Chapter Twenty-Six: Wind Sweeps Through the Pavilion

Two days later, the sky was clear and bright, with gentle breezes, already carrying a hint of early spring.

Upon returning to the Huile County Academy, he found the place teeming with people. Curious onlookers only needed to ask to learn that today was the day of the official exam for the promotion to the rank of Human Level Chief. The city’s various markets and districts had set up small gambling stalls outside, and even the county magistrate had dispatched constables to guard the academy’s entrance to prevent any disturbances.

In that moment, the entire Huile Academy became the focal point of the city.

Early in the morning, Li Zisheng took deep breaths in the rear courtyard’s vegetable garden, performed a set of fitness exercises, and then went to the dining hall to have a breakfast of greens and plain rice porridge.

Those who saw Li Zisheng’s calm demeanor were filled with admiration. At only eight years old, he remained unflustered in the face of such an event—truly a prodigy. Just this composure alone set him apart from his peers.

Inside the academy, the same atmosphere prevailed. Students from both the Literary and Martial Talent Halls had gathered early in the Examination Hall, waiting for the arrival of the two protagonists. Yet, it was obvious that the seats on the far right in the Genius Hall were already filled, while the seats for Earth and Heaven Levels remained empty.

“Quick, ten to one odds! Place your bets, who do you think will win?” The noisy clamor outside the academy was relentless.

“Of course I’m betting on Yan Ziqing. I’ve heard he’s been studying at Huile Academy for nearly ten years, his knowledge profound and well-versed in the classics. An eight-year-old child could never defeat Yan Ziqing. If Li Zisheng wins, I’ll write my name backwards. Here, I’ll wager ten taels.” A burly man staked all his silver.

Such scenes were commonplace outside the academy’s gates.

Li Zisheng took it all in. If this were merely a simple exam, even with the position of Human Level Chief at stake, it wouldn’t have attracted such widespread attention. Clearly, someone was deliberately stirring up the event. If he won, the hype would work in his favor, making him famous throughout the county; but if he failed, his literary reputation would surely suffer. After all, in the Tang Dynasty, reputation was everything.

He did not know who was behind the scenes, but as for the literary exam itself, even ten Yan Ziqings would not be his match. Thus, he remained confident—not fearless, but simply having no cause for worry.

As the sun rose, the academy’s main hall was filled to capacity. Even the Genius Hall’s Earth and Heaven Level seats, though not entirely occupied, now had several people seated.

Soon, an elder ascended the platform at the front of the hall.

“Since ancient times, martial skills may be measured, but literary talent cannot be compared. Yet those who seek the Way must continually exchange and grow. This grand event at Huile Academy serves two purposes: to showcase the endless talent of our great Tang, and to display the academy’s own splendor. Today’s Human Level Chief exam, I hope all may join me in witnessing.”

The speaker was the academy’s director, equivalent to a modern dean, holding an eighth-rank official position.

Once he finished, the once noisy hall fell silent.

At that moment, the two protagonists appeared, taking their seats on the platform. Yan Ziqing, nearly twenty years old, tall and imposing, presented a stark contrast to the eight-year-old Li Zisheng beside him.

Most present knew nothing of Li Zisheng’s reputation, but Yan Ziqing was well-known among Huile’s literati. Thus, almost no one doubted that Yan Ziqing would win.

Li Zisheng, meanwhile, felt a twinge of irritation. Whoever was behind this had made a simple exam into a public spectacle, as if performing for an audience.

From the gallery above, several figures of obvious status and authority watched. Li Zisheng could not fathom why the position of Human Level Chief attracted such attention—what special significance did it hold?

“Everyone, please be quiet. The literary contest begins now. The examiner is Master Kong Zhichong.” The director spoke, and from behind the curtain emerged an elder. Though his hair was white, he walked with vigor, hinting at martial training, but his eyes were deep, containing a wisdom that only comes from years of study.

“Today’s exam is akin to a small literary gathering, meant for exchange. Examiner: Kong Zhichong. Candidates: Yan Ziqing, Li Zisheng.” Kong Zhichong gestured for the two to enter their prepared compartments—temporary rooms equipped with all necessary writing materials.

Clearly, the academy placed great importance on this exam, yet its true purpose remained a nagging mystery in Li Zisheng’s mind.

Once both candidates were seated, Kong Zhichong surveyed the hall.

“This exam’s topic is poetry. The theme: ‘Objects are not objects, feelings are feelings.’ The time limit is four incense sticks.”

Li Zisheng first thought not of the topic, but of the time. Four incense sticks—an incense stick in ancient times burned for about fifteen minutes, so about an hour in total. An hour for a single poem? That seemed excessive.

If others knew what Li Zisheng was thinking, they would surely want to beat him. What poem was not composed with careful brewing, sometimes taking months or even years, ceaselessly revising each line for satisfaction? Half an hour was already considered very short.

Yan Ziqing, in his compartment, was elated. He had learned the topic three days ago, researched the classics, searched for suitable words, and labored without rest. After three days, he had finally written a poem he was moderately satisfied with. Victory was assured.

Moreover, many distinguished figures were present—especially those in the gallery above. Yan Ziqing already knew through discreet channels that these individuals had direct access to the highest authorities. If he won, he might gain their favor and thus rise swiftly through the ranks.

The more he thought, the more excited he became. The two candidates had entirely different mindsets.

Li Zisheng cast aside all the complex thoughts crowding his mind. For now, the exam was what mattered. Whatever others’ motives, his own goal was clear: to enter the academy’s Heaven Level for advanced study and earn recommendation to the State School’s Genius Hall.