Chapter Sixty-One: The Examination

(A new week, a new beginning, new progress—seeking all kinds of support!)

In just three days, Wang Fu had copied out "The Stone Dream Chronicle" and then returned the manuscript to Chen Jianchen.

Taking the manuscript, determined to clear his mind, Chen Jianchen swiftly wrote the character for "calm" ten times in succession on blank paper. With each repetition, he felt his emotions settle further, and by the end, he was completely at peace. He sat upright and opened "The Stone Dream Chronicle"—

This time, he was able to immerse himself in it.

It felt somewhat mystical, as though he had become another version of himself, poring over his own notes. The words and lines flowed smoothly through his mind like clear water, leaving behind distinct imprints.

Chen Jianchen was intensely focused, his thoughts racing as if he had returned to the days of his tireless preparation for the imperial exams. Even when he had loathed the tedious formulas and equations of mathematics and science, he had managed to memorize every one of them perfectly. This, too, could be considered a talent.

...

For nearly half a month afterward, Chen Jianchen devoted himself to studying "The Stone Dream Chronicle." Whenever he encountered difficulties, he would consult the Four Books and a variety of commentaries, piling them up in his room like small mountains. Since he had resolved to break the old order before building anew, he had to first shackle himself, become familiar with the constraints, their flaws and loopholes, and then shatter them in one decisive move, ensuring they would never become a burden again—not just unconsciously rejecting them on the surface, pretending they did not exist.

This process was not without risks. Who could guarantee that, after donning these shackles, he would not become accustomed to them and be unable to remove them? Such things were not unheard of. Institutions, after all, often follow the absurd path from initial dislike, to gradual acceptance, to eventual dependence. Fortunately, Chen Jianchen’s outsider status and his possession of "The True Chapter of the Three Standings" allowed him to minimize these risks as much as possible.

Hard work yields rewards.

A month later, Chen Jianchen was able to produce a model Eight-Legged Essay entirely on his own.

Like timely rain, just before the annual and imperial examinations, he had finally begun to grasp the knack of writing in the contemporary style.

The exams took place as scheduled, one after another, and quickly passed.

In the end, Chen Jianchen was ranked as a fourth-class student in both exams, a result considered below average. While there was no danger of being demoted, he was, according to the rules, subject to a reprimand by the education officer.

In truth, Chen Jianchen was quite satisfied with his performance and felt relieved. For someone cramming at the last minute, achieving a fourth-class ranking by his own merit was no small feat.

However, the academicians did not see it that way. Chen Jianchen was, after all, the prodigy who had ranked first in all three rounds of the children's exam. How could someone with such a reputation score only fourth-class in his first year? It was rather disappointing.

Thus, the scholars immediately recalled Chen Jianchen’s frequent leaves of absence and surmised that his many excursions must have distracted him and led to his academic decline.

Such behavior must not be encouraged.

So they summoned Chen Jianchen for a lecture. Their tone, though, was gentle and earnest, offering comfort above all.

In their view, the provincial exams were held once every three years. Though Chen Jianchen would miss the upcoming round, he could aim for the one four years later, which would be far more secure and allow him to truly showcase his abilities.

Chen Jianchen was only seventeen—still very young.

Youth was his greatest asset.

Wang Fu also failed to qualify for the next year’s provincial exam. He ranked third in the annual exam and fourth in the imperial exam—he too was called in for a few words of “constructive criticism” by the education officer.

But this was not a big deal. As long as one did not fall to the sixth class, there was nothing to worry about; falling to the sixth class meant losing one’s scholar status. Such things were rare, though—even if one’s essays were poor, as long as a gift was presented to the education officer, one would hardly ever be demoted. Gifts were important. Exams must be taken, but so must relationships be maintained—this had always been a hallmark of the dynasty.

Wu Wencai, on the other hand, "gloriously" achieved second-class rankings in both exams and qualified for next year’s provincial exam, along with three other students.

The young master Wu, full of pride, declared that he would host a grand banquet on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, reserving the entire Top Scholar’s Tower and inviting all his classmates, several academicians, supervisors, and education officials to feast and drink.

On that day, all of Minghua Academy—save for the gatekeeper and a few cleaning women—would be present at the Top Scholar’s Tower.

Who would dare refuse the young master Wu’s invitation?

It was said that among the guests would also be Magistrate Nie of Jiangzhou and his daughter, along with various officials of all ranks.

This banquet would be an event of great significance and substance. Every student looked forward to it, hoping to exchange a few words with the officials and establish valuable connections.

A conversation with an official is worth more than ten years of study!

This was common wisdom.

For that day, Wang Fu had even ordered two brocade robes from Li’s Cloth Shop, the most famous in Jiangzhou, hoping to make a good impression at the banquet.

If anyone remained calm and unmoved, it was Chen Jianchen.

After the exams, the academy gave the customary ten-day holiday, during which all students were free to return home. Unlike his classmates, who went sightseeing, Chen Jianchen dutifully returned home.

It had been nearly three months since he last visited, when he celebrated his mother’s birthday. He missed home.

Mo Sanniang and A’bao missed him even more, but, not wanting to disturb his studies, had not visited him at the academy. Now that he was home for the holiday, they were overjoyed.

In Mo Sanniang’s eyes, her son had grown thinner from his studies...

While in A’bao’s eyes, Brother Liuxian had become steadier and more dignified; his gaze seemed to see through a person’s heart, and being looked at by him made it impossible to hide any secrets.

A’bao had once heard that a truly brilliant scholar could become like a sage.

She did not fully understand the meaning of this, but it sounded impressive. In her heart, Chen Jianchen had always been remarkable.

The rat demon had also followed Chen Jianchen home, but dared not cause trouble, settling obediently into a hole.

Chen Jianchen spent his days at home reading, practicing "The True Chapter of the Three Standings," and living a fulfilling life.

On the third day, Wang Fu came by with news that a Dharma Assembly would soon be held in Jiangzhou, reportedly in response to a directive from the capital. Every region was to hold such an assembly to celebrate and pray for the Empress Dowager’s eightieth birthday.

Previously, the Daoists Qingyun and Guanghan of Laoshan had hurried to the capital to attend a Dharma Assembly. Not knowing the details, Chen Jianchen now understood that it was for the Empress Dowager’s birthday.

The reason sounded grand, but the reality might be far more complex.

Moreover, from Daoist Qingyun's tone, it was clear that this assembly was being taken very seriously. With a little thought, one could not help but recall the longstanding rivalry between Buddhism and Daoism.

Could it be that the Emperor was seeking to support the declining Buddhist order and, by doing so, check the power of the Daoists?

As an outsider, Chen Jianchen’s thoughts quickly delved deeper: could this be a conspiracy in the making?