Chapter 251 - 249: Revelation
Duan Mengjing shook his head gently and smiled. "Even if you participate in the Metropolitan and Palace Examinations next year and become an Advanced Scholar, what then?"
He took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Those who rank in the Third Class of Advanced Scholars, after a period of observation, are usually assigned to be a County Magistrate or a Seventh Grade Martial Officer. After that, there is an evaluation every three years. With an excellent evaluation, you can be promoted to the Junior Sixth Grade. With another three years of excellent evaluations, you finally reach the Sixth Grade.
"To climb step by step like this, how many years would it take to reach the Third Grade? How many more to be promoted to the Grand Secretariat? Besides, there are so many Seventh Grade officials in the world. How can you guarantee that you’ll pass every evaluation with flying colors? That you’ll be promoted every single time?"
Chen Shouheng was stunned. He had only ever thought about earning a title to bring glory to his ancestors; he had never considered the intricacies of his future official career in such depth.
He gave a wry smile. "A position in the Grand Secretariat is something I dare not hope for. I ask for your guidance, Master."
"The key lies in one’s ranking as an Advanced Scholar."
Duan Mengjing stroked his beard and said, "Those of the Third Class of Advanced Scholars will have a difficult path. But if you can rank in the Second Class and be conferred the title of Advanced Scholar, it’s a completely different story. After a year of observation, you can enter the Shuji Institute and become a Junior Scholar.
"Inside the Shuji Institute, you will cultivate your learning. There is an annual examination, and an ’excellent’ designation is given to the top thirty percent. As long as you earn an excellent evaluation, you can be promoted by one rank.
"Once you cultivate to the Grandmaster Realm, when you are assigned a post outside the capital, you will at least be a Governor or a County Captain. For outstanding individuals, a direct promotion to Governor is not impossible."
"And if you can manage to place in the First Class, you would be granted the highest honors of an Advanced Scholar, become a student of the Emperor himself, and directly enter the Hanlin Academy."
Duan Mengjing’s tone grew more serious. "The Hanlin Academy is the Emperor’s personal academy, and what’s more, it is where the Emperor’s Son and the Empress cultivate their learning. It is an incomparably prestigious and noble post. The evaluations and promotions within it are far beyond what an external official could compare to. Three years in the Hanlin Academy are worth thirty years as a County Magistrate—the difference between them is immeasurable."
"Of course."
His tone shifted. "There are only three First-Class Scholars in each examination—they are as rare as a phoenix feather. You need not force it. But if you can secure a place in the Second Class and enter the Shuji Institute, your starting point will be much, much higher."
After listening carefully, Chen Shouheng felt a sense of sudden enlightenment. ’So there are so many hidden paths and intricacies to it.’
’No wonder so many people in the Martial Arts Academy remain here to cultivate even after passing the Martial Examination, unwilling to participate in the Imperial Examination.’
After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "In your opinion, Master Duan, when would be the most appropriate time for me to take the Metropolitan Examination?"
Duan Mengjing said, "You should at least wait until you have reached the Inner Mansion Pass and have spent some time there, polishing and settling your cultivation. If you can break through to the Divine Hall in one go, you might have a chance at the First Class.
"You are still young; there’s no need to rush into an official career. Entering service early or late is not always the only measure of talent. Those who start early are not necessarily geniuses, and late bloomers are not necessarily mediocre. It can be a good thing to build a solid foundation before making your move."
Chen Shouheng nodded silently.
After taking the Soul-Stabilizing Pill his father had sent, he already had a faint sense of his own Divine Hall Acupoint.
’Once I reach the Inner Mansion Pass, breaking through to the Divine Hall won’t be that difficult. It’s true that I can afford to wait.’
He took a deep breath, rose solemnly, and gave a deep bow. "I have learned my lesson. Thank you for your guidance, Master."
Duan Mengjing accepted his bow calmly. Then, his tone suddenly shifted as he asked, seemingly at random, "Shouheng, in your opinion, what is cultivation?"
Chen Shouheng was taken aback. He was about to blurt out, ’Cultivation is practicing martial arts to strengthen the body and clarifying the mind to see one’s true nature,’ but the words died on his lips.
After a moment of silent, careful thought, he answered cautiously, "I believe... that to live in this world is to cultivate."
A flicker of imperceptible gratification passed through Duan Mengjing’s eyes. He nodded and said, "Good. Remember those words. In this world of cultivation, who isn’t climbing step by step? For whom is it easy?
"Who hasn’t had to struggle, taking ten steps just to leave a single footprint and stumbling every five? Don’t aim too high, but don’t sell yourself short either. There are no geniuses in this world, and yet, everyone is a genius."
He paused, then instructed, "Remember, the path of cultivation is not about speed, but about solidity. It is not about height, but about being ceaseless."
Chen Shouheng’s heart trembled. He etched these words firmly into his mind and bowed once more. "I will remember your teachings, Master."
Duan Mengjing gave a slight nod and said no more. He took a book from a drawer in his desk.
A gentle yet incredibly pure current of Qi Strength lifted it and floated it slowly to Chen Shouheng. "In your spare time, read more history. It will only do you good."
Chen Shouheng received it with both hands. Looking at the word "Genesis" on the cover, he felt puzzled and couldn’t help but look up and ask, "Master Duan, this... I don’t recognize which dynasty’s history this is from."
Duan Mengjing’s lips moved slightly, but he made no sound. However, three crystal-clear words seemed to be imprinted directly into the depths of Chen Shouheng’s mind.
"The current dynasty."
BOOM!
Those three words were like a thunderclap from the highest heavens, exploding in Chen Shouheng’s sea of consciousness.
He felt dizzy and his vision swam. It was as if all the blood in his body had frozen for an instant, only to begin boiling violently.
His Divine Sense vaguely perceived that he had, inadvertently, become entangled in some form of earth-shattering karma.
He didn’t even know how he managed to bid farewell to Mr. Duan, nor how he had staggered to the mountain gate in a daze.
"Shouheng, what’s wrong? You look so pale."
It wasn’t until Zhou Shuwei, who was waiting with the horses, saw his pale face and absent-minded expression and came forward to ask, that Chen Shouheng abruptly snapped back to his senses.
He shook his head and forced a smile. "I’m... I’m fine. I was just moved by my farewell with Master Duan."
Seeing that he didn’t want to elaborate, Zhou Shuwei didn’t press the matter, merely asking softly, "Where are we going?"
Chen Shouheng took a deep breath. "Let’s go home first."
There was still over a month until the Provincial Examination, and they still needed to go to the Liyang Commandery Magistrate’s Office to register for the Martial Examination’s provincial round.
...
Lingxi.
Chen Shouheng and Zhou Shuwei rode side-by-side. As he watched the silhouette of the estate gradually come into focus in the distance, a feeling of warmth and relief washed over him.
As they drew near, he sensed that the atmosphere was different from usual.
The main gates were wide open, and new red silk lanterns hung from the eaves. A dozen or so servants were busy pasting festive paper cuttings on the windows.
The faint sound of laughter drifted from within the estate, painting a scene of jubilant celebration.
"The young master is back!"
A sharp-eyed servant spotted Chen Shouheng from afar. His face breaking into a wide grin, he hurried over, bowing repeatedly. "Congratulations, Young Master! Felicitations, Young Master!"
Chen Shouheng reined in his horse and exchanged a look of surprise with Zhou Shuwei.
He dismounted, handed the reins to a servant who came forward, and asked, "What’s the happy occasion? Why are we hanging lanterns and decorations?"
The servant grinned from ear to ear. "Reporting to the young master, it’s wonderful news! The Second Young Madam safely gave birth to a little young master last night."
"My second brother has an heir?"
Chen Shouheng was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.
He turned to Zhou Shuwei, who had also dismounted, and smiled. "Shuwei, let’s go inside and see my little nephew."
The two of them hurried through the courtyard. Servants bustled back and forth preparing for a banquet, and the very air seemed to be filled with a festive aura.
Just as they stepped over the threshold of the main hall, they saw his father, Chen Li, and his grandmother seated in the primary seats, rare, relaxed smiles on their faces.
His mother, Song Ying, was holding the newborn, still wrapped in swaddling clothes.
His second brother, Chen Shouye, stood to the side, and though he maintained a calm demeanor, he couldn’t hide the joy in his eyes.
His younger siblings, like Shouyue and Shoucheng, were all there.
"Father, Mother. I’m back."
Chen Shouheng stepped into the hall.
"Big Brother!"
"Big Brother, why are you back?"
"Shouheng is back!"
Seeing Chen Shouheng, everyone greeted him one after another, their joy deepening.
Chen Shouyue bounced over happily and asked, "Big Brother, why did you two come back together so suddenly? Did the Martial Arts Academy let out for a holiday? Sister Shuwei came too?"
As she spoke, she looked curiously at Zhou Shuwei.
Chen Shouheng met his parents’ questioning gazes and replied, "I’ve taken a long leave from the academy. I’m preparing to take this year’s Martial Examination at the provincial level."
With that, he walked over to his mother and glanced at the sleeping infant. "So this is my little nephew? Second Brother, have you chosen a name for him yet?"
Chen Shouye nodded. "According to our family’s generational naming conventions, the next generation uses the character ’Zhi.’ Father let me name him. After much thought, I chose the name Zhiyuan, for ’lofty aspirations.’ What do you think, Big Brother?"
"Zhiyuan, Chen Zhiyuan."
Chen Shouheng nodded in approval. "Yes, that’s a good name."
He reached out a finger, wanting to touch the baby’s soft cheek, but his mother slapped his hand away. "He was just born. Don’t be clumsy."
Chen Shouheng just smiled, not minding it, and withdrew his hand.
But then he saw his mother, Song Ying, staring at him intently. "Shouheng, your second brother has a child now. You need to hurry up with your marriage. Since you and Miss Zhou both have this rare time off, you should just get married this year."
Zhou Shuwei hadn’t expected the topic to suddenly turn to her and she blushed crimson.
Although she was used to all sorts of situations, she still felt shy when it came to her own marriage.
"There’s no rush, no rush."
Chen Shouheng was also a bit embarrassed. He coughed dryly a couple of times and quickly changed the subject, asking about how things were at home recently.
Chen Li stood up. "You two, follow me to the study. There’s something I need to discuss with you."
Knowing it must be something important, the two of them followed Chen Li to the study.
Inside the study, Chen Li gestured for the two of them to sit.
He then informed her about the great misfortune that had befallen the Zhou Family, how Zhou Qingyi was forced into exile and attacked on the road, and how Elder Zhan had been gravely injured.
Despite having been mentally prepared, hearing the details firsthand still caused Zhou Shuwei’s face to turn deathly pale.
Tears welled in her eyes, and she fought hard to keep from crying out loud.
Her hands clenched the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning white.
Chen Li consoled her, "Your niece and Elder Zhan are now settled in Wuzhou, and their lives are not in danger for the time being. However, Elder Zhan’s injuries are extremely severe, and he will need a period of quiet recuperation."
Zhou Shuwei took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart. "Thank you, Uncle, for intervening and saving Qingyi’s life. As long as she’s okay... that’s all that matters."
’The decline of my family... I’ve had a feeling it was coming ever since my eldest brother disappeared.’
’When my second brother died while serving his post in Yazhou, I already foresaw this day.’
’But now that it has truly happened, hearing that my family has been all but wiped out and my relatives have met with disaster, my heart still feels like it’s being torn apart.’
After a long while, her emotions finally calmed slightly.
Once she had composed herself a little, Chen Li brought up the main topic. "Miss Zhou, I mentioned the matter of marriage to you before. I would like to ask you once more, are you willing?"
"Shuwei..."
Zhou Shuwei’s cheeks flushed slightly. With downcast eyes, she replied, "I am."
Having received her answer, Chen Li nodded. "I have already had someone check the compatibility of your and Shouheng’s ’eight characters.’ There is a most auspicious date this November. We shall set the wedding for then. What do you think?"
Zhou Shuwei rose and performed a curtsy, saying softly, "I will defer to your judgment, Uncle."
Chen Li nodded. "Regarding the wedding matters, my Chen Family will certainly not shortchange you. We will hold a grand ceremony and ensure you marry into our Chen Family with all the splendor you deserve."
"I will follow your arrangements, Uncle," Zhou Shuwei answered softly.
With the marriage settled, Zhou Shuwei took her leave.
Chen Shouheng was also about to leave, but Chen Li stopped him.