2. Yang Wentai Achieves First Place in the Imperial Examination
The question posed by Xuanyuan Ren was the character for "people." He asked the three top candidates to write an essay using this word, expounding on the way to govern a country. This task was not easy, yet for these well-read scholars, it should not have posed insurmountable difficulty.
On the right, the robust scholar Li Hao was the first to finish. He glanced confidently at the aging scholar Wen Sibo, who was nearly done, and at Yang Wentai, who was still earnestly writing. Li Hao stood up, saluted Xuanyuan Ren, and declared, "Your Majesty, your humble student has completed the essay!" Xuanyuan Ren instructed a young eunuch to bring Li Hao's paper before him and read it carefully. The gist of Li Hao's essay was: The people must be divided into ranks and classes; only then can they be managed effectively. Moreover, the rulers' status should be elevated, ensuring the people's obedience to their commands. If Xuanyuan Ren were to govern according to this model, the result would surely be widespread grievance and turmoil. Xuanyuan Ren could not help but shake his head.
At this moment, Wen Sibo had finished his essay. He reviewed it carefully, then stood and saluted Xuanyuan Ren, saying, "Your Majesty, your humble student has also completed the task!" He did not expect to win the highest honor, but would be content with second or third place. Xuanyuan Ren took the essay and read it attentively. Li Hao's essay had already been passed around for the ministers to review. The main idea of Wen Sibo's essay was: The people are subjects of the ruler and must obey his every command; yet the ruler should be compassionate, treating each citizen as his own kin, so that the nation may prosper and flourish. This philosophy was sound, and Xuanyuan Ren smiled as he read, instructing the eunuch to show it to the ministers, who also agreed with Wen Sibo’s perspective.
Having read the first two essays, everyone was now eagerly awaiting Yang Wentai’s work. Many ministers discussed him, curious about his approach. Even the leaders of the Rui and Cheng factions paid close attention, though Zhao Chengxian was more interested in Yang Wentai himself than in his writing. Amidst the heightened anticipation, Yang Wentai wrote calmly and unhurriedly, displaying remarkable composure. After some time, he finally stood, saluted Xuanyuan Ren, and spoke gently, "Your Majesty, your student has completed the essay!" As soon as he had finished, all eyes turned to Xuanyuan Ren and Yang Wentai’s essay.
The essence of Yang Wentai’s essay was: The people are like water, the ruler is like a boat; water can carry the boat or overturn it. So many dynasties have changed hands because emperors were cruel or incompetent—examples abound, such as the First Emperor of Qin and King Zhou of Shang. If a ruler drives the people to desperation, his throne becomes precarious. The common folk only wish for food, clothing, and peaceful lives; if the ruler can achieve this, then the realm will be tranquil. Yang Wentai’s essay prompted nods of approval from Xuanyuan Ren and the ministers, who found it insightful and profound.
Xuanyuan Ren picked up the brush and drew a red circle on Yang Wentai’s essay, selecting him as the top scholar. The eunuch Rong announced, "His Majesty has issued a decree!" Everyone knelt. Rong continued, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor declares: Scholar Yang Wentai’s essay is profound and has deeply touched His Majesty’s heart; thus, Yang Wentai is chosen as the new top scholar of this year’s imperial examination. Let it be so!" Wen Sibo was awarded second place, while the once-confident Li Hao was relegated to third, much to his dismay.
After Rong had finished proclaiming the three edicts, the three scholars thanked the Emperor in unison, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace! Long live the Emperor!" Of course, their tones differed: Li Hao was dejected, Wen Sibo was delighted, and Yang Wentai was not as excited as everyone expected, merely glancing at the elderly Yang beside him without much emotion.
Xuanyuan Ren smiled at them and said, "Today marks only the beginning. In the days to come, I hope you will serve the court well and bring prosperity to all people!" Thus, everything began, but Zhao Chengxian still could not believe Yang Wentai was a man. How would he seek confirmation? Please continue reading to find out!