Chapter 22: The Green Omen (IV)

A few warbler songs and the sound of drums.
Inside the Imperial Academy of the Tang Dynasty, scholars from various provinces gathered in the covered corridor in front of the main hall, some discussing fervently, others with furrowed brows.
Today was the first regular exam since they entered the academy, so everyone took it very seriously. As the saying goes, there is no first in literature nor second in martial arts. Once one decides to pursue a career in government, there is no reason not to pass the imperial examinations next spring. The Tang Dynasty’s imperial examination system followed that of the previous Sui Dynasty and consisted of regular examinations and special examinations decreed by the emperor, with fewer participants in the latter. The regular examinations were regarded by most scholars as the proper path to becoming officials. There were six main categories: Xiucai, Mingjing, Jinshi, Mingfa, Mingshu, and Mingsuan, among which Jinshi and Mingjing were the most popular. As the name implies, the Mingjing examination focused on a scholar’s memory of classical texts, making the questions relatively easy. The Jinshi examination, on the other hand, emphasized essays and poetry. Generally, those who passed the Mingjing examination could at most hold minor positions like clerks, while those who passed the Jinshi examination were immediately granted official positions of the eighth rank, much to the envy of many scholars.
Of course, the strict standards for admission were also disheartening, giving rise to the saying, “Thirty years old to pass Mingjing, fifty to become a Jinshi.” The Tang Dynasty’s imperial examinations did not only focus on a scholar’s literary talent but also carefully evaluated their character, appearance, and family background. To stand a chance of success, in addition to submitting their papers to the Ministry of Rites before the exams, scholars often presented their writings to powerful officials to improve their standing in the eyes of the examiners. Achieving good results in the academy’s regular examinations would undoubtedly earn them the favor of many renowned scholars and increase their chances of being listed on the successful candidates’ list.
Today’s exam consisted of sections on classics and history, as well as writing skills, with candidates choosing one of the two. Since music and archery required specific venues and equipment, they were not included in this examination and would be tested randomly by instructors in class.
Suddenly, a bell rang, signaling it was time for candidates to enter. Following the sound of the bell, stepping over the scattered apricot petals on the bluestone slabs, scholars in their flowing robes climbed the stairs and entered their classrooms, ready to face the upcoming exam.
Li Kuo walked lightly to his seat and sat down. Taking a deep breath, he diluted the ink slightly and opened the exam paper. The classics and history section consisted of a basic part and comprehensive questions. The basic part covered key topics taught by the instructors, and Li Kuo finished answering it in less than half an hour with swift writing. After moving his wrists slightly, he glanced at the exam questions—dozens of words in total.

“Regard the family as one’s home, the hometown as one’s homeland, the nation as one’s country, and the world as the world’s concern. From this perspective, where should our Great Tang stand in relation to Tubo and Nanzhao?”
Li Kuo frowned slightly. This phrase originally came from “Guanzi·Mumin,” meaning that one should consider things comprehensively and not sacrifice the greater for the lesser. The question itself was not difficult to understand, but the way it was phrased was quite sharp.
Since the founding of the Great Tang, Tubo had been a major threat in the southwest. Generations of Tang warriors had built a strong defensive line with their blood, ensuring peace along the western borders. Nanzhao, on the other hand, was a newly rising power. Originally a vassal state of the Tang, it had rebelled after being oppressed by Tang officials and even showed signs of allying with Tubo.
Sighing lightly, the young man began to write: “In my view, the Great Tang, Tubo, and Nanzhao are in a tripartite balance. Although our Great Tang boasts vast territory and abundant resources, and its nation is prosperous, Tubo has dominated the southwest for a long time since destroying Tuyuhun. Their soldiers take plundering as an honor, are brave and skilled in battle, and fearless in the face of death. It has taken generations of Tang warriors to fight hard and resist these formidable enemies, holding them back at the Dafeichuan and Yaozhou fronts. Nanzhao’s repeated attempts to gain independence are out of necessity. If we allow them to ally with Tubo, then Longyou and Jiannan in our Great Tang will be in danger… Now that the Great Tang has many nations paying homage and possesses wealth throughout the world, we must consider the overall situation. Although Nanzhao is powerful for now, it is still a small territory with no more than 100,000 armed soldiers. Compared to Tubo, whose soldiers and territory are truly remarkable, if we allow Tubo to annex Nanzhao and grow stronger, it will pose a great threat to our Great Tang. It would be better to endure temporary resentment, show goodwill to Nanzhao, and try to bring them under our control… As an emperor, one rules over the four seas and should regard the world as the world’s concern. From a broader perspective, allying with Nanzhao to suppress Tubo is the best strategy to eliminate the threats in the southwest for our Great Tang. Your humble student, Li Kuo, bows respectfully.”
After checking carefully to ensure there were no inappropriate words, the young man blew on the paper and handed it to his instructor.
Since candidates could leave after completing their exam, Li Kuo waited outside the examination hall for a while before exiting with Zhang Yanji.
Following the exam was a three-day break, yet the two young men still looked worried. The events of that night at Leyouyuan had shocked them so greatly that they dared not face them. Given how widespread the news had become, it was likely already known throughout Chang’an. Under these circumstances, even if the young men did not investigate further, those behind it might come looking for them.
With somewhat heavy steps, the two left the Imperial Academy in no time. Zhang Fu, who had been waiting anxiously nearby, had already arranged a carriage and rushed to serve his young master as soon as he left the compound.
The two quickly climbed into the carriage and headed south toward the capital.

Although spring was nearing its end, shades of green could still be seen everywhere. It was truly a scene of pale pear blossoms and deep green willows, with flower petals filling the city as willow fluff drifted in the air. In front of the Kelong Tea House in Tongji Fang, the wine banners and tea flags had been removed, leaving only a bare wooden pole in front of the door. Du Jingtian, Nan Jiyun, Feng Deyen, and others sat around a square table, waiting for Li Kuo and the others to arrive. After the battle at Leyouyuan, the Qingke Alliance seemed to have become more cautious and had no longer targeted Feng Deyen. Yet, in matters of life and death, it was better to be cautious than careless. Before long, the sound of carriage wheels on the stone slabs could be heard. First, Zhang Fu, then Li Kuo and Zhang Yanji stepped out of the carriage. Stepping into the tea house, Li Kuo was about to sit down when he saw a refined-looking middle-aged scholar sitting at the corner of the table. His heart sank, and he asked doubtfully, “Who is this?” Nan Jiyun smiled, moved slightly aside, and said, “Let me introduce him. Young brother Kuo, this is Lord Zhang Xun, our governor, known as the Young Third Place Winner in the imperial examinations.” Turning slightly, Nan Jiyun bowed to Zhang Xun and said, “Lord, this is Li Kuo, whom I’ve often mentioned to you— the only son of the Left Prime Minister.” Zhang Xun had a broad forehead and sharp, heroic features accentuated by his arched eyebrows. With three strands of light beard fluttering in the wind and dressed in a sapphire-blue robe, though already in his forties, he still appeared refined and handsome, instantly winning people’s favor. “I’ve often heard Jiyun speak of you. The son of the Left Prime Minister truly lives up to his reputation—your appearance and demeanor are both excellent. I heard you’ve entered the imperial academy; you must study hard and not let down your father’s name!” Zhang Xun patted Li Kuo’s arm encouragingly. “Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your advice,” Li Kuo replied with a respectful bow. “My lord heard about the troubles faced by Brother De and the others, so he came here to discuss matters with us, hoping to offer some help.” Lei Wanchun, unable to stand idle listening to such formalities, spoke bluntly. “Oh, but since so many people are involved in this matter, Lord Zhang, perhaps it’s better not to…” Li Kuo kindly advised, not wanting others to get dragged into this mess. “Ah, young nephew Kuo, there’s no need to persuade me,” Zhang Xun waved his hand. “Although I, Zhang Xun, lack great talents, I never forget the teachings of the sages. Jiyun, Wanchun, and I are close friends. And you are Jiyun’s good friend. Now that you’re in trouble, if I stay aside, wouldn’t all these years of studying have been in vain?”

Taking a few gentle steps, Zhang Xun sighed and said, “Moreover, I am investigating this matter at the request of someone else. The Qingke Alliance has been very active in recent years. On the surface, this organization engages in good deeds such as putting an end to violence and helping the poor. But every time they spread some prophecies, it seems to undermine public morale.”

Li Kuo frowned and asked doubtfully, “Are you referring to that prophecy poem that goes, ‘Nine additions bring supreme honor; flames spread across Youyan. When the green dragon emerges in the southwest, the capital will fall while the east stabilizes the realm’?”

“That’s right. This poem is now widely spread in Jibei and Hedong; even children can recite it. Although it hasn’t spread in the capital region, there must be a great secret behind this. If rumors continue to spread, they might be exploited by those with ulterior motives, leading to unimaginable consequences. People desire peace. I have been investigating this matter at the request of Governor Guo Ziyi for some time now.”

“If that’s the case, it’s better not to try to dissuade you any further. But the Qingke Alliance operates in a very mysterious manner, and so far we have no clues at all.”

With a sigh, Li Kuo shook his head helplessly.

“Haha. Young Kuo, everyone has flaws. The members of the Qingke Alliance aren’t gods or Buddhas—how could they leave no trace?”

After a brief pause, Zhang Xun said solemnly, “Have you noticed a detail? Those who join the Qingke Alliance have a green dragon tattooed on their backs, and they are forbidden from holding official positions for life.”

Nan Jiyun slapped his forehead suddenly realizing, “I get it! Only the Turks have the custom of tattooing patterns on their bodies. These people aren’t from the Central Plains!”

Zhang Xun shook his head and said with a bitter smile, “It can’t be said that definitively. We can only be sure that this organization is somehow connected to the Turks. They probably want to use the forces of the northern nomads to take control of the Central Plains.”

“Delusional!”

Zhang Yanji slapped his thigh angrily and said, “General Wang Zhongsì drove them from Shuofang to Qiaobashan, and then from Qiaobashan to Xiaohai. Yet they still haven’t given up, without even realizing their own limitations!”

“Those who are not of our race surely have different motives. Our Tang Dynasty embraces all lands and shows kindness to all peoples. But if those barbarians think that the men of Tang are kind enough to be deceived and attempt something malicious, I, Zhang, will never agree!”

A breeze blew by, lifting strands of his beard. Zhang Xun lost his smile, his gaze firm, filled with determination.

Note 1: Historically, the relationships among the Tang Dynasty, Tubo, and Nanzhao were complex. Liu Yun has always believed that allying with Nanzhao while suppressing Tubo was the most advantageous strategy for the Tang Dynasty.

Note 2: Shuofang: Established during the Kaiyuan era, its capital was Lingzhou (southwest of present-day Lingwu, Ningxia).

Note 3: Xiaohai: Refers to Lake Baikal today.