Chapter Seventy-Nine The Academy Examination Concludes

Xue Kaiwen’s direct questioning left Song Mu rather surprised. Nevertheless, Song Mu quickly composed himself, smiled gently, and clasped his hands in a courteous gesture as he replied, “At that time, everyone’s literary talent was flourishing. I must admit I didn’t pay much attention to my own performance, but I suppose it was decent enough.” He continued, “Brother Xue, I imagine your poetry must have been truly inspired as well?”

Though a gentleman is expected to be modest, Song Mu’s tone was firm, bordering on sharpness. He and Xue Kaiwen had little prior acquaintance, and Song Mu knew nothing of the other’s temperament. Faced with interrogation, Song Mu responded with equal strength.

The coldness in Xue Kaiwen’s voice was reminiscent of a proud academic, striding up to another top student after an exam and bluntly asking, “How many points did you score?” Then watching with an air of arrogant superiority.

Song Mu understood the aggressive aura was born from Xue Kaiwen’s own doubts and concerns. Although Song Mu had previously been unknown, perhaps now he had become a source of agitation for Xue Kaiwen.

Indeed, after hearing Song Mu’s reply, Xue Kaiwen’s brows furrowed even more. Throughout the day’s exam, Xue Kaiwen had observed the many strange phenomena with attention. What struck him most was the extraordinary event near the end of the afternoon. When he saw the surging river beneath his feet, Xue Kaiwen instantly realized what it signified.

Someone in the examination hall had manifested their mental force and used it in an astonishing manner. For someone familiar with the intricacies of the imperial examination, this was unheard of, and it shook Xue Kaiwen deeply.

To have an examinee capable of invoking such a phenomenon meant their writing must be remarkable. So although Xue Kaiwen had himself caused the literary star to tremble several times, the memory of that extraordinary event lingered in his mind.

Seeing Song Mu nearby as he left the hall, Xue Kaiwen’s thoughts raced, and he spoke out without thinking. Hearing Song Mu’s words, Xue Kaiwen felt a mixture of dissatisfaction and certainty—perhaps Song Mu was the very person responsible for the strange occurrence.

His gaze swept Song Mu’s face again, this time tinged with anxiety. He was unwilling to accept the situation. After three years of diligent study, Xue Kaiwen had hoped to win first place in the examination and, with that reputation, seek mentorship under a scholar. Such achievements would smooth his path in life.

Yet now, a new variable had appeared. Song Mu, evidently younger than himself, was experiencing a reversal of fortune and seemed to be surpassing him.

Xue Kaiwen paused for a moment, his expression unchanged. At that moment, the proclamation from the northern building rang out—the exam was over, and soldiers were preparing to open the gates. Xue Kaiwen simply greeted Song Mu with a clasped hand and turned away.

Song Mu watched, grinning, uncertain whether Xue Kaiwen was arrogant or simply reserved by nature. Beside him, Zhang Yiqi smiled as well, but said nothing.

As the sound of drums echoed and the gates swung open, Zhang Yiqi bid farewell to Song Mu and hurried away. Song Mu, along with several fellow students from Shiyang County, also made their way out together.

They were among the first to exit, and as they stepped through the gates, they were met with a vast crowd. Countless eyes fixed upon the examinees emerging from the hall.

The throng had grown several times larger than before; the street opposite the exam hall was packed with people, all whispering excitedly and pointing at the examinees. Those leaving were visibly moved by the scene.

The crowd had swelled after the arrival of the semi-saint. Witnessing the celestial phenomenon, people suspected something extraordinary had occurred in the exam hall. They hurried over and, learning from those already present about the unprecedented event, waited eagerly.

Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the spirited examinees, especially those who had just advanced to the scholar’s rank.

The people surged forward, the soldiers struggled to maintain order, but shouts of praise still rang out.

These were tributes to the scholars and the remarkable events witnessed that day.

Song Mu was astonished by the spectacle. In this era, scholars held the highest prestige, and it was a source of immense pride for those who pursued learning.

Outside the exam hall, Master Xun and several scholar instructors were waiting, their faces marked by anxious anticipation. When Song Mu and his companions appeared, Master Xun waved them over, and they eagerly ran to him.

Master Xun surveyed the group, his joy barely contained as he exclaimed, “You have all advanced to the scholar’s rank! There must be at least two handfuls among you!”

Astonished, he was soon surrounded by the group, who launched into lively conversation.

The examinees discussed the events in the exam hall, while the instructors inquired about what had happened. When they learned that a semi-saint’s apparition had appeared, they could not help but cry out in amazement.

Song Mu listened quietly, saying nothing, when a familiar figure approached.

“Brother Song, I didn’t expect you would be the first to come out again,” said Kong Zong, though his appearance was disheveled, with messy hair and stained clothing. He greeted Song Mu with a smile.

“Kong, what happened to you…?” Song Mu asked, puzzled by his friend’s bedraggled state. Kong Zong managed a wry smile, saluted Master Xun, and explained, “I acted rashly. While writing my last essay, the surroundings suddenly changed—raging river beneath me, warships before my eyes. I lost my focus, and my writing was smudged with ink.”

“I had to rewrite it quickly, but my mind stalled. I scratched my head in frustration, barely finishing before the papers were collected.”

Kong Zong’s smile was rueful, and Song Mu, embarrassed, rubbed his nose. After all, he was responsible for the strange event that distracted Kong Zong.

Master Xun reassured him, “It was thrilling but ended safely. No need to blame yourself.”

Nearby, the other examinees found common ground, nodding and discussing the sudden and fleeting marvel of the river scene.

The lively conversation was mostly among the younger scholars, while several older examinees quietly wiped tears from their eyes. Some had taken the exam multiple times, even reaching their forties, and now at last had accumulated enough to break through to the scholar’s rank. It was a moment of deep emotion.

Soon, a few students emerged who had not advanced, but their expressions were calm. Seeing Song Mu, they crowded around to chat, mostly about the exam topics and how Song Mu had performed.

Song Mu answered, discussing the day’s themes, keeping the mood light.

The students from Shiyang County were among the last to leave; Master Xun had encouraged them to polish their essays thoroughly in the exam hall to use the literary star’s influence for advancement.

Only Song Mu had finished early both times, submitting his papers half an hour ahead.

The group waited nearby until all the Shiyang County students had emerged. Master Xun counted and discovered eleven had advanced to the scholar’s rank, crying out three times, “Good, good, good!”

Out of fifty-five who had come from Shiyang County, eleven had succeeded! Such results were remarkable.

The students were animated, even those who had not advanced were only slightly dejected, quickly composing themselves, reflecting on the experience, and preparing to try again.

Those who had succeeded naturally received congratulations.

Song Mu congratulated his fellow students, when Cui Kexing suddenly appeared from somewhere.

Cui Kexing had also become a scholar, but his gaze was sharp as he looked at Song Mu, filled with the same unwillingness and defiance as Xue Kaiwen, though he greeted Song Mu with a smile.

“Brother Song, I believe you will take the top prize in this year’s Jizhou Prefecture exam.”

His eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment.

“Though I don’t know what brilliant essay you wrote, today the semi-saint favored you, and that settles it.”

At his words, the instructors and students of Shiyang County froze, turning to Song Mu, their eyes wide.

Just moments ago, they had marveled at the rainbow stretching across the sky, for none had submitted their papers early enough to witness the marvel at the front of the hall.

Now, they realized the rainbow signified the arrival of the semi-saint, and that he had come for Song Mu.

Song Mu grinned, unsure how to respond.

He never intended to hide the matter, knowing it could not be concealed. Yet everyone was so jubilant, their spirits soaring, there was no need for him to seek attention.

He had not expected Cui Kexing to know the truth and reveal it so bluntly, changing the way the others looked at him.

…