Chapter 81: The Jokester in the Examination Hall The first round of the county examination is called the “main session.” The exam questions for this session include two essays on the Four Books, one essay on the meaning of the Five Classics, and one five-character, six-rhyme trial poem. These questions are relatively simple and basic, […]
Chapter 80:The Examination Outside, it was pitch black. This moment before dawn was the darkest, coldest time. The students and scholars who usually slept soundly in the inn had all tidied themselves up and left with their belongings. Whether they were moths to a flame or phoenixes reborn, today marked the beginning of a day
Chapter 79: You Play Except for one day when someone inexplicably asked him if he was Zhu Ping’an and, after receiving a positive response, shoved a twenty-tael silver note into his hands, his days in Huaining County passed rather uneventfully. Every morning, he practiced writing and reading, and on his way back from the streets,
Chapter 78: Early Morning in Huaining County Because he was too tired, after paying a month’s rent, Zhu Ping’an quickly finished a plate of small dishes and two steamed buns, took a hot bath in a wooden tub, and then went to bed early to rest. Over here, while Zhu Ping’an slept soundly, he was
Chapter 77: I Have a Fierce Tiger in My Heart, Even the Wood Shed Can Smell Like Roses “Alas, it’s hard to explain. A few of us have been fortunate enough to receive help from Brother Qian and Brother Zhao, and your uncle also wants to assist you, but unfortunately, I’m short on funds,” Uncle
Chapter 76: Huaining County The setting sun is endlessly beautiful, yet it approaches dusk. In the twilight, the city wall of Huaining County is lovingly enveloped by the sunset, sinking into its embrace, dyed a rose red. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, a dusty young man walks towards the city, casting a long
Chapter 75: Leaving After the Matter is Resolved Zhu Ping’an’s explanation did not satisfy the girl. Although she wasn’t particularly familiar with this mountain village and found it hard to discern the truth in Zhu Ping’an’s words, she was still very dissatisfied with his answer. Even if what he said was true, the difference between
Chapter 74: The Yameitie is a Type of Butterfly After the young women held Zhu Ping’an in check and he left, the students in the Mountain Temple became resolute, unyielding, and filled with loyalty that would shine through history. Although they lacked the strength to move, they were unwilling to be outdone and began to
Chapter 73: The Secret Revealed Although the mountain god temple was simple and the food and drink were modest, everything seemed so beautiful in the presence of the girl. The students raised their cups and enjoyed each other’s company, the atmosphere lively and cheerful. “Here’s to you, a toast!” “Let’s drink first out of respect!”
Chapter 72: I Raise a Cup of Wine to You, Benefactor Your tears are soft yet filled with hurt. The girl’s reliance and helpless tears tremble softly as she says, “Benefactor, be careful; I’m afraid,” as if she has given these ten or so students a shot of adrenaline. “Rogues, don’t be so arrogant!” The