Chapter 125
Chapter 125
[After the Transmigrated Man Broke Off His Engagement to the Princess – 8]
The Great Wall still stretched ten thousand miles today, but Qin Shi Huang had long since passed away.
Ying Zheng: “…”
Rage x 1,000.
The Qin Dynasty had existed in this world. However, after it fell in its second generation, the man who established the next dynasty was not Liu Bang but Xiang Yu. As the old saying went, a miss by a hair could lead one astray by a thousand miles. This was true even when interpreting the written word, let alone when tracing the course of history.
Before plagiarizing this poem, Jiang Yingchen had hesitated. He wondered whether it might be offensive and provoke an imperial taboo. He went out to inquire about the reigning Son of Heaven’s temperament, only to hear praise everywhere. People called the Emperor profoundly righteous, receptive to criticism, diligent in state affairs, willing to place justice above family, and committed to the principle that a prince who broke the law should receive the same punishment as a commoner…
Jiang Yingchen immediately imagined Emperor Renzong of Song.
A softhearted pushover who would even kill his own son to obtain justice for his daughter-in-law.
The Qin Shi Huang mentioned in the poem was the tyrant of the Qin Dynasty, not an ancestor of the current house. Surely the Emperor would understand!
Besides, he had not written this poem to display his talent or praise a fallen dynasty. He merely wanted to demonstrate his magnanimity!
Look at how much praise Zhang Ying had received because of this piece of doggerel. If it worked for Zhang Ying, why would it not work for him?
Jiang Yingchen was a man from a later age, after all, and he had seen countless publicity stunts. Long ago, he had arranged for people in his hometown to prepare everything. When the letter requesting his help arrived, he imitated Zhang Ying’s reply, then instructed his men to spread the tale. By combining literary talent with moral character, he would produce an effect greater than the sum of its parts.
Duke Jiang had died long ago, but a few of his old connections remained. After a great deal of maneuvering, Jiang Yingchen managed to approach the Duke of E. The old man admired his supposed talent and sympathized with his experiences, which led to the opportunity he received today.
Jiang Yingchen had absolute confidence in the poems he presented. More precisely, he had absolute confidence in the five thousand years of Chinese civilization behind them. After entering the hall and reporting to the Emperor, he stood below with his head bowed, waiting for any questions that might follow.
Within the System’s space, Li Shimin and the others laughed until they doubled over. Ying Zheng, by contrast, remained perfectly composed. Apart from a slight cooling of his gaze, his expression did not change in the least.
“Jiang Yingchen,” he said. “We have heard your name, and We have heard your poems.”
Jiang Yingchen rejoiced inwardly and hastened to reply, “This commoner is unworthy of such notice.”
“Unworthy?” A trace of mockery entered Ying Zheng’s eyes, but he went directly to the heart of the matter. “Did you compose all those poems yourself?”
Liu Che and Ying Zheng had clashed for years, proving the adage that one’s enemy always understood one best. When he saw that Shi Huang did not immediately order this idiot dragged out and torn apart by five horses, but instead began asking about Jiang Yingchen’s poems, he understood exactly what Ying Zheng intended. Just as the idiot had used a poem to mock Shi Huang’s fate after death, Ying Zheng would return the humiliation in full by exposing Jiang Yingchen before the entire assembly and leaving him utterly disgraced.
Liu Che disliked Ying Zheng, but he looked down on Jiang Yingchen even more. He chuckled with malicious delight. “You’re truly beyond saving this time. Just wait to die!”
Ying Zheng’s question had already frightened Jiang Yingchen. Hearing another implication hidden in the damned System’s words made his heart lurch. Yet he did not dare show fear before the throne. Forcing himself to remain composed, he answered, “Yes. This commoner’s clumsy works are hardly worthy of Your Majesty’s attention.”
Ying Zheng smiled. “They are well written.”
Then he asked with concern, “Have you sat the imperial examination? You appear to be approaching twenty and possess such extraordinary talent. Surely you have at least earned the provincial degree?”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
Jiang Yingchen’s expression stiffened. Fortunately, his head remained lowered, so no one saw anything amiss. “This commoner was born with a chronic illness and has never been in robust health. I have long wished to sit the imperial examination, but circumstances never permitted it. Last year, my household finally found a renowned physician, and my condition has since improved.”
“That is understandable,” Ying Zheng said. “We know how grueling the imperial examination can be. After several consecutive days, even a man made of iron might collapse, let alone someone frail since childhood.”
As he spoke, a trace of appreciation for talent appeared on his face. “Our dynasty established the imperial examination to select talent for the court. You possess both literary brilliance and a heart broad enough to embrace every river. You are precisely the kind of outstanding young man We need…”
When the Emperor first asked about his examination degree, Jiang Yingchen’s heart had been filled with dread. Now, however, he could hardly contain his joy. He became wildly excited. Had all his preparation and scheming not been for this very day?
He immediately swept back his robe, dropped to his knees, and declared his gratitude. “Your Majesty praises this subject too highly. I am ashamed and unworthy!”
The Duke of E smiled as well. “If Duke Jiang could witness this day, he would smile even in the underworld.”
Ying Zheng nodded with satisfaction, but then hesitation crossed his face. It quickly gave way to relief. “Our dynasty has always upheld fairness in selecting officials through the imperial examination. Although We wish to grant you a degree and entrust you with important duties, We would not have you become the target of criticism throughout the realm because of it. Let Us test you on the spot as a formality. Then everyone under Heaven will be convinced. What do you say?”
Jiang Yingchen’s heart trembled violently. A wave of heat surged from the soles of his feet straight into his chest. He even forgot the rules the Duke of E had repeatedly drilled into him and raised his head to look toward the Emperor above.
The Emperor was in the prime of his life. His majesty approached the divine, and he possessed the solemn bearing of a true Son of Heaven. A sword hung at his waist, and his authority was overwhelming.
Their gazes met. Terror seized Jiang Yingchen, and he hastily lowered his eyes. He even forgot to offer the customary refusal to the examination.
Thank him, my ass!
Jiang Yingchen’s thoughts dissolved into panic. It felt exactly like the instant before a teacher discovered him cheating on a final exam. He desperately searched his memory for all the original owner’s examination preparations-the reading, the recitations, the notes. Unfortunately, he had neglected them for far too long. Now that he abruptly tried to recall them, his mind seemed covered by a layer of fog, murky and impenetrable.
Ying Zheng was already smiling pleasantly. He asked, “The ode says: ‘Joyous is the noble man, splendid his excellent virtue. Fit for the people and fit for all, he receives blessings from Heaven. Heaven preserves and commands him, renewing its favor from on high.’ Explain its meaning.”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
This dynasty had stood for several generations. Every important minister present had either risen through the imperial examination and once numbered among the highest-ranking laureates or had been born into an eminent aristocratic household and knew the Four Books and Five Classics by heart. Even a military man like the Duke of E had first entered government through the imperial examination.
They gathered around to watch the Emperor test the brilliant scholar who had recently risen to fame. Expecting His Majesty to pose a difficult question, they all pricked up their ears. To their surprise, the question was exceptionally basic-almost too simple even for a prefectural examination.
After their initial astonishment, they could not help smiling. “His Majesty truly cherishes Young Master Jiang’s talent.”
Then they turned to Jiang Yingchen. He remained kneeling on the floor, his face flushed scarlet and his lips trembling. He could not utter a single word.
The Duke of E became anxious. He wished he could walk over, kick some sense into the young man, and make him open his mouth. “Honestly, child! Why do you always become so nervous at the crucial moment that you can’t speak?”
Sweat had broken out across Jiang Yingchen’s back. The slightest movement would send droplets running down his spine. Yet the panic and agitation surging from the depths of his heart burned too fiercely. He knelt as rigidly as a wooden stake, not daring to move at all.
Beside him, the Duke of E’s eldest son urged in a low voice, “Yingchen, answer him! The question is so simple. Don’t keep His Majesty waiting!”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
With all the time you spent saying that, couldn’t you have slipped me the answer instead?
Jiang Yingchen strained for ages without squeezing out so much as a fart. Everyone around him grew frantic, but they assumed that terror and stage fright had simply rendered him speechless.
Ying Zheng sneered inwardly, though his face displayed a timely measure of understanding. “Perhaps that question was too obscure. We shall give you another. The Master said: ‘Who calls Weisheng Gao upright? When someone begged vinegar from him, he begged it from his neighbor and gave it away.’ Explain its meaning.”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
Nine years of compulsory education allowed him to understand exactly one part: “The Master said.”
Jiang Yingchen’s face became so red that blood seemed ready to drip from it. His fingers curled awkwardly inside his sleeves, but he remained kneeling in silence.
The Duke of E nearly died of anger. Despite his age, he surged to his feet and kicked Jiang Yingchen. “That comes from the *Analects*! You were so eloquent before, so why are you mute now? His Majesty is magnanimous. What are you afraid of?!”
Then he interceded with the Emperor. “This child is timid and has never seen much of the world. He’s simply frightened!”
Ying Zheng said that it did not matter. With the unhurried gaze of a cat toying with a mouse, he added, “We can wait.”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
The Emperor insisted upon questioning him. Jiang Yingchen could not refuse an imperial command, but if he truly had to answer, he could not produce a single word…
Fortunately, the poems he had presented earlier still supported his reputation. No one yet suspected plagiarism. They merely believed that excessive nerves and fear had robbed him of speech.
Cold sweat soaked Jiang Yingchen from head to toe. Just before he fainted, he finally devised a response. Prostrating himself to confess his fault, he said, “This commoner has always been timid. I fear composing poetry or answering difficult questions before others, and for that reason I have never dared attend poetry gatherings or literary societies. I only work in seclusion behind closed doors. Seeing Your Majesty today is just like when Qin Wuyang accompanied Jing Ke to an audience with Qin Shi Huang many years ago…”
Ying Zheng: “…”
Rage x 10,000.
The emperors within the System’s space: “…”
Liu Che: “…”
Little brother, it was a genuine tragedy that you never bought lottery tickets.
I have traded insults with him for years, and even I may not have angered him as much as you have in a single day.
Although rage burned in his heart, Ying Zheng smiled instead of losing his temper. “Are We truly so terrifying? It does not matter if you cannot speak. Attendants, bring him brush and paper!”
No one could disobey an imperial command. The attendants quickly brought the requested items and placed them before Jiang Yingchen along with a small writing table.
Ying Zheng said, “You claim fear has left you unable to speak. Surely it has not also left you unable to write?”
Jiang Yingchen had not expected the Emperor to be so relentlessly thorough. He froze on the spot. His opponent gave him no opportunity to refuse, and the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were immediately arranged before him.
His expression changed. His mind descended into chaos as he recalled each of his previous deaths. The flush slowly drained from his face. Forgetting even to beg forgiveness, he abruptly collapsed backward onto his mat.
Concern entered the face of the Duke of E’s eldest son. He wished to step forward, intercede, and suggest continuing the examination another day, but the Duke of E caught his arm and shook his head slightly, signaling him to remain calm.
The old man had lived for seventy years and possessed decades more worldly experience than his son. Sensing that something was wrong, he no longer dared involve himself.
He was not alone. When the other court officials saw Jiang Yingchen’s expression, doubts arose in their hearts as well. Their interest in the spectacle vanished, and they straightened in their seats.
A cold smile touched Ying Zheng’s lips. “What are the eight domains covered by the Eight Policies of the Great Plan?”
Clutching the brush, Jiang Yingchen dipped it into the ink in a panic, yet could not write a single word.
This was extremely elementary knowledge. Most children who had begun their education knew the answer. How could this celebrated genius fail to respond?
The faces around him changed completely. Gravity entered the Duke of E’s expression as well.
Ying Zheng ignored them and continued, “What is the text of the Peace Hexagram in the *Book of Changes*?”
The hand holding Jiang Yingchen’s brush began to shake. Its tip left a glaring black blot on the snow-white paper, but he did not manage to write a single stroke.
Ying Zheng shifted one swordlike brow and sneered. “How many poems are there in the Airs of Wei section of the *Classic of Poetry*? Surely you know that much. If your mouth cannot speak and your hand cannot write, you may answer with your fingers.”
The last trace of blood vanished from Jiang Yingchen’s face, leaving it little different from the blank paper before him. His legs trembled, and his eyes brimmed with terror and panic.
At the sight, Ying Zheng struck the table with one palm and demanded coldly, “You could write famous verses destined to endure through the ages and win the praise of the scholarly world, yet now you cannot answer even the most elementary questions. Has imperial majesty truly frightened you into speechlessness, or are you simply a man without talent or virtue, an impostor who slipped into the ranks?!”
He leaned forward, his voice and expression equally severe. “Did you truly write those celebrated poems?!”
The Emperor had asked several questions in succession, and Jiang Yingchen had failed to answer a single one. He had humiliated himself enough already. How could he possibly admit that the poems were plagiarized?
The charge of deceiving the sovereign would kill him on the spot!
Besides, this was not a problem he could solve merely by confessing.
If someone in this age had composed such masterpieces, why had no one ever heard of him?
Jiang Yingchen would still die in the end!
He gritted his teeth. With no choice but to follow the dark road all the way to its end, he answered, “Your Majesty, this commoner truly did write those poems!”
He added, “This commoner has been poor at memorization since childhood but gifted in poetry. If Your Majesty does not believe me, I can compose a poem within seven steps. I am willing to create one now for Your Majesty and the assembled lords to judge!”
Ying Zheng gave a cold laugh but said, “Your *Calming the Waves* was excellent. ‘I turn to look upon the desolate road behind. Homeward I go-there was neither storm nor shine.'”
Jiang Yingchen forced himself to reply, “Your Majesty’s appreciation is the good fortune of both this poem and this commoner.”
Ying Zheng said, “But We do not wish to hear you compose a poem. We only wish to hear you discuss *Calming the Waves*.”
Jiang Yingchen relaxed slightly. He was just preparing to improvise the sort of poetic analysis he had learned in his final year of high school when the Emperor continued, “Tell Us how many characters the lyric contains and how its level and oblique tones and rhymes are arranged. That cannot be difficult, can it?”
Like a man-eating tiger, Ying Zheng fixed him with an unrelenting stare. “If you could compose a lyric that conforms perfectly to the tune pattern, there is no reason you would not know its structure.”
Jiang Yingchen: “…”
Who the fuck would know that?!!!
Ying Zheng said, “Before erecting pavilions and towers, one must first lay the foundation. You have already raised the tower. Surely laying its foundation should be effortless. Why do you refuse to answer?”
Jiang Yingchen’s face looked ghastly. He frantically tried to count the characters in *Calming the Waves*, but urgency produced mistakes, and every mistake made him more frantic. He counted for ages without reaching an answer.
“We shall tell you. *Calming the Waves* contains sixty-two characters. Its first stanza has five lines, three level-tone rhymes, and two oblique-tone rhymes. Its second stanza has six lines, four oblique-tone rhymes, and two level-tone rhymes!”
Ying Zheng sneered, a violent storm seeming to gather within his expression. “Falsehood remains false. No passage of time can make it true! You know neither the Four Books and Five Classics nor the meters and tune patterns of lyric poetry. How could someone like you compose those immortal lines? You have swindled your way into Our very presence. Your audacity knows no bounds!”
It was over!
That was the only thought remaining in Jiang Yingchen’s mind.
Strange gazes came from every direction. Jiang Yingchen felt as though he had been stripped naked in public and paraded through the streets. The mask of a brilliant scholar had been torn away, exposing the fraudulent, incompetent man beneath it. How could he withstand such a fall?
Ying Zheng stared at the sewer rat he had dragged into the sunlight, his gaze icy and menacing. “Deceiving the sovereign and committing the Crime of Great Disrespect! Seize him at once and tear him apart with five horses!”