Transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Examination Ch. 141

Chapter 141

After the grand inspection by the Educational Commissioner Chen, Old Patriarch Cui’s birthday was just around the corner.

The Cui Residence was bustling with preparations for the birthday banquet, setting up a stage for performances, and even setting up a stove in a small courtyard, inviting a good inn’s chef from the city to prepare the feast. The servants had kept a low profile for a year due to the visit of the Jinyiwei and the Laoye’s assignment to the frontier. Now that the Young Master had made progress, they could finally come out of the shadows. They were all working diligently, preparing for what was nominally a birthday banquet but was actually a celebration of the Young Master’s ascent to favor with the Crown Prince.

Cui Xie, along with his siblings Yun-jie and He-ge, invited their friends and also sent a few invitations to their hometown without expecting replies. Since Assistant Administrative Commissioner Cui was not home and there was no one in the family with official status worthy of their former colleagues’ company, they did not send invitations to those people. However, they did invite their neighbors, asking them to come for a celebratory drink if they had the time.

Although the neighbors got along well with them, most of them were lower-ranking officials, some even working in the ministry. Given that Assistant Administrative Commissioner Cui was exiled to Yunnan after offending two Grand Secretaries, and despite his son’s achievements in the Imperial College, people only knew him as the son of the disgraced official and did not dare to get too close. Out of respect for their long-standing neighborhood relations, the neighbors sent their families and wives to offer greetings and gifts, but the heads of the households themselves refrained from attending the celebration.

Cui Xie had anticipated this situation. He instructed the servants to record all the gifts received so that they could reciprocate during the festive season during New Year.

Despite the low number of guests, Cui Xie took a day off from the Imperial College to host the birthday banquet at home. After all, as the only male in the household capable, he was responsible for managing the event, especially with the courtyard filled with elderly, women, and children who could not handle the guests on their own.

Since his leave was for legitimate reasons, and the rules at the Imperial College were no longer as strict as they used to be, Vice Director Lin turned a blind eye and granted him the leave.

On the ninth day, the entire Cui Residence donned new clothes, and the courtyard was decorated with red banners and silks, looking festive like New Year’s. Early in the morning, Shopkeeper Ji led the opera troupe into the Residence to prepare.

The troupe was one of those they had popularized, specializing in the Three Kingdoms plays, specifically the Fortune and Longevity Troupe known for performing Diao Chan. Not only could they perform the full version of 《Jin Yun Tang Arranges the Interlinked Stratagems》, but they could also perform《Guan Yu Beheading Diao Chan Under the Moon》. The lead actor playing Guan Yu was renowned for his majestic, towering and righteous portrayal and was well-regarded in Beijing, though perhaps not as famous as Lu Shuming from the old Three Kingdoms TV series in modern times.

Cui Xie thought that martial plays were lively, enjoyed by both the old and young, and that the plays about beauties were not suitable for neighbors and children, so he requested the troupe to perform 《Guan Yu Attends The Conference of a Single Dao》.

The Fortune and Longevity Troupe, having met Shopkeeper Ji once, did not haggle over which plays to perform or how much to charge, and even turned down invitations from several wealthy families, eagerly focused on performing for the Cui family, hoping for some new costumes and stage effects.

Unfortunately, Cui Xie had been preoccupied with examinations and could not spare the time to design special effects. He merely edited and handed over the stage design guide intended for Gao Su to Shopkeeper Ji, instructing him to tell the troupe to set up a few manual wind machines and lighting boards on the side of the stage for effects.

Manager Xue of the troupe, following Shopkeeper Ji’s instructions, practiced lighting and wind effects on the outdoor stage for several days, making everyone’s robes flutter as if they were immortals. During a rehearsal at the Cui Residence, he approached Cui Xie with a smile and said, “These children have been practicing haphazardly at home, and their skills may not be up to par, which might invite ridicule from the guests. Young Master is a well-read scholar, surely possessing a discerning eye and can point out where we fall short. How can we improve?”

Cui Xie looked at the lead actor whose face was almost obscured by the reflected light from the lighting board and shook his head with a smile. “With this kind of lighting, the makeup tends to look too light. You should darken his eyebrows and eyes, making them more slanted upwards, and paint his eyes into long, thin phoenix eyes for a better effect.”

Cui Xie glanced at the manservant following him and said, “Go to Hall of Glorious Brocade and ask them to bring some rouge and eyeliner to help Manager Xue and the others with their makeup.”

The actors playing the female roles in the troupe already had their eye makeup done, and understanding his instructions, they stepped forward to help the lead actor refine his eyebrows and draw long eyeliner, adding powder at the corners of the eyes to create an upward-slanting, fierce look. The slightly squinted eyes now exuded a sense of authority and was quite majestic.

The troupe’s manager had turned down other performances to sing for the Cui family, hoping for such benefits. He praised, “Young Master Cui is a romantic that truly understands and appreciates opera! No one else could have come up with these enhancements!”

Cui Xie shook his head slightly, “I haven not watched much opera, but I’ve been to Guan Yu Temple occasionally. The statues and paintings of Lord Guan there all have these long, narrow phoenix eyes, so your portrayal seemed off to me.”

Manager Xue quickly laughed along, “This lowly one apologies. This lowly one should have thought about adjusting the makeup sooner. However, nowadays in the capital, people prefer to watch beauty and celestial operas. Who still appreciates serious martial operas? Besides, our actors, who have trained hard and are confident in their abilities, often disdain elaborate and fanciful makeup…”

Manager Xue reminisced about the times when people flocked to hear《Three Battles with Lü Bu》, 《Burning of Bowang Garrison》 ,《The Conference of a Single Dao》 and 《Flying Knives Against Arrows》. Now, people prefer the five beauties from the Peace of Mind Study or Journey to the West operas, captivated by the ethereal aesthetics and the dazzling transformations of beautiful immortals surrounded by clouds and mist. Such intricate martial performances requiring years of training have fallen out of favor—only a filial person like Cui Xie, honoring his elders, would request them.

Seeing the changing trends in the opera industry, Manager Xue could not feel a little resentful of the changes in the world. He sighed and coughed deeply. Turning back, Cui Xie also sighed inwardly: teaching each troupe individually about stage design and makeup is too much trouble! Once he passes the Imperial examination and becomes a jinshi, he plans to publish a series of textbooks like 《Stage Design Guide》, 《Lighting Design Guide》, 《Opera Makeup》, and 《Selected Cases of Classical Drama》…

Recently, while preparing examination papers for the Crown Prince, he had become familiar with Chancellor Qiu. If he indeed writes this series of stage design textbooks, he might even request the Chancellor to write a preface, enhancing its prestige.

Cui Xie entrusted the stage setup to Shopkeeper Ji and Cui Qi, and then proceeded to the elders’ hall to check on the banquet arrangements. The spring day was slightly chilly, so he had the outer hall wrapped in paper corridors with a central paper pavilion, doors opening on both sides, ensuring warmth and wind protection, so the Old Patriarch Cui would not catch a chill during the banquet.

Five old-fashioned square tables that could seat eight guests each were set up in the hall, and the banquet menu was displayed on a sign in the tea room. It featured a formal twelve-dishes: a six-course and six-dessert meal. In addition to the usual Beijing dishes of lamb, sausages, chicken, and goose, there were delicacies like dried ginseng and shark fin brought from Fujian by Clerk Fang; the wine was distilled sorghum wine from the Xie Residence, richer and more fragrant than the usual rice and barley wine.

There were few male guests, so at lunchtime, it was almost just the family. Cui Xie personally served the Old Patriarch, while the stewards and shopkeepers gathered at a separate table.

On the women’s side, there were more guests, enough to fill three tables, and they drank fruit wine. Teacher Song helped the Old Song furen entertain the neighborhood ladies, while Yun-jie attended to the young misses, inviting two female storytellers to narrate tales and sing birthday divertimentos.

Though the number of guests was modest, the celebration was lively, creating a true birthday celebration atmosphere. In the afternoon, the opera troupe began their performance. The sounds of strings and pipes filtered through the paper pavilion and the tightly shut windows, adding a delicate and lingering charm to the ambiance.

This lively scene was something the Cui Residence had not seen for more than a year. When the Imperial College students arrived after their studies for the day, it would become even more festive. Cui Xie glanced at the modest, low stage in the courtyard, smiled slightly, and walked to the door to greet the guests.

The sounds of stringed instruments, bells and drums drifted from the courtyard. Dressed in bright red new robes, Cui Xie stood at the entrance, a smile lighting up his face and eyes, almost as if he were welcoming a bride.

But, there would be no bride at this birthday feast. The first to arrive was Hall Chief Zhang’s family, all riding in a large carriage. Cui Xie guided them to the rear courtyard to dismount and then led them to the main hall to greet the Old Patriarch and Old furen. Hall Chief Zhang’s daughter and two sons clung to their parents’ sides and nestled at their feet, well-behaved and polite, just as likable as they had been on their previous visit.

Cui Xie had prepared gifts for Hall Chief Zhang’s children in advance, giving each a purse filled with small silver ingots shaped like peanuts and lotus pods, perfect for those of the younger generation. This time, Zhang furen did not wear a veil, revealing a gentle and elegant mien. She smiled as she had her children address Cui Xie as ‘Uncle’ and thanked him for the gifts.

Miss Zhang, who looked delicate and genteel like her mother, gave a polite curtsy; the two boys, a bit more mischievous, smiled and said, “Sister and Yun-jie are as close as sisters. We should be brothers too, how did we become nephews?”

Hall Chief Zhang seemed like he wanted to scold them but could not bring himself to be harsh, giving a wry smile instead: “These two have been spoiled by their mother. I will have to be stricter with them in the future!”

Seeing Hall Chief Zhang’s expression did not have even a slightest bit of intending to scold them, with how reluctant he was to discipline his children, it was evident who had actually spoiled them.

Cui Xie asked his sister to take Zhang furen and her daughter to the inner courtyard, while he led Hall Chief Zhang and his sons to the main hall, where he served them tea. He also had milk tea and snacks brought for the boys, and to keep them entertained, he provided illustrated editions of The Three Kingdoms novels and a set of dress-up kits.

The boys immediately stopped being bored, gathering together and engrossed themselves in flipping through the pages and looking at pictures of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang…sitting quietly. Hall Chief Zhang clicked his tongue and scolded his sons: “How can you be guests in someone’s home and just read books by yourselves? Come over here and talk with your father and Uncle!”

By saying this, he implicitly let go of the notion of recruiting Cui Xie as a son-in-law, treating him simply as a friend worthy of visiting his elders.

Cui Xie stopped him and told the two children, “You two just play and do not worry about formalities. If you get tired of reading, go for a walk in the yard.”

Hall Chief Zhang shook his head and said, “Hezhong, you’ve never had children or been married. How can you let them be so free? These two are like little monkeys. Even with strict discipline, it is hard to manage them.” After sharing a few child-rearing tips, he joked, “Were you worried that no one would come? As the host, you are not supposed to be outside arranging things. You must be desperate and anxious enough to stand at the door and grab at people now?”

Cui Xie laughed, “The neighbors who came to pay their respects this morning have left. I am just waiting for distinguished guests like Hall Chief Zhang. I have been anxiously waiting, so I had to step out to check. Fortunately, Zhang-xiong is not an outsider, so you do not need me to stay here and serve you. If you get bored, feel free to listen to the opera in the courtyard while I wait for the other esteemed guests?”

Hall Chief Zhang laughed, “What esteemed guests? They are just our classmates and colleagues we see every day!  I am not much of a guest either, so no need for you to stay. Since you are so restless, why don’t I keep you company outside?”

Of course, classmates were not the esteemed guests Cui Xie was waiting for. Rather it was… 

He smiled and stood up, “How can I ask a guest to help me entertain? Please, Zhang-xiong make yourself comfortable. I’ll have Cui Qi accompany you, and I’ll come back once our classmates arrive.”

Hall Chief Zhang wanted to keep him, but just as he was about to speak, someone announced the arrival of guests outside. Cui Xie personally went to the Second Gate to welcome them, but it turned out not to be the person he was eagerly waiting for. Instead, it was a group of classmates from Hall of Sincerity, led by Hall Chief Ning, who had all come in a large carriage.

Cui Xie gathered his energy to greet them and ordered the Fortune and Longevity Troupe opera troupe to start the performance immediately.

The stage came alive with music and lights, and the actor, Lu Su, heavily made-up, began his lines. The several wind machines directed at his sleeves made them billow, giving him an ethereal look, like the style typical of attire that was worn in the Wei-Jin dynasties. The college students below cheered, saying, “Every time we watch a play at your house, Hezhong, it is different from others—truly like a fairyland.”

“Indeed. Seeing Hezhong in the academy, copying notes and doing assignments, I thought he was just a bookworm who did not know about the world. Who knew your home would be so innovative than those outside!”

“It’s not just the plays that are unique. Even the milk tea here is better than elsewhere. I have had milk tea at other places, their tea supposedly the authentic milk tea served during the Five Beauties selection, but it’s nowhere near as rich and fragrant as this.”

“Next time, we must invite Hezhong… Where is Hezhong?” 

A few classmates turned around, searching everywhere, but Cui Xie was nowhere to be found. Hall Chief Zhang stood up and explained, “His family is short on help, so he is at the door welcoming guests. Do we really need him to entertain us? Let’s just enjoy the play peacefully!”

Cui Xie’s elderly grandfather and grandmother were also listening to the play in the paper pavilion attached to the corridor. Hearing the scholars praise their grandson filled them with pride. Seeing the group of people wanting to find him, the grandmother called Cui Liangdong and instructed, “Go replace Xie-ge at the gates and let him sit down and listen to the play with the other scholars. It has been years since we’ve heard such a lively Guan Yu play!”

Cui Xie had welcomed several groups of people at the door, nearly everyone he had sent invitations to, but still, the one he was most eagerly waiting for had not arrived. When Cui Liangdong came to replace him, he was reluctant to leave, but as dusk approached, he had to host the banquet and could not delay his classmates’ return. His enthusiasm and joy turned into worry and he frowned and began worriedly wondering if the Jinyiwei had called Xie Ying for an emergency or had something had happened at the palace?

Surely, since Xie Ying had promised to come, he would not break his word now.

He directed the banquet, making toasts and engaging with classmates on behalf of his grandfather, frequently checking if anything was needed on his grandmother’s side, and ensuring He-ge entertained the Zhang family’s two children at a separate table. Despite the festive atmosphere, with guests openly and subtly congratulating him on gaining the Emperor’s and prince’s favor, predicting a bright future, he found no genuine joy. Cui Xie’s heart and his mind was constantly preoccupied with the door—

Just then, someone finally entered, but it was his servant, Little Songyan, with a pale complexion, dragging his legs and staggering, bowing and reporting in a low voice, “Young Master, Jinyiwei… Xie da-ren, the one who raided us last time…”

Cui Xie, exclaimed in surprise and was overjoyed. He lightly knocked on Little Songyan’s head and corrected him, “Do not talk nonsense. He is the benefactor who saved my life in Tongzhou back then!”

Several classmates nearby leaned in, asking, “What’s the matter? Why so flustered?”

Finally, a genuine smile from the heart spread across Cui Xie’s face, radiating joy, “No worries, a guest has arrived. I will go greet him and see if it is my benefactor, Colonel Xie.”

Practically dragging Little Songyan, Cui Xie rushed outside. Classmates, seeing his haste and hurried movements, joked, “Hezhong’s residence is indeed bustling with distinguished guests today, no? No wonder he, as the owner, has been at the door all day.”

Pushing open the door, Cui Xie smiled, “What are you talking about? Did I not personally welcome you all? The distinguished guests were received by the doormen, showing how much I value you…”

As he spoke, there was a sound of approaching footsteps outside, and several people in silk robes entered the courtyard. Slightly ahead on the left was a young man in a snow-white robe and a three-mountain hat, his face radiant and eyes warm, gentle and handsome. Entering the courtyard, he nodded at Cui Xie, “Cui jiansheng, Xie-mo has come to congratulate your Esteemed Grandfather. On the way, I met Academician Li and Imperial Drafter Yang, a step late.”

This is Cui Xie’s benefactor, Colonel Xie?

What a handsome and refined appearance. People always thought the Jinyiwei were always sinister and untrustworthy, but who knew there could be someone like him?

The students in the room all stood up, looking at Xie Ying, then at the two men beside him—both dressed in Daoist robes and fangjin, their bearing dignified and scholarly. One was a academician of the fifth or sixth rank, and the other a seventh-rank Drafter, both highly esteemed civil officials serving the Emperor, yet they had arrived with this Jinyiwei.

Were they merely traveling together, or did they also have some connection with this Jinyiwei? What kind of person is this Colonel Xie?

The unexpected sight of these three distinguished guests arriving together left everyone stunned and momentarily forgetting their manners. It was Cui Xie who first snapped out of his joy and anticipation, recognizing one of the men alongside Xie Ying as the future Grand Secretary, Li Dongyang.

Cui Xie quickly stepped forward from the hall, bowing to each of the three men in turn, and thanked them, “This student  apologizes for not welcoming from afar and for any lack of courtesy. This student did not expect Academician Li and Yang da-ren to honor our humble residence?”

Xie Ying explained, “On my way here, I encountered Academician Li and Imperial Drafter Yang. They had some minor issues, and I helped resolve them, causing a slight delay. After finishing my work, I intended to come alone, but Academician Li and Imperial Drafter Yang, upon hearing I was coming to your Esteemed Grandfather’s celebration, decided to join me.”

Li Dongyang asked with a grin, “What’s this? Hezhong, do you only welcome Colonel Xie and not us?”

Cui Xie hurriedly denied it, inviting them both inside and casting a discreet glance at Xie Ying.

How did Xie Ying save them, and in just one afternoon, form such a strong bond with these eminent figures?

Xie Ying gave him a faint glance, with an unreadable expression.

---

TN: Have a good rest of your week everyone and enjoy the chapter! This one felt extra long for whatever reason, but hey, I’m not complaining! I have a really important presentation I have to give tomorrow so I’m just prepping for that sigh, wish I could just be translating right now XD

Update 12/23/24: I just updated it so that all my advance chapters for TMD are up on patreon (and will be continually updated)! Sorry for being so lazy with it and apologies for taking so long to do so. I had to organize a lot of my random documents after a long hiatus last year.

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 grad 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!

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