The test part 3

A simple test had devolved into a competition, a development that gave Master Sun a splitting headache. However, it was a far preferable alternative to the alternative – the incessant bluster of Mr. Kongli. He glanced at the small pouch of gold coins resting on the table beside his steaming cup of tea, a silent testament to the wager. He could see the simmering resentment Mr. Kongli held towards the young girl, Jian Meilin, but interference wasn't his style. Discretion was the better part of valor, particularly when dealing with personalities as volatile as Kongli's. He merely sipped his tea, observing the other participants as they continued their tasks, their occasional furtive glances towards the unfolding drama betraying their interest.

Ten minutes had already slipped away like grains of sand through an hourglass by the time the two contestants, Jian Meilin and Kongli, had even begun their work. Jian Meilin, however, displayed little outward anxiety. She'd observed that while many spiritual herbs had undergone mutations over time, developing unique characteristics, their fundamental properties remained consistent. To Jian Meilin, a walking encyclopedia of herbal knowledge, the task was as simple as breathing.

Once immersed in the task, the world faded away for her. She lost herself in the delicate scent and subtle textures of each herb, her mind a whirlwind of botanical classifications and medicinal applications. When Master Sun announced that only one minute remained, she was startled back to reality. She'd identified all fifteen herbs with breathtaking ease, surpassing the expertise of even the most seasoned practitioners present. However, the unexpected hurdle arrived in the form of the unfamiliar data pad. Her nimble fingers, those of a thirteen-year-old who had not been exposed to this advanced technology , were ill-suited for the intricacies of modern technology. The lack of practice slowed her considerably. By the time the hour was up, she had managed to electronically record only eleven herbs.

Two herbs remained stubbornly elusive. Their mutations had been so profound that even her extensive knowledge, honed from years of study and practical experience, faltered. She lacked familiarity with the latest medical texts detailing these newly evolved plant varieties.She carefully wrote down the names of the two uncertain herbs, omitting their descriptions, acknowledging her lack of certainty. Using the remaining seconds, she reviewed her work before glancing around the room. Almost everyone wore a smile of anticipation; only one middle-aged man, clearly Mr. Kongli, wore a mask of grim displeasure. However, Jian Meilin was too focused on her own performance to concern herself with the worries of others.

"Lass, prepare to call me father! My surname is Kong, and from now on, if you see me anywhere, remember your surname properly!" Kongli's voice boomed, filled with the unshakeable conviction of a man who believed victory was his. His logic was simple: if he, a seasoned practitioner, could only identify nine herbs, what could a child possibly achieve? Today, he would reap a hefty reward from Madam Wei. His gloating was interrupted by Jian Meilin's unwavering indifference; she simply handed in her test paper without acknowledging his taunts. Unfazed by her silence, Mr Kongli reveled in the anticipated triumph, his earlier ill-humor dissipating with the thought of his impending riches. He, too, submitted his work to Master Sun.

While awaiting the results, Jian Meilin wandered, observing the other participants' herbs. Many were common and easily identifiable, but some were incredibly rare, their origins obscure. She noted that even for someone with exceptional medical skills, at least six to seven herbs in each batch could be identified almost instantly, but the remaining ones posed a significant challenge, even to experts.

The results were announced with startling speed. As Jian Meilin predicted, she received a score of ten points, the deduction arising from the two herbs for which she'd provided no descriptions. She wasn't the top scorer. Two participants had correctly identified all fifteen herbs; three had correctly identified thirteen. Jian Meilin, with her eleven, felt a sense of satisfaction despite the minor deduction. One contestant scored nine points, while two others received seven points each. The dejected Mr. Kongli scored eight points a narrow escape that even he himself released a breath he did not realize to have held. Another one scored six points and without waiting he bid master Sun weixian goodbye before leaving.

The two who had scored seven points attempted to argue their results, but Master Sun, with a calm authority, explained that several of the herbs they'd identified were not amongst those provided. Their revised scores, after the incorrect identifications were removed, reflected their true level of competence. With only six participants remaining, the other three were politely escorted out. The revelation that Jian Meilin had passed the initial test sent a wave of stunned silence through the room. To say Mr Kongli was dumbfounded would be a gross understatement. But what stung the most was the loss of his precious gold coin – a significant sum, representing a considerable portion of his savings. Even those with connections to wealthy patrons rarely possessed more than twenty gold coins, and given the specialized nature of his skills, one could imagine how long his savings would last.

He could have made a scene, creating a fuss about the wager, but it was clear that Jian Meilin anticipated his reaction. He saw a malicious glint in her otherwise impassive eyes, a suggestion of shrewdness that made his skin crawl. He recognized his error; he'd underestimated her. This child, who seemed so innocent on the surface, possessed a keen mind and an unwavering confidence. Had it not been for patriarch Sun complicated yet influential background, he would have accused her of cheating, but he knew such an accusation would be futile. For now, silence was his best course of action. After all, she had only passed a preliminary test. There were always ways to reclaim what he felt was rightfully his.

Master Sun Weixian, beaming from ear to ear, presented the pouch of gold coins to the young girl, his face radiating a happiness that rivaled the girl's own restrained joy.

"Lass, you did an incredible job," Master Sun Weixian said, his voice full of genuine admiration. "I am sure, given time to grow, you will create wonders. Here, take your money."

"Thank you for your flattery, Master Sun," Jian Meilin replied, her tone even and unaffected. "I don't believe I deserve such high praise."

"Hmph! What is there to be proud of? That was mere blind luck!" Mr. Kongli sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "A country bumpkin like you is overjoyed by such a paltry fortune. Let's see if you can pass the rest of the tests!"

Jian Meilin ignored him, choosing not to engage with his petulant outburst, allowing him to continue his one-man show of disgruntled disappointment. The silence was a resounding victory in itself. The air crackled with tension, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events. The quiet confidence that emanated from Meilin left everyone awe.