Chapter 154: Dark Horse

As the saying goes, what one fears most tends to happen. With only three days left before the provincial exam, all the candidates had long since ceased their daily studies, choosing instead to relax as much as possible—occasionally indulging in a little wine and seeking entertainment around the capital—to reach a state of fullest readiness for the test.

Gou Ye was practically the only exception, still buried in his study. This very morning, Xuanyuan Changfeng cheerfully arrived at Gou Ye’s residence. Upon hearing from Lai Fu that Gou Ye was still engrossed in his books, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat surprised.

When he saw Gou Ye, he exclaimed in astonishment, “Brother, why are you still studying? Put those books down at once. No more reading!”

Gou Ye slowly set his book on the table and replied softly, “The exam is just three days away. I’m just reviewing a bit more. As the saying goes, sharpening the knife just before battle—though it might not make it sharper, it certainly gleams.”

Xuanyuan Changfeng retorted with a touch of annoyance, “Gleaming? If you burn out your limited energy now, that’s counterproductive. What you need is not more study, but to rest your mind like the others, prepare yourself fully, and come to the exam in good condition. No matter how much you learn, it’s all for naught if your mind isn’t clear.”

Gou Ye chuckled and tossed the book aside. “You’re right, Changfeng. I should rest properly. I’ve been studying so hard these past few days that my head feels dizzy—I can hardly tell east from west. If it weren’t for Yun Niang’s calming decoctions every day, I’m afraid my brain just wouldn’t keep up.”

At that, Xuanyuan Changfeng immediately took Gou Ye by the arm and led him outside, saying as they walked, “It’s too stuffy inside. Come with me for a walk, get some fresh air. It’ll clear your mind.”

Before long, Xuanyuan Changfeng brought Gou Ye to the Dixianting Pavilion on the outskirts of the city—a splendid place for inspiration. The scenery was delightful and serene. According to Xuanyuan Changfeng, because of the northern climate, the ice and snow on the ground had yet to melt. But in summer, this pavilion was the most beautiful spot, surrounded by lotus ponds blooming with flowers. Mist would rise from the lake like clouds, creating an ethereal scene where the lotus blossoms appeared like fairies peering through the clouds, hence the name Dixianting, or “Pavilion of the Pure Immortal.”

Gou Ye marveled inwardly, amazed that such wonders existed within the capital. Although the flowers were not in bloom now, the snow-covered lake and the pristine whiteness around gave the place a unique charm.

After days of intense study, breathing in the fresh air here brought Gou Ye a sudden sense of clarity, just as Xuanyuan Changfeng had promised. He felt his mind brighten instantly.

The pavilion had three levels. The two climbed to the top tier, where Gou Ye stood and surveyed the exquisite surroundings along with the vast rooftops of the capital. He let out a long, uninhibited shout, a cry that swept away all the mental fog. Passersby nearby were startled, turning their heads in surprise at this strange outburst.

During the next three days, Gou Ye followed Xuanyuan Changfeng’s advice. He didn’t touch his books again. Instead, he relaxed fully, enjoying good food and drink at home and taking Yun Niang on outings to the countryside. This change lifted his spirits, and when thoughts of the exam came, his heart was far less tense.

On the second day, the courtyard outside the examination hall was already packed with countless candidates. Gou Ye hadn’t expected so many—after all, it wasn’t just the capital’s candidates but aspirants from all over the country.

Xuanyuan Changfeng had told him to bring only his writing tools and a lamp. Before entering, each candidate was given three candles, and everyone was thoroughly searched.

Gou Ye was somewhat familiar with the examination hall, where candidates stayed for three days. Eating, sleeping, and all other needs were confined within. Each room was small, resembling a prison cell, forcing candidates to curl up tightly to rest.

Upon entering, Gou Ye was taken aback by the hall’s vastness; it seemed to contain thousands of tiny rooms. Seeing their cramped size, he furrowed his brow, thinking the conditions truly taxing.

But such was the ancient exam ritual—each candidate enduring hardship, sitting alone under a dim lamp, surrounded by endless silence, carrying lofty ambitions and the thirst for officialdom, relying on sheer willpower to compose brilliant essays.

Those three days tested Gou Ye’s endurance. It wasn’t the exam content that troubled him, but the discomfort of sleeping and basic bodily functions. When he finally stretched and stepped out of the hall, he felt every muscle and joint relax—a blissful sensation he wished could last forever.

After a while, Xuanyuan Changfeng emerged, smiling as he approached. “Brother, how did it go?”

Gou Ye sighed softly. “Good or bad, who knows? The results are still unknown. The important thing is to get through this provincial exam first.”

Before the test, he had been nervous, but after, he felt truly at ease, no longer caring about the outcome. Over the next two days, Gou Ye refrained from inquiring about the results, trusting that if he had passed, Xuanyuan Changfeng would surely tell him.

Sure enough, that very day, Xuanyuan Changfeng came to Gou Ye’s home. Gou Ye was sitting in the courtyard, basking in the sun. Seeing Xuanyuan’s smiling face, he asked nothing, waiting for him to speak.

Xuanyuan Changfeng said, “You’re remarkably unhurried. I didn’t even have to tell you, and you didn’t ask. Well, here it is—you passed. But only at the very bottom of the list. With that result, passing the next level of exams will be tough, brother. But do you know who topped the list this time?”

Gou Ye glanced at him casually. “Who? You? Judging by your smug look.”

Xuanyuan Changfeng shook his head. “No, no. The top scorer is someone neither of us has ever heard of. Reliable sources say this person was also recommended by his prefecture, meaning he, like you, came with no official backing. We never expected such a dark horse to emerge at the last minute.”

Gou Ye was surprised. “Oh? What’s his name?”

“Qin Ming.”