Chapter 56: The Scholar's Praise

Standing amidst the crowd, Song Mu suddenly heard someone call his name.

He lifted his head, and the classmates nearby were already looking at him. The students from Taihe County were also glancing toward the scholars of Shiyang County, but their gaze lingered on the honest-faced Kong Zong, completely ignoring Song Mu, who stood at the back of the line.

Upon hearing the examiner Fan's inquiry, Master Xun promptly cupped his hands in respect and replied, "Yes, sir. Song Mu is a child scholar from Shiyang County, twenty-sixth year of the Chongwen era. He has come to participate in the academy examination this year and is among the group."

Master Xun then turned his head, and Song Mu, standing at the tail of the line, met his gaze.

"Song Mu, come forward and greet the examiner," Master Xun said.

The students from Taihe County all turned their attention, scanning the ranks of Shiyang County for Song Mu. Their faces showed curiosity as they sought the one whose celebrated poems had earned the praise of grand scholars—wondering who Song Mu truly was.

Hearing his name called, Song Mu took a deep breath and stepped out from the line.

Thus, everyone saw a tall young man emerge from the end of the group. He was a handsome youth—not strikingly so—but tall and slender, dressed in a well-fitted robe, exuding the air of a scholarly gentleman.

Fan Zhengxiong noticed the tall youth and smiled, carefully observing Song Mu.

"Song Mu, greets the esteemed examiner," Song Mu said, swinging his sleeve, bowing deeply, his voice solemn.

Fan Zhengxiong nodded and addressed him, "Step forward, let everyone see you, see the demeanor of our talented poet from Ji Prefecture, whose verses brim with brilliance."

Song Mu quickly moved ahead, standing slightly beside Master Xun.

The crowd began to scrutinize Song Mu, exchanging glances and subtle expressions. They had already noticed the tall youth, who stood out only because of his height; otherwise, he seemed ordinary.

They had expected the refined Kong Zong to be the famous Song Mu, but were surprised it was this tall figure. Some, however, remained composed, seemingly already acquainted with the truth.

Fan Zhengxiong continued to observe Song Mu, his face showing a pleased smile as he nodded repeatedly.

"Excellent, very good—truly a distinguished presence. The Song family’s lineage has endured through generations, and now it shines anew. This is a fortunate event," Fan Zhengxiong remarked, stepping forward and speaking gently to Song Mu.

"I greatly admire your poem of ninefold talent. It is now known throughout the land—you have appeared on the ‘World Literary Journal’ for two consecutive months. Outstanding, truly outstanding!"

Hearing this, Song Mu was momentarily stunned. The poem he had written after the chaos in Shiyang County, reflecting on the ancient academy, had already been published in the ‘World Literary Journal’? He nodded inwardly—perhaps so, as it was already mid-August, the latest issue must have arrived, and Fan Zhengxiong would have received it early.

Thinking thus, Song Mu’s expression grew unconsciously joyful, and he cupped his hands repeatedly.

"Your praise is too generous, sir. I was merely filled with righteous indignation at the time, my heart ablaze, wishing to do something for the people of Shiyang County."

"Oh? Truly a candid expression of feeling. That was indeed a fine poem. When I read it, I felt my blood stirring."

"Excellent, very excellent!" Fan praised, his face full of emotion.

Song Mu’s expression was resolute as he spoke, "I am humbled. My uncle often taught me that as a descendant of a literary lineage, one must have the world in their heart. As the saying goes, ‘When the realm prospers or declines, every man is responsible.’ I wish to be both a scholar who recites classics and a writer who wields both pen and sword."

"Good! Ha ha, good—what a splendid line, ‘When the realm prospers or declines, every man is responsible.’ Such stirring words!"

Fan Zhengxiong laughed heartily, seeing Song Mu’s sincerity. He had known of the Song family’s decline, their lineage of thirteen scholars now teetering, and had felt deep regret. But now, in Song Mu, he saw hope—not only for the Song family, but for all literati of Ji Prefecture.

"Your ambition is admirable. You need not worry about lacking opportunities. After the academy exam in a few days, if you become a scholar and your literary power gathers, the world will be open to you."

Fire flickered in Fan Zhengxiong’s eyes as he spoke again, "Then, I shall see how far you can go, with your resolve for the realm’s fate!"

He patted Song Mu’s shoulder, and those nearby looked on with envy. Such an audience with Fan Zhengxiong, receiving his praise and encouragement, was a dream for many—even the scholars watched Song Mu with admiration.

Yet their envy soon turned to resignation. If only they could write such verses, they too would earn Fan’s recognition. Such is the advantage of true ability.

The crowd sighed inwardly, and Song Mu respectfully responded, then returned to his group. Fan summoned several other scholars and child students, most from literary families or with distinguished academic records.

Each received encouragement, bowed respectfully to Fan, and then departed from his residence.

The two groups proceeded toward the street where the prefectural academy was located. There, official lodgings had been arranged, and elegant inns rented rooms to scholars.

Song Mu and Kong Zong were about to board their carriage when a man approached, bowing to them.

"Kong Zong, Song Mu, I am Cui Kexing from Taihe County, also here for the academy exam," he said.

He was a medium-built young man, older than Song Mu by a few years, with a trace of beard and dignified features, smiling as he spoke.

Song Mu quickly turned, smiling and cupping his hands in response. Cui Kexing then addressed him.

"Song Mu, your reputation in Ji Prefecture is resounding. Surely, securing a name in this academy exam will be as easy as reaching into a bag."

Song Mu hurriedly cupped his hands, modestly replying, "I dare not presume, Cui, your praise is undeserved."

Cui Kexing, however, seemed entirely at ease, smiling as he spoke again, "No need for such modesty, Song Mu. For us scholars, poetry and prose reign supreme. Your verses speak our hearts. Hearing your line today, ‘When the realm prospers or declines, every man is responsible,’ moved me deeply."

"So I ventured to introduce myself and hope to be acquainted."

"You honor me," Song Mu replied with a smile. Cui Kexing then turned to Kong Zong.

"Kong Zong, it has been a while. Our last meeting was at the prefectural exam."

"Hardly, Cui, I remember you well. Your poems were posted on the honor board then—I studied them for a long time," Kong Zong responded with a smile, clearly familiar with Cui Kexing.

Cui Kexing showed a pleased expression. The three exchanged a few words as their group began to move, and Cui Kexing said, "Today has been busy, so I will not intrude further. In the coming days, let us gather to appreciate poetry and prose; I wish to learn more of your literary accomplishments."

Song Mu and Kong Zong cupped their hands and boarded the carriage.

"This Cui Kexing is not ill-natured and is deeply versed in poetry, though he is fond of comparisons. Song Mu, I think he sees you as a rival," Kong Zong said with a smile.

Song Mu replied calmly, "That is well enough. I have not conversed much with them before; if they are accomplished, I should humbly learn from them."

Kong Zong nodded approvingly.

Soon, the carriage reached the street where the academy was located. Dusk had fallen. The Song family’s coachman turned and asked, "Master, shall we go to the residence?"

"Let’s," Kong Zong replied, then looked to Song Mu. "Last year, when I became a child scholar, my father bought a small house here and hired two servants to manage it—for the academy exam."

"If you do not mind, Song Mu, stay with me. We can study together."

...