Du Heng arrived in the capital twelve days later than his departure.
Originally, he had expected the journey to take a full half month, but Yi Yan had driven the horses steadily and quickly, shaving several days off the trip.
Arriving earlier than planned was better than wasting time on the road. Once settled, he would even have two extra days to review his studies.
Although he had spent the journey in the carriage, confined in such a small space for so long made concentrating on reading difficult. The first day or two passed easily enough, but as time dragged on, his limbs grew numb and sore, and he longed to stretch his legs.
He had reached the capital by dusk. February in the capital was still bitterly cold, much like the end of the year in Luoxia County. Yet being under the emperor’s gaze, even at night, the main roads outside the city gates gleamed with lights as if it were daylight, and the sight brought a faint warmth to his body.
As they neared the city gates, the bustling voices of the crowd grew audible.
Though exhausted from the journey, stepping down from the carriage and seeing the capital’s splendor at once swept away his fatigue, replacing it with the joy of finally arriving.
“At this hour, it’ll be difficult to find a private residence. We’ll have to take a guesthouse for the night,” Du Heng said.
“Your choice, sir,” Yi Yan replied.
Du Heng hurried down from the carriage as soon as they passed the gates, Yi Yan leading the horses behind him. They had barely entered the city when a man rushed toward them, but Yi Yan blocked him with his arm before he could reach Du Heng.
“This brother’s arm is strong!” the man said with a laugh, noticing the obstruction.
Du Heng lightly patted Yi Yan’s arm, signaling him to step back, and Yi Yan complied.
“What business does the young master have?” the man asked politely.
“You’re a scholar here for the capital exams, correct? I can arrange lodging. I know spots throughout the city—good, affordable, in all sorts of styles,” the man said, pulling a map from his sleeve. “Here, see? The locations marked in red are all available for rent.”
Du Heng realized he had worried unnecessarily; many people sought business opportunities during the Spring Examination. Since there was a need, he accepted the map and glanced over it.
“What are these—guesthouses or private residences?” he asked.
“All kinds. Since you’ve arrived early, lodging in and around the city isn’t tight, and prices are negotiable,” the man replied.
“Then we’ll find a quiet private residence with few occupants,” Du Heng said.
After some discussion, they settled on a modest private residence within walking distance of the Gongyuan examination hall, about the time it would take to burn an incense stick.
The alley was considered a good area, and many government officials maintained homes there. The courtyard was spacious and tranquil.
Of course, a two- or three-courtyard residence couldn’t be rented to just one person. Since Du Heng had arrived early, he took a larger room, and Yi Yan could stay in the outer quarters. Other candidates would likely move in later.
It would have been possible to rent the entire residence, but even a single room cost over twenty taels of silver, and the full house would have run into several dozen taels. Though he could afford it, Du Heng saw no need to spend so extravagantly—it wasn’t cost-effective.
Once settled, Du Heng took a hot bath, lit a brazier, and finally felt warm. The residence was two streets from the bustling market; despite the city’s constant clamor outside, it was surprisingly peaceful here.
The night wind whistled sharply, biting through the courtyard. Du Heng glanced out the window, suspecting that snow might fall in such weather.
He drafted a letter home, intending to send it with a messenger the next morning. Having traveled for ten days with little rest, he decided not to study that night, choosing instead to rest early and recover his energy.
After some time, he lay down and quickly fell asleep.
At some unknown hour, half-asleep, he thought he heard the din of a lively banquet, singing, and music.
Startled, he sat up in the dark. The wind still howled outside, rattling the courtyard’s trees, but beneath the wind, the sounds of drinking and laughter were unmistakable.
He lit a lamp and stepped outside, finding Yi Yan still awake in the outer room.
“What time is it?” Du Heng asked.
“Midnight,” Yi Yan replied.
Du Heng frowned. The laughter continued incessantly.
“It’s next door,” Yi Yan said.
“They sent a few people over after the last hour to carry on,” Yi Yan explained. “They brought in entertainers, and it’s been quite lively since.”
Du Heng frowned. Clearly, someone had found entertainment in the capital’s brothels insufficient and brought the revelry into a private residence. He had heard of the numerous aristocrats and wealthy families in the capital; the sons of the elite were notorious for their indulgences. Extravagant banquets and entertainment were common, and the city was more liberal than remote provinces.
Still, no matter how open-minded, there was no excuse to disturb neighbors at midnight.
“Shall we go and warn them?” Yi Yan asked, noting that Du Heng had been awakened.
Du Heng waved his hand. In the capital, if a brick fell, nine out of ten people it hit would be royal relatives or government officials. As scholars traveling for the exam, they had to stay as low-profile as possible. It would be unwise to make trouble with strangers.
“Let it be. Let’s see if it continues tomorrow. If it does, then we can arrange to move elsewhere.”
Yi Yan nodded.
Du Heng returned to bed, intermittently hearing the sounds from next door, not knowing when the noise finally ceased.
The next morning, Du Heng, usually an early riser, felt unusually lethargic. By the time he washed up, the sky was already bright, and even through the thin window paper, the light outside seemed exceptionally clear.
Opening the window, a cold gust swept in, revealing that the garden had been covered with a layer of snow. As expected, the cold, clear night had brought snowfall.
He added a warm inner garment, taking care to keep himself protected against the chill. After a simple breakfast, he draped his cloak and sent off a letter home. He also took care of errands—purchasing writing supplies and the bedding needed for the Gongyuan examination in one trip, so as to avoid going out again later.
With the snow making travel difficult and the streets crowded, it was better to stay indoors by the fire and study.
By the time Du Heng returned to the residence in Liuhe Alley with his purchases, it was nearly noon. As he reached the steps of his house, he noticed the neighboring gate creak open.
Remembering the events of last night, he paused.
First came a young servant: “Young master, take care—there’s fresh snow, and the streets are slippery.”
Then emerged a young man just past twenty, draped in a fox-fur cloak, boots embroidered with Sichuan silk, a robe of fine brocade. Beads, gemstones, and a few scented pouches hung from his waist, suggesting a taste for luxury.
Having spent much of his life indulging in pleasures, the young man’s face, though fairly handsome, appeared weak and pale.
“Yesterday’s performers were too mediocre. If not for the darkness, I wouldn’t have been impressed at all. And the staff—getting lazier each day,” he complained.
The servant interjected: “Sir, we cannot loudly summon famous performers from the city, lest the household be disturbed. Since you find them lacking, there are many young, handsome examinees in the capital. Why not invite a few to dine and drink with you?”
The young man’s eyebrows rose in interest: “Indeed, more and more scholars are coming to the capital this year. Just thinking of the long confinement in the Gongyuan for the exams fills me with boredom.”
Du Heng listened, surprised that the man was himself a scholar.
He shook his head slightly; with only ten or so days left before the examination, while other candidates were intensely focused, this man had the leisure for frivolity. He wondered, with some regret, how such a person had ever achieved success in the imperial exams.
Before he could dwell further, he was called from the gate:
“You are a scholar here for the Spring Examination?”
The voice came from the neighboring residence. Du Heng turned. The young man paused for a moment at the sight of his refined appearance.
“Yes,” Du Heng replied.
Seeing such a handsome scholar, the young man was momentarily captivated, then quickly regained his composure and spoke politely.
“Have we not met before? Did you move in recently?”
Du Heng simply said he had arrived yesterday. The young man, previously haughty when speaking with his servant, now softened, stepping out to converse personally.
“Traveling to the capital this time is not easy—snow and rain, the journey exhausting. It is fate that we are neighbors. I am from the capital and ought to extend the courtesy of a host,” he said with a warm smile.
“Why not join me tonight at my residence? If you achieve success in the examination, our meeting today will feel all the more meaningful.”
Du Heng raised an eyebrow. He recalled the Prefect Mu Ti advising that the wealthy and indulgent young men of the capital particularly favored scholars who were young, handsome, and versed in poetry and literature.
But Du Heng had no intention of entangling himself with such a libertine, whose company could tarnish a scholar’s reputation.
He bowed politely: “Many thanks for your invitation, but my writings are crude and lack your mastery. With the Spring Examination imminent, I cannot afford distraction. I only wish to study quietly from morning till night—not seeking glory, but peace of mind.”
The refusal seemed to displease the pampered young man, but accustomed to patience with those he fancied, he did not become angry immediately.
“People say scholars should devote themselves fully to study, but only the ignorant take that literally. To succeed, one must also build connections and navigate social affairs,” he said, leaning closer. “Meeting a scholar like you is fate. Join me for a drink, and I guarantee your success in the Spring Examination.”
Du Heng’s face remained courteous, but his heart raced in alarm.
The upcoming autumn exams would be rigorous, yet this man casually suggested that entertaining him could guarantee a top score. For a moment, Du Heng wondered about the young man’s background—was he truly powerful enough to wield such influence, or merely arrogant and intoxicated?
He maintained his composure: “Your generosity humbles me, but I dare not accept.”
The young man narrowed his eyes, studying him. “You don’t believe me?”
Du Heng bowed and prepared to depart.
The young man’s expression shifted: “Unappreciative. On the day of the Spring Examination, you will regret today.”
In a voice meant for only the two of them, he added: “By noon, merchants trade, people govern, goods are exchanged—each returns with what is theirs. Remember my words.”
Flipping his luxurious fox-fur cloak, he turned away. “A scholar from a small town—handsome, but naive.”
Du Heng watched the slender figure walk away, an indescribable feeling stirring in his chest.
Seeing that the man had finally left, Du Heng quickly led Yi Yan back into the residence.
The phrase that Cao Huang had quoted came from the Zhou Yi (Book of Changes), describing Shennong opening markets, gathering people to exchange goods, and everyone obtaining what they desired. Normally, it was just a familiar line, one among countless others read daily from the Four Books and Five Classics. Any given passage could appear in exams, but only when encountering it during the imperial tests would its true importance be felt.
Du Heng didn’t know whether Cao Huang’s words had been empty flattery meant to unsettle him before the Spring Examination, or whether the young man had truly hinted at something significant. Either way, Du Heng’s mind felt unsettled, and he did his best to calm himself.
In the afternoon, a lingering unease prompted him to act. He resolved that he could not allow distractions to disturb his studies, so he packed his belongings and prepared to leave the residence, thinking to rent another place. Even if the neighbors insisted on keeping some deposit, it was a small price for peace of mind. Spending money to avoid trouble was worthwhile; if misfortune came and money could not avert it, that would be a real problem.
Just as he was about to step out, he noticed a large carriage stopping at the neighboring gate, flanked by four armed guards. Alarmed, he ducked back, hiding at the edge of his own gate.
Moments later, he saw Cao Huang, who had been so arrogant that morning, bound and tossed into the carriage by two burly men.
A middle-aged man accompanied them. Calm yet commanding, his gaze radiated restrained fury, and Du Heng could sense the intensity even from a distance.
The man scolded Cao Huang, though his voice was low and mostly indistinct to Du Heng:
“You unfilial son, seeking quiet for study before the Spring Examination, yet here you are drinking and consorting with courtesans! Were it not for the exams, I would break your legs myself!”
Du Heng looked at Yi Yan, astonished, as the young man recounted the words with perfect clarity, even those Du Heng could barely make out.
Within moments, the carriage disappeared into Liuhe Alley.
“You actually have that skill?” Du Heng said, impressed.
Yi Yan’s expression was calm: “During past hunts in the deep forests, bears would appear unexpectedly. One must always stay alert. Over time, one’s hearing becomes trained.”
Du Heng nodded in approval; indeed, such a skill was invaluable for eavesdropping when necessary.
Seeing Cao Huang taken away, Du Heng straightened, reflecting on the man’s father, whom he had glimpsed earlier. It seemed that Cao Huang truly came from a military family. Considering his frail and sickly appearance, it was no wonder that their household’s soldiers fared poorly in battle.
Since Cao Huang was removed, Du Heng hesitated about moving residences again. Finding a quiet place was difficult, and frequent moves were inconvenient. After some thought, he decided to stay.
He resumed his studies in peace, and within a few days, two more scholars moved in. After brief greetings, everyone focused on their final preparations.
The scholars renting this residence all came from moderately well-off families, each with a small retinue—a servant or a study boy—to manage daily life. Occasionally, these small attendants would exchange news, and Yi Yan would relay it to Du Heng.
He learned, for instance, that as the exam drew near, rents in inns and private lodgings were rising sharply. An old scholar, long unsuccessful in the imperial exams, had become envious of the influx of examinees and had begun attacking them, causing several injuries. Some were merely disfigured; others could not enter the exams at all. The matter even drew the attention of the Shuntian Prefecture authorities.
Du Heng, hearing such news while eating, frowned; the capital was truly chaotic. Fortunately, he had secured a quiet residence and avoided wandering, reducing the likelihood of encountering trouble. With Yi Yan at his side, he felt far more at ease.
The Spring Examination was set to begin on the ninth day of the third lunar month, and examinees had to enter the examination hall on the eighth. While locations differed, the general procedures were familiar, so Du Heng felt no panic.
Once inside the Gongyuan, examinees would remain for seven days. The weather was still cold, but food could be brought without much concern for spoilage. While the exam allowed students to bring rice to cook for themselves, Du Heng opted not to; cooking would be inconvenient during the exam period. He did, however, bring some charcoal and a small stove, useful for heating water or keeping warm during the cold nights.
With his belongings packed, he queued for inspection. Surrounded by a vast crowd of scholars, all carrying bedding, baskets, and other necessities, he silently searched for familiar faces, hoping to spot old friends.
But the capital was immense, and the Gongyuan even larger. Despite the throngs, he did not recognize a single familiar face. In a city like Luoxia, even a few streets made meeting acquaintances difficult; in the capital, it was far harder.
A twinge of sadness touched his heart. Truly, it was as the saying went: once parted today, reunion would be difficult.
As his turn to enter approached, he gave Yi Yan a few final instructions before stepping into the examination hall.
Inside the Gongyuan, surrounded by scholars bearing bedding and baskets, he silently located his assigned room, recalling the scene of laborers arriving in the city—a mixture of determination and quiet chaos. He could not help but smile at the resemblance. Once inside, he unpacked and arranged his things with ease, readying himself for the upcoming examinations.
The official examination would be overseen by the Minister of Rites and imperial-appointed inspectors, attended by scholars from both local prefectures and the Guozijian in the capital.
Du Heng felt that the strictness of the proctors was little different from the local examinations; as long as he focused honestly on his own work, the supervision outside was hardly oppressive.
He picked up two pieces of silver charcoal purchased in the city, lit them in his stove, and boiled some water to warm himself. Outside the Gongyuan, the sky was dim and overcast, mirroring the heaviness in his own mind since arriving in the capital. He could not help but wonder whether this imperial examination would go as smoothly as previous ones.
If he were to pass the Spring Examination and advance to the palace-level finals, would he finally step onto the official path and serve the people? And if so, would he truly return to his old occupation?
He shook his head. Even the newly minted Jinshi from last year, ranked from first to second division, had only just received appointments; he could not be sure how this year would turn out, and it might be even harsher. Should he succeed in the exam but find no position waiting, that would be vexing indeed.
If no office were available, he could return to his county, take up a teaching position at Bai Rong Academy, and still live comfortably with his wife and child.
Du Heng’s thoughts spun in chaos, drifting between dreams of officialdom and examinations, and images of Xiao Man, Cheng Yi, and the unborn child. His sleep was fragmented and uneasy in the Gongyuan.
The next morning, he awoke to the clamor of attendants. A fine drizzle, light as powdered sugar, fell outside. He rubbed his swollen eyes and muddled mind.
The previous night had been full of dreams, now mostly forgotten, except for one vivid vision: he stood beneath the crowded red list and shook his head—he had failed.
A deep exhalation escaped him. The dream felt ominous, but there was no time to dwell on it. The examination papers were soon distributed, and the examiners read out the questions.
The first test consisted of three essays on the Four Books. As usual, the examiner carried the questions while the candidates transcribed them onto draft paper. Four assistants held lanterns at his side to ensure the examinees could read clearly in the early morning light.
Du Heng watched the examiner approach with the question placards, readying himself. But when he saw the first question clearly, his back stiffened, and the brush he had dipped in ink fell sharply onto the paper with a loud slap.
The first question read: “At noon, there is a market, governing the people of the realm, gathering…”
The placard was cold and impersonal, yet Du Heng could hear Cao Huang’s confident, arrogant voice reciting it in his mind.
He did not even dare to read the rest of the question, feeling a chill wash over him. The look of shock on his face, though brief, went unnoticed by the other candidates, who were busy copying the questions. Inside, however, his mind was a storm.
As the examiner moved on, he quickly collected himself and dutifully copied the remaining two questions onto his draft sheet.