Chapter Fifty-Five: Paying Respects to the Prefectural Academy

With the affairs of the mountain village finally settled, as the morning sun rose once more, Song Mu and his companions packed their belongings and resumed their journey toward the prefectural city.

The hundred-mile road to the city took them nearly three days, and it was only in the afternoon of the third day that the distant silhouette of the city finally appeared before them.

“We’ve finally arrived at the city!” cried a young scholar, stepping down from the carriage. Gazing at the towering walls of the Jizhou Prefecture’s capital, his voice rang out, and the other scholars nearby shared his enthusiasm.

Song Mu, too, lifted the curtain to look outside. Though this was the capital of Jizhou Prefecture, the road outside the city was still muddy and unpaved, yet the signs of prosperity along the way were unmistakable. Passers-by hurried along, but the number of wan and emaciated faces had dwindled; occasionally, one could see a well-dressed gentleman surrounded by attendants making their way toward the city gates.

The carriage wheels rolled on, and soon Song Mu found himself beneath the city gate. Soldiers guarded the entrance, and everyone entering the city was subject to inspection. Song Mu noticed one soldier holding a slender dog, which, under the soldier’s direction, sniffed at the newcomers. Those inspected bore anxious expressions.

“These hounds are specially trained, I hear they can detect the scent of demonic influence. I’ve never seen them before,” Kong Zong remarked, standing beside Song Mu.

“Perhaps it’s because of that recent incident in Shiyang County that the prefecture is on edge,” Kong Zong added quietly. Song Mu nodded, raising his eyes to the towering city walls.

The city walls reached a height of ten meters, each segment crowned with a watchtower bristling with arrow slits, and the walls themselves projected outward to eliminate blind spots. Soldiers patrolled the battlements, their armor decorated with intricate patterns, their faces resolute—true veterans, clearly.

Unlike the militia of county towns, these were the imperial soldiers, arrayed with inscribed armor and each possessing the strength of a scholar. The method originated from the borderland poetry masters, who could elevate ordinary men to the rank of scholar, though their advancement would end there. Yet armed thus, they could stand against demon troops.

Song Mu remembered the hundred-man squad sent recently from the city to Shiyang County; though few in number, they had swiftly led the local militias in sweeping the surrounding forests and rivers clear of monsters. Their prowess was unmistakable.

After a brief observation, Song Mu saw Master Xun hand over the official papers, indicating that these were scholars from Shiyang County arriving for the academy exam and annual assessment. The officer, upon hearing this, immediately opened a path for Song Mu and his group.

The common folk watched as the scholars strode ahead, their gazes filled with admiration. Some women pulled at their finger-chewing children, pointing to Song Mu and his companions, imparting lessons.

In this world, scholars with ability formed a privileged class. Everyone aspired to scholarly achievement, and all revered the learned.

Still, Song Mu and his fellows were granted only priority entry. Even so, the hounds sniffed each of them, and each entrant had to prick their finger and let a drop of blood fall, confirming no demonic contamination within.

Once inside, they found themselves on the North Avenue of Jizhou Prefecture, the city’s central axis. The broad street was lined with shops, bustling with cries and calls, the lively scene drawing a quiet admiration from Song Mu.

This was the true spectacle of ancient prosperity.

The other scholars entering the city expressed awe as well. Though many had visited the city before, their previous trips had been hurried, arriving from the river docks, and they had never witnessed such a bustling scene. Some who had frequented the city eagerly recounted their past experiences, attracting the attention of their peers.

The more accomplished scholars remained composed, proceeding calmly with the group.

Master Xun was unconcerned by the scholars’ excitement. He led them toward the residence of the Prefectural Director of Education within the city.

Such was the custom among scholars: upon arriving for examinations, they must pay respects to the Supervising Scholar. Even if a meeting was impossible, their visiting card must be presented at once.

In the grand literary dynasty, rule by learning was paramount. The educational system was meticulously organized: the Ministry of Rites oversaw all, with educational commissioners in each province, directors in each prefecture, instructors in each county—all top-ranked scholars. Counties had county academies, prefectures had prefectural academies, provinces had academies of higher learning, encouraging talent everywhere.

Scholars progressed through the civil examinations, guided by instructors, directors, and commissioners—each a teacher, to whom respect and courtesy were due.

Song Mu and his companions understood these principles. Soon after their initial excitement, they composed themselves, adjusted their robes, disembarked from the carriages, and formed two orderly columns following Master Xun.

Along the way, citizens made way for the procession. In particularly busy areas, even officials came to clear the path.

After nearly fifteen minutes—by which time everyone’s backs were damp with sweat—they finally glimpsed a nearby residence.

The residence of Director Fan Zhengxiong of Jizhou Prefecture stood open, with several attendants at the gate.

Not only had the scholars of Shiyang County arrived, but also those from neighboring Taihe County.

Taihe had a strong scholarly tradition, and their contingent was larger.

The two groups assembled, lining up at the gate. The scholars stood with hands at their sides, attracting curious glances from passers-by. Song Mu, calm and at ease, took his place among them.

The elaborate etiquette of antiquity required gradual adaptation.

Before long, an elderly man with the bearing of a steward emerged from within, surveying the assembled scholars before addressing them respectfully.

“The Director invites all scholars into the residence to offer encouragement for your upcoming examinations.”

“Thank you, sir!” the scholars replied, bowing.

Attendants led the way. Master Xun and the academic director from Taihe County ascended the steps first, exchanging smiles—they seemed acquainted.

Next came the accomplished scholars, followed by the younger scholars; all proceeded in an orderly fashion through the gates and into the residence.

After passing the screen wall, a broad courtyard opened before them. Facing east, a man in a red official robe was seated upright; Master Xun and the others took their places before him, and Song Mu entered as well, glancing around.

The courtyard was not large, but as an official residence, it was built with funds from the city, giving it a certain elegance.

Seated on the grand chair was a middle-aged man with a square face, his expression kindly as he surveyed the crowd.

This was Fan Zhengxiong, Director of Education for Jizhou Prefecture.

“Director, this year Shiyang County has sent seventy-seven scholars for the examination: twenty-one accomplished scholars, fifty-six young scholars.”

“Director, Taihe County has sent eighty-eight scholars: twenty-nine accomplished, fifty-nine young.”

“We have come today to pay our respects to the Director, wishing the literary dynasty flourishing scholarship and prosperity for all.”

Master Xun and the academic director of Taihe spoke in turn, and the assembled scholars immediately bowed deeply, proclaiming,

“Students greet the Director and wish the literary dynasty flourishing scholarship and prosperity for all!”

“Excellent, excellent! Such is the scene of prosperity. Rise, all of you!” Fan Zhengxiong smiled, stroking his beard, his laughter hearty. A faint pressure emanated from him—not oppressive, but rather like a gentle breeze, relaxing all present.

Everyone breathed easier. Before them stood a high-ranking scholar, and their demeanor was respectful and cautious; now, they felt much relieved.

Director Fan’s gaze swept across the crowd. He exchanged a few words with Master Xun, then saw Scholar Sun step forward and bow, to which Director Fan nodded.

“Very good. Jizhou Prefecture grows ever more prosperous. The people encourage their children to study, and each year many promising talents emerge.”

“I have witnessed your efforts these past years. This year, our prefecture produced two successful candidates in the highest examination—three consecutive years now, we have nurtured a literary lineage.”

“I believe that in days to come, Jizhou Prefecture will become a land of scholars.”

Director Fan seemed genuinely pleased, chatting with several of the scholars.

“Seeing more than a hundred scholars here today, I am moved. Truly, ‘in every age, new talents arise, each reigning supreme for hundreds of years!’” Director Fan suddenly exclaimed, blinking as if recalling something, then turned to Master Xun.

“Yiyi, if I remember correctly, that verse was composed by a scholar from Shiyang County, was it not? The one named Song Mu—does he stand among us now?”

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