Chapter 97: A Flicker of Inspiration

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In the Primordial Palace, the Immortal Residence Hall, during Empress Wu’s regular court session, the Censorate official stood on duty. The morning deliberations had stalled at the office of Cen Changqian, the Director of Internal Affairs, who, following past precedents, had drafted the regulations for the spring imperial examination. However, his proposal had met with severe criticism from Empress Wu.

“Gentlemen, although the Great Tang enjoys peace across all lands and the people live in comfort, the selection of capable officials in the court is a matter of great importance, intimately linked to the state’s governance and the welfare of the people. How can we afford to be lax or complacent?” Empress Wu rose gracefully, her expression stern but with little anger; it was clear she was merely seizing the opportunity to assert herself. “In the fourth year of the Xianqing era, Emperor Gaozong personally examined over nine hundred tribute students at the Xuanzheng Hall, gathering the finest talents of the realm. As his successor, I must emulate his example and not let such virtuous governance lie dormant. I will personally question the scholars across the land to foster a flourishing scholarly tradition and to inspire loyalty among the candidates.”

“Long live the Empress Dowager’s wisdom!” The ministers bowed deeply and sang praises, dancing with her in jubilation. In the month since the era name change, Empress Wu had implemented many reforms and often likened herself to the enlightened former emperors. Regardless of their private stances, the ministers had grown numb to her assertiveness and gradually accepted the reality.

“The Empress Dowager’s words are most wise. A sovereign personally questioning the scholars is indeed a virtuous act. The honor of seeing the emperor’s countenance will surely excite the entire scholarly community, and the number of candidates will be as countless as fish swimming upstream.” The handsome Prime Minister Cen Changqian, usually meticulous in his choice of words, found himself compelled to apply imperial terminology to Empress Wu after her stirring speech. Using ordinary regent terms for her might invite taboos or misfortune, whereas imperial terms were safe. For self-preservation, the ministers had no choice but to run full speed down the path of treating her as emperor.

Empress Wu nodded slightly and gave a stern order, “The Spring Ministry must make thorough preparations and issue clear declarations to all scholars across the realm. No one must be overlooked. The pre-exam and palace examination must be handled with utmost diligence and urgency.”

The new Minister of the Spring Ministry, Li Ruo Chu, who had succeeded Wu Sansi, stepped forward to receive the mandate, his face bitter as if he had swallowed gall. All prior work had to be discarded and redone. Knowing Empress Wu’s temperament, the inaugural palace examination must be grand and solemn; no merit would be seen as fault.

Still unsatisfied, Empress Wu turned and asked, “Has the Censorate heard any rumors regarding the examination regulations?”

Rumors and reports could be both voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary were those who proactively submitted memorials; involuntary were like the present, where advisors were consulted. Quance, stepping forward, spoke, “I have heard that some scholars privately express admiration for the examination’s senior officials, admiring two things: first, the emperor himself as the chief examiner, ensuring fairness beyond doubt; second, the honor of being the emperor’s pupil, bringing glory to one’s family for generations. The Empress Dowager’s revival of such virtuous governance arrives like rain from heaven, nourishing the scholarly world.”

His words were vivid but largely fabricated; yet he spoke without a change of expression, confidently.

“Ha ha ha!” Empress Wu threw back her head and laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the hall. “Indeed, the scholars whom I personally select are naturally the emperor’s own disciples.”

Satisfied, she looked more favorably upon Quance. “Quance, you have performed your duties diligently and responsibly. I grant you double salary.”

“Your humble servant thanks the Empress Dowager for her generous favor,” Quance bowed ceremoniously, neither arrogant nor servile, stifling a smile. He had held office for over a month but submitted no memorials, and as the Censorate official responsible for rumor reports, he had been like a deaf man, deaf to affairs. Now, having pulled on her favorable wind, he received praise for diligence — quite amusing indeed.

The court meeting continued with matters mostly concerning personnel. Empress Wu’s subtle reorganization of officials proceeded quietly. Two appointments caught Quance’s attention: Di Renjie’s fortunes had worsened, and he was demoted again to Magistrate of Fuzhou, no longer even a principal official. Prince Yu and Governor of Yuzhou, Li Sujie, a man of integrity who governed without oppression and maintained order, was relieved of his post and appointed as the Grand Protector of the Protectorate General to Andong, stationed at Mianchi.

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Uncle lost his influential and popular official post, effectively demoted though not openly acknowledged; his station shifted between the two capitals. This was likely Empress Wu’s precaution. Quance, however, felt relieved. With a weapon in hand and murderous intent in his heart, the world was never short of those with hidden agendas. In these turbulent times, lacking real power was preferable to possessing it, sparing him from being manipulated or developing other ideas. Being a mere noble with no real authority suited him well.

As the court meeting ended and Quance exited with the others, he was stopped at the palace gate by Deputy Magistrate Wu Youxu.

Quance glanced shrewdly at his black official’s cap — still black. A cause for celebration.

Wu Youxu waved his hand before Quance, his face calm and unfazed, evidently unconcerned about the cap’s color change. “Young master, do not be rude. I have serious matters to discuss with you today.”

Quance’s expression sobered. “Please, do tell.”

Wu Youxu walked on as he spoke. “The ceramic firing technique you commissioned for the makeup clay, I have been experimenting for two months and made great progress. With this method, the success rate and quality of ceramics are exceptionally high. Even ordinary pieces have colors and textures fifty percent better than regular kilns. Young master’s ingenious ideas are a tremendous contribution.”

So that was the serious matter; Quance breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Wu Youxu’s excited, proud demeanor, he looked less like a high-ranking official and more like a craftsman thrilled by his work. “I must see it. Honestly, I’ve only theorized on paper; it’s all your credit.”

“Haha, credit aside, success brings joy to all. Since there’s nothing pressing, come with me to my residence. I’ll show you the kiln batch we fired yesterday.” Wu Youxu grasped Quance’s hand, eager to present his treasure.

Quance followed casually.

“Deputy Magistrate Wu, Censor Quance, please wait!” A voice called from behind. Shangguan Wan’er hurried up gracefully.

“Greetings, attendants,” Wu Youxu and Quance bowed together, though Wu Youxu’s face was sour. His solitary, blunt nature held no fondness for this flirtatious woman who daily mingled among men.

“Deputy Magistrate, forgive my intrusion. I have a message for Censor Quance,” Shangguan Wan’er said unabashedly. She was not here for Wu Youxu.

“I won’t detain you then. Farewell.” Wu Youxu politely excused himself after a brief exchange. “Young master, finish your business quickly and come to my residence.”

Shangguan Wan’er dismissed Wu Youxu but had no official business. Smiling charmingly, she said, “Censor Quance, these days at the Political Council, many ministers have praised you as steady and moderate, your conduct most appropriate in advance and retreat.”

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Quance chuckled lightly and replied casually, “They are quite wary of me.” That was the only explanation. His actions often defied expectations; he stirred trouble yet enjoyed some imperial favor. The senior ministers had long deemed him a troublemaker. His transfer to the Censorate caused concern he might recklessly attack others and bring ruin upon himself. Thus, with no duties to perform, no one accused him of dereliction, and they all praised his prudence.

Shangguan Wan’er smiled softly. The Eastern Capital was unlike Chang’an, with stricter security and many spies. Here was somewhat quieter. After court sessions, she often saw Quance to chat, becoming familiar friends. “Censor Quance, on the second day of the second lunar month, I am hosting a literary gathering. Many outstanding candidates for the imperial examination will attend. You must come and support it.”

Quance naturally agreed. They chatted idly before parting.

At Wu Youxu’s residence, Wu Youji was also present. The two sat drinking tea, laughing freely, seemingly unconcerned about sharing a servant girl.

“Come, come, young master,” Wu Youxu said upon seeing him arrive. He set down his cup and led them to a small courtyard reserved for the kiln, where heat lingered thickly.

On entering, several shelves displayed an array of ceramics: tricolored and monochrome. Quance did not understand much but noticed their high gloss and pleasing smoothness. Wu Youji, more knowledgeable, exclaimed, “The clay body is round and smooth, the glaze layers distinct, though the shapes vary little… Brother, your little kiln is priceless.”

Wu Youxu beamed proudly, hands behind his back, head raised in confidence. Wu Youji, however, impatient, pulled them together, then let go abruptly. “You two are just figureheads. Forget it; I’ll manage it. One of you is the founder, the other the operator. Each will take a 20% share. If there’s spare money, we can invest more.”

Quance and Wu Youxu only smiled and said nothing. Wu Youji huffed in frustration. “When we make money, don’t regret it, both of you.”

Quance glanced around and noticed some half-finished products casually placed on the floor. One shaped like a bull’s horn had many holes and a long handle. He stared at it, entranced.

“What are you looking at, young master? That’s a defective piece. It was meant to be a uniquely shaped ceramic teapot but didn’t turn out right,” Wu Youxu lamented.

Quance shook his head, smiling mysteriously. “No, no, this item has great use.”