The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 121: The Champion of the Metropolitan Exam

Chapter 121: The Champion of the Metropolitan Exam

Inside the Forbidden City, in the Jǐnshēn Hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

The ruler who held sway over the entire Yù Dynasty neither liked incense nor noisy sounds. Whenever he was reviewing memorials from his ministers, even the palace attendants dared not let the sound of their footsteps be heard.

Only the dripping water clock at the far end of the long desk made a steady sound at intervals.

On the golden faceplate above the clepsydra, the pointer rotated, and when it pointed to the hour of Sì¹, the ruler, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

“Achieving top place in all three major imperial examinations—there have been such people since ancient times. But obtaining first place in six consecutive rounds—this is unheard of.”

The head eunuch Wēn Xìng understood that Emperor Yuánhuà was referring to the recently announced results of the metropolitan examination². Bowing with a smile, he said, “The results were posted at the hour of Sì⁽¹⁾, and at this moment, the hearts of all the scholars in the realm are gathered at the gates of the Examination Hall, eager to find out. I wonder who this year’s huìyuán³ will be. Surely someone destined to become one of Your Majesty’s pillars of state.”

Previously, the chief examiners had sent the answer papers of the top ten candidates to Emperor Yuánhuà. Without unsealing the name slips covering the authorship, he had merely judged the ranking based on the content of the papers.

Therefore, the Emperor did not yet know who the huìyuán was in advance.

Wēn Xìng knew full well that the Emperor’s words referred to the most outstanding disciple of Master Wén, Du Yúnsè.

To “achieve the top place in all three rounds” (lián zhōng sān yuán) was a rare honor wherein a candidate ranked first in the provincial exam⁴ (xiāngshì), the metropolitan exam (huìshì), and the palace exam (diànshì). The titles gained in these three steps were respectively: jièyuan⁵, huìyuán, and zhuàngyuán⁶. Accomplishing this was called “Three Consecutive Firsts” (lián zhōng sān yuán).

Though extremely difficult, it had been achieved by one or two people throughout history.

However, the “First in All Six Rounds” that Emperor Yuánhuà referred to also included the county exam, the prefectural exam, and the qualifying exam⁷ before the provincial exam. The imperial examination path consisted of six major rounds from beginning to end, and if a candidate ranked first at each level—without once losing the lead—he could be said to have achieved “One Body, Six Firsts” (yī shēn liù shǒu). Such a feat had never been accomplished in recorded history.

After all, even the most learned man might falter once or twice. To be ranked first in every single examination from start to finish was unimaginably difficult.

Du Yúnsè had already taken first place in the county, prefectural, and qualifying exams—an achievement known as the “Lesser Three Firsts” (xiǎo sān yuán). Last year, he won the title of jièyuan in Liáozhōu’s provincial exam, meaning he needed only two more steps—the most crucial and the most difficult—to achieve the unprecedented “One Body, Six Firsts.”

Although Emperor Yuánhuà favored Du Yúnsè, he did not intend to grant this unheard-of honor without letting him earn it. He wished to see whether Du Yúnsè truly had the ability to win all six on his own merit.

And so, regarding who would be the huìyuán in the current metropolitan exam, the Emperor was somewhat expectant.

Was that flawless, masterfully written paper the work of Du Yúnsè, or would another talent have claimed the throne?

Whatever the result, the Son of Heaven sat calmly as though at a fisherman’s terrace, merely intrigued.

Wēn Xìng understood the Emperor’s thinking and bowed again with a smile. “After the Ministry of Rites fills out the list, they will immediately send another copy to Your Majesty. Please wait but a short while, and the result will be known.”

…

At the Examination Hall, a sea of people gathered before the board announcing the results.

Everyone was struggling forward without regard for manners, eager to be the first to see their awaited name.

Bǎi Quán had gone down into the crowd and was soon swallowed by it. Qiū Huánián knew it would be some time before he returned, so he simply stood at a window, observing the people reading the list to distract himself from the tension.

He was confident that Du Yúnsè would be among the three hundred successful candidates selected and believed he would rank near the top. But whether Du Yúnsè could seize first place—he could not be entirely sure.

This was, after all, the national-level examination, drawing together all the most able provincial graduates from across the realm.

Although Qiū Huánián kept reminding himself that just having a name on the list was enough and it wasn’t necessary to struggle for first place, he couldn’t help thinking how fine the title “huìyuán” sounded—what a pity it would be to miss.

His competitive streak and love for collecting honors were ignited simultaneously.

Du Yúnsè silently rose and stood beside him, accompanying him in watching down below.

The metropolitan exam’s Apricot List⁸ tugged at the hearts of all in the capital. Among those gathered to see the list were the examinees themselves, their servants, and others sent from interested households to observe.

The first batch of people at the front saw their names and could not help but shed tears of joy, shouting loudly to dispel the grievances buried in their hearts.

Qiū Huánián, sharp-eyed, noticed several new graduates under thirty—still celebrating their place on the list—being immediately pulled away by splendidly dressed servants waiting nearby.

“Is this the ‘catching of a son-in-law at the foot of the list’⁹?” Qiū Huánián said with great interest.

Those candidates were dragged away without ceremony, some even fought over by multiple groups of servants—truly a lively spectacle.

All three hundred huìshì graduates would become jìnshì¹⁰ after the palace exam, only a step away from holding office. Seizing one of them directly was far easier than cultivating such talent from scratch.

Of course, the families who dared to snatch a son-in-law in this fashion were all powerful—either immensely wealthy or holding high official or noble titles.

It mattered little if the captured young man was already married. As long as the terms offered were enticing enough, there were always those willing to abandon their wives for advantage and profit.

Qiū Huánián clicked his tongue in wonder. “Look at that one—not that one should judge by looks, but even though he’s short and fat, three families are fighting to have him wed their daughters or sons. A graduate is indeed worth much.”

“Fortunately, I didn’t let you go down there, or else those trying to snatch a son-in-law would have fought to the death over you.”

A flicker of amusement passed through Du Yúnsè’s eyes. “I already have my Huá Ge’er, so I’ll not join that excitement.”

They watched the scene for a while, until Xīng Mì, sharp-eyed, spotted Bǎi Quán.

“Lady, look! Bǎi Quán is back!”

Following his indication, Qiū Huánián indeed saw Bǎi Quán forcing his way out of the crowd toward the teahouse.

“He must’ve seen the name.”

Qiū Huánián’s heartbeat quickened, trying to judge the result from Bǎi Quán’s expression, but the distance was too great to tell.

“Let’s go down,” Qiū Huánián urged, pulling Du Yúnsè downstairs.

The street outside the teahouse was overflowing with noise. Although a street away from the announcement board, it was still packed tight.

Servants formed a circle to protect Qiū Huánián and Du Yúnsè. As soon as they steadied themselves, Bǎi Quán rushed up.

He was a little disheveled from the crowd, sweat beading his forehead, but his eyes shone with excitement and joy—a rare departure from his usual calm—which could only mean good news.

“How is it?” Qiū Huánián asked impatiently.

Bǎi Quán wiped his sweat, quickly adjusted his clothes, and then announced in a clear voice, “Congratulations, Master; congratulations, Young Master—you are this year’s huìyuán, first place on the Apricot List!”

It was like a thunderclap in broad daylight.

All around, those who heard turned to look, and the noise swelled several-fold, a deafening chorus.

“The huìyuán? The huìyuán is here with us?”

“I heard it—at the teahouse door, right at the teahouse door!”

“Has anyone seen who it is? Did I win my bet?!”

“It’s not those few from the south, nor Jiè of Jìnzhōu, Tán Guāng. Who is it, exactly?!”

“Make way, make way! Let me get a look at the huìyuán, to share the luck!”

…

At Bǎi Quán’s proclamation, Du Yúnsè and Qiū Huánián were quickly surrounded. Fortunately, they had brought enough attendants to prevent themselves from being swallowed by the crowd.

Qiū Huánián, flushed with excitement, grabbed Du Yúnsè’s sleeve. His delicate, handsome face was vividly red. “Yúnsè, you’re the huìyuán! You actually did it—you’re incredible!”

A smile flickered over Du Yúnsè’s face. Without letting the title show in his emotions, his eyes remained fixed on Qiū Huánián, and his first words were—

“Is my Huá Ge’er satisfied?”

“Yes, yes!” In the surrounding clamor, Qiū Huánián feared he wouldn’t be heard and nodded twice, vigorously.

Du Yúnsè then laughed freely.

Huá Ge’er’s satisfaction was worth more than anything.

Having now taken two consecutive firsts, the final title of zhuàngyuán—he would win it as well, for his beloved spouse.

…

Meanwhile, at the top floor of a restaurant across from the teahouse, the entire floor was closed to outsiders. Guards with disguised but clearly expert bearing stood stationed everywhere, protecting the safety of a princely occupant in the central private room.

Servants sent to read the list had returned, bringing news of the Apricot List’s top ten.

The Third Prince, Prince of Jìn, Jiā Hónghàn, furrowed his brows. “The huìyuán is not Tán Guāng, but that Du Yúnsè?”

Tán Guāng, seated lower, immediately rose to offer his apologies.

Jiā Hónghàn’s expression shifted, then curved into a smile. “No need for my cousin to be tense—I am merely surprised.”

“…It just had to be someone from the Crown Prince’s side.”

He had a maternal cousin of striking talent and eminent learning, but the Crown Prince’s faction had someone able to surpass him—and even more, someone pointed out to the Emperor himself. How could he be willing to accept that?

Clenching his fists, Jiā Hónghàn’s heart churned with unease.

Though Tán Guāng was outstanding at such a young age, his great renown in the capital was due in no small part to Jiā Hónghàn’s and his maternal family’s promotion.

Originally, securing “Three Consecutive Firsts” under his banner would have drawn scholars to his side. Instead, the path was broken at the second step.

Although Tán Guāng’s second place on the Apricot List was extremely respectable, compared to the huìyuán title, it still lacked that edge.

Tán Guāng took in Jiā Hónghàn’s reaction and lowered his eyes, smiling gently. “Du Yúnsè is Master Wén Huíyáng’s prized student—famed as a child prodigy, and after nearly ten years traveling and studying under Master Wén, his talents are unmatched. His winning the huìyuán is entirely natural.”

Jiā Hónghàn snorted, suppressing his irritation. “Merely differing by one place. The palace exam’s zhuàngyuán is not yet decided—that is what matters most and draws the greatest attention.”

“Though Wén Huíyáng is learned, he’s no more than a bookworm. Even with the laurels of a zhuàngyuán, ten years in office only brought him to a humble fifth-grade post as an academician in the Hanlin Academy, before wandering off in resignation. His students may excel at essays, but not necessarily in state strategy.”

“My cousin is of the illustrious Jiè clan—how could your insight, experience, and strategy be compared to that of a mere peasant’s son? Do not belittle yourself—the outcome is still undecided.”

Tán Guāng sighed inwardly but smiled as he cupped his hands. “I thank Your Highness for your regard.”

Since the metropolitan result was not as hoped, Jiā Hónghàn had no wish to linger. Matters awaited him elsewhere.

“Then, cousin, prepare well for the palace exam in ten or so days—I will take my leave.”

Tán Guāng bowed in farewell. Only after the Prince and his entourage had departed did he go to the window, looking down at the bustling viewing scene below with a long sigh.

As a son of the Jiè clan, nephew of Noble Consort Yǐng, and cousin to the Third Prince, certain positions came unbidden, without choice.

He might have lost by one rank in the metropolitan exam, but he could not and would not yield the zhuàngyuán title in the palace exam.

…

Du Yúnsè and Qiū Huánián, after no small effort, finally escaped from the Examination Hall’s precinct and returned home. Almost at once, countless visiting cards and gifts arrived at their door.

Though the huìyuán was not yet the zhuàngyuán, at the very least it guaranteed a front position in the second tier—and with such promise, who wouldn’t want to establish relations in advance?

After consulting together, Du Yúnsè and Qiū Huánián kept all gifts that were within propriety, registering them in a ledger, but declined all social invitations, citing the need to focus fully on the palace exam in ten days’ time.

Once the palace exam was done and all settled, they would host a grand banquet at home, inviting relatives, friends, and those who had sent gifts and cards, to come feast together.

notes:

1. Sì hour (巳時) – Traditional Chinese timekeeping: roughly 9–11 a.m.

2. Metropolitan Exam (會試) – The second stage of the imperial examination system, held in the capital for provincial graduates.

3. Huìyuán (會元) – Title for the candidate who ranked first in the metropolitan examination.

4. Provincial Exam (鄉試) – The first major stage of the imperial exams, held in each province. Graduates became jǔrén (舉人, “recommended men”).

5. Jièyuan (解元) – Title for the candidate who ranked first in the provincial examination.

6. Zhuàngyuán (狀元) – Title for the candidate who ranked first in the palace examination; the highest exam honor.

7. County / Prefectural / Qualifying Exams – Local-level examinations to select candidates for the provincial exam; passed candidates could attempt higher exams.

8. Apricot List (杏榜) – Publicly posted list of those who passed the metropolitan examination.

9. “Catching a Son-in-law at the Foot of the List” (榜下捉婿) – A historical practice where families sought out marriage with newly successful scholars.

10. Jìnshì (進士) – Degree awarded to those passing the palace examination, granting access to official posts.