Chapter Twenty-Three: The Examination Questions

"Ziyan, what do you think of Li Zisheng?"
The speaker was none other than Kong Zhichong, who had just mentioned he would test Li Zisheng. At this moment, a young man stood facing him.

"Calm and unassuming, neither arrogant nor servile; he possesses the bearing of a great general and the integrity of a distinguished scholar." The youth replied evenly. Though his words were praise, his expression remained utterly composed, without a trace of emotion.

"Oh? You hold him in such high regard, Ziyan? Why is that?" the elder asked with a smile.

"In his poetry, and in his speech and conduct," the youth answered, seeming a man of few words. He spoke, then fell silent, standing quietly to one side.

The elder smiled as well, refraining from further inquiry.

"Master, Brother." Zhang Ziyang stepped across the threshold into the main hall. At once he spotted his teacher and reverted to the demeanor of a student. Yet in the next moment, seeing his elder brother, he wilted like a frostbitten eggplant.

Zhang Ziyang feared neither heaven nor earth, but he was always anxious before his brother. Whenever his brother's expression turned cold, Zhang Ziyang became deeply unsettled. Usually, his brother was away with the army, seldom seen at home—why was he here now, and with his teacher no less? Was he reporting some misdeed on his behalf? Zhang Ziyang’s imagination ran wild, and cold sweat broke out across his brow.

"Ziyang, you’ve returned. Tell me, what do you make of Li Zisheng?" The elder posed the same question to Zhang Ziyang.

"He's very good—perfect as a brother. I like his character: upright, straightforward, and especially calm. When I told Li Zisheng about the upcoming test, he didn’t so much as blink—utterly unfazed, just like my brother." Zhang Ziyang finished, forcing his lips into what he hoped was the most harmonious and flattering smile, glancing toward Zhang Ziyan.

Zhang Ziyan paid him no mind, remaining quietly where he stood.

A loud voice rang out from outside, "May I ask if Master Kong is present? Student Yan Ziqing requests an audience." The speaker was the scholar in pale blue robes who had received Li Zisheng, now acting as class leader.

"Come in," the elder replied quietly. Zhang Ziyang quickly moved aside.

"Student Yan Ziqing greets Master Kong and General Zhang." Hearing this, the elder gave no reply, and Zhang Ziyan nodded in acknowledgement.

"Do you know why I summoned you?" the elder asked, his gaze fixed on Yan Ziqing.

"Student is slow-witted, but I venture to guess it concerns the new entrant, Li Zisheng." Under the elder’s intense gaze, Yan Ziqing spoke little, for each person present could either make his future boundless or render it bleak. Caution was paramount.

"Indeed, it is about the class leader’s test. I intend to use your position as class leader as the reward or penalty for this examination. What are your thoughts?" The elder’s eyes burned brightly.

Yan Ziqing faltered for a moment under the elder’s gaze, but quickly responded, "Naturally, I have no objection. To be tested by Master is a privilege I eagerly seek, and would never bear resentment." He bowed respectfully, his sincerity evident.

"Good. The test will take place three days hence, and the subject is poetry—nothing difficult. What do you think?"

Yan Ziqing understood the elder’s tone was inquisitive, yet brooked no refusal. Even if he truly objected, he could not say so—otherwise, he would be deemed ungrateful and lacking in judgment. Of course, he realized this, but could not state it outright; none present were fools.

"Very well, the realm of poetry is but one path. The scope of the examination is simple: essence and emotion. Are you aware?" The elder finished, twisting his beard and smiling at Yan Ziqing.

Hearing this, Yan Ziqing was delighted. Knowing the exam topic in advance was a boon with no drawbacks. He did not worry whether the elder had also told Li Zisheng, for in his view, Li Zisheng was clever but lacked experience and scholarly foundation. Thus, his own advantage was clear.

Of course, if the elder had not told Li Zisheng the topic, so much the better. As for whether the elder’s words were true, Yan Ziqing had no doubts. Others might not know, but Yan Ziqing did: Master Kong was a descendant of the Sage himself, a lifelong advocate of Confucianism, incapable of lying and with no reason to deceive him.

"Thank you, Master. Student Yan Ziqing takes his leave—farewell, Master, General." Yan Ziqing offered the student’s salute, retreating step by step. Kong Zhichong and Zhang Ziyan nodded, granting permission.

"Hmph, so pretentious! Teacher, why did you reveal the exam topic to Yan Ziqing beforehand? Isn’t that unfair to Li Zisheng?" Zhang Ziyang could hold his tongue no longer, bursting out with his question to Kong Zhichong.

Kong Zhichong stroked his beard and smiled.

"Zhang Ziyang, don’t be unruly. Have you already met your uncle? I still need to settle accounts with you for sneaking out," Zhang Ziyan interrupted, grabbing Zhang Ziyang and giving him a gentle kick, his tone stern.

"Brother, let’s talk about that later. Yan Ziqing is so timid and unconvincing—such a two-faced person cannot be trusted. I fear he’ll deceive you and Master, and it would be unfortunate if you were misled. I’m only concerned for you both, don’t you agree?" Dangling from Zhang Ziyan’s grasp, Zhang Ziyang spoke animatedly, his eyes pleading for release and forgiveness for his recent misdeeds.

"You rascal, your cousin has already arrived, and your uncle as well. Find time to return to the Le Army camp and pay them a visit, understood?" Zhang Ziyan set him down, instructing him with a sigh.

"What? Brother, you said cousin and uncle are here? I’ll go see them right away!" Zhang Ziyang’s face lit up with joy. His cousin greatly admired Li Zisheng and had told him to keep an eye on him. Now that Li Zisheng was facing an unwarranted test from Yan Ziqing, his cousin would surely be eager to know.

Ignoring his teacher’s instructions, Zhang Ziyang hurriedly bid farewell to the pair and dashed out, leaving first.