Chapter 36: Academy Exam – The Thrilling Moment

Wei Fengling swaggered over wearing a bright red robe, casually twirling a beaded bracelet in his hand. His strides were wide and unrestrained, his expression utterly arrogant. He came to a halt, blocking Jiang Qingshi and Jiang Zhimiao’s path.

“Did you think I wouldn’t come just because I didn’t pass? Ridiculous! In Jiangping County, I have ears everywhere and eyes in all directions. I merely didn’t come to check the results personally earlier, but I’d long had my attendants lurking nearby to hear what you’d say about me.” Wei Fengling swept a cold gaze around. Being naturally tall, he looked down on everyone with inherent condescension. “Just as expected, I’ve become your laughingstock. What kind of worthless creatures are you to dare mock me!”

“Wei… Wei Fengling!” The yellow-toothed man now stammered, “What does it matter how wealthy your family is! You still failed! I heard your family hired several tutors for you, so what? You remain unlearned and incompetent!”

“Even if I’m unlearned and incompetent, you’re in no position to say so!”

Wei Fengling strode forward in one swift movement, directly grabbing the yellow-toothed man by the collar. “I could have overlooked you mocking me—I’m magnanimous enough for that. But I never expected you’d bully my sworn brother and my nephew. Even my young nephew knows to defend me, while you, a grown man, bully a child not yet three years old without feeling any shame!”

Wei Fengling possessed great strength and was naturally imposing and robust. The yellow-toothed man, long dissipated by wine and women, had long been physically depleted. Seeing Wei Fengling’s aggressive stance now, his legs turned to jelly in fear.

“Young Master Wei, even with your family’s great wealth and influence, you shouldn’t abuse your power like this.” The speaker was a man wearing Xiang-colored Ru attire with floral patterns, holding a folding fan and appearing cultured and refined. “Even if you don’t care about face, the Wei family can’t afford such disgrace. The Wei patriarch is a great philanthropist, known among the common people for his charitable deeds and annual soup kitchens. What a pity… his only son relies on power to oppress ordinary citizens.”

“I recognize you—Jing Chenxiang, right?” Wei Fengling leisurely released the yellow-toothed man’s collar, even patting his hands as if they’d touched something filthy. “You’ve gained some minor reputation in Jiangping County, being called one of Jiangping’s Four Great Talents—though that’s self-proclaimed, of course. Let me see…”

Wei Fengling narrowed his eyes, looking toward the red announcement board.

“Ah, twelfth place, no wonder you’re so puffed up with pride. Do you not know there’s always someone better beyond your sight, and mountains beyond mountains?”

Jing Chenxiang had always been conceited about his literary fame. It was only because he now considered himself a reputable Tongsheng that he dared interrupt. Seeing Wei Fengling’s contemptuous attitude, Jing Chenxiang snapped his fan shut sharply.

“Though I may lack talent, even twelfth place is far better than you, Young Master Wei. Don’t pretend you don’t care—if you truly didn’t care, why would someone of your wealth bother taking the county exam and prefectural examination? Now that your name isn’t on the list, you put on this act of indifference.”

“Heh, you’re absolutely right, I do care.” Wei Fengling cast a disdainful glance at Jing Chenxiang. “However, what I truly enjoy is witnessing your disgraceful post-exam behavior. Do you even know who this brother you look down upon beside me is?”

“Who else could he be? A nobody who only knows how to mind children,” scoffed another man in tea-green linen robes. “What, is he some remarkable figure we’ve never heard of?”

“This brother of mine is named Jiang Qingshi.” Wei Fengling patted Jiang Qingshi’s shoulder, lifting his chin higher. “Precisely the second-ranked scholar on the current examination list.”

The moment these words left Wei Fengling’s mouth, the surroundings fell into immediate silence.

“I must thank you gentlemen for your courtesy,” Jiang Qingshi said with a beaming smile, nodding toward them. “But to think you couldn’t even surpass a child-minding nobody like me—that’s rather pathetic indeed.”

“So he’s Jiang Qingshi…”

“With a child that old already…”

“Come on, Nian Chen, today’s your celebration! Let’s go feast and drink at the tavern!” Wei Fengling slung an arm around Jiang Qingshi’s shoulders. “Why bother with these good-for-nothings? But let me make this clear: if I ever hear another word against my brother or nephew, the consequences won’t be as light as today’s. You’re right—I’m no scholar, I’m narrow-minded and short-sighted. But there’s one thing I’m stubborn about: I protect my own. My brother and his family are under my wing. I won’t claim influence elsewhere, but here in Linzhou, no one gets to bully them!”

After his declaration, Wei Fengling proudly took Jiang Zhimiao from Jiang Qingshi’s arms, shot the group a fierce glare, and strode away with large steps.

The remaining crowd could only exchange bewildered looks.

Just then, an exquisitely decorated carriage passed slowly by. A maidservant accompanying it heard the commotion, lifted the curtain to peek, and gasped in surprise.

“Oh, miss, that looks like Young Master Wei!”

The young woman inside the carriage appeared about eighteen or nineteen, adorned in opulent attire. She wore a cherry-red brocade-woven flower-patterned dress, with a Wealthy Double Happiness Silver Hairpin pinned in her hair. Upon hearing Wei Fengling’s name, her expression remained aloof, a trace of impatience flickering between her brows.

“Why mention that man to me?” she said, examining her jade-like fingers with growing distaste. “Father insists on marrying me to him—a merchant reeking of copper. How could he ever be worthy of me? Father even says I’m too old to be picky. Even if I were older, it wouldn’t be his turn! It’s like a toad lusting after swan meat. I refuse to marry him!”

“Miss, why is Young Master Wei holding a child?”

“What?” The young woman immediately squeezed over and lifted the curtain. “Let me see if that’s some illegitimate child he’s fathered outside. If it really is his, I can finally convince Father to call off this engagement…”

The scene before her eyes unfolded: Wei Fengling, dressed in red, was holding the child with surprising tenderness. The child’s closeness to him suggested no ordinary relationship… A spark of triumph ignited in her heart. Just as she prepared to confront him, her eyes abruptly caught sight of the person standing beside Wei Fengling.

The man was as beautiful as pearls and jade, with a tall and straight figure, his every movement exuding an elegant and noble air. The woman couldn’t help but stare, mesmerized.

“It’s him…”

“Miss, who is it? What are you looking at?”

The woman abruptly closed the sedan curtain and looked at her maid. “Jiang Zi, did you see the man beside Wei Fengling? The one who’s so dashing and exceptionally handsome? It’s the same man we encountered last time at the Wei residence.”

Jiang Zi covered her mouth in surprise. “Miss, you mustn’t be so foolish. You’re already engaged. No matter how fine that man is, he has nothing to do with us.”

This woman was named Li Yongshi, the daughter of the magistrate of Jiangping County. She had been engaged to Wei Fengling for nearly a year but had been reluctant to marry due to her disdain for him. As the magistrate’s only daughter, she was often indulged. Ever since she encountered Jiang Qingshi at the Wei residence, Li Yongshi had been unable to forget him, believing that only such a man was worthy of her status as the magistrate’s daughter.

“Just do as I say and go inquire,” Li Yongshi said with displeasure, her eyes hinting at a threat. “Jiang Zi, don’t forget whose person you truly are.”

Jiang Zi dared not argue further and lowered her head submissively. “Yes, Miss, I understand.”

Li Yongshi’s eyes darkened, lost in thought.

After the incident during the results announcement, Jiang Qingshi became widely renowned in Jiangping County. Someone had spread the word that the owner of “Lin’s Teahouse” was Jiang Qingshi’s wife, and business at Lin Guilan’s shop suddenly boomed. Many people lined up early before she even opened, all eager to taste the food made by Lin Guilan.

“You might not know this, but the proprietress of this shop is the wife of Master Jiang, who ranked second in the prefectural examination. Eating her food might make you as learned as Master Jiang, and perhaps even help you pass the imperial exams someday…”

Lin Guilan was so busy every day that her feet barely touched the ground. She hired two quick-witted girls, one of whom was particularly clever. Under her guidance, the girl’s cooking gradually began to resemble Lin Guilan’s own skill. Lin Guilan assigned her to handle simpler tasks to lighten her own workload.

The silver she earned now was beyond her wildest dreams. She planned to buy a house later in the year and settle permanently in the county town.

Lin Guilan had once thought it would be enough to have her own shop in the town. Now, with her business thriving in the county, it sometimes felt like a dream, leaving her in a daze.

Life was indeed getting better and better.

Lin Guilan was too busy to notice the commotion outside and naturally didn’t spot a carriage parked beyond the crowd. The carriage curtain was slightly lifted, and a pair of feminine eyes peered through the gap.

“Miss, that is Master Jiang’s wife.”

Li Yongshi glanced a few times at the busy Lin Guilan. Dressed for work, Lin Guilan had her hair tied up with a cloth scarf and wore an indigo short jacket with a gray skirt. A strand of hair had fallen beside her face, which she casually tucked back before continuing her work.

“How could Young Master Jiang marry such a big-footed woman.” Li Yongshi lowered the carriage curtain, the Gilt Filigree Silk Gauze Deer Bamboo Fan in her hand covering half her face, her expression full of contempt. “Reeking of copper odor all over, she doesn’t look literate at all. When he becomes a Recommended Man and a Metropolitan Graduate in the future, having such a wife by his side would be utterly shameful.”

Jiang Zi noticed that Lin Guilan had delicate features and moved with grace, but she dared not go against Li Yongshi’s wishes. Li Yongshi’s temper had become increasingly unpredictable lately, especially when the conversation turned to Wei Fengling and Jiang Qingshi…

“Such a woman naturally cannot compare to your noble status, young mistress,” Jiang Zi said with an ingratiating smile. “After all, Young Master Jiang is already married, with a child who’s no longer young. Such a man isn’t worthy of you either…”

“How dare you casually discuss Young Master Jiang!” Li Yongshi grew angry instead. “With his outstanding character and appearance, ranking top in both the county exam and prefectural examination – according to his intelligence and talent, he should have long become a Scholar and Recommended Man. Taking the exams only at this age must have been delayed by some ignorant woman in his household.”

Seeing Li Yongshi’s attitude, Jiang Zi shrunk her neck and didn’t dare say more: “You’re right, young mistress.”

Thinking about how Jiang Qingshi had married so early, now with a grown child, Li Yongshi couldn’t help feeling vexed. And to such a merchant’s daughter devoid of talent, virtue, and beauty… Li Yongshi twisted her handkerchief tightly. If only she had met Jiang Qingshi earlier.

But her marriage arrangement with Wei Fengling was already set in stone by her father, leaving no room for change. If she rashly told her father about her affection for Jiang Qingshi, she might only make matters worse.

“Young Master Jiang is so talented, he’ll surely pass the Academy Exam without problem.” Li Yongshi composed herself. “Such a talented man should never be matched with such a vulgar woman. Let’s go home – this marketplace noise is making my ears uncomfortable.”

Jiang Zi wanted to say more, but seeing Li Yongshi’s expression, she silently bowed her head: “Yes.”

Since the prefectural examination, Jiang Qingshi had maintained his composure, diligently reviewing his studies while turning a deaf ear to all external commotion. Had Wei Fengling not excitedly informed him, he wouldn’t have known that the education commissioner had already posted the examination schedule, announcing the imminent start of the Academy Exam.

Wei Fengling proved extremely loyal, voluntarily accompanying him to Dinggao Prefecture for the exam. They had been in Dinggao Prefecture for some time now, with Wei Fengling generously settling them in the best inn. While Wei Fengling went out enjoying himself during the day, Jiang Qingshi remained in the inn immersed in books, focusing on his preparation.

The provincial education commissioner typically organized exams at Dinggao Prefecture’s examination hall. The exam was conducted in two batches, and since Jiang Qingshi’s Linzhou Prefecture was relatively far from Dinggao, he was assigned to the second batch, with his exam scheduled three days later. Jiang Qingshi truly understood the saying “books are of little use when needed” these days. He studied desperately, constantly feeling his knowledge was insufficient, truly fearing he might fail at the final hurdle and disappoint his wife, Miao Ge’er, and his good friend Wei Fengling’s expectations.

Not to mention having never taken such a major examination before, Jiang Qingshi had never even traveled this far in his life. Only after entering Dinggao did he truly feel like a frog at the bottom of a well. The streets here were exceptionally bustling, filled with dazzling arrays of goods. Men carried themselves with effortless grace, while women wore fashionable styles unseen in Linzhou. Jiang Qingshi thought to himself that once the Academy Exam concluded, he would thoroughly explore Dinggao Prefecture, see what the streets had to offer, and buy some novel trinkets to bring back for his wife and Miao Ge’er.

Although Wei Fengling was a pampered young master, he actually had no vices. Most of these days, he had been exploring Dinggao’s culinary offerings. One evening, Wei Fengling returned to the inn utterly exhausted and said listlessly upon seeing Jiang Qingshi:

“Everyone calls Dinggao a food paradise, but I don’t see it! The food here can’t compare to what your wife makes at all! When exactly has the Education Commissioner decided to hold the exam? I want to go back and eat your wife’s cooking! She must have come up with some new recipes by now.”

Hearing Wei Fengling praise his wife like this, Jiang Qingshi felt quite pleased. He set down his book and looked at Wei Fengling with gentle eyes.

“Brother Wei, accompanying me on this journey shows your great kindness. After we return, my wife and I will surely repay you properly.”

Wei Fengling sprang up from the bed like a carp leaping from water, went over and slung an arm around Jiang Qingshi’s shoulders: “Brother Jiang, you’re perfect in every way except for being too polite. In my old words – reeking of scholarly pedantry! Your wife is much more fun! How straightforward she is! If only your wife had a younger sister – I would definitely marry her!”

Knowing Wei Fengling’s frank nature, Jiang Qingshi wasn’t offended by these words. He shook his head with a wry smile: “I’m thoroughly steeped in this stuffy scholar’s temperament. You and Guilan are truly cut from the same cloth – even your physical strength is equally impressive. The punches you both throw pack quite a wallop.”

“Your wife’s martial skills are even better than mine,” Wei Fengling scratched his head sheepishly. “Last time I sparred with her a few rounds, I actually couldn’t beat her. My father was right – I’m neither accomplished in literature nor martial arts…”

“Don’t say that, Brother Wei,” Jiang Qingshi shook his head. “You’re a man of loyalty and principle, and I can see you harbor great aspirations. You’re destined for remarkable achievements in the future.”

“But Nian Chen, there’s something I really must tell you,” Wei Fengling suddenly remembered. “I’ve preferred martial arts over literature since childhood. When my grandfather was still alive, he supported me greatly – our family hired many martial arts masters for me… so I can recognize some skill when I see it. I heard your wife only learned martial arts briefly in her childhood when her family worked as escorts, but judging by her current proficiency, she’s truly exceptional. It shows she has natural talent. Your wife isn’t like those conventional women confined to inner chambers – her ambitions won’t be limited to household matters. It’s only because she loves you that she’s willing to support the family and cook for you. Nian Chen, after you pass the Scholar examination, you should encourage your wife to continue pursuing what she loves. If you think it’s unseemly for a woman to practice martial arts, she could always train in private… It might even save your lives someday in critical moments.”

“Brother Wei, thank you.” Jiang Qingshi looked seriously at Wei Fengling. “These matters aren’t something I haven’t considered, but I’ve been so focused on my own scholarly pursuits that I never properly discussed this with my wife. You’re right – she’s loved martial arts since childhood and even took pains to hide it from me, fearing I might disapprove… But her love for me shouldn’t become chains that bind her. Though she’s just my wife now, our dynasty isn’t without precedents. Who knows, she might become an impressive general someday. Rest assured, when we return I’ll properly persuade her to continue practicing what she loves. And Brother Wei, don’t you think…”

Wei Fengling’s curiosity was piqued, and he immediately leaned closer. “What?”

“Don’t you think having a wife skilled in martial arts is something to be proud of?”

“Is that all? Here you two are showing off in front of me again,” Wei Fengling made an exasperated expression, waving his hand repeatedly. “I really can’t stand being around married couples like you.”

“Aren’t you about to get married too?” Jiang Qingshi laughed. “You’ve been engaged to the magistrate’s daughter for over a year. I hear the magistrate’s daughter isn’t young anymore – when will we get to celebrate your wedding?”

“Speaking of that,” Wei Fengling suddenly became serious, “Nian Chen, I consider you a true brother, so I want your advice on this matter. I want to break off the engagement with the magistrate’s daughter.”

Jiang Qingshi was startled. “Why? This is a match many people would beg for but can’t obtain.”

“Miss Li clearly has no interest in me, and this marriage keeps getting postponed,” Wei Fengling said. “I’m not stupid – I can see it too. But my father values this match greatly, even though he knows the Li family looks down on ours, he still keeps delaying. However, I, Wei Fengling, am an upright man – if you have no affection for me, then I shall withdraw! I neither wish to be looked down upon by others, nor force the magistrate’s daughter into an unhappy marriage where we’d become resentful partners.”

Jiang Qingshi pondered for a moment before finally nodding. “I understand, Brother Wei. After the Academy Exam, I’ll help you figure this out.”

“Excellent!”

Wei Fengling laughed heartily and gave Jiang Qingshi another slap on the shoulder. Seeing Jiang Qingshi grimace in pain, Wei Fengling roared with laughter.

“Nian Chen, you’re still too weak! You need more training!”

Once the exam date was set, Jiang Qingshi became completely tense. Even Wei Fengling’s usual banter couldn’t lift his spirits.

The Academy Exam was more important than both the county exam and prefectural examination. If he passed this prefectural examination, he would become a genuine Scholar. Though Jiang Qingshi claimed not to be nervous, he still regarded this matter as extremely crucial in his heart. Since he gained fame when the prefectural examination results were posted, more people had begun paying attention to him. Over the past few months, even Scholar Bu had taken the initiative to impart some knowledge to him, hoping to claim the title of having been Jiang Qingshi’s teacher once Jiang Qingshi became famous.

Jiang Qingshi naturally looked down upon such opportunistic behavior, but Scholar Bu did have actual exam experience, which was quite helpful for someone of peasant background like himself. A wise man doesn’t fight when the odds are against him – he should make use of what’s available.

Jiang Qingshi still regretted starting too late. Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel apprehensive about even the mere Academy Exam. He still had to tread higher and farther paths in the future—how could his current mindset suffice! Jiang Qingshi immersed himself in quiet contemplation, adjusting his mental state, determined to face the Academy Exam with his best condition.

The Academy Exam finally arrived amid widespread anticipation.

It was already August, with sweltering weather and summer insects chirping. Having been away from home for some time, Jiang Qingshi often thought of his wife and child, wondering how they were faring in their hometown.

The prefectural examination was divided into two batches, and they belonged to the second group. The exam questions for the two batches differed, so there was no need to worry about leaked topics.

In the blink of an eye, exam day arrived.

The sky had yet to brighten. On the misty morning after rainfall, scattered candidates carrying lanterns were already making their way along the bluestone-paved road toward the examination hall.

Jiang Qingshi tightened the exam basket on his back and took a deep breath of the slightly humid air. Clad in the Blue Cotton Scholar Gown personally sewn by his wife, the hem of his robe brushed against the damp stone pavement. The scent of rain-moistened earth mingled with grass filled his nostrils. This day held immense significance for him. Though his wife and Miao Ge’er were not by his side, his heart was entirely occupied by thoughts of them at this very moment.

 

Wei Fengling insisted on accompanying Jiang Qingshi, though he was so drowsy he kept yawning. Jiang Qingshi urged him to return and rest, but he stubbornly refused, eyelids drooping with exhaustion yet persisting in his resolve.

“Since your wife isn’t by your side, I must stand in for her to accompany you!”

Though deeply moved, Jiang Qingshi found the phrasing somewhat peculiar…

As they walked side by side, a young man in a dark cyan brocade round-collar robe passed them. After walking past, the youth suddenly turned back and gave them an expressionless nod.

The young man appeared about seventeen or eighteen years old, with fair complexion and regular features. Though still youthful in age, he carried himself with an air of maturity far beyond his years, appearing excessively solemn and steady for a teenager.

Jiang Qingshi frowned in thought but couldn’t recall having met this young man anywhere.

“Ah!” exclaimed Wei Fengling beside him, muttering under his breath, “This fellow is usually the most arrogant and ill-mannered. Why would he initiate a greeting now?”

“Who is he?”

“That’s Zhuo Zhiming, the Top Scholar who aced both our Jiangping County exams consecutively!” Wei Fengling’s tone carried a hint of envy. “This talented scholar is truly remarkable. Normally he’s too proud to acknowledge anyone, so it seems he must feel a kindred spirit with you, Brother Jiang.”

So it was him.

That Zhuo Zhiming, having already achieved Top Scholar twice, still chose to take the Academy Exam—likely to prove his genuine capabilities as a scholar. Jiang Qingshi reflected that had he himself become Top Scholar, he wouldn’t have proceeded with the subsequent two examinations. The expenses for each test were substantial, and he didn’t wish to burden Guilan further.

At this thought, Jiang Qingshi shook his head with a self-deprecating smile—he was, after all, still bound by worldly concerns.

As they progressed, the crowd gradually thickened, and Wei Fengling could accompany him no further. Jiang Qingshi nodded to Wei Fengling and continued forward alone. Scratching his head, Wei Fengling thought: Nian Chen is truly composed.

In reality, Jiang Qingshi was intensely nervous inside, his hands clenched into fists, palms damp with sweat. Just then, three drumbeats sounded, and the examination hall gates slowly swung open. An official loudly announced: “Academy Exam candidates, line up for roll call!”

Jiang Qingshi retrieved his identity slip from his robe, which detailed his physical characteristics and ancestral origins for three generations. Issued two days prior after identity verification, it now required re-examination.

“Candidate Jiang Qingshi of Jiangping County, Linzhou Prefecture!” a clerk called out.

“Present!” Jiang Qingshi stepped forward.

The clerk meticulously compared the description on the identity slip, confirming every detail before permitting him entry.

The search upon entry was extremely thorough. Officials emptied his examination basket completely: writing brushes, inkstone, candlestick, and food items were all inspected. Even his steamed buns and pastries were broken open to check for hidden notes. Next came the body search—his hair bun was undone, his clothing thoroughly patted down, and his shoes and socks removed for inspection.

Having previously taken the county exam and prefectural examination, Jiang Qingshi was accustomed to this rigorous procedure. The Imperial Examination had always maintained such strict standards since ancient times, forbidding even a scrap of paper. He knew the future Metropolitan Examination and Autumn Examination would undoubtedly be even more stringent.

After clearing the inspection, he was directed to a corridor to wait. Dawn was breaking, and hundreds of candidates stood in complete silence, awaiting the arrival of the examination commissioner.

Another drumbeat sounded, and Education Commissioner Lord Zhou, dressed in court attire, took his seat. After the candidates paid their respects according to protocol, they listened to Commissioner Zhou’s address: “The court established the Imperial Examination to select true talent. You have studied diligently through harsh conditions, and today you must exert your utmost abilities. Anyone found engaging in fraud or misconduct will be severely punished without leniency!”

Once the address concluded, clerks began distributing the examination questions. Jiang Qingshi found his examination cubicle according to the number plate in his hand. The cubicle was narrow, barely fitting one person, containing a wooden plank serving as a desk and an earthen basin in the corner for relief. After tidying up slightly, he neatly arranged his Four Treasures of the Study before unrolling the question paper.

The first question was from The Analects: “To rule a country of a thousand chariots, one must be reverent in handling affairs and trustworthy, economical in expenditure and loving towards the people, and employ them only at the proper seasons.” The second question came from The Doctrine of the Mean: “The virtue of nature unites the inner and outer ways, thus it is timely and appropriate in application.” The poetry topic was “Compose a regulated verse on ‘Imperial Garden Fragrant Grass’ in five-character lines with eight rhymes.”

Jiang Qingshi closed his eyes to concentrate briefly, his mind momentarily surging with countless thoughts. The Academy Exam prioritized the main session, and within the main session, the first question held paramount importance. This was Confucius’ proposed framework for governing a state, centrally embodying the Confucian advocacy of “benevolent governance.”

The questions were relatively conventional. Jiang Qingshi pondered deeply. Previously, he had merely theorized behind closed doors, unaware of the outside world. But during this period, watching his wife run a shop and observing common folk, he had gradually developed a sense of the multitude…

Once his thoughts settled, Jiang Qingshi ground ink, moistened his brush, and began sketching outlines on draft paper.

When writing crucial sections, he became so absorbed that he didn’t notice the sun reaching its zenith. An attendant delivered lunch, which he hastily ate a few bites of before continuing his composition. By early afternoon, three essays and one regulated verse composition were drafted.

He carefully reviewed them, confirming no taboos were violated. After the ink dried completely, he began transcribing. The Academy Exam placed utmost importance on calligraphy, requiring the academy style—neat and legible. Holding his breath and focusing, he transcribed character by character with great care, not finishing until the sun cast long western shadows.

The Academy Exam consisted of two sessions: the main session and the re-examination. The main session was comparatively more critical. After its conclusion, most candidates would be eliminated, with only qualifiers proceeding to the next session. Jiang Qingshi passed the first session smoothly. Nevertheless, he didn’t let his guard down, as the re-examination still awaited him!

The re-examination also lasted a full day. When Jiang Qingshi exited the examination hall at sunset, rosy clouds adorned the sky. Leaving the Examination Hall, he saw Wei Fengling waving to him from a distance.

“Nian Chen, over here!”

Jiang Qingshi smiled faintly and walked slowly toward Wei Fengling through the twilight.

After both sessions concluded, a long wait began. The prefectural examination was relatively difficult, requiring a longer grading period.

The Education Commissioner would personally grade the papers, assisted by his advisors. All papers were transcribed by specialists using red ink to prevent handwriting recognition, so graders only saw red-inked examination papers, thwarting any potential underhanded schemes.

For impoverished scholars like him, the Imperial Examination was the only path to advancement. Jiang Qingshi naturally hoped this fairness and justice would illuminate the world.

As part of the second batch of candidates, roughly ten days passed after Jiang Qingshi’s examination before the Academy Exam results were announced.

On posting day, crowds swarmed outside the Examination Hall. It was noteworthy that the lists for all twelve prefectures were centralized here, with each prefecture’s successful candidates on separate lists. Each prefecture would also have a Top Scholar, marking the beginning of fame throughout the Great Liang Dynasty.

The area before the Examination Hall was packed—far more spectacular than the county exam or prefectural examination scenes. From afar, the red announcement list hung high.

Wei Fengling gripped Jiang Qingshi’s hand and kept pushing forward through the crowd. Judging by his demeanor, he seemed even more excited than Jiang Qingshi himself.

“Nian Chen, why are you still moving so leisurely? It’s so hard to squeeze through! You brat! How dare you push and shove this young master!”

With Wei Fengling’s formidable combat skills, the two finally managed to squeeze into a corner where they could see the posted results. Jiang Qingshi lifted his chin, only to be rendered speechless by the very first name on the list.

Author’s Note: Updates will resume tomorrow at 6 PM [shy]