kingnovel Chapter 58 The situation in the court
Chapter 58 The situation in the court
Hearing this, Shi An finally felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders.
He went to great lengths to complete this embroidery, searching far and wide for various colored silk threads.
After countless trials and selections, we finally managed to choose 26 of the most suitable colors.
He has done his best and tried his best.
Seeing that Chu Langjun was so satisfied, he felt extremely gratified.
After all, Chu Langjun had always been his mentor, placing high hopes on him.
And now, he has finally lived up to expectations.
Chu Xun gave a wink to the servant beside him, who immediately understood and quickly took out a heavy box filled with silver.
Chu Xun personally took the box, handed it to Shi An, and said with a smile, "Take it."
Shi An was stunned by what he saw. He had never imagined there would be so much silver. "This...this is just too much!"
He was struggling to breathe under the weight of the box.
"It's not much, you deserve it." Chu Xun patted Shi An on the shoulder, his tone tinged with emotion: "How old are you?"
Shi An replied obediently, "I'm almost nineteen."
Chu Xun was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "So small."
He looked at Shi An, a hint of affection flashing in his eyes, as if he were seeing his own child.
Then, as if remembering something, he shook his head and sighed, "You're about the same age as my son, and I'm worried about his marriage."
When this matter was brought up, Chu Xun couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness and anxiety.
As a father, he hopes his son can get married soon, but he is also worried that he won't be able to find a suitable partner.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but ask Shi An about how he and Chu Li met.
Shi An hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "She bought it for me."
Chu Xun was taken aback, clearly not expecting Shi An to say that.
He frowned and asked in confusion, "What does this mean?"
Shi An gave a bitter smile. He remained silent for a moment before finally deciding to confess to Chu Xun.
"My family has offended someone..."
Chu Xun immediately understood Shi An's meaning, and a feeling of sympathy welled up in his heart.
Such things are not uncommon for families involved in political struggles.
He sighed and comforted him, "Poor child, but thankfully Heaven has given you a good wife."
Upon hearing this, Shi An felt a warmth in her heart, and a slight ripple appeared in her eyes.
He knew his fate was full of hardship, but after encountering the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu), everything changed.
"Yes, I'm very lucky to have met my wife." Shi An took a deep breath and said firmly.
He knew that no matter what the future held, as long as Chu Ci was by his side, he would have nothing to fear.
Chu Xun watched Shi An's departing figure, his heart filled with emotion.
He could see Shi An's deep affection for the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu), an affection that was sincere and passionate.
He sincerely hoped that they could be happy and stay together forever.
Shi An carried the box out of the room, and Chu Ci just learned that the young man opposite him was actually Chu Xun's son.
The two chatted idly at a distance, which was nothing special, but Shi An felt a strange sense of displeasure.
He quickened his pace and swiftly walked to Chu Ci's side.
"My lady, I've finished here," Shi An said in a low voice, her voice carrying a hint of emotion that was barely perceptible.
As soon as Chu Ci saw Shi An approaching, a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face: "How is it? Is Young Master Chu satisfied?"
"Satisfied." Shi An nodded gently, a hint of joy in her eyes.
Standing to the side, He Mian carefully examined the young man in front of her, looking him over from head to toe several times, but she couldn't find any obvious flaws.
This young man looked to be no more than fifteen or sixteen years old. He was extremely handsome, with red lips and white teeth, delicate eyebrows and eyes, yet he also possessed a heroic air. Dressed in a moon-white robe, he was exceptionally eye-catching.
His appearance and temperament are outstanding, and he is in no way inferior to her.
This reality intensified He Mian's displeasure.
Shi An handed the box to Chu Ci, his gaze inadvertently catching He Mian's unfriendly look, but he didn't take it to heart.
After all, he had experienced far worse things in his previous life.
After Chu Ci greeted Chu Xun, he planned to leave with Shi An.
However, a maid rushed over and, seeing that Chu Ci had not yet left, a look of joy immediately appeared on her face.
"Excuse me, are you Madam Chu?"
Chu Ci nodded: "Exactly."
The maidservant smiled with delight: "That's wonderful! My mistress invites you to come over for a chat."
After a moment's thought, Chu Ci realized that He Sheng was probably looking for her because of the martial arts examination, so she readily replied, "Okay, I understand."
Then, she turned to Chu Xun and said with a smile, "Please help me look after my husband."
Chu Xun readily agreed: "Of course, of course, go ahead, I will never let him suffer any injustice."
"Thank you, sir." Chu Ci bowed and turned to leave with the maid.
After watching Chu Ci leave, Chu Xun turned his gaze to Shi An and introduced He Mian to him.
After all, his son didn't have many friends because of his transfer, and Shi An was about the same age as him, so they should be able to get along.
"Shi An, this is my son, He Mian. You are about the same age, so you can chat more."
Upon hearing this, Shi An immediately performed a greeting as a peer: "Greetings, Young Master He."
He Mian hummed in response and returned the greeting as a peer.
Chu Xun warmly invited the two of them to sit down and chat.
On the other side, Chu Ci followed the maid to the door of He Sheng's room.
The maid gently knocked on the door, and He Sheng's gentle voice, as warm as a spring breeze, came from inside: "Come in."
The maid gently pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Chu Ci in.
Chu Ci slowly walked into the room, where she saw He Sheng sitting upright in a chair, elegantly sipping the fragrant tea in his hand.
Upon seeing Chu Ci arrive, she immediately put down her teacup, stood up to greet him, and said with a faint smile, "Chu Ci, it's been a long time."
Chu Ci quickly bowed to He Sheng: "Greetings, Madam He."
He Sheng quickly stepped forward and helped her up: "No need to be so polite. Come, sit down and have a cup of tea with me."
Chu Ci nodded slightly and walked to the table to sit down.
He Sheng personally poured Chu Ci a cup of tea, handed it to her, and then asked softly, "Do you know why I've called you here today?"
Chu Ci took a sip of tea and replied calmly but firmly, "It must be related to the military examination."
He Sheng smiled approvingly: "You're indeed clever. That's right, I did want to ask you about the martial arts examination. I wonder if you'd be interested?"
Chu Ci smiled and replied, "Of course there are, but I don't know if I meet the requirements."
A hint of joy flashed in He Sheng's eyes: "Don't worry, the age limit for the martial arts examination is thirty-five, which you meet perfectly, and I will give you a letter of recommendation."
Chu Ci nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Madam He."
He Sheng waved his hand, "It's too early to mention Xie now. Do you know anything about the martial arts examination?"
Chu Ci shook her head honestly, "I've only heard of it, I don't know much about it."
He Sheng smiled kindly, "Then let me explain it to you in detail."
Chu Ci sat up straight, "I'm all ears."
He Sheng began to explain in detail: "The so-called military examination is an examination held by the imperial court to select military officers, which is held every three years."
This examination is divided into three stages: the provincial examination, the metropolitan examination, and the palace examination. Only candidates who pass the previous stage can enter the next stage.
The schedule for the military examinations was relatively fixed, but the specific dates had to be drafted by the relevant departments and approved by the Empress before they could be finalized.
"The provincial examination, as the first level of the military examination, is usually held once every three years. The next one will be held next April."
The exam covers three parts: horseback archery, wrestling, and policy discussion.
Candidates must not only demonstrate exceptional martial arts skills, such as archery, horseback riding, and swordsmanship, but also possess considerable military knowledge and strategic thinking abilities.
The provincial examination will be held five months after the provincial examination, that is, in September of the following year.
Martial arts candidates from all provinces gathered in the capital to participate in the provincial martial arts examination. The examination content was the same as the provincial examination, including three parts: horsemanship and archery, martial arts demonstrations, and policy essays.
"The palace examination was held after the metropolitan examination, and the specific date was to be determined by the Ministry of War and then submitted to the Empress for approval."
The palace examination was also held every three years, with the Empress personally interviewing the newly appointed military officers to determine their rankings and the official positions they were granted.
Due to the current tense situation, the martial arts examination has received special attention.
Neighboring countries were eyeing the Ning Dynasty covetously, and the Turkic tribes frequently raided the borders, putting the Empress under immense pressure and creating an urgent need for outstanding generals to defend the country.
At this point, He Mian paused, seemingly considering how to continue.
Then she continued, "However, the provincial examination for military officers is not open to just anyone. Only those recommended by civil officials or those who have made outstanding contributions are qualified to register."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ci smiled slightly, indicating that she was aware of the regulation.
She knew that it was time to negotiate terms.
So he asked directly, "Then, Madam He, what do you want me to do?"
He Mian looked at Chu Ci with admiration and said with a smile, "Madam Chu is indeed a straightforward person!"
Then she explained, "Actually, I was transferred to Lotus Town as mayor entirely because of the exclusion by the corrupt faction in the imperial court."
This was the first time Chu Ci had ever heard of such factions within the imperial court, and she was very curious, so she couldn't help but ask, "What does 'turbid faction' mean?"
He Mian patiently explained: "The Turbid Faction is a group of officials led by the Prime Minister. They often do things by any means necessary, form cliques for personal gain, and harm the region."
After hearing this, Chu Ci suddenly realized that this was similar to the sects in the martial arts world.
Her mind became more active, and she asked directly, "Then, Madam He, which faction do you belong to?"
He Sheng gave a bitter smile and said helplessly, "My mother is now the Imperial Censor, so I belong to the faction of the 'pure stream' (a group of upright officials). However, fewer and fewer people are standing by our side, and our future is worrying."
"So that's how it is." Chu Ci sighed inwardly. It turned out that the imperial court and the martial arts world were no different, both being conflicts between various sects vying for territory.
She stood up and bowed respectfully to He Sheng, saying, "Since it is Lady He who has given me the opportunity to take the exam, I will naturally stand firmly on your side."
Upon hearing this, He Sheng's face lit up with joy, and his tone became more relaxed: "Since you have this intention, then that's wonderful."
“However, the most important thing right now is to pass the provincial examination,” He Sheng reminded him solemnly.
After pondering for a moment, Chu Ci frankly raised his question: "I am confident that I have no major problems with archery and wrestling, but as for policy essays, I wonder what specific aspects will be examined?"
"It mainly involves military strategy and national laws."
Then, He Sheng gently patted Chu Ci's shoulder and encouraged him, "Don't worry, I can recommend a famous teacher for you. As long as you are willing to study hard, you will definitely achieve excellent results."
Hearing He Sheng's words, Chu Ci felt much more at ease and thanked He Sheng repeatedly: "Then thank you very much, Madam He."
He Sheng smiled and replied, "No need to be so polite. But you should know that the competition for the martial arts examination is extremely fierce. If you want to stand out from the crowd of candidates, you need to put in more effort than others."
Chu Ci's gaze was firm, and she nodded without hesitation in agreement: "I understand, and I will do my best to live up to your expectations."
He Sheng looked at the ambitious young man in front of him with satisfaction, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Very good. I have confidence in you and believe you will succeed. If you have any further questions or concerns in the future, feel free to contact me anytime."
Chu Ci's eyes gleamed with gratitude as she sincerely thanked her, "Thank you, Madam He. I will remember your kindness."
He Sheng gently shook his head, "No need to thank me. Perhaps in the near future, I will be the one thanking you."
While Chu Ci's side was filled with laughter and conversation, creating a harmonious and pleasant atmosphere, the situation on Shi An's side was quite different, filled with a tense and confrontational atmosphere.
After exchanging a few words with Shi An, Chu Xun was hurriedly called away by a servant.
It's most likely because there's an urgent matter to deal with in the backyard.
With Chu Xun gone, only Shi An, He Mian, and Nong Mo remained at the scene...
Shi An keenly sensed that the young man opposite him was not friendly to him, especially since the servant next to him was staring at him fiercely, as if his eyes were about to pop out.
As expected, the servant was the first to speak provocatively: "You're nothing special."
Nongmo looked Shi An up and down with sharp, discerning eyes, and finally found a breakthrough.
"Judging from the fabric of your robe, it's clearly a style that was popular last year and is now completely out of fashion. How dare you come to the He residence wearing such clothes? You're simply ungrateful!"
Shi An wasn't angry at all; in fact, she thought it was a bit childish.
Even in a brothel, such a method would be the lowest of the low.
He wore an innocent and bewildered expression, tilting his head as he said, "Really? I'm not quite sure. My wife bought these clothes for me; she said they were styles she liked. Oh, they were popular last year. I'll definitely tell my wife when I get back."
Nongmo was speechless after Shi An's words, but she couldn't say anything bad about Chu Ci, so she could only shut up.
He Mian frowned, thinking to himself, "So that woman likes white clothes."
He looked at his crimson brocade robe and couldn't help but feel a little dazzled by it.