Chapter 3: Astonishing the Learned, Dawn Begins to Break

Chapter 3: Astonishing the Scholars, Dawn Breaks

Lin Shiya stood before Master Zhao, her back straight, striving to appear composed and confident. The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop; she could even make out her own nervous heartbeat. Outside, the autumn wind rustled, spinning a few withered leaves to the ground, their soft, scraping sounds adding to the desolation.

The silence seemed to amplify her pressure invisibly. Master Zhao stroked his beard, his gaze as piercing as a torch fixed upon Lin Shiya, and he spoke slowly, his voice deep and clear: "A mind versed in antiquity and modernity, the classics, histories, and collected works all within the chest..." His words reverberated through the room, each syllable striking Lin Shiya’s heart like a heavy hammer.

Though the upper line of the couplet appeared simple, it was in fact all-encompassing, embodying the essence of ancient texts; a careless response would fall into the commonplace. Lin Shiya took a deep breath, trying to keep herself steady. She understood that this was not merely a couplet challenge, but a test from Master Zhao, the key to whether she could receive those precious materials.

Her palms grew slightly damp, fingertips unconsciously twisting the edge of her garment, forming a vivid contrast to Master Zhao’s stern expression. Time passed, second by second, the atmosphere in the room growing ever more tense, as if even the air had solidified.

Steward Chen stood nearby, not daring to breathe loudly, his eyes fixed anxiously on Lin Shiya, afraid to disturb her thoughts. Lin Shiya focused her mind, her thoughts racing through countless classics, poems, and essays. She repeatedly pondered the upper line, searching for a breakthrough.

A mind versed in antiquity and modernity, the classics, histories, and collected works...

Within the chest...

She kept reciting these keywords, hoping for inspiration. Suddenly, a flash of brilliance struck her, and a perfect lower line emerged in her mind.

She raised her head, her gaze resolute as she looked at Master Zhao, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. She spoke, her voice steady and clear: "..."

Lin Shiya drew a deep breath and spoke the lower line with strong conviction: "...Illuminating day and night, civil and martial talents all flow from the pen."

As her words fell, the room was enveloped in silence. Master Zhao’s previously stern face slowly revealed a hint of surprise, which soon transformed into approval. The hand stroking his beard paused, and the eyes that had been sharp now gleamed with admiration.

Lin Shiya’s lower line not only matched perfectly in form, but its meaning was expansive and majestic, complementing the upper line seamlessly, showing no trace of contrivance—a testament to the depth of her learning.

The taut string in the air seemed to relax with Lin Shiya’s response. Her posture grew more assured, her palms drying as her confidence grew. She sensed the change in Master Zhao’s gaze, and a quiet pride rose within her.

Steward Chen, whose heart had been suspended throughout, finally relaxed, unable to suppress a gratified smile.

He had accompanied Miss Lin for years and knew well how much effort she had devoted to this moment. Now, seeing her stunning performance, his heart swelled with pride.

Master Zhao looked deeply at Lin Shiya, his lips curving slightly as he regarded her with a hint of curiosity. "Well said, 'Illuminating day and night, civil and martial talents all flow from the pen.' Truly, young and promising—you’ve proven the old man wrong." He paused.

No sooner had Master Zhao finished speaking than he picked up a book from the desk, opened to a page, and pointed to a passage. "Interpret this text," he said, his gaze falling on Lin Shiya, tinged with expectation and perhaps a subtle challenge.

Lin Shiya sensed Master Zhao’s gaze and felt a slight chill in her heart; this question was clearly more difficult than the couplet. Yet she showed no fear—on the contrary, a fighting spirit ignited within her chest.

She knew this was both an acknowledgment and a higher-level test from Master Zhao. She took a deep breath to steady her excitement, then fixed her eyes on the passage he indicated.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense once more, but now, unlike before, there was a subtle undertone of intimacy within the tension.

Lin Shiya lowered her head and studied the text earnestly, her focused demeanor as charming as a flower bud in the early morning, exuding an alluring grace.

Master Zhao watched her intense concentration, and even his usually solemn face betrayed a faint smile of appreciation.

She began to speak, her voice clear and melodious: "…This passage speaks of…"

Lin Shiya’s voice flowed like a mountain spring, choosing her words carefully as she unraveled the profound meaning of the text. Her interpretation was not only precise, but she also cited references and drew connections, displaying the bearing of a learned scholar in every gesture.

Her voice, sometimes low, sometimes high, danced through the room like musical notes, captivating all who listened.

Master Zhao, hearing her explanation, felt his initial surprise transform into admiration, even a barely perceptible excitement. He nodded, the hand stroking his beard slowing, his eyes shining as if he had discovered a rare treasure.

He had never seen such remarkable talent in a young person, especially a woman, which made the impression all the more striking.

"…This passage speaks of 'The noble man attends to the fundamentals; when the fundamentals are established, the way emerges,' emphasizing the importance of self-cultivation. Only with upright character can one serve the people and the nation well." Lin Shiya’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, confidence radiating from her like a brilliant star illuminating the whole room.

Master Zhao, upon hearing this, could not help but clap and laugh heartily. "Excellent! What a fine explanation of 'The noble man attends to the fundamentals; when the fundamentals are established, the way emerges.' Such insight at your age is truly rare!" He repeated his praise, his tone full of admiration.

He picked up another book from the desk, opened a page, and pointed to another passage. "Interpret this text as well."

Lin Shiya did not flinch, taking the book and reading carefully. Her gaze was sharp, scanning the lines swiftly and soon immersing herself in the meaning. Sometimes she furrowed her brow in thought, then suddenly grasped the point, her lips rising in a confident smile.

She spoke steadily, her logic clear, dissecting the text’s essence thoroughly.

Master Zhao grew increasingly delighted, his once calm face breaking into an irrepressible smile. He nodded repeatedly.

Lin Shiya’s scholarship completely won over Master Zhao, who could not help but sigh, "I have taught for many years, yet have never met one so wise as you. Truly the younger generation is to be feared!" His tone brimmed with respect, all seriousness and rigidity gone.

Lin Shiya listened to his praise, her heart filled with joy.

She smiled modestly, saying, "Master, you flatter me. I only have a superficial understanding, and there is much left to learn." Her happiness was evident, her eyes shining with confidence.

Steward Chen was overjoyed for Lin Shiya, rubbing his hands excitedly, his face radiant as if he himself had won top honors.

The atmosphere in the room grew relaxed and cheerful; the previous tension and heaviness had entirely dissipated.

Master Zhao looked at Lin Shiya and took down a brocade box from the bookshelf, handing it to her with slow gravity. "These are materials I have collected over the years on the imperial examinations. They may be of use to you—take them."

Lin Shiya was momentarily stunned to see the brocade box; she had not expected Master Zhao to be so generous.

She received the box with both hands, her heart full of gratitude. She bowed deeply to Master Zhao and said, her voice trembling with emotion, "Thank you, Master, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful!" Her excitement touched everyone in the room, filling the space with warmth and comfort.

Master Zhao looked at Lin Shiya, his eyes glimmering with approval as he smiled, "I believe you will go far on the path of the imperial examinations, perhaps surpassing those before you and achieving new glory!" His smile was gentle and kind, like the warm sun in winter shining upon Lin Shiya.

Lin Shiya looked up at Master Zhao and nodded solemnly, her voice resolute: "I will not let you down, Master!" Those few words carried the weight of a thousand, forging a special bond and a tacit understanding between them.

The room’s atmosphere became warm and subtly intimate, a delicate ambiguity spreading through the air.

Lin Shiya held the brocade box close to her chest, as if cherishing a rare treasure. She bowed deeply to Master Zhao again, then turned and left, her light steps brimming with joy, like a happy bird soaring towards her own sky.

Upon returning home, Lin Shiya could not wait to open the brocade box.

Inside were all sorts of books and materials, their faint fragrance of ink telling of years of accumulation and wisdom.

Lin Shiya carefully leafed through these precious materials, her eyes gleaming with excitement, like a child discovering a beloved toy.

The study was quiet and cozy; sunlight streamed through the lattice windows onto the desk, adding a touch of warmth to the room.

Lin Shiya was immersed in the sea of books, eagerly absorbing the nourishment of knowledge. Sometimes she frowned in concentration, sometimes suddenly understood, and sometimes the corners of her mouth turned up in a confident smile.

She knew the road ahead was still long, filled with many challenges, but she did not shrink, for her heart brimmed with hope and determination.

Time passed by, the lamp in the study remaining bright, Lin Shiya’s figure under the light was especially focused and resolute.

It was as if she had forgotten time and everything around her, leaving only the books in her hands and the dreams in her heart.

Steward Chen gently pushed open the study door, carrying a cup of hot tea. He set it on the desk and said softly, "Miss, it’s late. You should rest soon."

Lin Shiya looked up, rubbing her tired eyes, only then realizing how late it had become. She took the tea and sipped it, then smiled at Steward Chen, "Uncle Chen, I’m fine. I’d like to read a little longer."

Steward Chen watched her earnest expression.

"Miss, the provincial examination is approaching…" Steward Chen hesitated.