Transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Examination Ch. 116

Chapter 116

Cui Xie entrusted Cui Liandgong with a plate of thoroughly dried graphite rods and the experimental mixture formula he had devised, instructing him to prepare additional batches, dry them promptly and today, seek out a meticulously operated kiln facility to fire the rods with varying intensities of heat.

Having listened to the work reports of the two shopkeepers, Cui Liangdong, gazing upon the dark graphite rods in the plate, inquired with anticipation, “Is this concoction intended for making eyeliner?”

Eyeliner? Ah, the eyeliner pencil…Cui Xie had nearly forgotten.

Yet, surely such mineral substances should not be applied to the eyes? Nowadays, even drawing one’s eyebrows scarcely involves the use of traditional eyebrow drawing stones, likely due to the detrimental effects on one’s skin and subpar makeup results. This kind of stone powder could not be simply adhered to the skin with just water. Should the powder dry and enter the eyes, what harm might it cause to the wearer, then what should one do?

In their modest business ventures, they must not solely focus on profit while neglecting the welfare of their customers.

Cui Xie gestured dismissively, “These rods…I find the quality unsuitable for eyebrow pencils. Forcing their usage into the colorful illustrations for sale would only diminish the reputation of the Peace of Mind Study. I tested it on paper yesterday and found it quite suitable for drawing, except it is too soft and easily broken. Hence, I contemplated mixing it with clay and firing it, akin to the way pottery and porcelain are made. Wouldn’t hardening it make it easier to use?”

Cradling the plate, Cui Liandong pondered and squinted, asking, “Would it not be simpler for Young Master to acquire a few ready-made eyebrow drawing stones? Those stones are inherently robust, but this softer stick was designed for the convenience of drawing one’s eyebrows, having been crushed and then reconstituted.”

With your vast knowledge, you only know this much!

Cui Xie silently rolled his eyes and retorted, “Who uses a lump of stone to write? It must at least resemble a brush, right? Regardless, have someone produce more graphite sticks in this manner and fire them. Later, we will find craftsmen to carve writing utensils from exceptionally soft wood, matching the size and length of a brush, with a hollow space in the middle, to insert the graphite rod for writing.”

Cui Xie earnestly instructed Cui Liangdong and emphasized that if well-made, this product would be marketable. He advised the servant to oversee the repeated firings, to test the product immediately after, to record the measurements and the heat levels, and to adjust the formula as necessary to achieve a graphite stick that blended easily and was suitable for writing on soft, thin cotton paper.

Cui Xie issued these instructions with the urgency and seriousness reminiscent of their initial venture into selling the Southern Goods shop, which compelled Cui Liangdong to take this matter seriously. Thus, he entrusted this task to his own nephew, Little Shen-ge, who was about eighteen or nineteen years of age, and had been eager for an opportunity to contribute, having only previously been involved in the management of the farmstead which was overseen by his father. Shouldered with this significant responsibility, Shen-ge was determined to excel, resulting in him spending several days squatting outside and staring at the kiln before he ultimately succeeding in developing three formulations that produced graphite sticks that were soft, yet dark, offering exceptionally smooth writing.

The three variations exhibited slight differences in shade, but all facilitated a comfortable writing experience. A firmer composition risked the paper tearing while a softer one tended to crumble under pressures, compromising cleanliness.

In the process of firing the pencil cores, Shen-ge also uncovered which suitable papers were compatible with these pencils. Unlike traditional brushes, these pencils, especially when the rod was tapered at both ends, could easily puncture the paper upon first contact. Occasionally, the pencil would even snap during its use, its broken edge acting like a blade to slice through the paper. This meant the finer and thinner quality papers were particularly susceptible to damage.

For Young Masters accustomed to premium paper for writing, the quest for finding suitable paper that matched these pencils was paramount. Without suitable paper, what was the utility of these meticulously fired rods? And what use would the creator’s efforts be?

Shen-ge, understanding the gravity of these considerations, approached his tasks with unwavering dedication. Alternating between firing graphite cores and testing them on paper, he struggled for many days to this experimentation, ultimately arriving at a conclusive solution—-

Rawhide paper, cotton paper and rice paper were unsuitable, with only bamboo paper faring slightly better. Only paper treated with alum water and coated with chalk powder was truly effective. Thicker paper that had been coated with a wax powder mixture and polished with stone yielded even better results.

Upon returning and sharing his findings with his uncle, Cui Liangdong recognized his diligence and his nephew’s capabilities and deemed him worthy of significant responsibilities. Consequently, Cui Liangdong invited his nephew to accompany him, armed with the fruits of his labor and the accounts of recent days, to present his findings before the Young Master.

For Shen-ge, this was his first time entering the Cui Residence and the first time he was meeting the Eldest Young Master, rendering him too timid to even lift his gaze. Torn between nervousness and excitement, he stuttered a bit when speaking, stumbling over his words as he recounted the process of crafting the cores and testing papers in recent days.

Cui Xie examined the pencil cores and noted their secure binding with string, ready for immediate use and commended Shen-ge with a ‘very detailed’ comment. Then, testing the pencil himself, he found the writing smooth and the grip comfortable, comparable to using an ink stick, albeit with a lighter hue, akin to that of a 5B or 6B pencil.

As Cui Xie wrote comfortably, Shen-ge observed Cui Xie’s expression unfolding into satisfaction, seemingly very pleased with the cores, and Shen-ge could not help but add, “The stick performs best on thick paper; the thicker, sturdier and more resilient the material, the better. This lowly one reckons, the paper sold by the Peace of Mind study is of the finest quality and highly sought after in the capital. If the Young Master were to use it for writing, would it not be both practical and prestigious?”

….Forget it, their household was not so affluent to use to write on such expensive paper  worth four cents of silver apiece.

Cui Xie shook his head with a smile, saying, “Your cores are well made. Let’s produce a few more jin of them. Everyone in our household should carry one. They are not for official documents, but they are perfect for casual notes, which can be written on walls or tables and easily wiped away with water. They are also easy to wash off garments, unlike ink, which leaves stains.”

However, the paper from the capital was too pricey and would make one’s hearts cringe in pain if they used it. The more affordable paper made from their hometown of Qian’an would suffice and Cui Xie would ask some subordinates in Qian’an to bring some ordinary chalk powdered paper when they sent goods next time.

Holding the handcrafted pencils, bulky because it was wrapped in hemp twine with ends still exposed close to the graphite tip, Cui Xie eagerly replaced his usual charcoal sticks and could not wait to take it to school.

In early August, where lectures were abundant and recitations scarce, it marked the zenith of note-taking and Cui Xie reveled in the joy of using his new pencil. He oscillated between jotting down notes and borrowing books from Yilun Hall for copying, momentarily setting aside the embarrassment of his exam papers being used as an example for critique.

While he downplayed the incident, others took it to heart. Following this episode, his exam papers were not compiled into the usual collection that would be sent to the Hanlin Academy for safekeeping, but rather were, along with the imitations made that month, promptly taken away by a subordinate of Gao gonggong.

Gao gonggong, having been educated at the Hanlin Academy himself and holding an elegant position in the Directorate of Ceremonial, which could be likened to that of an Inner Counsellor-in-Chief, had a discerning eye for literature and calligraphy. He initially assessed the papers not for their content, but for the bold, rounded script that filled the pages, which alone merited the Emperor’s approval. Upon reviewing the content, the depth of the opening, the coherence of the argumentation, and the commanding tone, all conveyed the impression of a formidable rotator presenting before him, compelling admiration.

This article was well written!

This spirit! This energy! This syntax!

It was so distinct that one would have a hard time believing this was the same person who had composed such a poem by order of the Emperor!

Gao gonggong scrutinized the papers over and over, nearly discerning the principles of dialectical materialism woven into Cui Xie’s thought process, growing increasingly convinced of the profound depth and solid foundation underlying his essays.

Imperial examination essays were fundamentally rooted in the classics. Only those who have thoroughly grasped the essences of the classics and the clarity of Neo-Confucianism and who can articulate their own ideas, possess the confidence to compose such powerful and compelling essays. Without sufficient background in the classics, even the most ornately composed essays would lack a solid foundation. Attempts to mimic others’ works, no matter how diligently, would result in constrained and superficial writing, easily seen through by those well-versed in Neo-Confucianism as lacking substance and strength.

These essays were clearly not the work of someone who merely skimmed through classics and memorized a few contemporary pieces to deceive others. Despite starting his studies later than most, Cui Xie was truly a prodigy, genuinely understanding the classics and possessing profound insights in his heart!

Cui Xie was worthy of being the talent he had recommended to the Emperor!

Gao gonggong could not help but reminisce about their exchanges, feeling even more convinced of his own discerning eye in recognizing talent from humble beginnings.

Should Cui Xie achieve the rank of jinshi in the Imperial examinations, this would be a story of talent recognition worthy of being recorded in the history annals. And if fate was not in Cui Xie’s favor in the examinations…well, that would be a concern for several decades later and to be addressed in due time

Gao gongong meticulously noted the exquisite phrases from these essays, readying himself to respond to any inquiries the Emperor might have. He also instructed his nephew, his adopted son, to pay close attention to the Cui household, ensuring that the orphaned … the old and weak were not left vulnerable to mistreatment or exploitation.

Gao Su confidently reassured, “Father, rest assured, I frequently oversee their business dealings. The rouge, eyebrow pencils and scented soaps, your daughter-in-law and wife are all procured from their establishment. I have even placed an order for their new floral scented dew. Once it is ready, I will purchase several bottles as a gesture of filial piety.”

Gao gonggong chuckled, “What need have I, an old man, for floral dew? Bestow it upon your wife instead.” 

After a moment’s thought, he added, “I must attend to the Emperor during the Mid-Autumn Festival. You should stay home and celebrate with your wife and children. Hire a reputable theater troupe to entertain your family and ensure a lively celebration, don’t be stingy.”

Gao Su sighed, “Securing a top-notch troupe has become challenging. I have been seeking one since the beauty pageant held by the Peace of Mind Study, specifically, a troupe that had portrayed beauties from the Three Kingdoms era. Unfortunately, I was a step too late, as Commander Wan already booked the Jin Yun and Fortune and Longevity troupes in one go. The Empress Dowager’s household secured the Xing An troupe and I have heard that the Duke of Ying and Liang gonggong’s households have made bookings as well, though I am not sure which troupe. Moreover, these performances are most dazzling when viewed at night, and they might be reluctant to accommodate our household.”

Gao taijian, having seen all manner of spectacles within the palace, held little regard for these modest folk performances, dismissively remarking, “It is just a Three Kingdoms play, which troupe cannot perform it? Is it necessary to insist on those particular ones? Just arrange whatever is best, as long as our family celebration is lively, that is all that matters.”

Despite his casual remark, Gao Su did not dare to take this matter lightly and made it a point to inquire if the troupes could replicate the makeup and performance style akin to that of the Peace of Mind Study when selecting one.

As he continued his inquiries, he slapped his forehead as a sudden realization struck him: The Peace of Mind Study had invited relatively unknown troupes, yet the performances they staged were fresh and unprecedented. Could it be that these novel ideas originated from the study itself?

Asking the master of the Peace of Mind Study was the next logical step then!

While the old proprietor of the Peace of Mind Study resided in the countryside, their junior proprietor lived within the Cui Residence, a place Gao Su had visited before, where he had enjoyed amiable conservations with the young Imperial college student of the Cui household…would it not be easier to start with the Cui Residence and ask the Eldest Young Master to help him handle this matter than to search for a minor merchant to do these matters instead?

Gao Su was not afraid of investigating such troublesome matters. After night curfew, he quietly took a small palanquin over to the Cui Residence and summoned Cui Xie from the main courtyard where the two Cui elders resided.

As soon  as Cui Xie saw Gao Su, he said apologetically, “Da-ren, we have yet to finish manufacturing the floral dew. If it is urgently needed at the moment, our cosmetics shop has some imported floral dews. Shall I send a servant to send some over tomorrow?

Gao Su replied, “No need, no need, that is not why I am here. I am here to ask you for a small favor—”

Gao Su did not even take a sip of the tea before impatiently asking, “Were you aware of the beauty contest the Peace of Mind study held during the Double Seventh Festival? The performers, actors and singers were all dressed like celestial maidens, and their performances were equally enchanting as the last. My furen enjoys watching new plays and I wanted to show respect to my family’s elders by inviting those troupes for a performance during the Mid-Autumn festival. However, it turns out, those troupes have already been booked by others. While worrying about this conundrum, I suddenly recalled that the Junior Proprietor of the Peace of Mind Study currently resides in your residence. Would it be possible to ask for his help in finding a solution for me?”

….Young man, you have found the right person. The chief director of that evening’s events is sitting in front of you!

Cui Xie took a sip of tea and replied reservedly, “There is no need for Gao da-ren to worry. The operas of the Three Kingdoms have been passed down since the Yuan Dynasty, surely there are many troubles capable of performing them. The ones the Peace of Mind Study invited previously were not all particularly renowned. You can easily find another troupe and they will perform the plays just as well.

Gao Su shook his head, “You, as a scholar, likely do not fully comprehend how lively these gatherings are. The performers, dressed like heavenly beings, with eyes so large, mouths so tiny and faces so rosy….watching them under the lanterns is like admiring a painting. When the lights go out, they seem to gracefully and charmingly step out of the painting itself—”

Recalling that scene, Gao Su could not help but swallow. Seeing the indifferent expression on Cui Xie’s face, as if the other had not understood anything, Gao Su spoke with a mix of subtle sympathy and pride, “Others cannot think of such methods or create such enchanting scenes. Although I have large portraits of beauties at home and can easily reproduce painted screens, I cannot produce celestial beauties of such unparalleled grace. Even if I instruct the performers at home, they would not know how to draw those dark circles around their eyes.”

Those dark circles are merely just eyeliner….

The chief director, planner and producer of the Double Seventh Beauty contest, Cui Xie, smiled faintly and said, “Applying the eyeliner is quite simple. Our shop has recently manufactured a new eyeliner paste, which my subordinates have been testing. They say it is more convenient and colors better than using an eyebrow pencil. Just use a very fine brush or a willow branch, dip it in the paste, and apply it carefully to the eyes.

As for the play….although the Junior Proprietor lives with us, he is still young and rather naive. Major decisions are likely made by his elders. Perhaps, the Shopkeeper will know even more. Tomorrow, I will have him discuss this matter at the shop. Once you have scheduled an opera troupe, simply inform the Peace of Mind Study, and their employees can explain the rehearsal methods to the troupe leader in detail. Once they have practiced enough, they can visit your residence. Would that not be more convenient?

Gao Su nodded, “You are indeed thoughtful. As a company commander in the Jinyiwei, as one who is delegated by the Emperor to complete errands, it would be inappropriate for me to personally handle matters concerning the opera troupe.”

Although he would not directly involve himself in matters concerning the opera troupe, Gao Su had to inquire about matters concerning his mother and furen: “Is this eyeliner paste your shop shells specifically for applying around the eyes? Is it not common to use  spiral conch dye? Is this paste easier to apply? Does it look good after applying?

In fact, it colors better than a typical eyebrow drawing stone and is healthier. Cui Xie had thoroughly researched his chemistry books and found a recipe from the Republic of China era, using pure, natural ingredients like ‘monkey ginger’ ground into fine powder¹. However, since the powdery eyeliner lacked adhesive properties and could easily flake off, Cui Xie studied an entire chapter on making cosmetics. After that, he selected refined sesame oil, typically used in lip balms, to be mixed with medicinal powder to create a fine paste.

Lip balm, when mixed with refined sesame oil, gains a glossy finish and becomes more resilient. It can even be used as nail polish. This refined sesame oil is created by simmering medicinal ingredients with sesame oil, making it safe for usage on the lips. However, the oil-based product is harder to remove than the typical eyebrow powder. Nowadays, women apply a thick layer of white foundation as a base on the skin, acting as a barrier. Washing the face a few more times should be suffice to remove the oil-based product.

Cui Xie smiled modestly and said, “I am not a merchant and would not deceive someone like Gao da-ren, who has been so considerate towards my humble family, for a mere product. I will observe the quality of the manufactured eyeliner paste for a few more days. If it proves satisfactory, I will have it sent to you. If not, I will have to ask da-ren to seek an alternative elsewhere.”

Gao da-ren slammed the table and declared in a resounding manner, “How could I not trust a scholar like you over the deceitful merchants outside? I shall await your good news at my residence!”

He strode out with confidence, while Cui Xie returned to his study to find Cui Qi. In a low voice, he mentioned that the Gao Residence wanted to invite performers for the Three Kingdoms Opera for the Mid-Autumn Festival and needed the assistance of the employees from the Peace of Mind Study.

Cui Qi was in his courtyard, engrossed in painting the scene of Guan Yu flooding the Seven Armies. He had been hovering between life and death trying to depict those waves and the light and shadows of the scene. Having just taken a brisk walk, Cui Qi had not yet fully gathered his wits. He stared blankly at Cui Xie for a moment before nodding, “Tomorrow morning, I will speak with Shopkeeper Ji and ask him to assign a senior clerk to oversee the arrangements.”

Cui Xie saw that Cui Qi was dazed and somewhat out of sorts. He affectionately patted the youth’s head and said, “Go sleep and do not stay up late every night, it will wear on your bones. Even your stature seems a bit…”

Cui Qi compared his height to Cui Xie’s, noticing he was slightly shorter, but felt no shame. He calmly and frankly replied, “My father was not very tall either, but wasn’t he still able to marry my mother and have me? It is a man’s character that matters most. There are not that many tall men in the world anyway.”

This type of dry and uninspiring chicken soup for the soul, Cui Xie refused to drink it.

He firmly ordered Cui Qi to go to sleep and then locked the door to his own quarters. He mentally accessed his vast repository of knowledge, closing his eyes to study the techniques of eyeliner application from various countries. Cui Xie’s goal was to prepare an eyeliner tutorial for the Gao Residence’s opera troupe. If successful, Cui Xie could even compile the information and print it as a textbook for cosmetic applications.

No…

That would not be appropriate…

Pushing a standalone makeup tutorial would not align with the refined literary reputation of the Peace of Mind Study. It would be better to create a simple illustrated guide to be included with the sale of the eyeliner paste as an instruction manual. After all, the cosmetic shop’s primary business was selling makeup. It was only natural for the Shopkeeper to devise meticulous methods to enhance their sales.

---

Footnotes

1. Monkey ginger: traditional chinese medicinal ingredient that is famous for treating bruises and repairing broken bones. ↩︎

---

TN: Hope you all are doing well! I’m finally back! Here is the normal posting on Sunday!

Huge Announcement: We have set up a kofi and patreon account! If you would like to support us or get early access to advance chapters for Blood-Sucking Empress OR TMD, those options are available for you (in support us page)! I have just added a patreon tier for Transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Examinations in which patreons can have access to a google document with ALL of my advanced translated chapters for the novel. Since I am a college student, there should usually be at least 10 advance chapters in the document at a time, but depending on my schedules, there may be fewer or more. I’m currently extremely busy, but I have translated out some new chapters for you all! But, I will still post each week with the same schedule. Thanks!

< Previous | TOC | Next >