Chapter 19: Small Test Preparation

Eight of the solar terms are mandatory for examination: Start of Spring, Spring Equinox, Start of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Start of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

Depending on the specific circumstances of each county and commandery, a minimum of twelve solar terms are tested. In the most rigorous high-grade counties or commanderies, all twenty-four solar terms are assessed.

The three stages for official regularization—which combine 'territorial harvest assessment,' 'moral conduct evaluation,' and 'competency evaluation'—are collectively known as the 'Winter Review.'

Afterward, candidates undergo a 'Temple Examination.' Passing this exam allows them to be 'officially appointed' and enter the Imperial Fortune Dynasty system.

The 'competency evaluation' within the Winter Review, which is based on the twenty-four solar terms, carries significant weight.

Failing this stage means not being recommended and thus being ineligible to participate in the Temple Examination.

Clerks aspiring for official regularization rarely miss any competency evaluation.

Xue Wenzhong's first lecture since returning to Huailiu Academy attracted a large number of clerks who came to visit him.

"Elder Xue, are you well?"

The old Minister of Agriculture smiled faintly and said, "I'm largely recovered."

"Teacher, I have a century-old Rehmannia glutinosa root here. Please accept it."

"I appreciate the thought, but please take it back."

"Elder Xue..."

Not only clerks under Xue Wenzhong, but also clerks from other academies came to visit him.

It wasn't out of pure goodwill, but rather to attend his lecture.

Because the previous two Minor Heat assessments were conducted by Chen Zhijie, this time, the Start of Autumn assessment and the next one would be Xue Wenzhong's turn.

"Minister Xue, for the Start of Autumn assessment, you won't set tricky questions to stump us, like Minister Chen did, will you? If there's another 'grain-eating bird calamity,' I fear no one in Guxian County will pass this year."

"Exactly, how can there be turtle doves in our southern region?"

A bold clerk asked this question, drawing a burst of laughter.

With any other Minister of Agriculture, hardly any clerk would dare to joke like this, but Xue Wenzhong was known for being a kind-hearted and easygoing person with a gentle disposition. His lectures had a very pleasant atmosphere, allowing clerks to joke freely.

The old Minister of Agriculture said, "You all want to know what the Start of Autumn assessment will cover?"

"Yes, old Minister of Agriculture, could you tell us?" Everyone craned their necks and pricked up their ears.

Xue Wenzhong smiled slightly, "You'll know on the day of the Start of Autumn itself."

"Sigh..."

Another burst of laughter erupted from below.

Although it was a rhetorical evasion, Zhao Xing liked this atmosphere. He had also audited classes at other academies, which were either rigid and serious or profound and difficult to grasp, and seemed designed only for the few who could understand at the highest level, making them very unfriendly.

Seeing Xue Wenzhong's rosy complexion, and that he seemed completely unaffected by his recent illness, Zhao Xing felt greatly relieved. However, there was still a hint of lingering sadness in his brows, as if he had something on his mind.

After the lecture in the front courtyard, Zhao Xing, as usual, went into the backyard for extra practice.

Xue Wenzhong saw him carrying something, and his expression immediately turned displeased. "Why are you also following others and bringing gifts?"

Zhao Xing placed the three tied-up ducks into the poultry shed in the backyard. "This isn't a gift, Teacher. Have you forgotten? When I was practicing the 'Reviving Grass Man' technique earlier, I accidentally scared one of your ducks away. I'm just bringing them back for you."

Xue Wenzhong pointed and asked, "Then why are there three?"

Zhao Xing replied seriously, "Well, this duck wandered off for a few days, found a mate, and had a duckling. Your student is kind-hearted and couldn't bear to separate the family, so after consulting the ducks, I brought them all back together."

Hearing his earnest nonsense, Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but be amused, and chuckled, scolding him playfully, "Nonsense!"

That laugh was an implicit approval. He could tell Zhao Xing was trying to cheer him up. It wasn't the flattery between superior and subordinate, but the genuine concern between a teacher and student.

Zhao Xing could also feel that Xue Wenzhong's attitude had changed somehow since his return.

Whether in casual conversation or teaching, the impression he gave was that of a teacher more than a superior.

This was a good sign. As for what had happened before, if the old Minister of Agriculture didn't mention it, Zhao Xing wouldn't press him, to avoid touching on a painful subject.

"Start of Autumn marks the beginning of autumn. Although it's still scorching hot, Yang energy gradually recedes, and Yin energy slowly grows. It's a transition from the dominance of Yang to the gradual dominance of Yin. Crops move from vigorous growth towards maturity."

"Rainfall and climate will begin to shift downwards, and crops will also be affected."

"The Four Treatises on Agriculture once stated: 'In autumn, Yin energy descends, hence all things are harvested.'"

Just as the practice session was about to end, the old Minister of Agriculture suddenly uttered this passage.

Zhao Xing was slightly taken aback at first, then nodded and took his leave.

On his way home, he pondered the old Minister of Agriculture's words.

"Xue Wenzhong mentioned crop maturity in all three sentences. It seems the Start of Autumn assessment will be related to cultivating plants."

"It looks like I'll have to practice my cultivation spells more in the coming days."

By the time he got home, it was already past dinner time. Zhao Ruide was nowhere to be seen, and upon seeing this 'eating ghost' return, Madam Cai naturally had no pleasant expression and went straight indoors.

Zhao Xing didn't mind and went to the kitchen to find something to eat himself. Meanwhile, Zhao Zheng came running out of his mother's room again, eagerly helping his elder brother scoop rice and serve dishes.

"Big Brother, I practiced martial arts for two hours today! Father even praised me!" Zhao Zheng looked expectantly at Zhao Xing.

"Good, keep up the effort," Zhao Xing replied perfunctorily and continued eating.

After a few bites, he noticed the taste was off. "Why don't these dishes taste as good as last night's?"

Zhao Zheng said, "How can that be, Big Brother? This *is* from last night."

Zhao Xing: "..."

Zhao Zheng continued, "Mother said you're an 'eating ghost,' Big Brother, that you can eat anything and have a huge appetite, so she saved some for you... She's never praised me like that."

"..."

"Alright, alright, thank your mother for me."

Zhao Xing sniffed the food, remarking that it hadn't gone bad despite the hot weather, though the taste was a bit off. So, ignoring these details, he ate it ravenously with his eyes closed.

"Big Brother, what's an 'eating ghost'? Have you ever seen a ghost? I heard that people who can use magic can see ghosts and even summon gods, like the ritual masters at the temples."

Zhao Zheng buzzed around like a 'Hundred Thousand Whys,' chattering incessantly.

"You'll understand when you're older. Alright, go clear these bowls and chopsticks and go play."

"Oh..."

After sending off his half-brother, Zhao Xing returned to his room to draw talismans. Over the past month or so, his proficiency with Guidance Talismans and Soul Calming Talismans had improved considerably, but there was still no activity from the Grand Dream Academy.

"It seems I need to make significant progress to gain any benefits from it." Although he had once again returned empty-handed from a 'mountain of treasures,' Zhao Xing wasn't anxious. He still had hundreds of years to explore.

Remembering the old Minister of Agriculture's reminder from earlier in the day, Zhao Xing pulled three books from his cabinet.

"The Classic of Materia Medica, The Grand View of Trees, and The Compendium of a Hundred Things. These are all books on identifying plants. They might be useful for the Start of Autumn assessment, so I should review them."

"According to imperial tradition, various ancient texts contain miraculous effects. Although not as potent as those from the temples, they can still lead to the realization of spells."

"I hope to acquire some useful passive spells."

Lighting an oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to read meticulously.