not dare to speak carelessly."

Fortunately, Shi Yue was quite quick-witted; a flash of inspiration struck him as he recalled the famous poem by Lu You. He thought to himself, "Wang Mian has used it, so borrowing from Lu You is also acceptable." Having made up his mind, he smiled slightly and said, "A few years ago, I also composed a piece titled 'Ode to the Plum Blossom,' set to the tune of 'Bu Suan Zi'..." As he spoke, he rose, plucked a branch of white plum blossoms, returned to the table, lightly tapped the wine table, and softly recited: "By the broken bridge outside the post station, it blooms in solitude without a master. It is already dusk, and I am alone in my sorrow, further accompanied by wind and rain." Upon reaching this line, he suddenly recalled his own experiences, and his tone inevitably grew more somber. After a pause, he continued to recite: "Unintentionally struggling for spring, I let the myriad flowers envy. Falling to the ground, crushed into dust, only the fragrance remains as before." He rose again, plucked a branch of white plum blossoms, returned to the table, lightly tapped the wine table, and softly recited: "By the broken bridge outside the post station, it blooms in solitude without a master. It is already dusk, and I am alone in my sorrow, further accompanied by wind and rain." Upon reaching this line, he suddenly recalled his own experiences, and his tone inevitably grew more somber. After a pause, he continued to recite: "Unintentionally struggling for spring, I let the myriad flowers envy. Falling to the ground, crushed into dust, only the fragrance remains as before."

Upon seeing his skepticism, Shiyue merely smiled and remained silent

This poem was originally composed by the renowned poet Wang Mian at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. It is a famous piece celebrating the plum blossom. Shi Yue has an excellent memory and is quite familiar with these poems and verses. When he suddenly took it out to show off, it immediately astonished everyone present

Upon hearing such a strange matter, everyone was left speechless. Chen Yuanfeng did not believe it at all, thinking that Shi Yue was deliberately concealing his background. Even Li Dunmin and the Chai brothers found it hard to comprehend. Only Tang Di walked over to Shi Yue with sympathy, handed him a cup of wine, and earnestly consoled him, saying: "Ziming need not be distressed; your attire is rare in the world. With this outfit, it is not impossible to inquire about your hometown and family. Moreover, your talents are extraordinary, and your family cannot possibly be of no renown. Come, drink this cup; a man should not lose heart or spirit."

Although Tang Di and others had never heard this poem "Yulouchun" and Shi Yue often recited verses rather than singing them, which seemed quite unusual, they were still moved when they heard Shi Yue recite the sorrowful parts. Even Chen Yuanfeng almost doubted whether he had truly misjudged Shi Yue.

Chen Yuanfeng expressed disbelief and laughed, saying: "The court has not yet made a decision, yet Ziming claims to know; even Zhou Lianxi and Shao Yaofu may not possess such capability, right?"

Li Dunmin also nodded and smiled, saying, "I trust you as well"

Although this poem is not a work of the moment, Shi Yue, reflecting on his own life and circumstances, imbues it with a unique sentiment. When recited by others, it is filled with a sense of sorrow, especially when one reaches the line "Countless travelers have yet to return," which compels repeated and prolonged recitation, evoking deep heartache in the listener

Chen Yuanfeng, filled with disbelief, smiled with a hint of sarcasm and said: "The court's decision has been made, yet Ziming speaks of astonishing matters! Minister Wang has long desired to reform the imperial examination system. If there were to be any final changes, it would be quite ordinary. However, how could the provincial examinations remain unchanged, only to alter the palace examination? I find Ziming's poetry comparable to that of Su Shi, and unexpectedly, he is also well-versed in the studies of the Yellow River and Luo River. Truly, a capable person can excel in all areas. I presume there is a profound academic background in your family; may I ask where Ziming hails from?"

Shiyue did not drink from this cup. He secretly pondered: the saying goes, "One relies on friends when going out." Given his current situation, if he did not make a few friends like in ancient times, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to establish himself. While he was contemplating this, he glanced around and suddenly caught sight of a small pot a few steps away. In front of the crowd, there was a small table, each with a bamboo stick resembling a short arrow. One scholar's attendant held a brush and inkstone, while another held a stack of paper, which bore some writing. A thought struck him, and he immediately recalled an ancient game—throwing sticks into a pot. In this game, several people would take turns throwing the bamboo sticks into the pot; if they missed, they would either be punished with wine or poetry. As for the current situation, it was undoubtedly a matter of poetry. Shiyue's eyes sparkled as he devised a plan. He pointed at the stacks of poetry manuscripts and, speaking in a peculiar accent of Kaifeng dialect, smiled lightly and said: "Are you gentlemen composing verses about snow or about plum blossoms?"

Chen Yuanfeng, however, was quite unconvinced and said with great confidence: "A true man should strive for fame and success in the world, leaving a mark in history. One should not only seek the five cauldrons of food in life but also desire to be cooked in the five cauldrons in death. With your remarkable talent, why suffer the pretentiousness of the pedants, wanting to welcome yet refusing?"

"I understand," Li Dunmin said, nodding seriously, and added in a gentle voice, "Ziming, I believe in you"

Shiyue subconsciously touched his pocket, finding only a few hundred yuan inside, with nothing else to speak of. He recalled the numerous characters from novels who returned to ancient times with countless devices, and compared his own embarrassing situation of having nothing. He could only smile bitterly and sigh, then bowed several times to Shakyamuni before quietly exiting the Great Hero Hall. In any case, dying of hunger is not a dignified way to die, and dying of hunger while praying is even less dignified.

The five individuals exchanged smiles, and the scholar who had previously invited them spoke up, saying: "I beg your pardon, we were admiring the plum blossoms."

After walking another fifty or sixty steps, winding through the path, a sudden waft of wine fragrance came to his nose, stirring up a great hunger in Shi Yue. He raised his head and gazed ahead, where he saw a pond with a sparse arrangement of a dozen plum trees by its edge. At this moment, heavy snow weighed down the branches, and the snow-white plum blossoms defiantly bloomed against the harsh cold, invigorating the spirit of those who beheld them. There were also four or five people sitting in a circle in the snow, drinking wine. Their bamboo hats and raincoats were covered with a thick layer of snow, and if it weren't for the occasional movement of these individuals, they would appear from a distance to be mere snowmen. The fragrance of the wine was emanating from that very spot!

Shiyue hesitated. He had no idea what consequences might arise from rashly revealing the secrets of history. The others, seeing that Shiyue neither acknowledged nor denied his knowledge, but merely stared intently at the plum branch in his hand, felt even more mystified. Each of them held their breath, not daring to disturb his thoughts. After hesitating for about ten minutes, Shiyue gently tapped the plum branch on the table and said, "Damn it, since heaven has played such a big joke on me, why should I care about the consequences?" A sense of vengeful pleasure unexpectedly surged within Shiyue. "Aside from death, there is nothing of great importance; right now, I am not much different from being dead. I am determined to disrupt this part of history for fun!"

Tang Di sincerely said to Shi Yue: "Ziming, I believe you truly know. If it is convenient to speak, then please do; if it is not convenient, it is also fine not to say anything."

Shiyue originally did not mind much, but seeing Li Dunmin like this, he couldn't help but smile and said, "Are you all candidates for the imperial examination?"

Shiyue, enduring his hunger, was strolling leisurely within the grounds of the Daxiangguo Temple, contemplating his future means of livelihood. The Daxiangguo Temple covers an area of over 500 acres and houses more than 60 meditation halls, making it exceptionally grand in scale. As Shiyue walked and pondered, he wandered through walls and courtyards, meandering without a clear sense of his surroundings, yet he had not conceived a single idea regarding his means of survival.

Among the five, Shi Yue was particularly fond of this man with thick eyebrows and big eyes. When he saw Tang Di asking, he secretly felt a sense of "shame" and smiled, saying: "You flatter me. I am Shi Yue, with the courtesy name Ziming." He casually thought of a character but was unaware that in ancient times, the "name" and "courtesy name" were mostly interrelated. Fortunately, the others were subdued by his pilfered poem from Wang Mian. Although they found it strange, they were afraid he might bring up some allusion they were unfamiliar with, which would make them appear ignorant. Thus, they dared not say much and merely stood up to introduce themselves respectfully.

Chen Yuanfeng shook his head and smiled, saying: "To learn and excel is to serve in office. Now that Minister Wang is in power, he is eager to seek talented individuals and is bringing in new people. Rather than going to see Master Ouyang or Master Da Su, it is better to go see Minister Wang."

Li Dunmin held a deep admiration for Shiyue, and thus he often paid close attention to Shiyue's demeanor. At that moment, he suddenly noticed Shiyue displaying a smile that suggested he had grasped a profound insight. Feeling a stir in his heart, he smiled at Shiyue and said, "Ziming, according to your perspective, will it change or will it not change?" Upon hearing the question directed at Shiyue, everyone else immediately fell silent, quietly awaiting Shiyue's judgment

A warm feeling rose from Shiyue's chest. ... Remembering this sincere trust and friendship, recalling the hopelessness of returning to loved ones, and reflecting on the solitude of drifting in another time and space ... ... With a slight intoxication, Shiyue picked up the plum branch in his hand, lightly tapped the wine jar, and recited in a deep voice: "In the cold spring of the twelve-story jade tower, who is playing the jade flute at the corner of the building? On the Tianjin Bridge, I once listened to it, the autumn grass is green in the thirty-six palaces. The beautiful people have left without news, the blue mountains by the river are empty in the evening light. " He recited again in a deep voice: "In the cold spring of the twelve-story jade tower, who is playing the jade flute at the corner of the building? On the Tianjin Bridge, I once listened to it, the autumn grass is green in the thirty-six palaces. The beautiful people have left without news, the blue mountains by the river are empty in the evening light. A single sound falls among the short pavilion flowers, countless travelers have yet to return."

Li Dunmin noticed that Chen Yuanfeng's words were approaching rudeness, fearing that Shi Yue might take offense, he quickly smiled and said: "Everyone has their own aspirations, and one cannot force others. Confucius advocated for striving forward, but he also praised the integrity of hermits. Our pursuit of the imperial examination to serve the court is recognized by the sages. Ziming's self-discipline and self-respect are also praised by the sages"

Shiyue had read historical texts and knew that at that time, the Jinshi degree was the most prestigious. When they participated in the examination, in some places, fifty or sixty people competed for a single Jinshi quota. Naturally, those who obtained this qualification had their reasons to be proud. However, for Shiyue, these matters were utterly meaningless—at this point, he remained perplexed about the future and could only respond with a faint smile.