Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 108: The Prefectural Examination Ends
The prefectural examination was like a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge; now came the final sprint. The last round of the prefectural examination began amid the candidates’ complicated emotions.
At the beginning of the prefectural examination, more than nine hundred candidates had taken part. After the first formal round, about six hundred were eliminated. After the second round, more than a hundred others were dismissed. Now, in the final round, only about two hundred candidates remained, and by the end more than a hundred would still be eliminated.
The final exam was a strategy essay. “Strategy” refers to selecting a current issue and proposing a solution. For example, if the topic is “Flood Control,” you must offer ideas, propose methods, and present them in a reasonable and concrete manner. “Essay” refers to discussion and commentary, such as debating whether black cats or white cats catch mice more effectively, or commenting on a historical figure. These are easy in one sense and hard in another. As long as you can argue logically and support your points, you are fine.
A little over two hundred candidates participated in the final round. Since Zhu Ping’an had ranked first in the previous practical-writing round, his seat was near the front and the surroundings were particularly good. His seat number was “Jiazi.” Of course, seat numbers did not matter much in this final round because the overall result would be based on performance across all rounds, with the final list announced under the candidates’ real names.
The examination papers were distributed, and the proctor held up a wooden board covered with red paper displaying the policy-essay topics. There were three topics in total. It was said that the academy examination and later examinations would have five policy-essay topics.
The three topics covered a broad range: one concerned flood control, another concerned pacifying and governing the people, and the third concerned governance and integrity.
For the policy essays, it was not enough merely to present solutions; the writing also had to sound impressive and praise virtue. For the flood-control topic, Zhu Ping’an began with Yu the Great’s efforts to tame the floods. For the topic on pacifying and governing the people, he began with the emperor overseeing the people, appointing officials, and distributing land for the people’s welfare. For the integrity topic, he began with the idea of “worrying about the troubles of the world before they come, and rejoicing in the happiness of the world after it is resolved.” His prose bloomed like flowers, splendid and magnificent…
First, he mentally brainstormed his ideas, then wrote a neat draft in small script. By the time he had finished writing the three drafts, it was time for the mid-exam meal break. The food wasn’t very good, just barely edible. After eating, he drank a bowl of hot water, tidied up the table, and laid down for a brief rest.
After about half an hour, he woke up feeling refreshed, as if fully recharged.
He carefully reviewed the drafts from start to finish, making sure there were no mistakes. After confirming everything was correct, he dipped his brush in ink and began copying the drafts onto the exam paper, word by word, in a neat and serious manner. His writing was like a dragon swimming through the sea, adding beauty to the article. Zhu Ping’an felt increasingly grateful to the elderly fisherman who had earlier guided him.
He promised to repay the kindness of the book gift, and when the opportunity arose in the future, he would surely repay the elderly fisherman well.
When Zhu Ping’an had carefully copied all three essays onto the exam paper, some people had already started handing in their papers. Zhu Ping’an double-checked his paper twice to ensure everything was correct, then rang the small bell beside him to signal that he was done.
This time, he handed in his paper a little earlier than usual. Around forty to fifty percent of the candidates had already submitted theirs. Leaving the examination hall, he once again saw fellow examinees from Tongchengg such as Xia Luoming, and Feng Shanshui from Susong, among others. Some of the other candidates looked familiar, but he could not quite place their names.
“Zhu Xian-di, how did it go this time?” It was Feng Shanshui from Susong who first raised his folding fan and greeted him.
It seemed that throughout history, every time candidates left an examination hall, they would ask one another how they had done. This was probably the second time they had asked him the same question, and there was always an element of feeling out one another’s confidence.
Zhu Ping’an cupped his hands in return and smiled faintly, “It was okay.”
Feng Shanshui was slightly stunned upon hearing this. Last time, when he had asked Zhu Ping’an, he simply replied that he had finished all the questions. When asked further, he said he only hoped to make the Sun Mountain list. But when the results came out, Feng heard that Zhu Ping’an had made the Jia list. That answer meant a lot more than it seemed. But this time, Zhu Ping’an had said “okay,” which clearly indicated a much more confident tone than before. Of course, “okay” still sounded humble, but it was clearly different from last time.
Over there, Xia Luoming of Tongchengg listened to Zhu Ping’an’s response. His proud expression shifted slightly before returning to its usual self-assurance. This time, he was certain first place in the prefectural examination was his for the taking. The only people he considered real competition were Feng Shanshui of Susong, Wang Jin of Taihu, and other prominent figures from the various counties who had secured places among the top ten. As for Zhu Ping’an, although young and somewhat talented, he was still not in the running for first place.
“Brothers, what do you think of this exam?” After answering, Zhu Ping’an asked.
Xia Luoming from Tongchengg didn’t speak, only slightly lifting the corners of his mouth.
The others also smiled but said nothing.
Only Feng Shanshui, standing in front of Zhu Ping’an, opened his fan, waved it a few times, and smiled slightly. “I’m in the same position as Zhu Xian-di last time. I won’t fail.”
“You’re too modest, brothers,” Zhu Ping’an shook his head and laughed innocently. Then he cupped his hands and said, “I wish you all success in the exams. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Hehe, go ahead, go ahead…”
Feng Shanshui and the others laughed, likely reminiscing about the nickname “Zhu Xian-di” that Zhu Ping’an had earned for himself, as well as his reputation for hurrying to leave after exams to seek food. It wasn’t an exaggeration—during the last two exams, people had seen him slip out to haggle with street vendors.
Naturally, this time was no different. After leaving the exam hall, Zhu Ping’an found a fragrant shop on the street, went inside, and after a brief moment of thought, ordered two of the most popular dishes: two meat pies, and a jar of wine to go. He packed it all up and took it back to the inn.
When he pushed open the door of the inn, he found that the vixen was still there.
As usual, as soon as Zhu Ping’an opened the door, a gust of fragrant air swept toward him, and his hands were empty before he even realized it.
“Wine and meat, hehe… Looks like little benefactor did well on the exam…” The demoness sat at the table, holding the wine jar, smiling as she looked at Zhu Ping’an.
“Mm, not bad,” Zhu Ping’an nodded.
“Such a pedantic scholar…” The demoness teased with a playful laugh.
After dinner, Zhu Ping’an began his late-night study session, which caused the vixen lying in bed to pout in displeasure.
“You bad person, you finished all three rounds of the prefectural examination, but you still won’t let me sleep peacefully…”
Zhu Ping’an merely shrugged slightly, saying nothing, and continued reading his book.
Without a response, the vixen pouted and, bored, went to sleep.
The night deepened, and everything was quiet, with only the sound of a cuckoo bird outside the window and the rustling of the vixen turning in bed. Hearing the sound, Zhu Ping’an slightly curled the corners of his mouth.
It should be soon.