I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 120 Bold Talk of Winning the Championship
After the rain, the puddles outside the Yong'an City County School Square were still fresh, and the grass and trees beneath the green tiles and red walls were beginning to turn frosty.

The day before the county examination was the time for mutual support and guarantee of admission.

Xue Xiang, Meng De, Wei Wendao, Lu Weimin, and Zhou Mengyu walked slowly to the examination hall to verify their identities. All five were dressed in dark blue scholar's robes, with calm expressions and proper posture.

The person in charge of the verification was sent by Canglan Academy. He was nearly fifty years old and extremely meticulous. He checked the student records, household registrations, and past records of each student in the register one by one.

Furthermore, one must verify the birth date and time, the handwriting on old scrolls, and drip blood onto the "Qingzhao Stone" on the spot. The stone surface will shimmer and flow, and the birth records, official documents, and other documents will be printed on it without any error.

After all five people had been examined, a clerk with a long face stood up, cupped his hands, and called over a servant in blue robes to present the five "examination tokens".

The ring is round like a snail shell, made entirely of black jade, with white sandstone inscriptions inside, faintly revealing the four seal characters "礼" (propriety), "义" (righteousness), "仁" (benevolence), and "信" (trustworthiness).

The clerk said solemnly, "This set of precepts was made by the academy and is called the 'Wenlu Precepts.' It serves four purposes: verifying identity, recording names, reporting achievements, and storing items."

Once embedded in a finger, it cannot be removed or destroyed; only after the examination period is over can it be officially removed.

Upon entering the venue, food, writing materials, scrolls, and oil lamps are all stored in the precepts.

After the documents are completed, they must also be carefully reviewed and approved to ensure there are no errors.

Xue Xiang took one and slipped it onto his finger. He immediately felt a slight warmth on his finger. The black jade turned into a clear light as soon as it touched his skin, like water entering his skin. His fingertip was slightly hot, but it didn't hurt. It felt very solid.

With a single thought, one can sink into the written precepts.

The group exchanged smiles, all feeling a sense of wonder.

The five people left the verification area and walked to the outside of the examination hall. They immediately encountered many acquaintances and had to greet them.

As the crowd was chatting animatedly, suddenly dust rose and winds billowed, accompanied by the thunderous sound of hooves.

More than ten red-wheeled carriages slowly drove in, each with a canopy decorated with different designs of gold-patterned white silk, symbolizing the social status of each family.

A dozen or so attendants followed in front of the carriage, each holding a long tablet and a sealed document, their steps in perfect unison.

The first carriage had its curtain half-lifted, revealing a young man inside. His face was as fair as jade, and he wore a purple robe adorned with gold, with the "Four Treasures of the Hanlin Academy" embroidered on his chest—he was Shen Ansheng, the grandson of the Shen family of Yongnan.

The crowd was buzzing.

"Is that the grandson of the Shen family? I heard that he was famous throughout the prefecture and county when he was young. He studied in Xijing and came first in the county examination last year. He said that he had no interest in the imperial examinations and was forced to come by his family. He once said that he would not accept anyone who was not in the top three in the examinations."

"Is that car next to us from the Lou family? Lou Changqing is also taking the exam this year. It's said that he entered the secret place at the age of ten and is skilled in poetry and strategy. He is one of the most outstanding talents in the family."

"Isn't that Ning Qianjun from the Ning family? He made a fool of himself at the Peony Gathering, but now he looks completely unfazed and is here to take the exam again..."

As several carriages passed by, the person in charge of maintaining order outside the examination hall actually went to greet them from afar, causing the surrounding socialites and ladies to look on with surprise and start discussing among themselves.

Xue Xiang's gaze narrowed slightly, while Meng De said in a low voice, "It's too unfair. These privileged students are all trained by their families and are exceptionally talented. It's one thing for them to emerge one after another."

They all insist on popping out together, trying to steal food from our bowls.

Wei Wendao smiled faintly, "So what if he was born into a family with privilege? Didn't Brother Xue defeat Ning Qianjun the other day?"

These people are indeed talented, but most of their fame is being built up by their clan. Let's wait and see.

However, what attracted even more attention was another convoy that followed closely behind the Yinsheng convoy.

There were dozens of candidates dressed in different colors, all with unique appearances, fair skin, pointed ears or narrow eyes, slender and upright figures, and an unusual quietness in their eyes.

They moved in unison, yet silently.

"The demon race has arrived."

One person whispered.

"They are all beings who have taken human form from the old tribes of the Yongbei Snow Ridge and the Cangwu Forest. Although they are of a different race, they have been conquered for more than three thousand years and are already literate. Among the literate demons in the tribe, they have been registered in the Confucian classics."

"I heard they get extra points, more than ten points each time. If you're not bad at the written exam, it's very easy to get on the list. It's the court's intention to 'welcome foreigners'."

"Pah! What fairness is there?"

"........."

Xue Xiangren was dumbfounded. They'd already come to this world, and there were still points for ethnic minorities?
The group of demons all had their brows lowered and their hair tied up, with bamboo slips hanging from their waists. Among them was one person who was ancient, calm, and composed, like a fox that had lived in the mountains for a hundred years, as serene as snow.

Meng De said in a low voice, "This gentleman's real name is Ling Xueyi. He is a human form of the Cangwu Fox Clan. He studied at the Canglan Academy and received personal instruction from the academy master. He is a leader among the demons."

Lu Weimin frowned slightly. "It's all the fault of the Tongjiang School. If it weren't for their theory of spirituality, when Senior Hong Yi was in office, he practiced the sage's teaching of education for all. Where would the female officials have come from, and where would the demon scholars have come from?"

The path to officialdom is already crowded enough; isn't this just needlessly adding to the difficulties for people like us?

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves breaking the wind was heard, the sound of hooves was rapid and loud like drums, and the dust was crushed.

Everyone followed the sound.

Amidst the dust and smoke, a man drove a vermilion chariot, galloping like an arrow, emerging from the ranks of the Yin Sheng.

The rider, clad in a crimson cloak with moon patterns, his hair tied up and wearing a crown, with two jade scrolls hanging from his waist, was none other than Ning Qianjun, the heir of the Ning family.

He was on horseback, but instead of stopping, he suddenly pulled on the reins and spurred the horse back in front of Xue Xiang!
The horse's forelegs were raised high, its iron hooves in mid-air, like an angry dragon suddenly rising.

Dust billowed up, and everyone retreated, afraid of being hit by the wild horse.

Xue Xiang stood alone, unmoved, as firm as a pine tree.

His eyelids were slightly lowered, as if he were listening to the wind.

Ning Qianjun rode his horse directly in front of him, looking down at him with a mocking smile, and suddenly shouted loudly,
"Fellow students and seniors, I have something to say today!"

His voice was like thunder, and he stood in the wind, causing everything around him to tremble.

Even the socialites and ladies who were whispering by the roadside stopped talking and looked at him.

"I'm sure you've all heard of my rivalry with Xue Xiang."

You all think that I, Ning, am inferior in skill and therefore retreated, but this is a false rumor.

Ning did not want to waste his exquisite poems on a literary gathering.

Xue Xiang, didn't you tell Ning the other day that you would take the top spot in the county examination?
I, Ning, dare not presume to claim the top spot, but I am absolutely not afraid of you.

Let's see who's the best in the imperial examination. Do you dare or not?

The day before yesterday, Ning Qianjun was scared off by Xue Xiang's offer of "withdrawing from the county examination" as a prize.

Back home, she grew angrier the more she thought about it, feeling that her public image had collapsed and her reputation was ruined.

This whole thing was something he had been planning for a long time.

"What a shameless scoundrel."

Meng De coldly cursed, knowing Xue Xiang as he did, that he would never utter such arrogant and brainless remarks.

Ning Qianjun's actions this time can be considered as throwing mud at someone without any real cause.

At that moment, Xue Xiang had no room for defense.

If you try to defend yourself, you'll be seen as someone who dares to speak but not to admit it, and you'll be looked down upon. It's an unsolvable problem.

After all, this trick doesn't work on others, but it's incredibly effective on Xue Xiang.

Because others don't have Xue Xiang's reputation, even if they say "winning the championship," it will be taken as a joke.

But if it were Xue Xiang, even if he didn't say it, others would assume that he did.

Ning Qianjun raised his voice, "I am not a mean-spirited person, but I am indignant upon hearing these words."

Xue Xiang, tell me yourself, what ability do you have to win the top spot in the county examination?

Having said that, he drew a jade slip from his waist, flung it away, and with a shake of the wind, the black characters and silver writing floated in the air.
The Yuanhe Zhi states that a ruler selects officials based on both virtue and literary talent.

What virtue or literary talent do you possess?
Although I, Ning Qianjun, am dull-witted, I know that there are countless outstanding talents among those born in the Yin Sheng family!

Brother Shen Ansheng, he mastered the Book of Poetry at the age of seven, studied the Book of Correct Words at the age of nine, and became famous throughout the prefecture and county at the age of fourteen. He was exceptionally talented.

Brother Lou Changqing, you passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen and passed three levels of examinations. Your works have been printed by Xitai and sent to the Five Classics Bureau for proofreading.

Not to mention Bai Xueyi, a demon who has only been in human form for five years, yet has already composed five strategies, all of which demonstrate his understanding of the meaning of scriptures and his mastery of military tactics!
You, Xue Xiang, though you have a reputation, how dare you claim you will surely win first place?

His tone grew increasingly sharp as he dismounted step by step and approached.

"I heard that you have written some famous articles and your literary talent has soared to the sky. You also published a book called 'Cloud News' and thought you were a genius."
Those are all in the past. In the imperial examinations, success depended on one's writing skills, not on showing off one's poetry.

Your claim of winning by deception is not only a matter of seeking fame, but also an insult to others.

"This dishonors the name of Yinsheng, the etiquette of the demon race, and the fundamental principles of literature and morality!"

The crowd was in uproar.

First, some young scholars looked unfriendly, then Ling Xueyi slowly walked out of the demon race caravan. He had a fair complexion, deep eyes, and snow fox runes embroidered on his sleeves.

He slowly walked up to Xue Xiang, and without saying a word, his aura was already as imposing as a mountain. When he spoke, his voice was calm, but it revealed a subtle chill: "If you say that you have the title in your grasp, then please prove it yourself on the scroll."

If not, then your words are blasphemous.

This is blasphemous; it is disrespectful to literature and the Way.

“Friend Xue, I also respect your great name. But what if you don’t win the championship?”

Lou Changqing walked slowly from a distance, dressed in plain clothes and a blue crown. He spoke slowly, his tone as calm as flowing water, "I, Lou, do not like to compete for fame, and at this time, I do not wish to give way to others."

There is only one thing I must make clear.

There are three types of people in the world who are the most despicable.

The first type is those whose talents are not worthy of fame;

The second type is where sound is not in sync with movement;

The third type is praising something before it's even tried.

"Your Excellency, which category do you belong to?"

"well said."

Shen Ansheng clapped lightly. He was dressed in white, handsome and extraordinary. He wore a green robe and had an unparalleled appearance. He walked up to Xue Xiang and looked at him calmly. "Brother Xue does not know Yin Sheng, nor has he been to the secret place. He is unaware of the family's background."

"I can forgive such outrageous and paradoxical statements, as long as you retract your falsehoods, I, Shen, am willing to let this matter rest."

Xue Xiang stood under the watchful eyes of the crowd, without moving an inch from beginning to end.

He was dressed in a plain cloth shirt, without gold on his belt, without any seals or markings, with his hands behind his back and his eyes seemingly calm.

The words of Ning Qianjun, Lou Changqing, Ling Xueyi, and Shen Ansheng were all fiery and sharp; anyone else would have felt guilty, anxious, ashamed, or angry.

But he only slightly raised his eyes.

His gaze swept over the three people in front of him, passing them by without lingering, and finally settled on the apricot blossoms swaying in the spring breeze at the far end of the examination hall.

He asked casually,

"Have the apricot blossoms fallen?"

Ning Qianjun's face immediately turned ashen. "Playing tricks!"

Xue Xiang then turned around, his voice extremely soft, as if afraid of startling the flowers, "I'm here to take the exam. Is it wrong to want to get first place?"

He couldn't be bothered to explain Ning Qianjun's slander.

Instantly, the entire room fell silent, followed by a surge of discussion.

"Yeah, who doesn't want to get first place in an exam?"

"Everyone wants to win, and it's not a crime for Xue Xiang to say it out loud."

"These privileged students are too arrogant. Do they mean only their people can win the championship, but Brother Xue can't?"

"........."

Yinsheng and the demon race were, after all, only a minority. Once the discussion started, the wave of discussion stirred up by Ning Qianjun was immediately extinguished.

Just then, Xue Xiang said calmly, "I'm determined to be the top scholar in this county examination. If you ask why, it's simply because—I'm here."

As the lady in the cheongsam once said, one should become famous as early as possible; the old man Han Gu also said in his notes that there are countless talented people in the world, and those who are talented but do not become famous are extremely foolish.

Xue Xiang's words struck everyone like a stone falling into still water.

In the southwest corner of the examination hall, there is a small, suspended building called "Crane Tower".

Because of its high location, it receives the most sunlight and mountain views, and is close to the examination hall, it is often a place where celebrities, scholars, teachers and elders stop to quietly observe the students' demeanor.

Business is booming these days.

On the third floor, in the Listening to the Rain Residence, there is a short ebony table, and the windows are wide open, letting the mountain breeze carry the aroma of wine.

The view from here is expansive, allowing one to see what's happening outside the examination hall.

A middle-aged man in his thirties was leaning against the railing, holding a wine glass, looking at Xue Xiang, who was making bold statements, with a lazy and smiling expression.

His eyes were exceptionally beautiful, clear and bright, with a hint of playfulness hidden within their shimmering light, yet they were not unpleasant; instead, they evoked a sense of warmth and friendliness.

This gentleman was none other than Xue Xiang's senior brother, the Seventh Academy Master, and the Headmaster of Yunmeng Zhangyin Temple, Xie Haiya.

Not far from him, a woman was also leaning against the railing, watching the bustling scene outside the examination hall.

The woman wore a dark black robe embroidered with gold, a crimson belt around her waist with a book bag tied to it, and her long hair was casually tied up, yet she exuded an indescribable composure and elegance.

With snow-white skin and lips like cinnabar, her temperament was neither the gentleness of an ordinary young lady nor the coldness of a court lady; rather, she was more like a solitary person wandering in the mountains and forests or outside the academy.

This woman's full name is Song Tingfang. She is the daughter of Liu Fengchi, a great master of the Tongjiang School, the Director of the Guanfeng Division of Canglan Prefecture, and the senior master of Xue Xiang and Xie Haiya.

The military pay scandal came to a close, and if it weren't for Song Tingfang's intervention, Xue Xiang's fate wouldn't have been so good.

This gathering was organized by Xie Haiya, not for Xue Xiang's sake, but for his own future.

He was transferred to Yunmeng City for a year and a half, where he was in charge of the Seventh Academy.

In just a year and a half, Yunmeng City has seen a boom in commerce and a surge in profits and taxes. In particular, the development of Suiyang Ferry has become a benchmark for Yunmeng City and even Canaan County.

Although Xue Xiang made great contributions, as the head of the academy, he also received a considerable share of the credit.

The Tongjiang School noticed this and acted on his behalf, and things are already looking promising.

However, the specific operational direction and the location of any transfer must be decided by Song Tingfang.

Xie Haiya was unwilling to meet this cheap senior brother, not only because Senior Brother Song was cold and aloof, but more importantly because their ages and seniority were reversed.

Before Song Tingfang turned thirty, he was already nearing forty, yet he insisted on calling Song Tingfang "Master Uncle".

Now, being forced to accept such a courtesy, he can only endure it.

Originally, Xie Haiya didn't know how to break through, but then he suddenly thought of the county examination and that today was the day to verify his identity, so he decided to hold the gathering here.

Unexpectedly, Xue Xiang did make a commotion, which gave him and Man Tingfang something to talk about and prevented them from getting into an awkward conversation.

"This kid is getting more and more arrogant. As the saying goes, 'The mortal world is the best.' He's a wolf from Zhongshan. Once he gets his way, he becomes arrogant. He's really arrogant."

Xie Haiya couldn't help but burst out laughing.

He still vividly remembered the way Xue Xiang had acted like a hermit standing in the snow in front of his door when they first met. He couldn't help but secretly admire Xue Xiang, who was truly a man of both soft and hard power, flexible and adaptable, practically a saintly figure in the world of officialdom.

"It doesn't sound like sarcasm, it sounds like praise."

Song Tingfang glanced at the dispersing crowd outside the examination hall.

Xie Haiya's smile deepened, a faint warmth appearing in his eyes. "I'd be surprised if Xue Xiang stopped causing trouble one day."

To be honest, I actually asked him how he manages to stir up trouble wherever he goes.

"Uncle-Master, guess what this kid said?"

"Say!"

Song Tingfang raised his eyebrows.

Xie Haiya was speechless and could only say dejectedly, "This kid said there are two reasons."

First, officials who don't make any trouble are destined to follow the established path, and following the established path means a mediocre life.

He would rather die in a storm than live a mediocre life.

"That's interesting. What about number two?"

"The second reason is almost a joke."

"When will this end? You're such a nag."

"Yes, yes, this kid also said that he always feels like the protagonist of a picture book legend. If his life has no ups and downs, it won't be exciting. And if it's not exciting, where will the readers come from?"

"hiss."

Song Tingfang covered her mouth, quickly regaining her composure. "He really is a remarkable person. However, this time, the title of champion is destined to be out of his reach."

Xie Haiya paused abruptly in his wine glass, staring intently into her eyes with a hint of seriousness.
"Even my senior uncle thinks he can't compare to Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing, and Ling Xueyi?"

Song Tingfang remained silent, her expression unchanged, only tapping her teacup lightly with her fingertips.

The rhythm was just like the opening beat of a ritual or eulogy.

Xie Haiya frowned slightly. After a long while, he put down his cup, sat up straight, stared at her back, and said in a deep voice,

"Please enlighten me, Master."

Song Tingfang suddenly stood up, turned her back to him, and watched the sunset outside the window gradually disappear. Her voice was so low that only the wind could hear it, "He is too bright."

"It is so bright that it overshadows the light of others, while the county examination is also a glorious moment for others to shine."

Xie Haiya was stunned, his face finally darkening. Still confused, he was about to ask again when Song Tingfang gestured with her full red lips to the north.

Xie Haiya stared intently and saw two figures leaning against the railing, watching the commotion outside.

That place was the Shan Hai Ju Restaurant. He recognized the two figures, but couldn't recall their names.

He was about to ask Song Tingfang a question when she had already disappeared. He then heard a voice say, "I will keep your matter in mind."

You are not qualified to interfere in Xue Xiang's affairs.

Hurry back to Yunmeng. At this critical moment, make sure your own job doesn't go wrong.

Otherwise, I won't be able to help you then.

Xie Haiya remained silent, then looked back at Shanhai Residence, where the group had already returned indoors.

Inside the top-tier private room of Shanhaiju, a silver-gray tea cauldron was boiling on a small red clay stove, and an ancient white scroll was spread out on the table, with several vermilion brushes resting quietly in gilded brush holders.

The two people sat facing each other inside the room.

A man dressed in a white scholar's robe, about fifty years old, with a face as round as a melon and a solemn expression, was none other than Xu Changying, one of the chief examiners of the Yong'an County Examination.

The other person, dressed in a Buddhist robe, with slightly graying temples and wearing a jade talisman, was none other than Wang Zongjing, the nobleman who came to "supervise the examination" on behalf of the governor of Canglan Prefecture.

The tea on the table was a light, pale color, and the candlelight flickered, casting a shadow on Wang Zongjing's brows, half-lit and half-shadowed, hinting at a sinister intent.

"See that? This is the kind of stuff that comes from poor families. How can we let them gain power? The court is in turmoil now, with everyone clamoring for reform. Isn't that all the noise caused by these guys from humble backgrounds?"

Wang Zongjing didn't look out the window, but instead lowered his eyes and stroked the table.

Xu Changying remained unmoved, took a sip of tea, and said, "Yunmeng Xue Xiang has been enjoying great popularity recently. Given his talent, it wouldn't be surprising if he really won the championship."

Wang Zongjing smiled coldly and said, "The sage said, 'Education should be provided to all without discrimination.' But I say, 'In a well-governed world, social status and rules are still necessary.'"

If this year's winner is again a commoner, how can we, the privileged children, accept this? Wouldn't the literary atmosphere of the land descend into chaos?

Xu Changying nodded slightly, “But in the competition of the imperial examinations, everyone has to rely on their own abilities. Even if you and I favor someone, what can we do?”
Brother Wang, if there's any unconventional way you need to go, I'm afraid I cannot accompany you.

Wang Zongjing said, "How could I, Wang, do anything against the law? Just do it this way, do it this way..."

Outside the window, apricot blossoms flutter in the wind, and dust and sand remain unsettled.

Inside the hall, the red candles flickered silently.

…………

After making his boastful remarks, Xue Xiang bid farewell to Mengde and the others and returned home alone.

He had only walked one street when he keenly sensed that someone was following him.

He turned to a street corner, and the man actually came up to him, his body covered by a cloak and his face by a bamboo hat.

"Young Master Xue, come with me."

Xue Xiang was startled; it was Madam Wei.

At this juncture, he really didn't want to meet with Madam Wei, but he couldn't bear to go against her good intentions.

The two walked one after the other to the southern suburbs, to an old bridge.

The old bridge is made of bluestone and is shaded by weeping willows on both sides.

The stream flows gently beneath the bridge, occasionally splashing white waves with the presence of pebbles, which shimmer and sparkle like broken silver in the moonlight.

The wind blew through the forest, rustling the branches and rippling the clear light in the pond.

Madam Wei removed her straw hat, revealing a bright and captivating face. She wore no heavy makeup today, her hair was loosely tied up, and she only wore a ginkgo jade hairpin.

The jade hairpin gleamed coldly in the moonlight, making her features appear gentle yet detached.

"What does your teacher's wife want with me?"

"I've heard rumors that the champion will be chosen from among the underprivileged this time, and the source is confirmed. Just now, I heard Mr. Xue's bold words, and I fear that things will not go well in the future, and Mr. Xue will be disappointed."

Xue Xiang remained silent. He never expected that someone would resort to pre-selection before the exam even started.

If it were a matter of ability, he was confident that he was second to none.

But if someone plays tricks, it could really be troublesome.

"Thank you for the reminder, Madam."

Xue Xiang bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

There's no need for thanks between us.

Madam Wei slid a jade flute out of her sleeve and handed it to Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang took the jade flute and examined it carefully. He saw that the flute was seven sections long, made entirely of jade, and was translucent and warm. When the moonlight shone on it, it looked like a pool of frozen spring water.

However, the mouthpiece of the flute was not made of jade, but rather a piece of rough pear wood. The pear wood looked somewhat familiar, somewhat resembling the umbrella handle from yesterday. It seemed to be a modified umbrella handle with a hollowed-out design, which did not match the body of the flute.

“My father often says that the flute can bring good luck. Young Master Xue is about to take the big exam and we have nothing to do to help him. So we made a new flute to bring him good fortune.”

Madam Wei lowered her brows and said, "Young master, why don't you give it a try?"

"I'm not good at this."

"It's worth a try, it'll bring good luck."

Xue Xiang held the flute to his lips and gently blew on it. The sound was hoarse, and he could even smell a faint scent of seawater.

Madam Wei blushed and took the jade flute. "It seems it wasn't done well. The sound quality is wrong. I'll fix it."

May Young Master Xue have great luck in his examinations and surely pass with flying colors.

After saying that, he turned around, put on a cloak and a bamboo hat, and hurried away, his steps somewhat flustered.

Xue Xiang was completely baffled and had no idea what was going on. Even if it was seduction, it shouldn't be done so hastily.

(End of this chapter)