Chapter 34: Angel Investor Chen Shijie

The ratings of those who performed exceptionally well or poorly were largely undisputed. However, some controversy arose concerning Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze. Both had chosen approximately fifty second-tier plants.

First, for their basic scores, which covered second-tier mid-grade and low-grade plants: their survival rate was a surprising 80%, and of those, 30% failed to reach full maturity. While none of the plants actually died, this data was considered rather weak given their anticipated performance.

Next, for the high-scoring plants, which were second-tier high-grade varieties. Wen Nanxing had chosen two types of second-tier high-grade plants: 'Seven-Star Flowers' and 'Li Fruit Saplings'. Both had very high medicinal value. Wen Nanxing planted four of each, but only one of each type reached full maturity, achieving optimal medicinal value.

Xiao Ze's data for second-tier mid-grade and low-grade plants was similar to Wen Nanxing's. He planted second-tier high-grade 'Cold Ice Lotus' and 'Bitter Earth Ginseng', and only one more plant matured compared to Wen Nanxing.

There was no doubt that both their performances qualified them for the A-list. The disagreement was whether they should be ranked 'A-superior'. Of the eight officials evaluating, and before Chen Shijie voiced his opinion, three believed the two should not be ranked 'A-superior,' but rather 'A-medium' at best. Their reasoning was that the two had failed to fully ripen all plants, and their performance did not match their Fourth-Tier Conglomeration Realm abilities. The other four officials argued for a unified scoring standard, asserting it shouldn't vary by individual. Since Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had no dead seedlings and had successfully matured plants across all second-tier grades (low, medium, and high), they deserved an 'A-superior' rating.

With the disagreement emerging, the main decision-making power rested with Chen Shijie.

"Lord Chen, how should we determine their rank?" a low-ranking scribe from the county office quietly asked. Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing were also feeling uneasy. They truly hadn't expected to perform so poorly. They thought of Li Chengfeng, who had chosen plants of similar difficulty, yet managed to mature all of them. In their current situation, their A-list ranking could go either way. Since there was a dispute, it depended on the decision of Chen Shijie, the principal official.

Chen Shijie pondered for a moment, then looked at the two. "Let me ask you both, in these four days and three nights of assessment, did you notice anything amiss?"

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances, then shook their heads. "No."

Upon hearing this, Pang Yuan and Tang Wanchun sighed inwardly, knowing that an 'A-superior' rating was now impossible. However, it wasn't their fault; Zhao Xing was too cunning. He dealt decisively with others, but with these two masters, he employed a 'boiling frog' strategy, subtly siphoning from them over time. This made Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze believe their shortcomings caused their poor performance, without suspecting any external interference.

Hearing their reply, Chen Shijie nodded. "The plants you both cultivated were difficult, out-of-season varieties, qualifying you for an 'A' grade. However, your lack of vigilance led to the inability to fully mature them. Therefore, an 'A-medium' it shall be."

"Understood," the scribe immediately registered.

"Huh? Lack of vigilance? What kind of evaluation is that?" Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were puzzled.

But after Chen Shijie had walked away, Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan, who had fallen behind, revealed the truth to their students: "You two are truly too slow-witted! You didn't even realize you were tricked by someone using Earth Vein Qi Assimilation! Go back and reflect deeply!"

"Earth Vein Qi Assimilation?" Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing exchanged a glance, their expressions instantly changing. Someone actually used a geomancy spell to imperceptibly steal their earth energy and vital essence?

"Who would use that against us... Ah, could it be him?!" Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing looked towards the golden expanse, suddenly realizing the truth and feeling utterly dismayed.

***

"Zhao Xing, at the Second-Tier Conglomeration Realm, successfully cultivated 100 second-tier plants of five different types, including 20 high-grade second-tier Vajra Bamboos. His performance demonstrates both courage and strategy. Rated: A-superior!"

This time, Chen Shijie spoke directly to the county office staff without consulting anyone beside him. The admiration in his eyes was undisguised, almost eager.

Gao Linong felt a twinge of displeasure, as the 'courageous' part of Zhao Xing's "courage and strategy" evaluation clearly referred to his confrontation with Zong Shichang, who happened to be Gao Linong's prized disciple. Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan also felt uneasy, as Zhao Xing's 'strategy' had been deployed against their own prized disciples, who remained oblivious even after the assessment concluded. It was infuriating, to say the least. However, putting aside personal feelings, all three genuinely felt that Zhao Xing deserved the evaluation and even wished he was under their command.

"Thank you for your hard work, esteemed sirs," Zhao Xing customarily bowed to the officials who had come to inspect.

Logically, the inspection should have continued, but Chen Shijie remained. He instructed the other deputies to finalize the remaining B-list and C-list rankings and kept Zhao Xing with Xue Wenzhong. Zhao Xing didn't understand why, but it would be undignified for his superiors to speak first. So, he took the initiative to ask, "Teacher, Lord Chen, do you have any further instructions?"

Xue Wenzhong began, "Eligibility for the Imperial Temple Examination is determined by quotas submitted by each county, which are then approved by the prefecture before one can participate. The quotas vary for each prefecture and county. To increase the chances of aspiring officials passing, the county offices jointly allocate funds each year and dispatch resources from their treasuries to outstanding officials in various departments. This applies equally to all departments, not just our Ministry of Agriculture, but also the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Weaving, the Martial Arts Bureau, the Ministry of Justice, and others."

Zhao Xing nodded; he was already aware of this. The Great Zhou Dynasty's Founder's motto, "All talents under heaven shall be brought into my grasp," was not merely a saying but enshrined directly in the laws. The Law of Tributes stated: "All students and officials from various departments, excelling in law, industry, classics, and arts, shall be selected and granted a monthly stipend for expenses and stationery as a reward." In essence, it meant there were 'scholarships' and 'poverty subsidies'. 'Law, industry, classics, and arts' referred to multiple aspects of evaluation, while 'students and officials' referred to scholars from official academies and learned societies established by the court, as well as officials like Zhao Xing. The distinction was that students could receive both 'poverty subsidies' and scholarships, whereas officials only received scholarships. This was because officials were employed; no matter how poor, they wouldn't be unable to afford food.

The selection process was relatively strict. Logically, two 'A-superior' ratings wouldn't yet be enough to qualify for such resources. However, judging by Xue Wenzhong's implication, it seemed Lord Chen intended to advocate for him.

Indeed, Chen Shijie then said, "Elder Xue mentioned that you started cultivating later in life. If you wish to pass the Winter Evaluation and the Imperial Temple Examination, your resource consumption must keep pace. I've also heard your family isn't particularly wealthy. If you can secure a 'Tribute' quota, your cultivation might progress more quickly."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

"Ordinarily, with only two 'A-superior' ratings, you wouldn't yet qualify for such a tribute. But I believe you are a promising talent, and it would be a shame if you were to miss out. Therefore, I've decided to apply for a 'Tribute' quota on your behalf. In addition, your teacher and I will personally provide you with further cultivation resources until the Imperial Temple Examination concludes."

Chen Shijie spoke very directly, without any pretense. He didn't even refer to himself as 'this official' but simply 'I' when addressing Zhao Xing, showing his immense appreciation. Upon hearing such good news, Zhao Xing naturally embraced it. Though calm internally, he put on an excellent show of gratitude. After all, Chen Shijie was practically his angel investor!

Immediately, he performed a deep bow of respect. "Thank you, Teacher and Lord Chen, for this profound benevolence. Xing will never forget it and vows to repay your kindness day and night!"

Hearing this, Chen Shijie smiled slightly and gently helped the bowing Zhao Xing to stand. This investment was certainly a sound one!