Chapter 19: Preparing for the Exam

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms, among which eight are mandatory for exams: Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

Depending on the situation in each county, at least twelve solar terms are tested, while the most rigorous upper-level counties or prefectures test all twenty-four solar terms. The three critical evaluations for promotion—'District Collection', 'Virtue Evaluation', and 'Ability Evaluation'—are collectively known as the 'Winter Evaluation'.

After passing the 'Temple Exam', one can be appointed as an official and enter the Qi Yun Wang Dynasty system. The 'Ability Evaluation' in the Winter Evaluation is also based on the twenty-four solar terms and holds significant weight. If one fails this evaluation, they won't be recommended and cannot participate in the Temple Exam.

Those aspiring for promotion rarely miss any Ability Evaluation.

Xue Wen Zhong's first lecture upon returning to Huailiu Courtyard attracted a large number of colleagues eager to listen.

"Mr. Xue, are you well?" An old colleague smiled and said, "I'm fine now."

"Teacher, I have a hundred-year-old piece of earth yellow essence for you. Please accept it."

"I appreciate the thought, but take it back."

"Mr. Xue..."

Not only did colleagues from Xue Wen Zhong's courtyard come to visit, but also those from other courtyards, all eager to attend his lecture. It wasn't out of kindness but to listen to the lecture.

Because the last two minor exams were set by Chen Shi during the solar term, this time for the Beginning of Autumn and the next, it was Xue Wen Zhong's turn.

"Mr. Xue, for the Beginning of Autumn exam, you won't set tricky questions like Mr. Chen did, will you? Another 'Valley Bird Natural Disaster', and no one in Gu County will pass this year."

"Indeed, do we even have valley birds in the south?" A bold colleague asked, causing a burst of laughter.

With any other teacher, colleagues wouldn't dare joke like this, but Xue Wen Zhong was known for being a kind person with a gentle temperament, and his lectures were quite pleasant, allowing colleagues to joke boldly.

The old colleague said, "Do you all want to know what the Beginning of Autumn exam will be about?"

"Yes, Mr. Xue, please tell us!" Everyone stretched their necks and perked up their ears.

Xue Wen Zhong smiled slightly, "When the Beginning of Autumn arrives, you will naturally know."

"Oh no..." Another burst of laughter erupted below.

Although it was idle talk, Zhao Xing enjoyed this atmosphere. He had attended lectures in other courtyards, which were either stern and serious or too profound to understand, only accessible to those with the highest level of understanding, making them quite unfriendly.

Seeing Xue Wen Zhong's rosy complexion, seemingly unaffected by his previous illness, Zhao Xing felt relieved, though he noticed a lingering trace of worry between his brows, as if he had something on his mind.

After the lecture in the front courtyard, Zhao Xing went to the back courtyard for solitary practice as usual.

Seeing him still holding something, Xue Wen Zhong's expression turned displeased, "Why are you also learning to give gifts?"

Zhao Xing placed the three tied ducks in the aviary of the back courtyard, "This isn't a gift, teacher. You forgot, I was practicing with a straw man before and let one of your ducks fly away. I'm bringing it back for you."

Xue Wen Zhong pointed, "Then why are there three?"

Zhao Xing replied seriously, "The duck wandered for a few days, found a mate, and had another duckling. As a kind student, I couldn't bear to separate a family. After asking the duck's opinion, I brought them all back."

Hearing his serious nonsense, Xue Wen Zhong couldn't help but laugh, scolding, "Nonsense!"

This laughter was tacit approval. He could see that Zhao Xing was trying to cheer him up. It wasn't the kind of concern between superiors and subordinates, but the kind of care between teacher and student.

Zhao Xing also sensed that after Xue Wen Zhong's return, his demeanor had changed somehow. Whether in casual conversation or teaching, the feeling he gave was that of a teacher's presence surpassing that of a superior.

This was a good sign. As for what exactly happened before, the old teacher didn't say, and Zhao Xing wouldn't pursue it to avoid touching on sensitive matters.

"The Beginning of Autumn marks the start of the autumn season. Although it's still hot, the yang energy gradually recedes, and the yin energy gradually grows. It's a transition from the flourishing yang to the flourishing yin, with crops moving from lush growth to maturity."

"Rainfall and weather will begin to decline, affecting crops as well."

"The Four Agricultural Books once said: 'Autumn is when the yin energy begins to descend, so all things are harvested.'"

As the practice was about to end, the old teacher suddenly said this.

Zhao Xing was initially puzzled, then nodded and bid farewell.

On the way home, he pondered the teacher's words.

"Xue Wen Zhong mentioned crops maturing in all three sentences. It seems the Beginning of Autumn exam will be related to cultivating plants."

"Looks like I need to practice my cultivation magic arts more in the coming days."

Returning home, it was already past mealtime. Zhao Rui De was nowhere to be seen, and Madam Cai, seeing this glutton return, naturally didn't have a good expression and went straight into the house.

Zhao Xing didn't mind, finding food in the kitchen himself. Zhao Zheng ran out from his mother's room, eagerly helping his big brother serve rice and dishes.

"Big brother, I practiced martial arts today for two hours, and father praised me!" Zhao Zheng looked at Zhao Xing with expectant eyes.

"Not bad, keep it up." Zhao Xing casually praised, focusing on eating.

After a few bites, he noticed something was off with the taste, "Why isn't this as good as last night's meal?"

Zhao Zheng said, "How could that be, big brother? This is last night's meal."

Zhao Xing: "..."

Zhao Zheng continued, "Mom said you're a glutton, you can eat anything, and you eat a lot, so she saved some for you... She's never been so stingy with me."

"..."

Alright, alright, thank your mom for me.

Zhao Xing, despite the hot weather, hadn't lost his appetite. Though the taste was a bit off, he didn't care and wolfed it down with his eyes closed.

"Big brother, what's a glutton? Have you seen a ghost? I heard people who know magic arts can see ghosts and even summon gods, like the temple priests."

Zhao Zheng, with endless curiosity, kept asking questions.

"You'll understand when you grow up. Alright, clean up these bowls and go play."

"Oh..."

After dismissing his younger brother, Zhao Xing returned to his room to draw talismans. His proficiency in guiding talismans and soul-calming talismans had improved significantly over the months, but the Great Dream Academy remained quiet.

"Looks like I need to make great progress to gain any benefits from it."

Although he once again returned empty-handed from Treasure Mountain, Zhao Xing wasn't in a hurry. He still had a few hundred years to dig for treasures.

Recalling the teacher's reminder during the day, Zhao Xing pulled out three books from the cabinet.

"'Herbal Classic', 'Grand View Wood', 'Outline of Hundred Things', these are all books on identifying plants. They might be useful for the Beginning of Autumn exam, so I should review them."

"The Imperial Court's methods, recorded in various classics, have miraculous effects. Although not as strong as the temple's, they can still enlighten one to magic arts."

"I hope to acquire some useful passive magic arts."

Lighting the oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to read carefully.

(End of Chapter)