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Upon arriving in the capital, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun intended to find an inn to stay but were stopped by Jiang Junli. He insisted, “Since you have come with me to the capital, there is no need to stay at an inn. We will be staying at Splendorous Garden.”
“Splendorous Garden?” Song Jingyun inquired. “Is it not your family’s residence? If so, wouldn’t it be too much of a bother…”
Although the main Jiang family estate was not in the capital, with numerous family members scattered across various locations, it might be inconvenient for the Jiang family’s presence in the capital’s residences.
“It is my estate, but not a personal residence,” Jiang Junli raised his chin. “Several years ago, I purchased and rebuilt a mansion in Splendorous Garden specifically for candidates coming to the capital for examinations.”
“At Splendorous Garden, everything from accommodation to meals is provided free of charge. Daily offerings include various dishes, writing materials, and even scholars who give lectures and assist candidates with their studies and questions. Candidates can study together, exchange knowledge, and sharpen their skills.”
“This way, it spares candidates the trouble of searching for accommodations, eases financial concerns that may hinder their performance, and fosters knowledge exchange among candidates,” Jiang Junli explained.
“Most importantly, by establishing Splendorous Garden, I’ve contributed to the court and fulfilled a personal aspiration. To gain entry, candidates simply need to answer the questions I provide,” he continued.
“With your scholarly abilities, Song Jingyun, you are undoubtedly welcome in Splendorous Garden. Each courtyard in Splendorous Garden is separate, making it convenient for you and Jiang Mixia to stay in one,” Jiang Junli added.
True to form, Jiang Junli remained consistent in his thoughtful arrangements, never failing to impress.
Appreciating Jiang Junli’s arrangements, Song Jingyun also wished to engage in scholarly discussions with the candidates arriving from various places. He expressed his gratitude to Jiang Junli and followed the servants to Splendorous Garden with Jiang Mixia.
Splendorous Garden is situated in the southeast of the capital, not far from the Imperial Academy, occupying a vast area. Even the walls surrounding the courtyards seem boundless at first glance.
The grand and magnificent main gate is manned by attendants who guide visitors upon arrival.
Passing through the first gate into the corridor, candidates encounter the entrance examination questions. Everyone seeking entry must answer these questions here and present their answers to the scholars at the gate for approval before being allowed inside.
Approaching the entrance, Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia conversed with the accompanying servants and scholars.
The head scholar, a man in his fifties named Zhou, greeted them respectfully upon hearing the servants’ words. “So, you are Master Song Jingyun and Madam Song. I am Zhou, a scholar here at Splendorous Garden.”
“Hello, Master Zhou,” Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia both returned the greeting with a bow.
After listening to the servants, Zhou adjusted his beard and said, “Although the young master instructed that Master Song Jingyun could enter Splendorous Garden directly, considering your achievement as the top scorer in the autumn examination, you must possess exceptional knowledge. I am keen on witnessing it, so I would like to trouble you to answer the entrance examination questions.”
“Of course,” Song Jingyun nodded in agreement.
Unfazed by the prospect of an examination, Song Jingyun had been studying along the journey to the capital but had not found time to write an article or prepare a set of questions. Now, with Zhou’s request, he felt a sense of eagerness to test his abilities.