Chapter 19: Preparations for a Minor Test

The Four Seasons and Eight Festivals include eight essential solar terms: Start of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumnal Equinox, Start of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

Depending on the situation in various commanderies and counties, at least twelve solar terms are tested. The strictest top-tier counties or commanderies require the knowledge of all twenty-four solar terms.

The three stages for promotion comprise 'Territory Harvest,' 'Virtue Evaluation,' and 'Ability Evaluation,' collectively referred to as the 'Winter Evaluation.'

Afterward, they undergo the 'Temple Examination.' If they pass, they can 'be appointed' and enter the Fortune Dynasty System.

The 'Ability Evaluation' in the Winter Evaluation is based on the twenty-four solar terms and holds significant weight.

Failing this stage means no recommendation and no chance to take the Temple Examination.

Officials aspiring for promotion rarely miss any Ability Evaluation.

Xue Wenzhong's return and his first lecture at Huai Liu Courtyard attracted a large number of officials.

"Mr. Xue, are you well?"

The Old Minister of Agriculture smiled, "I am quite well."

"Teacher, I have here a century-old earth yellow essence. Please accept it."

"I appreciate the thought. Take it back."

"Mr. Xue…"

Not only officials under Xue Wenzhong, but also those from other courtyards came to visit.

It was not out of pure kindness; they came to listen to the lecture.

Because the last two Minor Heat examinations were set by Chen Shijie, this Start of Autumn and the next examination were Xue Wenzhong's turn.

"Minister of Agriculture Xue, for the Start of Autumn examination, you won't set something tricky like Mr. Chen did, right? Not another 'Grain-Eating Bird Disaster.' If so, no one in Gu County would pass this year."

"Indeed, how can there be such birds in the South?"

Such a bold question from an official provoked a burst of laughter.

If it were any other Minister of Agriculture, officials would hardly dare to joke, but Xue Wenzhong was known as a kindhearted person, with a mild temperament, making the lecture atmosphere quite pleasant. Officials dared to make bold jokes.

The Old Minister of Agriculture said, "You all want to know what the Start of Autumn examination will be?"

"Yes, Old Minister of Agriculture, please tell us!" Everyone craned their necks and pricked up their ears.

Xue Wenzhong smiled slightly, "You will naturally know on the day of the Start of Autumn."

"Oh, come on…"

There was another burst of laughter below.

Though it seemed frivolous, Zhao Xing enjoyed this atmosphere. He had attended other courtyards, which were either rigidly serious or profoundly esoteric, catering only to a few top-tier listeners, making them quite unwelcoming.

Seeing Xue Wenzhong looking vibrant, seemingly unaffected by his recent illness, Zhao Xing was relieved. However, there was still a trace of unresolved worry in Xue Wenzhong's eyebrows, suggesting he had something on his mind.

After the front yard lecture, Zhao Xing routinely entered the backyard for extra practice.

Seeing Zhao Xing carrying something, Xue Wenzhong immediately looked displeased, "Are you also bringing gifts?"

Zhao Xing placed three ducks bound together into the backyard poultry barn, "This is not a gift, Teacher. You forgot, I once practiced the repeating grass man and chased away one of your ducks. I caught it and brought it back."

Xue Wenzhong pointed, "Then why are there three?"

Zhao Xing replied earnestly, "Because the duck wandered for a few days, found a companion, and had another one. I am too kind-hearted to separate a family, so I brought them back together after asking for the duck's opinion."

Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but chuckle at Zhao Xing's serious nonsense, laughing and scolding, "Nonsense!"

This smile implied approval, showing Zhao Xing's intention to cheer him up. It wasn't flattery from subordinate to superior but genuine care between teacher and student.

Zhao Xing also noticed a change in Xue Wenzhong's attitude since his return.

Be it casual conversations or lectures, the teacher's identity seemed to outweigh the superior's.

This was a good sign. As for what had happened before, since the Old Minister of Agriculture didn't mention it, Zhao Xing wouldn't ask, avoiding touching on sensitive subjects.

"The Start of Autumn marks the beginning of autumn. Though the heat persists, the yang energy fades, and the yin energy grows. It's a transition from the abundance of yang to the dominance of yin, with crops shifting from lush growth towards maturity."

"Both rainfall and climate will start to decline, affecting crops accordingly."

"The Four Agriculture Books once said, 'Autumn brings the descent of yin energy, hence all things are harvested.'"

As the session was about to end, the Old Minister of Agriculture suddenly shared this passage.

Zhao Xing was initially puzzled, then nodded and took his leave.

On his way home, he reflected on Xue Wenzhong's words.

"Xue Wenzhong mentioned the maturation of crops thrice. It seems the Start of Autumn examination will involve plant cultivation."

"I should practice my cultivation spells more in the next few days."

........

Returning home, it was already past mealtime. Zhao Ruide was nowhere to be seen. Mrs. Cai, seeing this gluttonous ghost return, naturally had no warmth and went straight inside.

Zhao Xing didn't mind, heading to the kitchen for food. Zhao Zheng, running out from his mother's room, eagerly helped his elder brother with serving the meal.

"Big brother, I practiced martial arts today for two hours. Father even praised me!" Zhao Zheng looked at Zhao Xing expectantly.

"Not bad, keep it up." Zhao Xing casually responded and continued eating.

After a few bites, he noticed the food tasted off, "Why doesn't this taste as good as yesterday's dinner?"

Zhao Zheng replied, "How could that be, big brother? This is from yesterday's dinner."

Zhao Xing: "..."

Zhao Zheng continued, "Mother said you're a gluttonous ghost and can eat anything with a big appetite, so she saved a bit for you... She's never praised me like that."

"..."

Alright, thank her for me.

Smelling the food in the scorching weather, he realized it hadn't spoiled yet, though the taste was off. He didn't bother and wolfed it down with his eyes closed.

"Big brother, what is a gluttonous ghost? Have you seen a ghost? I heard that people who can perform spells can see ghosts and even summon gods, like those emcees at the divine temple."

Zhao Zheng, like a curious child, kept buzzing around.

"You'll understand when you grow up. Now, tidy up the dishes and go play."

"Oh..."

After dealing with his younger brother, Zhao Xing returned to his room to draw talismans. In over a month, his proficiency in the Guiding Talisman and the Soul Calming Talisman had significantly improved, but the Dream Palace remained silent.

"It seems I need substantial progress to reap any benefits from it." Though he once again left the treasure mountain empty-handed, Zhao Xing was not in a hurry, knowing he had centuries to explore.

Recalling the Old Minister of Agriculture's reminder, Zhao Xing pulled out three books from the cabinet.

"The Compendium of Materia Medica, the Great View Wood, and the Hundred Objects; these are all books on identifying plants. They might be helpful for the Start of Autumn examination. I must review them."

"The court's teachings and various classics have magical effects. Though not as potent as those in the divine temple, they can still reveal spells."

"I hope to obtain some useful passive spells."

Lighting an oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to delve into his reading.