Shennong the Daoist Lord of Farming - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Preparing for the Minor Exams

The Four Seasons and Eight Divisions, among which the eight solar terms are mandatory subjects of the examination, including the Beginning of Spring, the Spring Equinox, the Beginning of Summer, the Summer Solstice, the Beginning of Autumn, the Autumnal Equinox, the Beginning of Winter, and the Winter Solstice.

Depending on the conditions of each county, at least twelve solar terms are tested, with the most rigorous superior counties or superior prefectures examining all twenty-four solar terms.

The three stages of official confirmation, ‘District Harvest Assessment’, ‘Moral Conduct Evaluation’, and ‘Capability Evaluation’, collectively referred to as the ‘Winter Assessment’.

Following this is the ‘Temple Examination’. Passing this allows one to ‘Enter Officialdom’ and join the dynastic fate system.

In the Winter Assessment, the ‘Capability Evaluation’, which is based on the twenty-four solar terms, occupies a larger proportion.

Failing this stage means no recommendation, and one cannot even participate in the Temple Examination.

Clerks aspiring for confirmation won’t miss any opportunity for the Capability Evaluation.

Xue Wenzhong's first lecture back at the Willow and Locust Courtyard drew a large crowd of clerks.

"Master Xue, are you well?"

The old Agricultural Official smiled, "I’m well now."

"Teacher, here is a century-old earth-root essence; please accept it."

"I appreciate the gesture, but take it back."

"Master Xue..."

Not only Xue Wenzhong’s clerks, but clerks from other departments also came to visit.

It wasn’t out of goodwill, but to attend the lecture.

Since the last Minor Heat assessment was conducted by Chen Shijie, it’s Xue Wenzhong's turn for the upcoming Beginning of Autumn and the following assessments.

"Master Xue, for the Beginning of Autumn assessment, you won’t set tricky questions like Minister Chen did, will you? Another ‘Grain Bird Disaster’, and this year, no one in Gu County might pass."

"Indeed, do we have doves in the south?"

Some bold clerks asked such questions, eliciting laughter.

Had it been another Agricultural Official, clerks wouldn’t dare to joke like this, but Xue Wenzhong is famously amiable and approachable, making for a great lecture atmosphere where clerks dare to jest.

The old official said, "You all want to know what will be on the Beginning of Autumn test?"

"Yes, Master, please tell us?" The crowd leaned forward, ears perked.

Xue Wenzhong smiled slightly, "On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, you will naturally know."

"Ah..."

Laughter broke out again.

Although it was merely a pleasantry, Zhao Xing enjoyed such an atmosphere, unlike other departments where lectures were either too strict or esoteric, catered only for a select few, making them unfriendly.

Seeing Xue Wenzhong looking healthy, seemingly unaffected by his recent illness, Zhao Xing felt reassured, though a trace of worry still lingered in his brows, hinting at deeper concerns.

After the lecture, Zhao Xing continued to practice in the back courtyard.

"Master Xue, why do you have three ducks here?" Zhao Xing frowned as he placed three tied ducks in the poultry yard.

"How come there are three?" Xue Wenzhong pointed.

Zhao Xing solemnly explained, "Well, the duck wandered for a few days, found a mate, and then had another. Being kind-hearted, I couldn’t bear to separate the family. After consulting the ducks, I brought them all back."

Xue Wenzhong, amused by his earnest nonsense, chuckled and scolded, "Nonsense!"

That laugh was an implicit approval. Zhao Xing could tell that his teacher’s attitude had changed somewhat after returning this time.

Whatever had happened before, the old official didn’t speak of it, and Zhao Xing wouldn’t pry, so as not to touch upon a sore subject.

"Autumn begins with the Beginning of Autumn, though it remains hot, the yang energy gradually declines, and the yin energy grows, marking the transition from yang dominance to yin dominance, and crops transition from growing lush to maturing."

"Rainfall and climate also begin to shift downward, affecting the crops."

"The Book of Agriculture once said: 'In autumn, the yin energy begins to descend, so all things are harvested.'"

As practice was about to end, the old official suddenly shared these words.

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

On his way home, he reflected on the old official’s words.

"Master Xue mentioned crop maturity three times; it seems the Beginning of Autumn assessment will involve plant cultivation."

"I'll need to practice cultivation spells more in the coming days."

Returning home past dinner time, Zhao Ruide was nowhere to be seen, and Madame Cai, seeing this gluttonous ghost return, naturally had no pleasant expressions, heading straight inside.

Zhao Xing didn’t mind, heading to the kitchen to find food. Zhao Zheng came running out of their mother's room, eagerly helping his big brother with the dishes.

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

"Not bad, keep it up." Zhao Xing responded nonchalantly, focusing on his meal.

After a few bites, he noticed something was off about the taste, "Why isn't this meal as delicious as last night’s?"

Zhao Zheng explained, "How could it not be, big brother? This is from last night."

Zhao Xing: "..."

Zhao Zheng continued, "Mother says you’re a gluttonous ghost who can eat anything, so she saved some for you… she’s never praised me like that."

"…"

Alright, thank her for me.

Zhao Xing sniffed; despite the heat, the food hadn’t spoiled, though it tasted a bit off. So, he simply closed his eyes and wolfed down his meal.

"Big brother, what’s a gluttonous ghost? Have you seen a ghost? I heard people who can use spells can see ghosts, even summon spirits, like those temple officiants."

"When you grow up, you’ll understand. Now, clean up and go play."

"Oh…"

After sending off his little brother, Zhao Xing returned to his room to draw talismans, practicing both the Guiding Talisman and the Calming Talisman. His proficiency had improved over the past month, but there was still no movement from the Great Dream Academy.

"It seems I need a major breakthrough to benefit from it." Though he left the treasure mountain empty-handed again, Zhao Xing wasn’t in a hurry, with centuries ahead to explore.

Recalling the day's reminder from the old official, Zhao Xing pulled out three books from the cupboard.

"The Herbal Classic," "The Grand View of Wood," and "The Outline of All Things" were all about identifying plants, likely to be useful for the Beginning of Autumn assessment. He decided to review them.

"The court transmits spells through various classics, which, although not as potent as temple effects, can still reveal magical spells."

"Hopefully, I’ll acquire a few useful passive spells."

Lighting the oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to carefully read through the books.

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