Chapter 34: Angel Investor Chen Shijie

The evaluations of Tai Qiang and Tai Ruo were without much controversy. However, when it came to Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, some debates arose. Both chose nearly fifty second-tier plants.

Looking at the basic scores, which are the second-tier Middle Grade and Lower Grade plants, the survival rate was only eighty percent, and thirty percent had not reached maturity. Although none died, these figures were somewhat weak for their performance.

Next, looking at the Chong scores, which are the second-tier Upper Grade plants. Wen Nanxing chose two types of second-tier Upper Grade plants: 'Seven Star Flower' and 'Little Tree of Separation.' Both have very high medicinal value. Wen Nanxing planted four of each, but only one of each reached full maturity, achieving optimal medicinal value.

Xiao Ze's second-tier Middle and Lower Grade data were similar to Wen Nanxing's. The second-tier Upper Grade plants he chose, 'Ice Lotus' and 'Bitter Earth Ginseng,' had one more mature plant than Wen Nanxing.

Their performance was certainly enough for the First List. The difference lay in whether they should be rated as Jia Shang [top grade].

Among the eight evaluating officials, without Chen Shijie's opinion, three believed these two should not be rated Jia Shang, at most Jia Zhong [middle grade]. Because they did not achieve full maturity, their performance did not match their Gathering Essence Fourth Stage capabilities.

The other four believed the evaluation standards should be unified and not vary by person. Since Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had no dead seedlings and had matured plants in all second-tier categories, they should be given Jia Shang.

The decision mainly rested in Chen Shijie's hands.

"Chen Great One, how should we determine the grade?" asked Wen Fang's young master softly.

Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing were also a bit anxious. They hadn't expected to underperform, especially when compared to Li Chengfeng, who faced similar difficulties but achieved full maturity.

In their current situation, being on the First List was uncertain. With disagreements, it depended on Chen Shijie's decision.

Chen Shijie pondered for a moment, looking at the two: "Let me ask you both, during these four days and three nights of assessment, did you find anything amiss?"

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances and then shook their heads: "No."

Pang Yuan and Tang Wan Chun sighed inwardly, knowing that Jia Shang was impossible this time. It wasn't entirely their fault; Zhao Xing had been cunning.

He took advantage of others while subtly undermining these two experts, making them think their underperformance was their own fault.

Chen Shijie nodded: "The plants you both chose were difficult anti-seasonal varieties, deserving of a Jia grade. However, your caution was lacking, leading to incomplete maturity, so let's settle for Jia Zhong."

"Yes," Wen Fang's young master immediately recorded.

Caution lacking? What kind of evaluation was that? Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were puzzled.

But as Chen Shijie walked away, Tang Wan Chun and Pang Yuan explained to their students: "You two were too naive, not even realizing you were being undermined by someone using Earthly Advantage Sect's magic arts!"

Earthly Advantage Sect's magic arts? Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing exchanged a glance, their expressions changing.

Someone had used Earthly Advantage Sect's magic arts to stealthily siphon their earth energy and essence?

"Who would use... could it be him?!" Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing looked at the golden figure, suddenly realizing and regretting.

"Zhao Xing, with Gathering Essence Second Stage, cultivated five types of second-tier plants, totaling 100, including 20 second-tier Upper Grade Diamond Bamboo, showing courage and strategy, rated Jia Shang!" Chen Shijie announced directly to the county officials without consulting anyone.

His eyes showed undisguised admiration, even a sense of urgency.

Gao Linong felt a bit displeased because Zhao Xing's evaluation of courage clearly referred to his confrontation with Zong Shichang, who happened to be his favored student.

Tang Wan Chun and Pang Yuan also felt uneasy because Zhao Xing's 'strategy' involved their favored students, who hadn't even realized it until the end. How could they not be frustrated?

However, putting aside personal feelings, all three agreed Zhao Xing deserved the evaluation, even hoping Zhao Xing would be under their tutelage.

"Thank you, great ones," Zhao Xing bowed to the officials as usual.

Normally, the evaluation would continue, but Chen Shijie stayed, sending the other officials to finalize the Second and Third Lists, keeping Zhao Xing with Xue Wen.

Zhao Xing didn't know what this meant, but he let the leaders speak first, asking, "Teacher, Chen Great One, is there anything else?"

Xue Wen said, "The Imperial Court's temple examination qualifications are reported by each county, and only those approved by the prefecture can participate."

"Each prefecture and county has an uncertain quota. To give prepared candidates a better chance, each year the county officials pool resources to provide for outstanding candidates from various departments, not just the Department of Agriculture, but also the Heavenly Workshop, Weaving Workshop, Martial Class, Sikou Supervision, and others."

Zhao Xing nodded, understanding this well.

The Great Zhou Great Ancestor's policy of 'gathering all talents under heaven' wasn't just talk but written into law.

The 'Tribute Member Technique' states: "All departments' students and candidates, based on their skills and achievements, are selected and rewarded monthly with ink and paper to encourage them."

In simple terms, there are 'scholarship gold' and 'poverty assistance gold.'

Skills, achievements, and arts refer to various evaluation aspects, while students and candidates refer to those in official academies and societies, as well as candidates like Zhao Xing.

The difference is that students can receive both 'poverty assistance' and 'scholarship gold,' while candidates only get 'scholarship gold' since they have jobs and aren't starving.

The selection is relatively strict. Normally, with only two Jia Shang ratings, he wouldn't qualify for such resources, but seeing Xue Wen's intention, it seemed Chen Great One wanted to help him fight for it.

Sure enough, Chen Shijie continued, "Xue Lao said you started Gathering Essence late. If you want to pass the winter evaluation and temple examination, your resource usage must keep up. I heard your family isn't particularly wealthy, so if you could secure a 'tribute' quota, perhaps your cultivation could progress faster."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

"Normally, with only two Jia Shang ratings, you wouldn't qualify for a tribute. But I think you're a promising talent, and it would be a pity if you missed out."

"Therefore, I've decided to apply for a tribute quota for you. Besides that, I'll work with your teacher to provide additional support for your cultivation until your temple examination concludes."

Chen Shijie's words were straightforward, without any airs, addressing Zhao Xing directly as 'I' instead of 'this official,' showing his admiration.

Hearing this good news, Zhao Xing couldn't refuse. Though calm inside, he maintained a respectful demeanor, knowing Chen Shijie was his angel investor.

He immediately performed a grand ritual of gratitude: "Thank you, teacher and Chen Great One, for your nurturing grace. I will never forget it and will repay it day and night!"

Chen Shijie smiled slightly, helping Zhao Xing up.

This investment was worth it!

(End of Chapter)