The Cold Door Hero

Summary

As night fell, Li Yan Qing was alone in his study, reflecting on the implications of Yu Shen's appointment as chief examiner and the potential focus of the upcoming imperial examination questions. He recognized that the court's examination topics could either urge scholars to engage with state affairs or distract them with trivialities. Li Yan Qing discovered a collection of Yu Shen's essays, particularly "On Opening the Borders," which argued against military action towards the Liao Kingdom, aligning with his own views. Later, Li Yan Qing welcomed friends Wang Gui and Niu Gao, who were preparing for military assignments. They discussed Niu Gao's decision on where to serve, with Li Yan Qing providing insights on potential conflict areas. Niu Gao decided to join the northwest army after learning about impending battles against the Tangxiang and Khitan tribes. As the day of the imperial examination approached, excitement and tension filled the air. The examination was a critical event for scholars in the Great Song Dynasty, with around eighty thousand participants vying for a limited number of positions. The exams would cover classics, strategy essays, and poetry over four days. Li Yan Qing woke up early on the morning of the examination, ready to face the challenge ahead.

Full content