Volume One: From Farmer to Official Chapter 61: Returning Home in Glory

The top scholar in the county examination was once again Chuxiu. He became the first ever "little triple crown scholar" in Xuan Yi County’s history. Wen Lancang ranked fourth, Su Biao tenth, Zhao Shao sixteenth. As expected, Li Shuo and Li Ke failed to make the list. Out of one hundred and twenty-one names, eleven hailed from Xuan Yi County, eight of whom were students from the county school—making this year’s turnout the best ever.

A ten-year-old little triple crown scholar—unprecedented, and likely never to be repeated. In truth, by modern reckoning, Chuxiu was already eleven. He was born on the sixth day of the sixth month, and his birthday had just passed; only, people of the Great Yan dynasty counted age by the New Year, not by birthdays.

This county examination was a bountiful harvest for Xuan Yi. Not only did the county claim the top spot, but of the eleven scholars, three were "stipendiary students." Scholars were graded in three tiers: the top ten became stipendiary students, receiving monthly stipends from the government. The second tier was "additional students," and the third "attached students," who received no stipend, but could be promoted to stipendiary status by excelling in annual and imperial examinations.

Chuxiu, Wen Lancang, and Su Biao all earned stipendiary status. Yesterday’s commoners had become today’s stipend-receiving scholars, their status transformed and their prospects radiant. They no longer needed to kneel before the magistrate, nor could the government punish them without stripping their titles. Most important to Chuxiu was the exemption from corvée labor and land tax.

Beyond that, the scholar's status brought many privileges: one could build taller houses than others, find employment easily, wear fine silks, and even hire servants.

Li Ke glared at Chuxiu, his face filled with fury. His father had sought help from his cousin, only to be rebuffed at the door, and the gatekeeper delivered a message: the assistant magistrate would no longer acknowledge such a cousin. They didn’t know all the details, but the night soil bucket meant for Xie Shuxian’s exam stall had ended up in his son’s stall—a clear sign of manipulation.

Li Ke blamed his failure entirely on Xie Shuxian. "Xie Shuxian, what are you so smug about?" he shouted, his eyes bloodshot. "If you’re so mighty, try the provincial exam in August..."

"Mad dog," Chuxiu replied, turning away with the others.

He would never waste effort on such things. The provincial exam required mastery of the Eight-legged essay, and he had barely two months to prepare. How could he attempt it without a solid foundation?

Once again Chuxiu had taken first place. Doumiao, overjoyed, wanted to rush home and share the news. But three days after the list was posted, the prefectural office would host a banquet for the new scholars and present them with official commendations. No matter how eager, he had to wait.

This was tradition, and a gesture from the imperial court to honor academic talent.

On the third day, the new scholars donned their fresh scholar’s robes, spirits high as they attended the banquet. Wen Lancang led Chuxiu and Su Biao into the prefectural hall, where many scholars had already arrived. They mingled, forging connections.

Zhao Shao, shy by nature, had come early and sat quietly in a corner. Seeing Wen Lancang and his friends enter, he rose to greet them. The four sat together, chatting and laughing.

At that moment, Gongsun Tao approached, smiling and offering congratulations: "I congratulate Master Wen on earning stipendiary status." He then congratulated Chuxiu on his triple crown, Su Biao on his stipend, and Zhao Shao as well, showering them with praise.

No one strikes a smiling face. Though Chuxiu and friends disliked Gongsun Tao, they rose to return the gesture. "The pleasure is mutual!"

Despite his questionable character, Gongsun Tao had some learning. He ranked seventh in the examination, also earning stipendiary status and the right to study at the prefectural academy.

"I used to envy your talent, Brother Xie, and may have offended you at the county school. Today, I ask your forgiveness," he said.

"Brother Gongsun, I too was at fault. Let us put the past behind us," Chuxiu replied.

Regardless of Gongsun Tao’s intentions, the formalities had to be observed; they put on a show of reconciliation for all to see.

"The top scholar is magnanimous—worthy of our admiration!" The other scholars now realized this youth was the exam’s top scorer, and came forward to offer congratulations and introduce themselves.

"The Prefect is here!" came a stern announcement from outside. The hall fell silent as everyone rose and bowed.

"Welcome, Prefect!" Zhang Shiqi entered, took his seat, and gestured for everyone to sit. "You’ve waited long enough—please, take your seats!"

"Thank you, Prefect!" The scholars sat, and Zhang Shiqi delivered words of encouragement before presenting the commendations, thus officially recognizing them as scholars.

When awarding Chuxiu, Zhang Shiqi praised him lavishly. Chuxiu’s triple crown status was one reason; the protection he received from the shadow guards was another. The incident with the night soil bucket had to be investigated—if something bigger happened, Zhang Shiqi himself might be dismissed. He knew he must cultivate a good relationship with this child; perhaps even the emperor might take notice.

On the spot, Zhang Shiqi invited Chuxiu to study at the prefectural academy, waiving all tuition fees. The Prefect offered an olive branch, and Chuxiu naturally accepted—he had intended to attend anyway.

The banquet began. Zhang Shiqi stayed only briefly before leaving, delegating the rest of the reception to other officials.

...

Wang Cuicui was overjoyed to see her grandson return. Before her happiness faded, Chuxiu announced, "Grandmother, I’ve passed the exam—I’m the top scholar in Qingzhou, and will receive a monthly stipend from the imperial court!"

"Is it true?" Wang Cuicui’s lips trembled with excitement.

She knew scholars were exempt from corvée labor and land tax. But the top scholar also received a monthly stipend—wasn’t that a lifetime position?

The children swarmed around, peppering Chuxiu with questions faster than he could answer.

Then Zheng Mei, heavily pregnant, approached. "Mother, I’ve passed the scholar’s exam too. I’m a stipendiary student, receiving a monthly imperial stipend."

"My son has made me proud!" Zheng Mei didn’t understand the distinction between stipendiary students and scholars, but she knew her son had brought honor to the family. She was so moved she nearly burst into tears, and Chuxiu hurried to support her. "Mother, be careful, don’t upset the baby."

Now he no longer worried whether his mother would have a brother or a sister for him. Whatever she bore, the Xie family could provide for them.

Chuxiu said, "Maisu, you’ll soon be eight. After the New Year, you should start school."

Maisu longed to study, to earn respect. He patted his chest and declared, "My nephew is a scholar, I’ll be one too. Our Xie family is remarkable—we’ll have two scholars!"

After some merry chaos, it was time for supper. After eating, Chuxiu, tired from the day, retired early.

That night, Doumiao rose to relieve himself and found his father sitting under the eaves, sipping tea. He walked over and asked, "Father, what are you thinking about?"

The countryside was never quiet at night. Chickens crowed, dogs barked, crickets chirped, but none of it troubled Xie Gensheng’s mood.

He responded enthusiastically, "Doumiao, I feel as if I’m dreaming. I spoke with your mother half the night, finally fell asleep, and dreamed Maisu had also become a scholar. I woke up, overjoyed..."

Doumiao fetched a tea cup, and father and son spent the night whispering and sipping tea.

After breakfast, someone arrived—the same official who had brought news before. Chuxiu remembered his name was Ma Lidong. Today he wore plain clothes; seeing Chuxiu, he smiled broadly and bowed. "Congratulations, Master Xie, on becoming a scholar!"

"Likewise!" Chuxiu replied, bowing in return.

Ma Lidong continued, "The county magistrate instructed me to deliver a message to Scholar Xie..."