Notes on Longevity

Chapter 23: The two have a dispute and meet again at the examination hall.

"Then why did you take the imperial examination, Brother Li?" Yang You'an asked, his face turning ashen, his voice filled with anger. "If you're not taking the imperial examination to become an official, why bother? If you become the top scholar, and then resign from that position and go off to the martial world alone, wouldn't you be wasting a spot?"

"What do you know, you little brat!"

Li Chengru retorted, looking at Yang Youan with disdain.

"I don't understand you, but do you know how many scholars have studied hard for years just for this one day?"

"Do you know how much they have to prepare and how much effort they have to put in to participate in the imperial examinations, step by step, until they reach the metropolitan examination and the palace examination? Ordinary people are already satisfied if they can pass the metropolitan examination and become a Jinshi. But the palace examination, where one can become the Zhuangyuan (top scholar), is the dream of countless scholars! You say you don't understand, but do you know that saying this can ruin the life of someone who should have become the Zhuangyuan?"

Yang Youan finally couldn't hold back any longer. He had initially thought Li Chengru was just a strange and unpredictable person. He was willing to befriend him because he thought Li was learned and knowledgeable. But now, what Li Chengru said had completely broken the heart of a scholar.

Being the top scorer in the high school entrance exam is something many people dream of, but when he said it, it sounded so casual and indifferent.

"Brother Li, I've truly misjudged you. From today onward, there's no need for us to associate. I'll pay for the inn myself later. I'll have someone return your money. As for the bet, I don't know what connection you have with that young master. If I lose, I'll offer him the ten taels of silver. Farewell!"

After Yang Youan finished speaking, he turned around and left without the slightest hesitation.

He was furious. He couldn't understand why someone with a chance to become the top scholar would participate with such a playful attitude.

Yang Youan stormed into the lobby, handed the meager amount of money in his pocket to the innkeeper, and, suppressing his anger, said softly, "The room rate for the next fifteen days is here. I'll return the money that Young Master Li paid for me later."

The shopkeeper was completely bewildered by Yang Youan's angry expression and actions. He didn't know what had happened between the two, and just as he was about to speak, Yang Youan had already headed towards the second floor.

Left with no other choice, the shopkeeper did as Yang Youan instructed, taking the money bag Li Chengru had given him and heading to Li Chengru's door.

"Young Master Li, what's going on between you and this Young Master Yang? Why is he suddenly..."

When the shopkeeper went up to the second floor and arrived at Li Chengru's room, he found that the door was not closed and Li Chengru was facing away from the door.

“It’s nothing,” Li Chengru turned around and smiled at the shopkeeper when he heard his voice. “This child can’t stand being teased, or perhaps I did say something too much.”

"Then this..." The shopkeeper took the money bag in his hand and showed it to Li Chengru.

"Keep this for now. I'll be leaving after the exams are over and the results are released. It seems like I've given you extra money. Just take what you need each day as usual. After I leave, give him the extra money along with what he gave me."

"Yes."

The shopkeeper understood, bowed to Li Chengru, and then turned and went downstairs with his money bag in his hand.

Li Chengru closed the door and muttered to himself, "A child is still a child."

Li Chengru said this because the imperial examination system of the Yan Dynasty had a certain degree of flexibility.

According to the imperial examination system of the Yan Dynasty, if any successful candidate withdraws or is found to have cheated, their ranking will be cancelled and their position will be changed accordingly.

In the past, if the number of candidates for the imperial examination was insufficient, the best among those who failed would be selected to take their place. Although this system had its flaws, it did provide an opportunity. After returning to his room, Yang Youan lay on his bed. He was no longer as angry as before, but instead began to ponder Li Chengru's words.

Now that he thinks about it, he feels that what Li Chengru said doesn't seem to be wrong, after all, what choices each person makes is their own business.

However, I also felt that Li Chengru shouldn't have said those things, since the imperial examinations were truly important for scholars. Regardless of whether one ranked in the top three in the palace examination, simply passing the exam was a matter of bringing honor to one's ancestors.

In any case, Yang Youan's mind had almost recovered, but he couldn't concentrate on his studies tonight.

And so, Yang Youan closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep.

When Yang Youan woke up the next day, he ate breakfast and then acted as if nothing had happened the night before. For the next few days, he simply sat quietly in his chair, reading a book. He didn't think about anything but the content of the book, just waiting for the imperial examination to begin.

The sixth day of the plum month, early morning.

A large crowd had gathered downstairs at the Bailai Inn.

Yang Youan also got up early to wash up. After washing up, he changed into a white robe. This white robe is called a "lanshan" and is the uniform worn by candidates when taking the imperial examination. The lanshan is made of fine white cloth, with a round collar and large sleeves, and a horizontal pleat at the bottom, with pleats at the waist.

After Yang Youan went downstairs, he asked the shopkeeper for a lot of dry food.

After all, the high school entrance exam lasts for nine days, and the exam venue does not provide food during these days. In other words, apart from paper, candidates need to bring everything else themselves.

Yang Youan took his things and followed the other candidates, who were also dressed in colorful clothes, towards the examination hall outside the inn.

The examination hall was located in a remote area in the southwest of Fuyang City. Apart from a few shops and vendors, the surrounding area was mostly residential.

The magnificent buildings of the Gongyuan stand tall and imposing. Because they are repainted three months before the start of the annual examinations, the buildings, which exude an ancient and solemn atmosphere, also have a touch of newness.

The towering stone walls on both sides of the Gongyuan Gate are engraved with the names of the top scholars in the imperial examinations after each provincial examination, as if telling the story of the glorious history of this place.

Yang Youan stood in front of the wall, looking at these things, and felt a strange feeling in his heart. He didn't know why, but he was just a little moved.

Behind him, the sounds of discussion filled the air, as candidates from all over the country discussed the exam questions and the proctor for the imperial examination, Chen Youzhi, the Minister of Rites.

"I heard that Lord Chen angrily berated the Second Prince in front of all the officials in court. He angered His Majesty and was punished by being made to serve as the proctor for the imperial examination. Sigh, I wonder what kind of person Lord Chen is? If he takes out his anger on us after the Emperor's wrath, we'll be in big trouble!"

The speaker was a young man in his late twenties, his face full of worry, as if he was truly afraid that Lord Chen would take his anger out on them.

As he was worrying, another young man beside him comforted him, saying, "Don't worry, from what I know, Lord Chen is a just person and would never do such a thing. Besides, he dared to openly insult a prince in court. Do you think Lord Chen is that kind of person?"

"That's right. Lord Chen is fair and honest, and he cherishes talent as if it were his own life. I heard from the son of Minister of Revenue Li that Lord Chen had told His Majesty that he wanted to personally supervise this imperial examination."

Hearing their discussion, everyone gathered around, chattering amongst themselves. Just then, Li Chengru passed by, and they bowed to him, looking at him with fawning expressions: "Young Master Li."

(End of this chapter)