Chapter Sixty-One: The Academy Examination Begins!

August 22nd, the academy examination begins.

After the festival of reunion, the most important trial in the lives of aspiring scholars officially arrives. Song Mu rose early, reciting essays with Kong Zong by the small river behind their residence. When sunlight once again suffused the banks with shimmering light, the two returned to the house, ate breakfast, gathered their belongings, shouldered their exam baskets, and took a carriage to the examination grounds.

The exam courtyard was situated beside the prefectural office, occupying a vast area with thousands of examination rooms erected within. By the time Song Mu arrived, many students were already waiting to enter. Candidates for the academy exam came from more than ten counties across Jizhou Prefecture, numbering close to eight hundred, all gathered here, forming an impressive crowd.

Song Mu stepped down from the carriage and surveyed the surroundings. Master Xun was already standing outside the exam courtyard, accompanied by several scholars observing the scene. Most were here to vouch for the examinees, while also offering encouragement to their juniors.

Even across the street, beside taverns and shops, crowds of townsfolk had gathered. The imperial examinations in the Literary Dynasty were far from the drab and arduous affairs Song Mu once imagined. Here, thanks to the emergence of literary power, the exams were spectacular events.

In this era, scholars needed to cultivate literary force, and each exam was like a rebirth, a breakthrough in realm. When literary force was consolidated, combined with the fluctuations of the Literary Star, it could stir the literary energy of heaven and earth, giving rise to all sorts of phenomena.

These signs could be dazzling—radiant brilliance, clarity, and wisdom were not uncommon. Sometimes, when someone broke through, a fragrant scent could soar for miles and linger, or poetry could rise into the air, echoing like thunder and prompting birds to sing in chorus.

The higher the level of the exam, the more countless were these marvels—a truly earth-shaking spectacle. It was said that during the provincial and metropolitan examinations, crowds surged to watch, blocking the exam courtyard, with extraordinary phenomena appearing one after another, leaving all in awe.

Such visions were not only dazzling but also beneficial. During the Chang’an metropolitan exam two hundred years ago, a candidate composed the Seven-Dou Longevity Ode, and within ten miles, elderly folks saw their gray hair turn black, each gaining longevity.

Thus, countless commoners flocked to witness these events, seeking both marvel and fortune, hoping to bask in the scholars’ celestial literary energy.

Today, as the academy exam began, Jizhou City was already bustling. Many families chose these two days for banquets, hoping to absorb some of the scholars’ auspicious literary aura. On such days, the whole city rejoiced, blessings spread across the land.

Song Mu observed the crowds of vendors and townsfolk across the street, the city’s soldiers standing ready, and could not help but marvel. Around him, examinees cast startled glances, but soon straightened their backs and strode confidently toward the exam courtyard gates. After all, the intense gaze of the people was directed at them.

Today, everyone felt themselves the protagonist of the world. Countless aspiring scholars brimmed with ambition, some even reciting poetry and composing verses with friends.

Song Mu and Kong Zong, carrying their exam baskets, approached Master Xun. Many candidates from Shiyan County had gathered here, checking their belongings under Master Xun’s guidance, ensuring everything was in order and confirming nothing was concealed.

Song Mu stepped forward to pay his respects. Master Xun nodded and asked, “Have you brought your guarantee document?”

Song Mu replied respectfully, “I have brought it.”

“Are food, clothing, and raincloth all prepared?”

“All prepared.”

“Did you sleep early last night?”

“I slept soundly until dawn,” Song Mu answered, prompting Master Xun to smile and nod.

“Good. Since you are well-rested, prepare to enter the exam. Remember my words: concentrate fully, and you will answer with composure.”

Song Mu and the others responded in affirmation. At that moment, several soldiers slowly pushed open the exam gates. Two squads stood on either side, weapons in hand. Officials in splendid attire bowed northward, the soldiers following suit before stepping aside.

An official opened a document and proclaimed, “By the mandate of the Literary Dynasty… Today the academy exam begins. All examinees must answer impartially, concentrate on cultivating literary force, so that the great literary might of the world may flourish, bringing prosperity and peace for generations!”

His voice thundered, clearly empowered by literary force, so all could hear. The distant townsfolk fell silent, watching cautiously.

The imperial exams were of utmost importance in the Literary Dynasty; the exam courtyard was sacred, not to be profaned. Commoners could observe from afar but were forbidden to shout or disrupt, with violations punishable by death.

Song Mu and the other examinees listened attentively to the official’s pronouncement, then turned northward to bow respectfully. Afterward, the candidates began lining up to enter.

“Brother Song, let your thoughts flow freely as you write—you are excellent enough,” Scholar Sun said nearby. Song Mu bowed, and the other scholars offered similar encouragement, prompting a chorus of thanks as the group moved toward the exam gates.

Two squads of soldiers at the entrance searched examinees thoroughly. All candidates were required to swear not to bring any prohibited items. If caught, their academic status would be stripped on the spot, and three generations barred from the exam.

Now, the imperial exams required more than mere essay writing; to cultivate literary force, one needed inner strength. Yet today’s exam of classics demanded interpreting passages from the vast sea of texts—no easy feat. Some would attempt to cheat.

But by the time Song Mu’s turn came, no infractions had been found. The law was severe—one’s selfish actions could condemn descendants to infamy and lifetime exclusion, so few dared risk it.

When Song Mu’s turn arrived, he placed his exam basket on the table. The soldiers divided tasks: one checked his guarantee document, verifying his identity; another searched his body meticulously, inspecting every seam of clothing; others rifled through his basket, slicing snacks and food to check inside.

Song Mu was prepared, though still felt thoroughly searched. When done, the soldier returned his document, another registered him and handed a bamboo token.

“Room 33 in Section D.”

Song Mu accepted the token, straightened his clothes, and entered. Soon Kong Zong finished inspection and greeted Song Mu inside.

“Brother Song, from here on, let’s rely on our own abilities.”

“Indeed, Brother Kong. May we both become scholars,” Song Mu replied with a smile. Kong Zong returned a calm smile.

“That’s not enough—we should strive to be top scorers together, no?”

“Agreed.” Song Mu smiled. The two clasped hands, each searching for their assigned exam room.

The Literary Dynasty’s exam venue was distinct—not arranged in straight lines, but built in concentric circles around a high sacrificial altar, like a giant disk unfurled.

Song Mu walked for some time before finding his room, unobtrusive in the northern part of the grounds. The room was made of wood and stone, its roof tiles somewhat loose, but overall intact. These exam rooms had been used for many years; though annually repaired, the frequent exams inevitably led to some flaws.

Fortunately, the weather was sunny—hot, but better than rain. Song Mu entered his room, opened the desk panels, and placed his things inside. Candidates streamed in, shadows flitting across the grounds, soldiers stationed throughout, supervising every action.

Song Mu tidied his room, checked the roof for leaks, then sat on the bench and ate a few snacks. It was still morning; the exam would last until the hour of the rooster in the afternoon. Except for restroom breaks, he would remain here.

The exam on the classics was vast, ending with a major question requiring considerable effort, so Song Mu seized the time to replenish his strength, all the while reciting ancient texts in his mind.

When the sun had risen high, a drum sounded from the northern tower of the exam courtyard.

“Jizhou Prefecture, Year Twenty-Seven of Esteeming Literature, Academy Examination, First Session—Begin! Summon the Literary Star! Honor Master Kong and Master Zhang!”