The Prisoner of Beauty

The Great Yan Dynasty pioneered the implementation of the imperial examination system for selecting officials. When this news was announced, impoverished scholars across the land spread the word excitedly, filled with joy and hope.

Where there was joy, there was also opposition. The dissenting voices naturally came from the established aristocratic families whose vested interests were threatened. However, arms could not twist legs. The current emperor, though rumored to be henpecked and generally lenient in governance, acted with swift decisiveness when necessary, never hesitating to employ an iron fist when called for. Unlike the previous Liu dynasty, which relied on these local aristocratic families to maintain its rule, this emperor had no such dependence. Thus, after a period of noisy opposition, the matter fizzled out. Moreover, not all aristocratic families opposed the imperial examination system—some enlightened individuals supported it, with the most prominent representative being Gao Heng of Bohai Commandery.

Gao Heng hailed from a prestigious family. Though he had never held office, the Gao clan was a prominent noble family in Bohai, and Gao Heng himself bore the illustrious title "Crown of Bohai," making his reputation universally known. Shortly after the court announced the imperial examination system, when aristocratic families across the land were denouncing the new policy, he was the first to publicly express his support. Not only that, he also became the first scholar from Bohai Commandery to voluntarily participate in the inaugural examination.

News of this spread, sparking heated discussions throughout Bohai Commandery.

According to the detailed examination regulations, the county, prefectural, and metropolitan exams would all implement strict anonymous grading. As this was the first examination since the dynasty's founding, the emperor took it extremely seriously. To ensure genuine talent selection and prevent fraud, the court dispatched academic supervisors to oversee the entire process across all thirteen provinces and one capital district. Any officials or scholars found guilty of corruption would lose their heads.

In other words, this would be a selection process based entirely on merit. Given Gao Heng's reputation, if he truly wished to become an official, he had no need to take such a risky path. In fact, to many, his actions seemed nothing short of audacious.

Not only was he willingly lowering himself to compete alongside ordinary scholars, but even if he emerged as the top candidate, it would merely be icing on the cake for him. Conversely, if he failed, it would tarnish his esteemed reputation.

Relatives and friends of Gao Heng rushed to dissuade him, but he remained unmoved. Instead, he was brimming with confidence, laughing as he said: "The new dynasty is eliminating old malpractices, ushering in a new era. The imperial examination system is like a refreshing breeze, carrying the fragrance of orchids—proof of the court's commitment to selecting talent without prejudice. As scholars fortunate enough to live in this era of enlightened governance, we should dedicate ourselves fully to public service. How can we let fear of tarnishing our modest reputations hold us back?"

When these words spread, no one in Bohai could help but admire him wholeheartedly.

Inspired by Gao Heng's "celebrity" effect, other aristocratic families, eager to demonstrate their loyalty to the new emperor, also began sending their sons to participate in the exams. In a short time, this became a prevailing trend.

Gao Heng's words not only exemplified the grace of a great scholar but also radiated confidence—a confidence well-founded. He was not only exceptionally talented and skilled in archery and horsemanship but also had profound insights into policy debates. He sailed smoothly through the county and prefectural exams, and the following spring, he headed to Luoyang as the top prefectural candidate to take the final metropolitan exam. When the results were announced, he was ranked among the top three scholars, along with two others.

Fang Xi, the Grand Academician and chief examiner of the metropolitan exam, did not dare make the final decision himself. He singled out the three top examination papers and, along with all the other passing papers, presented them to the emperor to determine the final rankings personally....

In the afternoon, the blazing sun shone upon the layers of dark green glazed tiles of the imperial palace, where ridge-end ornaments stood tall and upturned eaves stretched toward the sky.

Inside the Huaguang Hall of the Northern Palace, where the Emperor and Empress resided for daily life, wisps of incense smoke curled lazily from the mountain-shaped lid of a gilt bronze Boshan censer, dispersing in all directions. The immortals and divine birds carved around the waist of the censer seemed ready to take flight, creating an illusion of being amidst the mythical Penglai Mountain on the sea.

Layer upon layer of gossamer curtains filtered the bright light, gradually dimming as it reached the inner chambers until it turned into shadowy darkness.

Several colorfully dressed palace maids stood silently at the corners of the hall, holding their breath as they waited for the Empress to awaken from her afternoon nap.

...

Fang Xi, having been granted permission to sit by the Emperor, sat upright on an embroidered couch, eloquently evaluating the results of the recent imperial examinations.

The Emperor, seated behind his desk, listened to Fang Xi's commentary while simultaneously reviewing three specially selected examination papers.

The rustling sound of paper could be heard as the examination papers flipped between his fingers.

Half a year prior, after repeated trials, the craftsmen of the Imperial Workshop had finally succeeded in producing paper that could completely replace silk and bamboo slips for smooth writing.

The newly crafted paper, unlike its crude and unrefined predecessors, was not only white and pliable, making it easy to write on, but also far more cost-effective than silk. The Imperial Workshop disseminated the papermaking technique throughout the country, and it quickly gained widespread use. For this imperial examination, in accordance with the court's decree, all candidates' responses were written on paper.

"Your Majesty, these three examination papers were carefully reviewed and unanimously selected by my colleagues and me as the top three candidates, especially Gao Heng from Bohai..."

Just as Fang Xi was speaking, a series of light, skipping footsteps suddenly sounded behind him, as if someone were running and jumping in the Xuan Room.

This was highly irregular, especially since this was the Emperor's study.

Who would dare to behave so recklessly, running and jumping in front of the Emperor?

Fang Xi paused and heard a clear, childish voice call out, "Father!" Turning around, he saw a little girl entering through the doorway.

The girl was only about two years old but already as delicate as a carved jade doll, utterly adorable. She had a straight fringe of jet-black bangs across her forehead, with two small pigtails on either side. Her skin was snow-white, her eyes pitch-black, and she wore a soft pink dress. Without a care for those around her, she skipped toward the Emperor, clinging to his arm and asking in a sweet, childish voice, "Father, what are you looking at?"

Earlier, as the Emperor listened to Fang Xi's evaluation of the examination papers, Fang Xi had sensed something amiss—the Emperor seemed distracted, even slightly displeased.

This made Fang Xi uneasy, suspecting that the top three selected essays might not meet the Emperor's expectations, so he had been elaborating at length.

But now, he saw the Emperor smile, lifting the tiny girl onto his lap and letting her sit in his arms before continuing to flip through the examination papers.

Fang Xi marveled inwardly.

He naturally recognized this little girl who had suddenly burst into the Xuan Room—she was Princess Changning, the beloved daughter of the Emperor and Empress Qiao.

He had heard that the Emperor doted on the princess excessively, allowing her free access to the Xuan Room. When discussing state affairs with his ministers, if the princess happened to be present and refused to leave, the Emperor would simply hold her on his lap.

He never thought he would witness this firsthand today.Seeing the little princess sitting in the emperor's lap, leaning on the imperial desk with her chin propped in her hands and her head slightly tilted, her round eyes wide open as she stared at him, Fang Xi couldn't help but clear his throat. His expression grew more solemn, and he straightened his back even further before continuing his earlier remarks: "Your Majesty, especially Gao Heng of Bohai—his essays are profound and exceptionally elegant, woven with heavenly brilliance. His policy responses precisely hit the mark, his writing radiant with insight. Not only has he long been renowned for his talent, but in this imperial examination, he is truly deserving of the top honors..."

The emperor had already set aside the documents. He gazed at Fang Xi for a moment, silent at first, then suddenly rapped the desk sharply with his fingers, producing a loud "tap."

Fang Xi paused, startled.

The emperor's face was expressionless as he said, "We are aware. You may withdraw for now."

Unwilling to concede, Fang Xi hastily stood and explained further, "The top three examination papers were jointly evaluated before the names were revealed. Only then did this old minister learn that this particular paper was written by Gao Heng of Bohai—there was absolutely no favoritism involved. Moreover, it wasn't just this old minister who was moved by his writing. Even the Grand Chancellor, after reviewing it, praised Gao Heng's paper unreservedly—"

"Withdraw."

The emperor repeated, his tone even colder.

The little princess quickly turned her head to glance at her father. Seeing his stern expression, she slid off his lap and ran up to Fang Xi. Looking up at him, she whispered, "My imperial father is unhappy! Last time, someone kept talking even after my father told him to stop, and it made him so angry that he scolded that person terribly. It was so pitiful..."

Fang Xi racked his brain but couldn't figure out how he had offended the emperor. His face flushed and paled alternately. Looking down, he saw the little princess gazing at him with sympathy. Touched, he forced a smile and bowed respectfully to her in thanks before reluctantly withdrawing.

...

Xiao Qiao had stayed up late the previous night assisting Wei Shao with reviewing memorials and hadn't slept well afterward. Feeling drowsy by noon, she took a nap. When she woke up leisurely from her long slumber and opened her eyes, she noticed Fei Fei was no longer by her side. She asked the palace maids where she had gone.

The maids drew back the layers of sheer gauze curtains that blocked the sunlight, instantly filling the inner chamber with light.

One of them smiled and said, "The little princess woke up earlier and ordered us not to disturb the Empress. She slipped out of bed quietly, saying she was going to find His Majesty. Chun'ao then escorted her there."

Fei Fei was now over two years old, doted on by her father to the point of nearly tearing the roof tiles off. When the emperor held court and discussed matters with his ministers in the Xuan Chamber, unless it was an exceptionally important affair, it wasn't uncommon for the little princess to suddenly pop her head out from behind the imperial desk, startling unsuspecting officials like Gongsun Yang.

Far from being displeased, the emperor would often lift her onto his lap during such moments.

Then, the ministers had no choice but to continue speaking while the little princess tilted her head, resting on the edge of the desk, staring intently at their moving lips.

Presumably, the officials had gradually grown accustomed to such scenes.

After Xiao Qiao finished dressing her hair and saw that Fei Fei still hadn't returned, she freshened up slightly and left Huaguang Palace.

Since ascending the throne, Wei Shao had been diligent in governance, attending morning court early and retiring late, often reviewing memorials until deep into the night before returning to the resting palace.

At this hour, the morning court session should have already concluded. He was likely in the Xuan Chamber.

...Fang Xi emerged from the Audience Hall with a heavy heart, perplexed and disheartened. As he walked along the palace path, he saw Empress Qiao approaching from the opposite direction, surrounded by her attendants. Dressed in flowing robes with a countenance like blooming flowers, she radiated a brilliance akin to jade, resembling an immortal consort. He quickly stepped aside and waited by the roadside, greeting her respectfully as she drew near.

Xiao Qiao smiled gently. "Academician Fang, have you come to see His Majesty regarding the imperial examinations?"

Fang Xi knew well that the proposal for the civil service examinations had originated from Empress Qiao. Moreover, it was no secret in the court that the Emperor invariably heeded her counsel. Seeing no reason to conceal his purpose, he replied, "Indeed. I have just presented the top three examination papers to His Majesty. The final decision on who shall be named the principal graduate rests with him."

Xiao Qiao inquired, "Who are these three candidates?"

Fang Xi listed the names of the other two and added, "The youngest among them is someone Your Majesty may have heard of—Gao Heng of Bohai."

Recalling the Emperor's reaction when he praised Gao Heng's essay, Fang Xi couldn't suppress his lingering confusion. Unable to resist, he voiced his concern: "Forgive my boldness, but I must speak frankly before Your Majesty. His Majesty initiated the imperial examinations to open the path to officialdom—a matter of great importance to the state. Entrusting this responsibility to me, I have spared no effort in fulfilling my duty. In my humble opinion, Gao Heng's essay is a masterpiece of literary excellence, reflecting profound insight. He is most deserving of the top honor. Yet when I recommended him to His Majesty earlier, His Majesty seemed hesitant. If he were to overlook such talent due to personal reservations, it would be a great pity and contrary to his original intent of recruiting the empire's finest minds through these examinations."

Xiao Qiao was well aware that Gao Heng had participated in the inaugural examinations. She had been surprised when she first heard the news and even more so to learn he had advanced all the way to Luoyang. While others might struggle to decipher the Emperor's thoughts, Xiao Qiao could usually discern them with near certainty. She understood the situation immediately.

Glancing at the bewildered Academician Fang Xi, she smiled reassuringly. "Even if His Majesty does not select him, he surely has his reasons. Besides, the decision has yet to be finalized. Academician Fang, you may return in peace and await the announcement."

After Fang Xi departed, Xiao Qiao entered the Audience Hall. Chun Niang and several palace maids stood outside and hurried forward to greet her.

"Princess Fei Fei is inside," Chun Niang whispered. "She woke earlier and insisted on coming to see His Majesty."

Xiao Qiao nodded and stepped in. There, she saw Fei Fei kneeling on Wei Shao's lap while he held her with one hand and read aloud from an examination paper with the other. "Fei Fei, what do you think of this essay? Should we choose it as the top-ranking one?"

"But I don’t understand it! It’s too hard!" Fei Fei squirmed on her father's knee, her face scrunched in distress. "That white-bearded elder who left earlier seemed very wise. If Father really can’t decide, why not call him back…"

Wei Shao looked up and saw Xiao Qiao. His hand paused mid-sentence.

"Mother!"

Fei Fei, who still addressed Xiao Qiao as "Mother" out of habit, brightened at the sight of her, as if relieved of a great burden. She scrambled down from Wei Shao's lap and dashed toward her.

"Mother! Father keeps reading me things I don’t understand and wants me to help him choose! It’s too hard! Mother, please help him!"

With that, she abandoned the Emperor and darted out of the hall.

Xiao Qiao watched her daughter disappear beyond the doorway before turning her gaze to Wei Shao. She walked toward him.Wei Shao acted as if it were nothing out of the ordinary, casually pressing a dossier beneath the pile as though it were a mere afterthought.

Xiao Qiao approached him and said, "What were you doing just now? With learned scholars of the Imperial Academy at your disposal, you actually had Fei Fei help you decide the rankings? That’s beyond reckless."

Wei Shao stretched out his arms and pulled her close, seating her on his lap just as he had held Fei Fei moments ago. He lowered his head to her fragrant neck, taking a deep breath before murmuring, "I can’t stand listening to those old pedants lecture me. Why don’t you decide for me instead?"

Xiao Qiao shot him a glance and laughed. "Very well, since my lord permits, this humble wife shall overstep her bounds."

With that, she reached out and pulled the dossier he had just buried at the bottom back into the open.