Chapter Seventy-Six: The Scholar of Classical Learning (Thanks to Dong Jianxin 1115 for supporting as a patron)

Zhang Yue attracted the attention of several people nearby. The eldest among them rose and said, “I am Xu Mingchang from the Scholars’ Hall. May I ask if you are all newly admitted candidates for this year’s examination?”

The group stood up together and replied, “Indeed, it is so. Greetings, senior.”

The man turned to Zhang Yue and said, “I have heard that the top candidate in this year’s classical studies examination is named Zhang Yue. Might that be you?”

Zhang Yue replied, “My humble name is not worth mentioning, but yes, I am Zhang Yue.”

The man nodded, and those beside him looked suddenly enlightened, then said, “You possess such talent at such a young age—how admirable!”

Guo Lin, Wu Rang, and Qian Qiming were all deeply envious. Zhang Yue, with his top ranking and perfect scores in the examination, had already become renowned throughout the county academy.

After finishing their meal and leaving the dining hall, Zhang Yue muttered to himself, “Is it really so difficult to achieve first place in the examination? Is it truly hard to pass everything?”

The three beside him were speechless—wasn’t he just discouraging them with such words?

Wu Rang spoke first, “You may not know, but most students in the county academy are admitted through special recommendation. Those like us, who enter by examination, make up less than thirty percent.”

“Students admitted by examination are already regarded more highly—and you are the top candidate. If you were first among the advanced scholars, that would be even more remarkable.”

Zhang Yue nodded in realization, “I see, special recommendation is akin to gaining an official position through family influence, while those of us who pass the examination are like those who earn it through the imperial exams.”

Wu Rang and Qian Qiming both laughed, “Exactly, your analogy is very apt. As the top in classical studies, you are like the top in all subjects.”

Zhang Yue nodded in agreement.

“But after entering the county academy, there are monthly private tests and yearly public exams. Our classical scholars are divided into nine classics, five classics, three rites, three commentaries, and scholarly inquiry. At that time, the dormitories will be reassigned.”

“Oh? Why is that?” Zhang Yue asked.

Wu Rang explained, “As classical scholars, we mostly study on our own, with little instruction from tutors. We usually read in the dormitories, and those in the same subject and dorm supervise and learn from each other, complementing one another’s strengths and weaknesses.”

“What subjects are you planning to choose?” Zhang Yue asked.

Qian Qiming lowered his head, “I haven’t decided yet. My family wants me to choose the nine classics, but I don’t feel confident.”

Zhang Yue and Guo Lin exchanged glances, “We both intend to choose the nine classics.”

Wu Rang sighed, “I truly envy you brothers. I am older, and my ability in recitation is only above average. To be admitted to the five classics is already nearly impossible for me, and even then, there’s little future in it—unlike the nine classics.”

A sense of melancholy filled the group. The classical studies track differed from the advanced scholars’ track. In the advanced scholars’ track, essay writing depended on accumulated skill—like Su Shi, whose writings improved over time.

But classical studies were different; one needed to study while young, when memory was at its peak. After thirty, memory declines.

“If I were two or three years younger, perhaps I’d attempt the nine classics. Still, meeting you all is fate,” Wu Rang said with a smile.

Zhang Yue and Guo Lin exchanged a look—it was only the first day, and already they were facing parting.

But there was little time for sentiment; the urgent drum sounded, signaling it was time for class.

All around, students hurried in small steps; Zhang Yue followed suit. Having just eaten and now rushing to class, this intense academic life was a new experience for him.

The Classical Scholars’ Hall held over a hundred people, barely fitting in the main hall.

As for the Scholars’ Hall, with over two hundred students, they had to stand outside in the courtyard.

The students knelt on the floor.

The county academy’s principal slowly ascended the lectern, accompanied by Assistant Sun from the prefectural academy.

The title “principal” was an academic term; his official position in the court was “professor.”

The principal surveyed the hall with an imposing gaze, then began to speak.

He said, “The myriad rivers flow into the sea, while hills aspire to reach the mountains but never do—why is this? Diligence…”

Zhang Yue recognized the principal’s opening as a famous line from Yang Xiong’s “Fayan.” The meaning: rivers, ceaselessly flowing, eventually reach the ocean; hills, unmoving, can never rise to the height of mountains.

Why is this? Ancient people didn’t know about tectonic movement or inland rivers.

Of course, the principal’s point was that learning requires diligence—like rivers flowing day and night, diligent study leads to achievement, while stagnation brings no progress.

Guo Lin and the other classical scholars listened intently, moved by what was surely their first orientation speech at the county academy.

Zhang Yue couldn’t help recalling school openings, where the principal’s speeches broadcast through loudspeakers were like bowls of chicken soup—delicious at the time, and the feeling of inspiration lingered for years.

Clearly, Qian Qiming, Wu Rang, and the others were also immersed in this pleasant moment, as was Guo Lin, who looked up to Fan Zhongyan as his role model.

The principal then emphasized attire. For instance, not securing the headscarf properly was strictly forbidden.

As for tying up the hair, many scholars simply made a casual bun, with some strands falling loose, some half tied, some half floating—such styles were not permitted in the county academy.

Total neglect was equivalent to not wearing a headscarf, which, according to academy rules, would result in confinement.

Zhang Yue whispered to Guo Lin, “Senior, I never tie my hair correctly. Will you help me in the future?”

“Of course.”

“Silence!” The dormitory leader glanced over, glaring at both Zhang Yue and Guo Lin.

Zhang Yue winced—would this cost him money?

The principal continued, “The county academy holds monthly private tests and annual public exams. In the Classical Scholars’ Hall, the private tests cover the nine classics.”

“Ten questions, with six correct answers to pass. Those who fail are dismissed. Each month, you may choose to be tested in one or several classics. Those who excel may be exempted from dormitory fees, and outstanding students will receive lifelong grain stipends from the academy. The best in the annual exam may be recommended to the prefectural academy and sent to the Imperial College for further testing!”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue’s resolve to study rekindled—these were words he wished had been said earlier! As for “the myriad rivers flow into the sea, hills aspire to reach mountains but never do,” it meant little to him.

Before the crowd dispersed, the principal called out several names, among them Zhang Yue.

After giving instructions to the group, the principal smiled at Zhang Yue, “I’ve heard about your elder brother—it is regrettable! But never mind, your exam paper was acquired by me and your father at the hall, so there is no cause for concern.”

Zhang Yue thought, at first you sounded as if my second brother, having abandoned his studies, meant I would be expelled from the academy.

“You intend to attempt the nine classics, correct?”

Zhang Yue replied, “Yes, principal.”

“Ambitious! You are thirteen and have already mastered five classics. Even the prodigy track would be open to you, but it has declined in recent years. I won’t recommend you pursue that path. Instead, you must rely on your own talent, advancing through the exams step by step.”

“Thank you for your encouragement, sir.”

The principal said, “I hope you master all nine classics within a year. If you do, I will guarantee you a lifelong grain stipend and appoint you as a classical scholar!”

“May I ask, sir, what is a classical scholar?”

The principal smiled kindly, “I myself am not deeply versed in each classic. A classical scholar is the foremost in each classic, who assists me in teaching and resolving questions among your peers.”

Zhang Yue replied, “Sir, you flatter me; I am far from such ability.”

The principal laughed, “Don’t be modest. Your elder brother entered the academy at twelve, became the leader of the Scholars’ Hall at fifteen, and assisted me in teaching the students. His scholarship and writing were universally admired. You entered the academy at thirteen; mastering one or two classics should not be difficult! Do not disappoint me!”

Ps: Thanks to Dong Jianxin 1115 for becoming the sixth patron of this book!