Northern Song Dynasty Text Copyist

Chapter 2 Seeking a Job

Having made up his mind and received the books, Shen Zhong'an hardly left his house. He spent his days and nights reading and reciting the three official books sent by Wang Jingming. He would ponder over and over the parts he didn't understand, and if he couldn't remember them, he would copy them down and memorize them word by word.

After five days, Shen Zhong'an's eyes were bloodshot and his voice was hoarse, but he finally managed to memorize most of the regulations, formats, and rules in the official documents.

On the morning of the sixth day, the rain had stopped and the sky was bright. Shen Zhong'an changed into a worn blue cloth robe, carefully arranged his birth documents and family records, and quickly left Xingguo Temple, heading straight for the Ministry of Personnel's Office in the inner city.

The Liu Nei Quan government office was not grand; its vermilion gates were wide open, and two clerks in blue robes stood at the entrance.

"Gatekeeper, you have worked hard. I am Shen Zhong'an, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the fourth year of the Yuan You era. Today I have come to the Ministry of Personnel to submit my petition and request permission to take over the imperial examination."

The gatekeeper, who was on duty at the Imperial Examination Office year-round, was used to seeing only successful candidates in the imperial examinations. He glanced at Shen Zhong'an and said in an official manner, "Bring the documents: the gate certificate, the birth certificate, and a copy of the official document. None of them can be missing."

Shen Zhong'an presented the prepared documents, and the gatekeeper checked them page by page until he reached the end of the document. Seeing that there were no omissions, he marked the corner with a vermilion pen and handed it back to him.

"You've been checked. Go inside. Wait in line under the west corridor for your names to be called. Don't make a sound."

"Thank you for your help, gatekeeper."

Shen Zhong'an bowed respectfully, accepted the document, and put it back in his pocket before stepping inside.

Standing under the corridor, behind him was a spacious hall with more than a dozen desks. Clerks and scribes were busy processing documents, and no one looked up to look at Shen Zhong'an because of his arrival.

"Shen Zhongan——"

"exist!"

Upon hearing the call, Shen Zhong'an quickly responded and stepped forward, standing before the desk. Behind the desk sat a clerk dressed in a vermilion official robe, wearing a turban, with a thin face, holding a wolf-hair brush in his hand, and a thick "List of Candidates for Selection" spread out on the desk.

The Clerk of the Imperial Academy was an official outside the Imperial Academy under the Ministry of Personnel. Although he had no official rank, he was in charge of registering candidates and proposing appointments for vacant positions.

Shen Zhong'an bowed deeply in accordance with the etiquette of a scholar meeting an official, adopting an extremely humble attitude.

"My student Shen Zhong'an, who passed the imperial examination in the fourth year of the Yuan You era, is now registered and awaiting vacancy. He wishes to temporarily assume the positions of registrar and accountant in a county under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng Prefecture in the capital region, in charge of documents and records. He does not wish to take a military post, but only requests to be assigned to a nearby post. He does not care about seniority or rank, and is willing to accept half salary, just to make a living."

Ling Shi raised his eyes, his gaze sharp, first landing on the man's robe. The worn blue cloth robe, though neat at the collar, showed signs of being washed many times. Then he looked at the man's expression, noting the clear and bright look of a scholar, unlike those who fawn over the powerful and wealthy, those who are all talk and no action.

"Present your birth certificate."

After reviewing the documents, the clerk picked up a wolf-hair brush and recorded Shen Zhong'an's information in the "List of Candidates for Selection," and began to examine Shen Zhong'an while recording the information.

"Since you are willing to manage official documents, do you know how to begin the 'document' submitted by the county clerk to the prefectural government in the 'Official Document Format'? And what items need to be listed in the 'register' for grain collection by the Revenue Department?"

The question was very broad and not meant to be tricky or difficult, which put Shen Zhong'an at ease. He immediately replied in a calm and unhurried manner.

"When the Registrar of Shenzhou Prefecture submits a document, it should begin with 'Shen, the Registrar of a certain county, hereby submits this document to the prefecture for a certain matter,' and should specify the matter, reason, the name of the official in charge, and the date."

The grain collection register of the Household Affairs Bureau must list the names of the households, the amount of land they own, the amount of grain they pay, the date of collection, and must also bear the signatures of the village head and the Household Affairs Bureau official.

It was clearly a last-minute effort; although Shen Zhong'an managed to answer the question, his words were somewhat disjointed, with several pauses.

However, those waiting to be selected for office are just beginning their careers and do not need to be proficient in all document formats; a basic understanding is sufficient.

Now that Shen Zhong'an had answered all the questions, it was clear that he had put in a lot of effort to become the acting official. The clerk nodded slightly and took out a blank acting official document from the cabinet behind the desk.

This document is made of hemp paper, which is thick and solid. It is printed with the background pattern of the official seal of the Ministry of Personnel, and the words "Acting in Charge" are written in the upper right corner.

The clerk wrote down Shen Zhong'an's information, and after confirming that it was correct, stamped it with the official seal of the Ministry of Personnel.

"Take the imperial edict and report to the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office within three days to await the Prefect's assignment of a specific county."

Remember, during your tenure, be diligent in your duties and do not neglect any paperwork or official documents; otherwise, you will be dismissed from your post at best, and stripped of your official rank at worst.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency. I will certainly fulfill my duties diligently and dare not slacken in the slightest!"

Shen Zhong'an accepted the imperial edict with both hands and bowed again.

Having successfully passed the internal selection process, Shen Zhong'an, fearing that delay might lead to unforeseen changes, hurriedly headed to the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office.

The Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office was located in the center of the inner city. Its vermilion gates were tall and its atmosphere was magnificent. The Prefectural Government Office, the Household Registration Office, and the Records Office each performed their duties, and officials came and went in an endless stream.

Passing through the imposing ceremonial gate and walking along the corridor paved with blue bricks, one soon arrives at the waiting corridor outside the Prefectural Government Hall.

Several long benches were set up under the corridor, and eight or nine people were sitting there at the moment. Shen Zhong'an glanced around and found that several of the people waiting were his classmates from the same year who had passed the imperial examination.

Shen Zhong'an was about to greet his classmates when a figure standing at the front of the corridor turned around first.

The man was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. He had a handsome face but a hint of arrogance. His bright clothes made him stand out from the other candidates who were mostly dressed in coarse cloth robes. He was none other than Li Yanzhi, a fourth-class Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

Although the original owner was a fifth-class Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), his talent was indeed outstanding. At the literary gathering before the Jinshi examination, he and Li Yanzhi each held their own opinions and refused to give in to each other, thus creating a grudge.

Unexpectedly, after the results were announced, the original owner of this body, who was recognized as a talented person, could barely make it into the top five, let alone the top three, and almost failed. Instead, he was overshadowed by Li Yanzhi.

Originally, he was arrogant and proud, and he was confident in his superior talent. This kind of disparity was hard for him to accept. After the results were announced, he deliberately avoided Li Yanzhi and did not want to meet him, so as not to be ridiculed to his face.

Unexpectedly, while waiting for assignment at the Kaifeng government office today, I ran into him.

"Oh, isn't this Brother Shen? Who do we have here? It turns out to be Shen, a mere fifth-rank scholar. You actually have the nerve to come here and wait for your assignment?"

The conversation in the corridor stopped instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Shen Zhong'an and Li Yanzhi. Li Yanzhi didn't care about the stares of others and continued to make sarcastic remarks.

"Back then at the literary gathering, Brother Shen was so full of vigor and made wild claims, saying that he would definitely be able to outdo me. But what happened?"

He didn't even make it into the top three, and ended up at the bottom of the fifth class, almost losing his status as a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

"You've come here today seeking this position of acting prefect, surely you're desperate, aren't you?"

"How dare wild dogs bark at the dignified Kaifeng prefectural government office?"

Shen Zhong'an was never one to suffer a loss, so he immediately retorted in a voice only the two of them could hear. Before Li Yanzhi could respond, he cupped his hands towards the east and suddenly raised his voice.

"Brother Yan, you are mistaken. Whether it is the top scholar or the last scholar, they are all there to share the Emperor's burdens. Although I, Shen, do not have the ability of a top scholar, I can still serve as a minor clerk to manage the accounts, organize the books, and relieve the Emperor's worries."

Throughout history, leaving aside the distant past, even in the present day, Censor Wang, Physician Qiao, Doctor Kong, and Junior Tutor Zhang all started from minor positions like registrar and military advisor, and now they all hold high positions in the imperial court. How come, in Brother Yan's words, acting as a regent is seen as a last resort?

These words were truly powerful and resounding, especially since everyone present was an acting official awaiting the prefect's assignment of duties. The moment the words were spoken, some people applauded and cheered.

"Brother Shen's insight is profound. Although my talents are not yet sufficient to govern an entire region, they are adequate for managing the affairs of a small village!"

"Brother Shen is absolutely right. If we can't even govern a mile, how can we govern a township, a county, or even a prefecture?"

"Brother Shen is right. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and a great river is formed from countless small streams. Although the position of acting official is insignificant, it is only our starting point, not our end!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan, who had been incredibly arrogant just moments before, realized that his words had angered everyone and immediately lost his composure.

"That was not what Li intended..."

Just as Li Yan was about to explain, his companion grabbed his sleeve.

"Brother Yan, this is the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office. The Prefect may come out at any time to assign tasks, so please be careful not to make a loud noise!"

Li Yan was taken aback. Following his classmate's gaze, he saw several people dressed in official robes looking over with heavy eyes not far from the corridor. Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

If one were to incur the wrath of the Prefect over a mere verbal dispute, not only would one be denied a good county assignment, but even the position of acting prefect would likely be lost.

Li Yanzhi glared at Shen Zhong'an, suppressed his resentment, snorted sullenly, shook off his fellow student's hand, turned around, and decided to avoid seeing him altogether.

Although the noise under the corridor gradually subsided, there were still whispers of discussion lingering in the air.

Just then, the vermilion wooden door of the prefectural government office creaked open, and a clerk in a blue official robe came out, solemnly announcing his arrival.

"Shen Zhong'an, the Prefect summons you to the hall for questioning!"

Shen Zhong'an straightened his clothes, stepped forward steadily, bowed slightly to the clerk, and then followed him into the prefectural hall.

The hall was furnished with an imposing atmosphere. In the center stood a large desk piled high with documents and books. Behind the desk sat an official in a purple robe with a lean face, who was none other than Qian Xie, the then Prefect of Kaifeng.

Shen Zhong'an bowed and said in a loud voice, "Your disciple Shen Zhong'an greets Your Excellency the Prefect."

"Raise your head."

Shen Zhong'an looked up as instructed, his expression calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

"I heard everything that happened in the corridor just now. You are right. An official is not distinguished by rank or position. As long as he can share the Emperor's worries and serve the people, he is a good official." Qian Xie's gaze was gentle but with a hint of scrutiny, and the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned.

"You flatter me, sir. What I have said is all from the bottom of my heart. As an official, one should prioritize the people's livelihood. Even a humble position has its uses. I dare not belittle myself."

"Judging from your composure and tact, you are a capable person. The reason I summoned you here today is to assign you a specific post. Tell me, do you have any preferences? As long as you do not overstep the bounds, I will consider your case."

When Qian Xie said this, his tone was filled with undisguised admiration, which drew sidelong glances from the officials below the hall.

Normally, when people are waiting to be selected for the imperial examinations, they are assigned whatever the prefectural governor assigns them, and they rarely have the opportunity to choose for themselves. This fifth-ranked scholar is quite remarkable, as he has obtained tremendous benefits with just a few words.

"Your Excellency, I have no other request but to take up a temporary post in charge of documents. If it could be located near the capital, it would be convenient for me to be on call and handle official business in the future."

Regardless of whether Qian Xie's words were sincere or a test, Shen Zhong'an stuck to his original idea: any official in charge of documents would be acceptable.

"In that case, I'll give you a good place to go..."

Qian Xie pondered for a moment, then slowly said,

"The capital region is located in the heart of the area, adjacent to Kaifeng. There are many official documents, which suits your needs perfectly. Moreover, it is closest to the capital, making travel convenient. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhong'an felt a pang of anxiety, but his expression remained unchanged.

Although the Red County was a good place, it was the stronghold of the core of the Old Party. Qian Xie himself was an important minister of the Old Party, and many officials and gentry in the Red County had intricate connections with the Old Party.

Now, in the fourth year of the Yuan You era, although the old party holds great power, after Empress Dowager Gao passes away in the eighth year of the Yuan You era and Emperor Zhezong assumes personal rule, the new party will inevitably be restored. Members of the old party will be demoted at best and exiled at worst, and officials of the capital will be the first to be affected and must not be elected.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. However, I am of shallow talent and limited knowledge. The capital is a vital area with numerous documents and heavy administrative duties. I am afraid I will be unable to handle the task and will fail to live up to your trust."

Please choose another place, sir. I will certainly do my utmost and live up to your expectations.

Qian Xie was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting him to refuse such a lucrative offer from the Red County. He then smiled and said, "Oh? You do have some self-awareness. Tell me, if you don't want to go to the Red County, do you have a preferred destination?"

"I have heard that Chenliu County is neither too far nor too close to the capital. Although it is not a central location, its administration is efficient and its paperwork is not too complicated. I am willing to go to Chenliu County and serve as the acting registrar, so as to handle paperwork and share your burdens."

Shen Zhong'an's words were true. Chenliu County was indeed not far from the capital, making travel convenient. On the surface, it appeared to be a neutral place, untouched by either the old or new factions. In reality, many officials in Chenliu County were members of the new faction who had been lying low. By joining Chenliu County, they were essentially joining the new faction, and they could be put to great use once the new faction was restored.

Although Qian Xie felt a slight fondness for Shen Zhong'an's talent because of his words and wanted to bring him under the wing of the old party, he saw that Shen Zhong'an was unwilling, so he did not force him. In the end, Shen Zhong'an was just a dispensable fifth-class Jinshi. Oh well, oh well.

"Although Chenliu County is not as prominent as the Central Plains, it is still a good place. There are many documents and records, which is just right for a person like you who is focused and pragmatic. Very well, as you wish, you will be appointed as the acting registrar of Chenliu County, in charge of documents and records, and you must not leave your post without permission."

"Thank you for your kindness, Prefect! I will certainly perform my duties diligently and conscientiously, handling all the clerical work in Chenliu County, and will never fail your trust and expectations!"

After bowing to express his gratitude, Shen Zhong'an left the Prefectural Government Hall and waited in the corridor for his official appointment documents and seal.

Before long, the clerk who had summoned him earlier came out of the hall carrying a stack of documents and two seals. His expression remained solemn, and he loudly greeted the servant.

"Shen Zhong'an and Li Yanzhi, come to collect your appointment documents and official seals!"

Li Yanzhi was already waiting on the other side of the corridor. Upon hearing this, he immediately stepped forward, his eyes eagerly landing on the documents in the clerk's hands.

The clerk first handed a document and a wooden seal to Shen Zhong'an, and announced loudly: "Shen Zhong'an, you are hereby appointed as the acting registrar of Chenliu County, in charge of documents and records. This is your appointment document and seal. Take up your post tomorrow."

Then, the clerk handed another document and a bronze seal to Li Yanzhi, and announced loudly: "Li Yanzhi, you are hereby appointed as the acting county magistrate of Chixian County, to assist the county magistrate in handling county affairs. This is your appointment document and seal. Take up your post tomorrow."

Whether it was the central position of Chixian County compared to Chenliu County in the capital region, or the official rank of the county magistrate being higher than that of the registrar, Li Yanzhi was clearly superior to Shen Zhong'an. He immediately became beaming with pride, his arrogance evident in his words.

However, remembering the humiliation he had just suffered, Li Yanzhi swallowed back the sarcastic words that were already on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he felt a desire to show off and deliberately held up the bronze inscription in front of Shen Zhong'an.

"Shen Zhong'an, do you know what this is? This is a bronze vermilion seal, which can only be used by officials with authority above the rank of county magistrate. In contrast, what you have in your hand is merely a wooden vermilion seal that a registrar can use. The difference in quality is obvious, and the gap between us is not small at all."

"Brother Yan, I can't stand the barking of these stray dogs, so I'll leave now."

Shen Zhong'an gave him a perfunctory bow, then turned and left.

Let them run rampant for as long as they want. It'll only be four years. If they don't achieve anything, that's fine. But if they're really branded as part of the old party, they'll have nowhere to cry then!