94: Whoever wants to be the top scholar can be it.

The days after the Provincial Examination ended, the doors of the Imperial Examination Hall remained tightly shut, yet the clamor in the Prefecture City never ceased.

Inside Wen'an Inn, the scholars who had come for the examination arrived and left. Some hired carriages overnight, fleeing as if escaping the city that had shattered their dreams. Others chose to stay, waiting for the verdict of fate amidst endless anxiety.

Su Ming and Xu Qing remained.

Xu Qing still went out every day, but he no longer went to the bookstores. Instead, he stood at the street corner opposite the Imperial Examination Hall, just like the other scholars, gazing at the vermilion walls for half a day at a time. His Face was etched with all the anticipation and trepidation that a scholar from a humble background felt for the future.

Su Ming, on the other hand, stayed completely inside the inn.

He spent most of his time sitting cross-legged on the bed every day, circulating the Green Wood Longevity Art. His Mental Energy, like quicksilver pouring onto the ground, silently spread throughout the entire inn, and even extended to the surrounding streets and alleys.

He "sensed" the chaotic Aura formed by the countless complex thoughts of this city, amidst its daytime clamor and nighttime silence.

His heart, amidst this noise, became even more tranquil.

"Disciple, I am very gratified by your mindset." Lin Yu's soul form was inside the ring, legs crossed, looking thoroughly pleased.

"I was just thinking, if I do not pass this time, what should be the next step." Su Ming's voice resonated in his heart.

"Not pass?" Lin Yu nearly fell off his illusory chair. "What kind of joke is that! With the score-control strategy that Master personally guided you through, if you could still manage to control yourself off the list, that would only prove you are uniquely gifted at being a natural-born loser!"

Su Ming did not speak again.

He simply sank his Mental Energy into his Dantian, feeling the Qi Sea that had grown slightly stronger than when he first arrived. This was the foundation upon which he established his life.

...

On the day the results were posted, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

The entire Yunsuo Prefecture City seemed to be splashed awake by a basin of cold water from its slumber, instantly boiling over with activity.

Countless crowds surged from all directions of the city toward the massive screen wall at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall.

"Brother Su, hurry! Hurry!" Xu Qing had knocked on Su Ming's door before dawn, his voice trembling slightly from excitement and nervousness.

Su Ming finished washing up and changed into a clean blue cloth robe.

By the time they squeezed to the front of the imperial list, it was already a sea of people, with not even a sliver of space to insert a needle.

The air was filled with a heavy scent of sweat, the smell of cosmetics, and a scent known as "anxiety."

"Make way! Make way!"

"Stop pushing! You stepped on my foot!"

"Has the list actually been posted in the front yet!"

The clamor of the crowd was almost enough to lift the roof of the Imperial Examination Hall.

Xu Qing was not tall, and he was pushed to and fro in the crowd. He desperately stood on tiptoe and stretched his neck, but could only see countless swaying heads. His hands were tightly clenched, his knuckles white from the effort.

Su Ming stood behind him, his expression calm. Being half a head taller allowed him to look over the crowd and clearly see everything in front. His spiritual sense had long since spread out, imprinting every tiny ink character on the imperial list into his mind.

"Dong——"

With the sound of a gong, the crowd instantly quieted for a moment.

A yamen runner walked onto the high platform, unfolded a bright yellow scroll, cleared his throat, and began to chant the names in a drawn-out, emotionless tone.

"The Daxing Dynasty, Bingchen Year, Yunsuo Prefecture Provincial Examination, list of Successful Provincial Candidates!"

"One hundred and twentieth place, Anhua County, Sun Decai!"

A suppressed, incredulous exclamation erupted from the crowd, followed immediately by the wailing of a middle-aged man weeping with joy.

The yamen runner's expression did not change as he continued to read.

"One hundred and nineteenth place, Prefecture City, Zhao..."

Every time a name was read, a small-scale commotion would erupt in the crowd, mixed with cries of wild joy and sighs of despair.

Xu Qing's breathing became more and more rapid, fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead, his lips moving incessantly as if silently reciting something.

More than half the names had been read, yet his and Su Ming's names were still not among them.

Xu Qing's complexion gradually turned pale.

"...Seventy-third place, Qingshi County, Su Ming!"

When this name was read out, Xu Qing jolted violently, turned his head, and looked at Su Ming in disbelief.

Su Ming just nodded slightly at him, his Face without the slightest ripple, as if that name were merely an insignificant symbol.

He let out a soft sigh of relief.

Perfect.

Lin Yu nearly clapped in admiration inside the ring.

Beautiful! This score-control technique is simply art! Precisely landing in the middle-to-lower position, securing the status of a Successful Provincial Candidate steadily—I give this maneuver ninety-nine points; I'm withholding one point for fear that you might get arrogant!

The chanting of names continued.

Xu Qing's heart had risen to his throat, his palms covered in cold sweat.

"...Tenth place, Heyang Prefecture, Zhang Jingxiu!"

"...Fifth place, Jinzhou Prefecture, Li Changgeng!"

When the top ten were read, every breath of the crowd became heavy. Everyone knew the main event had arrived.

"Fourth place..."

The yamen runner deliberately drew out his tone.

Xu Qing's body was trembling slightly.

"Third place! yuan of the second rank! Qingshi County, Xu Qing!"

"Weng——"

Xu Qing's mind went blank in an instant.

He only felt that all the sounds around him had vanished, and the entire world was left with only those few words, echoing repeatedly in his ears.

Qingshi County, Xu Qing...

yuan of the second rank...

He had passed!

And it was third place!

A massive, indescribable wild joy, like a flash flood, instantly overwhelmed all his reason. He only felt his vision darken, his body swayed, and he nearly collapsed.

Su Ming reached out and steadied him.

"Brother Xu, congratulations." Su Ming's voice, calm and powerful, pulled him back from his daze.

Xu Qing came to his senses, grabbed Su Ming's arm, his lips trembling, but he could not say a single word, his eyes instantly turning red. Two streams of scalding tears slid down uncontrollably.

Ten years of studying by the window, the lonely lamp by the book stall, the ink calluses on his fingertips, the white hair at his father's temples... everything had been rewarded at this moment.

All around, countless gazes of envy, jealousy, and astonishment were cast upon them.

One Qingshi County had actually produced two Successful Provincial Candidates at the same time, one of whom was even the yuan of the second rank!

"Second place! Jingkui! Prefecture City, Qian Wenbai!"

"top scholar! Prefecture City, Wei Ziang!"

When the three words "Wei Ziang" were called out, the crowd completely boiled over.

"Young Master Wei! It's Young Master Wei!"

"As expected of the Prefectural Judge's son, a seventeen-year-old top scholar, his future is boundless!"

In the crowd, Wei Ziang, surrounded by the masses, lifted his chin reservedly amidst the chorus of congratulations, his Face filled with undisguised high spirits. He enjoyed everyone's attention, like a king standing on a mountain peak.

His gaze swept across the scene, and when he saw Xu Qing, who was also receiving attention from the crowd, a disdainful arc curled at the corners of his mouth.

As for Su Ming, his gaze did not linger on him for more than half a second.

In his world, an ordinary Successful Provincial Candidate ranked in the seventies did not even qualify for him to remember his name.

Su Ming calmly accepted this disregard.

This was exactly the result he wanted.

...

That night.

"Brother Su," Xu Qing lowered his voice, carrying a hint of confusion, "With your talent, you absolutely should not have only been ranked seventy-third."

He knew clearly in his heart that Su Ming's insights on the Confucian classics and policy essays were far superior to his own.

"Brother Xu, you are joking." Su Ming's expression was indifferent. "Matters of the examination hall are seven parts talent and three parts luck. That I was able to make the list is already a stroke of good fortune. It is you, Brother Xu, who truly deserve it, having greatly won Face for our Qingshi County."

He paused, looked into Xu Qing's eyes, and said earnestly: "Besides, the position of top scholar is not necessarily a blessing. When a tree stands above the forest, the wind will surely destroy it. The more glorious Wei Ziang is today, the harsher the scrutiny and challenges he will have to Face tomorrow. For people like us, dwelling in the middle is, on the contrary, more comfortable."

Xu Qing was stunned.

He looked at Su Ming's eyes, which were as calm as an ancient well, and suddenly felt that he had never truly understood this friend.

He was still happy or sad over the ranking, while Su Ming had already jumped out of this circle, examining the whole situation from a higher vantage point.

This Heart-Nature, this perspective, was far beyond what he could compare to.

...

Three days later, the Luming Banquet.

The banquet was held at the "Wentaoge Pavilion" in the back garden of the Prefecture Government Office, personally hosted by the Yunsuo Prefect, inviting all the new Successful Provincial Candidates of this year.

Wentaoge Pavilion was built by the lake, with carved beams and painted rafters, and upturned eaves. Inside the pavilion, lights were bright, as bright as day. The floor was covered with thick Persian carpets, making no sound when stepped upon. The serving maids were dressed in uniform pink gauze skirts, moving like butterflies flitting through flowers, shuttling back and forth while carrying exquisitely beautiful dishes.

The air was filled with a mixture of the aroma of delicious food, the mellow fragrance of fine wine, and expensive incense.

Su Ming and Xu Qing were arranged at a table in the middle.

As the yuan of the second rank, Xu Qing's seat was near the front, right next to several assistant officials of the Prefecture Government Office.

Su Ming, meanwhile, was assigned to the very last seat at the table.

Once the banquet began, the Prefect delivered a few encouraging, perfunctory official remarks, and everyone raised their cups in unison.

Soon, the atmosphere became lively.

Officials began leaving their seats one after another, holding their wine cups as they approached the "students" they favored.

Wei Ziang, Qian Wenbai, and Xu Qing—the top three—were surrounded by crowds of people.

"Nephew Xu, you are truly a young talent!" The Prefectural Vice-Prefect, Magistrate Qian, puffed out his stomach and, with a glowing red Face, patted Xu Qing on the shoulder. "I have long heard that Qingshi County is a place of outstanding people and spirits; seeing it for myself today, it truly lives up to its reputation! Come, drain your cup!"

Flattered, Xu Qing quickly stood up to return the toast.

"yuan of the second rank Xu, I am a professor at the Prefecture School. My colleagues and I have all read your essay; its style is sharp and upright, and your insights are truly unique. I am impressed, truly impressed!"

Surrounded by a group of enthusiastic officials and students, Xu Qing was overwhelmed, and the smile on his Face had grown somewhat stiff.

On the other side, however, the area in front of Su Ming was sparse and quiet.

He was happy to have the peace and quiet, and slowly savored the delicacies on the table.

The dishes at this Luming Banquet were indeed far superior to the communal meals at the inn. This "Squirrel Mandarin Fish" was sweet, sour, and delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. That "Dongpo Pork Knuckle" was rich but not greasy, melting in one's mouth.

Su Ming's Mental Energy, like the sharpest of probes, scanned the noisy banquet hall, capturing useful information.

He "heard" two low-ranking officials whispering in a corner not far away.

"Old Li, have you heard? Things haven't been peaceful in the capital lately." An official, his Face flushed red from drink, lowered his voice and spoke mysteriously.

"Shh! Brother Wang, watch your words!" Another, slightly more sober official looked around nervously. "Are such matters for the likes of us to discuss?"

"What is there to fear!" The official surnamed Wang downed another gulp of wine, his courage bolstered. "My cousin, who serves in the Capital City Guard, wrote to me the other day. He said that half a month ago, the entire estate of a Marquis in the North City was surrounded by the Imperial Guard—not even a fly could escape. I heard... it has something to do with some 'Iron Certificate of Merit' from the previous dynasty, and it involves nobles in the palace!"

"An 'Iron Certificate of Merit' from the previous dynasty?" The official surnamed Li gasped. "My god, the waters run too deep..."

"Indeed. That's why I say, for officials like us posted in the provinces, though life is austere, at least it's stable. In a place like the capital, one wrong step and you're shattered into pieces!"

Su Ming's chopsticks paused slightly.

"Disciple, did you hear that?" Lin Yu's voice was also more serious. "The waters in the capital are deep. It seems there are other Cultivators active in the capital, and they're making quite a stir. When we go there, we must keep a low profile—no, we must stay completely submerged! We must absolutely not stick our heads out!"

Su Ming nodded, popped a piece of pork knuckle into his mouth, and silently committed this information to memory.

Halfway through the banquet, the Prefect, in high spirits, proposed that everyone compose impromptu poems on the theme of "Climbing High on an Autumn Day."

Wei Ziang did not hesitate to step forward first. Holding his wine cup, he paced the floor, and a moment later, recited a seven-character regulated poem. The verses were magnificent, the antithesis precise, and the Aura imposing, drawing cheers from the entire hall.

Xu Qing followed with a poem of his own. His style was clear and ethereal, with a lingering Concept. Although it lacked the grand scale of Wei Ziang's, it possessed its own unique spirit and similarly won much praise.

When it was the turn of the lower-ranked Successful Provincial Candidates, the atmosphere became much more casual.

When an official's gaze fell upon Su Ming, he simply gave a faint shake of his head.

"This student is shallow in talent and learning, and dares not make a fool of himself before you, my lords, and my fellow students."

His voice was not loud, but it was clear enough.

The official was taken aback for a moment, but said nothing more and turned to the next person.

Throughout the Luming Banquet, Su Ming was like a transparent person, sitting from beginning to end, doing nothing but eating and drinking. He barely spoke a word and was barely noticed by anyone.

When the banquet ended, everyone dispersed.

Xu Qing had drunk quite a bit and was being supported by two fellow townsmen. He was still grumbling indignantly to Su Ming, "Brother Su, they... they look down on people too much!"

"Brother Xu, you've had too much to drink." Su Ming steadied him and said calmly, "To be ignored—isn't that the very best kind of peace and quiet?"

He gazed at the brightly lit Prefecture Office in the night, his eyes devoid of even a shred of attachment.

...

Upon returning to Wen'an Inn, Su Ming and Xu Qing discussed their upcoming itinerary.

"I plan to set off tomorrow and return to Qingshi County," Xu Qing said. "Now that I've become a Successful Provincial Candidate, I must go home first to tell my father and let him share in the joy. Once I've settled my family affairs, I will set off for the capital to prepare for next year's Spring Examination."

"I have the same intention," Su Ming nodded. "Let us return together."

"Excellent!"

The next morning, a simple blue-cloth carriage, just like the one they had arrived in, slowly drove out of the East Gate of Yunshuo Prefecture City.

The wheels rumbled, leaving the noise and prosperity of the prefecture city far behind.

Inside the carriage, Xu Qing leaned against the wall and, still hungover, soon fell into a deep sleep.

Su Ming closed his eyes, appearing to doze, but his focus sank into the ring.

"Master, how should I explain things when I return to the County School?"

Zhou Wenhai had placed great hopes on him, counting on him to seize the top scholar position in one fell swoop.

Now, he had only placed seventy-third.

Lin Yu's voice sounded leisurely. "Are you wondering how to deal with that old fellow Zhou Wenhai when you return?"

Su Ming's focus shifted slightly. "Master is wise. This Disciple is indeed pondering that. My teacher had high expectations for the top scholar position, and I fear this result will disappoint him."

"Disappointed?" Lin Yu scoffed, his tone filled with a worldly, knowing mockery. "If he is truly disappointed because of this, then his vision as a teacher is nothing to speak of. However, for a teacher, Face is always important. I have already devised a plan for this matter."

"Please instruct me, Master."

"It's simple." Lin Yu's tone was as relaxed as if he were discussing the weather. "After you return, don't offer any explanations. You only need to do one thing."

"What is that?"

"Take the initiative to apologize." Lin Yu spoke the four words, then explained in detail. "As soon as you see Zhou Wenhai, do not wait for him to ask. You must first bow and state that you have failed to live up to his high expectations, that you underperformed in the examination hall, and that you are filled with trepidation for failing to complete the task."

Su Ming was slightly taken aback. "Is... is this not too passive?"

"Passive? This is a brilliant move of retreating to advance! By taking the initiative to admit your fault and lowering your posture, you will block most of his questions and dissatisfaction. As an elder and a teacher, could he really corner a student who is already fearful and has admitted his fault? That would be beneath his dignity."

"And then?"

"And then?" Lin Yu chuckled. "Then, you will clearly and methodically report to him what you saw in the prefecture city—especially the official atmosphere you observed at the Luming Banquet, the subtle reactions of the various factions, and... the rumors you vaguely heard about the unrest in the capital. The point is not what rank you achieved, but what you saw, what you thought, and how much you have grown through this trip to the prefecture city."

Lin Yu paused, his tone becoming profound. "You must make him feel that his student is no longer just an ignorant youth who only knows how to study by rote, but a budding official who has begun to understand how to read the political winds, consider when to advance or retreat, and form his own judgments. Between the empty title of a top scholar and a Disciple who knows how to hide his talents, understands the pros and cons, and has a long-term vision, which is more worth cultivating? If Zhou Wenhai is a smart man, he will naturally know which carries more weight. He might even be gratified, feeling that you are more mature than he imagined and more worth investing in."

After hearing this, Su Ming felt a sudden sense of clarity. His Master's plan seemed simple, but it actually demonstrated a deep understanding of human nature and political maneuvering. It not only resolved any potential blame but also transformed a "failure" into an opportunity to demonstrate his own growth.

"Master, once I return to the County School, I will act according to your plan."

"Hmm." Lin Yu acknowledged, his tone then carrying a trace of playful anticipation. "I, for one, would love to see what expression that old stick-in-the-mud Zhou Wenhai will have after hearing your 'self-reflection' and 'report.' Will he puff out his beard and glare, or stroke his beard and smile? Hehe."

Su Ming felt helpless at his Master's nature, which loved to watch the Chaos unfold.

He looked out the window; the outline of Qingshi County was already in sight. He knew that, following his Master's guidance, this return journey would not be a confession of failure, but rather a potential turning point to deepen his relationship with his teacher and earn even more of his trust.