Chapter 10: Being Called Up for Examination by the Master

When Li Zhengyi and Li Zhengqiang received their portions of pastries and sweetened treats, they both immediately handed them to their wives. Sweets like these were sure to be loved by their wives and children; as for themselves, it didn’t really matter whether they ate any or not.

Li Su couldn’t help but twitch the corners of his mouth, feeling as if he’d just been force-fed a mouthful of saccharine affection.

Jiang Yu and Dong Fangfang both blushed, a bit shy. Jiang Yu said to Li Zhengyi, “Brother Yi, you should eat them yourself. The children and I have plenty.”

Dong Fangfang also declined, “That’s right, husband, eat them yourself. We’re all set.”

Feng Cuicui got up and took the pastries and sweets to her own room. These delicacies were precious; no one could afford to eat them every day. Having them once in a while was already a treat.

Li Su didn’t expect to change his family’s thinking in just a few days. That would take time—and money. When everyone started earning and had money in their pockets, they would no longer scrimp on food and clothing.

…

The next morning, Li Su hoisted his wooden book case onto his back and set off for the private academy. Compared to the backpack he’d used in the 21st century, this wooden box felt terribly cumbersome.

He wondered if he could buy some cloth and have his mother sew a fabric satchel for him, but that would have to wait until after the busy farming season—he didn’t want to give her extra work now.

Li Su also wanted to buy an ox, but alas, he truly didn’t have the money.

Still, the heavy book case had its benefits; carrying it was a good workout.

As he walked into the academy, several scholars greeted him warmly. According to his predecessor’s memories, he hadn’t enjoyed particularly good relations here, yet now, quite a few people seemed friendly.

Lin Ze suddenly appeared behind him. “Brother Li.”

Li Su was startled. “Ah… Brother Lin, good morning. Thank you again for the paper and brush you lent me yesterday.”

Lin Ze paused, then waved a hand dismissively. “Good morning… think nothing of it, it was nothing.”

The two entered together, and Lin Ze began asking Li Su about efficient and orderly bookkeeping methods.

Li Su explained a modern system of accounting, and the more Lin Ze listened, the more impressed he became.

“Brother Li, you truly have a gift for this,” Lin Ze praised.

Li Su replied modestly, “Not at all. It’s not my own invention—just wisdom borrowed from those who came before.”

Lin Ze took this as humility, since he had never seen such a method before.

When Chen Ping saw Li Su enter, his gaze was full of resentment and hostility, clearly harboring dislike.

Chen Ping frowned and said to Lin Ze, “Lin Ze, haven’t you always disdained associating with scholars from the countryside? Why are you always hanging around Li Su? Is he so much more talented than the other rural students here?”

This was a deliberate provocation, and after Chen Ping’s words, many of the village students began to look at Li Su with suspicion.

Lin Ze, never one for patience, immediately retorted, “Are you instructing me on how to conduct myself? Who are you to meddle? A scholar who spends his time gossiping like some old housewife!”

Chen Ping’s face alternated between pale and livid.

Li Su spoke calmly. “Brother Chen, mind your words. Whether I’m outstanding or not is none of your concern. You’d do better to focus on yourself.”

Chen Ping, feeling targeted, shot back, “Have you not also failed the county exam several times? What right do you have to speak to me like this?”

Li Su couldn’t believe how foolish this was—offering himself up as a target. “Brother Chen, are you misunderstanding something? The civil exam is notoriously difficult. Many people fail several times before succeeding. It’s hardly fair to say someone who doesn’t pass on the first try isn’t talented.”

“We should view people with an open mind. Everyone here is already exceptional for having come so far in their studies.”

Many students in the academy had indeed failed the county-level exam more than once. Now, suspicious glances were turned on Chen Ping, suspecting him of using Li Su as a pretext to insult them.

Noticing this, Chen Ping panicked. “That’s not what I meant! Li Su, stop twisting my words!”

Li Su sighed. “I know you’re upset because I asked you to repay what you owe. But you can’t judge an entire group because of your grudge against me.”

Chen Ping was left speechless and confused—when had he ever said failing the county exam meant someone wasn’t talented?

Li Su didn’t care about his confusion. As long as Chen Ping was uncomfortable, he was satisfied.

Chen Ping sat down angrily, his lips twisted in frustration. When had Li Su become so difficult to deal with? Hadn’t he always been like a gourd with a sealed mouth, agreeing to everything?

He glanced over and saw Lin Ze and Li Su actually mingling with students from the town—wealthier, well-connected families. When Chen Ping had tried to approach them before, he’d been ignored. Jealousy flared, and a scheming idea formed in his mind.

He couldn’t handle Li Su and Lin Ze, but there was someone else he could target—maybe even squeeze some silver out of the deal.

Li Su and Lin Ze took seats close to the others, everyone reviewing their books. Li Su pulled out volumes he hadn’t yet read, determined to memorize their contents. The civil exam included fill-in-the-blank sections; if he memorized all the texts, he’d secure those points.

His predecessor had some knowledge stored away, but not enough for the exams—hence the repeated failures.

Li Su began reading, committing the words to memory as his gaze passed over each page. To others, it simply looked like he was flipping through the books.

Suddenly, Lin Ze remembered that Li Su had missed class yesterday and might not know about the assignment. He leaned over and whispered, “Brother Li, the teacher said he’ll be checking our recitations today. Stop skimming and take a closer look.”

“You’ve missed several days; the teacher might single you out.”

Li Su gave him an innocent look. “I am reading.”

Lin Ze was speechless. “Just flipping through a book counts as reading?”

He started to say more, then gave up. “Never mind, the teacher probably won’t be too hard on you.” He propped his head up and began to study in earnest, having neglected his own review the night before. He was never particularly invested in his studies; if not for his mother’s insistence, he wouldn’t even be here.

Lin Ze sighed in resignation. Even if he applied himself, it wouldn’t mean much—his father would never care more for him and his mother.

Li Su heard the sigh and asked curiously, “Why are you sighing so early in the morning? Haven’t you heard that sighing chases away good luck? Quick, breathe it back in!”

Lin Ze’s family was in business, so he actually believed in luck! Without thinking, he immediately sucked in a deep breath.

Li Su was left speechless—he’d only been joking…

“No wonder I’ve been so unlucky these days! I must have sighed my luck away in the morning and been doomed all day!” Lin Ze exclaimed, as if he’d stumbled upon a great revelation.

Li Su could only shrug—whatever made him happy.

Lin Ze was about to say more when the teacher entered, hands behind his back. “Let’s begin by checking your recitations before today’s lesson.”

As the teacher’s gaze swept the room, students everywhere ducked their heads, afraid to meet his eyes.

It seemed that no matter the era, students always feared being called on.

Naturally, Li Su met the teacher’s gaze head-on. The teacher nodded in satisfaction. “Li Su, you begin.”