Volume One: Morning as a Farmer Chapter 39: The Final Banquet

The third round of examinations was held just one day after the previous one, and among the 314 candidates in Xuan County, only thirty-six remained.

The names of Xie Shuxian and Su Biao stood out prominently on the list.

However, the rankings had shifted this time: Xie Shuxian claimed first place, while Su Biao was second.

Zhao Shao maintained his steady position at eleventh, Jin Ruizhe was twenty-sixth, and Qin Shiqi barely caught the last train.

Jin Ruizhe was no longer as arrogant as he once was; whenever he saw Chu Liu, he would avoid him like a mouse dodging a cat.

The tainted exam scripts had become a lingering concern for him. At every test, he instinctively tried to avoid them, but each time his paper would somehow be spoiled.

This time, he exercised the utmost caution, yet his script still fell to the ground. Fortunately, it didn’t land face down; otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.

Jin Ruizhe refused to believe it was Chu Liu’s curse, but the recurring incidents inevitably fostered both fear and resentment toward Chu Liu.

The fourth examination was also known as the “Final Review.”

This round placed little emphasis on scores; only one question was drawn from the Four Books, and generally, no candidate would be eliminated unless they brought ruin upon themselves.

Thus, barring unforeseen events, all thirty-six candidates would pass the county exam.

Nevertheless, each candidate responded with diligence, never abandoning the scholarly rigor expected of students.

This examination collected all scripts at the same time. Afterwards, the county magistrate would invite the candidates to a banquet at the county office to reward their efforts, an event known as the “Final Banquet.”

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In the county hall, thirty-six candidates sipped tea and conversed casually, relaxed smiles brightening their faces.

Chu Liu and Su Biao, the youngest among them, sat together at a table in the corner, whispering to each other.

“Young friends, fate has brought us together, and though it’s been some time, we haven’t yet had a proper chat… Come, drink some water…”

Qin Shiqi was naturally sociable; he struck up conversations everywhere, eager to become acquainted. Seeing the two boys, he filled their tea bowls.

“Thank you, Uncle Qin!”

“My young friend, that title muddles the generations.”

Qin Shiqi grinned, “No need for such formality. Let’s address each other as brothers from now on—much closer that way.”

Hearing the commotion, a few others came over to join the conversation.

Chu Liu and Su Biao had dominated the top two spots for three consecutive rounds, their names well-known and admired, inspiring others to seek their friendship.

Perhaps these two would become scholars in the future; such networking meant early connections and early benefits.

Of course, candidates with such thoughts were no longer children.

The two boys imitated the adults, clasping hands in greeting, responding only when asked, refraining from interrupting, smiling as others discussed grand strategies, all the while feigning earnestness.

“Yes, yes, yes!”

“Indeed, indeed, indeed!”

They were like two star-struck admirers.

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Unnoticed, six adults had joined Chu Liu and Su Biao at their table.

Jin Ruizhe gnashed his teeth in frustration, plotting how to find an opportunity to embarrass Chu Liu.

“The county magistrate has arrived!”

A loud and dignified announcement rang out from outside; all the candidates stood, straightening their backs to welcome the county lord.

As Chen Liangbin entered, the candidates bowed in unison: “Greetings, Magistrate!”

They prepared to kneel.

“No need, no need, all you talented scholars are exempt from ceremony…”

Though the candidates had passed the county exam, they did not yet possess official titles; kneeling before officials was customary.

Yet Chen Liangbin excused them from this formality.

He did wish to build a good reputation, but his primary aim was to respect talent, win hearts, and promote education.

“Thank you, Magistrate!”

Once Chen Liangbin had taken his seat at the head table, everyone else sat down.

Next, Chen Liangbin introduced each accompanying official. With every name, the candidates rose to pay their respects.

The hall became livelier and more solemn.

The master of ceremonies announced the start of the banquet, and servers entered in procession, carrying dishes.

Chen Liangbin’s gaze swept slowly over the crowd and finally settled on Chu Liu. He suddenly said, “Xie Shuxian, come here!”

Instantly, the hall fell silent. All eyes fixed on Chu Liu.

Envy, jealousy, and resentment surged—everyone wished it were themselves.

Chu Liu walked over in small steps, bowed, and spoke clearly, “Student greets the Magistrate.”

“Come closer, let me have a look.”

Chen Liangbin beckoned him like a beloved junior, reaching out to pinch his cheek and pat his head, smiling, “Good boy, you’ve grown taller and stronger, and even more handsome…”

The hall erupted in a stir.

The guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

Some had just spoken with Chu Liu and learned he was a farmer’s child—how did even the magistrate know him?

Could he be the magistrate’s child lost in the countryside?

The signs were obvious: this year’s top candidate would surely be Xie Shuxian.

“Magistrate’s praise is overwhelming; I am deeply honored!”

“Hahaha, no need for ceremony—go back to your seat.”

“Thank you, Magistrate!”

Chu Liu bowed and slowly returned to his seat.

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Chen Liangbin was a true scholar by background and had always sought a promising career. Yet he’d been tied down in Xuan County for over a decade, never promoted.

In recent years, he had become more detached from official ambitions and more considerate of the people, earning a good reputation among the populace.

“Gentlemen, with the county exam concluded, you have half a foot in the door to official titles. Someday, when you rise high, you will bring honor to this county. Today, let us not discuss scholarship, birth, or age—take your seats and enjoy the feast!”

“Thank you, Magistrate!”

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The final banquet had its rules.

Eight people per table, eight dishes—four cold, four hot—and four platters of pastries and buns.

Scholars naturally ate with decorum.

They lifted their chopsticks slowly, picked dishes gently, and chewed leisurely.

Chu Liu had thought sharing a table with adults would put him at a disadvantage, but he was wrong.

These men moved their chopsticks rarely; their hands were busy with wine cups and conversation. They toasted, networked, and made friends.

Taking advantage of the lively toasting, Chu Liu and Su Biao quietly filled their bowls with food.

Everyone took what they needed; no one lost out.

“Gluttons!” Jin Ruizhe grumbled from the neighboring table.

Chu Liu looked up and laughed, “You need to eat more when you’re growing, to get enough nutrition and grow strong. If you only drink and don’t eat, you’ll be the one starving—so you’re the glutton; I’m just well fed…”

Jin Ruizhe was speechless, and Chu Liu and Su Biao continued eating earnestly.

Jin Ruizhe shot Chu Liu a venomous glare. He had a scheme to embarrass Chu Liu, but because of Chu Liu’s relationship with Magistrate Chen, he hesitated to act.

He downed several cups of wine to bolster his courage, then gritted his teeth and said to Chu Liu, “Xie Shuxian, the Magistrate favors you greatly, yet you’re busy eating and neglecting proper manners. Shouldn’t you toast the Magistrate?”

How ruthless!

This was not a petty trick—it was an open provocation.

By saying the magistrate favored him, he implied Chu Liu had achieved his results through favoritism.

It was a challenge to Magistrate Chen’s fairness.

Was he clever or foolish?

To embarrass me, he’d risk himself as well.

If you’re so eager for trouble, I’ll oblige and add fuel to the fire—let’s see if you can keep laughing.

Chu Liu slowly stood up.

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